Tuesday, March 4, 2008

week 4

Vocab
ingrain (42)- firmly fixed
trepidation (43) - tremulous fear, alarm, or agitation; perturbation
wary (45) - watchful; being on one's guard against danger
Figurative Language
..."and I saw with a sinking heart what he had fished out of his pocket. Of course. His stainless-steel brass knuckles...."(41)
I think that Assef and his brass knuckles are a metaphor for all intolerant, ignorant, hitler loving A Holes who love to single different people out. This is also very fitting for the time and place we are in.
"He was smiling. Just as he had, emerging from his mothers womb. The swelling subsided, and the wound healed with time. Soon, it was just a pink jagged line running up from his lip. By the following winter, it was only a faint scar, Which is ironic. Because thats the winter Hassan stopped smiling (47)."
Its just self-explanitory
"I find the driveway, my fathers car, the walls, the trees, the foortops, and the hills burried under a foot of snow(48)."
This is imagery, because it paints a picture of a snowy neighborhood in my head, and of course I hate my life because winter is hell for me.
Quote
"But hes not my friends! I almost blurted. Hes my servant! Had I really thought that? Of course I hadnt. I hadnt. I treated Hassan well, just like a friend, better even, more like a brother (41)."
This quote is significant, because it really tests Amir's loyalty to Hassan, even when in the face of danger.
Theme
An emerging theme is change. Everything, from the government to Amir childhood is changing. The King is dead, and Afghanistan is a republic now. Also, his relationship with Hassan is constantly being tested by haters and nay-sayers...

Dear Khaled,
As I continue to read the Kite Runner I think about my friendships, and what they mean to me. It sounds like Amir growing up wasnt surrounded by a group of friends, just his and Hassan. While Hassan is different, and may cause some problems, Amir sticks with his buddy even when he faces the dreaded "stainless-steel" brass knuckles. I respect his decision to stay strong, even though he friend pulled a quick one, and practically made Assef blind.

Tuesday, February 26, 2008

Week 3

Vocab
valiant (29)-boldly courageous; brave; stout-hearted
wholly (30)- entirely; totally; altogether; quite
Brut (32) -Very dry. Used of champagne
Figurative Language
"But right then, I wished I could open up my veins and drain his cursed blood from my body (32)."
This is imagery. Even thought its pretty graphic, I can actually picture the little boy draining his own blood... Messed up.
"But the most impressive thing about your story is that it has irony, you may not even know what that word means (32)." Isnt that entire quote ironic?
"...none of us had any notion that a way of life had ended. Our way of life. If not quite yet, then at least it was the beginning of the end."
This is a metaphor, talking about how this one night was just the tip of the iceberg, and how the Russian coup detat would soon shake Amir and Hassan's lives off their bearings.
Quote
"What does that word mean?"
"which one?"
"Imbecile."
"You don't know what it means?" I said, grinning.
"Nay, Amir agha."
"But it is such a common word!"
"Still, I dont know."
"Lets see 'Imbecile.' It means smart, intelligent. Ill use it in a sentence for you. 'When it comes to words, Hassan is an imbecile.' "
This quote, or dialog is significant because it shows a major difference between Hassan and Amir. Hassan has always been illiterate, and Amir sometimes teases and plays with him because of this.
Theme
An emerging theme of The Kite Runner is loyalty. Even though Amir and Hassan are taught to be enemies, they still share one of the closest friendships ive ever encountered.
Dear Khaled,
Well holy butthole now your book is getting really intense. I still havent read much, but ive finally discovered what happened that dreadful night. From what Ive read, the coup settled down, and for a brief period, you and Hassan were at piece. At this point the invasion just happened, and now your are embarking to the tree. I am thrilled to read this book, and hope that your friendship lasts longer than your country.
With much JIHAD,
Charlie

Week 2

Vocab-
unwittingly (20) - not willing; reluctant; loath; averse
vehemently (24) - zealous; ardent; impassioned
mewling (26)- To cry weakly; whimper
Figurative Language
"Baba burst out in gales of his deep throated laughter - a sound like a truck engine revving (26)." This is a simile, comparing Baba's laugh, to the sond of a truck revving its engine.
"I was a Sunni and he was Shi'a, and nothing was ever going to change that. Nothing (25)."
This is ironic, how Hassan and Amir are best friends when Sunnis and Shi'ites are enemies.
"Then, Baba and I drove off in his black Ford Mustang - a car that drove envious looks everywhere (27)..."
This is imagery, because when I read this I can't help but visualize a sleek black Ford Mustang looking out of place in the Middle East.
Quote
"If I hadn't seen the doctor pull him out of my wife with my own eyes, I'd never believe he's my son (23)."
This quote is significant because it really shows how Baba looks down apon Amir. He tried everything to please his father, but it looks like he'll never live up to his expectations.
Theme
An emerging theme after reading would be that Amir is slowly pulling away in the relationship with his Father. After a failed attemp at soccer, Baba truly bacame upset and dissapointed, now Amir must find a way to redeem himself.
Dear Khaled,
I am pleased to tell you that your book has really grown on me. I was hesitant in the beginning, but am starting to catch on now. It really really interesting to hear of all these traditions Ive never experienced. The Islamic world is very different than our Western civilization, and thats not a bad thing. When you attened that Buzkashi, it really opened my eyes. The character Baba, truthfully pisses me off. I dont like how Amir is in a constant struggle to meet his expectations, even though nothing is good enough for him. I will keep reading, and hopefully learn more of Muslim culture.

Wednesday, February 13, 2008

أسبوع واحدة موقعة!

Vocab
eloped (6)-to run off secretly to be married, usually without the consent or knowledge of one's parents. to run away with a lover.
hemorrhaged (5)- a profuse discharge of blood, as from a ruptured blood vessel; bleeding.
Figurative Language
"people say that eyes are windows to the soul." I like this example, and it is almost a metaphor? Its saying that peoples eyes can give alot away about a personality or feeling
"and out he came smiling." This is talking about Hassan, that he is such a happy person, he was smiling when he came out of his mothers womb. This would be imagery.
"I have imagined Baba's wrestling match countless times, even dreamed about it. And in those dreams, I can never tell Baba from the bear." This is irony, because he is refering to his father and how hairy he is, including his thick full beard.
Quote
Later, in the dark, after the movie had started, I heard Hassan next to me, croaking. Tears were sliding down his cheecks. I reached across my seat, slung my arm around him, pulled him close. He rested his head on my shoulder. 'He took you for someone else,' I whispered. 'He took you for someone else.'"
This quote is significant because it can give you an early look at the relationship between Khaled and Hassan, growing up together and become best friends.
Theme
An emerging theme in this book is Friendship. The author keeps refering to one particular event he shared with Hassan, and it seems to me that it is the basis for the entire story.

Dear Khaled,
I wasn't a one bit excited about your book. The more I read the more I understand, and the more I feel. You grew up fairly blessed, but life was VERY DIFFERENT. The friendship you established with Hassan is wonderful, one that would last forever. Because of his circumstances, it must've been hard growing up beside someone different in a country that strives on tradition. One thing that I keep hearing about is that winter night in 1975, the one that changed your life. Now, I am eager to see what this is all about, and how Hassan and you do in the years to come.

شكرت أنت
Charlie

Sunday, February 3, 2008

PATRIA - "TOUCH ME FEEL ME"

When a person would look at Patria, they would see a loyal follower, and a devout Christian. All was well at Inmaculada, until she saw A SIGN! "Then, of a sudden, I noticed a pale young foot luxuriant with dark hair in my fresh pan of water, and my legs went soft beneath me." Well now we know Patria has a strange fetish for feet... Anyways, Patria went from a shy aspiring nun, to a freak in the sheets!
"And then, he began kissing me, my face, my neck, my breasts..." I would continue, but the rest is just too steamy.
I choose Patria as my favorite sister because I RESPECT HER. When a woman sees what she wants, she should get it. And when she does get it by god theres nothing hotter than that. If your not understanding this, find Kath Reichel after class ;)
Moving on, I chose the song "Touch Me Feel Me" by Darude. This song correctly describes Patria's feelings. She may be confused with these strange new urges, but all she knows is that she wants a man, and she wants him NOW!

Plaxico Burress THE BEAST
http://youtube.com/watch?v=knfZTu8UokM&feature=related
he fa real....

Tuesday, January 8, 2008

THE FINAL WEEK

VOCAB!
VENTURE (195)- an undertaking involving uncertainty as to the outcome, esp. a risky or dangerous one!!!
HEED (195)- to give careful attention to!!!
FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE!!!
"LIKE EVE, NEWTON OFFENDED GOD WITH AN APPLE(191)."
THIS IS A SIMILE, SAYING THAT SCIENCE IS SACRELIGIOUS, AND THAT NEWTON IS NO BETTER THAN EVE HERSELF!!!!!!!
"GEORGE WASHING CARVER HAD SOME PRETTY GOOD IDEAS, LIKE CORRECTIVE LENSES FOR PEANUTS (REFERING TO THE PLANTERS PEANUT)
THIS IS IMAGERY, MAKING YOU SOMEHOW IMAGE THAT GEORGE WASHINGTON CARVER AND THE PLANTERS MAN ARE CONNECTED... OR I DONT KNOW!!!!
"I HAVE A MOTORIZED BED. I LIKE TO DRIVE IT DOWN TO THE ROUGH SIDE OF TOWN AND GIVE PEOPLE ON THE STREETS INSPIRATION TO WORK HARD(167)."
THIS IS A METAHPOR, POKING FUN AT ALL OF THE REDICULOUS, GAS GUZZLING MACHINES THAT ARE PERSONALLY KILLING POLAR BEARS!!!!
QUOTE!!!!
"STAY STRONG. BE BRAVE. SHARE (NEWLY BOUGHT COPIES OF) THIS BOOK WITH YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY. YOU'LL BE GLAD YOU DID. AND MORE IMPORTANTLY, SO WILL I. BECAUSE AFTER ALL:
I AM AMERICA(AND SO CAN YOU!)(215)."
HOW IS THIS SIGNIFICANT... WOW... I MEAN JUST READ IT... AND AFTER YOU DO... YOUR LYING IF YOU SAY I DO NOT WILHOLD THE UPMOST RESPECT FOR STEHPEN T COLBERT... AND ALSO IM DONE BLOGGING SOON!!!!!!!!!!!
THEME
THE OVERALL THEME OF I AM AMERICA (AND SO CAN YOU!) IS TO FOLLOW YOUR DREAMS. STEPHEN STARTED AS A YOUNG MAN GROWING UP IN A SMALL SOUTH CAROLINA TOWN, AND HAS MADE HIMSELF INTO ONE OF THE MOST INFLUENCIAL PERSONS IN. THE. WORLD!
DEAR STEPHEN,
I AM OVERWHELMED WITH EXCITMENT AND PLEASURE THAT I CAN HARDLY TYPE THIS VERY LETTER TO YOU! YOU SEE, I AM DONE BLOGGING AFTER I FINISH THIS, AND IM ALSO DONE WITH YOUR BOOK. come to think of it thats really sad/depressing, comsidering the fact that your not on tv BUT ITS ALL GOOD! YOUR BOOK HELPED ME THROUGH THE DEEP DEAPTS OF MY HORRIBLE LIFE. AFTER A LONG DAY OF SCHOOL AND PRACTICE, NOTHING WAS BETTER THAN TO COME HOME, SIT IN FRONT OF THE FIRE, AND LISTEN TO YOUR SHEAR GENIOUS! IVE LEARNED SO MUCH THAT I AM HAPPY TO SAY... I WANT TO BE A FAMOUS RICH CELEBRITY ONE DAY!
THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING, AND THANK GOD I AM DONE BLOGGING AT 1 OCLOCK IN THE MORING
WITH ALL THE LOVE I CAN GIVE TO YOU(AND AMERICA)!
CHARLES LAVIN

Week 5

Vocab
mainstream (152)- the principal or dominant course, tendency, or trend: the mainstream of American culture
ironclad (133)-
covered or cased with iron plates, as a ship for naval warfare; armor-plated. very rigid or exacting; inflexible; unbreakable
Figurative Language
"No, this is a runaway train to Cold, Hard Realityville (132)."
This is a metaphor, saying that Stephen doesnt beat around the bush, hes a strait shooter
"Lets face is, finding Mr./Miss Right is no picnic (97)."
This is a simile, saying that finding love is a hard task, except obviously theres an exception for Stephen T. Colbert
"14 billion is a pretty big number, and God didnt create us so we could waste time trying to picture 14 billion cupcakes (DO NOTR TRY THIS!)(193)."
This is imagery, just suggesting to use your imagination and depict 14 BILLION CUPCAKES
Quote
"I dont understand movies today. They romanticize liberal lifestyles, cram gays into our living rooms, and make children believe its safe to spend time with Robin Williams (131)."
This quote is very significant, explaining to us that the Media is now a wild tiger on the loose. People need to stop living in a land of wizard-schools. People must snap back into reality, AND WATCH THE COLBERT REPORT WEEKNIGHTS AT 1030 PM, ONLY ON COMEDY CENTRAL
Theme
A theme Stephen is portraying is that our world as we know it is evolving. Rules are being broken, regulations are being cutdown, and more horrific things keep airing in our media. We need to regain our sences, return to the glory days, and elect Stephen Colbert for President in 2012!
Dear Stephen,
I am constantly upping your fan populous, and boosting you strait into the whitehouse. When you talk, you uphold a sence of honor, value, and intelligence. Never once have I read a page about Higher education, until now. You help sift out the boring stuff and get strait to the juicyness. The more i read the more I care about whats going on in our sick and twisted world. Youve opened my eyes, and changed my life- so i must thank you for that
With love
Charles Lavin

Week 4

Vocab
counterweights (197)- A force or influence equally counteracting another
questionnaire (97)- a list of questions, usually printed, submitted for replies that can be analyzed for usable information
Figurative Language
"First of, way to rip off the US, science. Look familiar (203)?"
(refering to the a map, and the periodic table of elements)
This is a metaphor, saying that the periodic table was influenced by America itself.
"Plus vitamin C? If I want to avoid scurvy, Ill eat sauerkraut with the rest of the crew (204)."
This is imagery, with Stevo pretending to be a pirate of some sorts, and avoid diseases with old fasion- tactics.
"Sometimes I envy the folks in the Lower class, like the kid I was pretending to be in that story (167)." This is a simile, because early Stephen was tapping into the emotions of a poor person through the image of somelike, a small, weak little boy.
Theme
A theme that represents Stephen is the relations to an average democratic American. He acts the way he acts to mearly poke fun at snooty Replublicans, even whens hes acting like one.
Quote
"Don't ruin the text, let your tears fall here (161)." This quote is significant because it shows that through Stephens writings, he can tap into our entire spectrum of emotions. This can create tears of laugher, or tears of sadness, in one single chapter!
Dear Stephen,
I continue to read, and I continue to be proud of America. In your book, you focus on sensative subjects that can bring a nation together, or tear them apart. From gay marriage, to class wars, you always have the right answer. You also withhold such confidence that inspires me at the same time.
"Wake up call: If i die, I know that im either going to heaven or hell. Theres no gray area there..(heaven, just to be clear)
Its words like that that help me get through the day. I will contine to support the Colbert nation, and know that I can achieve anything... as long as you come back to television...

Week 3

Vocab
farce (127)- a light, humorous play in which the plot depends upon a skillfully exploited situation rather than upon the development of character
bridge (147)- to overcome differences, similar to reaching an agreement
Figurative Language
"America is NOT a land of immigrants (183)."
This is ironic, because Stephen is pretty much insulting immigrants in American\, saying they do not belong, when we maintain the name "land of opportunity.
"The future is ruled by damn, dirty apes (203)." Essentially, this is an Onomatopoeia, making fun of the film Planet of the Apes where humans are ruled by talking apes. I really couldnt think of any other example.
"Granted the temperture is steadily increasing, but I've been taking some measurments of my own, and the degree to which I care about the Harp seal is still holding steady at 'way less than I care about my Audi A8' (199)."
This is a metaphor, saying that Stephen really does not care about current issues with our environment.
Quote
"...because in America, people of all colors live in perfect harmony (171)."
I like this quote because it truely shows that Stephen Colbert is an honest and humble person. This also vouches for his saying when he says "He doesn't see color, and is blind to race."
Theme
A reccuring theme that I seem to notice is that STEPHEN COLBERT MUST BE THE NEXT PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, regardless if hes already been denied for the primary. From topic to topic, the more I realize how great the man is, and how big of a mistake South Carolina is making.
Dear Stephen,
As I continue to read your novel, the more I miss you. Although this book has filled your absence on the television machine.
I have to say, easily my favorite tib bit in your books is about the Guy sitting next to You at the stadium. This interpretation gives voice to average-joes, like myself. He makes a valid point about illigal immigration and how its ruining jobs, suchas drywall. Not only does the Guy sitting next to You at the stadium wet my wistle, the puzzles and interactive games really draw me into your mindset. I now feel more confident, and more American when Im with my peers. Not only am I now well informed my mind is superior than everyone elses... thanks to you
Yours Truely,
Charlie Lavin

Sunday, January 6, 2008

Week 6

Vocab
misogynist (82)- hatred, dislike, or mistrust of women
brigade (90)- a group of individuals organized for a particular purpose
Figurative Language
"Our proud tradition of structured human courtship is under attack- the lions are circling.... (90)" This is a metaphor, saying that our courtship will cease to exist, as if a lion 'ate it.'
" I am a gay american. And I couldnt be more gayer now that the gays are on the run. Of course I'm using 'gay' the way are founding fathers intended, to mean 'happy,' before it was stolen from them gays, just as they stole their tights, wigs, and codpieces (107)." First of can I just say L.O.L. (laugh out loud) and second, this is ironic, plain and simple.
"Eat a bug a bug: Prove you love your country as much as the contestants on Fear Factor (121)." This is a similie, talking about proving your loyalty to Fear Factor.
Quote
"The more you know the sadder you get."
This is significant because it really shows Stephens sence of humor, and how he can beautifully craft something into a sad/humorous subject.
A theme Stephen seems to clearly present is that he shows a very macho, right winged bias when in reality hes taking all of this thoughts over the edge just to make fun of them.
Dear Stevo,
Well I finished your book and I cannot tell you all the times I almost pooped my pants. It was just fantastic. I laughed, I cried, I lost 15 pounds! Just kidding but seriously terrific work. Some of my favorite subjects you touched apon was Gays. I know its a super serial sensative subject, but your "outlook" just cracks me up. I also loved your discussion on sports. Easily the best line of the book... "Athelets preform for our emjoyment. So "performance enhancing drugs" are really "enjoyment enhancing drugs." No one but you could put it like that. Once again thank Stephen T. Colbert for granting this earth with one of the only books I enjoyed reading. I cannot wait until your back on the air.
Much Love,
Charlie