Journals: 12/10-14

12/10
Have you ever experienced major appliance failure?

One time our washer failed. For a long time, we had to take our close to the laundromat. It took a lot change to wash six people's clothing.

12/11
Rudolph died. (Bulb burned out) Name his replacement.

Rudolph will be replaced by headlights. Santa should have thought of this years ago. Rudolph's nose could not possibly be brighter than a set of headlights.

12/12
Favorite holiday cookie?

My favorite holiday cookie is the classic chocolate chip. None can compare to this cookie. If anyone to says otherwise, it is an abomination.

12/14
What would you name a female calico kitten?

I always thought Jaimie is a good female cat name. I like the name Jaimie for a kitten. I look at a can and I think Jaimie.

Journals: 11/26-12/7

11/26
Any Adventures over break?

I actually did not have any adventures over break. Most of the time was spent being bored. All I did was watch Christmas movies and eat.

11/27
Is our society too sensitive? Santa can't say "Ho-Ho-Ho" anymore?

The society we live in is very sensitive. Santa is not trying to be offensive; he has been saying Ho-Ho-Ho since the idea of Santa was created a long time ago. Just a few people have created the thought that saying a jolly Ho-Ho-Ho is offensive.

11/28
Should lit taught in high school be censored?

Literature in high school should not be censored. The students will not read words that they have never heard before. If a student says that he/she is offended, he/she is just trying to make trouble.

11/29
How early is too early for Christmas decorations?

Anytime before Thanksgiving is too early for Christmas decorations. Most people completely overlook Thanksgiving and focus on Christmas early in November. I usually put up decorations a few days after Thanksgiving.

11/30
Christmas tree-toppin: star, angel, or other?

I prefer using a star. My mom is very religious so instead of a star every year, we use an angel. I don't mind if the angels aren't ugly and large.

12/3
Pity the WVU fans, or revel in their misery?

I say neither pity them nor revel in their misery. The fans were correct in that WVU should have won the game. The WVU players completely ruined a beautiful season and embarrassed this state. They had multiple opportunities to come back and didn't take advantage.

12/7
Do you prefer a white Christmas...or would you rather experience warm winter weather?

I prefer a white Christmas. The main reason is the opportunity to miss school for a couple days. Another benefit of snow is recreational pleasure. A group can go sled riding or have snow ball fights.

Journals: 11/5-16

11/5
You won the lottery. What do you buy first?

If I won the lottery, the first thing I would do would be pay off my mom's bills. That is pretty boring; therefore, the second thing I would buy would be a nice car. It would be attractive, and, yet, have excellent gas mileage (the ideal car).

11/6
Lottery winner...which of your friends/family get a chunk?

My mom would get a huge chunk, and my dad would get a less huge chunk. I never forget my friends so many of them would get chunks. My future children will receive a very large portion.

11/7
Lottery winner...will you still go to school/get a job?

Of course I will still go to school and get a job. I will still make more than enough money to live on if I do this. My job will probably be pretty simple and possibly part-time.

11/8
Lottery winner...would you donate to charity...which one/what kind?

I would donate to charity. I am not sure which one I would give donations to. Most likely, I will give a lot to the telethon Jerry Lewis runs annually, and I will give to the scientific research for a cure for diabetes.

11/9
Is it fair to all clubs/organizations that the bulk of KHS fundraising goes toward the sports complex?

I do not think that it is fair. The clubs deserve to get a fair share of the money they raise. The sports complex is spoiled and doesn't need so much money.

11/13
Are the current speed limits reasonable? Or should some be raised/lowered?

I think the speed limits are pretty reasonable right now. The speed limit across the new bridge is a little high. Beside that, the limits are pretty descent.

11/14
What's on the top of your Christmas list?

The King of Queens series DVD set is on the top of my Christmas list. It consists of all nine seasons, and the box set costs $180.00. The show is one of my favorite television shows.

11/15
Have you been "naughty" or "nice" this year?

I have been a little of both naughty and nice this year. It is impossible to be all together naughty or all together nice. I have most likely been more nice than naughty.

11/16
What's the most essential menu item on a Thanksgiving dinner?

Gravy is the most essential menu item in a Thanksgiving dinner. Without gravy, most the other food wouldn't taste as delicious. Turkey, mashed potatoes, and stuffing all require gravy.

Book Synopsis: Big Trouble

Title: Big Trouble
Author: Dave Barry
Publication Date: 1999
Page Count: 317
Type: Fiction
Started On: 10/29
Finished On: 11/7

My Grade: B


1. Why did I decide to read this book?

Some time at the end of the summer, my brother gave me a bunch of books because he had no where to store all of them. A lot of the books were John Grisham novels and a few other miscellaneous ones. One of these novels was Big Trouble. My brother told me that it was a comedy and that he really enjoyed it. After reading two Grisham novels, I wanted to take a break from the more serious novels to read Big Trouble.

2. Plot summary:

Big Trouble was a fast-paced comedy with many story lines that lead to one final event. The catastrophic events that lead up to the finale all started at the Herk household. Two New Jersey hit men are assigned to take out Arthur Herk, the man of the household. Their initial plans are foiled by a pair of awkward high school boys trying to play a game that requires one of them to squirt Arthur's daughter Jenny with a squirt gun(they refer to it as killing her); this requires one witness, hence the two high school boys. The two boys and the hit men just happen to arrive at the Herk house the same night, both pairs desiring to "kill" someone in the house. The boys' plans are also ruined for they did not know that Jenny and her mother are karate specialists. A bullet goes through the TV a split second after it would have hit Arthur Herk in the head. Arthur, therefore, has discovered men are after him, due to a series of bullet holes in the walls, so he seeks help from two arms-dealing Russians that run a bar (The Jolly Jackal). He acquires a bomb from them; unfortunately, a pair of two-bit losers steal the bomb and take it to Arthur's house, where the two then take Jenny and Puggy, a drifter and man assigned to carry the heavy bomb, hostage and head for the airport. The two thieves believe that the explosive is a device involved with drug dealing, so they unknowingly flip some switches that set the bomb. Someone must stop these criminals before the bomb goes off in a plane headed for the Bahamas!


3. What is the setting and why is it important to the novel?


The setting of this novel is Miami, Florida. It probably takes place during the summertime; however, the season is never clearly stated. To get the real feel of Miami, it is important that it be summer. One of the main sayings in this novel is, "Only in Miami." This is because a lot of strange occurrence supposedly often happen in the city of Miami.


4. Who are the main characters and what roles do they play in the novel?


There are many important characters involved with the plot of Big Trouble. The most important characters are Elliot Arnold (father of Matt Arnold), Anna Herk (mother of Jenny Herk), Puggy (a drifter), and Nina, maid of the Herk household whom Puggy falls madly in love with. Puggy is beat up by Snake and Eddie, who are two-bit losers that become very important to the plot. Matt comes in contact with Jenny because he is assigned to "kill" her (squirt her with a squirt gun). Therefore, Matt and his friend Andrew, the required witness for the killing, go to the Herk household to carry out the task at hand. Little does anyone know that two hit men, Henry and Leonard, are assigned to take out Arthur Herk, the father of the Herk household, and they arrive at their home the same night as Matt and Andrew. Matt eventually decides to charge in; however, he is mugged to a bloody mess by Anna and Jenny Herk, so Andrew flees the seen. Arthur Herk, as drunk as can be, falls off the couch, out of the path of a bullet going straight for his head (shot by one of the hit men). Eventually, two Miami police officers show up, Monica Ramirez and Walter Kramitz, and inspect the seen. Herny and Leonard flee and run into Nina and Puggy. Elliot Arnold also shows up and falls in love with Anna as soon as he sees her. Matt is also attracted to Jenny Herk. This event changes the lives of these characters forever.

What is/are the main conflict(s) in the novel?

There are many conflicts that lead to one main conflict in Big Trouble. Arthur Herk is in trouble with a company that has sent two hit men after him. Arthur makes an attempt to strike first by purchasing a bomb from two arms-dealing Russians that own a bar. While leaving with the bomb, Snake and Eddie pull out a gun, steal the bomb, and take it to Arthur's house. While at the house, the pair take Jenny and Puggy hostage and leave for the airport. They are desiring to go to the Bahamas. Thinking that the bomb is a device used for drug making, the losers accidentally flip a few switches on the bomb. The bomb is now set and Snake and Eddie are in the airport. They must be stopped before the bomb goes off.

6. Describe the climax of the novel?

The climax occurs just after Arthur Herk purchases his bomb. Snake and Eddie draw out a gun and take the bomb from Arthur. Snake and Eddie then take Arthur to his house where Jenny and Anna are. Snake takes Jenny hostage along with Puggy, who carries the bomb. Now the thieves and their hostages are headed for the airport to exit the country to the Bahamas. All of the characters that were introduced throughout the duration of the novel are involved with catching the criminals and stopping them.

7. What is the significance of the books title? Is the title appropriate, or would I change it to something else?

The title of this novel is Big Trouble. This title is significant because it represents that Arthur Herk is in big trouble with the company out to kill him. He has done wrong with Penultimate, Inc. and is now being stalked by two clumsy hit men. Elliot Arnold is in trouble because he is love with a woman that is the ex-wife of Arthur Herk, an unstable, drunk husband. I would change the title somewhat; I'm not sure what to. The title doesn't catch my attention enough.

8. What is my opinion about this book? Why (give specifics)?

I thought that Big Trouble was very humorous and I would suggest it for an easy read. The plot and characters all fall in line, and they work well with the story in general. Dave Barry is a genius at putting the story together at the end and provided that well-liked happy ending. The title is one main factor that I didn't find adequate enough. However, I give this novel a B because it is a delight to read.

Journals: 10/29-11/2

10/29
Which CW character?

My favorite Chocolate War character is Jerry Renault. I admire his courage with the Vigils and the rest of the school. In some way, I can identify with him because he is a truthful character from today's standards.

10/30
If you could go back in time and change one event from your past, which one would it be and why?

If I could change one thing about my past, I would be more social when I was younger. I would talk to more people, make more friends, and play more sports. That would make me socially comfortable today.

10/31
Promote a teacher to new principal. (Explain your choice...but be respectful of both teacher and current principals.)

I would promote Mr. Kuu to new Keyser principal. He has been a teacher for a long time. He also knows what the school needs to improve because he's been here so long.

11/1
Are you too old to trick-or-treat?

I don't think we are too old to trick-or-treat; even though I don't do it. I believe that after high school is when a person should stop trick-or-treating. It's good to be childish at least one day out of the year.

11/2
What's your dream vehicle? Explain.

My dream vehicle is a Porsche. I like the appearance of the Porsche and the speed. I have always preferred cars that have a convertible top.

Journals: 10/22-26

10/22
Which is better? An easy class with little homework? A hard class with very little homework?

An easy class with loads of homework would be better. If the homework is easy, it would take very little time to do it. An easy class is less stressful than a hard class.

10/23
Which of these decades has the best music: 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s?

The 70s had the best music. Singers such as Elvis Presley, Tom Jones, and The Beach Boys are my favorite, The music of the 70s is smooth and has a good, easy to listen to beat.

10/24
Do you like to hunt? Why/Why not?

I do not like to hunt. I get bored sitting in the woods for hours at a time. It is usually cold and uncomfortable out in the woods. The worst factor is getting up at 5 p.m.

10/25
Nearly nine weeks into the school year...has your initial new lunch line opinion changed?

My opinion has not changed. I still think that it is simple and organized. The plan, so far, has been a success.

10/26
Do you (or will you someday) play the lottery? Explain.

I do not play the lottery and I don't plan to do so. It is a pointless game where anyone has an extremely small chance of winning. It becomes addicting and may, eventually, control a person's life.

Journals: 10/15-19

10/15
What is the most annoying pet naming convention?

It is annoying when pet owners give their pets full names. A pet should have one name that can easily identify it. No matter how much anyone wants it to be, a pet will never be a blood relative to anyone, so don't give it a last name.

10/16
Of all the pets you've ever had...which one had the coolest name?

The best name one of my past pets have ever had (I currently do not have a pet) was Jerry the cat. My brother is a big Seinfeld fan so the cat was named after Jerry Seinfeld. It is not a cool name, but it is the strangest name. My pets have never had cool names.

10/18
Suggest three journal topic questions for future use.

The first journal topic for future use that I suggest would be: What is your favorite style of movie? (horror, drama, comedy, etc.) The next suggestion would be: What decade would you liked to have lived in? (50's, 60's, 70's, etc.) My final suggestion is: Which would you rather do: slit in between each of your fingers and put your hand in lemon juice or pull each of your fingernails off slowly, one at a time? Why?

10/19
Which is better? Great job with lousy pay? Lousy job with great pay?

A lousy job with great pay would be better. As long as the pay is good, the conditions of a job can be bearable. A person may never advance in a great job with lousy pay. If that same person had a lousy job with great pay, he or she would have no need to advance.

Movie of the Year!!!

Wednesday evening I watched a movie that I put in the top five best movies of the last few years. It's title was Reign Over Me. The cast consisted of Adam Sandler and Don Cheadle, and its release date was Tuesday, October 10, 2007 on DVD. The performance by Adam Sandler was the best I have ever seen him put on. Don Cheadle added to the magnificence with his amazing performance. Alan Johnson (Cheadle) and Charlie Fineman (Sandler) were roommates in college. After college, they went separate ways to start their lives in the world. Charlie has a family and loses them in the 9/11 tragedy, after which he runs into his old roommate Alan. Charlie has chosen to forget his past and just live free, but Alan wants his friend to uncover old wounds so that he may let them heel. I loved this movie from start to finish, and enjoyed a few laughs and a few tears. It touched me and I know that you would love it. I give Reign Over Me an "A" rating and strongly suggest it for your next movie viewing.

Journals: 10/9-12

10/9
How do you like your eggs?

I like my eggs scrambled. Scrambled eggs are the best because their taste is the best and they go with anything. You can put ketchup or syrup on them, and they are good on sandwiches.

10/10
Write me a get well card/message/sentiment.

That sun poisoning can be tough. Hope you don't have permanent damage. Just get well so we can watch some more Freaks and Geeks.

10/11
Which three posters should come down and why?

First, I think that Wolverine should come down. He is out of place with all those D.C. Comic heroes. Next, the Poster with Superman standing with the flag should come down. He looks a little effeminate. Finally, the Super-girl poster should come down. It's a very plain poster.

10/12
Are/were you satisfied with your first marking period performance in this class?

I am pretty satisfied with my first making period grade. For an honor class, my grade is pretty impressive. I also have at least a 4.0 GPA because I know I have at least a B.

Book Synopsis: The Partner

Title: The Partner

Author: John Grisham
Publication Date: 1997
Page Count: 468
Type: Fiction
Started On: 10/3
Finished On: 10/29


My Grade: A-












1. Why did I decide to read this book?


After reading The Street Lawyer by John Grisham and really enjoying it, I wanted to know what another excellent novel by John Grisham was. I asked my father, a big Grisham fan, and he suggested The Partner. He told me that it was the second best John Grisham book that he had read; only second to The Street Lawyer. I got a second opinion from my brother who is also a Grisham fan. He suggested the very same book.


2. Plot summary:


Patrick Lanigan was once a successful partner at a Mississippi law firm before he decide to fake his death and flee to Brazil. He has, in his possession, ninety million dollars of his former law firms money. People back home in Mississippi get suspicious and decide to hire investigators to find Lanigan. He is discovered at a quiet home in Ponta Pora. Now Patrick is on his way back to a city that has learned to hate him: Biloxi, Mississippi. A trial is being created: Patrick vs. his old law firm, the investigators, and his "heart broken" wife. The prosecution of Lanigan seems inevitably sound and thorough to his enemies. Patrick has no chance of survival or escape from life imprisonment and possibly the death penalty. There is one truth, however, that Patrick knows that gives him confidence. He knows his prosecutors are the guilty ones.



3. What is the setting, and why is it important to the novel?



This novel takes place in many locations. One, and probably the most important, is Biloxi, Mississippi. Others include many places in the United States, Europe, and Brazil. Having numerous settings is important for this novel to represent how Patrick Lanigan was on the run, moving from place to place. Biloxi is an important setting because it is close to the coastline of the United States and that makes it an easy place to leave the country from.



4. Who are the main characters, and what roles do they play in the novel?



The main character of the novel is Patrick Lanigan. He is a former partner at a successful law firm in Mississippi. He has stolen ninety million dollars from his old firm and fled to Brazil. After finally being found, he is now on trial for numerous accusations; one of which is stealing the money. Eva Miranda is a lawyer from Sao Paulo that meets Patrick in Brazil and becomes infatuated with him. She is helping to get the charges dropped against Lanigan. Other important characters include Sandy McDermott (Patrick's lawyer), Jack Stephano, Karl Huskey (judge), and Sheriff Raymond Sweeney.



5. What is/are the main conflict(s) in the novel?

There are many conflicts tied into this novel. Patrick Lanigan has stolen ninety million dollars from his former firm. He is now being prosecuted for the theft. This is the main conflict of the novel. There are other charges, however, that are brought forth against Lanigan and he must create a case opposing each of them. Problems seem to come from nowhere the entire duration of the book.

6. Describe the climax of the novel.

I believe that the climax of the novel occurs during the wait for the trial of Lanigan. Patrick is talking with Karl Huskey, the current judge assigned for the case, and he reveals the secrets of how he steals the money and fakes his death. He tells how it all took place, from beginning to end. Huskey is stunned at Lanigan's cleverness. This is the climax of the story because it is when the reader discovers Patrick's long awaited secrets.

7. What is the significance of the books title? Is the title appropriate or would I change it to something else?

The title of the novel is The Partner. The title is significant because Patrick Lanigan was a successful partner at a successful firm. It is also an ironic title because Patrick is actually no longer a partner. I don't think that this title is as appropriate as it could be. Being a partner is really not that important to the story.



8. What is my opinion about this book? Why (give specifics)?

I really enjoyed reading The Partner. It had those enjoyable twists and turns that I love so much. The novel was an irresistible read that I hated to put down. It is a good guy and bad guy back and forth battle. I give The Partner an A- because I liked it very much.

Journals 9/28 and 10/1-5

9/28

Video Games: do violent video games negatively influence those who play them? Will playing violent video games make someone a violent person?


I think that playing those games does negatively influence you. If you aren't a very bright person, you might get the image that you can get away with violent crimes. The characters on the game rarely get into trouble by cops.

10/1

Did you have trouble completing the quote assignment?



I had no trouble completing the quotes assignment. I easily discovered the meanings of at least five of them. I have also had experience with this assignment.



10/2

Who is your hero? (Cause it's, you know, hero day)



My hero would have to be Spider-man. He can do whatever a spider can do. He is way cooler than that Superman guy. Spider-man is more human than most of those supernatural beings. He actually has real life catastrophes.



10/3

Critique each hallway's homecoming decor.



Most of this years hallways are pretty interesting. I think that the freshman hallway is too plain. The sophomore hallway has many cool decorations and I rate it second. The juniors hallways are very interesting and I rate it at number one. The seniors are third with a relatively average hallway.



10/4

Based on your life now...predict your death.



I predict that I will die of old age; perhaps heart attack or I might just die in my sleep. I have never drank beer or smoked a cigarette and don't plan to do so. I have a moderately healthy diet, but that might be a factor, also.

10/5

Homecoming game--who will win? Predict the score.


I know that Keyser will win the homecoming game. Southern, i think, has never beaten Keyser during this millennium. The score I predict would have to be 42-7 Keyser.

Journals: 9/20-27

9/20
Which fast food franchise should open in Keyser? Which one would you get rid of?

Wendys should open a fast food restaurant in Keyser. Wendys has the best food of any fast food franchise because their food is fresh. I think that we should get rid of Long John Silvers. They're are ruining the KFC that they share buildings with.

9/21
Continuing with the food theme: Have you ever eaten octopus? Would you?

I have never eaten octopus; however, I would like to eat octopus. The only reason why I might not would be just the pyschological fear when I look at it. I have heard that they are good by most people who've eaten them. I have seen more bizaare things on Andrew Zimmer's Bizaare Foods.

9/24
Are you (were you) nervous to get your driver's license?

I am a little nervous to get my driver's license. A car is two tons of metal in my control. If I'm not a responsible driver, I could cause a lot of damage to myself or others.

9/25
Is punishing the entire class for the trangressions of a few fair? Is it effective?

I don't find the punishment fair, but life is not fair. Whether fair or not, it is effective. We all stopped talking and did our work.

9/26
Video Games: Which one has fittered the most of your life away?

Playing sports video games has fittered the most of my life away. Mostly Madden but also I play NCAA Football, NBA Live, and some MLB. They are addictive and are a great group activity.

9/27
Video Games: Which one is the most fin to watch others play?

The video game that is the most fun to watch others play. People talk all kinds of interesting smack when playing a game like Madden. It gets rather serious sometimes. I have seen people not talk to each other for a week after playing Madden.

My Weekend at the Movies: Superbad and 3:10 to Yuma

I just went to the movies this weekend and watched two movies: Superbad and 3:10 to Yuma. Superbad was a comedy about two teenagers, Seth and Evan, in high school that are not very popular. They try as hard as they can to fit in by agreeing to buy beer for a party that this girl is having. So most of the movie is spent with Evan and Seth attempting to get beer without a license. Throw a couple of lousy cops in there and a guy with a fake license with just the name McLovin, no first name, and you have yourself a modern day comedy. I thought that the movie was hilarious all around, but one thing I didn't understand is an "R" rating. Superbad appeals more to the teenage audience; however, teenagers can't get into the movie without an adult. For instance(yes I have a "for instance"), I was sitting in the back of the theatre and witnessed four high school students walk into the theatre without an adult. Shortly after that, security entered and kicked the boys out for paying to go to a "PG-13" movie but sneaking into "Superbad." I found this hilarious because I got in with my dad.

I also, during the weekend, went to see 3:10 to Yuma. I was very surprised by this movie because I am not a big western fan. However, I loved this 3:10 to Yuma. The first question I asked myself when hearing of 3:10 to Yuma was what the signifigance of the title was. I wasn't sursprised at the title because westerns usually have those hidden meanings. This title was more obvious. Dan Evans(Christian Bale) is a man out west struggling to provide for his family, two sons and a wife. Ben Wade(Russell Crowe) is an infamous outlaw with a good bad reputation(I'll let you figure that out). The men's paths cross when Evans' cattle stummble in the midst of Wade performing his robbing duty. Wade lets Evans go and sets into town. The main premise of the plot starts when Dan Wade gets caught by the law in town, with some help by none other than Mr. Evans. They need five men to escort Wade to the 3:10 train to Yuma where he can be put in federal prison while he waits to be hung(hence the title)and Evans volunteers to be the fifth man. During their trip there is many twists and turns that kept me intrigued and asking for more. It's a mind boggling western with a lot of thrills that has a tremendous ending(that was almost inevitable). It was one of the best films that I have seen this year and I strongly suggest it for your next trip to the movies.

Journals: 9/10-19

9/10
Plant these Japanese iris bulbs next to the daffodils, Pam, if you want an attrative display next spring.

9/11
Terry doesn't run very well, but he always enters Run For Your Life, a five- mile race on Labor Day.

9/12
Neither of my parents is able to take me to the Village Theater to see Oscar Wilde's play The Importance of Being Earnest.

9/13
Adriana, please set those books of Sakespeare's plays on this stand; we'l be using them later in class.

9/14
Shawn said that neither of the singers was professionally trained, but their rendition of "Maria" was stunning.

9/17
Neither my friend nor my sister has the time to address these envelopes; maybe someone else can help.

9/18
Rob told us that the picture has not been hung properly, and it will have to be taken down and done correctly.

9/19
Keiko and I have to order these items: two dozen pizzas, three cases of juice, and, I suppose, enough placements for everyone attending the festival.


9/10
Comment on the salty hamburger story.

I think that if the hamburger was salty, that the officer should not have eaten the burger. He could have taken it back. However, the burger shouldn't be sold if it is too salty anyway.

9/11
Do you think 9/11 happened as reported, or was/is there a sinister conspiracy/cover-up?

I think that 9/11 really happened as they say. Too much took place for it to be a big conspiracy. I also don't believe in conspiracies anyway.

9/12
Would you consider Brittany Spears fat?

I would consider her fatter than before. She's not too far gone, however. She's been fatter than she is now.

9/13
Do you prefer this year's "enrichment" block to last years study hall, tutoring? Explain.

I prefer this year's "enrichment" block. I can work on any homework that I have to do. I also have time to talk or read.

9/14
"Cheaters never prosper." True statement?

Most of the time, that statement is true. Sometimes, however, I cheat doing something competitive and get away with it. I cheat by playing someone who doesn't know the rules of a certain game.

9/17
It is better for your location(house, classroom, etc.) to be too cold or too hot?

It is better for my location to be too cold. You can wear more warm clothing or cover up with a blanket if it is too cold. There is not much you can do when it is too hot.

9/18
Invent a new candy bar. Describe its composition and name it.

I would invent a candy bar named the King Bar. It is always king size and is about six inches in length. In the bar there will be peanuts, caramel, and neuget.

9/19
Which Mcdonalds item should be permanantely removed form the menu?

I think that fries should be removed from the menu. They are always cold. They are also very mooshy.

Expanded Journal: Most Memorable Summer Experience

My most memorable summer experience was probably WV District Church Camp 2007. It was a pretty good week. In my religion we can't wear shorts. You can imagine what that was like. The heat got pretty bad at times, but hallelujah for air conditioning. In the duration of teh week I made many friends, met a lot of new people, and had a lot of fun. Oh yeah, I also won the heart of my current girlfriend, Rachel Moran. All week I was beating girls off left and right like always, but I decided on her.



My schedule for every day of that week was as follows. First, I would wake up and get a shower. Then, I would get dressed and leave the dorm for breakfast at the cafeteria. Then, at 9:30, the bell rang and we went to morning devotions. At about 11:00, that ended. On Tuesday, I "preached", sort of, in front of all the campers...about one hundred and fifty in all. Anyway, after morning devotions we ate lunch and had recreation until dinner time. The food left something to be desired, but the church was good. My religion is kind of like and Apostolic Pentecostal. We worship freely, Speak in tongues and are baptized, and we believe in oneness. After dinner, we go to our went to our dorms to shower and to dress for church. Following church, we just hang out until the bell rings at about 11:30. That was my best experience of summer.

Journals: 9/4-7

9/4

"Sally, whom did you see at Fox's Pizza last night?" Megan asked after algebra class.



9/5

By the time the Fourth of July parade ended, the light drizzle became a downpour, and a few people remained on Main Street.



9/6

In my opinion, Twelve Angry Men is the more powerful play of the two I read last week in English class.



9/7

Tana lent me a copy of Computer Facts, the magazine that published the article "Computer Graphics."





9/4

In honor (sort of) of the holiday, what's the worst kind of labor?



The worst kind of labor is probably giving birth. I wouldn't know from experience, but I heard it is bad. It is supposed to be the most painful experience a human being can endure.



9/5
Should Micheal Vick ever be allowed to return to the NFL?

Micheal Vick should never be allowed to play for the NFL again. Any player who does a major crime should not play ever again. He should hae considered teh consequences of his actions.

9/6
Which city/landmark in the "mainland" U.S. would you like to visit? Explain.

I still want to go to New York City. Any activity you cna think to do, you can find it in New York City. I like the fast-paced lifestyle there also.

9/7
Two weeks in: respectfully grade the new principals. (Twigg; Saturday)

I give Mr. Saturday a D+. I was walking in the hall with a guidance note and not my planner, and he got all sarcastic with me. I don't have a problem with Ms. Twigg so far. Therefore, I give her a B+.

Journals 8/28-31

8/28
Even though their parents objected, Captain Ron took her and her friend on a helicopter ride over the Grand Canyon.

8/30
Aunt Felicia said, "Golfing is more relaxing than swimming or jogging."

8/31
Mark's father is an engineer at the Ace Farm Equipment Co.; his mother is and illistrator at Herrara Publication, Inc.


8/28
Will the new lunchline set-up succeed? Discuss.

I believe the new lunchline set-up will be a success. The plan makes lunch more organized. Rarely will someone pass another person so the lines should be fair.

8/30
Beans or franks? Discuss.

I prefer franks over beans. You can put pretty much anything on franks, but you are limited with what you can put on beans. Franks are good with or without a bun also.

8/31
What was your most memorable summer adventure?

My most memorable summer adventure was church camp. I met a lot of people and had good church. I also got a girlfiend in the duration of that week.

Book Synopsis: Misery

Title: Misery

Author: Stephen King

Publication Date: 1988

Page Count: 338

Type: Fiction

Started On: August 30, 2007
Finished On: September 18, 2007


My Grade: A-

1. Why did I decide to read this book?

During the summer I watched the movie version of Misery starring Janes Caan and Kathy Bates. The insanity and physical brutality of Annie Wilkes kept me disgusted yet interested the entire duration of the movie. After reading the book, I realized that James Caan and Kahty Bates were perfect for their corresponding parts. I saw the movie so I decided to read the book. That way I could compare certain factors that are different or similar. I like to read a book that I never want to put down and that also keeps me interested the entire time. Misery is exactly the kind of book that I enjoy reading the most(and it is more disgusting and graphic than the movie in many aspects).

2. Plot summary(avoiding major spoilers when possible).

Paul Sheldon is a writer. He crashes his car due to a snow storm and falls off the edge of a road. Paul is recovered by a woman named Annie Wilkes. Annie is, in her eyes, the "biggest fan" of Paul Sheldon's Misery novel series. Misery Chaistain is a character in the book Misery written by Paul. Annie takes Paul to her house and cares for him. Paul has shattered his legs and is in much pain all around his body because of his crash. Through many strange events involving his books, Paul is put through numorous forms of torture. In Paul's book Misery's Child, he kills off Misery. Annie is keeping Paul alive just so he can write a return novel in the Misery series. The tortures that occur and the reasons for them you will have to discover on your own. Misery is a pulse-pounding thriller with many phsychological(and physical) twists and turns. I would get lost in Paul Sheldon and Annie Wilkes' world and find it hard to leave, and I think you will too.

3. What is the setting, and why is it important to the novel?

The setting of Misery is Boulder in the duration of about half of a year. There is also a short time period in New York City. It was mostly in the winter. While in the winter, the weather was signifigant because Paul Sheldon couldn't escape on an icy road or snowy road. He was in a wheelchair, because of his legs being shattered, and he wouldn't make it very far on the slick roads.

4. Who are the main characters and what role do they play in the novel?

The main characters in this novel are Paul Sheldon and Annie Wilkes. Paul is a writer that is the "hostage" of Annie Wilkes. Paul has to right a return novel in the Mysery series in order to stay alive. Annie Wilkes found Pual Sheldon wrecked in the snow and has taken him to her house. She "takes care" of him using various bizzare and unusual methods until he gets well(so she says). Annie is a phycotic murderer whom is obssessed with her idol, Paul Sheldon.

5. What is/are the main conflicts in the novel?

Paul sheldon is held captive at the household of Annie Wilkes. Paul's leg are shattered and he cannot escape from the insane yet clever hands of Annie. He must write an entire new novel to satify the desires of his tormentor, Annie Wilkes. Paul is put through much pain and suffering by the "Goddess" Miss Annie Wilkes(read the book to find out what Goddess means).

6. Describe the climax of the novel.

I found that the climax of Misery would have to be the amputation. During most of the novel, Paul is locked in Annie's spare bedroom. Sometimes Annie would leave and Paul would try to exit his room by picking the lock with one of Annie's bobby-pins. He had made three trips in all: one to get medication for his pain, one to try and find a way out, and another to retrieve a pitcher of water and a knife to kill Annie. Annie puts her own hairs tightly on different things all around the house so that if one broke, she would know that he had been out of his room. She finds a set of the hairs broken and confronts Paul. She found the knife under Paul's matress where he had put it, and she thought that he had left his room at least seven times. She grows angrier and angrier with Paul until finally she got so mad that she cut his left foot off at the ankle with an axe. I felt that this was the climax because it had shown me how far Annie was willing to go to punish Paul and make sure that he wouldn't leave her. She was determined to have him finish Misery's Return in dedication to her.

7. What is the signifigance of the books title?

The title Misery is signifigant in a few ways. Misery is the title of the book that Paul wrote that Annie loved so much. Also, the title of Paul's book is mirrored by the misery that Paul is put through in the duration of the novel. Paul also will probably remain miserable and tortured for the rest of his life by the nightmare that is Annie Wilkes.

8. What is my opinion about this book? Why(give specifics)?

I surprisingly enjoyed this book. Surprisingly because I rarely find a book that I enjoy. The suspense never stopped and the thrills never ceased. I hated to stop reading the book at any point because I just had to know what was going to happen next(what torture Annie was going to put Paul through next). It had an erie horror behind it that disturbed me but that interested me at the same time. I give this book an A- because it was flawless and had never ending, heart-racing suspense.

Book Synopsis: The Street Lawyer

Title: The Street Lawyer

Author: John Grisham
Publication Date: 1998
Page Count: 449
Type: Fiction


Started On: September 18, 2007
Finished On: October , 2007







My Grade: A+






1. Why did I decide to read this book?

I have always heard that John Grisham is many people's favorite author. I was told that his lawyer type stories are the best ever written and it was suggested that I read one of them. One in particular was recommended to me. That novel was The Street Lawyer. My dad gave the book to me during the summer and I hadn't read it yet. The idea that I had to do a synopsis put interest in me for this book.



2. Plot summary (avoiding major spoilers when possible)?

Drake and Sweeney is a big law firm in D.C. Michael Brock, an associate at Drake and Sweeney and a man going through a divorce with his wife Claire, has just had a nerve-wrecking experience with some of his fellow associates. They were all held hostage in a large conference room by a man they only knew as Mister but was later identified as DeVon Hardy. While in the conference room, Mister requested food from a homeless shelter close by. When the door to the room was open, Mister was shot by a sniper outside the room, and the blood splattered on Michael. While this hostage situation was occurring, Mister continuously antagonized the nine lawyers in the conference for having so much money and giving very little to the poor or homeless. After this ordeal, Michael felt very guilty and had trouble just being in the Drake and Sweeney offices. Mordecai Green, a lawyer for the less fortunate, gave Michael a call one night requesting that he help him serve food at a homeless shelter. Those Michael found it odd at first, he went anyway, and he became so compassionate for those poor and needy that he was serving. While there, he encountered a homeless woman and her four children. He held one of them and became attached. A few days later, Michael heard on the TV that a homeless mother, Lontae Burton, and her four children had died in there car where they slept. Through many efforts to find out what happened, Michael discovers that a branch of Drake and Sweeney is the firm that evicted her from a homeless person apartment she was living in and paying rent for. Now working for Mordecai Green at the 14th Street Legal Clinic for those who are poor and less fortunate, Michael is setting up a case against the law firm he used to be an important associate in.


3. What is the setting and why is it important to the novel?

The setting of The Street Lawyer is Washington, D.C. There are also some scenes in Chicago and Memphis. It takes place in the winter months. This is an important setting to the story because Washington, D.C. is home to many homeless. The cold winter weather helps the reader discover how unbearable the worst months for the homeless are.

4. What are the main characters and what role do they play in the novel?

The main characters in the novel are Michael Brock, Mordecai Green, and Lontae Burton. Michael Brock was an associate for Drake and Sweeney, but now he works for the 14th Street Legal Clinic. He is setting up a case against Drake and Sweeney, the law firm that used to trust him. Mordecai Green is a man who has lived his life for the poor and needy. He is assisting Michael in his case against Drake and Sweeney for the deaths of Lontae Burton, a deceased homeless mother, and her four children.

5. What is/are the main conflict(s) in the novel?

Drake and Sweeney has evicted many poor people from a building that they own. Michael Brock must come up a case to bring to court to expose Drake and Sweeney's secrets. Bringing the case to court would raise a problem. Michael has stolen a file from the office of a Drake and Sweeney partner and is planning to use it for his case. He cannot use the file, however, because it is stolen evidence.

6.Describe the climax of the novel?

The climax of the novel is when Michael Brock finds Hector Palma. Hector is a former D.C. Drake and Sweeney lawyer who handled the evictions of Lontae Burton and her family. Hector had moved to a Drake and Sweeney branch in Chicago and is hiding just in case Michael might come looking for him. However, Michael finds him at his office in Chicago and gets the missing information from the file Michael stole from Braden Chance. This helps Michael create his case in a crippling way to Drake and Sweeney.

7. What is the significance of the books title? Is the title appropriate or would I change it to something else?

The significance of the books title, The Street Lawyer, is not a hidden meaning. Michael Brock has quit his job at Drake and Sweeney and is now working for the 14th Street Legal Clinic. The clinic helps homeless people on the streets. Therefore, Michael is now a street lawyer. The title is appropriate, and I wouldn't change it.

8. What is my opinion about this book? Why (give specifics)?

I really enjoyed The Street Lawyer. It is another one of those twisty stories that I love to read. The plot is well thought out and is relatively flawless. I never wanted to put the book down and lost a lot of sleep from it. I would find myself in the world of the street lawyer and the homeless that he serves. That is why I give this novel an "A+" grade.