My Current Readings #6

Now i've read further and I'm finding myself questioning a few things. In this section of the reading, i have found that Bella has other things coming into her life, I'm just not quite sure whether she is excited about it or not. From the previous book, a family friend of hers, Jacob is coming back into the picture. From the beginning he always had a thing for Bella, it was just never mutual. Things seem as though they are rekindling between the two nowadays. Bella and Jacob are much more apparent in each other's lives and they seem as though they are enjoying it. Jacob hasn't told her much yet, he doesn't want to come off to strong, and he's younger then her. Although, Bella does know much more than she did previously. She has now guessed and found out that Jacob was a part of the werewolves. The pack that was against the vampires, no wonder Jacob never liked Edward. Bella figures this out and starts hammering herself with questions. When she boiled down to it she had come to the agreement with herself that there was simply something wrong with her. She wondered why so many mythical creatures would be so often present in her life, there had to be a problem within herself. Bella does not stop this world wind train of thought, she gets too caught up in it and forgets she is even with Jacob. She is at a very vulnerable state right now, the realization of the two people she actually connects with are not human throws her for a loop. I think that Bella needs to stop getting so utterly caught up in her own mind and thoughts. Maybe if she were to try and relax and think it out at a less rapid pace and maybe talk through it with someone, like Jacob for example. I feel like if she is able to talk through her battles then they will not be so strong and aggressive. I can't wait to find out if she is going to throw away everything and move to where her mom lives, so she can get away from all of these creatures, or if she'll stay. 

My Current Readings #5

I think Bella is going crazy. She seems as though she has no reason what to do with herself and as though she has no reason to be happy. She needs to look to the other side of things- there will always, always be something positive, no matter what the situation. Bella significantly chooses to look furthest from that positivity in her life. Her dad Charlie, even begins to notice this constant negativity in his daughter. Charlie tells Bella to get out. Bella is mildly offended by this comment her father has left her to go to school thinking about. Turns out, that day at school Bella went out on a limb and asked a most personable "friend" of hers what her plans for the evening were. That night, Bella and her friend Jessica decide to grab some dinner and then see a zombie movie. Jess feels very strange about Bella randomly asking her to hang out, she has come off very unsociable to almost everybody in school, with the exception of Edward, who was gone now so it did not matter. Jess is very outgoing though so she accepted this reaching out from Bella and tried to have a fun night. The night was a little awkward but overall pretty successful. Bella had trouble sparking up a conversation with Jess but she managed. By the end of the night Jess and her mood actually took a sharp turn and she was very quiet and unsocial towards Bella. Bella tried to be nice but Jess wouldn't take it so Bella just left and went home. I think Bella needs to realize that her actions around people are not as normal as others may want them to be and by realizing it she will be able to admit to it to those she is hanging out with. I believe that this would really be beneficial for the mental state Bella is in, others would understand what she's going through and comfort her, i can't see whats bad about that. Bella, open up!

My Current Readings #4

A disaster has struck. Bella is heart broken. Edward is gone. Edward and Bella continued not to talk those days untill he came up to her car after school and actually said something, "can i come over sometime today?" he asks Bella, her response being "of course!" when Bella arrived at home, Edwards silver car was already in her driveway, where charlie parks his car. This was nothing but a bad sign, it meant Edward wasn't staying long. They both got out of their cars and Edward took her by the hand and said they were going on a walk. they got nearly a block down and Edward stopped so they could have their talk. Edward's face was emotionless, absolutely plain as it gets. He told Bella that they were leaving, and promised her that she would never see him again, he was done causing her troubles and pain. Bella had nothing to do but to beg, he left her with a kiss on the forehead, "bye Bella." Bella did not go home. She wondered into the woods, further and further. She was already numb from the Edward situation. She was in denial. Bella ended up falling, many times she remembered, and eventually fell hard and didn't get back up. She remained here for some time, hearing people calling her name. Finally somebody was at her side saying "Bella I found you!" The voice was not recognizable. He picked her up and carried her home. Turns out that Charlie had nearly half of the town out on the search for her. She slept, and was lifeless the times she was awake. This tells me how much Edward was to Bella. He really was her life, her soul, and her way of happiness. All of that, ten minutes, gone. Bella is not looking for anything that could possibly be positive out of this situation, her dad notices. I think Bella needs to realize that some things need to happen, even if you don't want them. She has many ways that she still needs to grow, and because of Edward being gone she can't throw away what she is now and could be in the future. 

My Current Readings #3

Recently, after the talk with Edward's dad, Carlisle and Edward driving her home, Edward has seemed to do a lot of thinking. The following morning he met her at school and waited for Bella in the parking lot, as he always did. He walked her to class and in between every class as well, like usual. The one thing that was different today, there was not one conversation that was held between Bella and Edward. They were together yet they did not speak a word to one another. This continued throughout the entire day and even after Bella got home. After school she went to work and she was stressing out about the Edward situation. She was worried something was terribly wrong and that he'd never snap out of it, but she calmed herself down and thought that after work maybe things will be blown over. Having some time apart could do some good. When she got home from work she was pleased to see Edward's silver car in front of her house and when she entered she walked into a house with two men sitting on the sofa in front of the television. This was not normal for Edward. Again, He barely spoke more than a few words to her this time. Bella foreshadows that he is overwhelmed with her always being hurt when he is around. She wonders to herself again and again, what is he going to do about it? She questions if things will end and if its her fault. Emotions are  being thrown around in the book right now, nobody seems to know the right thing to do or say, they can't really break up, can they?

My Current Readings #2

I've read into further chapters in the book now, still in the beginning though, i do admit. After Bella was needing to get over the age problem that was so apparent to her, and only her it seemed. Bella did end up going to the Cullens house that evening of her birthday. Presents, cake, napkins and silverware were all set up for Bella. During the opening of a card, she sliced her finger and had gotten a paper cut. The scent of this immediately flew through the air, every friend of hers in the room now a raging vampire. Jasper ended up pouncing onto Bella which made her fall onto a glass table and caused all of the decorations and birthday setups to be dispersed all over the room. The fall also included Bella's arm being gouged by the glass table, small shatters of glass were in her arm. The father, Dr. Cullen advised everybody to go outside. Dr. Cullen got Bella and began to clean her up. The two talked for quite some time, Bella trying to ignore the pain throughout the conversation. Although Bella did gain some knowledge from this conversation with Edwards "dad." What she was told was that Edward's mother became very ill when he was still a baby, Edward was ill as well. Soon enough the mother passed, but her last words were to Dr. Cullen and they were to save her son. Those three words said enough to the Dr. and he did just that, the only way being to turn Edward into a vampire. Edward reentered the room after some time had passed and then drove Bella home. Edward was beginning to realize that no matter how much he wanted to protect Bella, she kept getting hurt. It seems as though Edward is beginning to become uncomfortable with all of the situations Bella has been put in because of being with Edward. He remains very silent during the car ride. I think that's what he's starting to realize and i also think Bella is catching on because she is always reassuring him that she is very unlucky and clumsy. Let's see where this takes us for next time!!

My Current Readings #1

I have just started the book New Moon, one of the Twilight series, written by Stephenie Meyer. This book is the second one of the Twilight series. It starts off normal, Bella is with Edward on a regular daily basis, and the entire town is used-to and okay with it. The time comes where Bella's birthday is arriving. She specifically tells her family and Edward, that she will not have it with presents this year, this was her birthday wish. Nobody granted Bella's 18th birthday wish. Bella's birthday came and all she wanted to do was hide. Her father, Charlie, got her a new camera. He said that he knew her mom would love it if she would get some good shots of her because she wants to see photographs of her daughter. The mother is living in Florida with her new husband, by the way. Bella arrives at school, hoping for nobody's attention and no birthday celebration songs or hugs. She gets out of her car and speeds towards the school doors, only to get a few feet away from her car until she is stopped by Edward, and his family. She is rushed to where the Cullen's car is parked and is mobbed by happy birthday wishes. Bella tries to be appreciative but she just doesn't want to grow up. The reason being, Edward will never grow up, and that makes her not want to either. It forces her to think about the age that is going to grow between them. Edward, unlike Bella, is extremely excited for this birthday celebration because in reality, the Cullens very rarely have birthday's to celebrate. I think this is okay for Bella to act in such ways, I wouldn't want to grow apart from Edward in age either. The one thing i do not like is how Bella handles all the attention. She really should act much more appreciative of her friends and boyfriend wanting to make her day so special. It shows how much they love her and she will just not realize it. 

Q4- My Current Readings Reflection why i chose this book

For my quarter four outside reading book I have chosen to read the book titled New Moon written by Stephenie Meyer. This book is the second of the Twilight series. A reason that I have chosen to read this book is because I read the first book, Twilight over winter break and I loved it, but I haven’t gotten a chance to start the second. There are also two more books after I read the second, so I have a ways to go yet. This book interests me because the characters from the first book are still in it and their relationships are going to grow, or not grow in the second book, so I need to read it to find out. From the first book the relationships were so real and I have only imagined what they continued to be in the following books, so I am very excited to find out what actually happens in the next books. Stephenie Meyer is a fantastic writer in my opinion, I’ve never enjoyed a book so much as I enjoyed her first of the well-know series, Twilight. I’m really looking forward to the book also because I will read it with a more knowledgeable sense. I saw the movie Twilight and now I have faces to put to the names the next time I read and I understand the characters much more than I did going into the first book. I feel like I’ll really be able to understand and enjoy the last three books!

My Current Readings #15

People.com is all over Natasha Richardson's devastating accident. "Coroner: Natasha Richardson Died from Blunt Impact to Head, written by Nicole Weisenseee Egan and Kathy Ehrich Dowd. This outstanding actress was in Quebec and decided to take a private ski lesson. She was at the beginner hill at Mont Tremblant on Monday afternoon. Her instructor was well educated and did not fail, or intentionally let Richardson fail while learning how to ski. Natasha's accident included her falling and tumbling from the middle of the ski run. Instructor Catherine Lacasse and other witnesses sad she didn't appear to heat anything, only the ground and the snow. After her fall she appeared to be fine, her words making sense and even cracking some jokes here and there! Natasha felt fine so she didn't accept any suggestions of going to the hospital, just going back to her hotel room to rest. Soon enough did the horrid headaches start kicking in, and she went to the hospital. It is so that the accident caused internal brain bleeding, which is how she died. Her friends, family, and all those whom she had an affect on are now suffering. They are all in need of overcoming this denying accident their inspiration, or loved one went through. 

My Current Readings #14

An amazing article reported by James Schugel, titled "Sending Message of Love With Handmade Teddy Bears." This is actually a project called The Mother Bear Project, it started about five years ago when Amy Berman decided to start making bears for children in need. Her ideas flourished and she was making bears of all sorts of bright and different colors and was shipping them all to kids that were very poor, especially places in Africa. Berman herself took a trip to Zambia to deliver the bears she is so kindly making. She got to see the look on the children's faces when they received these bears, its something for them to call their own, and to have to hold. I think this is an outstanding idea and the twin cities and people and places all over are donating to this project and millions of billions of bears are being sent out to warm poor children's hearts. This entire article is completely about love, this woman had an idea to put a smile on a child's face with something hand made with love. There is no stronger way to show love than this, putting so much time into these bears, it is most definitely worth while. Actually my sister and I got the chance at my church to contribute to this heart warming project, we both bought a bear and wrote our names on it for the name-tag and had it ready to be sent to a child who really needed it. They have cards explaining this project and so we gave them to our aunts as a gift, showing that we made a child's day somewhere in the world. If interested-PLEASE follow up on this. 

Mother Bear Project 

P.O. Box 62188

Minneapolis, MN 55426

My Current Readings #13

Is war something worth doing? Will one get out of a war what they had wished to going into it? Well explained in an article in NYtimes.com titled "How a 'Good War' in Afghanistan Went Bad," written by David Rohde and David E. Sanger. After the Taliban fell to an American led coalition, groups of NATO ambassadors went to Kabul, Afghanistan and surveyed a 'triumph' - "a fresh start for a country ripped apart by years of war wit the Soviets and brutal repression by religious extremists," quoted from Correction Appended. It is now said that the Taliban were so decimated that they didn't even pose a threat anymore. This war seems to be involved with improvements of health care, education, economy, and the quality of life in the cities. Sometimes wars are started only to help those of another country or nation, while one warring place may thing they are doing good for the other they may just be adding more disruption to their home land. This is a perfect example of "How a 'good war' went bad." 

My Current Readings #12

An article from NYtimes.com titled "Venezuela Wants Trade Group to Embrace Anti-Imperialism" written by Larry Rohter. There was a large meeting on Thursday with South Americans contemplating whether the Mercosur trade group should proceed in their emphasis of economic integration, or not. The other side of it is that Brazil and Argentina would rather have an alliance made with an "anti-imperialist." A reason things are being decided between and discussed so thoroughly is because there has been major outbursts of gang violence. Also, some are saying that it was quite the mistake to ever allow Chavez into Mercosur, mainly because 1. he really wants to control it and 2. he is Lula's biggest rival. Lula was Brazil's foreign minister previously, also very opposite of Chavez. These kinds of issues that are being so wildly thought out are involved with Imperialism because it is all these other foreign places that are being brought in with South America and people are not sure if that is right. 

My Current Readings #11

A world wide and global issue involving recycling. An article found on http://www.kare11.com/news/earthkare_article.aspx?storyid=538716&catid=309) titled U of M Raises a Stink Over Lack of Recycling. One regular old day on the campus of University of Minnesota College, the normal little bundle of trash thats left to lie on the sidewalk had quintupled. Not only was there a little pile of trash as there usually is, but there was a sidewalk full of trash. It is said that a garbage truck dumped a full load of trash onto the campus's sidewalk to "teach them a lesson." The garbage trucks point was to show that there was this much garbage normally with kids not being respectful and recycling as they should be. Volunteers from the school went through the entire pile of garbage and picked out every individual thing that 'could've' been recycled. What nobody seems to understand in this world is that the landfills in this world that we are constantly and repeatedly filling with garbage, are becoming over loaded and we are running out of places to put our garbage. Recycling is the only thing known to us as of now that will lessen the ridiculous amounts of garbage us humans are accumulating. RECYCLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My Current Readings #10

Martin Luther King Jr., still recognized and remembered today. Found on Kare11.com an article titled "MLK, Jr. Preached Non-Violence in Minnesota: a Special Remembrance." A National Holiday- world wide. MLK Jr is remembered on a special day for not only the speech he made, "I Have a Dream," but also for him as a young man, boycotting and holding protests for african americans. This day should never be lived down. If it wasn't for MLK Jr. our world would still be segregated and unequal in every way. This is a national holiday because it has affected every single human being in this world. It has stood up for those who were being wronged, and has told off those who were wronging. MLK Jr.'s speech consisted of a specific part that i will not forget, "That my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character. I have a dream, today!" That quote not only says that he is standing up for african americans because they are being treated unfairly, but it also says that he cares about his family and wants every individual to be recognized for the person that lies within them. Do not ever forget this day MLK Jr. has made for us. (http://www.kare11.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=492371)

My Current Readings #9

Bollywood is something sure to get the attention of many. Found on people.com, an article titled "Norah Jones Movie Hits a Sour Note," written by Stephen M. Silverman. (http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,626856,oo.html) Norah Jones and her "long estranged father" are reunited after a successful grammys year. The two want to make a bollywood film about their family. They are finding that the other people within their family are most definitely not too fond of this "brilliant idea." The mother of Norah, Sue Jones is quoted saying "Nobody knows the inside story about our family except for us, really, It's nobody's business and intrudes on our privacy." Bollywood films are supposed to be fun and along the lines of another movie, what is the problem in that? Well obviously the proud but thoughtful mother of Ms. Norah Jones found the problem within this decision between her daughter and husband. Personally speaking, i'd have to pronounce that the best bollywood film ever made is Bride and Prejudice. It was focused significantly on an Indian culture, which i found so interesting and it really did have big parts from the original, Pride and Prejudice movie. 

My Current Readings #8

New York Times seems to be quite up to date on the latest things going on within the chinese culture. On nytimes.com an article titled "Chinese Idol" was posted March 5th, written by Jess Row. It is said that the hit Yu Hua's "Brothers," translated by Eileen Cheng-yin Chow may have a yiyin problem. It is unsaid what a "yiyin problem" is. Although a work of art novel is quite harsh to bear at times is being recognized for direct and graphic Chinese characteristics. This is known for being thought to be a family-epic-cum-romantic-comedy with major affects of violence, curses, denunciations, black eyes and beatings. This one will fool ya. This addresses culture because it is revolved around a Chinese culture and background information and includes many things sentimental or humorous to the Chinese culture. I think it would be quite an honor to have a novel written significantly about my culture and my traditions. I would take pride in a novel devoted to the culture of a young Catholic girl. 

My Current Readings #7

"Gang Member, 16, Charged With Southdale Shooting," written by local reporters. Expressed on Wcco.com, a sixteen year old was charged with attempted murder, for trying to shoot two teenagers outside of Southdale, on February 27th. This shooting has said to be gang related, this very shooting happening in our very own hometown, Edina, Minnesota. Two boys, shot, but still alive. One 15, shot in the leg and other 18, and shot in the stomach. It is said that none are facing life threatening injuries. The police tracked down the shooter, Muniz, who admitted to the shootings. These kind of events will change anybody's life. Even if one were to see the event but have nothing to do with it, a great emotion of hatred or sadness will overcome them. Resulting with feelings like that, change is sure to come in as well. Change consists of one's everyday or regular routines being affected by something and resulting in a twist of their old daily or regular routines. 

My Current Readings #6

Msnbc.com reveals a story that is unheard of to me. "Chimp Victim May Have Brain Damage," written by The Associated Press. In New Haven, Connecticut, a woman was mauled by a chimpanzee. This woman suffers the loss of her hands, nose, lips and eyelids. Doctors are questioning possible blindness for her future and brain damage. The doctors repeatedly say that all ways of improvement are unclear right now. Doesn't it seem pretty abnormal that an innocent woman goes over to her friends house to help her round up the chimp, but in the process she is supposively "not recognized" by the chimp, so he goes in for the attack. Pretty rare if one were to ask me. All Neurosurgeons and ophthalmologists are doing the best they can to see if she has a significant chance of a assuring recovery. All of these doctors and family have to retain hope in order for anything good to happen. Hope is something that cannot live without an object, as said in "Nectar in a Sieve." 

My Current Readings #5

Wcco.com offers a variety of news, including religious news. November 1st this was brought up.  "New Trial Set For Convicted Priest," written by The Associated Press. John Bussmann is a priest that has been convicted previous to his job now but in Hennepin County in 2005 a third degree criminal sexual conduct for his sexual relationships with two different women in his congregation. Now he is convicted of sexually abusing women that he was supposed to just be counseling. To me, this entire sexual convictions and such seem absolutely out of the question that they should not be tolerated. This man is a priest and the actions he is making i do not see anything even remotely related to God or his religion in that. This man needs to not be allowed to be a leader of a church, i only say this because not only one conviction did he have, but two. Religions play an entirely large role in society and within that religion there is rules, rules of which not only the followers of that religion have to follow, but also the one's leading and proclaiming it. 

My Current Readings #4

An article found on kare11.com, under cultural news. "Saberi's Father Disputes Charge of Illegal Activities," by The Associated Press. In Tehran, Iran a journalist, Roxana Saberi was involved in illegal activities, really meaning that she continued to work after the government revoked her press credentials in 2006. Saberi's spokes people are refusing to tell more details about this revoke with her work and also about whether she is in jail or not. The Father claims not to have talked to his daughter since February 10th, he says that that day all she had called to say was that she was "detained after buying a bottle of wine," and he says he has not talked with her since. This is connected with other cultures because all of this is occurring in  Iran and within their culture, things may be looked at differently than within our United States culture. For example, drinking wine, or being "detained after buying wine" may have a completely different meaning to their culture, or more so their country. Cultures all around the world are being altered because of the traditions and rules of other cultures. Cultural blending and cultural diffusion are still present daily.

My Current Readings #3

Another breaking story found on MSNBC.com written by Associated Press. Entitled '1 Soldier, 20 Others Dead in Mexico Gunbattle. On tuesday a drug gang snatched AND killed 6 people. It just so happens that the drug gang that was kidnapping happened to snatch nine alleged members of a rival drug gang in another city. That right there is how this nonsense violence started. Many soldiers being out and about searching for the gunmen and man shootouts occured, having 14 alleged gunmen and 1 soldier dead also on Tuesday. Lately Mexico has been struggling with drug violence, more than 6,000 people have died in a drug-related violence. Many sickening violence habits are being thrown around in Mexico, for example- a car was found on fire with two burned bodies inside. Also three prisoners were killed by getting beaten up and then set on fire in a bathroom. These attacks are simply unjust and horrifying. This is very related to me because for a Mexico Mission trip i was planning to go on this summer was in this exact place, where this continuous drug abuse is happening. Just two days ago did i receive an e-mail from my church leader saying the Mission trip had been moved elsewhere because of violence. The group of kids that attended that specific mission trip last summer in that spot witnessed the beginning of the violence that can no longer be tolerated. The places they were sleeping at night were being broken into, its very unsafe, best of hopes.