The Most Dangerous Game

Majorly disturbing book. This guy is hunting humans. Murdering is the proper term really. It's very gross and twisted. I wish we didn't have to read it but what can you do?? Although I obviously didn't like it, it was hard to put down. It pulled me in and I didn't put down the book until I had finished it. No matter how sickening it was. I personally am not a hunter and am completely against it being a sport. Which is how hunting is in the book. In fact, the main character Rainsford is going to South America(or was it Africa?) to hunt panthers. Panthers! When a man has a powerful gun and a panther has nothing but the protection of the night. it's easy to see who is going to win that game. It's mean and unfair. It would be a bit more fair if we gave the panthers guns and opposable thumbs! Of course, the still probably wouldn't figure out how to use them, it's still a thought. Maybe we should arm all animals we hunt with guns and then see who wins. Or take away our guns and give them to the animals. They may still be unable to use them, but they'd kick our buts still. Just because we are "smarter" then them at certain things(mechanical/technological) we apparently "rule" the world. I'm getting of topic though, so if you are looking for a intriguing, short story read The most Dangerous Game by Richard Connell.




To read go to the following link:
http://fiction.eserver.org/short/the_most_dangerous_game.html

A Knight's Tale

As you all know we have been watching A Knight's Tale the past few days in English. I would have to say it's a pretty cheesy movie. It's fairly predictable, until the ending. I can't say I loved it. Heath Ledger is a total cutie though. He made the movie better than it actually was. Plus I loved the author. He was the guy who has a gambling problem and was naked half of the time. He was hilarious. He also made the movie so much better than it was. I am kind of embarrassed because I found the part when William(Heath) is reunited with his father happy. And, well, I cried. It was fairly happy though. I know it's a ll fake but it gives you such a warm feeling. Like his fathers blind and even though he can't see William jousting he has the largest smile on his face. And he couldn't be more proud of anyone else in the world. It makes me want to cry(but I will not!). The soundtrack was a bit odd. I mean ACDC? Not to sure what that was about...
Also a lot of things that occurred I am sure would not have happened in those times for real. Like making out in public? No. That would be considered a huge disgrace.
I like the saying William uses. The one about being able to change your stars. I think that's neat. Kind of pretty? Once again not going to lie, wouldn't watch again if I had a choice...sorry.

Lessons in Heartbreak
by Cathy Kelly


Hear is the lyrics the song I chose - Screaming Infidelities by Dashboard Confessional

Screaming Infidelities
-Dashboard Confessional

I’m missing your bed
I never sleep
Avoiding the spots where we’d have speak
And this bottle of beast
Is taking me home

I’m cuddling close
To the blankets an sheets
But your not alone, and your not
discreet
Make sure I know who’s taking you
home

I’m reading your note over again
There’s not a word that I
comprehend
Except when yo signed it
I love you always and forever

Well as for now Im gonna hear
the saddest songs
And sit alone and wonder
How your making out

But as for me, I wish that
I was anywhere with
anyone
Making out

I miss your laugh
How did it break?
And when did your eyes begin to
look fake?
I hope your happy as your
pretending

I’m cuddling close
To the blankets and sheets
I am alone
In my defeat I wish I knew you
were safely at home

Im missing your bed
I never sleep
Avoiding the spots where we’d have
to speak
And this bottle of beast is taking me
home
　
Well as for now I'm gonna
hear the saddest songs
And sit alone and wonder
How your making out

But as for me, I wish that
I was anywhere with
anyone
Making out
　
Your hair, it’s
everywhere
Screaming infidelities
And its taking its wear

Your hair, it’s
everywhere
Screaming infidelities
And its taking its wear

Your hair, it’s
everywhere
Screaming infidelities
And its taking its wear

Your hair, it’s
everywhere
Screaming infidelities
And its taking its wear
　

To listen click hearhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z7itHHrTty0

Viral Videos

Viral videos are most likely so popular because they are entertaining. The could be about the dumbest things, but they may be entertaining to some people. When you watch the video of the top 100 or whatever videos a lot of them are of people pulling stunts, falling/tripping/making fools of themselves, dancing or just saying random stuff. i don't know why it's these particular videos people are so attracted to. I suppose it's because something about them is either making us feel better about ourselves or makes us want to be more or something better. I could be totally wrong, but it is what I think.

Out of all the videos shown in the clip my favourite is the one with the men and the lion(Christian). I originally saw it on Oprah and to be honest cry every time I see it. I think it is the most beautiful(for lack of a better word) video ever. The feelings shown by the men are raw and out there for everyone to see. Plus the connection between them and the lion is just unbelievable. It's amazing. I'd recommend everyone one I know to watch it.



To watch the top 100 viral videos go tohttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/09/28/100-greatest-viral-videos_n_301717.html
To watch my favourite video go tohttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HjWtRYaxmWM&feature=related

Johnny 99 - Bruce Springsteen

My group was assigned Johnny 99 by Bruce Springsteen. A fairly depressing song. The lyrics are alright. Nothing special. Pretty much what happens is a man loses his job, gets drunk, then kills a man. He gets caught by the police and is taken to the judge. Who sentences him to 99 years in jail. Johnny doesn't want this and asks to be sentenced death row. Pretty depressing, no? It doesn't relate to any of my experiences because I don't know anyone on death row(I kind of hope I never will). Honestly I didn't really like the song. Sounded to different. Wasn't what I like personally. I am sure there aer people who would love it but it's not for me. I did however like some of the other groups songs, such as Cats in the Cradle.

To listen to Johnny 99 click herehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qFUe2kFMj2Y

Did You Know 3.0

Wow. What an eerie video. It truly makes you stop and think. Right in the beginning it says that we are preparing students for jobs that don't even exist yet. That is insane. When my mom was a kid she knew she wanted to be a RN, her brother knew fashion was his calling and my grandpa wanted to continue with the sawmill. It was simple and easy. Their dreams were able to become true. Now our generation, that's a whole different story. Some of us may have dreams but we don't know if they are reachable. Then there's the rest of us, we don't know what we want because half(or maybe even more) of the jobs that will be available when we are ready to work do not even exist now! For all we know there could be a job in the future where all you had to do was scream into a bottle to create energy, just like in MONSTERS INC. We don't know, and its something weird to think about.


Also we are preparing the student to use technologies that don't even exist yet. They don't know what they are preparing us for but they are trying. They are doing this all to prepare us to solve future problems, even though we don't know that they are problems now. It just blows my mind.


Then at the end of the video it mentions how throught out the video 67 babies were born in the U.S., 274 born in China and 395 born in India. That is an insane amount of babies and that is only 3 countries. There are roughly another 190 countries with reproducing humans in. Probably while I've been write this another 500 babies have been born in India, China and the U.S. Those are huge numbers. Probably half of those babies wont survive because of lack of health care or are born into poverty. It's sad really. But this also means there are a lot of happy people all over the world. That's a bit happier thought.


Really, I don't know what to think, it was knid of shocking. Some of the things mention were just mind blowing.





To watch got to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jpEnFwiqdx8&feature=related

Book Study - Journal Entry #6

Lessons in Heartbreak
by Cathy Kelly

Wow. Which characters are my least favourite? They would defiantly have to be Patrick, Joe and Jamie.(I probably sound like such a man-hater.) They are the cheating husbands. They know what they are getting themselves into but don't seem to care about how the woman feel. They may say other wise, but they are with Izzie and Lily mostly for the fun. Not the love. I they were, they'd leave their current wives and get together with the two woman. Yet nothing ever works out like that.

Joe. Joe is the multi-millionaire who woes Izzie. They met at an art auction. The sparks flying immediately. They meet for an "innocent" lunch. So enough they are dating. Joe tells Izzie he is separated from his wife, but still living with her to make his sons happy. For they don't know about the separation. Right away Izzie should of walked away. And she did, but Joe came(being all sexy and all) and convinced Izzie it was over. then one day during a date, Izzie discovers that Joe's marriage is defiantly not over. In fact he is with her STILL IN LOVE with her. Joe does eventually decide he wants Izzie, but is unwilling to have her children. Izzie leaves him.

Jamie. Jamie is the injured marine Lily meets at her best friend's sister's wedding. She's the maid of honor. He's the best man. Fairytale story, right? No, I don't thinks so. The exchange a kiss, then don't see each other for a month. Upon their second encounter, they start to have some "fun" on the kitchen counter. Although they are quickly interrupted by Lily's best friend's sister. who knowing what has been going on brings up that Jaime has a wife back in Scotland. Lily is devastated . Jamie didn't even tell her he had a wife. He completely led her on. That was mean. He is probably my absolute least favourite.

Patrick. Aww Patrick. He is married to Anneliese. Anneliese goes to church and when she returns she finds Patrick with her best friend, Nell.(They weren't doing anything inappropriate.) Anneliese had thought everything was okay with her marriage. Apparently she couldn't have been more wrong. With her best friend too. Anyway, Patrick was the type of guy who didn't say anything for years, then found someone to vent to and feel in love with her. Even when Anneliese did find out he didn't say anything. He just sat there as Anneliese broke down and watched as Nell yelled her. It was horrible. He isn't much of a man if you ask my. I think he is a coward.

A man is all you need to create havoc and these three prove that.

Book Study - Journal Entry #8

Lessons in Heartbreak
by Cathy Kelly

Yeah!! My last journal entry. This means I have finished the book. Over all it was pretty good. I'm not sure I would recommend it to someone because it wasn't wonderful. Yet still I didn't feel like I wasted my time when I finished it. Anyway in the end it tells you pretty quickly that(**note if you want to read this book skip ahead until the next paragraph**) Lily, the grandmother died, Anneliese is not longer as depressed, Jodi is pregnant, Beth had her baby and Izzie broke up with Joe. So for the most part it was happy. Although this might sound bad, Lily's death kind of freed all the other woman. It helped them accept lives challenges and the obstacles that were sure to come in the future. Of course I was happy to hear that Patrick, Jamie and Joe(the cheating husbands) were out of the story for good. Au revoir is all I can say. Thank goodness. No one should have to deal with what those wives/mistresses did. I guess I am being kind of mean. Though right now I am not impressed with the whole male race based on this book.

Another thing would be that this novel ended very abruptly. It was like BAM! Lily's dead, Joe's gone, someones pregnant and there's a new baby! BAM! The end. I don't like that because I don't know if things worked out or if things were even more screwed up then before. So that makes me kind of iffy. On the other hand I did like it because I can pretend that "they all lived happily ever after". I'm sure that they probably didn't, but it sure is a nicer way to look at things. I can pretend Izzie fell in love with some handsome model. That Jodi didn't experience a miscarriage for the tired time. That Anneliese was completely happy being alone and free. That Beth's baby would stay healthy. Possibly even that Lily went to heaven(if you believe in that stuff). I don't know, maybe that stuff did happen. Or maybe Anneliese married the man who saved her when she tried to kill herself. Maybe Izzie becomes gay. Maybe Jodi ends up having sixtuplets. I guess you could say I like that the book ended so abruptly because now my imagination is all over the place, thinking of the possible outcomes/futures.

So, that is all...
Until the next blog or novel study
Bye Bye

Book Study - Journal Entry #7

Lessons in Heartbreak

by Cathy Kelly



In this book Izzie and Anneliese both have a special but different relationship with Lily. Lily is Anneliese's aunt and Izzie's grandmother. Since Izzie's mother died when she was so young, Lily and her father were the only people to raise her. She made an extremely close relationship over the years with her grandma. Often in the novel whenever Izzie doesn't know what to do, she asks herself what Lily would do. Her grandmother is her biggest role model. To Anneliese, Lily was the woman she could talk to about anything. Lily was so excepting and loving, that there wasn't ever any tension at all. Since they made such close bonds with Lily, it seemed harder for them than the rest of the family when she became ill.



Reading the parts in the test where it spoke of the relationships and hardships during the sick part it reminded me of some of my relatives who I have special kind of relationship with and who are role models to me.



Like my grandma. Heather Hopson. She's always been there for me. Understanding me when my parents or friends couldn't/can't. She is obsessed with shopping. She taught me everything I needed to know about shopping. Best times to shop in certain stores. The best stores in the US(and they are actual stores I like). The best way to get what you want. How to plan all the places you wanna hit within a hour. The perfect times to have breaks. And everything else you can imagine(or can't) you would need to know. She also knows that if my parents say I can spend $100, we can get away with $175 or sometimes $200. She is the klutziest, most scatterbrained person I have ever known. She spoils us 'til we are choking in her gifts. She sends a card for every occasion and invites over literally every weekend. she makes me smile,knows what makes me laugh and cry. I inherited my looks, obsessions and traits from her. I love her like crazy, she is also an amazing cook(she makes chocolate suckers and pickles!!).



As I am writing I am at my 2nd cousin Bonnie's house for thanksgiving. She is amazing. She is totally different from everyone I've met. Sadly, I rarely get to see her, but when I do, we have a total blast. For example, almost every summer she'd rent a campsite at Long Point. My family and I would go and stay with her for a day or two. During the day we'd spend the whole time at the beach burying each other in sand, making sand cars and collecting beach glass and stones(and finding dead fish). She'd always lather up sunscreen, but no matter what get badly burned. Then at night it be back t the campsite for the fun. The campfire!! We'd make marshmallows and s'mores. And all these other creations we'd come up with. She'd bring silly putty and we'd play tricks on each other. We'd add things to the fire so it would change from red to green to blue to purple. We'd attach sparklers and glo-sticks to string and whip them around and playing jump rope. She'd make us laugh when she told us to pull her finger and she'd make a farting noise(she'd probably kill me if she knew I wrote that). I love how accepting and hilarious she is. I can't even write all the fun times I've had with her. Like I said I never get to see her, even though she only lives in Welland.



I thank my lucky stars that those two are a part of my life. And that is only two there's still all my other family members who are special to me. Luckily some of those special people are still ere with me and are in good health. But I don't know if I tell them or show them how much they do mean to me. I know they love me and I know I love them. But do they know I love them?? Maybe it's time to show how much I do, more. Ahhh, just something to think about. Well, time for Thanksgiving dinner(pizza) and entertainment(Rush Hour)





Show how much you love someone and are thankful that they are around!





Happy Thanksgiving

p.s. I know this isn't related at all but watch this, it cracks me up(it's super cheesy)http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PjBeQNnDvVI&NR=1

October 11

Book Study - Journal Entry #4

Lessons in Heartbreak

by Cathy Kelly



I feel the need to write about one of the main characters, Anneliese. In the beginning of the story she appears very happy and content with how her life is going. However when she finds out her husband was/is cheating on her with her best friend things start going down hill. She explains how she'd suffered from depression in the past. Always feeling horrible. Slowly she falls back into depression. She no longer cares what the neighbours think of her and is afraid of running into Edward(her husband) and Nellie(her ex-best friend). One time when she is going out for tea with Jodi(the writer) she does run into Nellie. In the middle of the restaurant she blows up at Nellie. It was pretty intense. After this though things get even worse.

A whale has been caught in the rocky water below and no matter how much people try to help she will die. Anneliese begins to understand and relate with her. She finds herself wanting to join the whale. She walks to the beach, into the water and keeps walking. She knows what she is doing to herself but she almost likes what has been "decided" for her. She is saved by a village man though and her brain kicks in. She realized she didn't want to die after all. She is admitted to a hospital, where she stays for a little while.

Just think, one day she was on top of the world and then the next trying to end her life. It's a sad thing really. Although it is a lot more common than we think. I know several people(who will remain anonymous) who have suffered from depression in the past or still are dealing with it now. It is a horrible thing. Sure at some point in every ones life they will feel depressed but to have to deal with it your whole life... it's just something else. I know people end there own lives every day, maybe it was the only way to be free of the pain. Though this may sound horrible and twisted, maybe they are right. Maybe that is the only way they will be happy. Not saying that I think everyone should end their lives to be happy, I'm just saying if that is the ONLY way, I see no problem. It would probably cause others great pain but shouldn't they be happy you are in a better place?

I guess I really don't know what to think of the whole thing...

Book Study - Journal Entry #5

Lessons in Heartbreak
by Cathy Kelly



Values. What are values exactly? On dictionary.com it says
17. to consider with respect to worth, excellence, usefulness, or importance.
18. to regard or esteem highly: He values her friendship
are just a couple of the many definitions.
It can also mean what you believe in and what you stand for. All of the woman in this book believe in love but that it is cruel to most who happen to fall in it. All of the woman are indifferent situations but they all believe and wonder why something so wonderful can be so horrible at the same time. Three of the four woman's love story involves infidelity, one finds her best friend and husband together while the other two are the mistresses. The two know what they are doing is wrong, but they keep having the affair. In the one case the man lied to Izzie saying he was separated from his wife. I think in these two cases the men are at fault not the woman. They didn't mean to fall in love with the men, and when they did, they knew nothing would ever come from it. The men went back to their wives, leaving the mistresses in the dust. In a way they were going against everything they believed in. Lily went against what she'd been brought up believing. Her religion. In her religion she is not to commit adultery and even if the man (Jamie) divorced his wife she couldn't marry him. That was also against her religion. In fact there is one point that she says she may be committing a sin, but she doesn't care. Apparently she'd rather go to hell. Izzie never wanted to be one of those mistresses, hidden from everything(everyone). She didn't want to have to hide her love, but somehow she was "sucked in" by this Joe. She also went against everything she believed.

All the women in this book believe in themselves. They know they will know what the right thing to do is, when the time comes. They all have faith, in themselves, their family and friends and in God. They think that as long as they love Him, all will work out eventually. And in some kind of way it does.

I guess you could say my values are similar in some sense. I do believe that cheating is horrible . defiantly not something I would ever wish upon someone. I believe my family and friends are the most important and special hings in our lives. we should never let go of them. Things may be messed up sometimes, there will be highs and lows(don't I know it!), just as long as you love them and are willing to try hard to work things out, all will be okay. I love my family and friends, I rust them with everything I have. Without them, I see no reason to live. I guess you could say that I believe there is no life without love. (Kinda dramatic) Now, I don't really know what to think on the whole religion part. I have extremely religious relatives who have tried to persuade me to have faith, but I don't know yet. I am only fourteen so I have plenty of time to think about that stuff(hopefully), so can't really relate in that sense. I am also sure my family share the same values as me and Izzie, Jodi, Lily and Anneliese. So my values are to stay true to myself and that my family and friends are the best "gifts" I'll ever get.

October 7, 2009

Book Study - Journal Entry #3

Lessons in Heartbreak

by Cathy Kelly

I don't know if you would have noticed or not but when it comes to fashion, there are usually models involved. These models tend to be insanely beautiful, tall and unnaturally skinny. Izzie(one of the main characters) works at a modelling agency and she notices. She watches as the starve themselves, convincing themselves all the need is water and cigarettes. Throughout some of the chapters it tells of how many woman try to look like models even though it is unhealthy and like I said unnatural. She wishes there were real woman to model clothing, as I recall she said real goddesses not boy-like teenagers. One of my many uncles works in fashion and he has explained that models are usually super skinny because they are best for showcasing the clothes. A model is not meant to outdo the clothing. A show is about looking at clothes not models. It just do happens majority of the clothes look best on skinny,tall and shapeless girls.(No offence intended to anyone.)

I feel that because the models look like this, woman and young girls feel pressure to look like this also. We should be comfortable in our own skin. We should know that true beauty doesn't mean you have to starve yourself. Some of us do, but not enough. How many stories do you hear of young girls and woman getting eating disorders because their idol is three sizes smaller than they are? What kind of idol would think that people should eat less just to look more like them? Not a very nice one, that's for sure.

I think woman, girls, young ladies (and the guys too) should be comfortable with their size. They may not like certain parts to their body but they'd know it's their unique body shape that makes them a real beauty.

For example: I am a fourteen year-old-girl who is 5 feet 4" and I weigh 117Ilbs. I am physically fit and sometimes I don't like my "ballet" feet or my dagger-like elbows but I know I am perfect the way I am.

So how about you?

...

Are you comfortable in your skin?

Do you think there should be more 'real' woman in the fashion industry?

Lastly, I challenge you to comment, add your body shape and your opinion...

Remember we are all beautiful, no matter what!