Yusuf Mohamed
Playground
Most of us know it’s hard to find peace to your mind. But imagine a place where only “peace” exists, as you imagine your mind my take you to some fancy island or a paradise like place. For me though this place is a place where you’re all kinds of songs. Where the butterflies rum freely and breath with air. It’s a place where the sight of ants and their cooperation working as a group brings happiness to your mind. The smell of roses at this place put you automatically in a good mood. They sight of blue sky tells you to relax your brain. Little squirrels welcome to this place and wanting you to play along them and chase them. It’s a beautiful place where you see all kind of races, all kids, young, old, and all you can think of. Just like the butterflies, ants and squirrels enjoying the big field. It’s a place where I enjoyed the most when I was young. It’s not located in a rich neighborhood, but when your hear sounds, and joyfulness of kids, you feel rich inside. The sight of elderly walking around and making funny remarks about kids, makes you fell untouchable.
In spring the green grass begs you to sleep on them, and feel it. The tall trees with their shades makes want to hung them and touch them. It was a place to be. A place where my wonders are free to reach the sky. The small pond makes a sound, as if it wants you to come closer to the joy of this place.
I usually go close to the pond, and the sight of the fish tells me how eager they are to see me. This was my favorite play ground when I was young. It’s called Linden Park. Many say it’s located in a “ghetto” place but they didn’t hear the sounds, the smell, and the sight of this place deeply. Only few like me who understood this place will know. Everyone is welcome to Linden Park to feel the joy.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Friday, July 9, 2010
My Grandmother’s Village
A special place to me from my childhood is my grandmother’s village; almost every summer vacation was spent with my grandmother in a village called Kookosua #2. This village had about 600 inhabitants and almost all the inhabitants were farmers. This village had no electricity at the time and a full moon night was a party and hang out night for all the youth in the village. My grandmother’s house was inhabited with about five of my aunts and uncles, their spouses and their children so every summer vacation was the noisiest and chattiest because this when all the students had come on vacation.
Some of the things I enjoyed most was picking cashew with my grandmother on her cashew farm. I and my cousins were to pick the cashew head from the fruit and we could eat or throw the fruit away. The cashew fruit left a strange taste in your mouth like the taste a banana leaves in your mouth or the taste of orange juice of kind of acidic roughness. The rotten fruits smelt like stale milk and apple. We also went mango fruit picking with catapults and we will do challenges of who can get the most mangos. A real mango fruit tastes totally different from mango juice. The real mango fruit is not really sugary depending on how ripen the fruit is.
One thing I also liked was the moonlit nights I mentioned in the beginning. There was no electricity to disturb the grayish light that illuminated the whole village. The stars could be seen shining from the sky like a romantic candlelit night in a distance. The air smelt of dust and rain at the same time and just the smell of the trees and the mud was refreshing and relaxing. And you could always here the crickets chirping and the dogs howling. You would think living without electricity would “suck” but to me these were the best summers of my life and that small village is still a fond memory for me.
Some of the things I enjoyed most was picking cashew with my grandmother on her cashew farm. I and my cousins were to pick the cashew head from the fruit and we could eat or throw the fruit away. The cashew fruit left a strange taste in your mouth like the taste a banana leaves in your mouth or the taste of orange juice of kind of acidic roughness. The rotten fruits smelt like stale milk and apple. We also went mango fruit picking with catapults and we will do challenges of who can get the most mangos. A real mango fruit tastes totally different from mango juice. The real mango fruit is not really sugary depending on how ripen the fruit is.
One thing I also liked was the moonlit nights I mentioned in the beginning. There was no electricity to disturb the grayish light that illuminated the whole village. The stars could be seen shining from the sky like a romantic candlelit night in a distance. The air smelt of dust and rain at the same time and just the smell of the trees and the mud was refreshing and relaxing. And you could always here the crickets chirping and the dogs howling. You would think living without electricity would “suck” but to me these were the best summers of my life and that small village is still a fond memory for me.
Carmel Apples
When walking into my special place as a child, I experienced many different senses going on that when I went to that place again, the senses would alter. Walking in you can touch the sleek glass that holds all the sweet goodies. You can hear happy instrumental music playing over the surround sound speakers throughout the room, people talking, "oh" and "awing," and the nice and polite workers greeting and taking care of customer s one at a time. Just the smell of the room could make anyone want to come and buy so much! I always swore as a little kid that you could smell what they were making fresh all across the top floor of the mall. My favorite smell is when they are baking up some fresh caramel apples. Every time I walk into this special place my senses go crazy making it very hard to a decision on what I exactly want. After purchasing my goodies I always always instantly pull out my caramel apple and eat that first! The taste of a fresh, crunchy, warm caramel apple made my day so much brighter as a kid. It's when I would finish all of my little candy treats that would make me become very impatient and irritable until I got the chance to go back to Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory again.
The Library
Growing up, my Father's house did not have a library. We had a family room with a large bookshelf, a wood burning stove and furniture. It became the library to me. I would sit, especially in the winter, in the oversize furry brown swivel chair and read for hours and hours.
The chair was like a bear. Its fur was like the softest silk when you brushed your hand downward. Petting it in the opposite direction was coarse, like a Labrador's coat pushed back against the lie, or an old painter's brush - a bit rough and gritty as if it has been used to paint before. My sister and I would write messages to each other by running out fingers against the grain to the chair's fur- leaving impressions and making our letters and words.
I said especially winter, because the wood burning stove would be my company-cracklin' and poppin'- whistlin' as it met ash or oak. The smell is like a dream. Burning ash. It smells like nature's wisdom, becomes a bold and smoky aroma that seems to wrap the room in a security blanket. I love that smell. I love that crackle.
Aha! I almost forgot. The crackle reminds me of he popcorn. The little white fluffy clouds of airy butter and salt were a perfect accompaniment to the book and fire. They disappeared into my mouth and melted away like the pages of the novel.
As if I didn't have enough olfactory stimulation- I would periodically lift the book up to my nose and smell the age of the book. Grandma's basement, humidity, history... I could feel the smell of the book-it was like wisdom, musty with knowledge. It's like a lecture from my grandfather... tender, firm, and understanding. The pages of the book were dry-but not too dry. They didn't suck the moisture from my fingers, but they also were parched just so, as to flick from the page with a fleetness designed to match my rate.
The chair was like a bear. Its fur was like the softest silk when you brushed your hand downward. Petting it in the opposite direction was coarse, like a Labrador's coat pushed back against the lie, or an old painter's brush - a bit rough and gritty as if it has been used to paint before. My sister and I would write messages to each other by running out fingers against the grain to the chair's fur- leaving impressions and making our letters and words.
I said especially winter, because the wood burning stove would be my company-cracklin' and poppin'- whistlin' as it met ash or oak. The smell is like a dream. Burning ash. It smells like nature's wisdom, becomes a bold and smoky aroma that seems to wrap the room in a security blanket. I love that smell. I love that crackle.
Aha! I almost forgot. The crackle reminds me of he popcorn. The little white fluffy clouds of airy butter and salt were a perfect accompaniment to the book and fire. They disappeared into my mouth and melted away like the pages of the novel.
As if I didn't have enough olfactory stimulation- I would periodically lift the book up to my nose and smell the age of the book. Grandma's basement, humidity, history... I could feel the smell of the book-it was like wisdom, musty with knowledge. It's like a lecture from my grandfather... tender, firm, and understanding. The pages of the book were dry-but not too dry. They didn't suck the moisture from my fingers, but they also were parched just so, as to flick from the page with a fleetness designed to match my rate.
O'l Pine
The O’l Pine
The o’l pine was the largest tree on the property, even testing the tops of the telephone poles. Obviously it’s not as big to me now as it was then, but the old pine tree is still a massive skyscraper standing tall and proud as if it had received some award. My cousin Kyle and I would spend days upon days in this tree. The sap, which could be mistaken for superglue, would be on us head to toe, ruining some clothes that our parents appreciated more than we did. In every scenario the tree was a landmark of safety. Little did I know the tree would leave a bigger mark on me than just a fond memory.
We were up in the tree as usual but this time was different, this there was no game, there were no aliens or outlaws to be killed that day. The summer day had taken its toll on us and we had lost. We both sat on opposite branches talking about our plans of taking over the world and the different weapons we would bring along our journey. I became slightly bored with this conversation and decided to climb higher.
All of my grandma’s endless “becarefuls” and “you’re to highs” went right out the window. Each branch that I passed was as if I was getting ever so close to the top of a mountain. Just then my foot slipped, the entire gravitational pull had zeroed in on me and my two sapped covered hands. I gained momentum and tried to swing to another side of the tree, to the larger branches but at no success, then CRACK! My one support of life had just broken underneath my finger tips. I soared through the air as a hawk does for a kill. The difference is I had no prey, I had no control, and I had no wings. I hit the ground and a white flash takes my vision for a few seconds. When I come to my senses I’m slowly crawling away from the tree and have a sensation that someone had just put a hot iron across my back. The tree that was our safe zone had attacked me. I survived the attack but it took fifteen stitches and a scar I still have but after days once my stitches were removed I was right back up the tree. Some moments I would brag and show people the branch that had broken and assist the story with the new scar.
We were up in the tree as usual but this time was different, this there was no game, there were no aliens or outlaws to be killed that day. The summer day had taken its toll on us and we had lost. We both sat on opposite branches talking about our plans of taking over the world and the different weapons we would bring along our journey. I became slightly bored with this conversation and decided to climb higher.
All of my grandma’s endless “becarefuls” and “you’re to highs” went right out the window. Each branch that I passed was as if I was getting ever so close to the top of a mountain. Just then my foot slipped, the entire gravitational pull had zeroed in on me and my two sapped covered hands. I gained momentum and tried to swing to another side of the tree, to the larger branches but at no success, then CRACK! My one support of life had just broken underneath my finger tips. I soared through the air as a hawk does for a kill. The difference is I had no prey, I had no control, and I had no wings. I hit the ground and a white flash takes my vision for a few seconds. When I come to my senses I’m slowly crawling away from the tree and have a sensation that someone had just put a hot iron across my back. The tree that was our safe zone had attacked me. I survived the attack but it took fifteen stitches and a scar I still have but after days once my stitches were removed I was right back up the tree. Some moments I would brag and show people the branch that had broken and assist the story with the new scar.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
My Sanctuary.....
Jason Bires
Intro to Fiction
Writing Exercise Two/ 06-30-2010
My Sanctuary
Even on hot summer days, the concrete surrounding me felt cool to the touch on all surfaces: the rough walls, the polished concrete floors; all of which was cool enough to create condensation in my sweaty palms. It was, after all, my sanctuary where I turned to for comfort and relief from the ridicules of the world around me. In the far corner off the landing sat the washer and drier. Opposite of that wall under the stairs were the household appliances. Dividing the room were three support poles six feet apart, with steel beams perpendicular to the stairs eight feet from the floor. The only impeding structure from these beams was a clothesline along the last two-thirds of space from the support pole to the concrete wall. The rest was mine!
My sanctuary became a place that kept me safe from everything. It kept me out of trouble, it channeled my anger, and became a place of hope; an area where dreams were made and broken, but never forgotten. In this space of mine, I had all the tools needed for my success: an Olympic Bench, Vertical Leg Press Machine, and 600 pounds of Olympic plates at my disposal. Various bars and dumbbells were strewn about, all of which reciprocated the temperature of the walls. The smell of sweat soaked into the leather of the machines gave me a sense of pride; a sense of self-worth while the scent of the musty old couch allowed me a place for reflection. Even the sound of the weights clanging together, echoing off the walls, sent chills down my spine with each rep. This place was where my dreams came true as a result of my hard work. This place gave me the confidence I needed to stand above my peers. This place was my sanctuary, my gym, my learning block of self-control and dedication to myself. This place was our basement.
Intro to Fiction
Writing Exercise Two/ 06-30-2010
My Sanctuary
Even on hot summer days, the concrete surrounding me felt cool to the touch on all surfaces: the rough walls, the polished concrete floors; all of which was cool enough to create condensation in my sweaty palms. It was, after all, my sanctuary where I turned to for comfort and relief from the ridicules of the world around me. In the far corner off the landing sat the washer and drier. Opposite of that wall under the stairs were the household appliances. Dividing the room were three support poles six feet apart, with steel beams perpendicular to the stairs eight feet from the floor. The only impeding structure from these beams was a clothesline along the last two-thirds of space from the support pole to the concrete wall. The rest was mine!
My sanctuary became a place that kept me safe from everything. It kept me out of trouble, it channeled my anger, and became a place of hope; an area where dreams were made and broken, but never forgotten. In this space of mine, I had all the tools needed for my success: an Olympic Bench, Vertical Leg Press Machine, and 600 pounds of Olympic plates at my disposal. Various bars and dumbbells were strewn about, all of which reciprocated the temperature of the walls. The smell of sweat soaked into the leather of the machines gave me a sense of pride; a sense of self-worth while the scent of the musty old couch allowed me a place for reflection. Even the sound of the weights clanging together, echoing off the walls, sent chills down my spine with each rep. This place was where my dreams came true as a result of my hard work. This place gave me the confidence I needed to stand above my peers. This place was my sanctuary, my gym, my learning block of self-control and dedication to myself. This place was our basement.
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
The Park
Throughout my childhood, I spent my time consistently at the towns' public park located in Bristol, England. It was about two blocks away from my house, and every went and their business followed. I would spend every evening after school swinging on the swings and going down the long loopy slide of full of dirt, rain, and grass. I could never forget the smell of the freshly cut grass and the tree's surrounding. When I would reach the top of the high wooden slide I could see my house out in the distance which always appeared so much smaller than it truly was.
Most days were bright and unbelieving sunny with heavy winds, I always heard the metal of the swings as they banged together and the sound sent an unusual feeling down my spine.
My favorite was the sandbox, there was no better feeling in the world than feeling the warm grains of sand below my feet and run through the spaces of my hands. I would lay on the sand and stare into the brightly colored sky, full of clouds and occasionally I would daze and get lost within them.
Most days were bright and unbelieving sunny with heavy winds, I always heard the metal of the swings as they banged together and the sound sent an unusual feeling down my spine.
My favorite was the sandbox, there was no better feeling in the world than feeling the warm grains of sand below my feet and run through the spaces of my hands. I would lay on the sand and stare into the brightly colored sky, full of clouds and occasionally I would daze and get lost within them.
“Magnum”
I simply could not wait to get there. When we finally did I was ecstatic! The day was perfect; warm, almost hot, but not quite, with a gentle breeze creeping inland over the magnificent blue lake. Not a cloud in the sky above. The air smelled of sweets and treats and the sizzling cooking grease that was used to deep-fry the delicious delights.
Above me was where I found my eyes constantly searching. The coasters were magnificent and my heart beat faster when I pictured myself strapped on one of the steal contraptions, flying hard, high and fast like hawk in attack mode. And the sounds that echoed forth accompanying the sights of flight were every bit as exhilarating. The screams and shrieks that involuntarily ejected from the passengers aboard only boosted my excitement.
We moved toward the living legend and entered into the snake of waiting. With each step closer to boarding I lost a little more breath. The line wasn’t long but with my heightened expectation and excitement time seemed to crawl. Finally we reached the loading zone and I climbed aboard. With my sweating hands I clasped the belt and then tugged the loose end until it was snug against me. I lowered the shoulder-locking device into position and was now ready for blastoff.
Click, click, click, we climbed skyward, higher and higher up to the peak. We inched forward, creeping now, seconds from freefall, I could hardly breathe, and my pulse was the only thing that I could hear. Suddenly I was falling, yet flying at the same time. It was like no feeling I had felt before. My stomach was still at the crest, my knuckles were ghost white with a death grip on the handles, and I screamed.”AAAHHH!” It wasn’t a scream of fear, as I thought it might have been, but a scream of delight, release, joy, and pride. I would be the first among my friends to claim victory over the Magnum XL 200 and in my own childish way I began to see myself as a man.
Above me was where I found my eyes constantly searching. The coasters were magnificent and my heart beat faster when I pictured myself strapped on one of the steal contraptions, flying hard, high and fast like hawk in attack mode. And the sounds that echoed forth accompanying the sights of flight were every bit as exhilarating. The screams and shrieks that involuntarily ejected from the passengers aboard only boosted my excitement.
We moved toward the living legend and entered into the snake of waiting. With each step closer to boarding I lost a little more breath. The line wasn’t long but with my heightened expectation and excitement time seemed to crawl. Finally we reached the loading zone and I climbed aboard. With my sweating hands I clasped the belt and then tugged the loose end until it was snug against me. I lowered the shoulder-locking device into position and was now ready for blastoff.
Click, click, click, we climbed skyward, higher and higher up to the peak. We inched forward, creeping now, seconds from freefall, I could hardly breathe, and my pulse was the only thing that I could hear. Suddenly I was falling, yet flying at the same time. It was like no feeling I had felt before. My stomach was still at the crest, my knuckles were ghost white with a death grip on the handles, and I screamed.”AAAHHH!” It wasn’t a scream of fear, as I thought it might have been, but a scream of delight, release, joy, and pride. I would be the first among my friends to claim victory over the Magnum XL 200 and in my own childish way I began to see myself as a man.
Monday, July 5, 2010
Casablanca
Casablanca is considered a classic because it is timeless. After more than 60 years (released in 1942) the characters and the story still ring true. I can see Tom Hanks and Stephen Spielberg making this movie today. Add to that the stunning beauty of Ingrid Bergman (does anybody cry that pretty?) and the cynical bad boy character of Rick played by the incomparable Humphrey Bogart, and I can understand the accolades and respect this movie has been given. The screen sizzles with Rick and Ilsa's unspoken feelings for each other.
What stood out to me this time is the dialogue. Rick's cutting and witty repartee with the other characters, especially with Capt Louis Renault, are wonderful. The dialogue (so much of it considered Hollywood classic movie quotes) is another character in this movie.
The Club is the perfect backdrop, including Sam, Sacha (the waiter), Carl, and the drunken girl who pined for Rick. It supported Rick's character and rang true to the man he was.
I would suggest renting and watching this movie another time. You might be surprised at how much more you catch.
What stood out to me this time is the dialogue. Rick's cutting and witty repartee with the other characters, especially with Capt Louis Renault, are wonderful. The dialogue (so much of it considered Hollywood classic movie quotes) is another character in this movie.
The Club is the perfect backdrop, including Sam, Sacha (the waiter), Carl, and the drunken girl who pined for Rick. It supported Rick's character and rang true to the man he was.
I would suggest renting and watching this movie another time. You might be surprised at how much more you catch.
Saturday, July 3, 2010
The Movie
Casablanca was a classic because its flawless script, acting, and music. its love triangle in an exotic location in midst of war, and the difficult life choice we make during the war. At first I though its going to be a boring movie because of its black and white and the age,it was my first time watching Casablanca and I wouldn't mind watching it over again.All the characters stood out and did every script right in this movie, every quote used meant a lot. Rick was talking to the Captain and the captain asked what was Rick's nationality and Rick answered "I'm a drunkard", who can say that back in 1940's in middle a World War? I guess only Rick and the Casablanca crew. Everything about this movie just was right, it was a kind of movie that was for many generations to come.
Casablanca
This film I believe was made classic due to its focus on the war and the believe that no matter the circumstance there were people fighting for a good cause. The conflicts, the mystery, the suspense and the small comedy added to the viewer being focused on the movie throughout. The conflict of the love triangle between Rick, Ilsa and Victor added to the mystery of the movie in that the viewer wasn't able to decipher Rick's action in whether Rick was going to betray Victor in the End. What stood out to me in the story was how Louis was trying to please his superiors and trying to help his friend Rick. The character that meant the most to me was Ilsa because you could see that her love for both men were genuine and even though a viewer wants to blame her for playing with both men, that viewer can't because all that conflict came about because Victor lied about his death even if to protect her.
casablanca
What makes Casablanca a classical movie is the storyline and the characters. The story line is an important because it was during world war two, and it outlines what the world was going to through. Rick gives up the woman he loves to save the life of others. Rick meant to the most to me because he gave up illas to help other lives, and he was not selfish. That really showed his character, and the he was a loving guy.
Friday, July 2, 2010
Casablanca
I think Casablanca was a classic due to its on-going suspense and mystery. It was able to keep the views captivated til the very end. Not only does it include two men vying for the same womens love in a love triangle, it also deals with wartime conflict which many people from that time period could relate to.
All the characters added humor and drama through the clever dialouge but the one who stood out to me the most was Rick. His whit was unbelievable, and he gave an impression to be ignorant and selfish but in the end we see that he only wanted the best for Lisa.
All the characters added humor and drama through the clever dialouge but the one who stood out to me the most was Rick. His whit was unbelievable, and he gave an impression to be ignorant and selfish but in the end we see that he only wanted the best for Lisa.
Casablanca
I feel that what makes Casablanca a classic film is its characters and environment. The music makes you feel like you are back in time and the way they interact with one another shows a different type of respect and approach. The drama that occurs throughout the film, especially with Ilsa and Rick, makes the movie more classic too; the way they act with each other and the fact that they are living a life behind everyone else's back. I feel like some over dramatization makes the film a classic too because even though today's films might be the same way, they are better at making things seem a little more real.
What stood out the most in this movie was the love between Ilsa and Rick, but the fact that they had to hide from everyone and yet they did not end up together. They went through so much and Rick still ended up giving her up to Mr. Laszlo when it was time to part. Another thing that stood out to me was Captain Renault's loyalty to Rick. Throughout the movie I thought that he was going to betray Rick but he stuck by his side all along.
The character that meant the most to me was Rick. He always had a serious face and made everyone seem that he only cared about himself, but his actions said otherwise. It seemed to me like he was the one that everyone went to and trusted. I think that his love for Ilsa made him who he really was deep inside, the one that no one could really see.
What stood out the most in this movie was the love between Ilsa and Rick, but the fact that they had to hide from everyone and yet they did not end up together. They went through so much and Rick still ended up giving her up to Mr. Laszlo when it was time to part. Another thing that stood out to me was Captain Renault's loyalty to Rick. Throughout the movie I thought that he was going to betray Rick but he stuck by his side all along.
The character that meant the most to me was Rick. He always had a serious face and made everyone seem that he only cared about himself, but his actions said otherwise. It seemed to me like he was the one that everyone went to and trusted. I think that his love for Ilsa made him who he really was deep inside, the one that no one could really see.
Casablanca
I personally think this movie is instantly made a classic just because of what it is based upon and what era in time it's released to the public. It's the thing that people were constantly talking about during this time, "all the rage." It's what people were gossiping about, of course it will be a hit.
I think just the whole war aspect of the movie stood out to me the most. Going into this movie I really had no idea exactly what to expect. I can honestly say I had heard the term, "Casablanca" but never heard about the movie and what it was about/based upon. So, coming into class and watching this I definitely had an open mind and had no clue what was going on at first.
The character that meant the most to me in this movie, but more so, stood out to me the most was Rick. He is introduced into this movie by first showing all the carelessness he has for everything. It showed us how he never "sticks his head in for nobody" ever. But as we watch the movie and become more familiar with the characters and what is going on, Ilsa and her husband come into play and change everything. When Ilsa in introduced and there is a flashback of the past, Rick's "front" he put on in the beginning takes a complete 360 turn. It's interesting to see a man crack just like that, no matter how long it has been since he was hurt.
I think just the whole war aspect of the movie stood out to me the most. Going into this movie I really had no idea exactly what to expect. I can honestly say I had heard the term, "Casablanca" but never heard about the movie and what it was about/based upon. So, coming into class and watching this I definitely had an open mind and had no clue what was going on at first.
The character that meant the most to me in this movie, but more so, stood out to me the most was Rick. He is introduced into this movie by first showing all the carelessness he has for everything. It showed us how he never "sticks his head in for nobody" ever. But as we watch the movie and become more familiar with the characters and what is going on, Ilsa and her husband come into play and change everything. When Ilsa in introduced and there is a flashback of the past, Rick's "front" he put on in the beginning takes a complete 360 turn. It's interesting to see a man crack just like that, no matter how long it has been since he was hurt.
Characters
Casablanca has such a strong storyline. But what really makes it a classic are the characters. The characters are so solid and each role was cast brilliantly in my opinion.
Rick is the main character and his sarcastic and dry tone was fun even while his serious and sad face stayed straight. He rarely smiled in the film, and even came across a bit harsh at times but I found myself immediately rooting for him. Rick is very bitter- but strong. Ilsa was sad but strong and proud. The love triangle must have been a reason for the films instant acclaim.
The humor that the town Captain (Renault) brought was throughout the film. I really enjoyed this character. He was a true neutral character until the end where he let Rick off the hook.
Sam was another great supporting character that had great expressions and was genuine and lovable.
The characters were the driving force that made the already good plot into a classic.
Rick is the main character and his sarcastic and dry tone was fun even while his serious and sad face stayed straight. He rarely smiled in the film, and even came across a bit harsh at times but I found myself immediately rooting for him. Rick is very bitter- but strong. Ilsa was sad but strong and proud. The love triangle must have been a reason for the films instant acclaim.
The humor that the town Captain (Renault) brought was throughout the film. I really enjoyed this character. He was a true neutral character until the end where he let Rick off the hook.
Sam was another great supporting character that had great expressions and was genuine and lovable.
The characters were the driving force that made the already good plot into a classic.
Casablanca
I can really see how this movie is a classic, it really grabs the audience from the first scene and doesn't let go until the end. The entire time your caught up in the misery of the people being stuck, romance, and the realization of how cheap human life can really be. Rick stuck out the most to me. He was kicked out of his home country for the qualities people loved him in another. he took his second chance and completely rebuilt who he was.
Anyone else see the similarity?
Jason Bires
Intro to Fiction
Journal Four/ 07-02-2010
Journal Four
Not knowing a lot about films and their characters, my guess to why the film is such a classic is because of the storyline. This became a classic because of its separation from other movies of that era: it dealt strictly with corruption and the black market. It relates well to a movie that I watched from the present day called “American Gangster”. Rick’s character is relatable to Frank, who portrays the stereotypical mafia or gang lord that had control over the police, the government, and the black market within there decade. For as many movies and stories that were produced around that time, I believe this storyline probably led to other movies being produced with the same plot of violence and corruption such as “Scarface”. I am not at all saying this was the starting point for movies such as the two mentioned above, but I’m saying that because it is an original work that held a storyline so similar to the others, that this was merely the movie of this type, of the decade, when it was released. I believe every decade had a great corruption/ black market movie, and this was merely the starting point where I recognize the pattern (based on my limited knowledge of movies) of every decade having one of these classics.
I liked Victor’s character. I liked everything he was about. I really enjoyed watching how he handled situations, his intelligence about how to get around throughout the movie, and his ability to know what to do and say exactly when it needed to be done. Very similarly, Rick held the same character, which is why Ilsa was attracted to both of them throughout the movie, because they were essentially one in the same. If you liked one, you liked them both, and in this case Victor and Rick were the prominent characters.
Intro to Fiction
Journal Four/ 07-02-2010
Journal Four
Not knowing a lot about films and their characters, my guess to why the film is such a classic is because of the storyline. This became a classic because of its separation from other movies of that era: it dealt strictly with corruption and the black market. It relates well to a movie that I watched from the present day called “American Gangster”. Rick’s character is relatable to Frank, who portrays the stereotypical mafia or gang lord that had control over the police, the government, and the black market within there decade. For as many movies and stories that were produced around that time, I believe this storyline probably led to other movies being produced with the same plot of violence and corruption such as “Scarface”. I am not at all saying this was the starting point for movies such as the two mentioned above, but I’m saying that because it is an original work that held a storyline so similar to the others, that this was merely the movie of this type, of the decade, when it was released. I believe every decade had a great corruption/ black market movie, and this was merely the starting point where I recognize the pattern (based on my limited knowledge of movies) of every decade having one of these classics.
I liked Victor’s character. I liked everything he was about. I really enjoyed watching how he handled situations, his intelligence about how to get around throughout the movie, and his ability to know what to do and say exactly when it needed to be done. Very similarly, Rick held the same character, which is why Ilsa was attracted to both of them throughout the movie, because they were essentially one in the same. If you liked one, you liked them both, and in this case Victor and Rick were the prominent characters.
Casablanca
I think the movie is a classic because it has great suspense and mystery which keeps the views captivated throughout the movie. Not only are there two men vying for the same woman's love in a love triangle, there are also many wartime conflicts that many people from that time period could relate to.
All the characters made the movie humorous and dramatic, the dialouge is very clever. The character that stood out to me the most was Rick. His whit was unbelievable and he seemed very ignorant and selfish, but in the end we see that he is very caring and only wanted the best for Lisa.
All the characters made the movie humorous and dramatic, the dialouge is very clever. The character that stood out to me the most was Rick. His whit was unbelievable and he seemed very ignorant and selfish, but in the end we see that he is very caring and only wanted the best for Lisa.
CASABLANCA and the El CAPITON
CASABLANCA and the El CAPITON!
This movie is a classic due to the characters presented and the storyline. There is a mix of love and tyranny underlined by shady actions, until blurry irony is seen clear. You are not sure whos side to stand on at first and wanted to see Rick with his love, but the end is such a twist in so many different ways! I am so used to color movies with jaw dropping visual effects, that I would not have given this black and white film a chance. I actually would love to see a remake of it. The amount of black market taking place stood out to me. The most memorable characters were Rick and his secret lover Capt. Louis Renault. Rick was the over sarcastic protagonist. As the movie went on you kind of understood why. He never drank with anyone, because the last person he drank with was the girl who broke his heart (Ilsa). He never really let anyone close to him or see his vulnerable side, besides the piano player, because Ilsa was the last person who got close enough to burn him. I like the Capt. for sheer humor purposes. You want the good guys to win, but usually there is a casualty in the process-during a film. In Casablanca, all of the good guys, with the help of the Capt. won. He also stood out, due to promoting the protagonist so much; almost to the point of being obsessed with him.
This movie is a classic due to the characters presented and the storyline. There is a mix of love and tyranny underlined by shady actions, until blurry irony is seen clear. You are not sure whos side to stand on at first and wanted to see Rick with his love, but the end is such a twist in so many different ways! I am so used to color movies with jaw dropping visual effects, that I would not have given this black and white film a chance. I actually would love to see a remake of it. The amount of black market taking place stood out to me. The most memorable characters were Rick and his secret lover Capt. Louis Renault. Rick was the over sarcastic protagonist. As the movie went on you kind of understood why. He never drank with anyone, because the last person he drank with was the girl who broke his heart (Ilsa). He never really let anyone close to him or see his vulnerable side, besides the piano player, because Ilsa was the last person who got close enough to burn him. I like the Capt. for sheer humor purposes. You want the good guys to win, but usually there is a casualty in the process-during a film. In Casablanca, all of the good guys, with the help of the Capt. won. He also stood out, due to promoting the protagonist so much; almost to the point of being obsessed with him.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Casablanca
I really enjoyed this movie. I thought that it unfolded simply yet precisely before the audience and kept them wondering right up till then end. I think that this film may be considered a classic for several reasons; the actors and actresses playing the main characters, at least from what I know, were extremely popular, the themes of the film were that of good overcoming evil and good character, even in shady situations, always surfacing. I also think that this film is considered a classic because it genuinely is entertaining, and it was produce in a very intense time for the world. It caught a lot of people’s attention and I think could have served as a motivating factor for patriotic acts.
My favorite character for obvious reasons was Rick, but I really enjoyed the character Sam. I don’t know why but every time I saw him on screen I was drawn to him. His facial expressions in some of the scenes were priceless. I think characters such as Sam, as well as many others, really contributed to the film.
. This film was full of, and I think I missed a lot of it, humor. I continuously found myself chuckling throughout. I think that the humor itself was one of the biggest things that stood out to me. Overall I would agree that this movie is a great classic and I would recommend it to anyone, ranking it just as high or higher then any modern show.
I really enjoyed this movie. I thought that it unfolded simply yet precisely before the audience and kept them wondering right up till then end. I think that this film may be considered a classic for several reasons; the actors and actresses playing the main characters, at least from what I know, were extremely popular, the themes of the film were that of good overcoming evil and good character, even in shady situations, always surfacing. I also think that this film is considered a classic because it genuinely is entertaining, and it was produce in a very intense time for the world. It caught a lot of people’s attention and I think could have served as a motivating factor for patriotic acts.
My favorite character for obvious reasons was Rick, but I really enjoyed the character Sam. I don’t know why but every time I saw him on screen I was drawn to him. His facial expressions in some of the scenes were priceless. I think characters such as Sam, as well as many others, really contributed to the film.
. This film was full of, and I think I missed a lot of it, humor. I continuously found myself chuckling throughout. I think that the humor itself was one of the biggest things that stood out to me. Overall I would agree that this movie is a great classic and I would recommend it to anyone, ranking it just as high or higher then any modern show.
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Introducing...ME.
Hello, my name is Joseph Michael Langston. I honestly do not have reading habits, unless it is something I have seen in the movies; or talked highly about. My viewing habits are extremely opposite. I get to a movie every chance I get! There is a certain group of friends that I have for movie viewing purposes only.
My hobbies are many. I love to write poetry, which is the way I express things I am not able to say verbally. This has led to me writing song lyrics. I play piano and produce hip-hop/R&B music. Currently the Air Force has certain standards to abide by, so I workout religiously. It is something I do enjoy-especially now that it is summer. Drawing is a passion as well and anything my eye sees is drawn perfect on paper by myself. Before music, my first love was and still is basketball (I played in college down south). When I do have free time, I am either relaxing, composing a song, or watching a movie.
I definitely love to watch non-fictional films or read those types of books. Any adventure, suspenseful type movie is appealing to me. The best movie I have watched this year was Avatar. The movie to me was epic. I loved to storyline, the graphics and the way the movie presented a getaway place. Everything about it was top notch, from the computer graphics, to the acting to the storyline. The initiation process that took place before the culture could trust and accept the outsider in goes on even today among cultural groups. The same initiation does not happen, but even a form of testing before being accepted does.
My hobbies are many. I love to write poetry, which is the way I express things I am not able to say verbally. This has led to me writing song lyrics. I play piano and produce hip-hop/R&B music. Currently the Air Force has certain standards to abide by, so I workout religiously. It is something I do enjoy-especially now that it is summer. Drawing is a passion as well and anything my eye sees is drawn perfect on paper by myself. Before music, my first love was and still is basketball (I played in college down south). When I do have free time, I am either relaxing, composing a song, or watching a movie.
I definitely love to watch non-fictional films or read those types of books. Any adventure, suspenseful type movie is appealing to me. The best movie I have watched this year was Avatar. The movie to me was epic. I loved to storyline, the graphics and the way the movie presented a getaway place. Everything about it was top notch, from the computer graphics, to the acting to the storyline. The initiation process that took place before the culture could trust and accept the outsider in goes on even today among cultural groups. The same initiation does not happen, but even a form of testing before being accepted does.
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Memory
I remember the birds singing early in the morning, where our alarm clocks were the voices of roosters. Waking up with the sun, the grass is filled with moist of the cool night, just before the night falls stars used to gather in the sky. as i lay down in my back yard i feel like the stars are talking to me. i remember we wasn't rich but surely i was happy. I remember having a lot of friends which I played the most "boring" games with,but at that time, it was one of the best games. I remember the old buildings and dirt roads which I used pass by to go to my school, so one day i can understand English.This is the memory of my small village, which I also call it home, that i missed dearly.
My Introduction
Hello My name is Yusuf Mohamed. I was born in Kenya and come to America when i was 11yrs old. I speak 3 different languages which are Somali, swahili, and English, but i do speak a little bit of Arabic and Spanish. I am currently a junior doing International studies and Nursing. I like to play basketball and soccer on my free time and love to play video-games.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
at the german airport
Mariam Mohamud
When I was about eight years I moved to American from Africa. It was my mother and older brother and younger sister. I remember that day in the German airport; I was tired, scared and confused. My mom is holding me and my younger sister’s hands as we stroll through the airport. Here I am crying because I was in a place that was unfamiliar to me, I think just being out of my comfort zone was the thing that scared me the most. I remember my mother telling to stop crying and everything would be okay. As we waited for our luggage I stopped crying. For the next fifteen minutes my siblings and sat around and talked.
When I was about eight years I moved to American from Africa. It was my mother and older brother and younger sister. I remember that day in the German airport; I was tired, scared and confused. My mom is holding me and my younger sister’s hands as we stroll through the airport. Here I am crying because I was in a place that was unfamiliar to me, I think just being out of my comfort zone was the thing that scared me the most. I remember my mother telling to stop crying and everything would be okay. As we waited for our luggage I stopped crying. For the next fifteen minutes my siblings and sat around and talked.
THE ROOM
MEMORY AS STORY (The Room)
The evening was late, as I lie in bed listening to my brother's crazy idea to sneak out the window, while our parents were sleep. We were both tired of this room. Before, thinking of consequences, I found myself climbing back into the window and into the same room. My body was half in bed, while feet still touched the floor- the light turned on and I froze trying to play "sleep"! Both parents were telling me to stand with them and that I was in trouble. They shut the light off again as we all waited outside the room, starring at the still open window for what seemed to be an hour. The toilet flushed and after a moment passed, I was in awe to see my brother now in pajamas. I thought he was Houdini. I remember hearing no door open or shut. Standing at the bottom of the steps, he grinned and asked, "What’s going on?" My parents replied, "Don't even try it we searched the whole house and no one was in here -come get that spanking and you can go back to your room!" After wiping tears and crawling back into bed, we could hear our parents debating about hearing God tell them when kids do something wrong.
The evening was late, as I lie in bed listening to my brother's crazy idea to sneak out the window, while our parents were sleep. We were both tired of this room. Before, thinking of consequences, I found myself climbing back into the window and into the same room. My body was half in bed, while feet still touched the floor- the light turned on and I froze trying to play "sleep"! Both parents were telling me to stand with them and that I was in trouble. They shut the light off again as we all waited outside the room, starring at the still open window for what seemed to be an hour. The toilet flushed and after a moment passed, I was in awe to see my brother now in pajamas. I thought he was Houdini. I remember hearing no door open or shut. Standing at the bottom of the steps, he grinned and asked, "What’s going on?" My parents replied, "Don't even try it we searched the whole house and no one was in here -come get that spanking and you can go back to your room!" After wiping tears and crawling back into bed, we could hear our parents debating about hearing God tell them when kids do something wrong.
The Memory
Jason Bires
Intro to Fiction
One Memory/ 06-23-2010
One Memory
On that hot summer afternoon, when I walked out of the jewelry store, I had a decision to make. My heart was racing, I was full of adrenaline, and my thoughts were swirling around my mind with the speed of lightning. Then it clicked; the decision was made
I made the call, the reservations were set, and the day seemed perfect. The only worry now was whether she would say yes. My mind was racing once again as I told her to be ready at 6:30. As I picked her up, I wondered if she knew? We arrived at the restaurant a few minutes early, and were seated immediately.
The staff knew the occasion, as I had told the receptionist when I made the reservations. The dimly lit restaurant was the perfect setting for the occasion, as we enjoyed each other’s company. Then, by fate, the song “ It had to be you” started playing, and I knew it was the time. I looked at her, she happened to glance at me, and with one bold move I asked, “ Would you?”
Intro to Fiction
One Memory/ 06-23-2010
One Memory
On that hot summer afternoon, when I walked out of the jewelry store, I had a decision to make. My heart was racing, I was full of adrenaline, and my thoughts were swirling around my mind with the speed of lightning. Then it clicked; the decision was made
I made the call, the reservations were set, and the day seemed perfect. The only worry now was whether she would say yes. My mind was racing once again as I told her to be ready at 6:30. As I picked her up, I wondered if she knew? We arrived at the restaurant a few minutes early, and were seated immediately.
The staff knew the occasion, as I had told the receptionist when I made the reservations. The dimly lit restaurant was the perfect setting for the occasion, as we enjoyed each other’s company. Then, by fate, the song “ It had to be you” started playing, and I knew it was the time. I looked at her, she happened to glance at me, and with one bold move I asked, “ Would you?”
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Never Bite Off More Than You Can Chew
As the assistant girls prefect in Trinity Prep and Junior Secondary School, I had established a solid relationship with the student and faculty and I made sure to take my studies serious and stay out of trouble. I got along with everyone in school and made sure new student felt comfortable. It was my senior year in junior high and I was happy with great friends and no trouble. Then one day, a girl enrolled in the school, her name was Bernice and as the assistant girls prefect i found it dutiful to make Bernice comfortable but right off the start I found that Bernice and her small group of friends didn't really like me. By the way Bernice was two grades below me and very snobbish. Most of my classmates didn't like her very much and I didn't really pay attention to why.
One day i was called to the office and the staff started inquire about my knowledge of a guy classmate of mine and the fact that a girl had written a letter to me threatening me to stay away from her boyfriend. Once this accusation was said I denied it and the fact that i had never received the letter. As soon as I denied this, the faculty believed me and new i was never one to make trouble. I found out later that the letter was put in my desk by Bernice and her friends had tipped a teacher off on the whereabouts of such letter. Bernice and her friends were suspended after this incident and i later found out that she'd transferred to another school.
One day i was called to the office and the staff started inquire about my knowledge of a guy classmate of mine and the fact that a girl had written a letter to me threatening me to stay away from her boyfriend. Once this accusation was said I denied it and the fact that i had never received the letter. As soon as I denied this, the faculty believed me and new i was never one to make trouble. I found out later that the letter was put in my desk by Bernice and her friends had tipped a teacher off on the whereabouts of such letter. Bernice and her friends were suspended after this incident and i later found out that she'd transferred to another school.
Evergreen
My left hand tightly clutched my mother's shirt tail. Reaching slowly, shaking, I gently bent back the pine bristles from the branch of the enormous evergreen with my other hand. I peeked through the darkness and squinted to focus.
"I lost my shoe, Mom."
She glanced down hurriedly and acknowledged what would normally be a bigger issue. Her eyes quickly returned to the street. We stood in the deep, wet mud in the neighbor's yard across from our house, hiding- hoping that the familiar sound of my step-father's car wouldn't rumble up and expose our hideout with the headlights.
"What happened Mom?" I whispered.
"We're going to Grandma's. It's okay. Everything is..." She abruptly stopped as headlights poured around the corner. "Hold still."
Chuck screamed into our driveway, just about 60 yards from where we were huddling. His car door slammed and he strode into the house. I understood then that he expected that we would be inside, and that he was VERY angry. When he found that we weren't there, he was going to be enraged.
As quickly as he came, he disappeared into the night. Probably searching. He never found us and I never saw him again.
That pine tree must've saved us.
"I lost my shoe, Mom."
She glanced down hurriedly and acknowledged what would normally be a bigger issue. Her eyes quickly returned to the street. We stood in the deep, wet mud in the neighbor's yard across from our house, hiding- hoping that the familiar sound of my step-father's car wouldn't rumble up and expose our hideout with the headlights.
"What happened Mom?" I whispered.
"We're going to Grandma's. It's okay. Everything is..." She abruptly stopped as headlights poured around the corner. "Hold still."
Chuck screamed into our driveway, just about 60 yards from where we were huddling. His car door slammed and he strode into the house. I understood then that he expected that we would be inside, and that he was VERY angry. When he found that we weren't there, he was going to be enraged.
As quickly as he came, he disappeared into the night. Probably searching. He never found us and I never saw him again.
That pine tree must've saved us.
Go Ahead!
Standing in line hasn't always been something I was too fond of. Knowing it was almost my turn gave me butterflies in my stomach like you couldn't even imagine. So many emotions were racing through my head, I was nervous, afraid, anxious, and shy. Looking around seeing candles lit, emotions running, and cameras flashing intensified the scenery.
As I was standing there, waiting, things suddenly became very quiet. No one made a noise. Then, suddenly, the music was cued and people had their full attention on the back of the room. Every moment passing by from this point on meant that the next group of people in front of my had already went!
Seconds have passed and it was almost my turn. My heart was beating like fishes gills beat when they are placed in a cup of cold water. Suddenly, my cousin in front of me went, which meant Josh and I were next to walk. Just seeing Tori walk with her escort down the isle made me forget everything we had practiced just last night. I forgot when we were to go, was I suppose to wait until the lady cued us or were we just suppose to know? These ten seconds truly were the longest ten seconds of my life. I can't even tell you the thousands of thoughts that went through my head. My head was spinning and heart was racing. I opened my eyes and finally, the lady said go ahead and smiled! We walked down with no problems occurring. As soon as we got to the end of the isle and split off I took the biggest breath I've ever taken and thought to myself:
"It was finally over and I can't even begin to imagine how I'm going to do at my own wedding, let alone being in my cousin's wedding."
As I was standing there, waiting, things suddenly became very quiet. No one made a noise. Then, suddenly, the music was cued and people had their full attention on the back of the room. Every moment passing by from this point on meant that the next group of people in front of my had already went!
Seconds have passed and it was almost my turn. My heart was beating like fishes gills beat when they are placed in a cup of cold water. Suddenly, my cousin in front of me went, which meant Josh and I were next to walk. Just seeing Tori walk with her escort down the isle made me forget everything we had practiced just last night. I forgot when we were to go, was I suppose to wait until the lady cued us or were we just suppose to know? These ten seconds truly were the longest ten seconds of my life. I can't even tell you the thousands of thoughts that went through my head. My head was spinning and heart was racing. I opened my eyes and finally, the lady said go ahead and smiled! We walked down with no problems occurring. As soon as we got to the end of the isle and split off I took the biggest breath I've ever taken and thought to myself:
"It was finally over and I can't even begin to imagine how I'm going to do at my own wedding, let alone being in my cousin's wedding."
The Bulletin Boards
Kathy Blakeslee
Writing Assignment 1
6/23/2010
When I was in 4th grade, I had a teacher that I loved. Mr. DeVoss was young and handsome and caring. He was kind to me and helped me through a turbulent time at home.
I was often sick and was not allowed to participate in recess, so Mr. DeVoss allowed me to create and put together the bulletin boards in the classroom. He recognized my artistic talent and he allowed me an outlet for my emotions through the creation of those bulletin boards.
At the end of each grading period, Mr. DeVoss opened up the floor to feedback from the students. What did we like? What did we not like? One of the students, and somebody I considered a friend, stood up in front of the class and told Mr. DeVoss that she didn’t think it was fair that I got to do all the bulletin boards. Several people agreed with her. I was crushed and humiliated to have been called out in front of the classroom.
I walked home in tears that day.
Writing Assignment 1
6/23/2010
When I was in 4th grade, I had a teacher that I loved. Mr. DeVoss was young and handsome and caring. He was kind to me and helped me through a turbulent time at home.
I was often sick and was not allowed to participate in recess, so Mr. DeVoss allowed me to create and put together the bulletin boards in the classroom. He recognized my artistic talent and he allowed me an outlet for my emotions through the creation of those bulletin boards.
At the end of each grading period, Mr. DeVoss opened up the floor to feedback from the students. What did we like? What did we not like? One of the students, and somebody I considered a friend, stood up in front of the class and told Mr. DeVoss that she didn’t think it was fair that I got to do all the bulletin boards. Several people agreed with her. I was crushed and humiliated to have been called out in front of the classroom.
I walked home in tears that day.
Joe Barney
Introduction to Fiction
Memory as Story, June 24, 2010
When I was about four years old my sister and I were playing a game on a swing set in our backyard. We called the game “circus,” she was the conductor and I was the performer, she liked this game because she got to tell me what to do. She came up with different tricks for me to carryout for our audience of none. One of the tricks that I would do was slide lightning fast down the slide, which we now referred to as the super slide.
Eventually we got tired of the easy tricks and my sister created a new trick for me, which was to climb from the top of the swing set down the chains of the swings onto the ground. I told her that I didn’t know how to do this and so she decided to show me how it was done. Not even halfway down she became stuck and was handing from the platform eight feet in the air. She cried out “I need help!” so I slid down the super slide as fast as I could and ran beneath her. I said “ok, let go I will catch you,” She cried out again, “no! Go get mom!” I reassured her that I was strong, but she insisted that mom be her rescuer, so I ran up to the house to fetch her.
Introduction to Fiction
Memory as Story, June 24, 2010
When I was about four years old my sister and I were playing a game on a swing set in our backyard. We called the game “circus,” she was the conductor and I was the performer, she liked this game because she got to tell me what to do. She came up with different tricks for me to carryout for our audience of none. One of the tricks that I would do was slide lightning fast down the slide, which we now referred to as the super slide.
Eventually we got tired of the easy tricks and my sister created a new trick for me, which was to climb from the top of the swing set down the chains of the swings onto the ground. I told her that I didn’t know how to do this and so she decided to show me how it was done. Not even halfway down she became stuck and was handing from the platform eight feet in the air. She cried out “I need help!” so I slid down the super slide as fast as I could and ran beneath her. I said “ok, let go I will catch you,” She cried out again, “no! Go get mom!” I reassured her that I was strong, but she insisted that mom be her rescuer, so I ran up to the house to fetch her.
Writing Exercise One (Mary)
One memory that stands out the most to me is when my family and I came to the United States. It was bizarre because I had lived there my whole life. I had my friends, family, and the ideal childhood that I thought I was going to end there to start my teenage years. It was right after sixth grade that my parents decided to move here. I was going to middle school which back home starts in 7th grade. Through the sadness and confused feelings, I was also excited to see this new country and place that my family and I were moving to. We spent that whole summer arranging things to move here. My dad even got a moving company to take some of our stuff to the United States, which they told us would take 6-8 weeks. When we finally left and came here, our stuff had not arrived. My older brother had rented an apartment for us in the meantime and bought food for us but we had no couches, or TV's, or anything except our clothes, the food, and the apartment. We had to borrow things from other people while out stuff got here. Finally after two weeks of being here, our stuff came; the beds, furniture, and all the things we had been waiting for. So we were really happy. One of the things of that memory that I won't forget is how sad it was to leave and the hardships we went through, but the excitement I had to live a new life. I also won't forget the first time I ever saw snow that winter.
what is that noise? assignment 1
What Is That Noise?
I sat there all six senses raging all at once. The summer air was muggy and thick, which made it even harder to breathe after my death run to my hiding spot. The smell of gasoline filled the hot air in the shed. As I try to move in a more comfortable position, because I knew I’d be waiting awhile, I made sure ever muscle I moved was smooth and stealth.
Finally, I had reached equilibrium with my location and my body. As I sit waiting, I hear this scratching noise coming from the box directly next to my face. For some reason I had kept the lighter from the tiki torches, which I had helped my mom light, and used it to illuminate the shed and allow me to locate the source of the noise. After a couple of flicks, FIRE, my face had a short lived smile after seeing the source, a spider.
This was no ordinary spider, this spider was different. This spider was different because it was a couple inches from my face. In immediate reaction to this monster with eight legs rearing in on me, I frantically threw my body in an almost seizure like response, tossing the cares of being found out the window. I must have jumped ten feet into the air and leaped another thirty out the shed. I found out what was making the noise.
I sat there all six senses raging all at once. The summer air was muggy and thick, which made it even harder to breathe after my death run to my hiding spot. The smell of gasoline filled the hot air in the shed. As I try to move in a more comfortable position, because I knew I’d be waiting awhile, I made sure ever muscle I moved was smooth and stealth.
Finally, I had reached equilibrium with my location and my body. As I sit waiting, I hear this scratching noise coming from the box directly next to my face. For some reason I had kept the lighter from the tiki torches, which I had helped my mom light, and used it to illuminate the shed and allow me to locate the source of the noise. After a couple of flicks, FIRE, my face had a short lived smile after seeing the source, a spider.
This was no ordinary spider, this spider was different. This spider was different because it was a couple inches from my face. In immediate reaction to this monster with eight legs rearing in on me, I frantically threw my body in an almost seizure like response, tossing the cares of being found out the window. I must have jumped ten feet into the air and leaped another thirty out the shed. I found out what was making the noise.
Memory
In a huge house with many children it's only obvious we had to create our own entertainment. I would sit on the staircase many winter days and stare straight down to a long fall to the first floor.
As I did this, my two older brothers would attack from behind. As for jokes, they used to dangle me from my hips over the high balcony for they knew my fear of heights. I would laugh until I cried only because that was my response to being scared and nervous, I don't think they realized that.
After about 30 seconds which felt like 10 minutes I would be back on my feet. I knew they would never drop me, but the suspense killed me every time. I landed safely back on the floor and for the next couple of days my brothers knew they were in some long hours full of the silent treatment and mean stares.
As I did this, my two older brothers would attack from behind. As for jokes, they used to dangle me from my hips over the high balcony for they knew my fear of heights. I would laugh until I cried only because that was my response to being scared and nervous, I don't think they realized that.
After about 30 seconds which felt like 10 minutes I would be back on my feet. I knew they would never drop me, but the suspense killed me every time. I landed safely back on the floor and for the next couple of days my brothers knew they were in some long hours full of the silent treatment and mean stares.
Monday, June 21, 2010
Introduction
The types of stories that appeal to me most will have to be Romance, Mystery, and Action. Movies that appeal to me are Action, fantasy, Japanese Anime, and Comedy. During this past year the best Movies I have seen will have to be Avatar, The Karate Kid and New Moon. The best book will be the Vampire and the Virgin by Kerrelyn Sparks. What made this book so good was the action, romance and mystery incorporated into the story and also how the story draws you in to understand and try to feel what the characters feel.
Mike's introduction
In my free time I really enjoy riding motorcycles. It's kind of my way of getting away from all the sitting and reading and writing that I do in my job, and which I enjoy, but which can lead to cabin fever! I have a dirt bike, which is an 87 Honda CR500, a dual purpose Suzuki DR650, and an old shovelhead Harley 79 Superglide FXE that I've had for over 20 years. I try to ride almost every day in the good seasons so you'll see me on these bikes this summer coming to work.
The last great book I read was The Story of Edgar Sawtelle. It's a long novel about a boy who can communicate with dogs on a high level. I love dogs and it was a moving book.
Nice to meet you all!
Mike Lohre
The last great book I read was The Story of Edgar Sawtelle. It's a long novel about a boy who can communicate with dogs on a high level. I love dogs and it was a moving book.
Nice to meet you all!
Mike Lohre
1st Blog Assignment
Hello everyone my name is Joe and I am 25 years old. I have been back in school for about one year now and most of my reading has been school related. I have found myself becoming increasingly busy with life and thus I have also viewed very little film. In the past I have read a variety of mystery , action, and suspense books and have also enjoyed a wide variety of movies.
In my free time I enjoy riding my motorcycle, working out, playing golf and visiting with family. I am engaged to the woman of my dreams and will be getting married on Aug 7th, thus much of my time is spent on wedding preparations.
The stories and movies that appeal to me most are based on action and suspense, although I enjoy reading and viewing almost any genre of story. Sadly I cannot say that I have read a book in the past year that was for entertainment purposes but one of my favorite books is tittles The Last of the Breed by Louis L'Amour. This book was packed full of action and adventure and carried suspense from cover to cover. It was a well told tail of survival and determination with descriptive words that truly painted pictures.
In my free time I enjoy riding my motorcycle, working out, playing golf and visiting with family. I am engaged to the woman of my dreams and will be getting married on Aug 7th, thus much of my time is spent on wedding preparations.
The stories and movies that appeal to me most are based on action and suspense, although I enjoy reading and viewing almost any genre of story. Sadly I cannot say that I have read a book in the past year that was for entertainment purposes but one of my favorite books is tittles The Last of the Breed by Louis L'Amour. This book was packed full of action and adventure and carried suspense from cover to cover. It was a well told tail of survival and determination with descriptive words that truly painted pictures.
First Assigment
My name is Mary and I like to read and watch movies, although I dont read much. My main hobbies is playing volleyball, hang out with friends, and I love to run. On my free time, I like to see my friends as much as possible and I go out, whether it is to the movies, eat, or just hang out. I also try to spend more time with my family during the summer. The stories and movies that appeal to me the most is comedy, action, and horror. Since most of the books I have read this past year have been for classes, there's not really a book that has been the best for me. The movie that I have liked the most this past year is by far Toy Story 3 as silly as that may sound, but I love animated movies. What I feel made it a good movie were the effects behind it, the comedy and action, and the fact that it brought me back to when I was little.
Intro to me
Hello. My name is Brian Humphries. I am 36, married, and have a 2 1/2 year old son. I am a junior @ OSU and am a Environmental Policy and Management major.
1) I enjoy playing with my son, and writing and recording music. I am a recording engineer and currently am working towards finishing recording an album project with my wife who is also a singer/songwriter. I love hockey and am a big fan of the Columbus Blue Jackets (ouch). In my spare time I also enjoy doing house projects to maintain our home.
2) I like stories that have strong characters that make you think outside your own world. This obviously can be possible with most genres of film and stories, but I tend to prefer fantasy, drama, and comedy for movies. I can get into most books if they grab me/transport me.
Probably the best movie I've seen in the last while was The Fountain. It might have been the strangest film I've seen and it didn't really have a standard resolution or plot path. Honestly, I still don't understand all of the images and story, and that maybe is what makes it so intriguing to me. The story is tragic and deals heavily with life, death and spirituality and symbolism. My wife and I have a "Tree of Life" by Klimt hanging in our living room because of it. That sounds weird, I know!
I'm embarrassed to admit that haven't read much fiction in a long while.
1) I enjoy playing with my son, and writing and recording music. I am a recording engineer and currently am working towards finishing recording an album project with my wife who is also a singer/songwriter. I love hockey and am a big fan of the Columbus Blue Jackets (ouch). In my spare time I also enjoy doing house projects to maintain our home.
2) I like stories that have strong characters that make you think outside your own world. This obviously can be possible with most genres of film and stories, but I tend to prefer fantasy, drama, and comedy for movies. I can get into most books if they grab me/transport me.
Probably the best movie I've seen in the last while was The Fountain. It might have been the strangest film I've seen and it didn't really have a standard resolution or plot path. Honestly, I still don't understand all of the images and story, and that maybe is what makes it so intriguing to me. The story is tragic and deals heavily with life, death and spirituality and symbolism. My wife and I have a "Tree of Life" by Klimt hanging in our living room because of it. That sounds weird, I know!
I'm embarrassed to admit that haven't read much fiction in a long while.
Introduction
In my free time i enjoy fishing, golf, and softball. the stories and movies that appeal to me the most are action. The best movie i have seen this yeah would probably have to be Sherlock Holmes. Its was cool to see how things worked out and trying to follow the twists that the movie took.
my first blog posting
hi everyone my name is mariam. I only read four to six books
a year not including the ones i do for school realted stuff. im always on Eonline reading about celebrity gossip , i also get on CNN on my phone. i would say fml.com is a part of my daily routine thats all the reading i do in my daily life. most of my time is consumed by school and work but when i am free i like haning with my family and friends.
the stories that appeal to me are the ones about romance , i loved nights in rodanthe by Nicholas Sparks , by the end of the book i was crying and what made it so good was at the end of the day you can still pick yourself up when life knocks you down , and when you think you will never find love again you do.
a year not including the ones i do for school realted stuff. im always on Eonline reading about celebrity gossip , i also get on CNN on my phone. i would say fml.com is a part of my daily routine thats all the reading i do in my daily life. most of my time is consumed by school and work but when i am free i like haning with my family and friends.
the stories that appeal to me are the ones about romance , i loved nights in rodanthe by Nicholas Sparks , by the end of the book i was crying and what made it so good was at the end of the day you can still pick yourself up when life knocks you down , and when you think you will never find love again you do.
Hello
Hi,
My name is Jason Bires. Reading is generally not my entertainment throughout the day, but I do read the news nightly, in part because I do not have a TV! Staying current definitely takes work in other areas. My hobbies are very much sports related. I play just about any sport, but spend a lot of time in the gym when I am not at work as a CPhT, or at school, or doing schoolwork, and or cooking.
I am nowhere near a movie buff. I do not watch many movies, and the last movie I saw was Valentine's Day ( the Wife dragged me into it) but overally it was great movie. I maybe go to a theatre three times a year, and that's maybe. In the past year, the best movie I have seen was "Green Zone". Those generally are the types of movies that I prefer, while my reading is limited to biographies and true stories; things that are going to expand my knowledge of the world in any way, shape or form. That's about it! Thanks.
My name is Jason Bires. Reading is generally not my entertainment throughout the day, but I do read the news nightly, in part because I do not have a TV! Staying current definitely takes work in other areas. My hobbies are very much sports related. I play just about any sport, but spend a lot of time in the gym when I am not at work as a CPhT, or at school, or doing schoolwork, and or cooking.
I am nowhere near a movie buff. I do not watch many movies, and the last movie I saw was Valentine's Day ( the Wife dragged me into it) but overally it was great movie. I maybe go to a theatre three times a year, and that's maybe. In the past year, the best movie I have seen was "Green Zone". Those generally are the types of movies that I prefer, while my reading is limited to biographies and true stories; things that are going to expand my knowledge of the world in any way, shape or form. That's about it! Thanks.
First Assignment
My name is Shinal Patel. I'm a Sophomore here at Ohio State and my major right now is Pharmaceautical Sciences.
I like to read fiction books in particular, but prefer to write.
My main hobbies include running and hanging out with friends. In my free time I spend alot of time with my friends or I work at Forever 21 at Tuttle Mall as a Sales Associate.
The stories I prefer to read are suspense because they make me want to keep reading. The best book I have read in the past year has been The Lovely Bones, the book did such a great job at creating suspense and it was action packed. The movie recently came out, but I thought it was not at all as great as the book so I would definitely recommend reading it instead!
I like to read fiction books in particular, but prefer to write.
My main hobbies include running and hanging out with friends. In my free time I spend alot of time with my friends or I work at Forever 21 at Tuttle Mall as a Sales Associate.
The stories I prefer to read are suspense because they make me want to keep reading. The best book I have read in the past year has been The Lovely Bones, the book did such a great job at creating suspense and it was action packed. The movie recently came out, but I thought it was not at all as great as the book so I would definitely recommend reading it instead!
First Assignment
My name is Katelynn Butcher and I am a Sophmore. I am attending The Ohio State University, main campus in the fall and majoring in Athletic Training, to later lead to Physical Therapy School.
To be honest, I read very little only because I am so particular about what I read. If I'm reading you will usually catch me reading a book based on a true story, those interest me the most. Although I love reading true stories, I also love some fictional writings as well. I watch a lot more movies than I do reading, but I would like to change that! Hopefully by taking this class it will open me up to different authors and their books!
1) I have many hobbies outside of school!
-My friend Michelle is going to school for photography, so she takes a lot of different pictures of me for her portfolio. I enjoy this a lot, we go to so many different places to get different backgrounds and environments.
-I also like to run. Running and working out has always been a passion of mine.
-Football has always been a huge part of my life as well. I was a cheerleader in high school and since I did not continue my career in cheerleading in college I purchase the season tickets for Ohio State Football every year. I hope to one day go to a Pittsburgh Steelers game!
-Also, like most people, I love spending time with my family. I try to hang out and support my little brother and sister as much as possible. Encouragement is a huge thing for children to experience at such young ages. It's amazing to see how much kids grow in such little time, it's something you really don't realize when you are that age. Every moment you spend with them is so very special just because anything could happen at any time, so I really do try to take in all the moments and take lots of pictures!
2) I absolutely love the Twilight and Harry Potter series! I'm a nerd and like most people in this generation. The books are almost better but I can't emphasize enough how much I love when they make such great books into movies. I also enjoy the non-fictional movies as well. I love war movies for some reason. They interest me so much. My favorite would have to be Pearl Harbor.
-The best book that I have read in this past year is Lovely Bones. I really did enjoy that read a lot. I also read a book that I read when I was little and still enjoyed it, called A Child called "it."
-I think what made it so good was that they were both based off a true story and I really enjoy to learn about other peoples lives through story and books.
To be honest, I read very little only because I am so particular about what I read. If I'm reading you will usually catch me reading a book based on a true story, those interest me the most. Although I love reading true stories, I also love some fictional writings as well. I watch a lot more movies than I do reading, but I would like to change that! Hopefully by taking this class it will open me up to different authors and their books!
1) I have many hobbies outside of school!
-My friend Michelle is going to school for photography, so she takes a lot of different pictures of me for her portfolio. I enjoy this a lot, we go to so many different places to get different backgrounds and environments.
-I also like to run. Running and working out has always been a passion of mine.
-Football has always been a huge part of my life as well. I was a cheerleader in high school and since I did not continue my career in cheerleading in college I purchase the season tickets for Ohio State Football every year. I hope to one day go to a Pittsburgh Steelers game!
-Also, like most people, I love spending time with my family. I try to hang out and support my little brother and sister as much as possible. Encouragement is a huge thing for children to experience at such young ages. It's amazing to see how much kids grow in such little time, it's something you really don't realize when you are that age. Every moment you spend with them is so very special just because anything could happen at any time, so I really do try to take in all the moments and take lots of pictures!
2) I absolutely love the Twilight and Harry Potter series! I'm a nerd and like most people in this generation. The books are almost better but I can't emphasize enough how much I love when they make such great books into movies. I also enjoy the non-fictional movies as well. I love war movies for some reason. They interest me so much. My favorite would have to be Pearl Harbor.
-The best book that I have read in this past year is Lovely Bones. I really did enjoy that read a lot. I also read a book that I read when I was little and still enjoyed it, called A Child called "it."
-I think what made it so good was that they were both based off a true story and I really enjoy to learn about other peoples lives through story and books.
Blog 1
I am the mother of two teens, so much of my time is spent dispensing money and rides. I read voraciously, I sew and I garden. In my spare time, I read.
I like romantic comedies and science fiction movies. This year, the best book I have read is The Memory Keeper's Daughter. The story was beautifully told, and evoked strong emotions. My favorite book of all time is Gone With the Wind.
The best movie I have seen recently is "The Blind Side".
I like romantic comedies and science fiction movies. This year, the best book I have read is The Memory Keeper's Daughter. The story was beautifully told, and evoked strong emotions. My favorite book of all time is Gone With the Wind.
The best movie I have seen recently is "The Blind Side".
Our blog for Intro to Fiction; your first assignment
Hello students, and welcome to our blog for English 261. We will use this to share ideas, get to know each other, and discuss readings and films that we see in class.
For today, please introduce yourself and tell us a little about your reading and viewing habits.
1) What are your main hobbies, or what do you do with your free time?
2) What types of stories or movies appeal to you the most? What's the best book or movie that you have read during this past year? What made it so good?
Please answer these two questions and post them to the blog by making a New Post.
Once you have posted, then you can write Comments on other posts you see on the blog.
Assignment: Write one original post (where you answer the questions) and then post two Comments to other writers. You can simply say Hello or make a short response to what the person wrote. We do this as a way to start getting to know each other.
For today, please introduce yourself and tell us a little about your reading and viewing habits.
1) What are your main hobbies, or what do you do with your free time?
2) What types of stories or movies appeal to you the most? What's the best book or movie that you have read during this past year? What made it so good?
Please answer these two questions and post them to the blog by making a New Post.
Once you have posted, then you can write Comments on other posts you see on the blog.
Assignment: Write one original post (where you answer the questions) and then post two Comments to other writers. You can simply say Hello or make a short response to what the person wrote. We do this as a way to start getting to know each other.
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