Friday, February 7, 2014

Book Review

     "Immortality is a blessing, but also a curse from the Gods if you use it wrongly." Percy and his friends are sucked back into Camp Half-blood just in time for the Titans to try and raise Kronos (the Titan lord of time) up from the depths of the underworld. The characters changed dramatically throughout the book. Rick Riordan's The Titans Curse captured the full effect of mythological Gods and Titans in this enduring third book to the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series.
     Although the main character from the book is Percy Jackson, one of the Hunters of Artemis really hit home with me.  Zoe Nightshade, a lady that is much older than she looks, took the fierce love of a friend and being a Hunter to heart. "He is a boy, a son of Poseidon, we cannot trust him." She says this when she first meets Percy at the Westover Military Academy. She didn't really like men at all which caused her to join Artemis and the Hunters to swear away from a romantic relationship with any man. Zoe never depended on a boy or a man to protect her from anything, and that is one thing I admire about her no matter how tough things had gotten she never depended on Percy or Grover to save her. I myself have never been real fond of depending on anybody much less a guy, and I always try to do it myself before I even consider asking for help. Yet, Zoe changed toward the end of the book "Percy is a brave warrior for my lady, he may be a man after all." She changed from calling him a boy to a man, so her respect for Percy rose and got stronger.
   Furthermore, the Mountain they were on during the battle with the General was quite frightening. "The clouds swirled down over top the mountain, covering the peak, but I could still see the Goddess under the weight of the sky. Her skin was paler, and her eyes had gone faint as the darkness surrounded her." I can see the rocks forming out of the ground and the darkness of cave almost. The Goddess is Artemis "Her silver glow fading in and out as the sky crushes her body." The light from Artemis just sets it up for an intense battle scene between Atlas (the General Titan) and Zoe Nightshade fighting to the death "Atlas swung Zoe to the dark wall of rock where her body lay motionless."
     The Titans Curse is an action packed thriller with challenging scenes and important life long lessons on friendships and betrayals. This book is a really great read, but if you haven't read the first two I definitely recommend reading The Lightning Thief and The Sea of Monsters in that order, so it would make more sense. This is at the top of my recommendation list and if you do read The Titans Curse I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

Wednesday, January 29, 2014

Current Connection 3.2

In an article entitled, Living and Fighting Alongside Men, and Fitting in, Steven Myers emphasizes the impact females have had on the battle field. Contemplating the many aspects that have been brought to attention, women have changed the way battle is approached and the necessary requirements to go into battle. It is amazing how just having a woman on the battle field can change the whole perspective of the battle completely. 

In paragraph five Myers stated, " They have cultivated a new generation of women with a warrior ethos-and combat experience." Women have change their way of thinking once going into the army. They further their ability to think on the spot, to enhance their reflex abilities, and can greatly contemplate the best approach on the enemy possible. Greatly adding to the number of soldiers, women are an exquisite addition to the battle field. 

Myers also elaborates how far women have got in combat, " She commanded a Patriot air-defense brigade." Women are even being put above some men when it comes to giving orders. Some women are leading men into the battle field, becoming a great aspect to the battle as a whole. Women are becoming strong willed, determined, and capable of going into battle just as much as the man standing next to her. It is amazing how far these women have come. 

In this article he also stated, " Bri. Gen. Mary A. Legere, the director of intelligence for the American war effort. " This woman was a major role in the army. Not only did she bring a new viewpoint into perspective, she aided in making plans on where to go into battle.  Women everyday are just like Mary, helping in anyway they can, serving their country with the best of their ability. 

Women are constantly impacting the way things are being run. Once a women enters into the field the would game changes, and new additions are made. Women are consistently contributing to this country every second of everyday, and it is our job to remember these brave heroins for the many contributions they have made. 

Weather they  serve behind a desk or become part of the battle field, women having been greatly impacting this country everyday. With their viewpoints and ways of thinking, women bring a whole new level to what it means to become a soldier. 

     Steven Myers. Living and Fighting Alongside Men, and Fitting in. New York
         Times. 01/29/14.

Current Connection 3.1

In the article, Careers and Benefits for women in the Army, Alex Kecskes explains the many benefits that aid women veterans in our country. From the battle field to the office desk back at home, the army consistently helps women get back to their life before the combat with ease. As long as women serve, the benefits of jobs, and health benefits will stay in effect.

In the first paragraph Alex brings up an interesting fact by saying, " The army currently works with 250 companies who give preferential to women army veterans." Even though it may not seem like it, this is a huge benefit to many women serving in our nation. Giving many jobs easy to these brave women, this immense benefit makes the change of coming back to home life that much easier. Not only is this a major relief off the shoulders of these women, it can also benefit the family as well. 

Alex Kecskes brings up one of these jobs that women can obtain once back in the states, " As an example, should you decide to become an Air Traffic Controller for the army, you would undergo extensive training." With this kind of training, women are capable of getting a high paying job once back in the homeland. Getting payed greatly, the helps to get a job fast and help support their family as soon as possible. 

In this article he also stated, " On-going educational benefits include up to $81,756 to pay for college expenses." Not only does being a women in the army aid in getting a top notch job, it also let's them further their education in a field they so strongly desire.   It is amazing the impact that the army can have on a woman, but for serving her role in battle a woman can greatly benefit from this in a fantastic way. 

Women everyday are joining the army, reading to do their part and serve their people, their country. It only makes since that we give back to these women and do what is necessary to help them get back home, and get their home life back to the way it was. Thinking of these brave women, our country has set up these benefits with a loving heart, and wish to aid them as best we can. 

From getting that amazing job, to going to college to major in a field they desire, women who join the army have their life after the battle field set up for them on a silver platter. Thanks to these benefits we know that these women can come home with a happy heart, knowing they are secure for the rest of their life's. 

                         Alex Kecskes. Careers and Benefits for women in the Army.  
                             Career  Network. 01/29/14.

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Current Connection 2.1

In a recent article entitled, Things to consider before joining the U.S Military, it elaborates on the importance of making the right decision when it comes to joining the military. Asking questions such as: Are you committed to it? Are you willing to do what must be done in order to join? Many look at joining the military as a scary thought and stray away from this unheard of circumstance;however, many believe it is their right to aid in serving their country, and making our lives a little easier.


In this article by Kelly Kilpatrick she states, "once you have enlisted, you are under contract with the US government and getting out is no easy feature." Committing yourself fully, you are asked to remain with the military unless certain circumstances hinder you to. It is a scary thought to be trapped under such an iron grip, but in the long run it may be exactly what you need.

The article also states, " Think about what skills you would like to posses at the end of your term." Joining the military can be a very rewarding oppurtunity, leaving you with many skills in which you can carry with you throughout your everyday life. These skills may also aid in a career outside of the military, which in turn can give you the best of both worlds.

The article emphasizes the thought of joining the military by proclaiming, "wether it is working with computers, mechanics, or administrative duties, the military can provide you with the best training in a wide variety of areas. The military, a vast arrary of skills and techniques, a scary thought in the minds of many, is something to consider and can greatly benefit your life as a whole.

The article also states that you should know what you want to do for a job. Military jobs, just like regular jobs, are paid well depending on what rank you are. E-1 is the lowest paying, while officers are paid more. The military are scavengers, searching for the youngest and healthiest prey.

Thursday, October 17, 2013

Current Connection 1.1

In a recent article by Education in America Hawaii Expands Preschool Opportunities, Govenor Abercrombie is increasing the attendance in preschool. "60 percent of the kindergarten classes in Hawaii had a majority of students who were unprepared for school." Students are not ready for kindergarten unless they go to preschool.
Govenor Abercrombie states "Hawaii is one of the 11 states without a government-funded preschool program." Less than 60 percent of students attend preschool and the kids are suffering. It is not fair to the students;they are not ready for actual school. This causes their mind not to explore as far as it can and this hurts them more and more.
"A child who enters kindergarten without first attending preschool may not have the prerequisite knowledge for success in school, and may be less likely to have the necessary social and behavioral skills." Also, without social skills a student is less likely to make friends and will be an outcast by him or herself. This hurts them in knowledge and friend wise and they should go to preschool.
"This ensures that students are prepared to kindergarten ready to learn."States Governer Abercrombie. Willing and able students is what this country needs to inhance our ablilities and prepare them for the real world.
I started preschool late and I was extremely awkward in my kindergarten class. I had no friends and sat by myself. It was a very lonely time.
So, students should attend preschool at the earliest time possible if they can.

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

My Reading Bucket List


A Time to Kill by John Grisham

I've seen the movie "A Time to Kill" with Matthew McConaughey, Samuel L. Jackson, and Sandra Bullock. I thought that it was a spectacular movie with the mystery of whether or not ‘Carl Lee Hailey’ will be put in the gas chamber for killing the two men who beat and raped his daughter.



Going Bovine by Libba Bray
Sometimes I wish that I could do the bare minimum and get through life like Cameron wants to. The fact that Cameron is sick and is going to die makes me want to read it even more. Sorry if it is a little weird, but that is more or less what I like to read. I want to know if the girl that told him there is a cure is right and see if Cameron is able to live.
 
 
The Broker by John Grisham
John Grisham has written many good books and I have and plan on continuing to read them. The mystery in this is not how he escaped, but who will kill him. The CIA is going to warn the Israelis, the Russians, the Chinese, and the Saudis. I want to know what happens to the federal prisoner and why he needs to be killed.
 
The Battle of Jericho by Sharon M. Draper
I’ve never been asked to pledge for an organization or anything of the sort, so I’m guessing it is a really big honor to be able to. Then I here of all the things the kids have to do these idiotic things to make fools out of themselves and Jericho sounds like he is about to be one of them. I want to know why he would put up with it and why he doesn’t get out.
 
The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
My friend’s cousin has cancer and this really spoke to me. It reminds me more or less of the movie my sister’s keeper, when the girl with cancer meets the boy in the cancer center.  I get really intrigued by stories like this because they show me what I don’t want to see.



How to Save a Life by Sara Zarr

I feel like I understand Jill. When I lost my Grandpa I really kept to myself and stayed in my bed room most the day. If my mom was like mandy's mom I could understand where she is coming from, but I don't. I don't understand when parents don't care what their children do and when they don't get disiplined.


The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

When Katniss Everdeen's sister's, Prim, name is drawn out of the Girl's bowl for girl tributes she is devestated. She quickly volunteers for Prim's spot. From district twelve, Katniss and a boy named Peeta, are sent to the capital of Panem to fight to the death against 22 other teens. And only one comes out...alive.



Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling
Harry, Hermione, and Ron have been on many adventures together and succeded on many of them, but they are about to find out that Voldemort has been able to live a long life because of Horcruxes. Now they have to find all six of them and destroy them before he discovers what they are after.



The Lost Hero by Rick Riordan
Jason doesn't remember anything prior to the bus ride he is on where one girl is claiming to be his girlfriend and another boy is claiming to be his bestfriend. He has a gift where he can call on the sky God Zeus for lightning but is it really Zeus that he is calling on or a diferent set of Gods?



Battle of the Labryinth by Rick Riordan
Percy Jackson is the son of the sea God, Posidon, but the evil time Titan Kronos has found a way to get into Camp Half-Blood. Through the Labryinth that Dadelus built, but can Percy, Annabeth, and Grover find a way to stop him?





 
 
 
 
 

Thursday, April 19, 2012

Forgiveness is not possible

I am on the Titanic, sinking, sinking. I erupt out of the water, the captains dead body floats up beside me. I begin beating it screaming "How could you do this to us?!? Why didn't you just listen when they sent out the ice warnings!?! I'm going to die now, my family, my friends, they are all gone because of you." My body is frozen I can not move any more so whisper to the body, " May God have mercy on your soul, because I will never forgive you."  My limit of forgiveness is gone, and the darkness grows as I fall into the deep blue.