SUMMARY:
This last part of the story was really sad. Min felt as she was nobody in the house. Tian and Ruth argue daily and their hatred just builds up. When Tian need back up, he will bring Min into their arguement. Min knows that her comments/opinions doesn't matter to them. She knew that Ruth didn't like her and they never bonded close enough. One day, Tian and Ruth had a heated arguement. Ruth yelled to Tian saying she never liked playing the violin and she swear to not touch/pick up a violin as long as she lives. Tian got so mad, with tears in his eyes, yelled back at her saying if she meant that then she will no longer be her father. Ruth took that to heart, she packed her things and got ready to leave. Before she left, Min gave her some money. Ruth was only 17, after months, Tian still was looking for Ruth. He called the police but there wasn't any news on her.
Tian died one day due to heart faliure. The last words he said was about him and his goals and dreams. He admitted how Ruth was the one he saw with super talent but her personality was just selfish. He called her a little whore and said he never tried teaching them. Min personally wanted to tell Tian how she realy felt but she didn't. All she said was that he treated Anna and her well. Tian said that's not important. All he carED about was Ruth, and only Ruth.
When Tian died surprisingly, Min felt relief. Seem like she had one less to worry about to hide her feelings from. Anna was by her mom's side since the start. It's just that Min never really accepted her.
One day, when Min came home, she found Ruth in the house. She changed, now she smokes and she just came back to take a shower then leave. She told Min that the house isn't her home, she said she is leaving to get married. Min had no comment what-so-ever. When Ruth left, Anna and her mom got a little closer. Anna expressed her feelings about the family and about Ruth. She said how she thinks both Tian and Min love Ruth more and when she moved out, she felt relief. Now Anna just want to be friends with Ruth because she never got the chance to talk to them
Anna graduated from college and she earned her PhD. Min discovered that she got cancer. She didn't want to hold Anna back. Anna didn't leave but Min knew she wanted to. That day when Min knew she was about to die, Anna called her Mama, and told Min not to leave her alone. Min stuck through and stayed aloive. At the end, Min think that their family is meant to be full of sorrow, never could get rid of it.
QUOTE:
"It was once traditional in Chinese culture for a daughter to leave the house of her birth and move in with her husband's family. For this reason, Chinese mothers must seel themselves to part with their daughters. In U.S., I knew, this part was not neccessary," (Chang 87).
REACTION:
This ending part of the novella made me feel bad for Min. Her life had been pretty much screwed up since the start. She didn't feel like she belonged in the U.S.. She never was able to tell her husband her true feelings about him, how she thinks he's a stranger. This might be part of Chinese tradition, where a woman should say anything about her husband. Once she's married, then she's married. The quote above shows the struggle that immigrants may have when they come to U.S.. In Chinese tradition, women who get married to a man, have to move into his family. There are little situation that the man will move in with the woman. If they do, they are usually looked down on, people will think the man is useless. In U.S., it's different. You can pretty much do whatever you want. You can keep your last name if you want, but in Chinese culture, the woman will change her last name to follow her husband's, same with their children especially having a son.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Hunger By Lan Samantha Chang (Page 39-76)
SUMMARY:
Min and her mom were separated when she moved to New York and her mom stayed in Taiwan. They usually talk on the phone and about their lives, but Min's mom passed away. Tian wanted Anna to take after his passion for music. He will train her to play the violin. Anna just didn't seem to have what it takes to play the violin. She can't tell which note is which. Tian and Anna weren't close at all, except when they shared an interest in playing the violin. When Ruth was born, Min noticed that Ruth looked exactly like Tian. Tian grew closer to Ruth more than anything. He trained her to play the violin, and it seemed like she was gifted. Ruth got her way with everything she does. Tian never said no to her but when it came to playing the violin, he was th boss. He trained Ruth day and night for long hours. Ruth would cry and whin to stop but all he said was to yell at her and say she can't stop no matter what.
Years later, when both girls grew up and Anna went off to college, Min, Tian and Ruth didn't get along. Ruth was competing and performing with her violin. Once when she performed, Tian's old collegue's found her talented and wanted her to join them. Tian refused to let her train with thm because he knew all they want to do is say they discovered Ruth and her passion for the violin. Ruth got mad and wanted to be independent. Tian was becoming like another person that Min secretly doesn't remember. Ruth told Tian that he can't tell her what to do. This is when everything went down hill.
QUOTE:
"You cry! But-play! One, two, and-three-one, two, and-three-and Save your bow! Save your bow!" (Chang 59).
REACTION:
So far this novella semonstrated how Asian families can be. Min and Tian were immigrants that tried to make a living in New York. The struggle with everything because they were both limited in talking in Engish. It was hard for them to communicate with other people, especially their daughters. Min had a harder time, when she talks to her daughters, she wanted to say so much but she doesn't know how. Anna and Ruth both adopted American culture and talked mainly in English. They didnt know much Mandarin so there weren't many conversation.
The quote above is when Tian was training Ruth to play the violin. Even though this is a novella, consisting fake stories, it's true in some cases. Majority of Asian families will force their son/daughter to do something "talented". Either get straight A's, play music, play sports, etc... Tian forces Ruth to play when she's tired and really don't want to. This brings back to one thing I am greatful to, which is what my dad said. I was jokinh around with him saying I don't have any talent, I can't do anything like other kids can. He told me how some were forced to create the "talent" they have. Some kids don't even like what they do, he said he wanted me to choose what I want to do. He said if I want to learn to dance, sing, play instruments etc...he would support me. He doesn't think putting pressure llike Tian did on Ruth is a good way to teach children.
Min and her mom were separated when she moved to New York and her mom stayed in Taiwan. They usually talk on the phone and about their lives, but Min's mom passed away. Tian wanted Anna to take after his passion for music. He will train her to play the violin. Anna just didn't seem to have what it takes to play the violin. She can't tell which note is which. Tian and Anna weren't close at all, except when they shared an interest in playing the violin. When Ruth was born, Min noticed that Ruth looked exactly like Tian. Tian grew closer to Ruth more than anything. He trained her to play the violin, and it seemed like she was gifted. Ruth got her way with everything she does. Tian never said no to her but when it came to playing the violin, he was th boss. He trained Ruth day and night for long hours. Ruth would cry and whin to stop but all he said was to yell at her and say she can't stop no matter what.
Years later, when both girls grew up and Anna went off to college, Min, Tian and Ruth didn't get along. Ruth was competing and performing with her violin. Once when she performed, Tian's old collegue's found her talented and wanted her to join them. Tian refused to let her train with thm because he knew all they want to do is say they discovered Ruth and her passion for the violin. Ruth got mad and wanted to be independent. Tian was becoming like another person that Min secretly doesn't remember. Ruth told Tian that he can't tell her what to do. This is when everything went down hill.
QUOTE:
"You cry! But-play! One, two, and-three-one, two, and-three-and Save your bow! Save your bow!" (Chang 59).
REACTION:
So far this novella semonstrated how Asian families can be. Min and Tian were immigrants that tried to make a living in New York. The struggle with everything because they were both limited in talking in Engish. It was hard for them to communicate with other people, especially their daughters. Min had a harder time, when she talks to her daughters, she wanted to say so much but she doesn't know how. Anna and Ruth both adopted American culture and talked mainly in English. They didnt know much Mandarin so there weren't many conversation.
The quote above is when Tian was training Ruth to play the violin. Even though this is a novella, consisting fake stories, it's true in some cases. Majority of Asian families will force their son/daughter to do something "talented". Either get straight A's, play music, play sports, etc... Tian forces Ruth to play when she's tired and really don't want to. This brings back to one thing I am greatful to, which is what my dad said. I was jokinh around with him saying I don't have any talent, I can't do anything like other kids can. He told me how some were forced to create the "talent" they have. Some kids don't even like what they do, he said he wanted me to choose what I want to do. He said if I want to learn to dance, sing, play instruments etc...he would support me. He doesn't think putting pressure llike Tian did on Ruth is a good way to teach children.
Hunger by Lan Samantha Chang (Page 1-38)
SUMMARY:
A woman named Min moved to New York from China because living conditions were bad in China and there was a war going on. She escaped to China alone and she felt like she didn't fit in. Her mom told her to learn English because she needs to know it to communicate with people. Min didn't feel like she belong in New York until she met a man named Tian. When Min and Tian got married, they moved to Brooklyn. There life was picture perfect because Tian was a musician. He didn't make much money but he had a strong passion for playing the violin. When Min was pregnant with their first child, Tian wasn't happy about it. He was more into his career more than anything. Min wanted to give birth to a son because it was Chinese tradition. Having a son will help carry on the family's name. Her first child was named Anna, but Min really wanted a son for her husband but Tian said "No son". He didnt think it's time to have another child because of their condition. Min felt like she doesn't know Tian on a deeper level. She felt like he was a stranger sometimes but she only kept that to herself.
QUOTES:
"It is yuanfen," (Chang 17).
"It means: that apportionment of love which is destined for you in this world," (Chang 17).
REACTION:
I think this book is a great book to read. It really explain the struggles that Chinese women may have when they first come to the United States. Many Chinese people want to learn English when they come to live here, but it's not as easy as it seem. In this novella, Min tried but something is holding her back. She doesn't want to loose her Asian culture in a way.
This book also demonstrates the struggles that Chinese may have. Because they are not educated to speak proper English so they had a hard time tofind a job. Tian is a musician, he gave up his family to move to Brooklyn to persuade his dreams. When he got laid off on his job, he didn't have money to support the family. Min in a way had different goals, she wanted to have a son. A son that can carry on their family name. Many Asian cultures think having sons are better than daughters because they are thought to be smarter and more useful. This novella so far demonstrated the beliefs of asian cultures and the life some Asians may have when they move away from China.
A woman named Min moved to New York from China because living conditions were bad in China and there was a war going on. She escaped to China alone and she felt like she didn't fit in. Her mom told her to learn English because she needs to know it to communicate with people. Min didn't feel like she belong in New York until she met a man named Tian. When Min and Tian got married, they moved to Brooklyn. There life was picture perfect because Tian was a musician. He didn't make much money but he had a strong passion for playing the violin. When Min was pregnant with their first child, Tian wasn't happy about it. He was more into his career more than anything. Min wanted to give birth to a son because it was Chinese tradition. Having a son will help carry on the family's name. Her first child was named Anna, but Min really wanted a son for her husband but Tian said "No son". He didnt think it's time to have another child because of their condition. Min felt like she doesn't know Tian on a deeper level. She felt like he was a stranger sometimes but she only kept that to herself.
QUOTES:
"It is yuanfen," (Chang 17).
"It means: that apportionment of love which is destined for you in this world," (Chang 17).
REACTION:
I think this book is a great book to read. It really explain the struggles that Chinese women may have when they first come to the United States. Many Chinese people want to learn English when they come to live here, but it's not as easy as it seem. In this novella, Min tried but something is holding her back. She doesn't want to loose her Asian culture in a way.
This book also demonstrates the struggles that Chinese may have. Because they are not educated to speak proper English so they had a hard time tofind a job. Tian is a musician, he gave up his family to move to Brooklyn to persuade his dreams. When he got laid off on his job, he didn't have money to support the family. Min in a way had different goals, she wanted to have a son. A son that can carry on their family name. Many Asian cultures think having sons are better than daughters because they are thought to be smarter and more useful. This novella so far demonstrated the beliefs of asian cultures and the life some Asians may have when they move away from China.
Thursday, April 29, 2010
When the Game was Ours by Larry Bird, Earvin MagicJohnson and Jackie MacMullan (Pages 255-END)
SUMMARY:
Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan, Charles Barkley, and more were playing a friendly game of pool. When the whole conversation on who's going to be the best NBA player and who's goin to win more championship. Michael Jordan insist he's the best but Magic Johnson disagreed. He said that Michael Jordan would never have what Larry Bird and himself had. Magic Johnson also doubt that Michael Jordan could win more than 5 championships. Larry Bird tried calming Johnson down and said they had their days now Jordan's the best. Magic Johnson stopped playing every since he was diagnosed with HIV and needed to be under treatment. But the USA Olympic Game came and Johnson really wanted Larry Bird to play one last game with him, on the same team. They did and won, with Michael Jordan. Larry Bird is 35 years old at that time, feeling like the game isn't his anymore. He offically told the coach that he's done when they lost to the Clevland Cavs. After 5 years of Larry Bird's retirement, Magic Johnson is back, playing for the Lakers with a new role. For 1995-96, in Johnson's perspective, the team was different. Guys were caught up in getting points and making their stats look nice. His own team fear Johnson will over shine the team. The Lakers won 53 games that season but lost their first round playoffs to the Rockets and that's when Johnson declared that he's done.
2002, Magic Johnson and Larry Bird got together again for the 20th anniversary of their Michigan State-Indiana State clash. Larry Bird, in 1998 got elected to Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. In 2002, so did his rival now close friend, Magic Johnson.
QUOTE:
" I was hoping you'd present me in the Hall of Fame"(Larry 297).
REACTION:
Both Larry Bird and Magic Johnson had a good career. The quote above is when Magic Johnson was elected to be in the Hall of Fame, he wanted Larry Bird to present him with the award. Shows how much he respected him and loved him as a friend.
I think Larry Bird and Magic Johnson had an outstanding career. Not saying Michael Jordan didn't, because he did, but people tend to forget about Johnson and Bird. I think it's because Jordan came after the two stars retired. The game of basketball changed.
Now it's all Kobe Bryant, Lebron James, Dwight Howard, Dwyane Wade, and the Big 3 on the Celtics, PAUL PIERCE, KEVIN GARNETT, and RAY ALLEN. Also the up coming superstar, best point guard, RAJON RONDO, known for his speed and atheltic skills.
At the end of typing up this blog, Boston Celtics just defeated the Miami Heats for the 1st round of playoff game, 1 step closer for the title, the championship. L.A Lakers might not be the team in the finals this season, which proves things change, players now do think differently than Larry Bird and Magic Johnson, wins are more important than stats because they are hear to win not just to get numbers. Just likr Rajon Rondo saying how high number stats, yeah it look nice, but it's always about the 'W'.
Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan, Charles Barkley, and more were playing a friendly game of pool. When the whole conversation on who's going to be the best NBA player and who's goin to win more championship. Michael Jordan insist he's the best but Magic Johnson disagreed. He said that Michael Jordan would never have what Larry Bird and himself had. Magic Johnson also doubt that Michael Jordan could win more than 5 championships. Larry Bird tried calming Johnson down and said they had their days now Jordan's the best. Magic Johnson stopped playing every since he was diagnosed with HIV and needed to be under treatment. But the USA Olympic Game came and Johnson really wanted Larry Bird to play one last game with him, on the same team. They did and won, with Michael Jordan. Larry Bird is 35 years old at that time, feeling like the game isn't his anymore. He offically told the coach that he's done when they lost to the Clevland Cavs. After 5 years of Larry Bird's retirement, Magic Johnson is back, playing for the Lakers with a new role. For 1995-96, in Johnson's perspective, the team was different. Guys were caught up in getting points and making their stats look nice. His own team fear Johnson will over shine the team. The Lakers won 53 games that season but lost their first round playoffs to the Rockets and that's when Johnson declared that he's done.
2002, Magic Johnson and Larry Bird got together again for the 20th anniversary of their Michigan State-Indiana State clash. Larry Bird, in 1998 got elected to Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. In 2002, so did his rival now close friend, Magic Johnson.
QUOTE:
" I was hoping you'd present me in the Hall of Fame"(Larry 297).
REACTION:
Both Larry Bird and Magic Johnson had a good career. The quote above is when Magic Johnson was elected to be in the Hall of Fame, he wanted Larry Bird to present him with the award. Shows how much he respected him and loved him as a friend.
I think Larry Bird and Magic Johnson had an outstanding career. Not saying Michael Jordan didn't, because he did, but people tend to forget about Johnson and Bird. I think it's because Jordan came after the two stars retired. The game of basketball changed.
Now it's all Kobe Bryant, Lebron James, Dwight Howard, Dwyane Wade, and the Big 3 on the Celtics, PAUL PIERCE, KEVIN GARNETT, and RAY ALLEN. Also the up coming superstar, best point guard, RAJON RONDO, known for his speed and atheltic skills.
At the end of typing up this blog, Boston Celtics just defeated the Miami Heats for the 1st round of playoff game, 1 step closer for the title, the championship. L.A Lakers might not be the team in the finals this season, which proves things change, players now do think differently than Larry Bird and Magic Johnson, wins are more important than stats because they are hear to win not just to get numbers. Just likr Rajon Rondo saying how high number stats, yeah it look nice, but it's always about the 'W'.
When the Game was Ours by Larry Bird, Earvin MagicJohnson and Jackie MacMullan (Pages 169-254)
SUMMARY:
Magic Johnson and Larry Bird, both fill with hunger to beat each other in the NBA Series. Their hatred and dislike of each other builds and the rivalry of Celtics-Lakers continues to rise, but both had to still meet off the court. Both NBA Stars are part of Converse sneakers endorsement, so Magic Johnson had to go to Larry Bird's house to do this. Johnson knew his coach wouldn't like him near their nemesis but the two got together and sold the Lakers gold and purple and Celtics black Converse sneakers. Because of this commercial "Choose Your Weapon" sponsored by Converse, the two would never talk to each other.
Once they both were in Larry Bird's summer house's basement alone(that's were the commerical is shot) they both talked about their family and they found out the had a lot in common. They both wanted money, wanted more when they becomes free agents. Both of them wants to work hard for their money, they like earning it than asking for it. Larry Bird never asked his mom for money even if she insist she can provide. Johnson's family was poor, much like the Bird family, Johnson's dad collected trash and earn what he can. Larry Bird's father killed himself because he wanted Larry's mom, Larry and his brother to have a source of money. Larry Bird thought it was his own decision, never thought much about it except thinking he just abandoned them in a way. Their convosation started to grow during the time in the basement.
Magic Johnson started to think Larry Bird is a nice guy after all, thinking the can actually be friends. The 1985-86 series is coming soon, Larry Bird still separated himself withJohnson even thought Johnson still talks and invite him to places. Larry said he can hang out and talk with Johnson casually, just not when he's in his uniform because at the end of the day, they are fighting each other for the championship. But things did change, they started going out and having drinks after games, it was pretty unbelievable to others. Scott on the Lakers said that they should be hating Bird and the whole Celtics team.
The series turned out to be Celtics-Rockets when the Rockets beat the Lakers, leaving no chance for Johnson. During the 1986-87 series, finally it was the Celtics-Lakers but Lakers dominated and won the championship. For 1988 series, Celtics lost to Pistons leaving Pistons going against Lakers and Lakers won. Soon, Magic Johnson finds that he's been diagnosed with HIV, the first person he wanted to tell before anyone finding else was, Larry Bird. Larry Bird got so scared, having the same feeling when his dad died, he called Magic and asked if he's alright. Johnson said he is, he talked to Cookie, his wife about this and she said she is going to stay with him no matter what.
QUOTE:
"Magic discovered that the man notorious for his stubbornness and frankness had a sharp sense of humor. Larry was an excellent storyteller, a loyal friend, protective of his family"(Bird 186).
REACTION:
Larry Bird and Magic Johnson had one of the most special relationships. I don't think anyone in the NBA now, would have a love-hate relationship like them. They respected each other, trusted each other yet was very competitive with each other. I love how a convosation in the basement about their growing up childhood and family brought them closer. Magic Johnson really trusted Larry Bird because when he found out he had HIV, Bird was the person he wanted to tell. Before anyone knowing, and if it was the Larry Bird before talking to Johnson in his basement wouldn't had cared. Now, he was scared Magic was going to die and he had the feeling when his dad left him for good. Even when the Lakers defeated him, he changed and showed friendliness and started to accept Johnson as a friend, not just an enemy. ...or is he following the cliche, "Keep your friends close but keep your enemies closer..."?
Magic Johnson and Larry Bird, both fill with hunger to beat each other in the NBA Series. Their hatred and dislike of each other builds and the rivalry of Celtics-Lakers continues to rise, but both had to still meet off the court. Both NBA Stars are part of Converse sneakers endorsement, so Magic Johnson had to go to Larry Bird's house to do this. Johnson knew his coach wouldn't like him near their nemesis but the two got together and sold the Lakers gold and purple and Celtics black Converse sneakers. Because of this commercial "Choose Your Weapon" sponsored by Converse, the two would never talk to each other.
Once they both were in Larry Bird's summer house's basement alone(that's were the commerical is shot) they both talked about their family and they found out the had a lot in common. They both wanted money, wanted more when they becomes free agents. Both of them wants to work hard for their money, they like earning it than asking for it. Larry Bird never asked his mom for money even if she insist she can provide. Johnson's family was poor, much like the Bird family, Johnson's dad collected trash and earn what he can. Larry Bird's father killed himself because he wanted Larry's mom, Larry and his brother to have a source of money. Larry Bird thought it was his own decision, never thought much about it except thinking he just abandoned them in a way. Their convosation started to grow during the time in the basement.
Magic Johnson started to think Larry Bird is a nice guy after all, thinking the can actually be friends. The 1985-86 series is coming soon, Larry Bird still separated himself withJohnson even thought Johnson still talks and invite him to places. Larry said he can hang out and talk with Johnson casually, just not when he's in his uniform because at the end of the day, they are fighting each other for the championship. But things did change, they started going out and having drinks after games, it was pretty unbelievable to others. Scott on the Lakers said that they should be hating Bird and the whole Celtics team.
The series turned out to be Celtics-Rockets when the Rockets beat the Lakers, leaving no chance for Johnson. During the 1986-87 series, finally it was the Celtics-Lakers but Lakers dominated and won the championship. For 1988 series, Celtics lost to Pistons leaving Pistons going against Lakers and Lakers won. Soon, Magic Johnson finds that he's been diagnosed with HIV, the first person he wanted to tell before anyone finding else was, Larry Bird. Larry Bird got so scared, having the same feeling when his dad died, he called Magic and asked if he's alright. Johnson said he is, he talked to Cookie, his wife about this and she said she is going to stay with him no matter what.
QUOTE:
"Magic discovered that the man notorious for his stubbornness and frankness had a sharp sense of humor. Larry was an excellent storyteller, a loyal friend, protective of his family"(Bird 186).
REACTION:
Larry Bird and Magic Johnson had one of the most special relationships. I don't think anyone in the NBA now, would have a love-hate relationship like them. They respected each other, trusted each other yet was very competitive with each other. I love how a convosation in the basement about their growing up childhood and family brought them closer. Magic Johnson really trusted Larry Bird because when he found out he had HIV, Bird was the person he wanted to tell. Before anyone knowing, and if it was the Larry Bird before talking to Johnson in his basement wouldn't had cared. Now, he was scared Magic was going to die and he had the feeling when his dad left him for good. Even when the Lakers defeated him, he changed and showed friendliness and started to accept Johnson as a friend, not just an enemy. ...or is he following the cliche, "Keep your friends close but keep your enemies closer..."?
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
When the Game was Ours by Larry Bird, Earvin MagicJohnson and Jackie MacMullan (Pages 112-168)
SUMMARY:
It was JunE 12, 1984, Celtics won their 7 victory over the Lakers to win the 1984 NBA Championship. People were celebrating and Magic Johnson forced himself to watch this as a punishment for losing. He said he deserved to be miserable. The earliest for the Lakers to get back to L.A was next morning, and during that time, Magic Johnson was hard on himself. He asked what happened because he was used to winning in a crunch time. He figured it out, Larry Bird, that's what happened. By morning, Magic Johnson earned his and the teams's new nicknames, which were "Tragic" and "Fakers". Magic Johnson was extra upset because he knew it was because he lose to Larry Bird in the first L.A-Boston series for the title and Bird got the best of him.
QUOTE:
""Fakers!" a disappointed fan sneered from his covertible as he drove past the Lakers star"(Bird 145).
REACTION:
Wow, speak of the championship that the Celtics won when Larry Bird was playing. It was unbelievable and crazy. I rewatch those clips when Larry Bird played and even watching Ray Allen it is kind of like a mirror image. 17 Titles so far, going for the 18th . Magic Johnson was amazing himself though he didn't win the titles.
I don't see why people blamed him for it. It's the WHOLE teams fault for losing so I don't see why a fan would call him a "Faker" because I think a fan suppose to support their team as much as possible. Magic Johnson froze up during the series against the Celtics during the Finals was because the Celtics fan was screaming at him and the Lakers, which shifted his focus. He was still young so he didn't know how to react or think about it. Just like the other night, Celtics against Heats, 1st playoff series, people booed Haslem for missing a shot. It wasn't like he did it on purpose but fans tend to boo but them cheer when they do something good. Such hypocrites because no one should be booing Magic Johnson because he played amazing.
There are more trash talkers in the NBA now, wheather if they do it just to tick people off or gets frighten by others.
It was JunE 12, 1984, Celtics won their 7 victory over the Lakers to win the 1984 NBA Championship. People were celebrating and Magic Johnson forced himself to watch this as a punishment for losing. He said he deserved to be miserable. The earliest for the Lakers to get back to L.A was next morning, and during that time, Magic Johnson was hard on himself. He asked what happened because he was used to winning in a crunch time. He figured it out, Larry Bird, that's what happened. By morning, Magic Johnson earned his and the teams's new nicknames, which were "Tragic" and "Fakers". Magic Johnson was extra upset because he knew it was because he lose to Larry Bird in the first L.A-Boston series for the title and Bird got the best of him.
Even after the championship, and the celebration of Larry Bird and his team, Larry Bird kept close eyes on Magic Johnson's points, scores, and numbers. Celtics forward, Cedric Maxwell confirm that the team hates Magic Johnson. Fron 1956-1969, Celtics won 11 Championship in thirteen season and they met the Lakers in the Finals 6 timesand won all 6 times. Celtics won the title in 1968-69 against the Lakers by 1 point. Magic Johnson was blamed for majority of the lose because he frozed up and made 1 mistake causing them to lose. And it was also because the rivalry they both had and people blamed Johnson for losing to Larry.
Another relationship Magic Johnson had that wasn't friendly was with Michael Jordan. People was talking about how Magic Johnson went into the All-Star Game and how his goal was to not pass the ball to Michael Jordan. He found it as a complete lie because he said it wouldn't benefit him in any way. Both never got close because of this and Michael Jordan have this feeling that Johnson hates him.QUOTE:
""Fakers!" a disappointed fan sneered from his covertible as he drove past the Lakers star"(Bird 145).
REACTION:
Wow, speak of the championship that the Celtics won when Larry Bird was playing. It was unbelievable and crazy. I rewatch those clips when Larry Bird played and even watching Ray Allen it is kind of like a mirror image. 17 Titles so far, going for the 18th . Magic Johnson was amazing himself though he didn't win the titles.
I don't see why people blamed him for it. It's the WHOLE teams fault for losing so I don't see why a fan would call him a "Faker" because I think a fan suppose to support their team as much as possible. Magic Johnson froze up during the series against the Celtics during the Finals was because the Celtics fan was screaming at him and the Lakers, which shifted his focus. He was still young so he didn't know how to react or think about it. Just like the other night, Celtics against Heats, 1st playoff series, people booed Haslem for missing a shot. It wasn't like he did it on purpose but fans tend to boo but them cheer when they do something good. Such hypocrites because no one should be booing Magic Johnson because he played amazing.
There are more trash talkers in the NBA now, wheather if they do it just to tick people off or gets frighten by others.
When the Game was Ours by Larry Bird, Earvin MagicJohnson and Jackie MacMullan (Pages 60-111)
SUMMARY:
1980 NBA Finals, Celtics had lose to Philadelphia for Eastern Conference Finals, which put Larry Bird's in an upsetting mood. Not just because their team didn't get to fight for the championship, it was also because he couldn't face Magic Johnson in the Finals. It was time for Game 6, Lakers-Sixers showdown. Of course Magic Johnson did amazing for his team except the tip-off for the ball in the beginning. That's it, during halftime, the score was 60-60. When 3rd began, the game shifted into Johnson's hands. The Lakers won the championship, earned the title with a 123-107 victory. Magic Johnson played 47 minutes out of the maximum 48 minutes. His record for the game was 14 of 14 free throw shots, 42 points,15 rebounds, and 7 assists. After winning the title, Magic Johnson was nominated for the Final MVP award, and he won the award as youngest Final MVP and first rookie to win.
Larry Bird didn't do nothing but watch with jealousy and amusement, because he wasn't surprised but he wanted to challenge Magic Johnson. Larry Bird and Magic Johnson's began their competition in 1979 when Johnson got tired of being the "nice guy" and decides to bea Larry Bird whenever he can. Larry Bird won Rookie of the Year, and Johnson was disappointed and upset because he thought he had an amazing season and did a great job. When the 1981-1982 play-off started, Magic Johnson and his team won Western Conference and he hoped that the Celtics would win Eastern Conference so he can go against them, more specific...Larry Bird. The Finals were Lakers and Sixers again, Lakers defeated the Sixers.
QUOTES:
"I found myself rooting for him even though I didn't like him,"(Bird 63).
REACTION:
After reading this section of the book, I finally figured out why Lakers and Celtics hate each other more than any team in the NBA. It is because of the love-hate relationship between Magic Johnson and Larry Bird. They discovered each other since high school and college. Because both team were superior in the NBA and were west and eastern team, brought even greater rivalry between themselves and their teams. They personally envy each other yet worshiped each other. They both wanted to do better than each other but didn't want each other to lose. The ironic thing is when the Boston Celtics had a chance for championship, Magic Johnson can easily wish for them to lose but he wanted the Celtics to win. Same as the quote above, Larry Bird twas mad that he didn't get to play for the title, but he wanted Magic Johnson to win. They both knew their amazing skills, but wanted to play and defeat each other fair and square.
During the rivalry of them and the two teams, Ray Allen, a current Celtics player, was 9 years old, looking up to Larry Bird. He tried portraying Larry Bird's skills and now, became one of the best free throw, 3-pointer. Before Larry Bird was one of the Big 3 in the Celtics. Now Ray Allen is one, including Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce.
This book is written fron a 3rd person'spoint of view yet with Magic Johnson and LarryBird's point of view because they also wrote the book.
1980 NBA Finals, Celtics had lose to Philadelphia for Eastern Conference Finals, which put Larry Bird's in an upsetting mood. Not just because their team didn't get to fight for the championship, it was also because he couldn't face Magic Johnson in the Finals. It was time for Game 6, Lakers-Sixers showdown. Of course Magic Johnson did amazing for his team except the tip-off for the ball in the beginning. That's it, during halftime, the score was 60-60. When 3rd began, the game shifted into Johnson's hands. The Lakers won the championship, earned the title with a 123-107 victory. Magic Johnson played 47 minutes out of the maximum 48 minutes. His record for the game was 14 of 14 free throw shots, 42 points,15 rebounds, and 7 assists. After winning the title, Magic Johnson was nominated for the Final MVP award, and he won the award as youngest Final MVP and first rookie to win.
Larry Bird didn't do nothing but watch with jealousy and amusement, because he wasn't surprised but he wanted to challenge Magic Johnson. Larry Bird and Magic Johnson's began their competition in 1979 when Johnson got tired of being the "nice guy" and decides to bea Larry Bird whenever he can. Larry Bird won Rookie of the Year, and Johnson was disappointed and upset because he thought he had an amazing season and did a great job. When the 1981-1982 play-off started, Magic Johnson and his team won Western Conference and he hoped that the Celtics would win Eastern Conference so he can go against them, more specific...Larry Bird. The Finals were Lakers and Sixers again, Lakers defeated the Sixers.
QUOTES:
"I found myself rooting for him even though I didn't like him,"(Bird 63).
REACTION:
After reading this section of the book, I finally figured out why Lakers and Celtics hate each other more than any team in the NBA. It is because of the love-hate relationship between Magic Johnson and Larry Bird. They discovered each other since high school and college. Because both team were superior in the NBA and were west and eastern team, brought even greater rivalry between themselves and their teams. They personally envy each other yet worshiped each other. They both wanted to do better than each other but didn't want each other to lose. The ironic thing is when the Boston Celtics had a chance for championship, Magic Johnson can easily wish for them to lose but he wanted the Celtics to win. Same as the quote above, Larry Bird twas mad that he didn't get to play for the title, but he wanted Magic Johnson to win. They both knew their amazing skills, but wanted to play and defeat each other fair and square.
During the rivalry of them and the two teams, Ray Allen, a current Celtics player, was 9 years old, looking up to Larry Bird. He tried portraying Larry Bird's skills and now, became one of the best free throw, 3-pointer. Before Larry Bird was one of the Big 3 in the Celtics. Now Ray Allen is one, including Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce.
This book is written fron a 3rd person'spoint of view yet with Magic Johnson and LarryBird's point of view because they also wrote the book.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
When the Game was Ours by Larry Bird, Earvin MagicJohnson and Jackie MacMullan (Pages 1-59)
SUMMARY:
This book begins talking about Larry "Joe" Bird and Earvin "Magic"Johnson trying to win the game for Kentucky, Larry Bird had the ball, Magic Johnson thought to himself that there's no way that Larry would pass him the ball because when he looked at him, Larry Bird looked away. Magic Johnson was wrong, Larry Bird passed the ball to him without looking and it landed in Magic Johnson's right palm, and he banked a lay up. He was so happy offering Larry Bird his "secret" high-five and Larry Bird high-fived him. They both ran bak down the other side of the court, that's when they became teammates.
Larry Bird and Magic Johnson didn't know each other well and didn't really care for one another. When Larry Bird was 21, Magic Johnson was only 18. Both so young, with 3 years of age difference, Larry Bird was way ahead of the game. He spotted the cover of Sports Illustrated, and Magic Johnson took notice, thinking Larry Bird was a facinating basketball player. Magic Johnson wasn't going to let Larry Bird iver-shine his spot light. He did his best and they soon played against each other. Their rivary began when they aknowledged each others' fantastic skills and love for basketball. Larry Bird will average30 points per game and Magic Johnson's coach didn't like that idea. He said Johnson can't play like Bird and he should play like Bird. Johnson got heated and started shooting back to back shots and made all of it. Magic Johnson proved that Bird isn't any better than him by getting the cover of Sports Illustrated, and was named the Most Outstanding Player, he also wanted to beat Larry Bird in a game really bad, which he did, he felt kind of bad. He felt bad because he knew how that feeling felt and Larry Bird was extra upset because he didn't offically sign with the Celtics yet. Because of Magic Johnson's team, Michigan State beated Larry Bird's team, Indiana State, Larry Bird was feeling like whatever he did, it wasn't enough to win a championship. Of course, they both entered professional basketball together.
QUOTE:
"You guys don't play anything like Bird. Earvin, you be Larry - you play just like him, only he has jump shot" (Bird 53).
"You want the real Larry Bird? Just watch me" (Bird 53).
REACTION:
I knew that they were rivary because they both played NBA and their team doesn't like each other. I never knew that Bird anf Johnson played basketball on the same team in college. I can tell that this is a love-hate relationship between them. Larry Bird was the quiet one but would speak up if anyone talks trash about him or his team. Magic Johnson is the guy that expresses his emotion and overly confident in his game. He will show it whenever he can(when he does good in a game, did a good play). They both were the two top basketball players in college, they both want to be the best, want to be better than each other. They respect each other because Larry Bird think Magic Johnson was the best basketball player and Magic JOhnson thought Larry Bird's amazing skills was unbelievable. Magic Johnson eat off and build up stronger when he gets compared to Larry Bird. Both of their goal is to be the best of the best and beat each other personally, yet they respect each other because if they are on a team together, they were undefeated.
This book begins talking about Larry "Joe" Bird and Earvin "Magic"Johnson trying to win the game for Kentucky, Larry Bird had the ball, Magic Johnson thought to himself that there's no way that Larry would pass him the ball because when he looked at him, Larry Bird looked away. Magic Johnson was wrong, Larry Bird passed the ball to him without looking and it landed in Magic Johnson's right palm, and he banked a lay up. He was so happy offering Larry Bird his "secret" high-five and Larry Bird high-fived him. They both ran bak down the other side of the court, that's when they became teammates.
Larry Bird and Magic Johnson didn't know each other well and didn't really care for one another. When Larry Bird was 21, Magic Johnson was only 18. Both so young, with 3 years of age difference, Larry Bird was way ahead of the game. He spotted the cover of Sports Illustrated, and Magic Johnson took notice, thinking Larry Bird was a facinating basketball player. Magic Johnson wasn't going to let Larry Bird iver-shine his spot light. He did his best and they soon played against each other. Their rivary began when they aknowledged each others' fantastic skills and love for basketball. Larry Bird will average30 points per game and Magic Johnson's coach didn't like that idea. He said Johnson can't play like Bird and he should play like Bird. Johnson got heated and started shooting back to back shots and made all of it. Magic Johnson proved that Bird isn't any better than him by getting the cover of Sports Illustrated, and was named the Most Outstanding Player, he also wanted to beat Larry Bird in a game really bad, which he did, he felt kind of bad. He felt bad because he knew how that feeling felt and Larry Bird was extra upset because he didn't offically sign with the Celtics yet. Because of Magic Johnson's team, Michigan State beated Larry Bird's team, Indiana State, Larry Bird was feeling like whatever he did, it wasn't enough to win a championship. Of course, they both entered professional basketball together.
QUOTE:
"You guys don't play anything like Bird. Earvin, you be Larry - you play just like him, only he has jump shot" (Bird 53).
"You want the real Larry Bird? Just watch me" (Bird 53).
REACTION:
I knew that they were rivary because they both played NBA and their team doesn't like each other. I never knew that Bird anf Johnson played basketball on the same team in college. I can tell that this is a love-hate relationship between them. Larry Bird was the quiet one but would speak up if anyone talks trash about him or his team. Magic Johnson is the guy that expresses his emotion and overly confident in his game. He will show it whenever he can(when he does good in a game, did a good play). They both were the two top basketball players in college, they both want to be the best, want to be better than each other. They respect each other because Larry Bird think Magic Johnson was the best basketball player and Magic JOhnson thought Larry Bird's amazing skills was unbelievable. Magic Johnson eat off and build up stronger when he gets compared to Larry Bird. Both of their goal is to be the best of the best and beat each other personally, yet they respect each other because if they are on a team together, they were undefeated.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
The Blind Side by Michael Lewis (Pages 103-196)
SUMMARY:
From pages 103-196, it was about how Michael Oher have changed since the beginning of the story. Michael had spend 4 months at the Briarcest Christian School Saints and the season of 2004 was starting. He went from being nothing into being almost what all colleges want on their football team. Michael Oher had been receiving mails and packages from colleges telling him to visit their school and he also received a letter containing a full scholarship. He went to LSU, Ole Miss, North Carolina State, and University of Oklahoma fir a summer elite football program. Michael turned down about 50 other programs. He still had time to choose which college team he wants to play for, but he is leaning towards Oklahoma.
Time has passed and Michael Oher became a member of the Tuohy family. He got closed to Sean Jr. and he now calls Leigh Anne "Mama". Sean and Leigh Anne pretty much gives Michael whatever he needs because they no he won't ask for anything he doesn't need. Michael wants to get his drivers license but he needed some form of I.D. but they didn't have any. Leigh Anne was begging the person to give him another I.D. but when the person checked, the named "Michael Oher" wasn't in the computer data. The man said "Michael Jerome Oher" isn't a person, so he tried other ways of spelling and found a "Michael Oher Williams", and Michael said that was him. The man told Leigh Anne and Michael that 6 Social Security Card had been issues, and Leigh Anne insist that Michael had nothing to do with it and explain his pass to him and he finally gave them a new card. They also needed a birth certificate so Leigh Anne made Michael go visit his mom and ask for it. He came bak with a crumbled piece of trash-like paper and that was his birth certificate. Leigh found out that Michael's birthday was May 26th but he told her it was May 28th and he said the people probably got it wrong. Leigh Anne said they can't get his birth certificate wrong but Michael was sticking to his belief.
Michael gothis license and he's been praticing his football skills, but he still didn't know how to communicate with the team. He once tackled and dragged this dude of the field because he was talking to much trash. When Sean asked him where he was dragging the dude to, Michael said to the bus so he can go home because he's talking to much trash so going home is what they both needed to do. Michael visitied LSU and thought about joining the football teambut then he went to visit Ole Miss and he decided to go there. That's where the whole family move to.
QUOTES:
"He had never thought of himself as a football player, and didn't have the first idea what the fuss was all about"(Lewis 103).
"There's no such person as Michael Jerome Oher"(Lewis 140).
"You've been issued six Social Security cards in the last eighteen month"(Lewis 141).
REACTION:
When I first start reading this book, I wouldn't have thought a person could have gotten a new chance of life like Michael Oher did. From pages 103-196, Michael Oher started from not having any sort of I.D. or Social Security card into having his own identity again. Michael Oher didn't expect himself to become a football player, he didn't know why the colleges are trying to get him to be on their college football team. He doesn't care about his mother because they were never close, when he went to his mother to get his birth certificate, his mom told him to give him a hug but Michael just stood there and le his mom hug him instead. Michael himself, didn't even know his real birthday until he got the birth certificate back, that shows how he doesn't even know himself. Leigh Anne is trying and getting to know Michael more every day. When Michael went to get his Social Security card, he wasn't even a "real person" because his last name isn't Oher, Williams was his dad's last name. No one knew who he was until now, when the Tuohy family "adopted" him, now he have the chance to go to college and maybe in the future play in pro-football.
I hope later on in the book, the author talks about if Michael Oher can take down Lawrence Taylor because no one seem to have gone pass Taylor's defense/offense.
Ican't wait to watch the movie after finish reading this book because I heard the movie was really goodand inspirational.
From pages 103-196, it was about how Michael Oher have changed since the beginning of the story. Michael had spend 4 months at the Briarcest Christian School Saints and the season of 2004 was starting. He went from being nothing into being almost what all colleges want on their football team. Michael Oher had been receiving mails and packages from colleges telling him to visit their school and he also received a letter containing a full scholarship. He went to LSU, Ole Miss, North Carolina State, and University of Oklahoma fir a summer elite football program. Michael turned down about 50 other programs. He still had time to choose which college team he wants to play for, but he is leaning towards Oklahoma.
Time has passed and Michael Oher became a member of the Tuohy family. He got closed to Sean Jr. and he now calls Leigh Anne "Mama". Sean and Leigh Anne pretty much gives Michael whatever he needs because they no he won't ask for anything he doesn't need. Michael wants to get his drivers license but he needed some form of I.D. but they didn't have any. Leigh Anne was begging the person to give him another I.D. but when the person checked, the named "Michael Oher" wasn't in the computer data. The man said "Michael Jerome Oher" isn't a person, so he tried other ways of spelling and found a "Michael Oher Williams", and Michael said that was him. The man told Leigh Anne and Michael that 6 Social Security Card had been issues, and Leigh Anne insist that Michael had nothing to do with it and explain his pass to him and he finally gave them a new card. They also needed a birth certificate so Leigh Anne made Michael go visit his mom and ask for it. He came bak with a crumbled piece of trash-like paper and that was his birth certificate. Leigh found out that Michael's birthday was May 26th but he told her it was May 28th and he said the people probably got it wrong. Leigh Anne said they can't get his birth certificate wrong but Michael was sticking to his belief.
Michael gothis license and he's been praticing his football skills, but he still didn't know how to communicate with the team. He once tackled and dragged this dude of the field because he was talking to much trash. When Sean asked him where he was dragging the dude to, Michael said to the bus so he can go home because he's talking to much trash so going home is what they both needed to do. Michael visitied LSU and thought about joining the football teambut then he went to visit Ole Miss and he decided to go there. That's where the whole family move to.
QUOTES:
"He had never thought of himself as a football player, and didn't have the first idea what the fuss was all about"(Lewis 103).
"There's no such person as Michael Jerome Oher"(Lewis 140).
"You've been issued six Social Security cards in the last eighteen month"(Lewis 141).
REACTION:
When I first start reading this book, I wouldn't have thought a person could have gotten a new chance of life like Michael Oher did. From pages 103-196, Michael Oher started from not having any sort of I.D. or Social Security card into having his own identity again. Michael Oher didn't expect himself to become a football player, he didn't know why the colleges are trying to get him to be on their college football team. He doesn't care about his mother because they were never close, when he went to his mother to get his birth certificate, his mom told him to give him a hug but Michael just stood there and le his mom hug him instead. Michael himself, didn't even know his real birthday until he got the birth certificate back, that shows how he doesn't even know himself. Leigh Anne is trying and getting to know Michael more every day. When Michael went to get his Social Security card, he wasn't even a "real person" because his last name isn't Oher, Williams was his dad's last name. No one knew who he was until now, when the Tuohy family "adopted" him, now he have the chance to go to college and maybe in the future play in pro-football.
I hope later on in the book, the author talks about if Michael Oher can take down Lawrence Taylor because no one seem to have gone pass Taylor's defense/offense.
Ican't wait to watch the movie after finish reading this book because I heard the movie was really goodand inspirational.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
The Blind Side by Michael Lewis (Pages 1-102)
SUMMARY:
The story started out talking about teams in the NFL and how they were going against each other. Every position have a different role and you need the qualities in order to help the team out. Lawrence Taylor was a professional football player that was amazing with his defense on the New York Giants. When he played in the game, he would be knocking down quarterbacks. Once when the Giantswent against the Philadelphia Eagles, Taylor lined up right across Eagles', Jerry Sisemore, the right side of the offensive line. Sisemore played in the NFL for 8 year, before Taylor joined the NFL. Sisemore was not a challenge for the new comer, Taylor. Few weeks after the game, Sisemore confessed to the New York Times, at the point when Taylor passed him, he was going get out of the game. After 1984's season, he did. Taylor was a tough guy that got everyone nervous when they see him on and off the court. He created his own moves like 'sack', which meant when a player that doesn't see you and you go up to them and put your helmet right into him. The "Geritol" was a move he created just for Joe Jacoby, a left tackle because he was big and quick becoming challenging for Taylor. He wasn't challenging enough because during the game, Taylor went after Joe Theismann, he tackled him and Theismann's bones cracked. The tibia and fibula in his right leg snapped under Tylor. Everyone was piled on top of them. Taylor used all his strength to get out of the crowd which made people think it was weird. Later on, he admitted that he was claustrophobic.
Michael Oher was a young man was discovered by Tom Lemming, he was the one that goes all around the places to find young men who have the skills to be in the NFL. Someone sent a blurry, unclear video of Oher running down the football field with speed. It looked like a mob of fottball player but it was just him. Lemming was determined to find this boy and interviewhim. Oher was unknown and when Lemming got the chance to talk to him, and offered him a contract to be in the U.S Army high school all-star football team but Oher didn't sign it. If it was a normal boy that got this offer, with no second thought, he would have signed the contract. Later on in the story, Michael Oher was discovered to be living on the floors of a man's house. The man's name was Big Tony. Michael Oher's mother is a alchoholic and his dad left him. He never had a proper education so he doesn't know how to communicate with others. One day Big Tony wanted to send his son, Steven to a Catholic school called Harding Christian Academy. That school was for rich people and not much blacks can afford it, Steven had good grades so he got accepted because Big Tony said he will pay the school for any fees. He wanted to help Big Michael aka Michael Oher but his grades were so bad that no school like this would accept him. His grades weren't grades because he never actually attended school. Because the coaches from the schoolsaw how big Michael Oher is and how he can be a good athlete for sports but he needed to improve his education skills and get passing grades to play. The staffs gave him until Christmas to improve his learning skills. With the help of Sean and his wife, Leigh Anne, Michael Oher got a new home and a new life. He got a second chance in life because he now lives with the couple with their son. Oher got passig grades, "D" average but he qualified for the portd team. He played on the baskestball and football team. He also joined track for awhile. Michael Oher didn't know how to talk to the football team about their plays so he didn't do as well as he could during the games but he did scare the other teams with his size. Soon Oher caught onto how to play as a team by learning and watching himself.
QUOTE:
"This boy was new; he had no clothes; he had no warm place to stay over Thanksgiving Break. For Lord's sake, he was walking to school in the snow in shorts, when school was out of session, on the off chance he could get into the gym and keep warm"(Lewis 68).
"If Michael Oher wanted a full scholarship to Clemon, it was his"(Lewis 95).
REACTION:
This bookis full of football history, and how teams back then faced each other. I loved how the author didn't just focus on Michael Oher, he focus on NFL in general and how the players were like. I didn't know that most football players had a bad childhood or grew up in a bad enviornment causing them to have hatred and anger inside them which will make them a better football player by taking out anger on another player.
The quotes above was describing Michael Oher. The first quote was said by Sean's wife when she saw him walking in shorts in the snow. Michael Oher didn't have any new clothes, he wore the same outfit everyday. He doesn't have a place to stay, he just sleeps at places where no one goes to. Once Sean and his wife saw Oher walking to school to the gym. Sean said he doesn't have basketball practice because his grades weren'y good enough. He said he knows but there's heat in the gym so he can stay warm. The second quote was when a man from the Clemon saw Michael Oher and offered him a scholarship to playfootball. He went from having nothing in grasping a new chance in proving he was worth for people to help him. Once Oher went to Sean's shop and ate pizza, he always grab extra pizza and store it in the fridge because he's scared that there wouldn't be anymore food for him. He lives just for another day, he isscared that once he let go, all the things would be gone. Sean assured him that he is part of the family, the shop is his, he can go there and eat anytime.
Michael Oher is like a neglected animal. He did nothing wrong but people didn't care about him even his own parents. He deserved a second chance which he got and he's been improving everyday. At first he would not talk and even if he wanted to,m he wouldn't have made any sense. Nowhecould speak him mind even though it's hard somtimes. Michael Oher, I think he have the skills and defense to go against Lawrence Taylor because according to everyone else, he is a gifted human being that can do any sports. He can jump, run and do anything that any basket ball and football players can do.
The story started out talking about teams in the NFL and how they were going against each other. Every position have a different role and you need the qualities in order to help the team out. Lawrence Taylor was a professional football player that was amazing with his defense on the New York Giants. When he played in the game, he would be knocking down quarterbacks. Once when the Giantswent against the Philadelphia Eagles, Taylor lined up right across Eagles', Jerry Sisemore, the right side of the offensive line. Sisemore played in the NFL for 8 year, before Taylor joined the NFL. Sisemore was not a challenge for the new comer, Taylor. Few weeks after the game, Sisemore confessed to the New York Times, at the point when Taylor passed him, he was going get out of the game. After 1984's season, he did. Taylor was a tough guy that got everyone nervous when they see him on and off the court. He created his own moves like 'sack', which meant when a player that doesn't see you and you go up to them and put your helmet right into him. The "Geritol" was a move he created just for Joe Jacoby, a left tackle because he was big and quick becoming challenging for Taylor. He wasn't challenging enough because during the game, Taylor went after Joe Theismann, he tackled him and Theismann's bones cracked. The tibia and fibula in his right leg snapped under Tylor. Everyone was piled on top of them. Taylor used all his strength to get out of the crowd which made people think it was weird. Later on, he admitted that he was claustrophobic.
Michael Oher was a young man was discovered by Tom Lemming, he was the one that goes all around the places to find young men who have the skills to be in the NFL. Someone sent a blurry, unclear video of Oher running down the football field with speed. It looked like a mob of fottball player but it was just him. Lemming was determined to find this boy and interviewhim. Oher was unknown and when Lemming got the chance to talk to him, and offered him a contract to be in the U.S Army high school all-star football team but Oher didn't sign it. If it was a normal boy that got this offer, with no second thought, he would have signed the contract. Later on in the story, Michael Oher was discovered to be living on the floors of a man's house. The man's name was Big Tony. Michael Oher's mother is a alchoholic and his dad left him. He never had a proper education so he doesn't know how to communicate with others. One day Big Tony wanted to send his son, Steven to a Catholic school called Harding Christian Academy. That school was for rich people and not much blacks can afford it, Steven had good grades so he got accepted because Big Tony said he will pay the school for any fees. He wanted to help Big Michael aka Michael Oher but his grades were so bad that no school like this would accept him. His grades weren't grades because he never actually attended school. Because the coaches from the schoolsaw how big Michael Oher is and how he can be a good athlete for sports but he needed to improve his education skills and get passing grades to play. The staffs gave him until Christmas to improve his learning skills. With the help of Sean and his wife, Leigh Anne, Michael Oher got a new home and a new life. He got a second chance in life because he now lives with the couple with their son. Oher got passig grades, "D" average but he qualified for the portd team. He played on the baskestball and football team. He also joined track for awhile. Michael Oher didn't know how to talk to the football team about their plays so he didn't do as well as he could during the games but he did scare the other teams with his size. Soon Oher caught onto how to play as a team by learning and watching himself.
QUOTE:
"This boy was new; he had no clothes; he had no warm place to stay over Thanksgiving Break. For Lord's sake, he was walking to school in the snow in shorts, when school was out of session, on the off chance he could get into the gym and keep warm"(Lewis 68).
"If Michael Oher wanted a full scholarship to Clemon, it was his"(Lewis 95).
REACTION:
This bookis full of football history, and how teams back then faced each other. I loved how the author didn't just focus on Michael Oher, he focus on NFL in general and how the players were like. I didn't know that most football players had a bad childhood or grew up in a bad enviornment causing them to have hatred and anger inside them which will make them a better football player by taking out anger on another player.
The quotes above was describing Michael Oher. The first quote was said by Sean's wife when she saw him walking in shorts in the snow. Michael Oher didn't have any new clothes, he wore the same outfit everyday. He doesn't have a place to stay, he just sleeps at places where no one goes to. Once Sean and his wife saw Oher walking to school to the gym. Sean said he doesn't have basketball practice because his grades weren'y good enough. He said he knows but there's heat in the gym so he can stay warm. The second quote was when a man from the Clemon saw Michael Oher and offered him a scholarship to playfootball. He went from having nothing in grasping a new chance in proving he was worth for people to help him. Once Oher went to Sean's shop and ate pizza, he always grab extra pizza and store it in the fridge because he's scared that there wouldn't be anymore food for him. He lives just for another day, he isscared that once he let go, all the things would be gone. Sean assured him that he is part of the family, the shop is his, he can go there and eat anytime.
Michael Oher is like a neglected animal. He did nothing wrong but people didn't care about him even his own parents. He deserved a second chance which he got and he's been improving everyday. At first he would not talk and even if he wanted to,m he wouldn't have made any sense. Nowhecould speak him mind even though it's hard somtimes. Michael Oher, I think he have the skills and defense to go against Lawrence Taylor because according to everyone else, he is a gifted human being that can do any sports. He can jump, run and do anything that any basket ball and football players can do.
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