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.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
The Story of Lucy Gault by William Trevor (Pages 201-228)
SUMMARY:
From pages 201-228, it's part 5 and 6 of the book which also meant the end. Part 5 begins with Lucy's dad's death and it had been a year. Lucy learned to love her dad again even though he passed away, and she forgives herself for the unspoken reaproah of her to her dad. Lucy kept some of the things that belonged to her dad like his watch and wedding ring. She gave the clothes to a woman that collect it for charity in Enniseala. Henry and Bridget, who Lucy lived with since she was a child, understand how Lucy's life had changed, they didn't force Lucy to do anything. It was time for Lucy to move on so she tool her part in the house again.
Lucy didn't forget her dad's wish which was to go visit her mother's grave. Lucy did so and she looked at the picture of her mom, trying to remember and recognized her. Lucy knelt and prayed to her mom. Lucy went to the places she went with her dad, and she reread all the letters that Ralph had sent her. Through the reading of the letters, she felt the love that affected her. She realized a lot of thing s changed in her life and in Ralph's. Ralph got his own family, even if he still love Lucy, it didn't make a difference. Lucy also knew she changed as a person, more mature and wiser. She wrapped everything up and knew it was all in the passed. Lucy moved out and lived by herself. She reminisced her life as a kid and everything that happened.
QUOTES:
"He has smiled through this acceptance of nature's strict economy and she has too, keeping company with him in his dismissal of morbid anticipation, remembering him he had been while she made the slow jouney of loving him again, forgiven for her unspoken reaproaches"(Trevor 201).
"Lucy watched the child pass beneath it, then rooted in her purse for a threepenny piece in the case she forgot later"(Trevor 208).
REACTION:
The first quote I chose was from the beginning of part 5. This was when Lucy unpacked some of her dad's belongings after a year of his funeral. She learned to love him again and accept him in her life as "dad". I think Lucy regrets what she done in her childhood but she also learned to forgive herself. I can tell that she respect her dad because before her dad died, he said he wished that Lucy would visit her mom's grave. Lucy did as he wished and went.
The second quote I chose was when Lucy was in the hotel and a child brought her tea. This sentence shows me how Lucy is no longer a kid like she was from the beginning of the story. She is a young woman now and she got her own money and life. Many things have changed in her life and when she was a kid, she lived with Henry and Bridget which played a role like her parents. She never knew she could meet her dad again but she did and even though she and her dad didn't rekendle their connection much before he passed away, Lucy learned to love him.
In the sencond quote, why is "threepenny" one word?
Through out the whole story, Lucy shows that she changed from a little kid into a young girl and had a crush on the boy named Ralph. The she became more mature and she was compared to have the spitting image of her mom. Lucy learned how Ralph and her became different people and had different lives so they couldn't maintain their relationship. Lucy learns to accept her dad to come back into her life and then she becomes an independent woman and lived on her own. She didn't need anyone's help but her own.
From pages 201-228, it's part 5 and 6 of the book which also meant the end. Part 5 begins with Lucy's dad's death and it had been a year. Lucy learned to love her dad again even though he passed away, and she forgives herself for the unspoken reaproah of her to her dad. Lucy kept some of the things that belonged to her dad like his watch and wedding ring. She gave the clothes to a woman that collect it for charity in Enniseala. Henry and Bridget, who Lucy lived with since she was a child, understand how Lucy's life had changed, they didn't force Lucy to do anything. It was time for Lucy to move on so she tool her part in the house again.
Lucy didn't forget her dad's wish which was to go visit her mother's grave. Lucy did so and she looked at the picture of her mom, trying to remember and recognized her. Lucy knelt and prayed to her mom. Lucy went to the places she went with her dad, and she reread all the letters that Ralph had sent her. Through the reading of the letters, she felt the love that affected her. She realized a lot of thing s changed in her life and in Ralph's. Ralph got his own family, even if he still love Lucy, it didn't make a difference. Lucy also knew she changed as a person, more mature and wiser. She wrapped everything up and knew it was all in the passed. Lucy moved out and lived by herself. She reminisced her life as a kid and everything that happened.
QUOTES:
"He has smiled through this acceptance of nature's strict economy and she has too, keeping company with him in his dismissal of morbid anticipation, remembering him he had been while she made the slow jouney of loving him again, forgiven for her unspoken reaproaches"(Trevor 201).
"Lucy watched the child pass beneath it, then rooted in her purse for a threepenny piece in the case she forgot later"(Trevor 208).
REACTION:
The first quote I chose was from the beginning of part 5. This was when Lucy unpacked some of her dad's belongings after a year of his funeral. She learned to love him again and accept him in her life as "dad". I think Lucy regrets what she done in her childhood but she also learned to forgive herself. I can tell that she respect her dad because before her dad died, he said he wished that Lucy would visit her mom's grave. Lucy did as he wished and went.
The second quote I chose was when Lucy was in the hotel and a child brought her tea. This sentence shows me how Lucy is no longer a kid like she was from the beginning of the story. She is a young woman now and she got her own money and life. Many things have changed in her life and when she was a kid, she lived with Henry and Bridget which played a role like her parents. She never knew she could meet her dad again but she did and even though she and her dad didn't rekendle their connection much before he passed away, Lucy learned to love him.
In the sencond quote, why is "threepenny" one word?
Through out the whole story, Lucy shows that she changed from a little kid into a young girl and had a crush on the boy named Ralph. The she became more mature and she was compared to have the spitting image of her mom. Lucy learned how Ralph and her became different people and had different lives so they couldn't maintain their relationship. Lucy learns to accept her dad to come back into her life and then she becomes an independent woman and lived on her own. She didn't need anyone's help but her own.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
The Story of Lucy Gault by William Trevor (Pages 143-198)
SUMMARY:
Page 143-198 is part four of the story, it started out talking about Lucy's father, Captain Gault. Heloise, his wife, also Lucy's mom had died because of the war. Captain Gault became depressed and sad. He didn't want to go bck to Lahardane, England because that was where Lucy "died"(which she didn't). It March, he young man, Ralph married a woman and never wrote a letter to Lucy since then. Lucy didn't have anything to do so she took a walk on the side of the sea. Her father walked near the sea so she was reminisce about her past. When she got back to the house, she saw her father. Captain Gault was in disbelief when he saw Lucy because she looks just like Heloise. Lucy didn't remember her father, but Captain Gault took her hand and told her to look at him and try to remember. Lucy kind of remember but she didn't say a word. Captain Gault wanted to hug her but he didn't because he got the vibe that Lucy doesn't want to.
Ralph had his first child and he and his wife are really close (Part four talked about Ralph and his life). Captain Gault and Lucy went exploring the caves at Mitchelstown, he wanted to spend more time with his daughter. They were at a hotel when the people there remembers Captain Gault but Lucy doesn't know any of them.The last time Ralph wrote to Lucy was saying how things happened the way it did and nothing can be done. When it was closed to night time, Captain Gault went to his room and was about to sleep. He heard Lucy's footsteps and was happy that she was by his side again, then he felt a pain but it didn't disturb him.
QUOTES:
"Lucy came back by the strand, walking close to the sea as her father had, coming from the other direction. Her footprints, though,remained, as his has not, for the tide wasgoing out now"(Trevor 152).
"He wanted to embrace his daughter, yet did not do so, sensing something in her that prevented him"(Trevor 154).
"Later he was aware of pain. It did not wake him"(Trevor 198).
REACTION:
In today's reading, I found out Lucy's mom had died and Captain Gault had went back to Lahardane and reunited with Lucy. The first quote I chose waswhen Lucy was at the beach walking and her footprint left a trail but where her father used to walk, his footprint was gone. When I read that, I know she forgot how her father was like. The second quote is when Captain Gault and Lucy saw each other. Captain Gault really missed Lucy but Lucy didn't say anything and treated him like any stranger on the street. The third quote I chose was the last sentences of part four when Captain Gault heard Lucy's footsteps, I could tell that he is glad to re-enter Lucy's life. I was wondering what the author meant when Captain Galt was aware of pain but didn't feel it? Did he have a heart attack? Did he die? Perhaps died in his sleep?
Page 143-198 is part four of the story, it started out talking about Lucy's father, Captain Gault. Heloise, his wife, also Lucy's mom had died because of the war. Captain Gault became depressed and sad. He didn't want to go bck to Lahardane, England because that was where Lucy "died"(which she didn't). It March, he young man, Ralph married a woman and never wrote a letter to Lucy since then. Lucy didn't have anything to do so she took a walk on the side of the sea. Her father walked near the sea so she was reminisce about her past. When she got back to the house, she saw her father. Captain Gault was in disbelief when he saw Lucy because she looks just like Heloise. Lucy didn't remember her father, but Captain Gault took her hand and told her to look at him and try to remember. Lucy kind of remember but she didn't say a word. Captain Gault wanted to hug her but he didn't because he got the vibe that Lucy doesn't want to.
Ralph had his first child and he and his wife are really close (Part four talked about Ralph and his life). Captain Gault and Lucy went exploring the caves at Mitchelstown, he wanted to spend more time with his daughter. They were at a hotel when the people there remembers Captain Gault but Lucy doesn't know any of them.The last time Ralph wrote to Lucy was saying how things happened the way it did and nothing can be done. When it was closed to night time, Captain Gault went to his room and was about to sleep. He heard Lucy's footsteps and was happy that she was by his side again, then he felt a pain but it didn't disturb him.
QUOTES:
"Lucy came back by the strand, walking close to the sea as her father had, coming from the other direction. Her footprints, though,remained, as his has not, for the tide wasgoing out now"(Trevor 152).
"He wanted to embrace his daughter, yet did not do so, sensing something in her that prevented him"(Trevor 154).
"Later he was aware of pain. It did not wake him"(Trevor 198).
REACTION:
In today's reading, I found out Lucy's mom had died and Captain Gault had went back to Lahardane and reunited with Lucy. The first quote I chose waswhen Lucy was at the beach walking and her footprint left a trail but where her father used to walk, his footprint was gone. When I read that, I know she forgot how her father was like. The second quote is when Captain Gault and Lucy saw each other. Captain Gault really missed Lucy but Lucy didn't say anything and treated him like any stranger on the street. The third quote I chose was the last sentences of part four when Captain Gault heard Lucy's footsteps, I could tell that he is glad to re-enter Lucy's life. I was wondering what the author meant when Captain Galt was aware of pain but didn't feel it? Did he have a heart attack? Did he die? Perhaps died in his sleep?
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
The Story of Lucy Gault by William Trevor (Pages 92-139)
SUMMARY:
Lucy and Ralph had been writting eachother letters to communicate. Ralph thought about joining the army because he hoped military discipline will keep his nightmare away. He wrote to Lucy a letter saying he will visit her on Wednesday. When Ralph arrived, him and Lucy was talking and they got to know each other better. Lucy told him that she collects bees and Ralph told her about his life in Enniseala. Time goes by, Ralph visits Lucy in Lahardane two times again, and Lucy offered him to stay for a while after he looked through the house and books.
Now their relationship is into another level, they spent more time tgether in the summer, when they were taking a walk in the woods, Ralph told Lucy that he love her and had never loved anyone more than her. Lucy didn't reply back even though she felt the same way.
After the summer, Ralph had to leave. He left physically and left Lucy thinking if he would forget her and never come back. Ralph said he wouldn't forget her because he would never live a life without her and later on she asked him to marry him. She didn't say yes but she didnt say no.
Part three begins, in chapter 2, the athor finally talks about Lucy's parents. Captain Gault and his wife just left Italy and went through Switzerland and going back to the way they came from 17 years ago. Lucy's parents are now in the modest town Bellinzona.
On March 10th 1949, Thursday, Lucy read in the Irish Times that Ralph was to marry.
QUOTE:
Part three, chapter 2 begins by talking about Lucy's parents, "They crossed the frontier into Sitzerand, going back the way they had gone, seventeen years ago now"(Trevor 125).
REACTION:
In this part of the reading, Lucy is growing up and beyong. The quote above showed how long her parents had been away from her. It had been 17 years since her parents passed Switzerland to go to Italy and now they came back to the other town.
Lucy became more mature and love relationship with Ralph is getting more intense. Ralph kept on telling her how he love her so much, more than anything in the world. Ralph even asked Lucy to marry him. Lucy even kissed him so their relationship is serious. Even at the end of pages 139, when Ralph was to marry, right before that, he sent her a letter asking if Lucy knew how much he love her.
So far from all three blogs,this third blog is when Luc talked the most which is to Ralph. From reading of blog 1-2, Lucy barely talked and I didn't know what she was thinking and how she was feeling. When Ralph came into her life, she started to express herself to him which made me understand how she felt and what's going on.
Lucy and Ralph had been writting eachother letters to communicate. Ralph thought about joining the army because he hoped military discipline will keep his nightmare away. He wrote to Lucy a letter saying he will visit her on Wednesday. When Ralph arrived, him and Lucy was talking and they got to know each other better. Lucy told him that she collects bees and Ralph told her about his life in Enniseala. Time goes by, Ralph visits Lucy in Lahardane two times again, and Lucy offered him to stay for a while after he looked through the house and books.
Now their relationship is into another level, they spent more time tgether in the summer, when they were taking a walk in the woods, Ralph told Lucy that he love her and had never loved anyone more than her. Lucy didn't reply back even though she felt the same way.
After the summer, Ralph had to leave. He left physically and left Lucy thinking if he would forget her and never come back. Ralph said he wouldn't forget her because he would never live a life without her and later on she asked him to marry him. She didn't say yes but she didnt say no.
Part three begins, in chapter 2, the athor finally talks about Lucy's parents. Captain Gault and his wife just left Italy and went through Switzerland and going back to the way they came from 17 years ago. Lucy's parents are now in the modest town Bellinzona.
On March 10th 1949, Thursday, Lucy read in the Irish Times that Ralph was to marry.
QUOTE:
Part three, chapter 2 begins by talking about Lucy's parents, "They crossed the frontier into Sitzerand, going back the way they had gone, seventeen years ago now"(Trevor 125).
REACTION:
In this part of the reading, Lucy is growing up and beyong. The quote above showed how long her parents had been away from her. It had been 17 years since her parents passed Switzerland to go to Italy and now they came back to the other town.
Lucy became more mature and love relationship with Ralph is getting more intense. Ralph kept on telling her how he love her so much, more than anything in the world. Ralph even asked Lucy to marry him. Lucy even kissed him so their relationship is serious. Even at the end of pages 139, when Ralph was to marry, right before that, he sent her a letter asking if Lucy knew how much he love her.
So far from all three blogs,this third blog is when Luc talked the most which is to Ralph. From reading of blog 1-2, Lucy barely talked and I didn't know what she was thinking and how she was feeling. When Ralph came into her life, she started to express herself to him which made me understand how she felt and what's going on.
The Story of Lucy Gault by William Trevor (Pages 46-94)
SUMMARY:
From pages 46-71 was the last pages of part one of the story. It was about how Lucy was found in the woods. She had wounds and cuts on her face that bled down to her mouth that she can taste. Lucy parents already left town because they thought Lucy died so now Lucy is left alone with Henry, a Kilauran boy, one of seven in a fishing family. Lucy also stayed with Bridget that found her, she is Henry's wife. When Lucy was asked if she knew anything about her parents' plan of traveling, she didn't say anything except shake her head.
Part two which starts on page 72, it's been months since Lucy was separated from her parents. Lucy is starting school again, she's learning to read and write, she have to do her work in a used and written all over notebooks/textbooks. One day when Lucy headed out the house, she was almost crashed by this boy named Ralph, because he didn't think anyone would be coming out of that house. Lucy Gault is growing up, and she is looking more beautiful than before. Ralph have been teaching this boy the alphabets, so he stayed for awhile. He started to like Lucy and Lucy liked him back. Ralph was about to leave the place when Lucy wrote him a letter. The letter was Lucy saying she hopes Ralph would stop by for some tea before he leave...if he have time.
QUOTE:
"Lucy Gault was beautiful all that summer. She was beautiful in her plain white dress, the sunlight catching the dots of silver in the stoneless earrings she wore"(Trevor 88).
REACTION:
From today's reading, it showed that Lucy have changed. She literally grew older and more mature. She's going to school, and she started to look like her mother. When she the boy Ralph, she started to like him and he likes her back. The quote above, describes how Lucy is becoming more like her mom which means looking older. The white dress was suppose to be her mother's if she was still here. The dress was left behind which now is Lucy's and they said she looks great in it. Lucy doesn't seem like she miss her parents in any kind of way. Lucy is just living her life even though she doesn't say much in the story.
This book was took from a third person's view which to me, should had been from Lucy's point pf view(first person). Because it is a third person's view, it doesn't show Lucy's emotions and thinking.
Why doesn't Lucy tell Henry or Bridget that she knew her parents plan the trip and she just didn't want to move so she pretended that she was missing? I think if the others knew about it, they would try finding her parents but instead, now they think her parents just left her behind.
Why did the author separated the story into different parts?
Why doesn't the author focus on Lucy's life? Instead he wrote about events that were important to the story.
From pages 46-71 was the last pages of part one of the story. It was about how Lucy was found in the woods. She had wounds and cuts on her face that bled down to her mouth that she can taste. Lucy parents already left town because they thought Lucy died so now Lucy is left alone with Henry, a Kilauran boy, one of seven in a fishing family. Lucy also stayed with Bridget that found her, she is Henry's wife. When Lucy was asked if she knew anything about her parents' plan of traveling, she didn't say anything except shake her head.
Part two which starts on page 72, it's been months since Lucy was separated from her parents. Lucy is starting school again, she's learning to read and write, she have to do her work in a used and written all over notebooks/textbooks. One day when Lucy headed out the house, she was almost crashed by this boy named Ralph, because he didn't think anyone would be coming out of that house. Lucy Gault is growing up, and she is looking more beautiful than before. Ralph have been teaching this boy the alphabets, so he stayed for awhile. He started to like Lucy and Lucy liked him back. Ralph was about to leave the place when Lucy wrote him a letter. The letter was Lucy saying she hopes Ralph would stop by for some tea before he leave...if he have time.
QUOTE:
"Lucy Gault was beautiful all that summer. She was beautiful in her plain white dress, the sunlight catching the dots of silver in the stoneless earrings she wore"(Trevor 88).
REACTION:
From today's reading, it showed that Lucy have changed. She literally grew older and more mature. She's going to school, and she started to look like her mother. When she the boy Ralph, she started to like him and he likes her back. The quote above, describes how Lucy is becoming more like her mom which means looking older. The white dress was suppose to be her mother's if she was still here. The dress was left behind which now is Lucy's and they said she looks great in it. Lucy doesn't seem like she miss her parents in any kind of way. Lucy is just living her life even though she doesn't say much in the story.
This book was took from a third person's view which to me, should had been from Lucy's point pf view(first person). Because it is a third person's view, it doesn't show Lucy's emotions and thinking.
Why doesn't Lucy tell Henry or Bridget that she knew her parents plan the trip and she just didn't want to move so she pretended that she was missing? I think if the others knew about it, they would try finding her parents but instead, now they think her parents just left her behind.
Why did the author separated the story into different parts?
Why doesn't the author focus on Lucy's life? Instead he wrote about events that were important to the story.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
The Story of Lucy Gault by William Trevor (Pages 1-45)
SUMMARY:
The Story of Lucy Gault was written by William Trevor. The story starts out in the middle of the scene where Captain Everard Gault was in a war. He shot a young boy and wounded him and Captain Gault felt guilty. He tried to ask for forgiveness from the boy's family. Father Morrissey suggested him to write a letter to the family and Captain Gault did ask he said. He waited for awhile for a reply but he didn't get a reply. His wife, Heloise feared that the boy's family would want revenge. She knew for sure that there wouldn't be a peaceful result. One day Captain Gault saw the boy and his family when the family offered him tea. At that point, Captain Gault thought he was being forgived but he wasn't. When Captain Gault tried to explain to the family of how he felt and why the event happened as it did, the family didn't feel the same way. Especially the boy, he sat there and didn't say a word to the Captain.
After the visit, Captain Gault admitted to his wife, saying that he thinks she is right. He tried his best in making peace and he tried to seek for forgiveness. By failing the attempt, he thought about what his wife, Heoise said, which was to move before any revenge is taken on them. That is when Lucy Gault, their daughter over heard them talking about moving out of Lahardane. Lucy grew up in Lahardane so she can't picture living anywhere else. Her parents explained to her how sometimes things needed to happen due to another event. In the beginning of the book, she loved her parents and would listen and do as they told. After hearing about the chance of moving, she starts to blame her parents. She ran off into the forest and went to the shore where she hurt herself.
QUOTE:
This was when Lucy first heard about the moving, "Listening in the hall, Lucy heard her mama suggest that maybe they should go, that maybe they had no choice"(Trevor 9).
REACTION:
The quote above was when Lucy stood outside her parents room and over heard the conversation about moving away from Lahardane to England. At first Lucy didn't understand what they were talking about but after when she listen to the conversation more, she understood. Lucy felt really upset which is also the point where she started changing physically and mentally. She blamed her parents for the choice of moving out to England, her mom's hometown. Also she injured herself, breaking her leg because she ran off by herself in the forest/shore. This is starting to change Lucy's life as she thought about staying in Lahardane forever until now.
I notice that the author used many figure of speeches and just different ways to express a basic sentence. For example when the author described a man, "Paddy Lindon used to come out of the woods like a wild man, his eye's bloodshot, hair that had never known a comb"(Trevor 10). William Trevor didn't just say, Paddy Lindon's hair was a mess, instead he said that his hair never known a comb.
Also in this book, the quotations for the characters when they speak, the author didn't use "...................................." instead he used '...........................'. Why is that?
The Story of Lucy Gault was written by William Trevor. The story starts out in the middle of the scene where Captain Everard Gault was in a war. He shot a young boy and wounded him and Captain Gault felt guilty. He tried to ask for forgiveness from the boy's family. Father Morrissey suggested him to write a letter to the family and Captain Gault did ask he said. He waited for awhile for a reply but he didn't get a reply. His wife, Heloise feared that the boy's family would want revenge. She knew for sure that there wouldn't be a peaceful result. One day Captain Gault saw the boy and his family when the family offered him tea. At that point, Captain Gault thought he was being forgived but he wasn't. When Captain Gault tried to explain to the family of how he felt and why the event happened as it did, the family didn't feel the same way. Especially the boy, he sat there and didn't say a word to the Captain.
After the visit, Captain Gault admitted to his wife, saying that he thinks she is right. He tried his best in making peace and he tried to seek for forgiveness. By failing the attempt, he thought about what his wife, Heoise said, which was to move before any revenge is taken on them. That is when Lucy Gault, their daughter over heard them talking about moving out of Lahardane. Lucy grew up in Lahardane so she can't picture living anywhere else. Her parents explained to her how sometimes things needed to happen due to another event. In the beginning of the book, she loved her parents and would listen and do as they told. After hearing about the chance of moving, she starts to blame her parents. She ran off into the forest and went to the shore where she hurt herself.
QUOTE:
This was when Lucy first heard about the moving, "Listening in the hall, Lucy heard her mama suggest that maybe they should go, that maybe they had no choice"(Trevor 9).
REACTION:
The quote above was when Lucy stood outside her parents room and over heard the conversation about moving away from Lahardane to England. At first Lucy didn't understand what they were talking about but after when she listen to the conversation more, she understood. Lucy felt really upset which is also the point where she started changing physically and mentally. She blamed her parents for the choice of moving out to England, her mom's hometown. Also she injured herself, breaking her leg because she ran off by herself in the forest/shore. This is starting to change Lucy's life as she thought about staying in Lahardane forever until now.
I notice that the author used many figure of speeches and just different ways to express a basic sentence. For example when the author described a man, "Paddy Lindon used to come out of the woods like a wild man, his eye's bloodshot, hair that had never known a comb"(Trevor 10). William Trevor didn't just say, Paddy Lindon's hair was a mess, instead he said that his hair never known a comb.
Also in this book, the quotations for the characters when they speak, the author didn't use "...................................." instead he used '...........................'. Why is that?
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Drive: The Story of My Life (Pages 215-259)
SUMMARY:
In today's reading of Part III in Drive: The Story of My Life, Larry Bird talked about all the teams he faced and the places he been to because of the games. From Part III, Larry Bird talked about each place and team in a summary. He talked about how he doesn't like staying over night in the hotels of New York for a game because it is way too noisy but he love the audience at Madison Square Garden. He loves Philadelphia's fans and the feeling of rivalry so he didn't mind going there. He didn't like New Jersey because the building of New Jersey had too much open space. Larry Bird liked Washington because he had memories in the Capital Centre. For example: he never lost any games there in his first three or four years as a Celtics. Cleveland was a place he enjoyed because the building was set up really nice and he liked the lighting in Indiana and the fans recognize him because that was his home town. He had good games in Chicago and also bad games but he liked how he can see people like Michael Jordan there. Los Angeles was a place Larry Bird enjoyed going to. As he says, "The Forum is another place I just looove to play in"(Bird 225). There were more places.
After his opinion on the teams and places, he talked about the referees how some are appreciated and some were not. He thinks referees were "important" to the game. If they miss a call first time, they will never miss it again the second time and so on. Larry Bird thinks too much people make triple doubles in a game and he thinks he can make at least 41 triple-doubles in 82 games. Larry Bird praticed his free throws and concentrated on it. That is why he doesn't get why players won't pratice their free throws because it's easier to get an extra 2-points for the team. Then the last part was when he talked about how playoff games were different from regular season. He wasn't as excited and energetic about regular season although he did good in the games he played. Playoffs to him bring an different environment that can make him loose sleep because he thinking about the upcoming game.
Part IV was the conclusion of the book and Larry Bird's story of his life. He sums everything up about the day he became a part of the Celtics and he will play until the end. He injured himself multiple times and he appreciated everything the team and fans did for him. Larry Bird wanted to challenge and compete against the great new players at their time like Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Dominique Wilkinses and much more. When it was time for him to retired, he wants to emulate Bill Russell. He going to retire without any Farewell Tour etc...He just wants to be a part of the Celtics forever and retire as a Celtics and his last words was to say "Thank you".
QUOTE:
As Larry Bird says, "I'll always be a Celtic. If they ever traded me, I'd be shattered. I have no desire to end my career with any other team. At this stage of my career, I'm just thinking about getting healthy again and giving the Celtics some more good years and the getting out"(Bird 257-258).
REACTION:
As I was reading the ending of this book to me Larry Bird is a true Celtics player. He joined the Celtics as a great player and did nothing but do his best at all times. He didn't think about going to another team because the team had a rough year, he didn't go to another team because it was a bigger chance to win a championship. Fore xample, Leone Powe, he was part of the Celtics, when he got injured, he didn't sign back with the Celtis evenwhen they offered him a contract. He thinks he could find a better team than the Celtics. Since day one when Larry Bird became a member of the Boston's team, he knows he's going to end his career as a retired Celtics. I admire hoe he would retire without having a ceremony or a farewell tour, he just wants to step out on the cout and say a one last, thank you. He had great determination and have a stream of fire that can never be put off.
In a way he reminds me of Paul Pierce, Pierce had been in the Celtics since he got drafted. He did nothing but play and defend for the team. He's a great leader, as Larry Bird said in the book about leadership, "Leadership is getting players to believe in you"(Bird 247).
In today's reading of Part III in Drive: The Story of My Life, Larry Bird talked about all the teams he faced and the places he been to because of the games. From Part III, Larry Bird talked about each place and team in a summary. He talked about how he doesn't like staying over night in the hotels of New York for a game because it is way too noisy but he love the audience at Madison Square Garden. He loves Philadelphia's fans and the feeling of rivalry so he didn't mind going there. He didn't like New Jersey because the building of New Jersey had too much open space. Larry Bird liked Washington because he had memories in the Capital Centre. For example: he never lost any games there in his first three or four years as a Celtics. Cleveland was a place he enjoyed because the building was set up really nice and he liked the lighting in Indiana and the fans recognize him because that was his home town. He had good games in Chicago and also bad games but he liked how he can see people like Michael Jordan there. Los Angeles was a place Larry Bird enjoyed going to. As he says, "The Forum is another place I just looove to play in"(Bird 225). There were more places.
After his opinion on the teams and places, he talked about the referees how some are appreciated and some were not. He thinks referees were "important" to the game. If they miss a call first time, they will never miss it again the second time and so on. Larry Bird thinks too much people make triple doubles in a game and he thinks he can make at least 41 triple-doubles in 82 games. Larry Bird praticed his free throws and concentrated on it. That is why he doesn't get why players won't pratice their free throws because it's easier to get an extra 2-points for the team. Then the last part was when he talked about how playoff games were different from regular season. He wasn't as excited and energetic about regular season although he did good in the games he played. Playoffs to him bring an different environment that can make him loose sleep because he thinking about the upcoming game.
Part IV was the conclusion of the book and Larry Bird's story of his life. He sums everything up about the day he became a part of the Celtics and he will play until the end. He injured himself multiple times and he appreciated everything the team and fans did for him. Larry Bird wanted to challenge and compete against the great new players at their time like Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Dominique Wilkinses and much more. When it was time for him to retired, he wants to emulate Bill Russell. He going to retire without any Farewell Tour etc...He just wants to be a part of the Celtics forever and retire as a Celtics and his last words was to say "Thank you".
QUOTE:
As Larry Bird says, "I'll always be a Celtic. If they ever traded me, I'd be shattered. I have no desire to end my career with any other team. At this stage of my career, I'm just thinking about getting healthy again and giving the Celtics some more good years and the getting out"(Bird 257-258).
REACTION:
As I was reading the ending of this book to me Larry Bird is a true Celtics player. He joined the Celtics as a great player and did nothing but do his best at all times. He didn't think about going to another team because the team had a rough year, he didn't go to another team because it was a bigger chance to win a championship. Fore xample, Leone Powe, he was part of the Celtics, when he got injured, he didn't sign back with the Celtis evenwhen they offered him a contract. He thinks he could find a better team than the Celtics. Since day one when Larry Bird became a member of the Boston's team, he knows he's going to end his career as a retired Celtics. I admire hoe he would retire without having a ceremony or a farewell tour, he just wants to step out on the cout and say a one last, thank you. He had great determination and have a stream of fire that can never be put off.
In a way he reminds me of Paul Pierce, Pierce had been in the Celtics since he got drafted. He did nothing but play and defend for the team. He's a great leader, as Larry Bird said in the book about leadership, "Leadership is getting players to believe in you"(Bird 247).
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Drive: The Story of My Life (Pages 179-214)
Summary:
In today's reading of Drive by Larry Bird, he talked about the struggles he faces during the seasons. He had been injured so much, which included his back, arms,legs, and heels. During one game against Phoenix, Blair Rasmussen accidentally broke Larry Bird's nose. Two weeks after that incident, the Celtics was playing against Cleveland Cavaliers, when Dell Curry elbowed Larry Bird in the eye. It was directly at his socket and he couldn't see. He tried wearing the protection goggles so he can play the rest of the games. By wearing the glasses, Larry Bird's view is different without the goggles, he didn't get used to them but he did make couple of good shots.
With all the difficulties the Celtics encountered, either players getting injured or the coach, K.C. announced he is retiring, it just made the Celtics have an extra incentive. Larry Bird thinks that the coach should have gotten "Coach of the Year", but he didn't so the whole team wants to win the championship for K.C. before he retires. The team failed to accomplish their goal which was a dissapointment but the coach didn't blame them. After all the struggles, Larry Bird had good games and bad games. He regrets the season 1988-89, because he didn't play much games due to his injuries. He said he didn't even consider that a season for himself.
(Part 3 of the story: Observations) Larry Bird considered himself a team player, which he is, but when he's going on a one on one, he gets really competitive. There was a three-point contest which Bird claimed he was the "Three-Point King." Larry Bird love to be part of the Celtics more than anything else.
Red Auerbach, to Larry Bird was an "one of a kind" because Auerbach is a straight forward person. He thinks he great at everything and he prove that he is great at everything. He doesn't like people giving excuses on why they can't play or why they didn't play well in a game. Red had a hard attitude but at the same time it makes the other players play harder and better. Even though Red stopped playing and retired, Larry Bird will always remember him.
Walter Randall a.k.a Randy, was in his seventies but he is the equipment manager and had been around since 1928 when the Garden first opened. He always accuse players of stealing equipments, so once Larry Bird and the other took socks and put it in RICK's bag and told Randy he stole socks. Randy was yelling at Rick but after they found it as a joke. Randy reminds Larry Bird of his farther because he doesn't give up and fight until the end. Randy had cancer and he fought it for years and kept the Celtics running, but he past away after a couple years later.
Quote:
As Larry Bird says, "As an acrobat, Dominique is even more interesting in many ways than Michael Jordan. While Michael takes the ball straight to the basket, Dominique loves to spin"(Bird 183).
Reaction:
The quote above shows how different players have different style of playing basketball. Michael Jordan takes it straight up to the basket which is fast and simple. Not that I'm saying he's not a good player but a lot of people only know about Michael Jorden when there are a lot of other people out there that have their own unique style. Like Dominique, he love to do 360s when he makes a shot. Michael Jordan is a legend but he isn't the only one that is amazing, Larry Bird is also amazing, he nearly took the whole game on his own shoulder. He shoots perfect scores but he's just humble. http://trickysports.files.wordpress.com/2009/09/michael-jordan-by-slashfilmdotcom.jpg
Right now, as I'm typing this blog, I'm watching the Boston Celtics @ Cleveland Cavaliers, Paul Pierce is my favorite player. He isn't one of those loud players like Lebron James that shows of every move he can. Pierce is humble just like Larry Bird. He have a successful career, and he is breaking records. Just because he doesn't show it doesn't mean we can forget them and just remember the famous ones. All players have their individual personality and the different way they play their game.
In today's reading of Drive by Larry Bird, he talked about the struggles he faces during the seasons. He had been injured so much, which included his back, arms,legs, and heels. During one game against Phoenix, Blair Rasmussen accidentally broke Larry Bird's nose. Two weeks after that incident, the Celtics was playing against Cleveland Cavaliers, when Dell Curry elbowed Larry Bird in the eye. It was directly at his socket and he couldn't see. He tried wearing the protection goggles so he can play the rest of the games. By wearing the glasses, Larry Bird's view is different without the goggles, he didn't get used to them but he did make couple of good shots.
With all the difficulties the Celtics encountered, either players getting injured or the coach, K.C. announced he is retiring, it just made the Celtics have an extra incentive. Larry Bird thinks that the coach should have gotten "Coach of the Year", but he didn't so the whole team wants to win the championship for K.C. before he retires. The team failed to accomplish their goal which was a dissapointment but the coach didn't blame them. After all the struggles, Larry Bird had good games and bad games. He regrets the season 1988-89, because he didn't play much games due to his injuries. He said he didn't even consider that a season for himself.
(Part 3 of the story: Observations) Larry Bird considered himself a team player, which he is, but when he's going on a one on one, he gets really competitive. There was a three-point contest which Bird claimed he was the "Three-Point King." Larry Bird love to be part of the Celtics more than anything else.
Red Auerbach, to Larry Bird was an "one of a kind" because Auerbach is a straight forward person. He thinks he great at everything and he prove that he is great at everything. He doesn't like people giving excuses on why they can't play or why they didn't play well in a game. Red had a hard attitude but at the same time it makes the other players play harder and better. Even though Red stopped playing and retired, Larry Bird will always remember him.
Walter Randall a.k.a Randy, was in his seventies but he is the equipment manager and had been around since 1928 when the Garden first opened. He always accuse players of stealing equipments, so once Larry Bird and the other took socks and put it in RICK's bag and told Randy he stole socks. Randy was yelling at Rick but after they found it as a joke. Randy reminds Larry Bird of his farther because he doesn't give up and fight until the end. Randy had cancer and he fought it for years and kept the Celtics running, but he past away after a couple years later.
Quote:
As Larry Bird says, "As an acrobat, Dominique is even more interesting in many ways than Michael Jordan. While Michael takes the ball straight to the basket, Dominique loves to spin"(Bird 183).
Reaction:
The quote above shows how different players have different style of playing basketball. Michael Jordan takes it straight up to the basket which is fast and simple. Not that I'm saying he's not a good player but a lot of people only know about Michael Jorden when there are a lot of other people out there that have their own unique style. Like Dominique, he love to do 360s when he makes a shot. Michael Jordan is a legend but he isn't the only one that is amazing, Larry Bird is also amazing, he nearly took the whole game on his own shoulder. He shoots perfect scores but he's just humble. http://trickysports.files.wordpress.com/2009/09/michael-jordan-by-slashfilmdotcom.jpg
Right now, as I'm typing this blog, I'm watching the Boston Celtics @ Cleveland Cavaliers, Paul Pierce is my favorite player. He isn't one of those loud players like Lebron James that shows of every move he can. Pierce is humble just like Larry Bird. He have a successful career, and he is breaking records. Just because he doesn't show it doesn't mean we can forget them and just remember the famous ones. All players have their individual personality and the different way they play their game.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Drive: The Story of My Life (Pages 122-178)
Summary:
In the book from pages 122-178, Larry Bird talks about his relationship with the individuals on the Celtics' team. Larry Bird also talked about how he won MVP which he thought he could have done better and didn't deserve it. He won MVP two years in a role and thinking the second time was what he deserved because he played with a sore back and stiffed arm. As time went by, Celtics' management traded players with other teams or for a draft member. Larry Bird noticed how everyone he got closed to were traded.
Players like Cedric Maxwell, a great friend of Larry Bird's, didn't want to play for the Celtics anymore as time went by and he was traded for Bill Walton. Geald Henderson played for the Celtics and Larry Bird was cool with this guy but he was traded for a draft pick to the Sonics. When Gerald went against Celtics, he was not holding back. The Celtics drafted Len Bias as a second pick. Quinn Buckner was on of the great players in the Celtics at that time because he had strong defense, but he end up going back to Indiana. Larry Bird distanced from some players because he notice the peope he got close with or played well with got traded.
The team wasn't like it was before but they had to get over it and get back in shape. The other teams were taking advantage of them when they were weak, they end up losing the 1989 championship to Detroit Pistons. The Celtics team didn't give up, especially Bird, they won couple games but lost to Magics, Cleveland, and Atlanta.
One day Larry Bird recieved a phone call saying Len Bias had died of a heart attack. He thought that was the most dreadful and terrible news someone could tell him over the phone. The whole team was sad in losing a great player like Bias. During the 1987 playoffs, the team pulled themselves together and won 59 games. They went against Detroit and Bill Laimbeer caused trouble and had some drama with Larry Bird and Robert.
Quote:
When Larry Bird reflects back to his actions, "Even under those circumstances, I shouldn't have done that and of course I was kicked out of the game"(Bird 161).
Reaction:
The quote above explain how basketball isn't just a game because players might not get along but it is their job to remain their calm. For instance, when Laimbeer used his legs to hold Bird's shoulders or when he grabbed Larry Bird down, that was too aggresive. Even though it is wrong, Larry Bird shouldn't have threw the ball at him, which caused him to get ejected.
Example: Last season of NBA, the Celtics played against the Magic, Eddie House made a basket and smiled facing the Magic's bench which gave him a technical. Also when a player from the Magic slapped Eddie House on the back of the head because Eddie House made the basket. The refs. may not see every trick a player does but a basketball game can get really heated because people might be jealous of your skills so it's your responsibilty to remain humble. That is why Larry Bird regrets on throwing the ball at Laimbeer because he shouldn't have done that even under those circumstances.
In the book from pages 122-178, Larry Bird talks about his relationship with the individuals on the Celtics' team. Larry Bird also talked about how he won MVP which he thought he could have done better and didn't deserve it. He won MVP two years in a role and thinking the second time was what he deserved because he played with a sore back and stiffed arm. As time went by, Celtics' management traded players with other teams or for a draft member. Larry Bird noticed how everyone he got closed to were traded.
Players like Cedric Maxwell, a great friend of Larry Bird's, didn't want to play for the Celtics anymore as time went by and he was traded for Bill Walton. Geald Henderson played for the Celtics and Larry Bird was cool with this guy but he was traded for a draft pick to the Sonics. When Gerald went against Celtics, he was not holding back. The Celtics drafted Len Bias as a second pick. Quinn Buckner was on of the great players in the Celtics at that time because he had strong defense, but he end up going back to Indiana. Larry Bird distanced from some players because he notice the peope he got close with or played well with got traded.
The team wasn't like it was before but they had to get over it and get back in shape. The other teams were taking advantage of them when they were weak, they end up losing the 1989 championship to Detroit Pistons. The Celtics team didn't give up, especially Bird, they won couple games but lost to Magics, Cleveland, and Atlanta.
One day Larry Bird recieved a phone call saying Len Bias had died of a heart attack. He thought that was the most dreadful and terrible news someone could tell him over the phone. The whole team was sad in losing a great player like Bias. During the 1987 playoffs, the team pulled themselves together and won 59 games. They went against Detroit and Bill Laimbeer caused trouble and had some drama with Larry Bird and Robert.
Quote:
When Larry Bird reflects back to his actions, "Even under those circumstances, I shouldn't have done that and of course I was kicked out of the game"(Bird 161).
Reaction:
The quote above explain how basketball isn't just a game because players might not get along but it is their job to remain their calm. For instance, when Laimbeer used his legs to hold Bird's shoulders or when he grabbed Larry Bird down, that was too aggresive. Even though it is wrong, Larry Bird shouldn't have threw the ball at him, which caused him to get ejected.
Example: Last season of NBA, the Celtics played against the Magic, Eddie House made a basket and smiled facing the Magic's bench which gave him a technical. Also when a player from the Magic slapped Eddie House on the back of the head because Eddie House made the basket. The refs. may not see every trick a player does but a basketball game can get really heated because people might be jealous of your skills so it's your responsibilty to remain humble. That is why Larry Bird regrets on throwing the ball at Laimbeer because he shouldn't have done that even under those circumstances.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Drive: The Story of My Life (Pages 60-122)
SUMMARY:
From pages 60-66, Larry Bird talked about how he played baseball and softball. He seemed to become less interested in baseball when he played for the coach. Larry Bird played softball with his brothers Mike and Mark when Mike threw the ball really hard and shattered Larry Bird's finger. From page 69 (Part II), it is about Larry Bird's career when he was signed by the Celtics to have the best contract ever paid to a rookie at that time.
The rising action is when Larry Bird became a Celtics player, he was being testing by many players like Cedric Maxwell. Maxwell would pick on Larry Bird will his skills but in turned out, Bird was benefiting from this because he get to see the different style of basketball Maxwell played. Larry Bird worked really hard to focus on the game, he wasn't afraid of anyone. He was nominated to play in the All-Star Game, he won All-Star MVP in 1982. The Celtics team played against several teams and Larry Bird won MVP for the season.
Larry Bird met new players throughout the seasons, a person he met and got along with was Mr.Woolf, Bird even bought a house next to him, without knowing himself until Mr. Woolf told him.
Larry Bird started to love Boston, it took him 2-3 years to explore Boston. His wife, Dinah also feel in love with Boston when they expanded out to different parts of Boston. With Larry Bird being a rookie, he had pressure on him because if he doesn't do good, his reputation will be ruined. The team lost the first season he played but won the next 3 season and he personally thought the team would maintain the streak. Unfortunately they didn't and they lost. Larry Bird was upset because he really thought they can win the 4-5 championship in a roll. Because they lost, Larry Bird was determine to do better.
Throughout Larry Bird's career, he met a lot of new people, some became his good friends but he learned one important thing. The one important thing he learned was how to act when he won the championship, but he also had to learn how to react/feel when the team lose.
QUOTE:
As Larry Bird thinks, "When I was originally drafted by the Celtics, I couldn't have cared less about them. I had never been a fan of theirs and I had never followed them in any way"(Bird 63).
REACTION:
At this point of the story, it is the rising action of the book because Larry Bird is talking about his career and how he started to become a well-known basketball player. The quote above shows how ones mind can change in such a short period of time. When Larry Bird was officially playing for the Boston Celtics, he doesn't care about the team and knew nothing about it. When he moved to Boston, he started to get involved and dedicated himself to the team. According to him, all he thought about were practice and basketball for 24hours a day. I think the main point is how Larry Bird got used to winning and he doesn't like the feeling of losing but he had to learn to deal with his emotions about losing a game/season. He was upset every time he lose especially the championship and home games. In order to be a great player, he first have to learn to take the lose and he had to accept it and try to maintain positive about it. When the team failed to win, Larry Bird just gets motivated to do harder to do better. Also in the NBA, teammates could be traded to another team even if you're close to them or work well with them. That was also one of Larry Bird's challenge, he had to work with new people that joins the team, like Dennis Johnson and Danny Ainge. I would also say, the narrator which is Larry Bird, telling the story when he was older. He was talking about his relationship with Dave Cowens, like how they got along and did many things together. He reflected back on how he should have spend more time with Cowens. So far in the book, it is interesting because I'm learning so much more about Larry Bird that I never knew about.
From pages 60-66, Larry Bird talked about how he played baseball and softball. He seemed to become less interested in baseball when he played for the coach. Larry Bird played softball with his brothers Mike and Mark when Mike threw the ball really hard and shattered Larry Bird's finger. From page 69 (Part II), it is about Larry Bird's career when he was signed by the Celtics to have the best contract ever paid to a rookie at that time.
The rising action is when Larry Bird became a Celtics player, he was being testing by many players like Cedric Maxwell. Maxwell would pick on Larry Bird will his skills but in turned out, Bird was benefiting from this because he get to see the different style of basketball Maxwell played. Larry Bird worked really hard to focus on the game, he wasn't afraid of anyone. He was nominated to play in the All-Star Game, he won All-Star MVP in 1982. The Celtics team played against several teams and Larry Bird won MVP for the season.
Larry Bird met new players throughout the seasons, a person he met and got along with was Mr.Woolf, Bird even bought a house next to him, without knowing himself until Mr. Woolf told him.
Larry Bird started to love Boston, it took him 2-3 years to explore Boston. His wife, Dinah also feel in love with Boston when they expanded out to different parts of Boston. With Larry Bird being a rookie, he had pressure on him because if he doesn't do good, his reputation will be ruined. The team lost the first season he played but won the next 3 season and he personally thought the team would maintain the streak. Unfortunately they didn't and they lost. Larry Bird was upset because he really thought they can win the 4-5 championship in a roll. Because they lost, Larry Bird was determine to do better.
Throughout Larry Bird's career, he met a lot of new people, some became his good friends but he learned one important thing. The one important thing he learned was how to act when he won the championship, but he also had to learn how to react/feel when the team lose.
QUOTE:
As Larry Bird thinks, "When I was originally drafted by the Celtics, I couldn't have cared less about them. I had never been a fan of theirs and I had never followed them in any way"(Bird 63).
REACTION:
At this point of the story, it is the rising action of the book because Larry Bird is talking about his career and how he started to become a well-known basketball player. The quote above shows how ones mind can change in such a short period of time. When Larry Bird was officially playing for the Boston Celtics, he doesn't care about the team and knew nothing about it. When he moved to Boston, he started to get involved and dedicated himself to the team. According to him, all he thought about were practice and basketball for 24hours a day. I think the main point is how Larry Bird got used to winning and he doesn't like the feeling of losing but he had to learn to deal with his emotions about losing a game/season. He was upset every time he lose especially the championship and home games. In order to be a great player, he first have to learn to take the lose and he had to accept it and try to maintain positive about it. When the team failed to win, Larry Bird just gets motivated to do harder to do better. Also in the NBA, teammates could be traded to another team even if you're close to them or work well with them. That was also one of Larry Bird's challenge, he had to work with new people that joins the team, like Dennis Johnson and Danny Ainge. I would also say, the narrator which is Larry Bird, telling the story when he was older. He was talking about his relationship with Dave Cowens, like how they got along and did many things together. He reflected back on how he should have spend more time with Cowens. So far in the book, it is interesting because I'm learning so much more about Larry Bird that I never knew about.
Drive: The Story of My Life (Pages 1-59)
SUMMARY:
The exposition of the story, Drive: The Story of My Life by Larry Bird with Bob Ryan, was when Larry Bird introduce his life to the readers. Larry Bird grew up in French Lick, Indiana with his family. He have a mom and dad and three brothers and one sister. The oldest of brother was named Mike and the second oldest brother's name was Mark. Larry Bird also have an older sister named Linda and a younger brother named Eddie. Basketball wasn't Larry Bird's favorite sport while he grew up. He was more into baseball and some what football, too. One day when he played with a couple of kids, he found out he got the skills to play. He played basketball through out school ever since that day. Larry Bird's family wasn't wealthy, they had only a little but they made the best out of what they got. At this point, the rising action is when Larry Bird was drafted by the Pacers but he didn't know much about it so it end up Pacers trading the picks. After all the trading, Larry Bird ended up with the Celtics. At that point, Larry Bird didn't pay much attention to the Celtics but he became a member of this team.
http://thenation.indysportsnation.com/_Larry-Bird-Talks-About-the-Pacers/video/618746/105623.html
QUOTE:
As Larry Bird says, "Later on, I wanted to resume playing baseball. I wanted to play baseball as a junior and senior, but I never did. By that time I had fallen in love with basketball and when spring came I just couldn't get myself to play baseball. I had to play basketball"(Bird 21).
REACTIONS:
From pages 1-59 of this book, I learned so much about Larry Bird that I would never expected. In the exposition, he explained how his family didn't have everything and his mom and dad worked several jobs to support the family. During the period of time when he grew up, it was hard for his parents to agree on their financial problems, which caused them to divorce. I wouldn't have thought he went through the tough times like that because I always thought he paid to join basketball programs to increase his skills. He actually gain his skills by himself and practicing every moment he could. The quote that I chose made me realize how he didn't play basketball for the fame and for the money. He actually loves basketball because in the quote he said he "had" to play basketball. On page 31, Larry Bird said he isn't into college basketball games, I can relate to that because like him, I know nothing about it and I find it boring.
The exposition of the story, Drive: The Story of My Life by Larry Bird with Bob Ryan, was when Larry Bird introduce his life to the readers. Larry Bird grew up in French Lick, Indiana with his family. He have a mom and dad and three brothers and one sister. The oldest of brother was named Mike and the second oldest brother's name was Mark. Larry Bird also have an older sister named Linda and a younger brother named Eddie. Basketball wasn't Larry Bird's favorite sport while he grew up. He was more into baseball and some what football, too. One day when he played with a couple of kids, he found out he got the skills to play. He played basketball through out school ever since that day. Larry Bird's family wasn't wealthy, they had only a little but they made the best out of what they got. At this point, the rising action is when Larry Bird was drafted by the Pacers but he didn't know much about it so it end up Pacers trading the picks. After all the trading, Larry Bird ended up with the Celtics. At that point, Larry Bird didn't pay much attention to the Celtics but he became a member of this team.
http://thenation.indysportsnation.com/_Larry-Bird-Talks-About-the-Pacers/video/618746/105623.html
QUOTE:
As Larry Bird says, "Later on, I wanted to resume playing baseball. I wanted to play baseball as a junior and senior, but I never did. By that time I had fallen in love with basketball and when spring came I just couldn't get myself to play baseball. I had to play basketball"(Bird 21).
REACTIONS:
From pages 1-59 of this book, I learned so much about Larry Bird that I would never expected. In the exposition, he explained how his family didn't have everything and his mom and dad worked several jobs to support the family. During the period of time when he grew up, it was hard for his parents to agree on their financial problems, which caused them to divorce. I wouldn't have thought he went through the tough times like that because I always thought he paid to join basketball programs to increase his skills. He actually gain his skills by himself and practicing every moment he could. The quote that I chose made me realize how he didn't play basketball for the fame and for the money. He actually loves basketball because in the quote he said he "had" to play basketball. On page 31, Larry Bird said he isn't into college basketball games, I can relate to that because like him, I know nothing about it and I find it boring.
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