Today when Paul Grondahl came to class I thought he was a very good public speaker. Right away he looked very poised and comfortable talking in front of our class. He didn't seem nervous at all or intimidated by us and he was very calm and controlled. I could tell because he greeted us with a warm smile and asked how everyone was doing. Throughout his presentation he was comfortble talking, but also wanted to get our opinions and questions as well and wasn't afraid to disagree with anyone's comment. He connected with the audience by making direct eye contact with the person who had asked him a question or made a comment so it was more sincere.
I thought Paul was very clear with what he was trying to say. He didn't beat around the bush he stated his opinions clearly, not trying to make us think one way or another, but just what he thought. He made his opinon even more clear when he repeated things, like when he said to be a great writer you have to read great writing. He didn't say things like "um" or hesitate a lot and spoke loud enough for everyone to hear. No one asked him to speak up and people from the back of the room were participating too so everyone was able to hear him. I was never confused and his presentation was easy to follow along with.
Paul talked about important topics and they were also topics I could relate to. He really caught my attention when he said that being different is important and that as you get older you don't want to be just like everyone else you want to be your own person. I thought that was inspiring because I realize how alike so many people in our school are, including my friends and I, and that it's okay to stand out and be different. He related the topics he was talking about to things in his life to provide details. He gave good advice, like when he said if you want to write a book you have to start with something small first. You have to be able to write an article or a short story before you can write a whole book.
Throughout the speech he was well organized. He didn't jump around a lot, he would answer a question without getting off topic. He started off by introducing what he does and what he has accomplished and ended by telling us what insipres him and leaving us with good advice about what he thinks you should do to be a writer. He talked about many different things like what it's like to be a journalist, places he has gone and things he has seen, books, other writings and much more but he never talked about it all at once.
I think the class interacted well with him as a whole. I asked him what was the most interesting thing he has written about because after reading his articles I was interested in the topics he was writing. Everyone seemed interested in what he was saying and I didn't think anyone was tuning him out. There was never a time where there was a long silence because people kept asking questions and making comments to what he was saying and we kept the conversation with Paul going throughout the whole class. Some people asked him a question and wanted to keep talking with him after he answered because they were engaged in what he was saying. I think next year students would enjoy talking with Paul because he is a good public speaker and he made the presentation interesting. I also think students might enjoy an author to come in and talk about books they have written and how they wrote it and why. This might get them interested in the book hearing from the author.
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
TU Tuesday
“Poppy’s Story” (http://web.timesunion.com/specialreports/poppy/)
What is going to happen to Poppy and will he be able to get his life back on track?
How does he manage to survive like he does with almost nothing for clothes, money and food?
I think this article really made me appreciate what I have. I never take the time to think about how lucky I am to have a home, a family who loves me, food and clothes. There are people out there just like Poppy who have nothing at all except for their will and maybe a friend.
I thought it was a good story by the author because he wrote about someone who you wouldn't look twice at passing the street. Someone who people are probably afraid of. The author showed that Poppy is no different except that he struggles from addiction. He has a heart just like anyone else and all he really wants is to get his life back on track but it is just too hard for him.
His profile of Andy Rooney from 2001 (http://www.timesunion.com/news/article/The-consummate-curmudgeon-at-his-summer-house-2237375.php)
What made Rooney firststart writing?
What are his favorite topics to write about and why?
After reading Poppy's story I didn't think Rooney's story was as heart-warming. Readong Poppy's story really touched me and I didn't get that sense as much reading Rooney's story. I did think it was a good story I just wish there was more depth to it.
I wish the author had given more backround information about Rooney and his childhood and family. I would've liked to get a better sense of who he is and why he likes to write and make things with wood.
The feature story on the woman cut in half, hemicorporectomy patient Tammy “Angel” Reed (http://www.timesunion.com/local/article/Despite-operation-to-cut-her-in-half-Angel-2227298.php)
Will Angel eventually be able to leave the house and do a lot of things people do everyday?
Can the doctors build on this surgery and be able to increase the chance of survival for future halfectomy's?
I couldn't imagine being in Angel's position and finding out I only had 18 months to live or to have surgery with a 1 in 4 chance of surviving. It would be so scary and I think she has a great attitude towards all of this. She doesn't pout because her life is hard, she makes jokes and tries to laugh about it as much as she can.
I think it shows a lot about Angel's personality that her kids help her with so much and her husband will stay with her no matter what. It means that they care about who is she and not what she looks like. They want to be there for her and help her because she is sturggling with so much.
What is going to happen to Poppy and will he be able to get his life back on track?
How does he manage to survive like he does with almost nothing for clothes, money and food?
I think this article really made me appreciate what I have. I never take the time to think about how lucky I am to have a home, a family who loves me, food and clothes. There are people out there just like Poppy who have nothing at all except for their will and maybe a friend.
I thought it was a good story by the author because he wrote about someone who you wouldn't look twice at passing the street. Someone who people are probably afraid of. The author showed that Poppy is no different except that he struggles from addiction. He has a heart just like anyone else and all he really wants is to get his life back on track but it is just too hard for him.
His profile of Andy Rooney from 2001 (http://www.timesunion.com/news/article/The-consummate-curmudgeon-at-his-summer-house-2237375.php)
What made Rooney firststart writing?
What are his favorite topics to write about and why?
After reading Poppy's story I didn't think Rooney's story was as heart-warming. Readong Poppy's story really touched me and I didn't get that sense as much reading Rooney's story. I did think it was a good story I just wish there was more depth to it.
I wish the author had given more backround information about Rooney and his childhood and family. I would've liked to get a better sense of who he is and why he likes to write and make things with wood.
The feature story on the woman cut in half, hemicorporectomy patient Tammy “Angel” Reed (http://www.timesunion.com/local/article/Despite-operation-to-cut-her-in-half-Angel-2227298.php)
Will Angel eventually be able to leave the house and do a lot of things people do everyday?
Can the doctors build on this surgery and be able to increase the chance of survival for future halfectomy's?
I couldn't imagine being in Angel's position and finding out I only had 18 months to live or to have surgery with a 1 in 4 chance of surviving. It would be so scary and I think she has a great attitude towards all of this. She doesn't pout because her life is hard, she makes jokes and tries to laugh about it as much as she can.
I think it shows a lot about Angel's personality that her kids help her with so much and her husband will stay with her no matter what. It means that they care about who is she and not what she looks like. They want to be there for her and help her because she is sturggling with so much.
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Opinion Prompt #1
Only a select few are born to be a cheerleader.
I don't think anyone is born to be a cheeleader. I think cheerleading is the same as any other sport, it's up to you if you want to do it or not. It's not up for anyone else to decide whether you should be a cheerleader or whether you shouldn't be a cheerleader. You don't have to be super skinny or extremely pretty and popular to be a cheerleader. I don't understand why people think being a cheerleader is so special or "cool". It's not any different from any other sport people do and I think it's very steryotypical that all cheerleaders are the most popular girls in school. Also that every girl wants to be a cheerleader. Some of my friends are cheerleaders and I support them for doing it, but I would never even consider being a cheerleader myself. Everyone likes to do different things and different sports. We're all different, even cheerleaders are different from eachother. They aren't all one big clique who runs the school like in the movies. They are each just girls doing a sport they like. Anyone can be a cheerleader if they really want to.
I don't think anyone is born to be a cheeleader. I think cheerleading is the same as any other sport, it's up to you if you want to do it or not. It's not up for anyone else to decide whether you should be a cheerleader or whether you shouldn't be a cheerleader. You don't have to be super skinny or extremely pretty and popular to be a cheerleader. I don't understand why people think being a cheerleader is so special or "cool". It's not any different from any other sport people do and I think it's very steryotypical that all cheerleaders are the most popular girls in school. Also that every girl wants to be a cheerleader. Some of my friends are cheerleaders and I support them for doing it, but I would never even consider being a cheerleader myself. Everyone likes to do different things and different sports. We're all different, even cheerleaders are different from eachother. They aren't all one big clique who runs the school like in the movies. They are each just girls doing a sport they like. Anyone can be a cheerleader if they really want to.
Monday, November 14, 2011
I Want to Write About #87
87. Write about when you broke a bone.
When I was younger I used to play softball. I was on the rec team during the spring and the travel team during the summer. I liked hanging out with my friends and I enjoyed playing softball but it was never really my favorite sport. I also had a lot of bad luck with softball becuase I always managed to get hurt somehow. Usually it was just a bruise or a burn from sliding, until one practice when I broke a bone for my first time in my life, and the only time in my life.
I had just gotten to practice and my friend Amanda and I were just warming up, throwing the ball to each other to loosen up. It was the first practice of the spring rec season in 4th grade. The sun was getting lower in the sky and I was looking right into it. When Amanda threw the ball to me I saw it but as I lost sight of it in the sun for just a split second, BAM! I felt a shooting pain right between my eyes as if I just got hit by a brick. I look down and there was blood all over my glove. The coaches and my dad rush over with tissues and I barely know what is happening. They bring me to the dugout as my nose just keeps gushing blood. Everyone is thrusting tissues at me. I can hear Amanda apologizing and my dad trying to make sure I'm okay.
He takes me home and my nose eventually stops bleeding. I go to the doctors that night and get x-rays to find out my nose is broken. I had no clue how they could fix a broken nose, I had never even broken or fractured a bone before. They said I'd be okay I would just have to get the bone fixed through a short procedure and wear a strap over my nose for a week or so. I was very nervous getting the operation because I had never been in a situation like this before. After they gave me the IV all I remember was the doctor telling me to count down from 10 but I think I only made it to 7 before I passed out.
When I woke up I felt dazed and confused and my nose was really sore. It wasn't as bad as I expected though and I was able to go home shortly after. I rested for a day or so and I wasn't happy about wearing a bandage on my face but I only had to for a week. When I look back on it, the whole thing wasn't that scary and I never even cried. It was the first (and hopefully last) time I broke a bone.
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Monday, November 7, 2011
G=Greece
I think it would be so amazing to experience Greece. We are learning about Greece in global right now and to go there and be able to see all the ancient Greek structures would be incrdible! These are some of the things I'd do if I went there...
http://www.visitgreece.gr/portal/site/eot/
1. Visit the suburbs of Athens Riviera. "Take the opportunity to swim, relax at a waterfront café, walk along the picture-perfect pedestrian streets and the marinas, exercise your favourite water sport, shop in one of the area’s modern shopping centres, dine by the sea or entertain yourself in one of the coastal avenue’s buzzing clubs –the young people’s favourite choice– that have actually brought a touch of Mykonos in town!"
2. Rock climbing on Kalymnos. "Kalymnos, a small island located in southeastern Dodecanese archipelago, offers rock climbing and bouldering during the whole year. Especially on September, you can enjoy pleasant climbing temperatures in combination with warm water for swimming."
3. Go to the Butterfly Valley in Rhodes. "Visitors can witness a spectacular phenomenon which occurs only rarely in nature. Huge numbers of butterflies congregate in this small valley during the final stage of their life cycle. Apart from its aesthetic value, it is also the site of the only natural forest of Liquidambar orientalis (Oriental Sweetgum trees) in Europe, and a resting point for the Jersey tiger (Panaxia Quadripunctaria), a nocturnal moth."
4. Go Shopping in Kolonaki. "Some of the most modern boutiques in town known for products such as haut couture clothes of Greek and foreign designers, shoes and leather apparels, accessories, toys, antique furniture, jewels, items for the house etc are situated here. In Voukourestiou Str. and other streets around Syntagma Square you will find Greek jewelers of worldwide reputation, book stores that expertise in foreign publication, as well as remarkable galleries which host art works of Greek painters and sculptures."
5. Spend a day at Kato Samiko Beach. "The best hidden gem of the western Peloponnese is just a car ride away-the tropical beach lying below the tiny village of Kato Samiko. The beach is vast, the sand is gorden and palm-frond wood umbrellas offer a welcoming respite from the sun. Unlike with many Greek beaches, no one comes to make you pay just for the privilege of lying beneath them. Apart from sunbathing, swimming, beach-volley, rackets, wind-surfing and other aquatic sports is a must for all visitors. During your bath you can also have a café on the sand, the frappe -the national drink, instant Nescafé whipped up with water and a sweet foamy head. After a day in the sea you can taste fresh fish (called psaria) with extra-virgin oil and vegetables, and enjoy your beers or ouzo!"
6. Scuba Diving in Syros. "On Syros there are several sites for scuba diving with scuba diving gear. There is a continual flow of tourists coming on two or three day diving escapades throughout the year. The island has plenty of sites and attractions to visit under the sea such as caves, shipwrecks, coral reefs and other. In this way many alternative choices for exploration are made possible."
7. Trekking in Valia Calda. "Valia Calda means "warm valley". Let's hike this trail, and explore it!
http://www.visitgreece.gr/portal/site/eot/
1. Visit the suburbs of Athens Riviera. "Take the opportunity to swim, relax at a waterfront café, walk along the picture-perfect pedestrian streets and the marinas, exercise your favourite water sport, shop in one of the area’s modern shopping centres, dine by the sea or entertain yourself in one of the coastal avenue’s buzzing clubs –the young people’s favourite choice– that have actually brought a touch of Mykonos in town!"
2. Rock climbing on Kalymnos. "Kalymnos, a small island located in southeastern Dodecanese archipelago, offers rock climbing and bouldering during the whole year. Especially on September, you can enjoy pleasant climbing temperatures in combination with warm water for swimming."
3. Go to the Butterfly Valley in Rhodes. "Visitors can witness a spectacular phenomenon which occurs only rarely in nature. Huge numbers of butterflies congregate in this small valley during the final stage of their life cycle. Apart from its aesthetic value, it is also the site of the only natural forest of Liquidambar orientalis (Oriental Sweetgum trees) in Europe, and a resting point for the Jersey tiger (Panaxia Quadripunctaria), a nocturnal moth."
4. Go Shopping in Kolonaki. "Some of the most modern boutiques in town known for products such as haut couture clothes of Greek and foreign designers, shoes and leather apparels, accessories, toys, antique furniture, jewels, items for the house etc are situated here. In Voukourestiou Str. and other streets around Syntagma Square you will find Greek jewelers of worldwide reputation, book stores that expertise in foreign publication, as well as remarkable galleries which host art works of Greek painters and sculptures."
5. Spend a day at Kato Samiko Beach. "The best hidden gem of the western Peloponnese is just a car ride away-the tropical beach lying below the tiny village of Kato Samiko. The beach is vast, the sand is gorden and palm-frond wood umbrellas offer a welcoming respite from the sun. Unlike with many Greek beaches, no one comes to make you pay just for the privilege of lying beneath them. Apart from sunbathing, swimming, beach-volley, rackets, wind-surfing and other aquatic sports is a must for all visitors. During your bath you can also have a café on the sand, the frappe -the national drink, instant Nescafé whipped up with water and a sweet foamy head. After a day in the sea you can taste fresh fish (called psaria) with extra-virgin oil and vegetables, and enjoy your beers or ouzo!"
6. Scuba Diving in Syros. "On Syros there are several sites for scuba diving with scuba diving gear. There is a continual flow of tourists coming on two or three day diving escapades throughout the year. The island has plenty of sites and attractions to visit under the sea such as caves, shipwrecks, coral reefs and other. In this way many alternative choices for exploration are made possible."
7. Trekking in Valia Calda. "Valia Calda means "warm valley". Let's hike this trail, and explore it!
Set out on a fascinating journey to Valia Calda National Park, one of the most attractive trekking destinations in Europe! Admire the high, impressive mountain ranges, the forested slopes and the stunning natural landscape unfolding before your eyes. Meet the challenge to explore the mysteries of nature, and let your adrenaline rush. Hit amazing trails in a truly unspoiled paradise that will definitely heighten your senses."
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Love is blind
Love is blind. To love someone doesn't mean to love what they look like. If you really do love someone you shouldn't care how pretty they are. I think some people care too much about what they look like and how they dress because they think thats all anyone else cares about. But love shouldn't be about superficial things, you should love someone for the person that they are.
I don't think anyone could spend the rest of their life with someone who they are only attracted to because of looks. I think there is such thing as "true love". Love is when you feel pure hapiness everytime you are with the person you love. If you would do absolutely anything to be with that person, then I think that is true love. Theres no certain sign or way to know that you're in love, you just know it in your heart. Love is blind because you love someone for what they say and the things they do and how they make you laugh and smile and none of that has to do with looks. If you truly and honestly love someone for their personality, that love can last a lifetime.
I don't think anyone could spend the rest of their life with someone who they are only attracted to because of looks. I think there is such thing as "true love". Love is when you feel pure hapiness everytime you are with the person you love. If you would do absolutely anything to be with that person, then I think that is true love. Theres no certain sign or way to know that you're in love, you just know it in your heart. Love is blind because you love someone for what they say and the things they do and how they make you laugh and smile and none of that has to do with looks. If you truly and honestly love someone for their personality, that love can last a lifetime.
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