Vocab
Whitewash (41)- a composition, as of lime and water or of whiting, size, and water, used for whitening walls, woodwork, etc.
orthodox (49)- of, pertaining to, or conforming to the approved form of any doctrine, philosophy, ideology, etc.
shell-shocked (59)- aftermath from war/war related traumas
Quote
"For years I thought a girl might get pregnant if you touched her breast." This quote is more funny than significant, but shows Walters innocence and how he was just a curious little boy growing up.
Appeals
Emotional
"...Mrs. Conway said that she had had quite enough of me and that I wouldn't be allowed to participate in any class activities until I brought my mama to school. I knew that that meant a beating."
After reading this, many people would become often negative at the thought of Walter, or any child, being beaten while growing up.
Factual
A number of unexpected people entered my life that summer. The first was George Myers, my biological father.
This can be proven by fact and DNA
Dear Walter,
You were a fighter, like litterally. You would fight anyone. It seems like if you were ever to get in a dispute, you would end up punching some kid out. I do have a question, was your appendix problems caused by all of the freeze-pops you ate, or from your various smackdowns? What ever the case is, you had a tough childhood, and were raised not to take any B.S. from no body. I'm just really glad that I didn't grow up as a child around you... or I'd probobly be dead right now.
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Week 1? Old School
Week 1 Blog Week 1 Blog Post Vocab bustling (1)- to move w/ a great show of energy mindlessly (8)- w/out inteligence - needlessAppeals"I had taught myself a little dance that I called "the boogie"(9). THis is an emotional appeal - It leaves us questioning and want more about this dance."Florence Dean's mother emigrated from Germany in the late 1800's" (3). This is logical because it can be proven by facts and gives information on family ties."Aunt Nancy was as FAT as she was tall"(12). Fat is a loaded word because it could easily affend some.Quote"Harlem is the first place called 'home' that I can remember"(7). This quote is significant because Harlem is a very important aspect of the story when talking about growing up, aswell as the events that shaped his life.Theme So far this books central theme is family and the importance they play in a persons life. Dear Walter, I just started reading your book and I am surprised and impressed. Your writing style is smooth and allows me to play out the scenes in my head. Every time I read, a colorful picture is playing out in my mind. I love readingabout your childhood and the various adventures you've taken place in. I wish to hear more exciting stories and humorous tales from growing up.
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Final Post
vocab
admonition (143)- a warning or reproof given by an eccleslastical authority
immerse (126)- to plunge into
ethereal (97)- light, airy, or tenuous
Appeals
Emotional
"I was fifteen, starting my Junior year at Stuyvesant, and I was lost (114)."
This is emotional because Walter is now relating more to my situation in life, and makes me want to learn more of his struggles and how he got through them.
Factual
"On the 17th of May the Supreme Court announced the decision to condemn the 'seperate but equal' philosophy of education (185)."
This is factual because this certain excert can be proven by factual information.
Quote
"As a child I wrote, but I never considered writing as a job or career."
This quote is significant because Walter has always been a book worm, and one day that thought became a reality. All he did was read, write, read, then write some more. He soon realized that writing was his passion, and that he would pursue that passion until it became what he made a living from.
Dear Walter,
Bad Boy was one "bad" book. I'm of course meaning "bad" in the cool hip-hop positive way of "bad". From reading about your childhood growing up hooked on comic books, to your mothers drinking problems, you skipping class, it was extremely entertaining. Our lives sound kind of the same, besides the gang violence, an alcoholic mother, and every other terrible thing that has happened to you. My life is pretty good, but I feel like I am in you shoes that you once were in. I'm at a point in school were I feel "lost," kind of like a zombie going to and fro from class to class. What you did to help yourself escape from that was do the things your passionate for. I put some thought into that and I now enjoy the conditioning at Football practice, or puking in the weight room because, well I love sports. Your book was great. I hope to get my hands on more of your material later on in life.
Peace, Charlie Lavin
admonition (143)- a warning or reproof given by an eccleslastical authority
immerse (126)- to plunge into
ethereal (97)- light, airy, or tenuous
Appeals
Emotional
"I was fifteen, starting my Junior year at Stuyvesant, and I was lost (114)."
This is emotional because Walter is now relating more to my situation in life, and makes me want to learn more of his struggles and how he got through them.
Factual
"On the 17th of May the Supreme Court announced the decision to condemn the 'seperate but equal' philosophy of education (185)."
This is factual because this certain excert can be proven by factual information.
Quote
"As a child I wrote, but I never considered writing as a job or career."
This quote is significant because Walter has always been a book worm, and one day that thought became a reality. All he did was read, write, read, then write some more. He soon realized that writing was his passion, and that he would pursue that passion until it became what he made a living from.
Dear Walter,
Bad Boy was one "bad" book. I'm of course meaning "bad" in the cool hip-hop positive way of "bad". From reading about your childhood growing up hooked on comic books, to your mothers drinking problems, you skipping class, it was extremely entertaining. Our lives sound kind of the same, besides the gang violence, an alcoholic mother, and every other terrible thing that has happened to you. My life is pretty good, but I feel like I am in you shoes that you once were in. I'm at a point in school were I feel "lost," kind of like a zombie going to and fro from class to class. What you did to help yourself escape from that was do the things your passionate for. I put some thought into that and I now enjoy the conditioning at Football practice, or puking in the weight room because, well I love sports. Your book was great. I hope to get my hands on more of your material later on in life.
Peace, Charlie Lavin
Sea Inside Response
In my opinion, The Sea Inside was a fantastic film- in every aspect. Aside from the countless cinematic aspect, the acting helped you become part of the story. In the beginning, it seemed slow. The more you learned about the characters and who they were sucked you in. This film was effective on different levels. To some people it could be life changing, for me it was a little bit less. This helped me realize my countless blessing I have in my life, and how much I cherish them. After experiencing The Sea Inside, I don’t think I’ll jokingly say “I’m gonna kill myself” ever again.
The film took place in rural Spain, as well as in the city of Boiro in the mid 1990’s. There were countless characters including Ramon (accompanied by his brother and family), Julia, Rosa, and Gene. In the earlier part of Ramon’s life, he became a quadriplegic in a tragic accident involving the ocean. For 28 years he has been limited to his house, particularly his bed. These characters are developed throughout Ramon’s wish to take his own life, and the controversies that follow this wish. The ocean played a very symbolic role. As Ramon put it, “The Ocean gave me life, yet took that life from me.” Ramon eventually fulfilled his wish, but this film’s theme to me was that there are countless reasons for living, sometimes you just have to find them.
The Sea Inside utilized cinematic aspects to its favor. Many times shots were taken at “eye level,” making it seem like you were inside the room yourself. They also took advantage of the tracking feature, in particular, enabling Ramon to “fly.” The editing was spectacular, especially for flashbacks. Another aspect they mastered was music. For every mood created, the music went along with it perfectly. If there was sadness or grief, the music was slow and dramatic. If there was a sense of joy, the music was upbeat and fast. This film was put together beautifully.
The Sea Inside can closely relate to The Diving Bell and the Butterfly by Jean Dominique Bauby. In both stories, the men are left stranded in useless bodies, preventing them to live their lives fully. I’m sure anyone would agree that Bauby’s situation was far worse. Ramon had the ability to eat, speak, and even write. After experiencing both of these stories, I’ll try to think of these men the next I break a bone (and stop complaining).
I would recommend this film to anyone. In my opinion, it was easily the greatest movie I’ve watched in school. I did mention that the entire thing is in subtitles? Regardless, it’s completely worth the read, I mean watch.
The past week of Language Arts has been indulging and suspenseful. This movie made me forget that I was in school, and that I must leap past the door in order to obtain sustenance for that given day. With flawless cinematic aspects and a plot that will suck you in, I’m glad that our class watched The Sea Inside.
The film took place in rural Spain, as well as in the city of Boiro in the mid 1990’s. There were countless characters including Ramon (accompanied by his brother and family), Julia, Rosa, and Gene. In the earlier part of Ramon’s life, he became a quadriplegic in a tragic accident involving the ocean. For 28 years he has been limited to his house, particularly his bed. These characters are developed throughout Ramon’s wish to take his own life, and the controversies that follow this wish. The ocean played a very symbolic role. As Ramon put it, “The Ocean gave me life, yet took that life from me.” Ramon eventually fulfilled his wish, but this film’s theme to me was that there are countless reasons for living, sometimes you just have to find them.
The Sea Inside utilized cinematic aspects to its favor. Many times shots were taken at “eye level,” making it seem like you were inside the room yourself. They also took advantage of the tracking feature, in particular, enabling Ramon to “fly.” The editing was spectacular, especially for flashbacks. Another aspect they mastered was music. For every mood created, the music went along with it perfectly. If there was sadness or grief, the music was slow and dramatic. If there was a sense of joy, the music was upbeat and fast. This film was put together beautifully.
The Sea Inside can closely relate to The Diving Bell and the Butterfly by Jean Dominique Bauby. In both stories, the men are left stranded in useless bodies, preventing them to live their lives fully. I’m sure anyone would agree that Bauby’s situation was far worse. Ramon had the ability to eat, speak, and even write. After experiencing both of these stories, I’ll try to think of these men the next I break a bone (and stop complaining).
I would recommend this film to anyone. In my opinion, it was easily the greatest movie I’ve watched in school. I did mention that the entire thing is in subtitles? Regardless, it’s completely worth the read, I mean watch.
The past week of Language Arts has been indulging and suspenseful. This movie made me forget that I was in school, and that I must leap past the door in order to obtain sustenance for that given day. With flawless cinematic aspects and a plot that will suck you in, I’m glad that our class watched The Sea Inside.
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
week 4 post
vocab
sputtered (62)- to make explosive popping or sizzling sounds.
vice (52) - an immoral or evil habit or practice.
incoherent (70) -without logical or meaningful connection; disjointed; rambling.
Appeals
For this appeal I found it emotional and factual...
"I was awakened early in the morning by my mother.
'Walter, get up,' she said. 'I've got bad news. Your Uncle Lee was killed last night.'"
I considered this both because 1. It was documented that his uncle died that day, which could be proven by fact. Also, in this previously happy go lucky book, it strikes a chord that are unfamiliar to this book. The rest of the chapter is full of remorse and depression.
Quote
"The following Sunday morning, when I came out of my room and started talking, Dad put his fingers to his lips. 'This is Sunday, the Lord's Day'"
This is significant because now, Walters dad has been effected beyond words to his brothers death. From this point on, not only does his dad become depressed, but an extremely close follower of Christ.
POST B
Dear Walter,
I have loved reading this book. It is not any kind of boring book at all. The tales you tell seem like strait out of a movie. I just recently read about your Uncle's passing. I know this didn't really affect you directly, but more your father. How long was he depressed? Did it ever end? And how did this affect your relationship with him. I know your life continued, like you said, but I would love to know more of the story. Once again, you are brilliant, and never stop writing.
From,
Charlie Lavin
sputtered (62)- to make explosive popping or sizzling sounds.
vice (52) - an immoral or evil habit or practice.
incoherent (70) -without logical or meaningful connection; disjointed; rambling.
Appeals
For this appeal I found it emotional and factual...
"I was awakened early in the morning by my mother.
'Walter, get up,' she said. 'I've got bad news. Your Uncle Lee was killed last night.'"
I considered this both because 1. It was documented that his uncle died that day, which could be proven by fact. Also, in this previously happy go lucky book, it strikes a chord that are unfamiliar to this book. The rest of the chapter is full of remorse and depression.
Quote
"The following Sunday morning, when I came out of my room and started talking, Dad put his fingers to his lips. 'This is Sunday, the Lord's Day'"
This is significant because now, Walters dad has been effected beyond words to his brothers death. From this point on, not only does his dad become depressed, but an extremely close follower of Christ.
POST B
Dear Walter,
I have loved reading this book. It is not any kind of boring book at all. The tales you tell seem like strait out of a movie. I just recently read about your Uncle's passing. I know this didn't really affect you directly, but more your father. How long was he depressed? Did it ever end? And how did this affect your relationship with him. I know your life continued, like you said, but I would love to know more of the story. Once again, you are brilliant, and never stop writing.
From,
Charlie Lavin
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
Week 3 Posts (still going to do the first two...)
Vocab
trolley (51)- to convey or go by
lynched (39)- been put to death via hanging
intergrated (35)- to bring together or incorporate (parts) into a whole.
Appeals
Factual- "The summer of 1947 was one of eager anticipation for black people across the country. Jackie Robinson and Larry Doby, two black players from all-black Negro Leagues, had finally been accepted into major-leage baseball (35)." Can be proven by FACT.
Emotional- "We need more smart Negro boys," he said. "We don't need tough Negro boys (58)." This statement can leave readers angered or upset.
Qoute- "I firmly believed that God saw everything and duly noted all transgressions, big and small. It was never my intention to do wrong, and so generally I thought I was in good stead with the Almighty. But as spring rolled around last year, I found myself barely hanging on to that side of the ledger." This is significant because it shows how as Walter grew up he became further away from his faith, and confused more.
So far the book has been PRETTY TIGHT. I still enjoy hearing stories of Walter's brush-ups with 'Crazy Johhny,' the shellshocked war vet. Right now it would seem that the entire book is all his childhood, in fact, I'm pretty convinced it is. The way he writes makes a perfect image in your head. For example....
"What's wrong with you, boy?" My father's voice again, deeper, more resolute.
"My legs hurt," I said.
"Take your pants down."
Right there at the dinner table. I had changed pants and now undid my belt and gingerly let the changed pants down. My mother gasped when she saw my legs-a mass of bruises, swelling, and dried blood.
"What happened to you?"
After reading this I had the clear thought of the adolscent Walter presenting his beat-up legs in front of the entire family. Descriptions like this make it easy to read.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=LRvEsonVXWA
trolley (51)- to convey or go by
lynched (39)- been put to death via hanging
intergrated (35)- to bring together or incorporate (parts) into a whole.
Appeals
Factual- "The summer of 1947 was one of eager anticipation for black people across the country. Jackie Robinson and Larry Doby, two black players from all-black Negro Leagues, had finally been accepted into major-leage baseball (35)." Can be proven by FACT.
Emotional- "We need more smart Negro boys," he said. "We don't need tough Negro boys (58)." This statement can leave readers angered or upset.
Qoute- "I firmly believed that God saw everything and duly noted all transgressions, big and small. It was never my intention to do wrong, and so generally I thought I was in good stead with the Almighty. But as spring rolled around last year, I found myself barely hanging on to that side of the ledger." This is significant because it shows how as Walter grew up he became further away from his faith, and confused more.
So far the book has been PRETTY TIGHT. I still enjoy hearing stories of Walter's brush-ups with 'Crazy Johhny,' the shellshocked war vet. Right now it would seem that the entire book is all his childhood, in fact, I'm pretty convinced it is. The way he writes makes a perfect image in your head. For example....
"What's wrong with you, boy?" My father's voice again, deeper, more resolute.
"My legs hurt," I said.
"Take your pants down."
Right there at the dinner table. I had changed pants and now undid my belt and gingerly let the changed pants down. My mother gasped when she saw my legs-a mass of bruises, swelling, and dried blood.
"What happened to you?"
After reading this I had the clear thought of the adolscent Walter presenting his beat-up legs in front of the entire family. Descriptions like this make it easy to read.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=LRvEsonVXWA
Sunday, October 7, 2007
DBBF Reflection
I just finished reading The Diving Bell and the Butterfly. Right now I have mixed thoughts partly because the Packers are blowing their lead as we speak. In my opinion the ending wasn't as interesting compared to the majority of the book. Our class knew he died, but the finale didn't say much about Jean's passing.
One thing that really confused me was "The Mythmaker" chapter. Jean talked about his friend Olivier from school. He stated that Olivier would entertain them constantly with stories about London. Then he goes on talking about all these different activities he "forged in his head." I didn't see the point of this chapter, but I'm sure Jean knew exactly what he was doing. Can I just add that I hate the Chicago Bears.
As a whole, I enjoyed this book alot more than I thought I would. The thing about DBBF was that it was easy to read, but at the same time made you want to read more. After seeing what a day in the life was like for him, I was oddly fascinated. He described everything with great detail- allowing me to paint a mental picture in my head. Overall I would give The Diving Bell and the Butterfly a 7.9
One thing that really confused me was "The Mythmaker" chapter. Jean talked about his friend Olivier from school. He stated that Olivier would entertain them constantly with stories about London. Then he goes on talking about all these different activities he "forged in his head." I didn't see the point of this chapter, but I'm sure Jean knew exactly what he was doing. Can I just add that I hate the Chicago Bears.
As a whole, I enjoyed this book alot more than I thought I would. The thing about DBBF was that it was easy to read, but at the same time made you want to read more. After seeing what a day in the life was like for him, I was oddly fascinated. He described everything with great detail- allowing me to paint a mental picture in my head. Overall I would give The Diving Bell and the Butterfly a 7.9
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
