The Color That Represents Me (8/26)

The color that represents me is blue because it is the most similar to me than any other color. Blue is associated with depth and stability. It symbolizes trust, loyalty, wisdom, confidence, intelligence, faith, truth, and heaven. I try to fulfill these expectations to my greatest ability everyday and although sometimes I might not exceed to these great standards I strive as much as possible. I hope blue is the color that represents me because the characteristics it symbolizes are great qualities.

Autobiographical Narrative Final Draft

Joseph B.
7/6/11
Priester
Autobiographical Narrative
Final Draft

Comprehension of Maturity

In the typical American family the kids treat their mothers with disrespect, they take advantage of their family and they don't know how good they have it. Unfortunately, I have been departed from my mother since I was two years old. Due to my unfortunate circumstances I have had the chance to build a close relationship with my brothers and my sister. I am currently living with a foster family and my brother. My other brother was separated from us and is in a group home. Our whole family has been mixed up and corrupted but I will continue to strive for one big normal family again. I am now thirteen although I haven’t seen my mom since I was eleven. To see my mother would be one of the greatest gifts I could have ever received, so I thought.

It is 5:30 p.m. and I just finished packing my bags and my sister, Monique pulls up in the driveway. She drove all the way from L.A. to pick me and my brother up from City Heights in San Diego. She walked to the door and knocked frantically. She was sweating and you can tell she was stressed out and on a mission. She had her hair up in a bun, and she had on sandals, jeans and a shirt. We loaded the car with our bags and said goodbye to our foster family. As my sister started the car she stated that she found our mom’s old number and she called it. Some man answered and said she lived a couple streets down from that house which happened to be a couple blocks away from my foster home. It was a great coincidence and I was ecstatic about the fact that I was about to see my mother. It had been so long, I was very nervous.

We were driving for approximately ten minutes and we went to my mother’s original house. The man who answered the phone directed us to her new living space. I say living space because this “home” was a mess. It was on a one way street which we had to learn the hard way and almost got hit driving the wrong way. The house was surrounded by a fence with mounds of junk piled across the yard. There was a broke down car in the driveway and in front of the stairs that lead into the house. Behind the fence were two dogs. One pit-bull and a husky dog with only three legs and I was not about to knock. My sister yelled for my mother and some guy with no legs dragged himself out to the yard. We asked for our mother and he went inside to get her and came back out in his wheelchair. He moved the dogs and my mother ran towards us. I felt so happy when she came out. She hugged my family and when she hugged me I stopped and stared at her for a minute. She was skinny, dark, she had short hair, and she had craters and bumps on her face because of all the drugs she had been using. A feeling of sorrow swept my mind because a picture of her popped up in my mind of when she was young and I was only a year old. She was beautiful and now she was some tom-boy living with a guy with no legs and probably high as I stood there. I ignore my thought and hug her. She squeezes me and tells me she loves me and I believe her. She talked to my brother and me as we were still young, but I was used to it because she does it every time we see each other. We all stood there talking when my sister got the idea that she should take our mother with us, so she can maybe rest and get her stuff together. I loved the idea and was totally for it. We told our mother to get her stuff so she walked over to the neighbors; some closed down store, and grabbed two huge white trash bags. All these little things she did and how she was living angers me a little more inside every time and I know this is not what she deserves. It almost makes me cry every time I think of her and what she deserves for creating such a special family. She deserves the world, but besides the fact, she loaded all of her bags in the trunk and back seat. We were squeezed but we didn’t mind. We pulled out the drive way and Mom asked if she can stop by the store because she was thirsty.

It was now 5:30 p.m. and we drove to the store. I followed her in and asked if she could buy me a Dr. Pepper, and she said, “Yea I’ll bring it to the car.” As Mom walked out she emptied most of a can of squirt, poured a little bottle of vodka in it, and downed the whole thing. As my mother entered the car she and my sister argued about the alcohol. We started to drive and my mom started tripping. I would try to avoid slang, but I don’t know another way to explain it. We were all joking and I said something to her and she looked back and started laughing. I too started laughing and then she had a blank stare and started saying something in Spanish. Her face showed emotion in each word. Her mouth was shaping every letter and her face seemed so strong. Although the only words I can make out are a couple cuss words and God. Then she started laughing so I too joined her, and then she started speaking Spanish again. Well, at least I think it was Spanish because she was mumbling it so low it was hard to comprehend. I was shocked because after all we’ve been through and after an hour of seeing each other she cusses me out. I didn’t know how to react I just sat there. My sister also realized what was happening and I could tell she did not know what to do either. Then as we drove my sister noticed we were going the wrong way because she was so nervous and she wasn’t paying attention. My mother then was almost massaging Monique’s neck with one hand and Monique told her that we were going to head back. Mom didn’t like what she said and sort of pushed her head which made her neck jerk forward. It is hard to explain but it was also very shocking. I was crying because I didn’t know what else to do. My mother was so strange I felt as if something was wrong with her and now she laid her hand on my sister. My sister also started crying so she pulled over at a McDonald's. Everyone, but she and Mom left the car so they could talk. My mother was continuously touching Monique and then throwing her off of her. As they were hugging for about ten minutes my sister gestured us to almost help her because they were hugging for so long. We stepped in and they stopped. I guess they spoke about taking Mom back home or about her drinking but whatever it was she understood. We parked across the street from our mom’s house this time so we would not get hit and we all got out. We had to jay-walk and everybody ran except my mother. My mother just walked and as she did a bus was coming. My mother didn’t mind it and she casually kept walking although we were are yelling and telling her to hurry. As the bus came to a screeching stop a couple feet away from my mom all she did was spit at it and kept walking. It was terrifying. We gave her her bags and said goodbye. I knew that this was the best thing to do because my mom wasn’t the same mom I saw two years ago. I believe the drugs have a big part in her actions, but it doesn’t change what she did. I almost think that it was my fault because I vouched for her to join us and whatever anyone else said I would not change my mind. I wanted her to change and I thought that this was a great opportunity, but then again she is about forty-two so she has had many of those. I don’t know why, but I thought something was different.

Now it’s about 7:30 p.m. and we all loaded in the car. We were silent at first, with blank stares and then we slowly started talking about the situation. We ended up being hungry and we ate fast food. We all continued talking and ended up going off topic. The rest of the ride I enjoyed because all we did was talk and enjoy each other’s presence. We ended up driving until 10:30p.m., but I was still sad. I didn’t show it, I just sat there with no look of expression on my face, but not really all there. I was mainly thinking. Just thinking of my mom and wondering how my mother could act like this. Just sitting there asking myself and then I came to realize that it’s her morals. Her motivation is absent, her reason is gone, and why should she change? She has come to realize what took me 13 years to comprehend. The comprehension was maturity that basically settles my useless hopes. They are only useless due to the fact that they will never occur. Until that night I wouldn’t let go of my mother.

That is only because since I was young I always had a thought or that little, naive hope that my mother would be able to take us back. My visit with her only matured myself mentally and I grew on that experience, taking advantage of any opportunity that arrives to succeed and grow. I was surprised with my visit with my mother, it turned out different than I had expected. I was sad, although I sat there and thought. I thought how at first I still had hope of being able to have a normal life with my mother and brothers, but afterward I saw my mother and she showed me different. I realized how she would never really be in my life as support or as a real mother and I moved on. She will always be my mother, but I know I will emancipate from the system because I am 18, and not because I’m going to live with her. I now see myself heading towards a university and success I probably couldn’t do that if I didn’t let go of my past. This is the definite example of “everything happens for a reason.”

Narrator Assessment Project

Narrator on Prezi

Autobiographical Narrative Graphic Organizer

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"Marigolds" Before You Read: Moving into Adulthood

There are many fears experienced as youth enter adult life. One big issue most kids call senioritis. This is so because as seniors are about to graduate they get super stressed and scared. These symptoms as a senior are what most kids now a day call senioritis. Other than academics young-adults have to deal with the real world. With real bills, and budgets. Now kids have to manage their money with bills, food, and personal items. All these responsibilities are faced as a young adult enters the adult life. They are stressful and challenges, but they are do-able and are done every day.

"The Cask of Amontillado" Content Paragraph: Evaluating the Narrator

The story is from a crazy man's point of view. The main reason why I say he's crazy is because he thinks it is o.k. to kill someone because that someone insulted him. This crazy man is also the narrator. Due to his problems I think he can and does change the story to make it sound more appropriate but still at the criteria of his mentality. So basically a psycho is telling a story, he's bias, and he exaggerates. Due to all of these reasons I do not trust the narrator, Montresor. Montresor should not tell another story again.

"The Cask of Amontillado" Graphic Organizer

Plato Lesson for Plot, Setting, and Character

I DID THEM ALL!!

"The Cask of Amontillado" Before You Read: Revenge (2)

Revenge is like hatred's cousin. The act of anger or despise can be considered revenge due to its intentions. The main intention of revenge is for the opponent to suffer. I have never heard of a happy angry person and this is why I believe revenge enters from mixed feelings. What I'm trying to say is no one happy has ever committed an act of revenge. Revenge is the negative way of getting back for all the negative feelings given by the opponent. It is never okay to seek revenge, because one who seeks revenge is blinded by anger and will not see the truth, only what he/she thinks of the situation.

Plot Assessment Project

Stomp The Yard on Prezi

Character Assessment Project

"The Interlopers" Plot Diagram

"The Interlopers" Plot Diagram

"The Interlopers” Content Paragraph: Another Point of View (P.1)

I stay pinned against dirt and rocks. I feel my ribs touching under the giant tree. All I really see are leaves and dirt and I try pushing the giant stump off of me. When I was almost at defeat I recall saving a bit of alcohol in my pocket. I offer some to Goerg knowing he is in the same situation I am about 3 feet away from me. He denies it with a disgust look on his face. I drink the rest and then realize the ignorant feud we are having is unnecessary. I look at Goerg and he is in pain. We quarrel about whose group will get here first and proclaim they will kill one another. I then tell Goerg that I give up. I said that this feud is ridiculous and should never be spoken of again. We both agree to be eternal friends and we decide to call for help. We both scream and yell and finally about 7 or 8 figures appear a couple yards away. Goerg says it is my group because his group was smaller. And as I look on I see whiskers. Not only whiskers, but teeth and red eyes. I look over to Goerg about as pale as snow and tell him that those figures are not my group. Those are wolves.

“Marigolds” Post Character Analysis Paragraph

The narrator and character in "Marigolds" is Lizabeth. Lizabeth has matured as she grew older. She tells of her childhood life and how she has learned from dumb mistakes but great experiences. Lizabeth is very sympathetic and is shown when in the book states, "And I too have planted marigolds." She was the leader of her friends which shows popularity and how she presents herself. This character also had many internal problems and they were expressed when she decided to smash all of Ms. Lottie's Marigolds. Also, the way she reacted showed her regret and her discipline. Lizabeth grew older and fonder of other people's feelings and most likely grew her own marigolds for Ms. Lottie.

"The Interlopers" Before: Family Feud (prompt 1)

Many feuds are expressed in society today. The basic definition is long-lasting hostility usually between families or groups. An example would be gangs. Bloods and Crips have always rivaled and have always being hostile towards one another. This is so only because the color they represent and wear. Although it is quite stupid it has been going on for many years. I wasn't even born when this feud began. Although, the colors only started the representation of where they live. Most gang members’ bang where they are from or where they grew up rather than just the color that represents the area. I myself am not a participant in any feuds and I plan on keeping it this way.

Narrator & Voice Summary of Content Mini Project

Summer School Spelling Words Week 2 - Dirt

"Marigolds" Character Avatar

Eugenia W. Collier

She retold the story so vivid as if it were yesterday, which shows this event has really effected her. After she has matured and grew older she showed her sympathy when she planted her own marigold garden. Eugenia was also very emotional due to her childhood, which is expressed in her story. She was obviously pore because she didn’t have any shoes and the area she lived sounded like a ghetto desert.

"Thank You Ma'm" Character Graphic Organizer

"Thank You M'am" Character Comparison Paragraph

I knew a kid also named Joseph and he reminded me of Roger. This is so because they both stole from stores and they were both burnt. Another words they were not slick. My friend Joseph was caught stealing shoes from J.C. Penny's. I was with him and I told him to leave, but he decided he really wanted the shoes just as Roger did. Although I wasn't practicing what I preached, that day when he was caught I learned my lesson also. I realized how useless stealing was, and I am glad I did at such a young age.

"Thank You M'am" Before You Read: Going Gets Tough

The cliche; when the going gets tough, the tough gets going almost makes no sense. I understand the point of the phrase which basically states that when life or an event is getting difficult or unfair then your conscious or something inside you sparks that knows you need to push harder. It is almost as a negative motivation that brings positive things. There is truth to this because as we all have experienced this pinch of motivation which I believe is created from ones roots. Basically their foundations or their past. There is no way to prove this but everyone is effected in some way due to their past. I think it is almost a guard put up when the going gets tough. When someone is stressed it is almost all mentally so when someone pushes mentally they will succeed. It is almost logic, but the quote should be restated.

Character Lesson

Character Project on Prezi

Vocab. Wordle

“The Most Dangerous Game” Plot Change

If I was General Zaroff I would do a couple things different. Although he invented this evil game with no nice intentions at all, it makes since why the General gave Rainsford a chance. All that did was basically prolong the evil game and Rainsford's death. All it did was teach Rainsford what not to do. I think if I was General Zaroff I would have killed him the first day when I seen him. Another thing I would've done differently is going home. If these changes occurred the plot might not have been interesting although these decisions I made were to win and not to make a book, but there would've been more hunting. And if there is more hunting then this is also interesting and I either would have had a really short or really long rising action.

"Dog Star" Chronological Order of Flashback Paragraph

Using any literary device can help a book, story, or any text in general. For example, in the story "Dog Star" they used flashback. If not interesting, using flashback, makes the story just so much better. In my opinion, as long as it makes sense then it's better than chronological order. I believe chronological order can be a boring plot. In the book when the astronomer was depressed, he remembered all the nice things that he and the dog shared together. If the book would have just said it in chronological order it would have been a horrible plot for the story. I am glad the book used flashback.

’Dog Star’ in Chronological Order

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Summer School Plan

I have simple goals for summer school. I plan on going to school. Second I plan on doing all the class work. Third I plan on ignore distractions and try as hard as possible. Fourth I am going to do all my homework. If and when I follow these basic goals I am just going to fly right through the classes. I plan on taking these unnecessary classes and just moving on to my wonderful summer. These plans are basic, successful, and easy. I am actually not looking forward to summer school, but it is what it is and I just have to strive.

"Dog Star" Before You Read: Special Animal (A)

I am an animal person myself, and tend to like dogs a lot. I kind of feel sympathetic for them so I always care for them. For example, on my street there was a pit bull owned by a horrible owner. It wasn't mean but it just sat in its yard. One day I went to pet it and it started eating my chips that were in my hand. I realized it was hungry so I brought it some left over, and I did this for several months. During these months I also owned 8 dogs myself and two of them were stray that my family and I kept. I was also close to these dogs, just as I was to my other dogs in the past.

"The Dangerous Game" Plot Diagram

"The Most Dangerous Game" Plot Diagram on Prezi

Plot Lesson

Priester summa school on Prezi

"The Most Dangerous Game" Before You Read Fascinating Villain Paragraph

My favorite villain is from the movie "Batman the Dark Knight." The character's name is Joker. This villain is intelligent, funny, and so insane he totally fits the villain character. Another words his role in the movie as a clown and a bad guy was totally full-filled. All of his schemes were planned out perfectly and done with precise measurements. Not only is the Joker evil but when he speaks and is in the act of a scheme he laughs and jokes and also has fun. All of Jokers tactics and plans are very intelligent and he is a great villain.

Portfolio - Improvement

Over the past two years I have made many improvements in my social and academic life. I have been taught many rules within grammar that I was not aware of before. Since I have been in high school I have also been taught greater vocabulary which helps me write better. I have always been able to read well, but since I have attended S.P.A. it has gotten better. I am able to read more sufficiently and with emotion, rather than before when I was shy. Another thing that I have improved is my speaking skills. I have done many exercises. For example, ten second sound off and we do that almost every day. This helps my public speaking and it helps my insecurity of speaking aloud. My group-working skills before high school were a bit different because as years went on I learned to strive. And I learned to work as a team and give other people chances to strive. One more thing high school has impacted for the past two years is my tech. skills. Technology was not my main focus and/or it wasn’t available where I lived. In elementary school I was the student that would help the other kids with their computer games and teaching them how to turn it on and what not. Although these are the basics I believe that this is why technology comes easy for me to understand. I am glad high school is offering such great knowledge on such a topic that will affect us our whole life. Technology is the future. I have obviously changed over the past two years, but all these improvements I totally give credit to S.P.A.

Portfolio - Future

My future is a blur of goals, dreams and needs. All I want is success for my family and me. If I’m not successful my family won’t be. I understand that money does not make the world go round but it certainly does make life easier. I was told to strive, strive in life. But I believe if I can eliminate as much dilemmas and obstacles as possible, why not? If my life can be easier then why not avoid those problems and focus on the real ones that impact my life. For example, money. I can be happy without money, but I think money can make me even happier. This is so because then my blood family will have money, and my own wife and kids will have money. It won’t be an issue and if there ever is an issue I’d rather be because something happened in life that was unfortunate only because it is only normal for life to do so. What I want is a future in something I am interested in, make great money, and have extra hobbies on the side. It is very complicated to see such a successful future that consists of fame, wealth and fun. I want to be known for the good I do. I want my family’s life to be easy. I want a lot so it’s going to take a lot to get there.

To view a list of all my schools click the link below:
http://bit.ly/iiucRb

Playwrights Project Play Performance Paragraph

During the performances I felt astonished. Almost inspired but sympathetic. The one word that describes how I felt was touched. One of the most amazing stories I heard was Tierra's playwright. It was sad and depressing. Or when I heard mine, although I have not experienced these things, I realized how heart-braking it must be to live such an unfortunate life. And how Destiny's playwright impacted other viewers in the audience just shows how real these things are. Everybody has their story and once you put it into a movie, book, or in this case a play it reveals the depth of its reality. Everyone in this place has had it bad, but always know that someone else had it worse.

End of Year Reflection – Greatest High School Achievement

My greatest high school achievement is achieving a 4.0 in third quarter. I tried so hard and I actually succeeded. This is a great example that what ever you put your mind to you can do. I devoted my time, effort and energy into my academics and it paid off, literally. Especially since everyone who got a 4.0 received $200.00. When I attended the awards ceremony I wasn't sure if I was going to receive an award for a 4.0. I was still second guessing my grade in one class. I went to the auditorium where they were holding the ceremony and I was nervous. When they announced my name I knew that I achieved my goal. I was excited and happy. Now I need to continue doing so.

Portfolio - My Educational Experiences

Due to my educational experiences, I am currently succeeding in school. I have had a great foundation which has started me off great. I attended Laurel Elementary school in Whittier California. At this school I pushed hard but only because I was pushed by others. I believe this school had a great impact on my qualities and the people around me were even more greater. If I didn't attend this school my whole view of school would have been different. For middle school I mostly attended Pershing Middle School. This school is where I found myself and although academic wise it was sort of a set back it was a great influence on my social life. I was the president and Pershing Middle and it was nothing but positive for me. The last school that has had a great reflection on my life is this school, San Pasqual Academy. This school is a bit corrupt due to administration and student's view and opinions but none of that matters when it comes down to my grades. All that matters is my diploma, and I have the incentives of a car and many scholarships. I plan to take advantages of these opportunities with full force. All these schools shaped who I am in school right now. To view my academic timeline click the link below:

bit.ly/jp9dNa

End of Year Reflection – Greatest High School Obstacle

I have had many dilemmas and obstacles the last two years of high school. The reason for this because my hardest obstacle continuously happens. This obstacle is controlling my social and my academic life. The time schedule is quite rough and I love having my social time. I have gotten better with controlling my actions and managing my time, but it still affects me. If I could give any advice to the next class it would be to manage their time wisely and not to procrastinate as I do. It will help in the long run because that was my biggest obstacle in my high school years.

Week In 18 Years

Free Post

So today was full of drama. Girls fighting girls, and people talking about it, stretching the truth, and all of this other drama. It's so unnecessary that it identifies immaturity and it's just plain pointless. I try to stay away from stuff like this because unlike other people who claim to hate drama and still participate in it, I don't. I am not saying anyone in particular but in general. Well I didn't let that phase me or my day. And I ended up finishing the class work.

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Playwrights Project Play Completion Reflection

I feel very confident now that my play is done. For example, I know that I have edited my paper, and many others edited my paper, so I am positive it is almost perfect. Also, the emotion and devotion put in the play was from the heart so I know that my play is real and bad things like this are unfortunate and occur. It's a shame how life can be twisted, but put all these things in a play and it is inspiring. Well at least I thought it was. That's why I am so comfortable with knowing that my play is legit. If my play was published and performed professionally every week I will feel accomplished. And I would know the kid whose story it is will feel great because he knows people actually care for such misfortune lives.

SPA Prom 2011

Prom was on Friday the 20th. This was the same day as my brothers birthday. At first I wasn't going to go, but I ended up going. My tuxedo that I ordered was messed up and they delivered me a pink vest. I had to rush to the mall and buy suspenders because I decided I didn't want to wear a vest. They cost $60.00 but I guess it was worth it. Then it we all left. I think the fact that this year the genders were separated by buses is a bit ridiculous, but then again I understand. At prom they had a photo booth, and we all took many pictures. Then we ate very delicious food. After we ate the prom court was announced and other awards were given out. I won an award for best shoes. Everyone danced for a couple more hours and it was alright. I thought last year's prom was more fun, but I can't complain.

Kids in the Mud Scene

• Characters: Sarah: Chris' older sister, 7, brat, loving
Chris : Sarah's younger brother, 5, naive, whines a lot.

• Setting: In the backyard sandbox, at 3:30 p.m., right in front of the garage.

• At Rise: Chris and Sarah are laying in the sandbox getting all dirty.

Chris:
Sis, I want to be the bad guy!

Sarah:
O.k. Fine, but I'm the princess the good guys save.

Chris:
Ahhh! I'm going to get you!

Sarah:
Help good guys! Help!

Chris:
Haha, never!

Sarah:
I don't want to play no more. I want to play with the hose again. Then we can jump back in the sandy. Hahaha

Chris:
I want water too!

Sarah:
Okay come play with me Chris.

Chris:
Yay!

Sarah:
Turn it on brother!

Summarize, Paraphrase, and Quote Peers’ Posts

Summary <- This is a summary of Yajaira’s blog post titled, Comment-Seeking Post. To access the full post, click here : http://orozcoyaya.blogspot.com/2011/05/comment-seeking-post.html
Best friends are hard to come by. Best friends are friends who are willing to sit down and listen. They are the ones that are going to be there no matter what happens. Best friends should never lie and have no secrets. I never took the easy way because then I will never learn from my mistakes. Over all friends is for ever while people are for notes and information.

Paraphrase <- This is a paraphrase of a section of It’s All About Nora's blog post title, Comment-Seeking Post. To access the full post, click here: http://itsallaboutnora-sam.blogspot.com/2011/05/comment-seeking-post.html
Basically Destiny had a bad today. She had some serious problems so she just left to be with herself. Someone else accompanied Destiny, and they both got restriction for it. She realized why it is fair that I got restriction, but Destiny am glad that it was settled. But tomorrow she will get everything done that she missed.


Quote <- This is a quote of a section of Destiny’s blog post titled Comment-Seeking Post. To access the full post, click here : http://dessyl.blogspot.com/2011/05/comment-seeking-post.html
"Bipolar is a brain disorder that causes unusual shifts in mood, energy, activity levels, and the ability to carry out day-to-day tasks."

Quote, Summary, or Paraphrase Paragraph

Welcome students! Today, I am going to teach you about the difference of three key terms. These terms are evidence, summarize, paraphrase, and quote. Evidence is text you will find in a reliable source that will help to answer your focus question. You summarize evidence when it is a long selection of text, such as multiple sentences or an entire paragraph. To summarize you retell the main ideas of the text using fewer words. You quote evidence when it is a short and very specific section of text that you need to copy exactly to keep its meaning. To use a quote you copy the text exactly as it appears and put quotation marks around it. You paraphrase evidence when it is a short ans simple selection of text that you easily put in your words. To paraphrase you retell the ideas using your own words. To help you remember this, you should study every night and even come up with a study guide to remember.

Research Paper Word Cloud

Research Paper Tagul

Comment-Seeking Post

Basketball is a great sport that contains many great athletes. My favorite basketball teams, of course repping L.A. are the Lakers. The Lakers are in the second round of the playoffs playing against the Mavs. The Mavericks are an alright team, but should not of won the first game of the second series. This game got me frustrated, a lot! Other than my favorite team which have won 2 consecutive championships in a row and 12 others in the past. Kobe has five of those rings. The M.V.P. for this year is Derrick Rose, the starting point guard from the Bulls. Rose is a sophomore in the NBA, and is doing fantastic. I would trade him for Derrick Fisher any day. Although this year the player with the highest leading points is Kobe Bryant with an average of 36 points a game. The leader with rebounds is Dirk Nowitzki for the Mavericks, with an average of 14. And for assists it would be the Kidd, who also plays for the Mavericks, with an average of 11. Playoffs are exciting, and truthfully I would want the Bulls to meet us Lakers at the playoffs. And at the end Kobe will have as many rings as Jordan. Now that is victory!

President Obama’s Big Announcement

To learn about Osama bin Laden’s death, I read, [http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704436004576299463704074984.html], and learned that the U.S. killed Osama Bid Laden, one of the biggest terrorists that bombed the U.S. First, US troops participated in a small helicopter-borne strike team and conducted a raid on, to soon to be found, Osama Bid Laden's lair. Two helicopters landed that day. Next, they found Osama and practically had a gun fight. Then it happened, a participant in the American's Special Forces shot Mr. Bid Laden in the head. Great shot if you ask me. Finally, the terrorist was buried at sea in a Muslim ceremony. Now, I understand the true death of one of the greatest and horrid legend in the U.S.

Now that I have read/watched the news, I predict the Muslim nation will be very angry and upset at the U.S. One thing I predict is more terrorist attacks in honor of Osama Bid Laden. Think this will happen because it seems like the reasonable consequence due to revenge of the Muslims. Another thing I predict is death of higher officials, but not the president. I think this will happen because this is a great tactic of terrorism along with spying and more. I hope this nonsense settles down because although this was a smart move for the U.S. it was also a move that opened many doors and anger for the Muslim world.

Posters in the Hall

I don't think that the students who posted Caucasian's quotes on our wall are wrong, but simply instinctive. By that I mean they decided all the best quotes that actually meant something to them were said by Caucasians. This might be different to someone else because meaning is totally opinionated, although it might be offensive to others. This is where the judging enters and as we all know judging may cause dilemmas, rather than just taking it for what it is and built on if there is a problem. So this act was neither right nor wrong. It was what it was and is what it is.

Playwrights Project Scene 1 for Feedback

Joseph B.

per. 4

4/21/11

Why Me?

Characters: Demetri Douglas Ybarra - Mexican, 9 yrs. old, short black hair, heavyset, independent, also known as D

Elizabeth Rose - Beautiful, White, D’s mother,

Dr. Jeffer - Deep voice, almost apologetic

Rosa - foster mother of Demetri, not a major character, Mexican lady, in her 30’s, red and black hair.

Officer Greg - White male, in his uniform, black facial hair, 5’11, deep voice

Setting: In the living room, it’s about 3:30 p.m., sunny day
At Rise: D is at the door just about to enter from school as the phone rings. he is wearing his backpack and after hears the phone rushes to the phone. The living room is one of the biggest rooms of the house.
Background: D’s father has been in the hospital due to his cancer. D has a close relationship with his father and is upset that mother Elizabeth wont let D see his dad. Elizabeth won’t let him visit his father because he is just getting worse and she doesn’t want D to see him looking like that. This does cause a bit of conflict, but is the best for everyone.

D:

[D is on the other side of the door. There is a sound of keys and as D is opening the dorr the phone rings. ]

Oh snap!

[D runs through the door rushing to the phone.]

Hello?

Dr. Jeffer:

[Has a deep, apologetic tone to his voice.]

Hello is this the Ybarra residence? This is Dr. Jeffer.

D:

[Confused look on his face]

Oh yes, yes sir. This is D, Mr. Ybarra is my dad. How is he doing? Is he o.k.?
Dr. Jeffer

[Same voice]

Well, actually that is what I called to talk to talk about. But, is there anyone else I can talk to? Your gaurdian or someone along those lines, because you do know information about a patient is confidential.

D

No, but I am his son sir.

Dr. Jeffer

Well son, I am so sorry to tell you this, but your father past about five minutes ago. Please notify your mother and again son I apologize for your loss.

D

[In awe, and then blows up and throws the phone. The phone complete shatters and a piece cuts his arm.]

…

No!
Dr. Jeffer

[sympathetic, but not able to finish his sentence.]

Wai...............

D

[Angry, he doesn’t like to cry, but since no one wherre a couple tears rolled down his cheeck.]

No! Why? God, why? Dad I love you, don’t die please don’t die...

[Wipes his tears and sits on the couch]

God why did you take my father away from me? Huh? You have no reason I want him, I miss him already!

[He stands up, his blood smeared with blood and tears. D grabs his backpack and storms to his room.]

THIRTY MINUTES LATER...

Elizabeth

[She just came home from work, exhausted. Then she walks in to his room with D sitting on his bed with a blank stare]

D! D are you home? D? Oh hey, I guess you heard?

D

Why mom, why? I couldn’t at least see him once?

Elizabeth

He was just getting worse sweetie, I didn’t want you to see him like that.

D

[Angy tone in his voice]

That’s my dad, I think I am old enough to choose if I want to see him! He’s dead now mom! Dead....

Elizabeth

Don’t raise your voice at me son it was for your own good! We all are suffering of your father’s loss!

D

[Left the room after he spoke]

Well now he’s gone Mom, but at least you got to see him right?

Elizabeth

[she sinks her head into her arms and cries.]

What could I add to this scene to make it better?
	More details
	More dialogue
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	Less dialogue
	Any more suggestions? Please comment my post!
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Testing Tips, Strategies, and Plays Reflection

I am super nervous about the CST's that everyone has to take. Although I know many steps and ways to answer a question I don't know, I think there will be too many questions that like that in History and Biology. I hope I do well in English, and I know I will do well in Math. If there was a way to study I would, but I hope I just don't stress out during the tests. Other than that everything is O.K. I will try my hardest and do as best as I can do, what else can I do?

"Testing Tagul."

"Testing Tagul."

My Feelings about the Upcoming CSTs

I know California State Testing is big test for a student and their school. They are BIG and SCARY! I'm my previous tests I always scored high in mathematics. I was always above in English, and I am not afraid for this year's test. This year I am worried about the science portion of these tests. I don't think I have prepared myself all year as I have all my other classes. I know these test scores are looked at when applying for colleges, but I hope that I do good on all of them. I am very nervous, but maybe I can do something to prepare myself.