Around the World in 80 Days, More progress, Continued

Right now in around the world in 80 days, the two protagonists are about to take off on their adventure, but Fogg's helper ( I  do not remember his name) has forgot something and needs to rush back to where they stayed and get it. One aspect about this book that I really enjoy, is that the chapter names are really long. I mean, REALLY long. For example, "In which a new species of funds, unknown to the moneyed men, appears on 'change". I'm not really sure why these names are so long, maybe it was a thing that people would do in the past. This might be an interesting thing to bring back.

Around The world in 80 days, actually getting somewhere

So lately, I have been reading Around the world in 80 days, and have been trying to be more consistent with my blog posts. Lately, I have been reading the novel, and really have been noticing a difference in retrospect from the other pieces of writing that I have read. When I say different, I mean not really in a way that is different like different kinds of writing, but in around the world in 80 days, it is much more different because it was written 142, which is almost 150 years ago. The writing style, is far different, due to the usage of words, and also I noticed that the kinds of technology are different. In Fahrenheit 451, (yay, more Fahrenheit... NOT!) all technology was advanced. in Around the world in 80 days, or most books by Jules Verne (not all, but most) it has outdated technology by today's standards. Many of his novels are steampunk, so some technology is futuristic. I'll definitely have to keep reading, the book is starting to pick up.

Blog Assessment

For this post, I have to analyze which post this trimester is my best written one. Quite honestly, my Krista Ramsey response was likely my best. here is a link: http://gavinsreadingblogmhs.blogspot.com/2014/04/krista-ramsey-article-response.html. This is my best article for many reasons. Firstly, It is my longest one, that speaks for itself. Second, even though I did not enjoy writing this one as much as my others, This is what seemed to be my most effective blog post. There were specific words and phrases that were distinct from my other posts. Much of my writing, or in this case, typing expressed my own words, rather than writing in a formal, professional format. one specific example of this is " I would have to ask, "what influences you to write articles about the subjects you have been recently making articles about?" or perhaps I could ask a question such as "where do you find your resources when you gather quotes?" lastly, I would have to ask her, "what kind of things do you enjoy writing about?" because no one likes documenting boring things." This entire section has several instances of my original personal voice,
and most of it is clearly the work of myself, because of its tone, expression, and many other aspects of my own writing.

In this blog article, there were several uses of diction and syntax, as I analyzed some in the blog post I was writing. One example of Syntax may include Punctuation, Sentence length, and Word order/ Sentence structure. In my article, I made good usage of both Punctuation, and sentence Length. One specific example of this is in this sentence: "This quote is not only a good length, but it has great sentence structure and vocabulary. These are great elements of syntax and diction. In addition, considering this is a quote, it is especially important, because the one who is saying this quote utilizes good syntax and diction in their speech. It is also not only informative, but also re enforces the emphasis of the importance of the subject in the article." What you just read is truly interesting, because I just analyzed syntax from a sentence analyzing syntax and diction. What is also proficient about this short paragraph is that it made good usage of having reasonably long sentences. In addition, it used correct punctuation.

Furthermore, According to my blog post, there were also several instances of good uses of Diction. Some examples of this may include, but are not limited to, Low/ Informal, Elevated/ Formal, Abstract/ Concrete, and Denotation/ Connotation. This article made good usage of Low and Informal Diction, as it did Elevated and Formal. As I have used this sentence as an example earlier in this blog post, " I would have to ask, "what influences you to write articles about the subjects you have been recently making articles about?" or perhaps I could ask a question such as "where do you find your resources when you gather quotes?" lastly, I would have to ask her, "what kind of things do you enjoy writing about?" because no one likes documenting boring things." this is a good example of Low and/ or Informal Diction, because it is used in a casual way, simply asking friendly questions. As for Elevated and/ or Formal Diction, this quote will work "I could not find either of the articles on this website, but I have the stories in a packet on paper. In my opinion, the best written line out of the two articles was from For better vision, kids need time outdoors. "When you use less and less of the peripheral retinal cells, less and less signal gets to the brain from that area and it gets less strong or goes away. So there may be more brain processing power dedicated to a task like watching a computer screen - but it may come at the cost of peripheral vision"" This quote has a quote within itself, and also has instances of Formal Diction, by utilizing professional sounding sentences.

At this point, I was supposed to complete at least 6 meaningful posts and have commented on at least 6 student blogs. At this point, I have completed 7, but only 5 or 6 of them are truly meaningful, depending on your point of view. Honestly, One or Two of them were fillers, or just a formal explanation of how I really needed a new book to read. On the other hand, at least 5 or more of them were meaningful and meet the requirements of the rubric. As for comments, I have only commented on 3 or 4 of the Student Blogs, which does not meet the standards of the requirements. Overall, My blog is well so far, but there is always room for improvement.

Around the world in 80 days progress, continued

I am utterly disappointed in my progress in this book I'm reading, not because it is not exciting, but just because I just haven't had any time to read. I'm experiencing the same vicious cycle of last trimester, because of my inability to make worthwhile blog posts. I always could quite possibly consider reading another book, but I did last time, and that didn't work too well either.

Krista Ramsey article response

During this week, I was to read two articles written by the journalist, Krista Ramsey. They were two completely different articles, but both with important messages.  The first article was about how kids are becoming nearsighted, and the cause may be because of flat screen devices. The second article is how major-league football players should wear formal attire when attending important events. Here is a link to the URL: http://www.cincinnati.com/search/krista%20ramsey/

I could not find either of the articles on this website, but I have the stories in a packet on paper. In my opinion, the best written line out of the two articles was from For better vision, kids need time outdoors. "When you use less and less of the peripheral retinal cells, less and less signal gets to the brain from that area and it gets less strong or goes away. So there may be more brain processing power dedicated to a task like watching a computer screen - but it may come at the cost of peripheral vision"

This quote is not only a good length, but it has great sentence structure and vocabulary. These are great elements of syntax and diction. In addition, considering this is a quote, it is especially important, because the one who is saying this quote utilizes good syntax and diction in their speech. It is also not only informative, but also re enforces the emphasis of the importance of the subject in the article.

Based on reading all 3 columns, Krista Ramsey has a very unique and distinctive writing technique. She is a very intricate writer and clearly puts much thought and effort into her articles. If I had the opportunity to ask her a few questions based on her writing, I would have to ask, "what influences you to write articles about the subjects you have been recently making articles about?" or perhaps I could ask a question such as "where do you find your resources when you gather quotes?" lastly, I would have to ask her, "what kind of things do you enjoy writing about?" because no one likes documenting boring things.

Around the world in 80 days, progress

So far in my new novel, Around the world in 80 days, I have making progress. Not quite as significant as I would have hoped to be, but nevertheless I'm making progress. As I hoped to read at least 50 paged, I managed to read a stunning 15. 15 pages, however, is better than zero. In the novel, I reached the part when Fogg and his friend get their passports and are on their way to India. Hopefully, during the holiday, I can manage to read a little more.

Time for a new book

Many people in my class, including myself, are very relived that we have finished reading Fahrenheit 451 in class. For those of you who have NOT read the book, I certainly will not give any spoilers. In fact, forget the book itself. No one really wants to discuss it anymore, so I will take it upon myself to start reading a new book. There are quite a few books I would like to start reading, and right now I'm starting to pick up where I left off in around the world in 80 days. I started to read the beginning in the first trimester, but then I got bored of it and decided to find another book (which did not work very well)

Hopefully, I can finish this book and not flake out like I did last time. It is a very good book, and I just need to read it enough until it picks up to the more exciting parts. After then, I'll probably finish the book pretty fast.

Fahrenheit 451

I have just finished Fahrenheit 451, and there's a lot to say about it. Over spring break, I read part 3 and finished the book, and part 3 was in my opinion far exceeded the interest level of the First two parts.

Without spoiling the ending, theres a lot to be said about the plot, and how I felt. When Montag loses it and burns Beatty with a flamethrower, I was quite frankly almost a little bit shocked. I thought at some point or another, Montag would take a stand, but not that drastic of a measure. If you want to know what happens, read the book yourself!

Final Blog Trimester 2

Over the Trimester, I have completed one blog for each week, and of course, I have in my opinion what is the best post. Here is a link to it (http://gavinsreadingblogmhs.blogspot.com/2013/12/right-now-im-reading-around-world-in-80.html#comment-form). Throughout my Blog posts, I shared with people about my reading experiences, and what I have been reading. in some of my blogs, I gave brief explanations of what I was reading, and other times, I asked people for suggestions of other books I could read. I analyzed the plot, and explained the synopsis of that part of the novel. As for characterization, The character I explained the most was Phileas Fogg, from Around the World in 80 Days. In my posts, I explained How he is a character of habit, lives peacefully, and how he starts his adventure. I was not able to post any themes, but I was able to understand which themes could correspond with what I was reading, such as "adventures can be unexpected", or "you never know when you can find new friends", which is popular among classics, such as this novel.

Over the trimester, I have struggled quite a bit with blogging. One area of ineptitude was not posting quality content throughout my blogs. In the next trimester, I plan to blog about more relevant topics, and also to find a book I can read throughout the entire trimester. I also plan to read good amounts by the blog due date, so I have enough relevant quality content. One strength of mine was keeping up with blog due dates, and also being able to relate to those who commented on my blog posts. I had one blog for every week, and I even took suggestions and gave feedback to commentators.

new book?

over the past 3 or 4 weeks, I clearly have not been making an effort to read around the world in 80 days. so I asked everyone for suggestions (considering this is a public blog, accessible by anyone in the world, I guess I did ask everyone). I got one from Emma M, who suggested "A Princess of Mars" by Edgar Rice Burroughs. Apparently, its a sci fi action adventure, and that sounds like something interesting.If any of you good people out there REALLY want me to read one of your favorite books, let me know in the comments, and I'll have to give it a read. keep in mind I am a pretty open minded person for the most part, so I'll probably read it anyway.

So it's been over a week since I last read around the world in 80 days. I'm greatly considering reading something else, because I really haven't had enough time. Then again, I started it so I may as well finish it. so far in the story, Phileas is just getting ready to start his "adventure", or really his trip around the world. I'll be doing everything in my power to read more throughout the week. If you have an book suggestions, let me know.

So in around the world in 80 days, I just haven't been as interested in the story as I hoped I would have. Im really considering reading another book, unless I suddenly Find myself able to read it again. If you have any suggestions on other books you thought were good or found interesting, let me know in a comment below

I think I may as well just stop reading around the world in 80 days, but from what I heard, it was a great read. So I'm torn, because I really don't know what to do. I could always skip a few pages, but that would kind of be cheating, and would defeat the purpose of reading it in the first place. so I might start a new book and get back to around the world in 80 days later.

I really feel like I haven't been reading too much lately. Probably because I really didn't have the time for it. I did have a little time to read around the world in 80 days, but I only read a few pages. In the upcoming week, I'll hopefully be able to elaborate a bit more on my next blog