The Life of Wayne Thiebaud by: Sasha Afsh

Sasha Afsh

May 23, 2014

English 

7-3

Mrs. Chalhoub

                                                                                                Wayne Thiebaud

            “I don’t think I’ve ever painted a picture I really felt too satisfied with. It’s always the next picture that keeps you going.” Wayne shows perseverance in various ways throughout this biography and I think that I would always look up to him. He painted pictures that are unique and different than any body else would even have the slightest thought about. His life was plentiful of obstacles that he fulfilled by thinking positive. He experienced life as a challenge because he wasn’t the wealthiest man but that didn’t stop him from doing what he loved. “You have to take some chances” he said. There are way to many words to describe perseverance but I think that Wayne has them all. “Draw till you get it right.” This quote is my favorite because it shows determination. He would never stop working on a painting until he has completed it.

             Apart from his drawing and painted he lived a hard life He got married but a while after he got divorced. No body was interested in buying paintings that had four cupcakes or a gumball machine on it. No one understood the process he would do in order to make these fantastic paintings. One day Wayne went to a gallery and met the owner, Allan Stone. Allan asked to take his paintings and keep them in his house for a while. Allan noticed the layers in the cake and wanted to display them in his gallery. Wayne got married again and had a child. And as for every story, they lived happily ever after.

Five vocabulary words I didn’t understand:

1)    Veteran: a person who has had long experience in a particular field. (Page 35)

2)    Enduring: continuing or long-lasting. (Page 37)

3)    Rigorous: extremely thorough, exhaustive, or accurate. (Page 35)

4)    Critics: a person who expresses an unfavorable opinion of something. (Page 59)

5)    Hurtling: move or cause to move at a great speed, typically in a wildly uncontrolled manner (Page 87)

This book taught me a lot; mostly about never giving up and do what you love to do, not what others want you to do. I liked every page of this book because I got to see his paintings and at the same time he would explain why he made them and that influenced me to draw as well. You can show countless amounts of ideas and words in a painting like Wayne’s and when I’m older I want to inspire people like he inspired me. I am always going to think about Wayne when I look at a painting or at a cake, or any other kind of food. If I were Wayne I would always look at the people who supported me and helped me in the difficult times of my life and also look at his fans. Maybe I’m only one in a million fans and he doesn’t even know I exist I think one extra fan always makes a change. I would give this book a ten over ten because I loved the fact that the author gave me quotes. For sure I would recommend this book to a friend because everyone should know The Life of Wayne Thiebaud.

Wayne had a very big influence on his city and the people around him. Obviously he made an impact on his family to become artist for example his son and daughter of his second wife. As for the place he lived in many people would see him around because he always draws about his city. He would like drawing his city and the things around him.

The Child Called it

Alexandra Assaad

Claire Chalhoub

Book blog four

7-3

A Child Called it

It all started with a little boy called Dave Pelzer. He suffered through a lot because his mother used to abuse him. Dave Pelzer was not the only child in the family, but he was the only one who would be starved, beaten, and much more. He was brave and through all that, survived. Not only did his mother abuse him, but he was also bullied at school for smelling bad and wearing the same clothes every day. Dave would say how his mother used to be the most beautiful woman he has ever seen, but that she then started drinking and became fat and crazy. The nurse at school would notice that there was something wrong and he would be called out of class to see what new bruises and cuts that she could find. Finally at the end of the book, the teachers of his school, Thomas Edison Elementary School, called the police. That was the day that he was rescued. Dave showed perseverance because he never gave up from his mom beating him every day, and he always stood strong and brave after everything his mother has done to him and the pain she has caused him to go through. He never told anyone anything and just went through the pain. He overcame and faced his problems alone, and after the staff of his school helped him, he went to a foster home. He suffered all his life and suffered his childhood forced to eat dog food, drink bleach, sleep in the basement, clean all day, and so much more. Dave Pelzer is still alive today breathing, and able to tell his story.

This autobiography takes place during the year 1973 in Daly City, California. Dave Pelzer also talks about previous moments that happened in the previous years.

“March 5, 1973, Daly City, California I’m late.”

Pelzer, David J.. "The Rescue." A child called "it": an abused child's journey from victim to victor. Deerfield Beach, Fla.: Health Communications, 1995. 3. Print.

            The individuals influenced the events around him because; during those years children rights were not really known and strict as they are now. Right now more people are aware of it and know how to deal with it. Dave didn’t know about it, and how to complain to other people even if he was scared. So the mother got away with it for a long time. If it was during our times she would have been caught sooner than she would have been before. “ David Pelzer’s story must be told so that we can mobilize Americans to create a country where it won’t hurt to be a child.”

Pelzer, David J.. "perspectives on child abuse." A child called "it": an abused child's journey from victim to victor. Deerfield Beach, Fla.: Health Communications, 1995. 173. Print.

        

Vocabulary Words:

Magnitude

Page: 133

Definition: a big size or extent of something.

Part of speech: noun

Sentence (from book): I wanted her to feel the magnitude of my pain and my loneliness for all these years.

Pelzer, David J.. "The Lord's Player." A child called "it": an abused child's journey from victim to victor. Deerfield Beach, Fla.: Health Communications, 1995. 133. Print.

Bolted

Page: 143

Definition: run away really quickly from fear.

Part of speech:  verb

Sentence (from the book): I bolted for he hallway, but her hand seized me by the neck.

Pelzer, David J.. "The Lord's Player." A child called "it": an abused child's journey from victim to victor. Deerfield Beach, Fla.: Health Communications, 1995. 143. Print.

Seized

Page: 143

Definition: hold something all of sudden strongly.

Part of speech: verb

Sentence (from the book): I bolted for he hallway, but her hand seized me by the neck.

Pelzer, David J.. "The Lord's Player." A child called "it": an abused child's journey from victim to victor. Deerfield Beach, Fla.: Health Communications, 1995. 143. Print.

Vibrant

Page: 132

Definition: full of energy

Part of speech: adjective

Sentence (from the book): The once vibrant escapes of watching myself fly through the clouds in bright blue costumes.

Pelzer, David J.. "The Lord's Player." A child called "it": an abused child's journey from victim to victor. Deerfield Beach, Fla.: Health Communications, 1995. 132. Print.

Fervent

Page: 174

Definition: burning

Part of speech: adjective

Sentence (from the book): The only cure for child abuse is its prevention; and it is my fervent hope that this book will help.

Pelzer, David J.. "The Lord's Player." A child called "it": an abused child's journey from victim to victor. Deerfield Beach, Fla.: Health Communications, 1995. 132. Print.

Reflection: This book matters because it shows you and teaches you to be strong, and never be afraid to speak up. The so what of this book is to never be afraid of speaking up because sometimes it can really save your life, like in Dave’s situation. I really liked Dave Pelzer and his character, but I wish that when he was a kid he stood up more for his rights and complained about his mom. The problem was that he was too afraid of her. I would definitely recommend this book to a friend because it is such a good book it even made me cry. Anyone who likes sad and true stories, I recommend this book to them. The person is important to think about and talk about because he was so brave, and we should learn to be brave like Dave. We shouldn’t complain because many people in this world suffer a lot, and we complain about little things. Dave taught me to appreciate things more. I saw myself in the person I read about because Dave was scared to complain about his mom because he was scared of her, and when I am scared of something it is hard for me to deal with the problem and talk to someone. I would rate the book a ten out of ten. Honestly, this is my favorite book and I have read it several times. This book really made me love reading.

Pelzer, David J.. A child called "it": an abused child's journey from victim to victor. Deerfield Beach, Fla.: Health Communications, 1995. Print.

Andy Warhol Veronica Lee

Book Blog 4

Summary:

MLA: Bolton, Linda. Andy Warhol. London: Franklin Watts, 2002. Print.

             Andy Warhol (Andrew Warhola) was born at August 6, 1928, in Forest City, Pennsylvania. His father worked away from home a lot, so his mother had to take care for him, and his brothers. In 1942, his father died, and Andy Warhol was only 14. They got very poor, but they worked hard and saved money doing part-time jobs and summer jobs. Although they were very poor, he was always interested in art. Andy Warhol studied pictorial design at the Carnegie Institute of Technology in Pittsburgh. During the summer, he had to After Andy Warhol graduated with a degree in Fine Arts, he planned to become an art teacher. But during the summer his friend told him that he has to go to New York, and he wants Andy Warhol to come with him. Andy Warhol decided to go with his friend, so they left to find their dream. Andy Warhol finally succeeded his life as an artist in New York. He drew lots of things such as a drawing of famous celebrities. He drew Marilyn Monroe, Elvis Presley and other famous people. Although in his generation, almost every artist was drawing things about consumer society. But Andy Warhol drew things that we could see every time. He also made movies that helped viewers to notices the small difference by not making them confusing like others do. He always made viewers to think and observe what he was trying to tell, and to communicate with people that are sitting next to them. After all those successful drawings and films, he died on February 2^nd, 1987 the result of surgery for a routine gallbladder operation, but his drawings are still popular now.

Historical Time Period:

MLA: Bolton, Linda. "Early Years." Andy Warhol. London: Franklin Watts, 2002. 8. Print.

It takes time during World War 2.

Influence:

MLA: Bolton, Linda. "American Contrasts."Andy Warhol. London: Franklin Watts, 2002. 25. Print.,

Bolton, Linda. "Pop Art." Andy Warhol. London: Franklin Watts, 2002. 13. Print.

             Andy Warhol, who first worked as commercial artist, who would draw something for advertisement or to design the fashion magazine, wanted to become a serious artist not just using his skill for commercials. So he started to find a genre of art that he wanted to do. But when he saw pop artists expressing their feeling as the consumer society, it influenced him; he wanted to change how they’re expressing themselves as the consumer society. That’s why he chose pop art. “New York: Kesseler: ‘Andy! What are you doing?’  Warhol: ‘I’m starting Pop art.’ Kesseler: ‘Why?’ Warhol: ‘Because I hate Abstract Expressionism. I hate it!” (Andy Warhol, 13) That’s why he chose Pop art. He wanted to show people that Pop art has other side than criticizing consumer society. Almost every artist had abstract expressionism, but others like Andy Warhol didn't; he expressed how he felt with a normal drawings. He didn't express his drawing by abstract expressionism. But he drew things that were very familiar to us. “‘If you want to know all about Warhol, just look at the surface of my paintings and films…and there I am. There’s nothing behind it.’ Andy Warhol”

Vocabularies:

Silk-screen printing (Andy Warhol, 16): a form of printing in which color ink is forced through a silk mesh onto the surface beneath.

Pop art (Andy Warhol, 12): an art movement of the 1960s that tried to produce art that everyone would like, and rejected ideas of good and bad taste. Pop art often depicted subjects from popular culture.

Publicity (Andy Warhol, 18): the notice or attention given to someone or something by the media.

Consumer society (Andy Warhol, 12): a society whose main goal is to provide goods and services to the public.

Aesthetics (Andy Warhol, 17): the principles or study of artistic taste.

Ratings:

I loved this book; although this is my first time reading this genre. I think this book is very important because a lot people know who Andy Warhol is, but they don’t really know about him that much. But if they want to learn something about Andy Warhol, they should definitely read this book. I would recommend this book to people who are really interested in pop art, because if they’re not, it would be really boring for them to read. I would rate this book 8 out of 10, because it was first time reading this genre, and I found it very boring. I didn't see myself in this book, because Andy Warhol is really different from what I would do. He is totally opposite of me, but I still like him.

Inside Delta Force - Jenna Majzoub

Haney, Eric L.. Inside Delta Force: the story of America's elite counterterrorist unit. New York: Delacorte Press, 2002. Print.

Summary

Eric Haney is a man who grew up in the mountains of north georgia during the 50’s and 60’s. He didn’t get electricity until he was a young boy, indoor plumbing came a little later in his time. He was also the first high school graduate in his family. He grew up listening to the tales and stories of war. He was so fascinated by these stories that he knew from then on he would want to join the military. So, as soon as he was able to join he did. So, he enlisted in 1970’s during the height of the Vietnam war, although he was still in high school.

To his luck, he received his reporting date right after graduation. That is where his adventure began. The minute he met the force he fell in love with it, and their ways. But, the real mission started November 21, 1977 is when Delta was officially given life, and so was the search for recruits. Haney got to be Jumpmaster at the C-13 transport plane that was traveling to Drop Zone in Georgia, at 120 mph. Soon after the jump Haney learned about the Delta ops plan in Fort Bragg a.k.a ‘The Home of The Airborne’. Fort Bragg includes eighty second airborne division,  the special forces center, and first corps support command. If you haven’t noticed already, it is a very Fort Bragg is very important.

But, he was told to expect hard work. Which is exactly what he got. He even describes how his legs and arms where numb from all the running and how his neck ached from the previous “challenges” he had to do. He also said that he was ready to quit at that point… But, he didn’t. He had gone through way too much to give up now. He also knew that this was only training, only the beginning of what was to come.

After all the hard work he had done it was time for his final

phase, he would have a very important  meeting or interview with the command unit officers. Then, he would undergo hypothetical operation situations, and would be tested on whether or not he could handle. Or, how he handles them for that matter.

Of course, all journeys have to come to an end, and his has come. After all the hard work he went through he decided to retire from the unit. He was greatly respected both as a person and as a member in the until. He retired with the proud title of a Sergeant Commander.

Perseverance:

Haney is most definitely a striking example of perseverance. He went through many tough challenges and obstacles in his time at the unit. Especially at Fort Bragg. EVen though he was numb all over and he told himself he wanted to quit he never did, he had wanted this ever since he was a child and he didn’t plan on giving up. And look where his perseverance got him, he retired with the title of a Sergeant Commander.

Time:

He never mentioned when he was born , but he joined the unit during the Vietnam War. But, since he joined the unit when he joined the unit right after he finished high school, so you could say he was born during the 50’s.

“I enlisted in the army in the spring of 1970, during the height of the Vietnamese War.”  

Haney, Eric L. Inside Delta Force. New York: Delacorte Press, 2006. 3. Print.

Historical Event:

Again, he decided to join the Delta during the Vietnam War, this is what he had trained for in the Delta.

“I enlisted in the army in the spring of 1970, during the height of the Vietnamese War.”  

Haney, Eric L. Inside Delta Force. New York: Delacorte Press, 2006. 3. Print.

Eric has become more intelligent ever since he was in the Delta force. He has learned patience and he has become more vigilant. He has also learned why america is now known as the land of the free.  He closes the book off with this quote, which shows what he has learned.

“Maintain courage. Have hope. Be patient, but at the same time vigilant. And remember, we don’t call ourselves the land of the free and the home of the brave for nothing.”

Haney, Eric L. Inside Delta Force. New York: Delacorte Press, 2006. 246. Print.

Vocabulary:

Jumpmaster: The safety of all people jumping off of a plane is his/her responsibility. (Pg. 7)

Donned: To put on or wear an item of clothing (Pg. 13)

Habitually: A habit, something done constantly (Pg. 14)

Twang: A very strong ringing sound (Pg. 14)

Austere: Very strict (Pg. 16)

Reflection:

I really enjoyed this book. It definitely deserves a 10/10. I was never the person to read books about the military and war, but this book changed my perspective. It shows you how no matter how tired or how much you want to quit you shouldn’t, because you will never achieve if you don’t persevere to reach your goal. I would recommend this book to everyone, even those who don't think they enjoy books about war.

Down a Dark Hall -Razan Mersal

Down A Dark Hall, By Lois Duncan

Step 1:

Duncan, Lois. Down a dark hall. Boston: Little, Brown, 1974. Print.

Step 2:

Lois Duncan, the master of mystery, wrote this book, about a teenager (Kit) who is being left behind in some small village while her parents are cruising around Europe. Kit does not appreciate this idea but decides to let it go. When they get there, Kit realizes that this is going to be one hell of a camp. And when she realizes there are only three other girls there, things get mysterious and surreal. The four girls realize they have been chosen for their talents, what are the talents? What happens when they find out that this becomes more dangerous? What then? Read the book to find out.

The reason this book is a mystery book is because the main character is trying to figure out what is happening to all of the girls while the headmaster is trying to hide everything.

Exposition:

“They had been driving since dawn, and for the past two hours, since they had turned off the highway onto the winding road that led through the hill country, Kit Gordy had been sleeping. Perhaps not completely sleeping-- there had been a part of her mind that had remained awake, conscious of the curves of the road, of the faint warmth of the September sunlight slanting through the window to lie upon her hair, of the two voices in the front seat, her mother’s light and lilting, Dan’s low pitched and even.” (p.1) This gives us enough information to start reading the book and understand exactly what the author wants us to understand and keep wondering about what he wants us to get confused (in a good way) about.

Rising Action (conflict):

“I still don’t understand how we four were selected, Professor Farley says we have the special attributes they were looking for in their students, but I can’t imagine what they might be. We seem to have nothing in common with each other, and I don’t see how you could have failed to get accepted if I was. I tried to ask Madame Duret about it, but she only said she didn’t want to discuss test results.” (p. 42) This shows the conflict, an unknown talent that her friend does not have and only 4 girls were capable of achieving the same talent.

Climax:

“People tended to die a lot earlier than they do today, and among those early deaths were those of many brilliant and talented people who had much to give to the world. It is these people whom I reach out. It is to them I offer the opportunity to return.” (p.123) This answers their talents and what is going on with them.

Step 3:

Inferences and Clues:

Inferences are predictions of what is going to happen next. While explicit information is when it clearly states what is going to happen next. “‘You cannot hold us in here! We want to go out!’” (p.138) This proves an explicit piece of information.

Step 4:

Setting:

Present Day, September

Main Characters:

Kit:

Kit is the protagonist of the novel. She is a normal teenager until she finds out why she was selected to be one of the four people in the camp.

Madame Duret:

Madame Duret is evil and selfish. She only wants the girls there for her own benefit.

Characterization Techniques:

The main characterization technique was dialogue, we learn a lot about the character’s and their opinions through the dialogue. Since the story is written in third person limited, we know what Kit is feeling and through that we know her character.

Step 5:

Theme:

The primary theme of the novel is family. The reason I say this is because Kit realize how important both are. For example at the end of the book she was visited by the ghost of her dead dad to guide her, for her to believe in him; a ghost, is a great respect to family. “She believed as she had always believed him” (p.180) This shows that she trusts that her family and will trust them to a point to risk her life for.

Reflection:

To be honest, this book was not the best book I have read. It is a pretty good mystery book but it was too unrealistic. I would give the book 8/10. The reason I would do this is because it was not always hooking and a lot of the times it was just vague and I would not understand what would be going on. I do not mean to be mean, but I do not think I would recommend this book to anyone except people who only like mystery books, like pure mystery and fiction. However, the book was really good at describing people and was full of imagery which, I have to admit was pretty good. I think that a person can re-write this book with more dialogue and more explanation on their ‘talents’.