Reading Log #4- The Red Pyramid

The Red Pyramid

While reading today, I was able to visualize Carter’s and Saddie’s surprise as they were left alone in their uncle’s mansion while he went to another dimension searching for their enemy and give them proper training. As they were searching in the library for something that would provide them with more information about their past and their newly acquired powers, they heard their uncle’s crocodile “Philip of Macedonia” fighting against someone. They rushed downstairs and found out that what their uncle’s crocodile was fighting were not people but instead serpopards . After sending the crocodile flying in the air, the serpopards attacked the shield that protected their house. Using spells, they broke the protective shield and entered the house. Saddie ordered her cat to protect them. Since the cat was under a spell (in which it’s main task was to protect Saddie) she immediately changed into human form and attacked the serpopards destroying them. Since they were afraid that other creatures would invade the house both of them ran out of the door together with Bast , directely into central park. There they met a cat that was missing an ear and had many scratches. They asked the goddess why didn’t she cure him and she responded that she couldn’t take away the cat’s battle marks because cats were very proud of them. This was the part I visualized best because the choice of words the author used were very descriptive and made the reader want to know more about what would happen to the main characters. While reading this today I was reminded of the book “Prey” given that Jack the protagonist had to run away from the killer swarm.

Therefore, I can connect most with Carter since he is shy and always does what is required of him. But, his uncle, strictly forbid him and his sister (Saddie) from going to the library. But instead of obeying the rules like Carter wanted, his sister influenced him into going there. In this case I would not be able to connect with Carter since I am not easily influenced by others. But independent of that I would love to have Carter as a friend. We share the same beliefs; therefore it would be easy for us to understand each other and to connect with each other’s life.

If I could jump in the book right now I would help Carter, Saddie and Bast escape Sequet . I would tell them that they should not quit on finding their father. Since I cannot go into the book and change anything, I have to be happy with predicting what will happen. I think that Bast will die protecting Saddie and Carter but that they will be caught before they can escape the vengeance of Sequet.

I cannot connect my life experience with anything that the characters have done. Since I have not experienced the death of either of my parents, I have not been kept away from my brother my whole life, I do not own a cat and do not intend to own one anytime soon and I have never gone from country to country travelling because of my father’s work. Also, being Portuguese and from the 21st century is hard to make connections with ancient beliefs of ancient Egypt. There are certain names of gods that are really important for us to understand some of the background information and if not researched those names can be very confusing.

To make the story more interesting, the author has used some of the literary features:
• Imagery
• Similes
• Metaphor
• Colloquial Language
• Motif

This makes the story credible but not entirely realistic. After scientific study proving that magic and multiple dimensions do not exist it is hard to trust the information in the book as truth even though the overall concept is very attention-grabbing.

If I had to analyze this book I would say that it is very appealing and that everyone who likes fiction books should read it. But I would also say that there is some information that the reader will find hard to connect with. But overall it is an excellent book!

Reading Log #3- King Solomon's Mines

King Solomon’s Mines

While reading today, I was able to picture the part of the book (mentioned below) best because I could understand who the characters were and obtain more information about them. Allan Quartermain (the protagonist) goes aboard a boat from England in South Africa directed to England. In the boat he meets Sir Henry Curtis, an old man whose father died and left all his possessions to his oldest son, Sir Curtis and Captain John Good. After talking to each other for some time, Sir Curtis inquires Allan if he is the great hunter Allan Quartermain. Allan confirms Sir Curtis’s suspicion. As a result they ask Allan if he could accompany them to their room so they can speak of more serious matters without being overheard. After Sir Curtis explains to Allan that upon his father’s death he was left with all his father’s possessions. His brother, Neville, out of jealousy left home to find a greater treasure. But Sir Curtis is not pleased with how his relationship with his brother ended so he tries to look for him and share equally his father’s wealth. Surprisingly, Allan tells him that he has met his brother in Africa and that he told Allan he was heading to King Solomon’s mines to get rich. Sir Curtis inquires Allan if he knows how to reach the mines. Allan says he got a map some time ago from a Portuguese and that he promised him he would go to the mines independent of what. Sir Curtis makes a deal with Allan that if he guides them towards that place, Sir Curtis will give him a fair amount of money.

After reading this I think I can connect most with Sir Curtis because he is loyal to his family and has an elevated sense of guilt and responsibility. When my father gives me or my brother money to buy something I usually buy something that can be useful or tasty, meanwhile my brother buys useless materials and always wants me to share what I obtained. At first I always think of how reckless he was in wasting his money in something he won’t ever use but yet my conscience always entices me into sharing my possecions and if he was in the other part of the world I would travel just to find him as well. Yet, I have not traveled anywhere so far with a feeling of guilt. So, it’s really hard for me to think of something I have done that the characters have done as well. The only thing I can relate to the characters is Allan lies to the Kukuanas by saying that they are sons of the biggest star that shines so they will not get killed. Similarly, I have told one teacher that my brother scribbled all over my homework when in reality I had only forgotten it and did not want some points off.

I am having more difficulty understanding the Colonial people’s ways of doing things. They kill people for no reason at all. This is difficult for me to understand since I live in a culture that protects people’s rights and lives at all costs.

Having this said, I would like to have Allan as a friend because his language and hunting skills would come in handy when I would travel to South Africa. He also is good at tricking the natives with materials that are only known in other countries apart from Africa. Therefore, if I could jump into the book right now I would tell Sir Curtis not to trust the black African that wants to travel with them with no costs and wants to carry their luggage. I think that it is very unusual since all Africans referred to in this book will only travel with them to their destination if and only if they pay them.

I think that based in the discoveries I made so far Ignosi, the black African, will steal all their luggage or murder Allan and get all their possessions. Without their possessions, water or food they will wonder in the desert for many days and will finally reach King Solomon’s mines where they will find food, water and will become rich.

I can relate this book to my previous book Percy Jackson and the Battle of the Labyrinth where Rachel a human is asked to lead Annabeth and Percy through the labyrinth since she can see through the mist . In reward Percy promises that he will tell her more about the surreal world he lives in.

This book contains alliteration to make words stand out in the reader’s attention, imagery to make it easier for the reader to understand the surroundings of the characters and personification since the native people give various human traits to inanimate objects. These literary devices and the existing cities, places and real characters make the story more realistic and credible.

This book is very easy to read and gives people more knowledge about a different place in the world, in this case South Africa. Unfortunately it is not challenging at all but since it is a mandatory read. I would recommend it to people who are still finding interest in reading.

Of mice and men Chapter 1 and 2 vocabulary

Of mice and men

Serial Word Meaning
1 Junctures- A juncture is where two things come together. The juncture of a willow leaf is where the two sides of the leaf meet in the center.
2 Debris- remains. In this case, the "debris of the winter's flooding" would be drops of water falling from the leaves of the tree.
3 Mottled- having a variety of hues or colors; variegated, like marble
4 Recumbent- still; without movement
5 Morosely- in a sad, gloomy manner
6 Lumbered- to move ponderously
7 Pantomine- an ancient Roman dramatic performance featuring a solo dancer and a narrative chorus
8 Contemplated- To contemplate something is to think about it. Lennie is thinking about running away.
9 Imperiously- marked by arrogant assurance
10 Anguished- anguish is a feeling of great physical or mental pain. The look on Lennie's face would show the mental pain he feels at the thought of George leaving him.
11 Yammered- to utter repeated cries of distress or sorrow
12 Scoff- an expression of scorn, derision, or contempt
13 Mollified- to soothe in temper or disposition
14 Pugnacious- having a quarrelsome or combative nature
15 Gingerly- very cautious or careful
16 Handy- conveniently near
17 Omiously- in a threatening way
18 Slough- get rid of
19 Derogatory- belittling and insulting
20 Flounced- to go with sudden determination
21 Plaintively- expressive of suffering or woe
22 Decisive- having the power or quality of deciding
23 Complacently- unconcerned
24 Smugly- highly self-satisfied

How happy is the little stone recital

How happy is the little stone

by: Emily Dickinson

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"The pearl"

1)Family is the most important thing in life!
I entirely agree. What builds up a family is love. Family provides life foundations and is there for you, in good and bad moments. One can truly notice that family is really important when one has a health problem. Teachers and friends are not there to help with this condition but family cannot run away from the problem; the family will deal with it in the best way they can and will show their affection and love through their actions. A loving family always place family members first even before their individual selves.

2)Sometimes winning the lottery is a bad thing!
Agree. Once someone wins the lottery, it’s broadcasted on TV and then everyone knows. People start researching about it and will not leave you alone until they have got some money. People will steal, blackmail and even kidnap, if they set their minds into getting one’s money. Tragedies can happen from winning the lottery that was supposed to be a blessing on one’s life. If a person does not know how to deal with money, banks, shops and other places will try to trick you to get some of the money.

3)Our lives are ruled by fate, no matter what decisions we take, our lives are already planned out for us!
Strongly disagree. Someone’s fate is determined by his or her own decisions i.e. if someone is born in a doctor’s family (who have been doctors for generations) and everything is planned for that person to become a doctor. If that person decides to take its destiny into its hands and decides to become an attorney there is no such thing as fate preventing it to become one. Our lives will move in different directions according to our very own actions.

Sloppy Firsts reading

Reading 10 minutes (part 2)

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Sloppy Firsts reading

Reading 10 minutes (part 1)

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10 minutes reading

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Reading Contract

Democracy by Langston Hughes

Democracy
-Langston Hughes

Democracy will not come
Today, this year
Nor ever
Through compromise and fear.

I have as much right
As the other fellow has
To stand
On my two feet
And own the land.

I tire so of hearing people say,
Let things take their course.
Tomorrow is another day.
I do not need my freedom when I'm dead.
I cannot live on tomorrow's bread.

Freedom
Is a strong seed
Planted
In a great need.

I live here, too.
I want freedom
Just as you.

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Haiti earthquake

The death rate in Haiti increased because of an earthquake.

1. Untreated injuries.

• Doctors from all over the world have gone to Haiti to treat the millions of patients caused by the earthquake. But there is an extreme lack of nurses to provide basic medical care.
• The lack of medicines has made doctors incapable to treat their patients effectively. Medical supplies are urgently needed to be bought by other countries and sent to Haiti.
• Evacuation is required so injured people who can’t be treated in Haiti can go to available hospitals in nearby countries.

2. Lack of clean water, housing and sanitation.

• Charity institutions should not give tents to the victims but instead wood and metal so Haitians can build sheds before the monsoons.
• Clean water and sanitation should be made available to avoid dehydration and water borne diseases.

3. Lack of food.

• Haiti is one of the poorest countries in the world. The available food is not enough for the victims to recover from their injuries neither for them to survive. Therefore other countries and NGO’s should support Haiti with food and water.

4. Security problems result in a fight for survival.

• Funds have been raised by countries and NGO’s but since that money will be used mostly to buy food and medicines, the earthquake victims will do anything to obtain money. Many children have become orphans and some groups of people will try to sell them for adoption.
• Accountability of the money should be enforced so the contributors could know that the money they gave reached the victims of the Earthquake.

The solutions mentioned above could be easily introduced in Haiti. There are millions of people in the world who have a lot of resources. Those individuals are egotistic and normally don’t want to share the resources they have. There are also many doctors and nurses that don’t want to leave their comfortable jobs and set out to help others in need. If Haitians and the rest of the world work together they may find the solutions to this catastrophe.

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=122556026

Taste of Salt - Anticipation Guide

Taste of Salt - Anticipation Guide

1) Politics and political problems are a subject for adults to deal with.

I agree with the statement because:
• Adults have more experience. Adults have lived longer, they have had various times where they had to make decisions and now they know what is more appropriate.
• Adults have more knowledge. Even though sometimes adults don’t seem to show it, they want the best for their children. So when the issue about politics is concerned they try to make the decision which will best suit their children in the future.
• Children want to know about politics and want to have the opportunity to vote. Children know that when they grow up they are the ones having to make the decisions. Even though it is true they will have to make the choices in the future, if they are given the opportunity to vote now they will be influenced by peers and perhaps will vote incorrectly. By making this mistake they will not only be damaging themselves in the future as well as to the generations to come.

2) All scenarios can have a happy ending if those involved work towards it.

This question leads me to disagree because:
• A happy ending does not depend on the people involved in the matter and their output to achieve that goal but also about a series of factors such as: natural disasters, diseases, accidents, dysfunctional families, cultural limitations, secular constraints, climate changes, economic reasons, etc.
• There are situations in which people achieve a happy ending but for some reason they lose it and they come to the conclusion that the world is not fair. In real life, there is not always a happy ending because some of the scenarios have difficulties associated with them and make a happy ending not viable.

3) Literacy (being able to read or write) is a form of freedom.

I agree because:
• Being able to read gives people freedom. If people can read they can interpret documents and can gain an opinion about what is happening around them.
• When people start getting information, they start wanting to have the right to speak in public and to have the right to vote and control their lives. This makes politicians have less control over their citizens.
• In early times, the priests were the only people allowed to have the bible. So, if they changed the doctrine of what was written people wouldn’t know about it because they weren’t allowed to read the bible and understand and comprehend the doctrines being taught. Nowadays, because people go to school, learn how to read and write they can develop their own opinion and become aware if the priests are not telling them the truth.
• Currently, there are also many different theories but since people can read they have the capacity to interpret and analyze those theories and they can formulate an opinion about what they desire to believe.

4) Civilizations without a written language cannot effectively document history.

I agree with the statement because:
• Many civilization records were not written because there was no written language. Instead ancient people had to transmit the information verbally from father to son. Some of the information which was passed orally through the age of times years is accurate, but scientists don’t know how much of it since most of the information became unclear and in many cases unreliable.

Glogster

Persuasive writting

Greasers are stupid murderous cockroaches crawling out from the other side of Town infecting everything they touch!

Greasers are miserable filthy creatures that dress like beggars!
Greasers do not have that quality of life we enjoy and consequently they cannot buy the extraordinary nice clothes that combined together make us look so nice. Instead they have to dress old and oversized clothes from each other that make them look ridiculous. We Socials have the pleasure and privilege to go to the best shops in town to shop for clothes but the Greasers are not allowed to do it because the shoppers are afraid of them because of the way they look and immediately call the Police. The Greasers also have to walk for a long time to go anywhere while we Socials live in the richest and coolest areas of town and can just go around cruising in our nice Mustangs.

When you see a Greaser walking out on the street you can immediately recognize him because of the amount of flies surrounding his greasy hair!
As any other group in the world, the Greasers have something that identifies them and that they like to show off with. In their case is grease in the hair. That’s why they are called the “Greasers”. They don’t want only to put grease on their hair because it’s one of their characteristics but also because they think it makes them look tough when in reality it only makes them look ridiculously dirty. The amount of flies following them is nauseating. Why can’t they just wash their hair and leave it to look natural and perfumed like ours.

Greasers are drop-outs one step away from jail!
Greasers drop-out of school because they are not smart enough. The homework the teachers require us to do is quite simple. We Socials do extremely well on it but the Greasers are simply not smart enough to do it and they end up in the streets or working in lousy jobs. Their looks and stupidity make them get into trouble with the Police and some of them end up in jail where in reality all of them should be.

Greasers are a bunch of losers that bond together because they do not have a family!
We Socials bond together because we like the company of each other. We have families that care about us and think about our future. The Greasers do not have families or they have dysfunctional families and are forced to bond with each other in search of affection and support.

Greaser girls are tramps!
Greasers do not respect girls not even their girlfriends. The way they treat them is absolutely awful. Greaser girls do not deserve much better because they use cheap make up and look terrible but it’s still sad to see how the Greasers boys treat them. The Social boys treat their girls with respect because we look beautiful, intelligent, fashionable girls and everyone likes our company.

Greasers are murderers!
The Social and the Greaser are always fighting but we Socials fight fair and do not try to kill those filthy creatures. Sometime ago we had a fight and one of those greasy disgusting guys stabbed one of our members and killed him. We were completely shocked. They should all have been sent to jail.