Final Exam

Hey guys so here's the link to the Study pong Final video is up on the website as well!!

http://Prestonproject2014.wix.com/studypong

Study Pong?

So we played study pong for the first time ever today... It was a complete fail with what we originally had in mind. And we know what we need to improve in order to make it a more successful study tool. More details about it soon! Btw... My team lost so we will be singing Bump 'n' Grind in class. And it will be recorder and posted.. Stay tuned. 

Grrr.

Yep.

 It's my fault I don't post enough on here! But darn it I need feedback on these topics and ideas. 

Literature Analysis #3

Kite Runner
By: Khaled Hosseni


1. Briefly summarize the plot of the novel you read according to the elements of plot you've learned in past courses (exposition, inciting incident, etc.).  Explain how the narrative fulfills the author's purpose (based on your well-informed interpretation of same).
This story takes place from 1975-2001  in Kabul, Afghanistan. The story is told by Amir, it starts off as him as a boy until his mid 40's. Amir saw how his realtionshipds and his best friends relationships with others and it change the way of his life. I believe Khaled Hosseni's purpose was to show how us humans are like. Amir takes the easy wat out and doesn't face his fears. But in the end he lived his life.
2. Succinctly describe the theme of the novel. Avoid cliches.
I believe that theme of the story is that we stop ourselves from doing a lot in life. I know it's a but cliche but we are our own enemy.
3. Describe the author's tone. Include a minimum of three excerpts that illustrate your point(s).
"There is a way to be good again..."
“I want to tear myself from this place, from this reality, rise up like a cloud and float away, melt into this humid summer night and dissolve somewhere far, over the hills. But I am here, my legs blocks of concrete, my lungs empty of air, my throat burning. There will be no floating away.”
“In the end, the world always wins. That's just the way of things.”
4. Describe a minimum of ten literary elements/techniques you observed that strengthened your understanding of the author's purpose, the text's theme and/or your sense of the tone. For each, please include textual support to help illustrate the point for your readers. (Please include edition and page numbers for easy reference.)

CHARACTERIZATION
1. Describe two examples of direct characterization and two examples of indirect characterization.  Why does the author use both approaches, and to what end (i.e., what is your lasting impression of the character as a result)?

2. Does the author's syntax and/or diction change when s/he focuses on character?  How?  Example(s)?
No it doesn't. The author's tone does change. Like when Amir is talking he's paranoid and clever. When Hassan is talking his tone changes to a peaceful read.
3. Is the protagonist static or dynamic?  Flat or round?  Explain.
Amir is a round character. He changes a lot in the story and is very complex.
4. After reading the book did you come away feeling like you'd met a person or read a character?  Analyze one textual example that illustrates your reaction.
Yes, I have met a person similar to the character. Amir goes through so much in life. We all do but the events that happtend when he was young and as he grew older was life changing and powerful.

What are your thoughts on gay rights?

I was on Facebook last night and I saw one of my friends post about how he doesn't agree with Macklemore's song Same Love.

 He talks about how teenagers are allowed to wear shirts like this:

 

But can't wear shirts that say: "Our school has embraced what God has condemned." It really bothered me that this post has gotten over 60+ comments that are literally PARAGRAPHS. I mean yes we all have our beliefs but do we really have to preach it? ESPECIALLY ONLINE. My friend is a great person and wouldn't try to get everyone to believe what he believes in but he's also bothered that they talk about this topic in class. Any thoughts?

A Tale of Two Cities Notes

The city is full of violence an Lucie goes to Mr. Lorry that Charles is in the Paris prison. There's a huge mob in the courtyard. Dr. Manette was a former inmate of the Bastille. Dr. Manette see's Monsieur Defarge and Defarge delievered a letter to Mr. Lorry from the doctor that says that Darnay is safe. Lorry takes Defarge and The Vengeance to see Lucie. Lucie reads the letter and begs to help Darnay. Dafarge rejects the help. The shadow of the manner troubled Mr. Lorry. Dr. Manette didn't return after four days of being away in prison. Lucie was apart from France and she was defenceless of prisoners of both sexes all ages were killed. Of those four nights prisoners and political prisoners were dragged out of the crowd and killed. Mr. Lorry tries to influence the court tribunal that his son in law should be free. He remembers the events that occurred when prisoners were attacked and all the cheering that went on. Darnay is in prison for a year a three months while the doctor is starting to get well known in Paris and becomes a physician for three other prisons. A year and three months later. The story starts off  Darnay was in prison Lucie would visit him hoping to see her husband Charles. There was a spot where Lucie would stay to be seen by Charles and she was able to see a woodcutter's house. The owner would tease Lucie by pretending to saw off her daughter's head. She pays him off the stop all the tormenting. One day there was a mob down the street and they surround Lucie. Madame Defarge greets them and the doctor tells Lucie that Darnay's trial was the next day. The morning of Charle's trial there are five judges at the bench. The audience is packed with so many people. There is a woman sitting in the front row knitting. Doctor Manetter sits right beneath the President of the Tribunal. Charles' is an emigrant and all emigrants are sentences to death. The whole crowd in the hall agreed and they immediately call his death. Charles testifies that he's been living in England and has a woman and money there. He's asked if Lucie is his wife the daughter of the doctor and the whole crowd is astonished. Charles chose to be in France because he felt he moral obligation to return to claim his land. He just wanted to save the citizens life. When Dr. Manette is asked to testify he states that he was in trial in England for being a foe and a friend of the U.S. He's now seen as a god person. He's declared as not guilty.  Although Charles is now out of prison Lucie remais fearful for his safety. Miss Pross shops with Jerry and soon afterward four men are the the apartment and they inform that Charles is a prisoner again based on was Monsieur and Madame Defarge's accusations. Charles is forced another trial. One day Miss Pross and Jerry Cruncher go into a wine shop and Miss Pross sees her brother Solomon and he escorts her outside and take her home. Carton and Barsad emerge from the other room, and Barsad and Jerry leave. Carton tells Mr. Lorry that the best he can do is to secure access to Darnay in his cell. Mr. Lorry begins to weep as the implications of Darnay's second arrest sink in. Moved by Mr. Lorry's tears, Carton tells him in a sincere tone that he regards him as a father-figure who has led a good and useful life, and that people will mourn Mr. Lorry and remember him when he dies. Carton adds that a long life wasted would be a miserable one. When Mr. Lorry leaves Tellson's to comfort Lucie and her father, Carton walks the streets all night with the biblical passage, "I am the resurrection and the life,"echoing in his mind. At one point, he drops in at a chemist's shop to make a purchase.
The next day, Carton attends Darnay's new trial. 

ferocity
besought
solicitude
anew
sagacious
amiably
Lucie: bastille prisoner
charles prison paris
Mr lorry= lucie's dad
the courtyard was awfully done by workers; drowning men
impetuous
lattice
besmeared
desmur
reputiated
domocile
despondency

malice

flambeaux

Typhoon Haiyan

Hey guys so as many of you know there was a recent typhoon in the Philippines. I've learned that it's the biggest in history. It's currently typhoon season there and there are so many people with no homes and lost loved ones. My parents and I are talking about helping out our main land. (my parents homeland) I thank the Lord that my family wasn't hurt. I don't have any family in Tocloban. But, that doesn't mean we're not going to help. So here is a link that you guys should definitely check out! How to Help Philippines Typhoon Victims

Music Monday 11/11/2013

I am in love with this song. It was Decades Day on Wednesday and I went the whole day just listening to 80's music and I caught myself listening to this song all week.

A POETIC INQUIRY

So I've decided I don't like my previous big question so I thought of another.
What is time and why do I need it? Why does time fly by so fast.
People say time flies by when you're having fun but time always goes by fast in certain classes and I'm not having any fun at all.
Okay maybe that was more than one question but that's my brand new BIG QUESTION.
AND HERE IS THE SONNET I PICKED OUT.

On the Shortness of Time

By: Wilfred Scawan Blunt

If I could live without the thought of death,

Forgetful of Time's waste, the soul's decay,

I would not ask for other joy than breath,

With light and sound of birds and the sun's ray.

I could sit on untroubled day by day

Watching the grass grow, and the wild flowers range

From blue to yellow and from red to grey

In natural sequence as the seasons change.

I could afford to wait, but for the hurt

Of this dull tick of time which chides my ear.

But now I dare not sit with loins ungirt

And staff unlifted, for death stands too near.

I must be up and doing--ay, each minute.

The grave gives time for rest when we are in it.

Hamlet Remix

What you do says a lot more than hat you say you will do. Hamlet is all talk and never does hat he says he will. Hamlet talks to himself all the time. Not only that but his conscience gets to him. We all have that little devil and angel on our shoulders and it causes us to make weird decisions. Hamlet over thinks and it eventually leads him to his death.

SONNET ANALYSIS #1

Yes there's some improvement needed in my not taking strategies. 

Music Monday?? 11/4/2013

Hey since it's Monday why not start a little tradition. I'll post some of my favorites or one of my favorite songs that I've been listening to from the week before! Just recently got Born Sinner by J. Cole! Here is the first track of the album and my current favorite. :)
Let me know what you guys think! Also I was thinking about creating a little weekly or just when I'm able to.. Write reviews for current favorite albums/new albums and go in depth and talk about meaning in each song! I'd really like some feedback.

hamlet essay

Being the talkative person that I've been since I was taught how to talk I've been blabbing out sentences everywhere without being aware of what I really say in between those lines. The words we use are how we communicate and present our feeling and emotion to another person. My mom tells me to take clean my room and wash he dishes all the time and I always respond with either: "I'll clean later." or "Yeah, mom I will." What you say is what you end up doing. In William Shakespeare's Hamlet, the characters words create the plot which is performative utterance. 

Hamlet's emotions is the reason why he is a horrible decision maker. He is constantly over thinking which plan of revenge is better or which one would benefit his evil thoughts. He has multiple self-talks caused him to contemplate on murder ans suicide. Throughout the story Hamlet starts to realize the power of his words and the impact it has on everything that he says he will do or not do. Not only that but he also realized the consequences of what he speaks of does to others. Hamlet is always setting goals for himself but doesn't fall through with what he truly wants. His multiple soliloquies of causes him  to self-overhear everything and doesn't follow through with what he says he wants to do. Performative utterance creates a way for Hamlet to speak and  show what he does.

I understand why Hamlet does the things he does. He over thinks which causes him to overhear statements and plans and not coming through with what he says. We all have that little voice in out head that guides us to do the right thing and that's what throws us off. Not just us but Hamlet has a conscience that stops him from doing evil things. But, in the end it's all about the way we analyze things. I can say the most negative things about myself. I can beat myself up for not being smart enough, pretty enough, or fit enough. But, in the end it's not worth it. My conscience develops this other cloud of positivity that helps me think the right thing and eliminate the wrong things I say. 

When we hear ourselves talk the way we talk and think about whether or not we actually do the things we say we will do it makes you think: "Wow, why am I not doing what I said I was going to do?" When people ask me what colleges I'm applying to and I reply after I think about if I'm actually going to follow through. And I blame laziness and procrastination for everything that I don't end up doing. But, in Hamlet's case his conscience is what causes him to act the way he is. He's all talk and no action because he ends up thinking about if everything will end up the way he wants. And in the end Hamlet kills himself in the end with the decisions he made all because of what led him on the path to his death.

        

It's been weeks...

Pretty sure it's been almost a month since I last posted on here. I really am sorry and truly mean it! For my awesome 3rd period class thank you for all of you who offered to help me with Chemisty and Algebra 2! And for those who aren't in 3rd period... I was venting to Dr. Preston about my grades and how I'm in need of help. And that I've trried tutoring and it just wasn't cutting it. I needed to put extra time into all of this. And being the great person Dr. Preston is he presented the class about my problem (with my permission) and got me the help and support that no teacher has ever gave me. As for the assignments I haven't done... They're all on my Drafts waiting to be published. 

Tools that change the way we think

(I will copy and paste passage once I'm near a computer)

I love technology! This is a sad thing to say but if I didn't have any of my electronics it would take me months to do certain assignments. It's such a helpful tool. I can't so math hw with having to look on Khan Academy. Yes we have books but researching topics for papers the internet is so helpful. (And yes I'm aware of that fact that not everything on the interest is true) The internet had changed the way I think. When I have assignments for class I think of the additional information I can read online. Not saying I do this for every class but hey once in a while I tend to do that. I don't know if it's a food or bad thing but the way I process things on my mind I always relate to the internet and research. If someone asks me: "Does a sonnet have to rhyme?" I must google it for them and give them the answer. I rely on google too much. But to me it's a very helpful tool and full of unique answers. (Like yahoo answers.. Which I probably should be relying on a lot) 

Filter bubbles

a)What new information did you learn from the video?

A) From watching the video I learned that the internet is creating weird categories for you. For example if you were searching up information for a paper you wouldn't get exactly what you want. Also you won't be getting the same information as others event though you searched the same exact thing.

 b)How does this information make you think differently about what you see online?

B) This information makes me think about if I have real options and privacy online. When I watched the part about the fact that Google knew where you were sitting.. (like on a desk) It also makes me realize that maybe searching everything isn't as reliable as I thought. I google almost every thing that I want to know. 

 c)What questions does this video raise about the Internet in general?

C) The question that raises this about the internet is : "Is the internet a reliable source?" 

d)How can you improve the effectiveness of your searches?

D) Possibly by searching things not in sentence form.

Thoughts on Hamlet

Not sure if you want us to write about how we feel about Hamlet the person or the actual story. Hehe. So I'll post how I felt about te story. When I found out we were going to read Hamlet I was super stoked! I actually really like Shakespeare I just wish I understood things more clearly. But I was also scared on the fact that we have to memorize To be or not to be! Now that we're into act 4 I feel like it's all going to make sense now. Why thins happened and why hamlet is the way he is.

Starting early.

The AP kids seem to be raving about this one. So why not? Watched the movie on History Sophomore year. Thank God I forgot. 

Key to success.

So today was my first official "College Day". So basically I dedicate a whole day for college apps, naviance, common app, scholarships, etc. I'm in a program called ETS. (Educational Talent Search) they help with preparing you for college and all the things we learn in College Boot Camp. My counselor gave me this awesome flash drive that looks like a key. Thought it was blogger worthy. Hehe. So here's a little inspiration from my nifty flash drive! Btw it's filled with a lot of senior information that my counselor worked hard on. Scholarships and information on questions we might have. Kudos to Lili Cardenas. 

GREEN EGGS AND HAMLET :)

another edit for the morning. sorry guys! have lots of chem work to study! will be posting some of my favorite music and movies soon!

WHAT I MEANT TO SAY

editing this in the morning before class.. ^.^

VOCAB 7 w/ etherpad :D

Click here for our awesome story!


GROUP MEMBERS
Jasmine Beebe
Jose Sagrero
Danny George
Uriel Palacios
Jason Limon

Literature Analysis #2

1. Briefly summarize the plot of the novel you read according to the elements of plot you've learned in past courses (exposition, inciting incident, etc.).  Explain how the narrative fulfills the author's purpose (based on your well-informed interpretation of same).

Nick Carroway, the protagonist moved from Midwest to get his career and life going in New York. He lives in West Egg across Tom and Daisy. They are gossipers that party and are very wealthy. Tom and Daisy are married and have a daughter. Tom is actually cheating on Daisy with Myrtle. Everyone knows except Daisy and Myrtle's husband.

Nick Carroway actually lives right next door to the famous Gatsby. Although he's very famous and well known for his legendary parties no one knows anything about him. Gatsby throws this huge party and invites Nick and he started to hang out with him and Nick later found out that Daisy and Gatsby were engaged. Later on Daisy and Gatsby start to have an affair.

Tom had some what of an idea that the affair is going on. Daisy wants to leave Tom but the she later found out that Gatsby wasn't rich for being a pharmacist. He's a bootlegger. Daisy then  realizes she doesn't want to leave Tom  for him. So Daisy forces Gatsby to take her home. She drove home with Gatsby and while on the way she coincidentally hit Myrtle.

Myrtle's husband, Mr. Wilson discovered who's bright yellow car was the one that hit Myrtle. He thought it was Gatsby driving since it was his vehicle. The day after Wilson goes to Gatsby's house and shoots Gatsby and himself. Gatsby dies alone and only Nick and his father attended. Tom and Daisy skipped town and Nick never saw them again.

2. Succinctly describe the theme of the novel. Avoid cliches.

2) To me this novel had a lot of shallow people who were in the upper class. They believed in whatever they hear. It was full of flashy and materialistic things. Gatsby did everything for Daisy and that's what caused his death. He did whatever he can to get her attention and it only ended terribly. He lacks communication skills. He didn't tell her up front on how he felt. I believe a lot of the characters were like that. For instance Tom didn't seem very happy with Daisy and he kept quiet about it and it lead to broken hearts.

3. Describe the author's tone. Include a minimum of three excerpts that illustrate your point(s).

3) The novel's tone is very ambivalent and full of many contradictions. It is also full of nostalgia and formal.

4) "A fantastic farm where the ashes grow like wheat." Page 23
Creates an image in the readers mind. A deserted piece of land. Simile

"While his station wagon scampered like a brisk yellow bug to meet all trains." Page 39
Gatsby's trying to welcome and greet his guests. Simile.

"I've got my hands full." Page 83.
Nick's hands aren't full. He's just really busy. Idiom

"And only let me leave it in the soap dish when she saw that it was coming to pieces like snow." Page 76
Daisy was holding onto the letter until there wasn't anything left. Simile

"Listening for a moment longer to the tuning fork that had been stuck upon a star." Page 111
Creates the scenery for Gatsby and Daisy's first kiss. The forks symbolize the connection between the lovebirds. Allusion.

"The next day as broiling." Page 114
It was a very hot day. But, it wasn't broiling hot. Personification. 

"As it did that night when we hunted through the great rooms for cigarettes." Page 147
Emphasizes the fact that they were searching for a couple smokes. Hyberbole

"And as the moon rose higher the inessential houses began to melt away until gradually." Page 180
The moon is shining bright over the town while Nick is in deep thought. Personification.

Characterization

1. Describe two examples of direct characterization and two examples of indirect characterization.  Why does the author use both approaches, and to what end (i.e., what is your lasting impression of the character as a result)?
2. Does the author's syntax and/or diction change when s/he focuses on character?  How?  Example(s)?
3. Is the protagonist static or dynamic?  Flat or round?  Explain.
4. After reading the book did you come away feeling like you'd met a person or read a character?  Analyze one textual example that illustrates your reaction. 

TALE OF CANTERBURY TALE

THE MONK

Canterbury tales

CHARACTER STUDY (2)

My character Ming Ling is at a sushi place where she's meeting her boyfriend for a little sushi date. As she's waiting she orders and iced tea and decides on he order. While she's looking at the menu her boyfriend calls her and breaks up with her. He said: "I'm sorry Ming. I don't want to be with you anymore." She begins to tear up and no words come out of her mouth. She asks why. He just said: "I just don't have feelings for you anymore. They disappeared a month go." She weeps and says her goodbyes and tells him he wants to be friends and hangs up. When they get off the phone she's weeping. Then all of a sudden this guy comes and asks her whats wrong. This guy seemed like a bum. He smelled like the ocean and he had all a bag and surf board on him.

CHARACTER STUDY (1)

My character's name is Ming Ling. She's a very sensitive person who puts a lot of effort when it comes to making new friends. Even though she's sensitive she's daring and you would never have guess that she was a shy woman. Ming loves being a rebel. She's not the lady her persons thought they raised. She's a tall and very strong woman. Her right arm has a huge dragon tattoo that she saved up for to get on her 18th birthday. She has straight bangs and very long black hair that's past her bellybutton. Her style is very edgy and dark and wears a lot of eyeliner. Ming is light complected but her cheeks are as rosy as a 6 year old's. She carries a cargo backpack with her at all times filled with her essentials. Wallet, eyeglasses, pepper spray, contacts, water bottle, inhaler, gum, a granola bar, a book, and a magazine. Ming uses her appearance as a shield to cover all her shyness. She doesn't want to be that stereotypical Asian woman that everyone expects her to be. Although she's very smart and one day wants to be a doctor but she decided to take a break and find herself before anything. So she's only taking three classes at her near community college.

Vocabulary #6

obsequious-obedient or attentive to an excessive or servile degree

beatitude-supreme blessedness.

bete noire-a person or thing that one particularly dislikes.

bode-be an omen of a particular outcome.

dank-disagreeably damp, musty, and typically cold

ecumenical-promoting or relating to unity among the world's Christian churches

fervid-promoting or relating to unity among the world's Christian churches

fetid-smelling extremely unpleasant.

gargantuan-enormous.

heyday-the period of a person's or thing's greatest success, popularity, or vigor.

incubus-a cause of distress or anxiety

infrastructure-basic structure

inveigle-the period of a person's or thing's greatest success, popularity, or vigor.

kudos-the period of a person's or thing's greatest success, popularity, or vigor.

lagniappe-something given as a bonus or extra gift.

prolix- using or containing too many words; tediously lengthy.

protege-a person who is guided and supported by an older and more experienced or influential person.

prototype-a first, typical or preliminary model of something, esp. a machine, from which other forms are developed or copied.

sycophant-a first, typical or preliminary model of something, esp. a machine, from which other forms are developed or copied.

tautology-the saying of the same thing twice in different words, generally considered to be a fault of style

truckle-submit or behave obsequiously

accolade-award

acerbity-a sharp bitterness

attrition-the action or process of gradually reducing the strength or effectiveness of someone or something through sustained attack or pressure.

bromide-a trite and unoriginal idea or remark, typically intended to soothe or placate

chauvinist-a trite and unoriginal idea or remark, typically intended to soothe or placate

chronic-persisting for a long time or constantly recurring.

expound-present and explain (a theory or idea) systematically and in detail

factionalism-The splitting of a group into factions; Conflict between factions

immaculate-spotless

imprecation-a spoken curse

ineluctable-unable to be resisted or avoided; inescapable.

mercurial-volatile

palliate-make (a disease or its symptoms) less severe or unpleasant without removing the cause.


protocol-make (a disease or its symptoms) less severe or unpleasant without removing the cause.

resplendent-attractive and impressive through being richly colorful or sumptuous.

stigmatize-describe or regard as worthy of disgrace or great disapproval.

sub rosa-hdescribe or regard as worthy of disgrace or great disapproval.

vainglory-inordinate pride in oneself or one's achievements; excessive vanity.

vestige- trace of something that is disappearing or no longer exists.

volition-the faculty or power of using one's will.

NETVIBES

So I finally decided to turn on my laptop today and see what's going on in other websites. I've been wanting to sign up for netvibes and it's AWESOME. It's a bit complicated to fix and add widgets but it's AWESOME! I'm still trying to get the hang of it. So far I'm just trying to add  more widgets and get all the websites I go on the most. I totally freaked out when I saw a Heisenberg theme! If any of you are Breaking Bad fans then you probably would've done the same.

WHAT A CHARACTER

A character that made an impression on me was Edward from Twilight. Yeah, a little tacky. But when I read it in 7th grade I was hooked. He really stood out to me because he was vampire, he sparkled when under sunlight, and he a super strong like a super hero. I didn't know vampires had superhero strength. The fact that he fell in love with a human SPOILER ALERT and he has a half vampire/human baby with Bella. It's just so strange and difficult to think about all the possibilities. And it was weird how his enemies were wolves. I would never have thought about wolves and vampires not getting along. It doesn't make sense.

DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE LEARNING

If I were to work on my Big Question with these collaborative working groups I would have to study about family and how mothers are with their children. Which is not really a topic I'm interested in talking about with a huge group. So I decided to work along with Javier Solis and Mia Levy on  group related to current events.

VOCABULARY #5

obsequious: (adj.) obedient, dutiful; characterized by showing servile complaisance or deference.


beatitude: (noun) a state of perfect happiness or blessedness; a blessing.

bete noire: (noun) someone or something than one especially dislikes, dreads, or avoids.


bode: (verb) to be an omen of; to indicate by signs.


dank: (adj.) unpleasantly damp or wet.


ecumenical: (adj.) worldwide or universal in influence or application.


fervid: (adj.) burning with enthusiasm or zeal; extremely heated.


fetid: (adj.) having an unpleasant or offensive odor.


gargantuan: (adj.) of immense size, volume, or capacity; enormous, prodigious.

heyday: (noun) the period of greatest power, vigor, success, or influence; the prime years.


incubus: (noun) a demon or evil spirit supposed to haunt human beings in their bedrooms at night; anything that oppresses or weighs upon one, like a nightmare.


infrastructure: (noun) a basic foundation or framework; a system of public works; the resources and facilities required for an activity; permanent military installations.


inveigle: (verb) to entice, lure, or snare by flattery or artful inducements; to obtain or acquire by artifice.


kudos: (noun) the acclaim, prestige, or renown that comes as a result of some action or achievement.

lagniappe: (noun) an extra or unexpected gift or gratuity.


prolix: (adj.) long-winded and wordy; tending to speak or write in such a way.


protege: (noun) someone whose welfare, training, or career is under the patronage of an influential person; someone under the jurisdiction of a foreign country or government.


prototype: (noun) an original pattern or model; a primitive or ancestral form.

sycophant: (noun) someone who attempts to win favors or advance him or herself  by flattery or servile behavior; a slanderer, defamer.


tautology: (noun) needless repetition of an idea by using different but equivalent words; a redundancy.

truckle: (verb) to yield or submit tamely or submissively.

Credits to Rebecca Aldrich

This awesome highlighter motivates me to take the most awesome reading notes. It's little things like these that help you in life. Hehe. 

Literature Analysis #1

O1) The story is narrated by Neill Bassett and he talks about his love life, career,  and most importantly his family issues. He works for a computer start up program in Menlo Park. His boss created a software that is incorporated with the seven deadly sins and 5,000 pages of Dr. Bassett's journal entries. Dr. Bassett is Neill's dead father who committed suicide when Neill was a 19 year old in college. His father was a psychiatrist. The software that was created is kind of like an instant message chat. The journal entries is the brain of Dr. Bassett. The person you talk to (Dr. Bassett) believes that he is still alive and has only knowledge up until his death. Neill and Henry Livorno and Laham (his bosses) are competing in a competition with other  corporations who is also trying ton create the same software. The purpose of the competition is to create the software and sell it to a man named Telor. As Neill works he finds love goes through obstacles with that situation. Not to mention he's trying to create the software as well as finding out the story behind is father's death.

2) I believe that the story is mostly about Neill finding out the reason why his father committed suicide. In the story he flies all the way back home to talk to his mother and ends up coming across more journals his father wrote. Not to mention the fact that in the end Neill's life became much more positive when he had more of an idea on why his father did what did.

3) The authors tone would be a bit depressed and cynical.

-"I definitely wouldn't say I feel good. I feel on edge. I feel like I've spent the day lying-to whom, I'm not sure." -PG 143

-"Does anyone, anywhere, perform daily tasks of value? Even doctors treat boredom and loneliness as much as any real physical complaint. What do the rest of us do? Make useless shit to see to each other so we can more useless shit. I buy a venti latte so the Starbucks employee can buy Billy Blank's Boot Camp workout so Billy Blank can buy a new Volt so a GM exec- my brother, for instance can rent a Yo Gabba Gabba bounce house for the kid's party. And so on. Where along this line is anything necessary, anything of true human benefit, accomplished? "
PG 17

-"The next morning, I wake up, blister-eyed and dry mouthed. After my phone call with Rachael I split a bottle of wine with myself. Now I've got Saturday to deal with. I could see if anyone is looking for a tennis partner, or I could go see a movie, but I know what I want."

imagery: " In the afternoon, I take a long run, through downtown and over the bike bridge into Palo Alto. It's hot and dry I'm jogging by the mall. 

foil: There is in textual evidence of when Rachel and Neill met but Rachael was created to lay emphasis on Neill and his father's relationship.

juxtaposition: "The girls are lightly dressed, as if we're hitting the clubs in Miami: short skirts with Ugg boots, tube stops skintight and grimacing. They shiver. The blonde Rachael- the more handsome but less cute of the two- reddens and speckles from the gusting cold."

- ".. Lexie says, rubbing her arms. She's round and powdered and young, but she has the deep, raspy vice of an emphysema patient.

mood: "Does anyone, anywhere, perform daily tasks of value? Even doctors treat boredom and loneliness as much as any real physical complaint. What do the rest of us do? Make useless shit to see to each other so we can more useless shit. I buy a venti latte so the Starbucks employee can buy Billy Blank's Boot Camp workout so Billy Blank can buy a new Volt so a GM exec- my brother, for instance can rent a Yo Gabba Gabba bounce house for the kid's party. And so on. Where along this line is anything necessary, anything of true human benefit, accomplished? "

setting:  San Francsisco/ Silicon Valley/Bay Area
-"I delete these notes, grab a shower, and am out the door at eight. a fifty minute commute door to door, San Francsico and south to Menlo Park."  PG 3

satire: "When it comes to breakfast, social life, to love, you must privilage the simple above the complicated. There's nothing cruel about this. The bachelors I've met- temporary friends-have been nice guys. I've never been ablt to stomach men who refer to women as bitches, teasers- though these men do exist, in San Francisco."

- Flashback is used throughout the novel when Neill refers back to his childhood or college life to explain the story that is ocurring.

-Tragedy is shown in the novel because it's mostly on Neill and his father's death.

-Symbolism- The relationship that Neill is creating with Rachael is what Neill wishes he had more of with his father. Not that he was in love with his father but the growth of their relationship symbolizes what Neill will never have with his father.

-Irony is used when Dr. Bassett figures out he his talking to his son. (because Dr. Bassett is actually dead)

VOCAB #4

(n) accolade- award, honor or praise notice
My cousin received a ginormous accolade when she won 1st place in CIF.

(n) acerbity- sour or harsh expression in 
The old lady had a very acerbity expression when she was ordering her food.

(n) attrition- a reduction or decrease in numbers
School shootings went through a tremendous attrition when staff searched backpacks everyday during school.

(n) bromide- someone who is dull and boring
The bromide little girl had a hard time making friends.

(n) chauvinist- a person who is very patriotic or one who believes that gender is superior to the other
The chauvinist man got a lot of hate for his beliefs on women's rights.

(n) chronic- constant, habitual
I had chronic headaches Sophomore year.

(v) expound- to set forth or state in detail; interpret; explain
I have a hard time expounding  directions from one place to another.

(adj) factionalism- self interest
There was a sign of factionalism forming within the company. Credits to: Melissa Steller

(adj) immaculate- pure; free from moral blemish or impurity
The Virgin Mary was an immaculate of conception.

(n) imprecation- cursing
The imprecations the teenagers made were unacceptable around little children.

(adj) ineluctable- unstoppable 
Superheroes are so strong and ineluctable. 

(adj) mercurial- changeable 
The girl had a very mercurial wardrobe so she can fit in with different groups of people

(v) palliate- to relieve or lessen without curing
Ibuprofen palliated my back cramps.

(n) protocol- an international agreement
The corporation had to create a protocol on where and what to business to purchase next.

(adj) resplendent- shining brilliantly; splendid
A resplendent student always receives recognition for their hard work.

(v)stigmatize- to set some mark of disgrace
The young man's parents stigmatized him for doing drugs.

(n) sub rosa- confidentiality; secretly; privately
The government has many sub rosa missions.

(n)vainglory- excessive pride over one's achievements 
The young man was full of vainglory when he received the Elk's Scholarship.

(n) vestige- visible evidence that is no longer present
The ashes was the only vestige left of the man's cigarette.

(n) volition- power to choose or decide 
You have the volition to do whatever you want in life.

Beowulf Essay

Beowulf VS. Spiderman

How is one considered a hero? Usually a hero is the "good guy" the one who "saves the day". But what makes that person a hero? In movies filled with superheroes something occurs in the hero's life that causes them to do good. A true hero displays nothing but sincere passion for helping others. Beowulf on the other hand doesn't show sincere passion. He comes off as a cocky hero. While Spiderman is portrayed as the guy who does everything for good. Beowulf is an epic hero who stops whatever he's doing to help those in need just like Spiderman. While Beowulf is cocky and Spiderman is sensitive and loving. (2012 version) Both of them have very similar qualities and some not so similar characteristics.

Spiderman and Beowulf risk their lives to help the innocent people. Beowulf defeats Grendel and Grendel's mother to help save the civilians of the town and help Hrothgar take over the battle his people couldn't take care of. He didn't have to do that but that's what makes him a hero. Just like Beowulf Spiderman did the same for his people. He could have let the people down and get destroyed by the lizard that was created but he wanted to help his people and save the day. They are both courageous and full of valor. When Beowulf was first talked about in the story he was cocky and seemed like a know it all. But, on the other hand Spiderman didn't know what was going on with him but still helped the town anyway.

Beowulf is all about strength and is very arrogant while Spiderman uses his knowledge to defeat the bad guys. He relies on his knowledge rather than strength. He also uses technology to create the webs that come of of his wrists. Even though Beowulf couldn't Google anything back then he never seemed to use his brain like Spiderman. Another difference between Spiderman and Beowulf is that Beowulf is well known by the people and Spiderman isn't. He's considered a bad guy because people didn't know if what he was doing was for good or was for evil. So he wasn't considered a hero until the end because he tries to do the police's jobs and was there before the police as which created suspicion. Although both heroes are great heroes  Beowulf is more of fairy tale hero while Spiderman is the Modern hero that people would look up to if there was a lizard trying to destroy the whole city.

Been googling scholarships and a bunch of information about colleges I'm thinking about applying for made me a bit sad.. I have a feeling I won't end up achieving my goal just yet.. But, maybe after a couple years in Hancock. Still trying to keep the positive vibes all around. Current tune for the night.