Why is Ares involving himself in Percy's quest?
What do the dreams mean?
Is Percy immortal?
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Reactions/ Connections
Did it make you think of anything happening in the news, around school, in other stories or books you have read?
I had several connections with the third section of Lightning Thief. Percy's grand adventure/ quest is secondary to the understanding he is gaining of himself. Each monster he encounters, every deadly situation he must face, and all characters he comes across strengthen him inside. I mean think about it- what other situations put Percy in such close proximity to his emotions.
He must deal with the following:
The death of his mother.
His anger towards his step father.
His despise for past teachers and bullies.
His courage to solve problems from start to finish.
We all are on a "quest" like Percy so to speak. I mean sure, we go to school, work, and fulfill other obligations, but deep down we are on this "grand quest of self discovery." At the end of the day it is our happiness that is most important.
This book kind of reminds me of the Matrix! Neo encounters several situations, each of greater peril than the last. And even though the oracle tells him "you are the one," it is not until he believes it that he is able to defeat all opposing forces. I mean, let's face it, deep down Percy is still doubtful. He is distrusting, resentful, bitter, angry and insecure. Accepting that he is "the one" will negate all these feeling of self doubt- the very things preventing him from becoming this consummate hero.
I am just waiting for the moment that Percy picks up "Riptide" and says "There is no evil I can't defeat." This is the quest Percy is after: Belief in himself. Once he has achieved this, there is no monster or god that will stand in his way.
I had several connections with the third section of Lightning Thief. Percy's grand adventure/ quest is secondary to the understanding he is gaining of himself. Each monster he encounters, every deadly situation he must face, and all characters he comes across strengthen him inside. I mean think about it- what other situations put Percy in such close proximity to his emotions.
He must deal with the following:
The death of his mother.
His anger towards his step father.
His despise for past teachers and bullies.
His courage to solve problems from start to finish.
We all are on a "quest" like Percy so to speak. I mean sure, we go to school, work, and fulfill other obligations, but deep down we are on this "grand quest of self discovery." At the end of the day it is our happiness that is most important.
This book kind of reminds me of the Matrix! Neo encounters several situations, each of greater peril than the last. And even though the oracle tells him "you are the one," it is not until he believes it that he is able to defeat all opposing forces. I mean, let's face it, deep down Percy is still doubtful. He is distrusting, resentful, bitter, angry and insecure. Accepting that he is "the one" will negate all these feeling of self doubt- the very things preventing him from becoming this consummate hero.
I am just waiting for the moment that Percy picks up "Riptide" and says "There is no evil I can't defeat." This is the quest Percy is after: Belief in himself. Once he has achieved this, there is no monster or god that will stand in his way.
Response to Lightning Thief Week 3
A couple passages really stood out to me:
As Percy is falling from the arch the Chimera blew him off he says, "I would love to tell you I had some deep revelation on my way down, that I came to terms with my own mortality, laughed in the face of death et cetera....The truth? My only thought was Aaaggghhh!"
This passage struck a chord with me. Percy has this desire deep down to appear in control of the situation. Like Percy, I take on a similar demeanor. When teaching, I try to appear as if I have everything under control. I used to go to GREAT lengths to achieve this. For example: I used to write the entire daily plan on the board outlining what students would learn and what content would be covered. I also dressed in my "best Sunday clothes" every day of the week to appear "credible." Lastly, I had systems in place for what students would do when not having a...pencil, eraser, sharpener, paper, their journal...well I think you get the point. This however turned out to be all an act. In reality, the students did not truly relate to me and felt distant. It was only when I was able to LET GO OF CONTROL that I started truly BEING IN CONTROL.
This is the same paradox that Percy must face. If he admits as he is falling that he is not in control of the situation, it in turn will put his mind at ease and allow him to adapt more readily to the situation once he hits the ground. In a sense I guess I am saying that it's o.k. to be scared.
I also reacted poignantly to Percy's dream. His recurring dream HAS to mean something. He always feels as if he is being "pulled in to the pit." In addition, he alludes to the fact that the characters below are trying to "tell him something." There is something REAL fishy going on here! Those characters are supposed to be the ones he despises and abhors- in reality, they are the ticket to his survival. Like they said, the "Kindly ones" could have destroyed Percy if they wanted to- however, it seems as if they were after something else. "Where is it," they kept repeating.
I am curious as to why everybody is trusting Ares. I mean he is the god of war for crying out loud! He can't be trusted. He is probably leading them into trap after trap!
As Percy is falling from the arch the Chimera blew him off he says, "I would love to tell you I had some deep revelation on my way down, that I came to terms with my own mortality, laughed in the face of death et cetera....The truth? My only thought was Aaaggghhh!"
This passage struck a chord with me. Percy has this desire deep down to appear in control of the situation. Like Percy, I take on a similar demeanor. When teaching, I try to appear as if I have everything under control. I used to go to GREAT lengths to achieve this. For example: I used to write the entire daily plan on the board outlining what students would learn and what content would be covered. I also dressed in my "best Sunday clothes" every day of the week to appear "credible." Lastly, I had systems in place for what students would do when not having a...pencil, eraser, sharpener, paper, their journal...well I think you get the point. This however turned out to be all an act. In reality, the students did not truly relate to me and felt distant. It was only when I was able to LET GO OF CONTROL that I started truly BEING IN CONTROL.
This is the same paradox that Percy must face. If he admits as he is falling that he is not in control of the situation, it in turn will put his mind at ease and allow him to adapt more readily to the situation once he hits the ground. In a sense I guess I am saying that it's o.k. to be scared.
I also reacted poignantly to Percy's dream. His recurring dream HAS to mean something. He always feels as if he is being "pulled in to the pit." In addition, he alludes to the fact that the characters below are trying to "tell him something." There is something REAL fishy going on here! Those characters are supposed to be the ones he despises and abhors- in reality, they are the ticket to his survival. Like they said, the "Kindly ones" could have destroyed Percy if they wanted to- however, it seems as if they were after something else. "Where is it," they kept repeating.
I am curious as to why everybody is trusting Ares. I mean he is the god of war for crying out loud! He can't be trusted. He is probably leading them into trap after trap!
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Questions for Lit Circle
Why is it SO hard for Hades to defeat Percy?
Who is the one that you think will betray Percy?
Why do you think the oracle said that Percy will "fail?"
Who is the one that you think will betray Percy?
Why do you think the oracle said that Percy will "fail?"
Monday, November 17, 2008
Craft of Riordan
Riordan uses several literary styles in writing The Lightning Thief:
1. Third Person and 1st Person: Percy is referred to in both first and third person. In the beginning of the book, Percy speaks directly to the audience. This first person narrative draws the reader in from the beginning knowing somehow that they will be part of this great quest. Once the reader has been drawn in, Riordan switches to a third person narrative in order to better explain all the events surrounding Percy. If continuing in 1st person we would only see the world through Percy's eyes, in turn finding many holes in the plot of the book. Instead, we understand that while Percy is busy defeating monsters and figuring out his place, Poseidon and Zeus are quarreling over the loss of a trident.
2. Riordan also follows very closely to Freytag's Pyramid of story development:
He introduces minor conflicts and problems that all lead up to a central climax. This "rising action" manifests itself in the form of disputes between Poseidon and Zeus, games of Capture the Flag in which Percy learns of his powers, disputes between him and sons/ daughters of other major gods, etc. There is also the period of "supposition." While this does come later, it nevertheless follows the correct sequencing. We are introduced to characters before major developments in the plot. In the beginning we are introduced to characters at Percy's school, and later Riordan introduces us to characters at the "special school" for the gods.
1. Third Person and 1st Person: Percy is referred to in both first and third person. In the beginning of the book, Percy speaks directly to the audience. This first person narrative draws the reader in from the beginning knowing somehow that they will be part of this great quest. Once the reader has been drawn in, Riordan switches to a third person narrative in order to better explain all the events surrounding Percy. If continuing in 1st person we would only see the world through Percy's eyes, in turn finding many holes in the plot of the book. Instead, we understand that while Percy is busy defeating monsters and figuring out his place, Poseidon and Zeus are quarreling over the loss of a trident.
2. Riordan also follows very closely to Freytag's Pyramid of story development:
He introduces minor conflicts and problems that all lead up to a central climax. This "rising action" manifests itself in the form of disputes between Poseidon and Zeus, games of Capture the Flag in which Percy learns of his powers, disputes between him and sons/ daughters of other major gods, etc. There is also the period of "supposition." While this does come later, it nevertheless follows the correct sequencing. We are introduced to characters before major developments in the plot. In the beginning we are introduced to characters at Percy's school, and later Riordan introduces us to characters at the "special school" for the gods.
Response to Lightning Thief #2
Here are some questions that arose as I read the 2nd section of The Lightning Thief:
Who is Percy's father?
Why has Poseidon never told Percy that he is his father?
What powers does the trident give to Zeus? In other words, why is it SO important to Zeus?
What will Percy have to do to get Zeus' trident back?
Who is Zeus' son or daughter?
Who is Percy's father?
Why has Poseidon never told Percy that he is his father?
What powers does the trident give to Zeus? In other words, why is it SO important to Zeus?
What will Percy have to do to get Zeus' trident back?
Who is Zeus' son or daughter?
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Discussion Questions
1. When did Percy obtain his powers?
2. How does Percy use his superhuman powers?
3. Is Mr. Brunner an ally or enemy to Percy?
2. How does Percy use his superhuman powers?
3. Is Mr. Brunner an ally or enemy to Percy?
Reactions
I have several reactions to what I have read thus far. This relates to my life in several ways. I oftentimes feel exactly like Percy! I am somehow the pink elephant in the room. As if I have a giant "kick me" sign on my back. I am the brunt of everyone's inside joke. Take for example how Percy feels when Mr. Brunner, Grover and even his Mom are in on something he does not know about. It's like he wants to be part of a conversation yet doesn't know how to get involved.
I have felt this way MANY times. People are conversing and I am trying to make my way into their conversation. However, when I try to interject myself, I suddenly find that they have NO IDEA what I am talking about. Ultimately I feel extremely left out.
Percy is like this puppet in some elaborate play. He has no voice. He is part of a fate of which he has NO control over. This leaves him feeling used and taken advantage of.
I also relate to Percy's imaginative spirit. He sees himself as this central figure that everyone is working to destroy. He is the center of the universe so to speak. I generally feel the same way. When things are going bad for me, the world takes on a similar spirit. Things are gloomy, the sky gets gray, mythological creatures come to get me. Of course this may only be my projection based on how I am feeling, yet inevitably it always seems SO real.
I have felt this way MANY times. People are conversing and I am trying to make my way into their conversation. However, when I try to interject myself, I suddenly find that they have NO IDEA what I am talking about. Ultimately I feel extremely left out.
Percy is like this puppet in some elaborate play. He has no voice. He is part of a fate of which he has NO control over. This leaves him feeling used and taken advantage of.
I also relate to Percy's imaginative spirit. He sees himself as this central figure that everyone is working to destroy. He is the center of the universe so to speak. I generally feel the same way. When things are going bad for me, the world takes on a similar spirit. Things are gloomy, the sky gets gray, mythological creatures come to get me. Of course this may only be my projection based on how I am feeling, yet inevitably it always seems SO real.
The Lightning Thief
Why is this work important?
This work is important on several accounts. First of all, it is important because it shows the plight of a troubled young teen. While he is odd in some ways, he is very much like you or I. He has been diagnosed with ADHD; he is resentful of his step- father; and he feels alienated at school. These are the experiences of a typical adolescence. They seek acceptance and approval, feeling very self- conscious on the interior.
Percy also has an experience with Grover that is not unlike many experiences we go through. While he trusts Grover, he becomes suspicious when learning that Grover is conspiring with Mr. Brunner regarding Percy's fate. Most all of us have had an experience where we overheard a friend or trusted confidant talking about us behind our backs.
The themes in this book run deeper than action packed mythology. Instead, Riordan manages to interweave fiction, non- fiction, action, drama and suspense seamlessly into this story.
This work is important on several accounts. First of all, it is important because it shows the plight of a troubled young teen. While he is odd in some ways, he is very much like you or I. He has been diagnosed with ADHD; he is resentful of his step- father; and he feels alienated at school. These are the experiences of a typical adolescence. They seek acceptance and approval, feeling very self- conscious on the interior.
Percy also has an experience with Grover that is not unlike many experiences we go through. While he trusts Grover, he becomes suspicious when learning that Grover is conspiring with Mr. Brunner regarding Percy's fate. Most all of us have had an experience where we overheard a friend or trusted confidant talking about us behind our backs.
The themes in this book run deeper than action packed mythology. Instead, Riordan manages to interweave fiction, non- fiction, action, drama and suspense seamlessly into this story.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
5. Habits of Mind
Significance: Why is this work important?
This book is important for a number of factors. Most prominent of these is the ability of this book to act as an allegory for our current situation. With so much hysteria regarding the war and our economy, people are worried that United States as a society may crumble. This book serves as a reminder of the cost of ignorance. Without knowledge, people fail to make the correct decisions, leading to devastating consequences. For example, the housing market is failing because of bad decisions by both lenders and borrowers. Long term gain was superceded by short sighted choices. While people gained in the short term, they felt the pain in the long run!
The City of Ember is similar in that they are not SOLVING problems. They are merely maintaining a system that is already broken. Eventually, the City will collapse and so to will the people. The United States is taking a similar approach. We are not leaving problem solving to future generations. Take for example our dependence on foreign oil. Eventually, that resource will be completely depleted. What will we do then? Since the oil supply is steady for the time being (short run) we are not concerned about what will happen in the future.
This book is important for a number of factors. Most prominent of these is the ability of this book to act as an allegory for our current situation. With so much hysteria regarding the war and our economy, people are worried that United States as a society may crumble. This book serves as a reminder of the cost of ignorance. Without knowledge, people fail to make the correct decisions, leading to devastating consequences. For example, the housing market is failing because of bad decisions by both lenders and borrowers. Long term gain was superceded by short sighted choices. While people gained in the short term, they felt the pain in the long run!
The City of Ember is similar in that they are not SOLVING problems. They are merely maintaining a system that is already broken. Eventually, the City will collapse and so to will the people. The United States is taking a similar approach. We are not leaving problem solving to future generations. Take for example our dependence on foreign oil. Eventually, that resource will be completely depleted. What will we do then? Since the oil supply is steady for the time being (short run) we are not concerned about what will happen in the future.
4. Questions
What questions came to mind while you were reading? Were there things you wondered about, doubted, or didn't understand? What would you ask the author or the characters if you could talk to them?
Several questions came to mind while I was reading. First, I was wondering why Doon is serious all the time? I would ask the author why he created "Doon" as a character? I would also ask him where Doon gets his personality traits and countenance from?
I was also confused as to how the city obtained food. Seeing how there is no production of goods through agriculture, where is there food supply? When will there food supply be fully depleted?
I also didn't understand what Granny keeps looking for? I am thinking it may be the ticket to the survival of the City of Ember?
I would also ask the author why he picked 11 and 12 year old kids to be the central characters in his novel?
Several questions came to mind while I was reading. First, I was wondering why Doon is serious all the time? I would ask the author why he created "Doon" as a character? I would also ask him where Doon gets his personality traits and countenance from?
I was also confused as to how the city obtained food. Seeing how there is no production of goods through agriculture, where is there food supply? When will there food supply be fully depleted?
I also didn't understand what Granny keeps looking for? I am thinking it may be the ticket to the survival of the City of Ember?
I would also ask the author why he picked 11 and 12 year old kids to be the central characters in his novel?
3. CRAFT
What did you notice about the author's style, laguage, point of view, literary devices, or structures that she/ he used to create the story?
The author's prose is from third person. Doon and Lina are the characters in this fictional novel. He interweaves dialogue magically. Setting the backdrop of a broken city beyond repair the reader is automatically skeptical of characters. He does well to promulgate this theme through Doon and Lina's questioning of the mayor.
As for literary devices, he uses metaphors and similes throughout the book. He uses these devices to allow the audience to relate to Doon and Lina's experience.
The guiding plot throughout the novel is a failed electricity system. I believe Jeanne DuPrau uses this as a metaphor for a failed society. The people of Ember are too reliant on the design of the Builders. They can only fulfill tasks of maintenance. The underlying metaphor/ theme is the consequence of ignorance. Ignorance allows for control by government. The people are handcuffed by this ignorance as Jeanne DuPrau makes clear in Lina's statement to Lizzie, "Looper's stealing, he isn't just stealing things for you. He has a store He steals things and sells them for huge prices."
Lizzie is so handcuffed by ignorance she refuses to believe this assertion. She even goes as far as to call Lina a liar.
DuPrau uses a typical structure in writing his story. Following Freytag's Pyramid, he starts with introducing the characters and the conflict. He next moves into developing those characters through interaction and dialogue. We find minor climaxes with Looper's theft, Grandma's death, and discovering the mayor passed out in the storage room. These all serve to build action and suspend our interest in anticipation for the ultimate climax.
The author's prose is from third person. Doon and Lina are the characters in this fictional novel. He interweaves dialogue magically. Setting the backdrop of a broken city beyond repair the reader is automatically skeptical of characters. He does well to promulgate this theme through Doon and Lina's questioning of the mayor.
As for literary devices, he uses metaphors and similes throughout the book. He uses these devices to allow the audience to relate to Doon and Lina's experience.
The guiding plot throughout the novel is a failed electricity system. I believe Jeanne DuPrau uses this as a metaphor for a failed society. The people of Ember are too reliant on the design of the Builders. They can only fulfill tasks of maintenance. The underlying metaphor/ theme is the consequence of ignorance. Ignorance allows for control by government. The people are handcuffed by this ignorance as Jeanne DuPrau makes clear in Lina's statement to Lizzie, "Looper's stealing, he isn't just stealing things for you. He has a store He steals things and sells them for huge prices."
Lizzie is so handcuffed by ignorance she refuses to believe this assertion. She even goes as far as to call Lina a liar.
DuPrau uses a typical structure in writing his story. Following Freytag's Pyramid, he starts with introducing the characters and the conflict. He next moves into developing those characters through interaction and dialogue. We find minor climaxes with Looper's theft, Grandma's death, and discovering the mayor passed out in the storage room. These all serve to build action and suspend our interest in anticipation for the ultimate climax.
2. SAMPLE REACTIONS/ CONNECTIONS
2. After reading the first 1/4 of City of Ember, here are my feelings: What were your feelings and responses to the story? Did it remind you of past experiences, people, or events in your life? Did it make you think of anything happening in the news, around school, in other stories or books you have read?
This book reminded me a lot of the movie "The Island." In this movie, two characters are trapped in a world set up to shelter them, while in reality it does anything but that. Naivete rules the day as character's ignorance keeps them in bondage. The only chance for escape to "The Island" is through a lottery system. Unfortunately, these people never see "The Island" but rather are sent to an operating room to have their organs removed. These organs are then distributed to the wealthy benefactors.
City of Ember is quite similar. People live in constant conformity to the status quo. They are prohibited to ask questions yet must obey rules with no clear justification. Doon and Lina are like Ewan McGregor and Scarlet Johanssen of "The Island." They are the only two inquisitive enough to solve the puzzle. They eventually escape to freedom, leaving the others to ponder their banal existence.
City oEmber is also a metaphor for our current political situation. The President of the United States is the mayor, we are the helpless, ignorant citizenry, and the skeptics are Doon and Lina. Us rushing into war is just like the workers who willingly go into whatever job is chosen for them. I suppose you can compare Doon and Lina to Obama and McCain. They represent hope for the future. Our "escape" so to speak from the "City of Ember."
This book reminded me a lot of the movie "The Island." In this movie, two characters are trapped in a world set up to shelter them, while in reality it does anything but that. Naivete rules the day as character's ignorance keeps them in bondage. The only chance for escape to "The Island" is through a lottery system. Unfortunately, these people never see "The Island" but rather are sent to an operating room to have their organs removed. These organs are then distributed to the wealthy benefactors.
City of Ember is quite similar. People live in constant conformity to the status quo. They are prohibited to ask questions yet must obey rules with no clear justification. Doon and Lina are like Ewan McGregor and Scarlet Johanssen of "The Island." They are the only two inquisitive enough to solve the puzzle. They eventually escape to freedom, leaving the others to ponder their banal existence.
City oEmber is also a metaphor for our current political situation. The President of the United States is the mayor, we are the helpless, ignorant citizenry, and the skeptics are Doon and Lina. Us rushing into war is just like the workers who willingly go into whatever job is chosen for them. I suppose you can compare Doon and Lina to Obama and McCain. They represent hope for the future. Our "escape" so to speak from the "City of Ember."
Monday, September 22, 2008
I am
I am
Hope, Optimism, Spontaneity
Persistence and dedication reveal true character
Equality is important to me
Finding Gems in a pile of wasted debris is something I value
Compassion will advance humanity
It is ok to be different
Inflated egos are damaging, yet acceptable when defending those you love
Random acts of kindness change lives
How you show up in the game is how you show up in real life
I have lost faith in politics
I am
Hope, Optimism, Spontaneity
Persistence and dedication reveal true character
Equality is important to me
Finding Gems in a pile of wasted debris is something I value
Compassion will advance humanity
It is ok to be different
Inflated egos are damaging, yet acceptable when defending those you love
Random acts of kindness change lives
How you show up in the game is how you show up in real life
I have lost faith in politics
I am
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Getting in Trouble
Chapter 2 ended with Lina getting in trouble for being on the roof. The mayor of the city scolded her for being too curious.
Was there ever a time in your life that you got in trouble for being too curious? Explain:
(Think about how it felt, describe what you were doing, introduce the right characters)
Curiosity is my Achilles heel. While it has opened up new worlds previously uncharted and unexplored, it has also earned me contempt and scorn from the "less curious." You could tell I was curious from a young age. I was that kid in the corner trying to break the Guinness Record for "longest headstand." Imaginative and analytical I took nothing at face value. Tell me something couldn't be done, and I would soon find a way to do it. A true rebel at heart, I viewed rules as limiting people to the ordinary and generic. That is why when Cal Poly San Luis Obispo (the college I attended) had a strict policy against scaling their major relics, I was the first to break it...
California Polytechnic University (the college I attended) had some of the greatest architectural feats of the time. Combining modern physics, mathematics and engineering, they created a Performing Arts Center that attracted some of the biggest names of the new millennium. Carrot Top, Smashing Pumpkins, and Cirque Solet were a few of the many performers. As a "starving student" there was no way I could afford to see these great venues. Rules would tell me that this fact alone should prevent me from attending. However, if you are stubborn, imaginative and abundantly curious, there was always a way in. It just might not be through the front door...
You see, my friends and I had been scoping out this building for several weeks prior to the show. We knew every nook, cranny and nuance. We also knew there was a door on the third story. A door we concluded may be unlocked. Getting to this door would be our grand adventure.
The West side of the building housed all the electrical components. Gated and secured it could have very easily been the cage for the T Rex in Jurassic Park. There was one engineering mishap however. Though the door was locked on the outside, the adjacent handle inside was always unlocked. Think of the swimming pool inside of an apartment complex. If you could manage to reach your hand through the bars, you could be swimming the 200M in a heart beat.
This seems an appropriate time as any to introduce my partners in crime. Their names were Beau and Aaron. We were probably the only three students in the entire University that night not attending some House Party or Fraternity event. As the oldest, most experienced dare- devil, I was the mission leader; Beau, being the thinnest and most flexible of our outfit, was the operations specialist; Aaron, boasting a degree in philosophy and a brilliant mind, was of course the logistics coordinator.
Beau's first mission was to wedge his hand between the bars and unlock the gated door. He was successful on his first attempt! We were in!...to the first compartment. Wedging our way through boxed electrical and oddly shaped ventilation we made it to our first roof.
This roof was about 30 feet lower in elevation than our destination (the 3rd story door). To get to the door, one had to find a way around the entire building- which looked like a massive spiraling staircase. We first scaled the wall on the East end of the roof and found ourselves on the backside of the Center facing traffic. This was the MOST precarious part of the operation. Visible to onlookers and passerbys you had to time your move precisely to avoid getting caught. We took advantage of our 30 second window between sprouts of traffic. Moving like spiders we crawled our way to the most precarious spot of all- the East Side.
East sides can be dangerous places in general. When entering new cities people sometimes warn of the "East side." This is oftentimes a euphemism for "TROUBLE!" "Trouble" in this case came in the form of a 40 foot dormitory within earshot. This was where luck came into play. We had to hope that for the next 20 seconds, all students inside the dorm were busy and unaware.
We raced across the East side and held our breath. No shouts, screams or finger pointing. Only the sound of our racing heartbeats and shortness in breath. We had made it... so far. We still had to find our way back to the West Side in order to reach the third story door.
The South Side contained the towering roof. Imagine a 45 degree incline into oblivion. That's what it felt like. Hoisting ourselves up onto the lower area we were forced to crouch down as this area was extremely well lit. We were like soldiers on our way to the combat zone- hoping to catch our enemy by surprise. Our enemy was now only a slide away. We added the "slide" in for entertainment. From the top of the roof, you felt as if you were looking down the gut of the "Abyss" at Wild Rivers! Each "slide" manifested itself in the form of crevices 2 feet wide- just enough space to wedge yourself between. Drying from the rain it experienced earlier in the day, the slide was just slick enough to increase our speed, yet dry enough to prevent major injury. It was the ultimate slip and slide! Except this was no game. If you weren't careful, the end of your slip and slide was a forty foot drop to most certain death. Racing down the roof we were taking no chances. We slowed with plenty of room to spare and descended the last part on foot.
From the bottom of the Southwest side of the roof, we stared down to the third story balcony. We had arrived on the West side! The drop was not too extreme. You had merely to dangle from the overhang and drop 8 feet onto the balcony floor. I was first to go. Landing firmly and unscathed I now stared through the third story door. I held my breath. If the door was locked, there was NO way back. I had scaled Mount Everest and was hoping desperately not to have to call in the chopper. Gripping the handle on the doorway I pulled down. The lock on the other side was free. And now so was I! I could barely contain my excitement. Had it not been for the late hour, rebellious activity and most certain consequences had we been caught, I would have let out a scream right there. Instead I waved to my anxious team to indicate my success. Dropping down one at a time they met me at the door.
Beau and I both turned to our logistics coordinator for the next move. Calm and collected he informed us that we would be journeying to the "secret spot." This spot was normally manned by personnel with keys and identification badges. We were unauthorized personnel. Had we been caught it meant certain expulsion from the school and probably a night in the county jail.
Of course that thought wasn't running through our minds at the time. We meant no harm. We were just curious kids with vivid imaginations.
Making our way down the upstairs hallway we entered the auditorium through massive double doors. This site alone was breathtaking. I imagined watching Carrot Top pull one of his crazy inventions out of his black box on stage. Or better yet, trapeze artists traversing across the theatre in Cirque Solet.
Beau awoke me from my trance with a smack on the back of my head. "C'mon Kyle, we've got to get moving." Aaron led us to the "secret entrance" to the "secret spot." This entrance was positioned inside a corridor separating the auditorium from the outer hallway. This was Door #2. The chances that Door #1 would be open were slim to none. The chances that "Secret Door #2" would be open as well were about as good as finding a needle in a haystack. To my astonishment however, it was not only unlocked, but easy to push through. I envisioned an alarm sounding and cop cars arriving shortly thereafter. But there was no alarm, only the sound of the AC blasting through the area.
Our first task was to scale the ladder. This ladder led to the circular platform from which the lighting was controlled. A platform that could transform even the most ordinary of people into great Emperors of Rome. You felt like the the master pup peter in the World's Greatest puppet show. Power and admiration is often short lived however. After basking in our greatness for a mere 20 seconds we turned to our left to find a black hole of darkness. Our abundant pride turned into overwhelming fear. Beau and Aaron wanted to turn back. They insisted that we were now in over our heads. I countered by insisting that this was only the tip of the iceberg. Every new discovery was better than the last, this "black hole" must have some eternal rewards.
As we entered the dark abyss I reached my hands out in front of me in desparate search for a light switch. That's when something took hold of my hand. I whirled around to find Beau in cold sweats. His arm clasped tightly to mine. "I can't do this," he insisted.
"We have to!" I retorted back. "Everything will be fine."
A low humming sound reverberated through the darkness. Was it snoring? Was it the sound of the generator creating the minimal light that passed through the rafters? Or was it the security system sending a signal to the nearby police force on Grand Ave.?
Whatever it was, it was only adding to our sense of panic and desparation. Stubbornly I kept moving forward. Beau and Aaron were no longer clasped on behind. Instead, they retreated to the lit area and insisted that I explore the unknown area alone. I obliged. Fumbling through the dark I now stood only feet away from the figure I first saw. Coming in close proximity to the figure only added to my stress. It looked just as real as it did from the entrance to the "black hole." To make matters worse, the only light switch was located directly above it's head!! It was too risky. While I now had serious doubts as to whether this was an actual person, I wasn't taking any chances. Instead, I continued on past the figure to the West Side of the platform.
Imagine if you will a giant tunnel with immense light on both sides. It was as if I was emerging from that tunnel into broad daylight. However, this particular tunnel was transparant from both sides. It afforded me the opportunity to wave to Beau and Aaron signaling my success.
Reluctantly they made their way through the "black hole tunnel" and joined me on the other side. From here we felt secure- able to take far more risks. Beau planned our next death defying stunt. From our vantage point we saw massive curtains draping down from the "secret spot" to the stage. Behind the curtains was an elaborate maintenance system, controlled from various spots in the rafters. From here, Beau planned our descent. We would scale down the myriad of metal to back stage.
I will spare you the details of our descent and our dealings back stage. Instead I will pick up where the actual suspense left off. What happened next was by far the scariest, most death- defying moment of our grand adventure.
Nonchalantly we exited back stage into the 1st floor hallway as if we had not a care in the world. This was our first MAJOR mistake. Because as we entered the hallway we heard a high pitched bark. The dog was small enough. In normal circumstances one would most likely laugh at such unsuccessful antics. However, in this case a bark meant accompaniment by something far scarier- a window washer. The window washer was oblivious to his companion's plea. Thank God for walkmens. He was probably lost in Mr. Clean's window washing workout. His dog would not stop barking! Frozen in the hallway we faced a conundrum. Had we gone back the way we came the dog might very well follow us and blow our cover. Had we made a run for the door, the window washer would certainly notice and call the police. Thinking fast, I grabbed Beau and Aaron and found cover in a nearby crevice. That's when the window washer turned. His dog was persistent. Perhaps the dog only heard us. Because had he seen us he would most certainly be over tugging on our clothes.
Removing the headphones from his ears, the window washer reached down to pet his dog. "What is it buddy?" The dog would not stop barking. Had the dog been a more affective communicator we would be spending our last days in San Luis Obispo behind bars. As it was, the dog was just alarmed. We all prayed silent prayers. God turned out to be the bold daredevil we all dreamed him up to be, because our prayers were soon answered. The window washer turned back to the windows, put on his headphones, and continued where he left off.
It was now time to exit the building. Clearly we could not walk out the front door, as the window washer had that route covered. Instead, we elected to exit back stage. Exploring the rest of the building would happen another day. Silently we found our way to the backstage door.
Freedom was supposed to greet us with a barely illuminated sky from the moon above, not bright lights coming from all directions...
(If you have read this far I applaud your diligence and dedication to my story. I also apologize for my numerous "false alarms." My story had more smoke screens then it did legitimate climaxes. However, this has kept your interest yes? At this point I will finish. No more fakies.)
The bright lights greeted us from the North, South and West. Shining at 45 degree angles from each adjacent building, they guided us home. Back home we reminisced about our experience. Several close encounters, unexpected turns, and the prize we first set out to obtain. We had reached the "secret spot." Unscathed and energetic, it was just a matter of time until we would witness a show from our newfound seats. They were the best seats in the house, and to think, they came free of charge.
Was there ever a time in your life that you got in trouble for being too curious? Explain:
(Think about how it felt, describe what you were doing, introduce the right characters)
Curiosity is my Achilles heel. While it has opened up new worlds previously uncharted and unexplored, it has also earned me contempt and scorn from the "less curious." You could tell I was curious from a young age. I was that kid in the corner trying to break the Guinness Record for "longest headstand." Imaginative and analytical I took nothing at face value. Tell me something couldn't be done, and I would soon find a way to do it. A true rebel at heart, I viewed rules as limiting people to the ordinary and generic. That is why when Cal Poly San Luis Obispo (the college I attended) had a strict policy against scaling their major relics, I was the first to break it...
California Polytechnic University (the college I attended) had some of the greatest architectural feats of the time. Combining modern physics, mathematics and engineering, they created a Performing Arts Center that attracted some of the biggest names of the new millennium. Carrot Top, Smashing Pumpkins, and Cirque Solet were a few of the many performers. As a "starving student" there was no way I could afford to see these great venues. Rules would tell me that this fact alone should prevent me from attending. However, if you are stubborn, imaginative and abundantly curious, there was always a way in. It just might not be through the front door...
You see, my friends and I had been scoping out this building for several weeks prior to the show. We knew every nook, cranny and nuance. We also knew there was a door on the third story. A door we concluded may be unlocked. Getting to this door would be our grand adventure.
The West side of the building housed all the electrical components. Gated and secured it could have very easily been the cage for the T Rex in Jurassic Park. There was one engineering mishap however. Though the door was locked on the outside, the adjacent handle inside was always unlocked. Think of the swimming pool inside of an apartment complex. If you could manage to reach your hand through the bars, you could be swimming the 200M in a heart beat.
This seems an appropriate time as any to introduce my partners in crime. Their names were Beau and Aaron. We were probably the only three students in the entire University that night not attending some House Party or Fraternity event. As the oldest, most experienced dare- devil, I was the mission leader; Beau, being the thinnest and most flexible of our outfit, was the operations specialist; Aaron, boasting a degree in philosophy and a brilliant mind, was of course the logistics coordinator.
Beau's first mission was to wedge his hand between the bars and unlock the gated door. He was successful on his first attempt! We were in!...to the first compartment. Wedging our way through boxed electrical and oddly shaped ventilation we made it to our first roof.
This roof was about 30 feet lower in elevation than our destination (the 3rd story door). To get to the door, one had to find a way around the entire building- which looked like a massive spiraling staircase. We first scaled the wall on the East end of the roof and found ourselves on the backside of the Center facing traffic. This was the MOST precarious part of the operation. Visible to onlookers and passerbys you had to time your move precisely to avoid getting caught. We took advantage of our 30 second window between sprouts of traffic. Moving like spiders we crawled our way to the most precarious spot of all- the East Side.
East sides can be dangerous places in general. When entering new cities people sometimes warn of the "East side." This is oftentimes a euphemism for "TROUBLE!" "Trouble" in this case came in the form of a 40 foot dormitory within earshot. This was where luck came into play. We had to hope that for the next 20 seconds, all students inside the dorm were busy and unaware.
We raced across the East side and held our breath. No shouts, screams or finger pointing. Only the sound of our racing heartbeats and shortness in breath. We had made it... so far. We still had to find our way back to the West Side in order to reach the third story door.
The South Side contained the towering roof. Imagine a 45 degree incline into oblivion. That's what it felt like. Hoisting ourselves up onto the lower area we were forced to crouch down as this area was extremely well lit. We were like soldiers on our way to the combat zone- hoping to catch our enemy by surprise. Our enemy was now only a slide away. We added the "slide" in for entertainment. From the top of the roof, you felt as if you were looking down the gut of the "Abyss" at Wild Rivers! Each "slide" manifested itself in the form of crevices 2 feet wide- just enough space to wedge yourself between. Drying from the rain it experienced earlier in the day, the slide was just slick enough to increase our speed, yet dry enough to prevent major injury. It was the ultimate slip and slide! Except this was no game. If you weren't careful, the end of your slip and slide was a forty foot drop to most certain death. Racing down the roof we were taking no chances. We slowed with plenty of room to spare and descended the last part on foot.
From the bottom of the Southwest side of the roof, we stared down to the third story balcony. We had arrived on the West side! The drop was not too extreme. You had merely to dangle from the overhang and drop 8 feet onto the balcony floor. I was first to go. Landing firmly and unscathed I now stared through the third story door. I held my breath. If the door was locked, there was NO way back. I had scaled Mount Everest and was hoping desperately not to have to call in the chopper. Gripping the handle on the doorway I pulled down. The lock on the other side was free. And now so was I! I could barely contain my excitement. Had it not been for the late hour, rebellious activity and most certain consequences had we been caught, I would have let out a scream right there. Instead I waved to my anxious team to indicate my success. Dropping down one at a time they met me at the door.
Beau and I both turned to our logistics coordinator for the next move. Calm and collected he informed us that we would be journeying to the "secret spot." This spot was normally manned by personnel with keys and identification badges. We were unauthorized personnel. Had we been caught it meant certain expulsion from the school and probably a night in the county jail.
Of course that thought wasn't running through our minds at the time. We meant no harm. We were just curious kids with vivid imaginations.
Making our way down the upstairs hallway we entered the auditorium through massive double doors. This site alone was breathtaking. I imagined watching Carrot Top pull one of his crazy inventions out of his black box on stage. Or better yet, trapeze artists traversing across the theatre in Cirque Solet.
Beau awoke me from my trance with a smack on the back of my head. "C'mon Kyle, we've got to get moving." Aaron led us to the "secret entrance" to the "secret spot." This entrance was positioned inside a corridor separating the auditorium from the outer hallway. This was Door #2. The chances that Door #1 would be open were slim to none. The chances that "Secret Door #2" would be open as well were about as good as finding a needle in a haystack. To my astonishment however, it was not only unlocked, but easy to push through. I envisioned an alarm sounding and cop cars arriving shortly thereafter. But there was no alarm, only the sound of the AC blasting through the area.
Our first task was to scale the ladder. This ladder led to the circular platform from which the lighting was controlled. A platform that could transform even the most ordinary of people into great Emperors of Rome. You felt like the the master pup peter in the World's Greatest puppet show. Power and admiration is often short lived however. After basking in our greatness for a mere 20 seconds we turned to our left to find a black hole of darkness. Our abundant pride turned into overwhelming fear. Beau and Aaron wanted to turn back. They insisted that we were now in over our heads. I countered by insisting that this was only the tip of the iceberg. Every new discovery was better than the last, this "black hole" must have some eternal rewards.
As we entered the dark abyss I reached my hands out in front of me in desparate search for a light switch. That's when something took hold of my hand. I whirled around to find Beau in cold sweats. His arm clasped tightly to mine. "I can't do this," he insisted.
"We have to!" I retorted back. "Everything will be fine."
A low humming sound reverberated through the darkness. Was it snoring? Was it the sound of the generator creating the minimal light that passed through the rafters? Or was it the security system sending a signal to the nearby police force on Grand Ave.?
Whatever it was, it was only adding to our sense of panic and desparation. Stubbornly I kept moving forward. Beau and Aaron were no longer clasped on behind. Instead, they retreated to the lit area and insisted that I explore the unknown area alone. I obliged. Fumbling through the dark I now stood only feet away from the figure I first saw. Coming in close proximity to the figure only added to my stress. It looked just as real as it did from the entrance to the "black hole." To make matters worse, the only light switch was located directly above it's head!! It was too risky. While I now had serious doubts as to whether this was an actual person, I wasn't taking any chances. Instead, I continued on past the figure to the West Side of the platform.
Imagine if you will a giant tunnel with immense light on both sides. It was as if I was emerging from that tunnel into broad daylight. However, this particular tunnel was transparant from both sides. It afforded me the opportunity to wave to Beau and Aaron signaling my success.
Reluctantly they made their way through the "black hole tunnel" and joined me on the other side. From here we felt secure- able to take far more risks. Beau planned our next death defying stunt. From our vantage point we saw massive curtains draping down from the "secret spot" to the stage. Behind the curtains was an elaborate maintenance system, controlled from various spots in the rafters. From here, Beau planned our descent. We would scale down the myriad of metal to back stage.
I will spare you the details of our descent and our dealings back stage. Instead I will pick up where the actual suspense left off. What happened next was by far the scariest, most death- defying moment of our grand adventure.
Nonchalantly we exited back stage into the 1st floor hallway as if we had not a care in the world. This was our first MAJOR mistake. Because as we entered the hallway we heard a high pitched bark. The dog was small enough. In normal circumstances one would most likely laugh at such unsuccessful antics. However, in this case a bark meant accompaniment by something far scarier- a window washer. The window washer was oblivious to his companion's plea. Thank God for walkmens. He was probably lost in Mr. Clean's window washing workout. His dog would not stop barking! Frozen in the hallway we faced a conundrum. Had we gone back the way we came the dog might very well follow us and blow our cover. Had we made a run for the door, the window washer would certainly notice and call the police. Thinking fast, I grabbed Beau and Aaron and found cover in a nearby crevice. That's when the window washer turned. His dog was persistent. Perhaps the dog only heard us. Because had he seen us he would most certainly be over tugging on our clothes.
Removing the headphones from his ears, the window washer reached down to pet his dog. "What is it buddy?" The dog would not stop barking. Had the dog been a more affective communicator we would be spending our last days in San Luis Obispo behind bars. As it was, the dog was just alarmed. We all prayed silent prayers. God turned out to be the bold daredevil we all dreamed him up to be, because our prayers were soon answered. The window washer turned back to the windows, put on his headphones, and continued where he left off.
It was now time to exit the building. Clearly we could not walk out the front door, as the window washer had that route covered. Instead, we elected to exit back stage. Exploring the rest of the building would happen another day. Silently we found our way to the backstage door.
Freedom was supposed to greet us with a barely illuminated sky from the moon above, not bright lights coming from all directions...
(If you have read this far I applaud your diligence and dedication to my story. I also apologize for my numerous "false alarms." My story had more smoke screens then it did legitimate climaxes. However, this has kept your interest yes? At this point I will finish. No more fakies.)
The bright lights greeted us from the North, South and West. Shining at 45 degree angles from each adjacent building, they guided us home. Back home we reminisced about our experience. Several close encounters, unexpected turns, and the prize we first set out to obtain. We had reached the "secret spot." Unscathed and energetic, it was just a matter of time until we would witness a show from our newfound seats. They were the best seats in the house, and to think, they came free of charge.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Blog Instructions
1. Find a template you like using this site
http://www.finalsense.com/services/blog_templates/
http://www.finalsense.com/services/blog_templates/
Saturday, September 6, 2008
LEAVING COMMENTS
Please leave comments on other people's blogs!! The links are on the left under the class names.
This is a picture of Socrates- the great philosopher. He responded to every question with a BETTER, more thought provoking question. When you leave your comment use the Socratic Method! Ask yourself the following:
1. Has your comment ENCOURAGED your classmate to WRITE MORE?
2. Can your comment be answered in ONE WORD? (If it can, make it better!).
3. Did your comment encourage the writer to think critically about the book?
Thanks! You guys rock! Good job both classes. Let's see which class can have the most blogs by Monday. Crogners or High Tech Homies!?
This is a picture of Socrates- the great philosopher. He responded to every question with a BETTER, more thought provoking question. When you leave your comment use the Socratic Method! Ask yourself the following:
1. Has your comment ENCOURAGED your classmate to WRITE MORE?
2. Can your comment be answered in ONE WORD? (If it can, make it better!).
3. Did your comment encourage the writer to think critically about the book?
Thanks! You guys rock! Good job both classes. Let's see which class can have the most blogs by Monday. Crogners or High Tech Homies!?
Friday, September 5, 2008
Response to Reading
Your requirement today is to respond to the first chapter of City of Ember. Use the "Response to Reading" sheet to guide you. Good luck!!!
Mr. Wagner
Mr. Wagner
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