House of the Scorpion post #3

1. Ton-Ton seemed like the type of person that wasn't too bright, and stuttered all the time. He also seems to follow any orders given, and just wants to stay out of trouble. But underneath, he is a nice friend that would go out of his way to help someone. He is actually bright, and he just is nervous.
2. The author stretches out the information as best as she can, which is excellent. She writes every little detail, including any obstacles that Matt and company must journey through. Even after Matt found Maria, the author kept on writing about what happens next, and reviewing crucial events in the story.
3. What do you think the importance of El Patron keeping everything he ever owned in his "tomb"? Do you think it was wise to do so?

-Ethan

House of the Scorpion post #2

4-8-08
Chapters 14-26

1. I think Tam Lin is sort of like Hagrid, from the Harry Potter series. I feel that like Hagrid, he tries and keep Matt out of trouble, and is usually very friendly to Matt. Sometimes he can be strict, but he helps Matt all the way. They both write a bit sloppily, which is another thing identical about them. Tam Lin seems to be very high strung, but underneath, he is ready to pounce any time.

2. The author's theme was probaly to believe people and give second chances. Work together with others, and good is ultimately better. Love is better than any treasure, and is not worth leaving, even if hardships must be endured. Be careful where you step, and always cut once and measure twice.

3. Why do you think El Patron educated, fed, and entertained Matt if he was going to use him for transplants anyways?

-Ethan

House of the Scorpion post #1

4-4-08

Chapters 1-13

1. During the story, Matt steals Maria's dog to try to get to talk to her, in order to apologise. I don't think this is a smart move at all, especially with all the evidence he left. Stealing the dog is a bad idea enough, because it would make Maria never want to forgive him anyways. There is almost no doubt that he as already pushed Maria to the point of no return.

2. It upsets me that clones are treated so cruelly. I feel that everything, wether clone or not, should have a fair chance at life. Instead, most of the clones are injected, and shattered to pieces. I feel so bad for the ones that get restrained and get turned into drool-bots.

3. Why do you think everyone treats clones so unkindly?

-Ethan

Website reflection

Name: Ethan

Project Reflection: Post on your Blog

Project Title: ThinkQuest website project
Class: BD Dates: 3-12-08

PURPOSE: In this section, explain what you were supposed to learn and what you were supposed to do.

During this project, we were assigned to a group and created a website relating to moral courage with the group. The website was then uploaded to ThinkQuest, and will be judged based on a ruberic. Throughout the project, we did research, wrote content, made or found images, and constructed a site from bottom up.

WHAT I LEARNED
In this section, tell what information or skills you learned or improved.

In this project, I have learned a variety of skills, such as web design, image construction, flash movies, windows movie maker, and writing content. I most improved on web design because I was the tech supervisor, and built the entire site, along with a few features like flash movies and anchors throughout it. I learned a lot about WMM (windows movie maker), and I'm sure it will help later. I felt that improving on my writing skills is pushing me forward to the point where I will be able to write like a master author.

REFLECTION
In this section, reflect on your experience. Did you like the project? Why or why not? How did you do? What would you do differently next time?

In this project, I felt that I would have done better in another group. I think that if I had joined a group with close friends and a better topic, then I could have improved by a lot. I liked the project a lot because it had to do with web design and technology. Also, we could pick our own topic. The most tedious part, in my opinion, was getting out copyright permissions, because we never knew what we needed, they might say no, and they might take forever to respond.

ARTIFACTS
You should have at least one artifact from each project on your DP. What document, picture, or link will you have for this project?

In this project, I will include my website, which is here. The link may change when the site actually shows on the internet, but the current link is just a preview.

Independent reading post #3

NAME: Ethan Chan DATE: Sunday, March 9, 2008

TITLE: The Innocent Man TIME: 2 Hrs. 25 Seconds

AUTHOR: John Grisham PAGES: 119-192

TOTAL PAGES THIS WEEK: 83

RESPONSE:

So far, the book is still pressing on suspects. Ron Williamson and his friend, Dennis Fritz, are being accused of the rape. When the review says "Legal thriller", they really mean it! I have never studied law, and barely know anything about it. It is quite a confusing book, and I think that only people who know about law and order should read it. The vocabulary used is quite intense, and some of the words I have no idea of their meaning.

I am quite confused because there are so many characters. Also, there are many repeated names. I think the author should use only a couple characters in the story to avoid confusion. In the book, the trial against Ron and Dennis is quite unfair, with very unstable evidence and dream confessions, most from unreliable snitches. I'm only halfway through the book, but it's just getting interesting.