Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Post Six/Seis
This week, Douglas Adams’ work of literature has astonished me yet again. As I read more of The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, I began to think this whole novel was one big satire. Not only did Adams stretch the universal laws of physics, but he does it in a very humorous way throughout the book. This could be the reason why his science fiction work is so funny. The story being so comical could also be a cover up for the annihilation of planet Earth that occurs and most people believe that could happen. The author basically stretches the truth for most of the book but which scientific fiction writer doesn’t? Getting back to the story, Arthur meets an old man named Slartibartfast who is able to explain the beginning of Earth. Slartibartfast also goes on to say that the second most intelligent animals, dolphins, were able to escape the destruction of Earth. Of course, Adams demonstrates how mice were actually the most intelligent animals on our insignificant planet. A good description of why Earth was destroyed is found in the context of the book; “it was destroyed five minutes before the completion of the purpose for which it was built.” This vague description generally summarizes the way Adams explains most of the mysteries of his book. However, Slartibartfast explains to Arthur how the Earth began. It involves a machine building another machine in order to figure out the answer to the universe. Arthur, being an Earthman, doesn’t quite understand this so the old man plugs a Sens-O-Tape into him. Chapter 27 ends leaving the reader wondering and wanting to read more. I’ve also noticed that this “cliffhanger” concept occurs many times in the book.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Post Five/Cinco
For my outside reading post this week, I read about five more chapters in The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. While reading the chapters, I was wondering why Adams included so many absurd events into his novel, which leave the reader slightly confused. For instance, the chapters I read were a series of random incidents put together. The first two chapters describe missiles attacking the main characters' ship while the third chapter has a much less radical environment to it as the surviving and untouched space ship lands on the planet of Magrathea. Chapter 21 is even less radical as Arthur Dent does nothing more than read an galactic encyclopedia. Although there could be a fairly logical explanation to all of this, I find it to be somewhat out of order. On the other hand, Adams might just have done this to reveal an even greater theme in the book; he could be imitating the bizarre galaxy through his writing. Thus, you could possibly list the author's 'absurd' chapters as a theme of the book. Arthur Dent is also left with a paranoid robot to guard the ship while everyone else goes further in the ancient planet. The annoyed robot turns itself off and Arthur is left more alone than ever before. The other characters' decision of leaving the human to clumsily guard a ship demonstrates Arthur's insignificance in the colossal world around him. This attitude towards Arthur has significantly changed from the beginning of the novel, where he is the only human to be saved from planet Earth. Could this change of mind towards him lead to anything? I'll just have to see.
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Annotated Bibliography
Should genetic engineering in animals be accepted in society for its medical purposes or banned due to its morality issues?
Kaplan, Karen. "Stem Cell Method Finds Cure". Los Angeles Times 7 Dec 2007: n.p. SIRS Researcher. SIRS Knowledge Source. 9 Dec 2008..
Karen Kaplan is a science writer for the Los Angeles Times, a daily newspaper distributed throughout western United States. Her article talks about how scientists have cured sickle cell anemia in rats by creating “healthy, genetically matched” tissue through its cells. She also writes about how scientists successfully cloned healthier mice that had no signs of the diseases their genetic twins had. Kaplan argues how sickle cell anemia is only the first of many diseases that could be treated through the cloning of stem cells. She also states that scientists hope to “create cardiac cells...or nerve cells” to treat human injuries. However, for this regenerative medicine to be tested on humans, “several rounds of animal experiments would need to be done”. Although engineering stem cells can find cures, it will take some time for such cures to become a reality to the world of medicine. This article will demonstrate that in order for genetic engineering to become a treatment for diseases in the world of medicine, it must be tested on animals. Thus, society would benefit through all the new cures that would be available.
Velasquez-Manoff, Moises. "A New Step Toward Synthetic Life.” Christian Science Monitor 29 Jun 2007: n.p. SIRS Researcher. SIRS Knowledge Source. 9 Dec 2008..
Moises Velasquez-Manoff is a journalist at the Christian Science Monitor, an independent daily newspaper about the current events internationally and in the United States. In his article, he argues that scientists have “successfully transplanted the entire genome of one bacterium species into another,” which creates genetic replicas. Manoff also states that “nature already offers plenty of starting points” to boot up a cell system from organisms. He shows how bacteria can freely swap genes as shown in the first cloned sheep, Dolly, which would allow scientists to put a nucleus from one cell into another to grow a viable animal. This process would further ensure that genetic engineering could be used to grow a replicated healthier animal. Finally, Manoff claims that intervening with nature could raise ethical and safety issues. This article gives me information about genetic engineering and how it would benefit society if it was accepted.
Lovins, Amory. “New Technology a Graduation Test for the Species.” Global Viewpoint 8 Aug 2000: n.p. SIRS Researcher. SIRS Knowledge Source. 9 Dec 2008..
Amory Lovins, a recovering physicist, is the co-founder and CEO of Rocky Mountain Institute and his improvements have been recognized by a MacArthur fellowship and he has received many “Alternative Noble” prizes. In his article in the Global Viewpoint, Lovins claims that “our species has developed at least three technologies that pose a danger to its own future”. In his opinion, one of these three “technologies” is genetic engineering. He states that we are speeding up evolution by about a billion times through biotechnology. Although our society could improve from the medical benefits of genetic engineering, Lovins argues that simple “mistakes can quickly escape and multiply”. Lovins also argues that we are changing the goal of evolution and turning it into something dire. His stance illustrates that genetic engineering is immoral which opposes the other sources’ arguments.
Batra, Karen. "Genetic Engineering Promises to Improve Medicine, Food and the Environment." BIO 18 Sep 2008. 9 Dec 2008..
Karen Batra is a writer for BIO which represents over 1,200 biotechnology institutions, organizations, and centers across the United States as well as thirty other nations. Her article contains information on the multiple benefits of animal genetic engineering. She argues that after many years, “technologies have the proven ability to provide solutions for public health through biomedical application.” Genetic engineering is advancing human health since animals could have “pharmaceutical proteins and replacement tissues” which could cure many diseases including cancer. Batra also argues that genetically modified animals would meet the global demand for more efficient sources of food. She claims that animals could “contribute to improving the environment by consuming fewer resources and producing less waste” as well as enhancing their “disease resistance traits.” Her arguments demonstrate the capabilities of the future of genetic engineering and how it would improve our liver and make them healthier.
Pollack, Andrew. “Initial Benefit from Genetic Engineering Likely to be Medicine.” The New York Times 30 Jul 2007. 9 Dec 2008..
Andrew Pollack is a journalist who has covered the business and science of biotechnology articles for The New York Times since 2000. In this article, he talks about how a herd of goats have been genetically engineered to “to produce a therapeutic human protein called antithrombin in their milk” which keeps blood from clogging. Pollack also asserts that other companies are working on using transgenic animals for medicine. More and more transgenic animals are being produced to help cure diseases but most of the companies are experiencing “financial or technological” setbacks. The author argues that genetic engineering animals would also be regulated like drugs, with guidelines that “cover at least the creation and testing of the drug-bearing creatures.” The genetic engineering technology could still become a medical reality; creating a healthier society.
Bowman, Chris. “Research Alter Goats with Human Genes.” Sacramento Bee 3 May 2008: n.p. SIRS Researcher. SIRS Knowledge Source. 9 Dec 2008. < http://www.sirs.com>.
Chris Bowman writes articles frequently for the Sacramento Bee. This article is the most recent article and it talks about how scientists have tried to genetically engineer a goat with human genes. As a result, transgenic goats provide “lysozyme” which destroys bacteria that claims “more than 2 million impoverished young lives.” Bowman also argues that this genetically engineered milk is one of the first food products designed to improve health. He also insists that this altered goat milk needs several more studies to assure food safety regulations. However, recent studies show that this new milk “would provide comparable protection for children.” Finally, Bowman claims that more experiments are not only trying to prevent illnesses, but treat them as well. This article’s facts illustrate the use of animals to further improve medicine, which could greatly increase the health rate among many of the poorer regions across the world.
Kaplan, Karen. "Stem Cell Method Finds Cure". Los Angeles Times 7 Dec 2007: n.p. SIRS Researcher. SIRS Knowledge Source. 9 Dec 2008.
Karen Kaplan is a science writer for the Los Angeles Times, a daily newspaper distributed throughout western United States. Her article talks about how scientists have cured sickle cell anemia in rats by creating “healthy, genetically matched” tissue through its cells. She also writes about how scientists successfully cloned healthier mice that had no signs of the diseases their genetic twins had. Kaplan argues how sickle cell anemia is only the first of many diseases that could be treated through the cloning of stem cells. She also states that scientists hope to “create cardiac cells...or nerve cells” to treat human injuries. However, for this regenerative medicine to be tested on humans, “several rounds of animal experiments would need to be done”. Although engineering stem cells can find cures, it will take some time for such cures to become a reality to the world of medicine. This article will demonstrate that in order for genetic engineering to become a treatment for diseases in the world of medicine, it must be tested on animals. Thus, society would benefit through all the new cures that would be available.
Velasquez-Manoff, Moises. "A New Step Toward Synthetic Life.” Christian Science Monitor 29 Jun 2007: n.p. SIRS Researcher. SIRS Knowledge Source. 9 Dec 2008.
Moises Velasquez-Manoff is a journalist at the Christian Science Monitor, an independent daily newspaper about the current events internationally and in the United States. In his article, he argues that scientists have “successfully transplanted the entire genome of one bacterium species into another,” which creates genetic replicas. Manoff also states that “nature already offers plenty of starting points” to boot up a cell system from organisms. He shows how bacteria can freely swap genes as shown in the first cloned sheep, Dolly, which would allow scientists to put a nucleus from one cell into another to grow a viable animal. This process would further ensure that genetic engineering could be used to grow a replicated healthier animal. Finally, Manoff claims that intervening with nature could raise ethical and safety issues. This article gives me information about genetic engineering and how it would benefit society if it was accepted.
Lovins, Amory. “New Technology a Graduation Test for the Species.” Global Viewpoint 8 Aug 2000: n.p. SIRS Researcher. SIRS Knowledge Source. 9 Dec 2008.
Amory Lovins, a recovering physicist, is the co-founder and CEO of Rocky Mountain Institute and his improvements have been recognized by a MacArthur fellowship and he has received many “Alternative Noble” prizes. In his article in the Global Viewpoint, Lovins claims that “our species has developed at least three technologies that pose a danger to its own future”. In his opinion, one of these three “technologies” is genetic engineering. He states that we are speeding up evolution by about a billion times through biotechnology. Although our society could improve from the medical benefits of genetic engineering, Lovins argues that simple “mistakes can quickly escape and multiply”. Lovins also argues that we are changing the goal of evolution and turning it into something dire. His stance illustrates that genetic engineering is immoral which opposes the other sources’ arguments.
Batra, Karen. "Genetic Engineering Promises to Improve Medicine, Food and the Environment." BIO 18 Sep 2008. 9 Dec 2008.
Karen Batra is a writer for BIO which represents over 1,200 biotechnology institutions, organizations, and centers across the United States as well as thirty other nations. Her article contains information on the multiple benefits of animal genetic engineering. She argues that after many years, “technologies have the proven ability to provide solutions for public health through biomedical application.” Genetic engineering is advancing human health since animals could have “pharmaceutical proteins and replacement tissues” which could cure many diseases including cancer. Batra also argues that genetically modified animals would meet the global demand for more efficient sources of food. She claims that animals could “contribute to improving the environment by consuming fewer resources and producing less waste” as well as enhancing their “disease resistance traits.” Her arguments demonstrate the capabilities of the future of genetic engineering and how it would improve our liver and make them healthier.
Pollack, Andrew. “Initial Benefit from Genetic Engineering Likely to be Medicine.” The New York Times 30 Jul 2007. 9 Dec 2008.
Andrew Pollack is a journalist who has covered the business and science of biotechnology articles for The New York Times since 2000. In this article, he talks about how a herd of goats have been genetically engineered to “to produce a therapeutic human protein called antithrombin in their milk” which keeps blood from clogging. Pollack also asserts that other companies are working on using transgenic animals for medicine. More and more transgenic animals are being produced to help cure diseases but most of the companies are experiencing “financial or technological” setbacks. The author argues that genetic engineering animals would also be regulated like drugs, with guidelines that “cover at least the creation and testing of the drug-bearing creatures.” The genetic engineering technology could still become a medical reality; creating a healthier society.
Bowman, Chris. “Research Alter Goats with Human Genes.” Sacramento Bee 3 May 2008: n.p. SIRS Researcher. SIRS Knowledge Source. 9 Dec 2008. < http://www.sirs.com>.
Chris Bowman writes articles frequently for the Sacramento Bee. This article is the most recent article and it talks about how scientists have tried to genetically engineer a goat with human genes. As a result, transgenic goats provide “lysozyme” which destroys bacteria that claims “more than 2 million impoverished young lives.” Bowman also argues that this genetically engineered milk is one of the first food products designed to improve health. He also insists that this altered goat milk needs several more studies to assure food safety regulations. However, recent studies show that this new milk “would provide comparable protection for children.” Finally, Bowman claims that more experiments are not only trying to prevent illnesses, but treat them as well. This article’s facts illustrate the use of animals to further improve medicine, which could greatly increase the health rate among many of the poorer regions across the world.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Post Four/Cuatro
For this week, I've read some more of my outside reading book, The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. I was only able to read about four chapters due to an excess amount of homework, but those chapters were full of information. First of all, the book is actually beginning to make more sense. The reader is given a clearer view of the plot. Story narration is also introduced which helps relieve the suspense created through the events of the book. The two new characters, Trillian and Zaphod are nicely introduced in the story as well. It is mere coincidence that these galactic bandits are connected to Ford Perfect and Arthur Dent in some way. Zaphod is Ford's "semi-cousin" and Trillian and Arthur have met each on Earth before. The most important event of these chapters, however, is the character's discovery of the legendary and ancient planet of Magrathea. This unbelievably improbable planet is the focus on all of their minds, and could possibly cause conflicts for them in the future. The characters impulsive actions seem to lead them into danger and the reader can only hope what happens next won't be too devastating. I also predict that the story is steadily rising to its climax and that I have yet to read about most of Arthur Dent's incredible journey. It all seems as if the story is slowly building momentum for some unknown event, which leaves me excited and full of anticipation for the next chapters.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Post Three/Tres
Over the few days we had off, I was able to read more of The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. Interestingly enough, the seven chapters that I read were very comical and confusing but I was able to relate to them through my own life. For example, the author refers to a "Babel fish" which is an actual fish used to translate any language in the entire galaxy to whichever language one would choose. However, I know of a translation website called Babel fish which uses the same concept. Poetry is also mentioned in the novel when a Vogon captain recites it to his prisoners. It goes something like this:
"Oh freddled gruntbuggly thy micturations are to me - As plurdled gabbeblotchits on a lurgid bee. Groop I implore thee, my foonting turlingdromes. And hooptiously drangle me with crinkly brindlewurdles. Or I will rend thee in the gobberwarts with my blurglecruncheon, see if I don't!"
This awful display of poetry shows how good our poetry is compared to theirs. And it all relates back to my poetry units over the past years. I also noticed that the book refers to an actual encyclopedia called The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy which is very helpful to the main character, Arthur Dent, and confusing for the reader. The pages I read also take the reader from the unfortunate destruction of Earth through a series of unpredictable events to a space ship six light years away known for its improbability. Two new characters are introduced as well, Trillian and Zaphod Beeblebrox, who are galactic bandits. Although it is hard to grasp the general environment of most of the book, I find most of the events exciting and I am left wanting to read more.
"Oh freddled gruntbuggly thy micturations are to me - As plurdled gabbeblotchits on a lurgid bee. Groop I implore thee, my foonting turlingdromes. And hooptiously drangle me with crinkly brindlewurdles. Or I will rend thee in the gobberwarts with my blurglecruncheon, see if I don't!"
This awful display of poetry shows how good our poetry is compared to theirs. And it all relates back to my poetry units over the past years. I also noticed that the book refers to an actual encyclopedia called The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy which is very helpful to the main character, Arthur Dent, and confusing for the reader. The pages I read also take the reader from the unfortunate destruction of Earth through a series of unpredictable events to a space ship six light years away known for its improbability. Two new characters are introduced as well, Trillian and Zaphod Beeblebrox, who are galactic bandits. Although it is hard to grasp the general environment of most of the book, I find most of the events exciting and I am left wanting to read more.
Monday, November 17, 2008
Post Two/Dos
As for my decision on what book to choose for this quarter's outside reading, I decided on reading The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams. I read from chapter one to chapter six and it was amazing. Adams did an excellent job of incorporating humor and wit into his book so that it stood out from the rest. At first, I didn't think a book could possibly be comical in any way, but the first several pages had me laughing. The author's creative way of putting humor into his story turned an ordinary 'si-fi' story into an extremely funny piece of literature. The theme of adventure in the story has also made it a very enjoyable book to read. The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy begins in a very unique situation that involves several bulldozer's and the main character's (Arthur Dent's) house. The Earth is also about to vaporize due to some alien intervention. However, Arthur Dent is saved just in time by his friend, Ford Perfect, who has been a stranded Betelgeuse alien. This storyline sets of in a very unique manner and continues throughout the book. Although I've only read about six chapters of the book, I can already predict that most of Arthur Dent's galactic adventure will be very exciting and full of out-of-reach concepts and ideas. The storyline to this book seems very mind-boggling, since so much has already happened in the first few chapters, but I am very eager to continue reading. Douglas Adams' work is full of surprises which only make me want to read on.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Post One/Uno
For this quarter's outside reading, two very interesting novels have caught my mind. It's basically a tie between The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams and A Farewell to Arms by Ernest Hemingway. The main reason for choosing both of these books is because they are full of action and suspense. While Adams' novel is one of the most inspirational comedies, Hemingway's novel is an unforgettable love-war story. The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy is also the first book in "the increasingly inaccurately named Hitchhiker's Trilogy" which could keep me reading for awhile. On the other hand, A Farewell to Arms is one of Hemingway's greatest pieces of literature. As for my decision, I will tell you on next week's post. I'm look forward to beginning one of these novels which I predict will be an excellent and interesting choice for my outside reading.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
post 7
For this week, I've continued reading Parsifal's Page...Again. This time, however, I have read a reasonable chunk of the book. I had some time on my hands this weekend so I read chapters six, seven, and eight. I won't go too in depth for these chapters considering they're pretty lengthy.
Chapter six begins with Piers in a state of complete misery, having lost his dearest friend. It's not long until the boy meets up with Sr. Gawain (a famous knight from all the other books) who recalls meeting Parsifal at one point. Sir Gawain also has a squire named Terence (also important from the other books) who is known to always be with Sir Gawain. This very famous partnership of knight and squire decide to let Piers come along on to find Parsifal. In the beginning of chapter seven, the three ride off towards Wales where they hear Parsifal was winning battles of all sorts. They clumsily ride into a castle where Sir Gawain is declared to be a murderer. A battle quickly begins and is soon ceased. Unimpressed, Sir Gawain, Terence, and Piers leave the castle and journey on into the forests. In chapter eight, Terence temporarily goes away leaving Piers and the great knight alone to journey on. They soon come upon an unexpected castle where everything very odd and blurry. In the main tower of the castle, Sir Gawain and Piers find themselves trapped. They successfully battle a "magical bed", shooting walls, and a colossal lion. Finally, after these events, two ladies come out of nowhere and aid them.
In my opinion, I find the change between chapter six and chapter eight very radical. The story goes from being depressive to being one full of action and excitement. I was also surprised how everything in these chapters happened so fast. Piers had just met Sir Gawain, and now he was struggling to stay alive through the many tests they must face. One last thing that I noticed is that the character Parsifal was completely replaced by Sir Gawain in the story. This sudden turn of events really has me thinking. Will Parsifal turn out to be bad after a matter of time? Or will Sir Gawain and Piers survive their brutal injuries? This book once again leaves me in a cliffhanger.
Chapter six begins with Piers in a state of complete misery, having lost his dearest friend. It's not long until the boy meets up with Sr. Gawain (a famous knight from all the other books) who recalls meeting Parsifal at one point. Sir Gawain also has a squire named Terence (also important from the other books) who is known to always be with Sir Gawain. This very famous partnership of knight and squire decide to let Piers come along on to find Parsifal. In the beginning of chapter seven, the three ride off towards Wales where they hear Parsifal was winning battles of all sorts. They clumsily ride into a castle where Sir Gawain is declared to be a murderer. A battle quickly begins and is soon ceased. Unimpressed, Sir Gawain, Terence, and Piers leave the castle and journey on into the forests. In chapter eight, Terence temporarily goes away leaving Piers and the great knight alone to journey on. They soon come upon an unexpected castle where everything very odd and blurry. In the main tower of the castle, Sir Gawain and Piers find themselves trapped. They successfully battle a "magical bed", shooting walls, and a colossal lion. Finally, after these events, two ladies come out of nowhere and aid them.
In my opinion, I find the change between chapter six and chapter eight very radical. The story goes from being depressive to being one full of action and excitement. I was also surprised how everything in these chapters happened so fast. Piers had just met Sir Gawain, and now he was struggling to stay alive through the many tests they must face. One last thing that I noticed is that the character Parsifal was completely replaced by Sir Gawain in the story. This sudden turn of events really has me thinking. Will Parsifal turn out to be bad after a matter of time? Or will Sir Gawain and Piers survive their brutal injuries? This book once again leaves me in a cliffhanger.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Post Six
So for this week, I’ve continued reading Parsifal’s Page by Gerald Morris. Unfortunately, I have only managed to read one chapter this week considering I’m busy. This chapter was about 30 pages.
Chapter five starts out with Piers being completely dissatisfied. His dream of being the page to a great knight had all backfired once his master Parsifal saved and married Queen Connie. But fortunately for him, Parsifal decides to leave the castle to do more great deeds. In the scene of their departure, Piers comes up to the queen and mutters, “Forgive me, your highness, but it is a noble thing that you do. He could not love you, queen, so much, loved he not honor more.” I thought this was a really good quote representing Piers’ struggle to fit in and be ‘knightly’. Although it doesn’t make much sense (as pointed out by Parsifal), it demonstrates the work he must put in to try to impress everyone. I like to even consider how much time he must have put in to memorize such a line. Anyways, back to the story. Parsifal and Piers journey on to the Other World, home to fairies. They follow a river and find two men who point them in the direction of a castle. Although the book was getting a little cheesy, there was an urge in me to find out what was going to happen next. In the castle, Morris gives a description of the fairies, “They seemed to be dressed entirely in flowers, and flower petals flew from their fingertips as they danced.” Now that is the stereo typical fairy, all flowers. Going back to the book, the two friends are welcomed to the castle with much gratitude and then they attend a feast. Some mysterious sights occur and before they know it they wake up the next morning. The castle, which was completely full the day before, was now completely empty. Parsifal decides to go outside the castle walls and once the two do so, the castle disappears. Enraged Parsifal gallops. This leaves Piers with nothing, except a route back to King Arthur. This ending was a complete surprise to me, not only did the fairy castle make no sense whatsoever, but the two greatest partners and friends drifted apart as well. This cliffhanger really makes me want to read more. And what is going to happen to the poor boy, Piers? I’m just going to have to find out next week.
Chapter five starts out with Piers being completely dissatisfied. His dream of being the page to a great knight had all backfired once his master Parsifal saved and married Queen Connie. But fortunately for him, Parsifal decides to leave the castle to do more great deeds. In the scene of their departure, Piers comes up to the queen and mutters, “Forgive me, your highness, but it is a noble thing that you do. He could not love you, queen, so much, loved he not honor more.” I thought this was a really good quote representing Piers’ struggle to fit in and be ‘knightly’. Although it doesn’t make much sense (as pointed out by Parsifal), it demonstrates the work he must put in to try to impress everyone. I like to even consider how much time he must have put in to memorize such a line. Anyways, back to the story. Parsifal and Piers journey on to the Other World, home to fairies. They follow a river and find two men who point them in the direction of a castle. Although the book was getting a little cheesy, there was an urge in me to find out what was going to happen next. In the castle, Morris gives a description of the fairies, “They seemed to be dressed entirely in flowers, and flower petals flew from their fingertips as they danced.” Now that is the stereo typical fairy, all flowers. Going back to the book, the two friends are welcomed to the castle with much gratitude and then they attend a feast. Some mysterious sights occur and before they know it they wake up the next morning. The castle, which was completely full the day before, was now completely empty. Parsifal decides to go outside the castle walls and once the two do so, the castle disappears. Enraged Parsifal gallops. This leaves Piers with nothing, except a route back to King Arthur. This ending was a complete surprise to me, not only did the fairy castle make no sense whatsoever, but the two greatest partners and friends drifted apart as well. This cliffhanger really makes me want to read more. And what is going to happen to the poor boy, Piers? I’m just going to have to find out next week.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Post 5!
For this week, I continued reading the novel, Parsifal's Page. I read chapters three and four which covered a little more than 30 pages. These chapters give us a better understanding of the main characters, Parsifal and Piers, as well as illustrate some of the conflicts found in the novel.
Chapter three begins with Parsifal and Piers, who are journeying to do great deeds. They quickly run into a young knight who challenges Parsifal in jousting. Pier's master unfortunately losses to the young knight who claims to be the worst jouster in the county. This makes Parsifal eager to learn in the ways of the sword and lance. They also run into a woodcutter who is skilled with weapons. This unique man by the name of Jean shows Parsifal how to skillfully fight. After three long months, Parsifal is finally leaving the hospitality and training he received from the peasant. However, not long before this, Piers encounters a fairy who whispers a riddle to him. When the two finally leave, they adventure on to find a castle. This is where chapter four begins. At this castle, they meet Queen Connie and her starving people. The cause of all this is King Clamide, who has apparently been laying siege to the castle for quite some time to get the queen's hand in marriage. Parsifal, eager to do great deeds, openly confronts the enemy army. There he defeats several knights and turns this cavalry back which saves the castle. His first great deed.
These two chapters show how enthusiastic Parsifal is to accomplish great deeds. He acts as if that is his only purpose in life. They also show how Piers and Parsifal are slowly becoming better friends. There was also foreshadowing in chapter three when the fairy talks to Piers, which shows how they will probably follow a river or something which could mean that something big will occur.
Chapter three begins with Parsifal and Piers, who are journeying to do great deeds. They quickly run into a young knight who challenges Parsifal in jousting. Pier's master unfortunately losses to the young knight who claims to be the worst jouster in the county. This makes Parsifal eager to learn in the ways of the sword and lance. They also run into a woodcutter who is skilled with weapons. This unique man by the name of Jean shows Parsifal how to skillfully fight. After three long months, Parsifal is finally leaving the hospitality and training he received from the peasant. However, not long before this, Piers encounters a fairy who whispers a riddle to him. When the two finally leave, they adventure on to find a castle. This is where chapter four begins. At this castle, they meet Queen Connie and her starving people. The cause of all this is King Clamide, who has apparently been laying siege to the castle for quite some time to get the queen's hand in marriage. Parsifal, eager to do great deeds, openly confronts the enemy army. There he defeats several knights and turns this cavalry back which saves the castle. His first great deed.
These two chapters show how enthusiastic Parsifal is to accomplish great deeds. He acts as if that is his only purpose in life. They also show how Piers and Parsifal are slowly becoming better friends. There was also foreshadowing in chapter three when the fairy talks to Piers, which shows how they will probably follow a river or something which could mean that something big will occur.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Post 4
This week I started reading a novel called Parsifal's Page by Gerald Morris, which is the fourth book in the series of The Squire’s Tales. I really liked reading the other three books last summer so I decided to continue with this book for my outside reading.
I managed to read about 40 pages which covered the first two chapters. The first chapter begins with an eleven year old boy names Piers who is desperate to escape the dirty and dull labor of his father’s blacksmith shop. To his surprise, a knight shows up one day at his father’s shop announcing that he is on a quest. Piers begs to go along as the knight’s page. Amazingly, his stubborn father allows him to. However, Piers’ knight runs into several difficulties and is killed by a peasant named Parsifal. Parsifal on the other hand, is also on a quest to become a knight and do great deeds. With no other choice, Piers goes along as Parsifal’s page. Chapter two is centered on Parsifal’s education. Unlike all the other knights, Parsifal doesn’t behave or act like a knight. The two friends soon encounter Sir Gurnemains and his daughter who offer to show Parsifal the ways of the knight. But Parsifal’s education doesn’t go well and he leaves with Piers ending the second chapter.
These two chapters lay out the storyline and show how this book is filled with many journeys yet to be read. The two main characters also have very radical changes in their lives. A blacksmith’s son turns into a page and a peasant turns into a knight. Thus, I predict that this book will continue to show how even the craziest things can happen.
I managed to read about 40 pages which covered the first two chapters. The first chapter begins with an eleven year old boy names Piers who is desperate to escape the dirty and dull labor of his father’s blacksmith shop. To his surprise, a knight shows up one day at his father’s shop announcing that he is on a quest. Piers begs to go along as the knight’s page. Amazingly, his stubborn father allows him to. However, Piers’ knight runs into several difficulties and is killed by a peasant named Parsifal. Parsifal on the other hand, is also on a quest to become a knight and do great deeds. With no other choice, Piers goes along as Parsifal’s page. Chapter two is centered on Parsifal’s education. Unlike all the other knights, Parsifal doesn’t behave or act like a knight. The two friends soon encounter Sir Gurnemains and his daughter who offer to show Parsifal the ways of the knight. But Parsifal’s education doesn’t go well and he leaves with Piers ending the second chapter.
These two chapters lay out the storyline and show how this book is filled with many journeys yet to be read. The two main characters also have very radical changes in their lives. A blacksmith’s son turns into a page and a peasant turns into a knight. Thus, I predict that this book will continue to show how even the craziest things can happen.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Post #3
"The latest findings from the Martian Arctic offer more hints of a wet past but paint a very arid present, scientists reported Monday." This was the first line of a science article I read from The New York Times. The article talks about NASA’s Mars Lander, Phoenix, which spotted evidence of snow falling on Mars. This gives even more reason for believing in Mars’ wet past. The article also states that, “Instruments analyzing samples of dirt dug up by the Phoenix have now identified signs of clays and calcium carbonate, materials that on Earth form only in the presence of liquid water.” Phoenix has given us enough evidence now to come to the conclusion that Mars has liquid water on it and with water comes life. Thus, we are getting closer and closer to finding out if alien life actually existed on Mars before and if it still exists today. This article made me think about alien life and how it could be so close to us. Nowadays, scientists are always trying to find alien life outside our galaxy, but we should explore and study nearby planets more. If we can get enough Landers on Mars, we would probably find alien life considering the fact that there is ice and snow on the planet. Therefore, Mars is probably the closest ‘alien inhabited’ planet to us. And this means that we should explore and study it more than ever before.
The URL for this article is: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/30/science/space/30marsw.html?_r=1&ref=science&oref=slogin
The URL for this article is: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/30/science/space/30marsw.html?_r=1&ref=science&oref=slogin
Monday, September 29, 2008
Post Two
For my second outside reading, I found an article titled Pirated Arms Freighter Cornered by US Navy in the New York Times. It talks about pirates who hijacked an arms freighter near the Somalia coastline. The article also states that this vessel has “...33 battle tanks and large supply of grenade launchers and ammunition now in the hands of a band of pirates”, which could lead to a catastrophe in the wrong hands. The US Navy was also involved in order to seal off any escape for the hijacked ship. The Kenyan government was also stated to be involved in the transportation of the hijacked cargo. I think this story is very fascinating. Not only does it talk about the long-forgotten pirates, but it brings another possible conflict between African governments as well. I am also impressed that pirates still exist. As I grew up, pirates have always been something very interesting to me but I never thought they could survive in the modern day world. I’m also surprised that these pirates could have a big enough effect to bring the US Navy in. This armed freighter must be really important. The article also stated that, “The pirates holding the ship have said they are not interested in the cargo and will release it and the 20 crew members if they are paid a ransom of $20 million in cash.” Such a demand will probably not be paid, but for some pirates to demand such a ransom from all the other nations is impressing. I also predict that if these pirates succeed, other pirates will be motivated to do the same. Thus, this could be another age of pirates resembling the one in the sixteenth century.
The URL is http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/30/world/africa/30pirate.html?hp
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Post One
"London taxi passengers have left more than 60,000 hand-held devices in the back of black cabs during the past six months, a survey has found." I find this hard to believe. Are taxi passengers really that ignorant? In only one city, this survey suggests that about 10,000 items are left in cabs every month. The survey also says that most of the forgotten devices have very valuable information on them which could become disastrous in the wrong hands. For instance, the survey shows that two discs were lost that contained the entire child benefit records of about 25 million people. Also, a memory stick containing key details on tens of thousands of prisoners was lost in August. Losing such crucial information in cabs just shows how careless people can get. The article also says "Print-outs don't need to be ferried from pillar to post, yet it seems too many people regard sensitive data with the same careless regard they have for their umbrella". I don't think the carelessness of some people will ever be fixed but at least we should try and use the best security for such valuable devices. Something needs to be done.
I found this article on BBC News; the URL is http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/7620569.stm.
I found this article on BBC News; the URL is http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/7620569.stm.
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