(1)
a. I'se
b.turnin'
c.'cause
d.gon'
e.kinder
f.a-climbin'
g.I's
h.crystal
(2)
a.Elevation: low (cheap, lowly, imbecile)
b.Connotation: Poetic (melodic, flowing)
c.Sound: musical (sonant, melodic)
d.Concreteness: Abstract (not concrete,
The colloquial, home-spun nature and spoken rhythm of the Mother in Langston Hughes' "Mother to Son" reflect her impassioned and nostalgic tone throughout the poem.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Sunday, February 27, 2011
OSCARS
I'm soooo excited for tonight. It's my dream to win an oscar so tonight is a really important night for me, even though I'm not anywhere near being in movies, just a lot of local plays. But still it's important to dream BIG! I feel really bad because I haven't seen a lot of movies this year;although, I still enjoy seeing my favorite actors and actresses win awards. I didn't see The social network, 127 hours, the fighter, or Black swan. Now that I have netflix i plan on watching all of them this weekend, I can't wait. Random, but I just saw a commercial for Source Code with Jake Gyllenhaal, Academy Awards 2012? Who knows. I can't wait for tonight though. James Franco and Anne Hathaway are both hosting the show tonight and they're both nominated,and they're both great characters. Tonight will be really interesting, I'll get back with you all with an oscar recap.
Jail Bird
The plot slowed down a little during this reading but it was still very good. I honestly probably don't even have to write this blog because if anyone read my last blog you probably know what happened but on to the story anyways.
Todd had his trial and with little money, he was just given an attorney. Even his attorney didn't believe that he didn't kill his kids. Todd was sent to Jail on death row,but wasn't sentenced for a while. During his time in jail, a woman from England became his pen-pal, and kept him company. Her friend had recently been wrongly accused and exiled for a crime he didn't do and she wanted to help out Willingham. This woman was the only person Willingham, besides his parents. His wife had left him and remarried. After some digging, she realized that he might have not been guilty. The man in jail that said that he had killed them, was later ruled to be crazy and all the neighbors had conflicting reports. Even his former probation officer and judge, both agreed that he wouldn't have killed his kids. In fact, prior to the fire, he had taken pictures of his kids to his old probation officer to show how good he was doing.
With the new information regarding his trial, there is a possibility that he could be freed. Though, things are unlikely. There's over 20 pages left though, so you never know. I personally hope the guy isn't guilty, but who else would kill the babies? Could Stacy, His wife have done this to frame him and get out of the abusive marriage? Only pages will tell.
Todd had his trial and with little money, he was just given an attorney. Even his attorney didn't believe that he didn't kill his kids. Todd was sent to Jail on death row,but wasn't sentenced for a while. During his time in jail, a woman from England became his pen-pal, and kept him company. Her friend had recently been wrongly accused and exiled for a crime he didn't do and she wanted to help out Willingham. This woman was the only person Willingham, besides his parents. His wife had left him and remarried. After some digging, she realized that he might have not been guilty. The man in jail that said that he had killed them, was later ruled to be crazy and all the neighbors had conflicting reports. Even his former probation officer and judge, both agreed that he wouldn't have killed his kids. In fact, prior to the fire, he had taken pictures of his kids to his old probation officer to show how good he was doing.
With the new information regarding his trial, there is a possibility that he could be freed. Though, things are unlikely. There's over 20 pages left though, so you never know. I personally hope the guy isn't guilty, but who else would kill the babies? Could Stacy, His wife have done this to frame him and get out of the abusive marriage? Only pages will tell.
Saturday, February 26, 2011
I love this place. Urban Outfitters is probably my favorite store ever, unfortunately the only one around her is in BTown (a place I never go). I look forward to finding an urban outfitters whenever I go on vacation. The couture there is a lot different then what you'd find anywhere around here. That's part of the reason why I like it. Also, they're really affordable. You can find nice clothes at a reasonable price. Their clothe's are kind of querky, it's like geek chic. They also have this cool, "Create your own Tshirt" thing on their website. Nerdy, but I like it. They also have some of the nicest V-necks in the game, as well as a nice selection of Vans and Van-like shoes. They sell just about everything there from clothes, to vintage cameras.
Upon my next visit, I plan on getting picking up these shoes, ray-bans, and that hoodie, as well as the rest of the store while i'm at it.
Preconceived Notions
This story just keeps on getting better and better! Right from the start I could tell it was going to be a lot better than the last one. And the reading got even better this time. Well, onto the story.
The story starts off where it left. Now Vazquez and Fogg were interviewing witnesses. Several of the eye witnesses had the same story, that when his home went up in flames, Willingham acted as if he didn't care and when the police came he put on a show. One witness claimed ton the contrary to what what he stated, she hadn't seen him try to enter the house until authorities arrived. Another neighbor reported that as the children's rooms went up in flames that he was more preoccupied in moving his car down the street. When the investigators spoke to a man named Father Monaghan, he said that he had a feeling that Willingham was in complete control. Upon interviewing Willingham, willingham claimed that on his way out of the house he claimed that there was fire on the ceiling and the walls and that he went out the house barefoot, not having to jump through any flames. However, Willingham and Vazquez both know that he's lying and that the fire originated from the floor.
All fingers point at Willingham, and there's no way for him to get out of it; however, he hasn't been arrested yet. Right now in the story, I don't even have any sympathy for the guy but with over 40 more pages left, who knows what could happen.
The story starts off where it left. Now Vazquez and Fogg were interviewing witnesses. Several of the eye witnesses had the same story, that when his home went up in flames, Willingham acted as if he didn't care and when the police came he put on a show. One witness claimed ton the contrary to what what he stated, she hadn't seen him try to enter the house until authorities arrived. Another neighbor reported that as the children's rooms went up in flames that he was more preoccupied in moving his car down the street. When the investigators spoke to a man named Father Monaghan, he said that he had a feeling that Willingham was in complete control. Upon interviewing Willingham, willingham claimed that on his way out of the house he claimed that there was fire on the ceiling and the walls and that he went out the house barefoot, not having to jump through any flames. However, Willingham and Vazquez both know that he's lying and that the fire originated from the floor.
All fingers point at Willingham, and there's no way for him to get out of it; however, he hasn't been arrested yet. Right now in the story, I don't even have any sympathy for the guy but with over 40 more pages left, who knows what could happen.
Friday, February 25, 2011
Trial By Fire
A new day, a new story in The Devil and Sherlock Holmes, whenever I read the title I want to say the devil and tom walker but it's whatever. This new story starts off with a bang, it doesn't have a slow start like the last one. It's really interesting, and recent also. The plot takes place in 1991, only three years before I was born. Now that I actually understand the gist of this book, I think i'll like it more. Well anyways, on to the story.
This story opens with a house fire taking place in texas. Todd Willingham was a 23 year old, unemployed mechanic serving as a stay-at-home dad. His wife had left out for work early morning when he was awoken by his younger daughter Amber screaming there was a fire. He also had one year old twin girls. Sadly, they all died of smoke inhalation in the fire. Because of the family having little money, the community paid for the funerals of the children. Meanwhile fire investigators Douglas Fogg and Manuel Vasquez were on the case to find out what really happened. Upon their visit to the Willingham home, they started the house was least burned and moved to the most burned ones. While searching the home, they followed the "burn trailer"-- the path the fire makes. It led from the hallway to the children's bedroom, where they saw "peculiar patterns on the floor, shaped like puddles. Likely caused by a flammable liquid. The floor underneath the children's bed was also burned. According to Dogg, when a fire burns, it burns up, and that where a fire is started it'll leave a V shape. Distinct V's were found in the children's bedroom, in the hallway, and at the front door. Dogg and Vasquez came to one conclusion, that the fire had been manmade. They believed that someone had to have poured liquid accelerant throughout the children's room, under their beds, and more in the hallway, and out the front door "creating a fire barrier" making it impossible from anyone to escape. Also, there was a refrigerator that blocked the back door, which would have been too heavy for a small child to move. Seeing as he was the only person home and capable to do this, all fingers pointed at Todd.
This stories actually really sad. It was a heart-racer from the very beginning and started off with a bang. Anyhow, it's been much more enjoyable than the last story. In other news I made a tumblr this week. It's pretty interesting, and I like it alot more than blogger. It's like a blend between blogger and twitter. Check me out <londentown.tumblr.com>
This story opens with a house fire taking place in texas. Todd Willingham was a 23 year old, unemployed mechanic serving as a stay-at-home dad. His wife had left out for work early morning when he was awoken by his younger daughter Amber screaming there was a fire. He also had one year old twin girls. Sadly, they all died of smoke inhalation in the fire. Because of the family having little money, the community paid for the funerals of the children. Meanwhile fire investigators Douglas Fogg and Manuel Vasquez were on the case to find out what really happened. Upon their visit to the Willingham home, they started the house was least burned and moved to the most burned ones. While searching the home, they followed the "burn trailer"-- the path the fire makes. It led from the hallway to the children's bedroom, where they saw "peculiar patterns on the floor, shaped like puddles. Likely caused by a flammable liquid. The floor underneath the children's bed was also burned. According to Dogg, when a fire burns, it burns up, and that where a fire is started it'll leave a V shape. Distinct V's were found in the children's bedroom, in the hallway, and at the front door. Dogg and Vasquez came to one conclusion, that the fire had been manmade. They believed that someone had to have poured liquid accelerant throughout the children's room, under their beds, and more in the hallway, and out the front door "creating a fire barrier" making it impossible from anyone to escape. Also, there was a refrigerator that blocked the back door, which would have been too heavy for a small child to move. Seeing as he was the only person home and capable to do this, all fingers pointed at Todd.
This stories actually really sad. It was a heart-racer from the very beginning and started off with a bang. Anyhow, it's been much more enjoyable than the last story. In other news I made a tumblr this week. It's pretty interesting, and I like it alot more than blogger. It's like a blend between blogger and twitter. Check me out <londentown.tumblr.com>
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Criminal Motivations
Great, just when I get to liking a book I realize what it actually is. The Devil and Sherlock Holmes isn't just one story, it's multiple stories. At first this case was kind of boring but towards the end it became heart-racing.
Richard Green over time had a parallel life to Doyle. As Doyle got crazy towards the end of his life so did Green. The narrator met with Richard's good friend Gibson again and also with Richard's sister. Gibson told of Doyle becoming more spiritual over time and it tore Richard apart. He couldn't stand Doyle becoming more spiritual and he backlashed against him. Writing demeaning things about him instead of praising him like he once did with Dame Ellen. At this time, no one even thought that Richard had been murdered, not his best friend or his own sister. Gibson brought to the attention the striking similarities of Richard's death, to the death of a 'wife' found lying dead on a bridge in "The Problem of Thor Bridge", a Holmes book. The wife had been informed of an affair that her husband had with the governess and through her jealousy killed herself and framed the woman with whom she blamed for her misery. Gibson believed with no evidence of forced entry and with Richard recently going mad that he may have staged the whole thing himself.
Upon the Narrator's visit to see Richard's sister, Priscilla, he found out that she too believed that Richard had staged the thing himself. She believed that with the Doyle collection being sold, and Doyle not being able to retrieve it he had nothing left to live for. However, it wasn't until after Green had died did the family learn alot of vital information. For one, Dame Jean initially did send the most important papers to the British Library, and the British Library bought much of the remaining documents at the auction. Also, if you were wondering about the answering machine being the "American", it was a simple explanation. The machine had been made in America and came with pre-recorded answering message, so when Richard took off his personal message, the pre-recorded one was played.
The sad thing about this case was that if Richard hadn't killed himself he could have written his biography on Doyle, and redeemed himself. This was a pretty good story, it was interesting and considering it was real, pretty interesting. I had never even heard of Conan Doyle at the time of reading this. It's kind of like a true, The Help, but with a twisted criminal case plot instead of Southern maids in the 60's. The last sentence was really powerful to me, I think the sister had finally found closure. It read, "Unlike in detective stories, we have to live without answers".
Richard Green over time had a parallel life to Doyle. As Doyle got crazy towards the end of his life so did Green. The narrator met with Richard's good friend Gibson again and also with Richard's sister. Gibson told of Doyle becoming more spiritual over time and it tore Richard apart. He couldn't stand Doyle becoming more spiritual and he backlashed against him. Writing demeaning things about him instead of praising him like he once did with Dame Ellen. At this time, no one even thought that Richard had been murdered, not his best friend or his own sister. Gibson brought to the attention the striking similarities of Richard's death, to the death of a 'wife' found lying dead on a bridge in "The Problem of Thor Bridge", a Holmes book. The wife had been informed of an affair that her husband had with the governess and through her jealousy killed herself and framed the woman with whom she blamed for her misery. Gibson believed with no evidence of forced entry and with Richard recently going mad that he may have staged the whole thing himself.
Upon the Narrator's visit to see Richard's sister, Priscilla, he found out that she too believed that Richard had staged the thing himself. She believed that with the Doyle collection being sold, and Doyle not being able to retrieve it he had nothing left to live for. However, it wasn't until after Green had died did the family learn alot of vital information. For one, Dame Jean initially did send the most important papers to the British Library, and the British Library bought much of the remaining documents at the auction. Also, if you were wondering about the answering machine being the "American", it was a simple explanation. The machine had been made in America and came with pre-recorded answering message, so when Richard took off his personal message, the pre-recorded one was played.
The sad thing about this case was that if Richard hadn't killed himself he could have written his biography on Doyle, and redeemed himself. This was a pretty good story, it was interesting and considering it was real, pretty interesting. I had never even heard of Conan Doyle at the time of reading this. It's kind of like a true, The Help, but with a twisted criminal case plot instead of Southern maids in the 60's. The last sentence was really powerful to me, I think the sister had finally found closure. It read, "Unlike in detective stories, we have to live without answers".
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Epileptic's Beware: ALL OF THE LIGHTS
If you don't like rap music, you probably won't like this song but you may enjoy the music video. This music video was just released on monday and I thought it was pretty cool. I really liked this song at first, then it got kind of annoying but with the release of the music video, i've been sucked back into the beautiful dark fantasy of 'All of the Light's. I like this video predominately because of well, All of the lights (pun intended). My favorite part of the whole video is the very beginning where just the lyrics are displayed in a funky blinking collage. The intenseness of this video gets my heart racing and it may do the same for anyone epileptic. Because of the rapid moving frames and colors, the video has been released with a warning to all epileptics as it may cause harm. My favorite part of the whole video has to be Kanye dancing on the police car. Not only does it represent no rules, but the lights infer energy, and great energy is displayed throughout the whole piece. It doesn't seem forced, everything comes naturally. The video kind of reminds me of my old theme, mostly black with bright colors, it represents a rejuvenation of the night, it was like a light show. Nothing truly ever sleeps. It's Like a disney world firework show on your computer.
*Update: Sorry folks, the video's been pulled from YouTube because of the Epilepsy warning. You can still check it out at Vevo.com
**Update: It's been pulled from Vevo.com also, will this ever be shown again?
***Update: It's working again! This time they added an epilepsy warning at the beginning. Smart Choice.
*Update: Sorry folks, the video's been pulled from YouTube because of the Epilepsy warning. You can still check it out at Vevo.com
**Update: It's been pulled from Vevo.com also, will this ever be shown again?
***Update: It's working again! This time they added an epilepsy warning at the beginning. Smart Choice.
2.23 Diction Exercise
(a)
1. Cruddy
2.evil
3.kill
4.weird
5.mercy
6.swear
7.bubbles
8.Dark
(b)
1. Elevation: Low (cheap, inadequate, low-grade)
2. Connotation: Literal (definite, simple, regular)
3. Sound: Harsh (craggy,unrelenting, dissonant)
4. Concreteness: Concrete (conglomerated, solidified, calcified)
(c)
{Roberta's craggy and cheap language in Lynda Barry's "Cruddy"} depicts { her jaded frustration toward her younger sibling.}
1. Cruddy
2.evil
3.kill
4.weird
5.mercy
6.swear
7.bubbles
8.Dark
(b)
1. Elevation: Low (cheap, inadequate, low-grade)
2. Connotation: Literal (definite, simple, regular)
3. Sound: Harsh (craggy,unrelenting, dissonant)
4. Concreteness: Concrete (conglomerated, solidified, calcified)
(c)
{Roberta's craggy and cheap language in Lynda Barry's "Cruddy"} depicts { her jaded frustration toward her younger sibling.}
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Rock Facts: The KING... of Gospel?
I was recently browsing twitter and this just happened to catch my eye. I find it crazy that THE King had never won any Grammy awards for his rock music. Maybe the Grammys didn't matter as much then, i'm not sure. I'm still in shock though. That's like Kanye West winning a Grammy for best Gospel song, which he unfortunately almost did. I could easily name off some of the best rock songs in history--Hound dog, Can't help falling in love, Jail house Rock, just to name a few. And nope, none of them are Gospel songs. Maybe that's why he's called the King, he was the king of all genres. But Still, come on, that's bogus. I definitely hit the follow button after reading this tweet (okay, maybe not) but still, very interesting @Rockfacts.
The Beauty of Sherlock Holmes.
Finally, i'm getting around to liking this book! I think I'm finally nearing the beginning of the plot (sad right?) but it's finally getting good. The more I read the more intense things get so I figured I might as well give this book a shot.
Come to find out at one time Green and the American were good friends. However, their friendship didn't last very long. During the time that Green befriended Dame Jean, she also allowed him to write a biography on her father (Conan Doyle). This was rare for the Doyle Family, most other relatives despised things being written about Conan but Dame Jean allowed and even promoted it by helping Green write it. She believed that unlike other writers who simply wrote whatever they thought, if she helped with the writing her father would be written in a respectful manner with the help of Green. Although, the American was working with Green on it, and behind his back twisted the stories into something very differently. Believing Green was a fraud, Dame Jean outcasted Green and adopted the American as her designated writer. Over time the American (Richard) got closer to Dame Jean than Green had been and Green envied him. Richard told the narrator (whom he met at a bar) about how Dame Jean believed that the Holmes books were a curse and that whenever any other Doyle (including Conan himself) tried to write another book they would be compared to the Holmes books. Infact, Doyle even killed off Holmes once but with little popularity of his other book and much pressure, he brought Holmes back to life. Also, many movie stars who played Holmes in movies were suspectible to the Holmes curse also, with the character engulfing their minds and going into calypso. Over time Doyle was called upon to solve detective using the same tactics Holmes used, but over time even Doyle's mind went into a calypso.
I know I know, it's alot. It's starting to sound a little bit like inception with the creator being engulfed by his own creation, or maybe even Frankenstien. This books really starting to get interesting, but I have one question, with so little characters and the plot bouncing around, Who's even narrating this Book? I guess that's the beauty of Sherlock Holmes.
Come to find out at one time Green and the American were good friends. However, their friendship didn't last very long. During the time that Green befriended Dame Jean, she also allowed him to write a biography on her father (Conan Doyle). This was rare for the Doyle Family, most other relatives despised things being written about Conan but Dame Jean allowed and even promoted it by helping Green write it. She believed that unlike other writers who simply wrote whatever they thought, if she helped with the writing her father would be written in a respectful manner with the help of Green. Although, the American was working with Green on it, and behind his back twisted the stories into something very differently. Believing Green was a fraud, Dame Jean outcasted Green and adopted the American as her designated writer. Over time the American (Richard) got closer to Dame Jean than Green had been and Green envied him. Richard told the narrator (whom he met at a bar) about how Dame Jean believed that the Holmes books were a curse and that whenever any other Doyle (including Conan himself) tried to write another book they would be compared to the Holmes books. Infact, Doyle even killed off Holmes once but with little popularity of his other book and much pressure, he brought Holmes back to life. Also, many movie stars who played Holmes in movies were suspectible to the Holmes curse also, with the character engulfing their minds and going into calypso. Over time Doyle was called upon to solve detective using the same tactics Holmes used, but over time even Doyle's mind went into a calypso.
I know I know, it's alot. It's starting to sound a little bit like inception with the creator being engulfed by his own creation, or maybe even Frankenstien. This books really starting to get interesting, but I have one question, with so little characters and the plot bouncing around, Who's even narrating this Book? I guess that's the beauty of Sherlock Holmes.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
New Theme, New Me.
I hope someone took notice to my new design change on my blog. I like it alot better than my old one. Although my old one was more vibrant and popped, this one's more mellow and warmer. It kind of represents the slowly approaching spring, the creeping of the sun behind the mountain creates a sense of warmth. And to me with warmth comes happiness. My new backround also reflects a part of me alot of people don't get to see, the quiet, calm me.
1953
In this reading I learned mostly about Richard Green, the man that had died. Still, this book is off to a long start. So far It's just been getting creepier, I get chills everytime I read it knowing that this book is a true story not just a fable.
Richard Green, was born on July 10, 1953. Here I am thinking this book was from the 1800's when Sherlock Holmes was first written but this man is of the new age! He's only six days younger than my grandmother. That really creeped me out. Apparenttly he became interested in the Sherlock Holmes book as a young child and by the time he was eleven he had "fallen under the spell of Sherlock Holmes." Well that spell ended up killing him.
I guess I like this book so far. It just kinda creeps me out that it's real. I'd rather read a fictional story but I really don't want to read another 50 pages. I might be on a quest for a new book this week, I need another "The help", or atleast anything to keep me interested.
How Do I?
I recently viewed the two videos by internet sensation "Ms. Magoo". This lady really likes her friends in stickham, she mentioned them atleast 10 times before she even started her song. When comparing her Ms. Magoo video to her latest video " How do I" , she clearly is more dedicated in her new video. She dedicated this video to her boyfriend Jackand even took the time to look nice for the video. Compared to her last video, she must really like James or else she wouldn't have tried to look nice. Both videos are plagued with terrible pronunciation. In Miss Magoo she seemed more confident but in How do i she has a hint of insecurity, maybe because she's scared of what he'll think or being denied. In "How do I" she pours her heart out, she really does love jack.
Monday, February 14, 2011
Grammy Recap
Okay, so the grammys are officially over! :( They were pretty good even though Drake won nothing! It was still a good show. Wait, it wasn't even an awards show! They only gave out like nine awards the whole time. I'm kinda disappointed with the grammys this year. Big categories weren't even aired on Tv, but were aired on the pre-telecast four hours before the televised event started. I'd rather see less perfomances and more awards handed out! Big names like Usher, Jay Z and Rihanna all won huge awards but weren't showed on televison. Come on! These are these people's moments (4 Life). Granted, I am glad I got to see Rihanna on the stage, Twice! She performed once with "Love the Way you lie Pt.2" and another time with Drake in "What's my Name?". However, some of the performances were deemed unecessary: Mick Jagger was terrible and Cee Lo Green should cee'n his way off the stage. The biggest shocker of the year wasn't Drake winning nothing, but was the Best new artist Winner! Drake and Rihanna should have dedicated "What's My name?" to Esperanza Spalding because I'm sure no one knew who she was! I'd hope that the winner, nominee at that for Best New Artist would have something to do with popularity. Heck, I would have rather had Jbiebz won. Lady Antebellum was the big winner tonight though. They won song of the year & Record of the year; while Arcade Fire took home Album of the Year! All in all, it was a pretty good Grammy concert and one of my favorites over the past few years.
Real or Fake?
This book just keeps getting weirder and weirder. It's actually kind of freaky. I keep second guessing myself on if it's real or not. It's like a real life Sherlock Holmes. Anyways, on to the story.
Green, still searching for the papers, came in contact with Doyle's youngest daughter. Jean conan Doyle, now in her late sixties, invited Green to her home where she kept the papers and insured him that one day she would show him the papers; although, she couldn't show her them now because of family disputes. She later had it written in her will that when she died that the papers would go to British Library. However, years later when she died nothing materialized. Months later Green found in the paper that the letters were being sold by family members of Doyle's family in a private auction. Green was convinced that the items were stolen seeing as Jean said herself that they would go straight to the British Library. Whilst investigating, Green started to believe that an American was after him. He told his best friend John Gibson, his sister Priscilla West, as well as a few media outlets. On the night of March 26th he had lunch with a good friend, and upon his walk home realized someone was following him. On the next morning he was found dead, in what looked like a murder. However, upon talking to Gibson it was told that he feared his life was in danger. And when both Priscilla and Gibson called his home, instead of hearing the voice of an oxford accent of an answer machine that had been there for 10 years, was replaced by the voice of an american. That's when Priscilla rushed over and found her dead brother.
Was it the curse of the papers that had been spoken upon before? I hope not. If so, i'm going to stop reading now! This book is good but kinda creepy so far. I feel like a scary book can stick in your head alot longer than a scary movie. I can't stop reading though, I want to know what happens!
Green, still searching for the papers, came in contact with Doyle's youngest daughter. Jean conan Doyle, now in her late sixties, invited Green to her home where she kept the papers and insured him that one day she would show him the papers; although, she couldn't show her them now because of family disputes. She later had it written in her will that when she died that the papers would go to British Library. However, years later when she died nothing materialized. Months later Green found in the paper that the letters were being sold by family members of Doyle's family in a private auction. Green was convinced that the items were stolen seeing as Jean said herself that they would go straight to the British Library. Whilst investigating, Green started to believe that an American was after him. He told his best friend John Gibson, his sister Priscilla West, as well as a few media outlets. On the night of March 26th he had lunch with a good friend, and upon his walk home realized someone was following him. On the next morning he was found dead, in what looked like a murder. However, upon talking to Gibson it was told that he feared his life was in danger. And when both Priscilla and Gibson called his home, instead of hearing the voice of an oxford accent of an answer machine that had been there for 10 years, was replaced by the voice of an american. That's when Priscilla rushed over and found her dead brother.
Was it the curse of the papers that had been spoken upon before? I hope not. If so, i'm going to stop reading now! This book is good but kinda creepy so far. I feel like a scary book can stick in your head alot longer than a scary movie. I can't stop reading though, I want to know what happens!
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Grammy update
Okay, so they just announced that Rihanna & Eminem were performing together on the grammy's tonight! Does this mean that Drake & Rihanna aren't performing together? I hope not! Eminem's one of my other favorite rappers but i'd much rather see What's my name live than Love the way you lie. I guess i'll just have to wait and see! Btw, I hate it when they start playing the music when people are giving their speeches. Come on now, this is these people's moments (4 life)!
Grammy behind the scenes look
Here's a behind the scene look on Rihanna & Drake's performance. I can't wait to see the whole thing! I'm so excited to see one of my favorite song's performed by my two favorite artists! Also, as of right now Rihanna has won best dance recording for only girl. After watching the behind the scenes look, all I can say is Rihanna is SEXY!
The DEVIL and SHERLOCK HOLMES
New book, new characters, new beginnings. This book is a stark contrast from my last book. The help was about maids in the 60's and this new book is about, well, Sherlock Holmes. However, it's nonfiction. Also, it's written by David Grann, author of THE LOST CITY OF Z, if that means anything to you (doesn't to me).
The Devil and Sherlock Holmes opens talking about the missing papers of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the creator of Holmes. Rihard Lancelyn Green, cited as "the world's foremost expert on sherlock holmes" believed that he had solved the case of the missing papers. The papers were believed to be worth four million dollars, and was also said to carry a fatal curse. When Conan Doyle passed, the papers disappeared, with no biography written about him. Although Green was convinced to write a biography on him. After some investigation, Green had found out that the papers had passed through the plans of many of Doyle's family members and he is convinced to find them.
The book has taken a pretty slow start so far but i'm still really interested in it. I really liked the Sherlock Holmes movie with Robert Doney Jr. and I hope this book will be something like it. I also like that the book is a nonfiction book because these things are happening. I'm always a little saddened at the end of a fiction book when I realize none of the characters are real, and none of that happened. Especially when Authors make the characters seem so real; but hey, that's their job.
The Devil and Sherlock Holmes opens talking about the missing papers of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the creator of Holmes. Rihard Lancelyn Green, cited as "the world's foremost expert on sherlock holmes" believed that he had solved the case of the missing papers. The papers were believed to be worth four million dollars, and was also said to carry a fatal curse. When Conan Doyle passed, the papers disappeared, with no biography written about him. Although Green was convinced to write a biography on him. After some investigation, Green had found out that the papers had passed through the plans of many of Doyle's family members and he is convinced to find them.
The book has taken a pretty slow start so far but i'm still really interested in it. I really liked the Sherlock Holmes movie with Robert Doney Jr. and I hope this book will be something like it. I also like that the book is a nonfiction book because these things are happening. I'm always a little saddened at the end of a fiction book when I realize none of the characters are real, and none of that happened. Especially when Authors make the characters seem so real; but hey, that's their job.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
The night before. September 10th 2001.
Paul J. Battaglia was one of the many employee's that were killed on the 911 attacks. He grew up in a close-knit family with a loving mother and father. His was close to his sister and grandfather and died unexpectedly. The night before 911, him and his family had a great night. With his mother going to bed thinking about how blessed she was to have the family that she had; however, once she woke up it was a different story. Paul's office was on the same floor that the first plane had hit, she hoped and prayed that he had been in the lobby but she knew that he had a meeting that morning and that he was in his office. She knew if anything had happend, he would had called her father first, so when she called her grandfather and he hadn't heard anything from Paul she knew he had passed. His mother ended her session, mourning that she had no sense of premonition the night before.
Monday, February 7, 2011
Grammy's
The grammy's are coming up next week! It's my favorite televised awards show there is. I like the AMA's and The MTV awards but I think this is the only credible US music awards show. Winning a grammy is a huge honor, and winning the other ones are too but this is the best of the best.
This year some of my favorite artists are nominated in the Huge categories. My favorite rapper Drizzy Drake has been nominated for best new artist as well as Best Rap Album, Best Rap Solo performance 'Over', and Best Performance by a Duo or Group ' Fancy'. My favorite female artist, Rihanna is up for four nominations also. Best Dance Recording-- Only Girl ( In the World), Record of the Year-- Love The way you lie (Eminem feat. Rihanna), Song of The year-- Love The way you lie, Best Rap/Sung Collaboration-- Love The way you lie, Best Rap Song-- Love The way you lie, Best Short Form music video--you guessed it, Love The way you lie AGAIN! I'm going to be really mad if it doesn't win one grammy. The song was so powerful. Eminem and Rihanna are both known for their backrounds in domestic violence and for them to collaborate and take their roles, and tell their stories as abuser and the abused is EPIC! My favorite male singer, Chris Brown, was also nominated. Ironically, Chris brown was Rihanna's ex boyfriend who beat her, and she sings about him in Love The way you lie but I still love his music. He's nominatied for Best R&B performance with group-- Take My Time , Best comtemporary R&B Album--Graffitii, and Best Rap/Sung collabo--Dueces (one of my personal favorites). Chris Brown and Rihanna are going head to head in the rap/sung collabo category with Love the Way you Lie and Dueces, i'm rooting for Em and Ri.
Also, this year has some of my FAVORITE peformers ever! My two favorite artists right now are peforming together, Drake and Rihanna! Most likely performing a medley with their smash hit What's My name. As far as other performers go, Usher is performing this year! Unfortunatley, he's performing with Justin bieber; thus, ruining his performance. I might not even watch. Anyways, I am super suprised for the grammy's this year! I don't think i've ever been this excited. Personally, I think the grammy's is better then all other awards shows, even better then the Oscars and the Tony Award becasuse as an artist a person gets to display their true feelings and tell their own story; while actors become other people, and while you can sometimes relate to their characters, you can rarely relate to them. Music tells a story, and the grammys are simply a celebration of music. That's why i'm tuning in.
Btw, Did I tell you Drake and Rihanna we're performing together? I can't wait!
This year some of my favorite artists are nominated in the Huge categories. My favorite rapper Drizzy Drake has been nominated for best new artist as well as Best Rap Album, Best Rap Solo performance 'Over', and Best Performance by a Duo or Group ' Fancy'. My favorite female artist, Rihanna is up for four nominations also. Best Dance Recording-- Only Girl ( In the World), Record of the Year-- Love The way you lie (Eminem feat. Rihanna), Song of The year-- Love The way you lie, Best Rap/Sung Collaboration-- Love The way you lie, Best Rap Song-- Love The way you lie, Best Short Form music video--you guessed it, Love The way you lie AGAIN! I'm going to be really mad if it doesn't win one grammy. The song was so powerful. Eminem and Rihanna are both known for their backrounds in domestic violence and for them to collaborate and take their roles, and tell their stories as abuser and the abused is EPIC! My favorite male singer, Chris Brown, was also nominated. Ironically, Chris brown was Rihanna's ex boyfriend who beat her, and she sings about him in Love The way you lie but I still love his music. He's nominatied for Best R&B performance with group-- Take My Time , Best comtemporary R&B Album--Graffitii, and Best Rap/Sung collabo--Dueces (one of my personal favorites). Chris Brown and Rihanna are going head to head in the rap/sung collabo category with Love the Way you Lie and Dueces, i'm rooting for Em and Ri.
Also, this year has some of my FAVORITE peformers ever! My two favorite artists right now are peforming together, Drake and Rihanna! Most likely performing a medley with their smash hit What's My name. As far as other performers go, Usher is performing this year! Unfortunatley, he's performing with Justin bieber; thus, ruining his performance. I might not even watch. Anyways, I am super suprised for the grammy's this year! I don't think i've ever been this excited. Personally, I think the grammy's is better then all other awards shows, even better then the Oscars and the Tony Award becasuse as an artist a person gets to display their true feelings and tell their own story; while actors become other people, and while you can sometimes relate to their characters, you can rarely relate to them. Music tells a story, and the grammys are simply a celebration of music. That's why i'm tuning in.
Btw, Did I tell you Drake and Rihanna we're performing together? I can't wait!
The END
Reading this book has been a journey. It took me back to the 60's where racism was intact and I felt like i could relate to the characters. I'd recommend this book to anyone. Well, I guess you want to know what happened, here we go.
The BOOK WAS PUBLISHED! Sadly, that was just the beginning of everyone's problems. The book started off as a small release but it got very popular once it was featured on a TV show. The book suddenly caught on fire then, and everyone in Jackson was reading it. Everyone from Hilly to Miss Leefolt. At first, Miss Hilly was going around falsely accusing maids of being in the book, but once she read Minny's chapter she realized her reputation would be ruined if she told everyone so she went around telling everyone the book wasn't about Jackson. People still speculated and thought that the pie part was about Hilly, and some even believed she deserved it. And here's the catcher, the book was even called 'help', coincidence, huh? Miss Hilly knew though, and she wouldn't at anything once she found out who did it. She came after Miss Skeeter, and immaturely tried to tell her mom on her. She came after Minny, she got her husband fired. Minny's abusive husband then locked her in the house and threatened to set it off on fire. She came after Aibileen, and falsely accused her of stealing silver from her house. Unfortunately, Miss Skeeter Believed her.
Will Miss Skeeter's mom find out about the book, and maybe die because of the shock? Will Minny's own husband kill her? Will Aibileen be sent to jail and forced to leave Mae Mobley? I know everyone hates a cliff hanger but if that's what it takes to get someone else to read this book then it's worth it. This book can teach anyone good values. This was one of my favorite books. It was like To Kill A Mockingbird through the eyes of Calpurnia. This book really inspired me to be kinder to everyone, becasue everyone is just another person. Doesn't matter if they're tall, short, white, black, red, everyone is just a person.
The BOOK WAS PUBLISHED! Sadly, that was just the beginning of everyone's problems. The book started off as a small release but it got very popular once it was featured on a TV show. The book suddenly caught on fire then, and everyone in Jackson was reading it. Everyone from Hilly to Miss Leefolt. At first, Miss Hilly was going around falsely accusing maids of being in the book, but once she read Minny's chapter she realized her reputation would be ruined if she told everyone so she went around telling everyone the book wasn't about Jackson. People still speculated and thought that the pie part was about Hilly, and some even believed she deserved it. And here's the catcher, the book was even called 'help', coincidence, huh? Miss Hilly knew though, and she wouldn't at anything once she found out who did it. She came after Miss Skeeter, and immaturely tried to tell her mom on her. She came after Minny, she got her husband fired. Minny's abusive husband then locked her in the house and threatened to set it off on fire. She came after Aibileen, and falsely accused her of stealing silver from her house. Unfortunately, Miss Skeeter Believed her.
Will Miss Skeeter's mom find out about the book, and maybe die because of the shock? Will Minny's own husband kill her? Will Aibileen be sent to jail and forced to leave Mae Mobley? I know everyone hates a cliff hanger but if that's what it takes to get someone else to read this book then it's worth it. This book can teach anyone good values. This was one of my favorite books. It was like To Kill A Mockingbird through the eyes of Calpurnia. This book really inspired me to be kinder to everyone, becasue everyone is just another person. Doesn't matter if they're tall, short, white, black, red, everyone is just a person.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
The Benefit
I can't stop reading this book. I only started reading it 3 weeks ago and now I only have 30 pages until i'm done! I must say, i've done alot more reading than I have done blogging so this blog is going to be over about 5 chapters. Instead of doing a synopsis on every chapter, i'll just cover the most important things that have happend.
The biggest thing that's happend recently is the benefit. This was the one chapter where every single character was together in one place. Minny was scared to see Hilly, while Miss Celia was too busy trying to be Hilly's best friend. Miss Skeeter had recently been casted out of the Ladies Society because of a tiff with Hilly, so she just sat in the corner. After agreeing to post Hilly's intiative in the newspaper, she purposely said to have people drop off their toilets in Hilly's yard. The next morning, Hilly was greatly embarrassed, and with all the toilets in her yard, she became the laughing stock of mississippi. Along with her Hilly troubles, her boyfriend broke up with her. Minny and Aibileen served at the benefit as help. When the time for the auction came, Hilly won a chocolate pie made by MInny. Thinking it was a prank by Miss Celia, she embarrased Miss Celia infront of everyone making her and Mister Johnny go home. Later she found out it was her own mother that signed Hilly up to win the chocolate pie.
In Minny's own chapter, she explained to Miss Celia why Hilly had gone off on her, and told her of the "terrible awful" thing she had done to Miss Hilly. When Miss Hilly sent Miss Walters to the retirement home, she offered to give Minny a job, and then went around telling everyone Minny was a theft so she'd have to accept the job. Minny then told her to eat her poop. A few days later, when Miss Walters was being taken to the nursing home, Minny came by with a chocolate pie just for hilly. Miss Hilly liked it so much that she ate two slices, when Miss Walters asked for a slice Minny told her no, that it was a special pie and only for Hilly and told her that the pie had Minny's poop in it. Minny then left and Miss Walters thought it was the funniest thing in the world, and to get back at Hilly for sending her to the retirement home told her what was in the pie. Miss Hilly knew she couldn't do anything about it because her repuation would be ruined. A few days, Miss Hilly sent Mis Celia a note asking for 200 dollars for damages she had caused to Miss Hilly's dress (she ripped it on accident when she tripped). Miss Celia sent her the note but not before throwing in her own jab. The note section of the check, read for two-slice Hilly.
The past few chapters have been some of the funniest one's there have been. Lots of drama and laughs. I'm starting to think that Maybe this is a true story. The book chronicles the life of maids, just as the book in the story does. Maybe i'll find out soon. That'll be really cool if it did. I just found out they're making a movie of it. I can't wait to go see it. The actors and actresses that they've picked for it are perfect! I went through the list of actors and matched them to what characters i'd thought they'd be and I was right, they picked the perfect cast! Hopefully the movie lives up to the book!
In Minny's own chapter, she explained to Miss Celia why Hilly had gone off on her, and told her of the "terrible awful" thing she had done to Miss Hilly. When Miss Hilly sent Miss Walters to the retirement home, she offered to give Minny a job, and then went around telling everyone Minny was a theft so she'd have to accept the job. Minny then told her to eat her poop. A few days later, when Miss Walters was being taken to the nursing home, Minny came by with a chocolate pie just for hilly. Miss Hilly liked it so much that she ate two slices, when Miss Walters asked for a slice Minny told her no, that it was a special pie and only for Hilly and told her that the pie had Minny's poop in it. Minny then left and Miss Walters thought it was the funniest thing in the world, and to get back at Hilly for sending her to the retirement home told her what was in the pie. Miss Hilly knew she couldn't do anything about it because her repuation would be ruined. A few days, Miss Hilly sent Mis Celia a note asking for 200 dollars for damages she had caused to Miss Hilly's dress (she ripped it on accident when she tripped). Miss Celia sent her the note but not before throwing in her own jab. The note section of the check, read for two-slice Hilly.
The past few chapters have been some of the funniest one's there have been. Lots of drama and laughs. I'm starting to think that Maybe this is a true story. The book chronicles the life of maids, just as the book in the story does. Maybe i'll find out soon. That'll be really cool if it did. I just found out they're making a movie of it. I can't wait to go see it. The actors and actresses that they've picked for it are perfect! I went through the list of actors and matched them to what characters i'd thought they'd be and I was right, they picked the perfect cast! Hopefully the movie lives up to the book!
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Title
I've ran out of creative titles, so I just decided to name this blogpost 'Title'; creative, huh? Well onto the book. The last Three chapters have been centered around Miss Skeeter. Like most, of her chapters, nothing too crazy happened. Her chapters aren't like the jaw-dropping Minny chapters.
During the last three chapters Miss Skeeter 13 people sign up to help with the book, all because of Minny. However, Minny didn't tell Miss Skeeter that of course. Also, Yule May, Hilly's Maid, is put in jail for stealing from Hilly. Yule May asked for a loan from Hilly to send her twin boys to college but Hilly denied her and Yule May ended up stealing a cheap ring that Hilly never wore from her. Hilly had Yule May placed in jail for four years, even though it was just petty stealing. People in Aibileen's neighborhood got really upset about this and they all vouched to pay to send the kids to college, along with help write Aibileen's book.
Along with the drama on the black side of town, there was also drama on Miss Skeeter's side of town. Stuart (Miss Skeeter's boyfriend) invited her and her family over to meet his family. His father is the state senator and his mother very overprotective, so the Phlean's did their very best to look good when going to visit. Upon, his first siting if Miss Skeeter, Stuart's dad brought up Stuart's ex fiancee making things awkward. Later, he brought Miss Skeeter into a room all by herself telling her about this ex fiancee, Miss Skeeter knew little about. When Miss Skeeter confronted Stuart about her, he got very mad but he finally told her what happened. The woman he was with before Miss Skeeter cheated on him and slept with a civil rights activist. Stuart said that he broke up with her for cheating, but didn't go back to her to protect his father's senate seat. Stuart's father doesn't even know the whole story. Soon after that, he broke up with Miss Skeeter, telling her they needed to take a break. Miss Skeeter told no one of this, not even her parents.
Weeks later, Miss Skeeter arrived at Miss Hilly's for the league meeting. Upon leaving, Miss Hilly stopped Miss Skeeter yelling at her and asking why she hadn't put her initiative to have all maids have their own maids in the league newspaper. Miss Skeeter finally stood up for herself saying that she would not put it in but Hilly fought back. Miss Skeeter even brought up that the money for the benefit was going to black people in Africa, and why couldn't they help the ones in her own county. In the end, Miss Hilly one-ups Miss Skeeter by slyly saying " no wonder Stuart broke up with you".
Miss Hilly just get's meaner every single chapter. She's the rudest character of all of them but she wants everyone to think she's some princess. The past few chapters have been alright, but not the heart-wrenching chapters of Aibileen and Minny. Miss Skeeter; however, is one of my favorite characters. Today is being hailed the biggest snow storm of 2011, granted we're only 32 days in, and i spent the whole day reading. Am I obsessed? Nahh, I just actually like this book.
During the last three chapters Miss Skeeter 13 people sign up to help with the book, all because of Minny. However, Minny didn't tell Miss Skeeter that of course. Also, Yule May, Hilly's Maid, is put in jail for stealing from Hilly. Yule May asked for a loan from Hilly to send her twin boys to college but Hilly denied her and Yule May ended up stealing a cheap ring that Hilly never wore from her. Hilly had Yule May placed in jail for four years, even though it was just petty stealing. People in Aibileen's neighborhood got really upset about this and they all vouched to pay to send the kids to college, along with help write Aibileen's book.
Along with the drama on the black side of town, there was also drama on Miss Skeeter's side of town. Stuart (Miss Skeeter's boyfriend) invited her and her family over to meet his family. His father is the state senator and his mother very overprotective, so the Phlean's did their very best to look good when going to visit. Upon, his first siting if Miss Skeeter, Stuart's dad brought up Stuart's ex fiancee making things awkward. Later, he brought Miss Skeeter into a room all by herself telling her about this ex fiancee, Miss Skeeter knew little about. When Miss Skeeter confronted Stuart about her, he got very mad but he finally told her what happened. The woman he was with before Miss Skeeter cheated on him and slept with a civil rights activist. Stuart said that he broke up with her for cheating, but didn't go back to her to protect his father's senate seat. Stuart's father doesn't even know the whole story. Soon after that, he broke up with Miss Skeeter, telling her they needed to take a break. Miss Skeeter told no one of this, not even her parents.
Weeks later, Miss Skeeter arrived at Miss Hilly's for the league meeting. Upon leaving, Miss Hilly stopped Miss Skeeter yelling at her and asking why she hadn't put her initiative to have all maids have their own maids in the league newspaper. Miss Skeeter finally stood up for herself saying that she would not put it in but Hilly fought back. Miss Skeeter even brought up that the money for the benefit was going to black people in Africa, and why couldn't they help the ones in her own county. In the end, Miss Hilly one-ups Miss Skeeter by slyly saying " no wonder Stuart broke up with you".
Miss Hilly just get's meaner every single chapter. She's the rudest character of all of them but she wants everyone to think she's some princess. The past few chapters have been alright, but not the heart-wrenching chapters of Aibileen and Minny. Miss Skeeter; however, is one of my favorite characters. Today is being hailed the biggest snow storm of 2011, granted we're only 32 days in, and i spent the whole day reading. Am I obsessed? Nahh, I just actually like this book.
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