Blog 6: Catch Her in the Oatmeal

Write a stream-of-consciousness piece similar to the "Catch Her in the Oatmeal" handout. Your writing can be about your day/ week, OR you can turn your favorite fairy tale/ myth/ short story into a stream-of consciousness piece. Stream-of-consciousness is a type of storytelling where the writer reveals inner thoughts, feelings, etc., without censoring his/her work; therefore, you shouldn't take your fingers off the keyboard! Don't worry about typos/ punctuation/ grammar until the end!

This blog posting should be at least three paragraphs in length, due by Friday, 10.29.09, TEN POINTS. [This is the last blog for "Blogging Collection #1."]

If you really want to know, yesterday was a long day. I had to get up early to study for my history test. Then I had to go to school. I had to take notes in my first four periods, before reviewing for a super hard chem test and taking long history test. On top of all this, I held so much anxiety because the Yankees were playing that night.

After school I went home and prepared for the eighth grade oreintation, where I was recruiting incoming students for the best language in the school, italian. I tried to do a little give and take, myself saying something and the audience (8th graders) will respond. But you know what, they were too shy. TOO SHY!!! At least I was able to wear the sick I Love (an actual heart) Italian T-shirt. It was almost time for the Yankee game, but the presentation ran late. Making me late to watch it. I like to think that I was able to sway some people into italian class, but in reality I know they probably didnt care.

You know what, the Yankee game, which I was waiting for all day, was a complete bust. They didn't score until the 9th inning and Utley hit 2 homers for the Phils. The lone bright spot was that Carsten Charles (CC) pitched well.One of the great things about MLB playoffs is, you have to win four games. It doesnt matter what way it comes. Only four.I was so depressed after the game, I fell right to sleep, there is always tomorrow.

Blog 5: Caulfield's Lasting Voice

After reading the article, "Holden Caulfield's lasting voice," react to the article. Are you looking forward to reading Catcher in the Rye? Why/ why not?

The final line of the newspaper clipping shares the impression of a sixteen-year-old girl. Do you agree/ disagree with her opinion on individuals and certain pieces of literature? Can you think of another book from last year's reading selection where students were as divided?

I agree with the sixteen- year- old girl. She says "I liked how hypocritical he was. Because that's how people are. People who say it's depressing just don't get it. It's a coming-of-age book." By her second sentence, you understand that she can make the connection between the book and real life. "People... just don't get it..." I also agree with because unless you realize what the author is trying to show/ make a connection with, of course they won't understand. Last year we read a book which had divided reviews. Of Mice and Men was this book, especially the final scene where George kills Lennie.

Blog 4: National Day of Writing PVRHS Gallery

Read three selections of student work from the PVRHS Gallery:http://galleryofwriting.org/galleries/223497 . Choose your favorite written work by either a Pascack Hills or Pascack Valley student, and comment on your favorite part about the piece [include the title and author].

What are your thoughts about the writer's tone/ voice? Is he/ she aware of an intended audience? If you could conference with the writer, what advice would you give to improve the selection?

My favorite piece of writing was "A Liberal Society" by Andy K. The author is speaking in the third person trying to inform his audience. I am able to infer this by reading the first few sentences, where the writer tries to give background information to prepare the reader for new ideas to come later on in the work. If I conferenced with the author, I would tell him to split up the middle paragraph. It has several different main ideas present which would be better explained in multiple paragraphs.

Blog 3: Family vs. Law

David's father shares his insight on page 156: "...I believe that in this world people must pay for their crimes. It doesn't matter who you are or who your relations are; if you do wrong, you pay. I believe that. I have to."

What do you think about these convictions? What other story does Wes share with David about himself? How does this story complicate his belief system? [5-6 sentences minimum, posted by 10.16.09, 4 POINTS]

These convictions seem to be a resolution to one of the reoccurring themes throughout the book; what comes first family or the law? It seems that Wes has finally answered his question. The story Wes shared was the time he found golf balls with Cordell at the golf course. It complicates things because he never got in trouble because Frank saved him. The complicated part is, does Frank have to return the favor?

Blog 2: Character Analysis

Pick one character from your reading/ class activity, and describe what the character wants in Larry Watson's Montana 1948. What prevents that character from achieving what he/she wants? How does this compare to what you want? [Two paragraphs, 5 POINTS, due 10.08.09]

In the novel Montana 1948 Gail Hayden wants peace among her family members. Wes and Julian keep fighting about Frank's punishment for his crime toward Marie Little Soldier. In the book David narrates: "I heard my mother's voice, but the only word I could make out was 'Please' (p.122)." In this line he is saying how his mother, Gail Hayden was pleading for Julian and Enid to stay and resolve their conflict. In her attempt Gail failed because the problem was very hectic and grand. She would not have been able to stop this fight because Julian and Wes are on opposite sides and strongly support their own opinions. I also would like to resolve a family conflict. My grandfather and father do not get along very well and haven't for many years. Although I would like to fix this problem I cannot because they are very opposed to each other and do not listen to my own ideas for a more peaceful living. Gail and I relate through our problems of peace in a family.