Outside Reading November 30

For this outside reading, I am going to comment on the movie, "Quantum of Solace." This movie is the newest James Bond movie to come out. I saw this movie on Thanksgiving but it didn't really impress me. The movie did have some good action scenes, but that was about it. The plot never fully developed, and the ending was really dumb. I felt like it was more of a Jason Bourne movie than a Bond one. There were no gadgets or anything in the older Bond movies, just a lot of quick scene actions clips. Overall, this movie was decent, but I wouldn't pay to see it again.

Outside Reading November 26

For this outside reading, I am commenting on by the AP called "Giants' Burress shot in right thigh". When Burress was in a popular bar, he shot himself in the leg. He had a permit from Florida but it expired in May of 2008. Also, the permit isn't recognized in New York, the state that he was in at the time. He was fined and also suspended. I think this is a very dumb move on his behalf and he shouldn't have been carrying a gun. He is a major player in the Giants' offense so it will be interesting to see how they play this week.

Outside Reading November 23

For this outside reading, I watched the season premiere of the show 24. It was a two hour event and it was really good. They have not aired for over a year due to complications. I have watched all the other seasons so it was nice to see it again. Basically he is stuck somewhere in Africa and is trying to get some kids out and to safety. It ends with him flying away in a helicopter. It doesn't have that much suspense, but I am very excited to see the next episode on Sunday.

Outside Reading November 19

For this outside reading, I read an article on Comcast.net called "Pacman Reinstated" by Jaime Aron. This article is about a football player getting yet another chance to play in the NFL. Adam "pacman" Jones has violated league rules numerous times, yet Roger Goodell is still letting him play. I think that Jones should be banned from the league. I understand that he is a good football player but his violations are unacceptable and unbecoming.

Outside Reading November 16

For this outside reading, I am going to talk about the a program on community programming about the space shuttle. They have live updates and videos on what is going on at all times. Watching the crew members move about the space shuttle is very interesting. Its weird how they use their surroundings to move about the cabin. When they are standing at the computers, they slide their feet under metal poles to hold themselves still. Their socks have leather padding on the top to keep them from wearing out. They just gave a tour of the space ship and it looks like they have very many different tools and equipment in it. It would be very cool to be in a null gravity environment such as theirs.

Outside Reading November 12

For this outside reading, I read an article on comcast.net called "The 10 best and 10 worst NFL coaches. It was written by Jason Whitlock, a FOX sports journalist. This is a very interesting article. They give you an order of the coaches, and a little description of why he thinks this way. He has listed the best coach at Jim Zorn. Although I didn't agree with this at first, I think that he must be a really good coach as to make Jason Campbell at competitive quarterback. I think that the worst coach should be Brad Childress. I think he is doing nothing for the vikings and he should be fired immediately.

Outside Reading November 9

For this outside reading, I read a book called the Time Machine by HG Wells. I really enjoyed this book. Even though it wasn't very long, it was quite interesting. The whole lead up before he goes forward in time is very interesting. I like the description of the surroundings in the future. They are futuristic but they also resemble some aspects of the past. I don't think this is what the real future is going to be like, but it is definitely an option.

Outside Reading November 5

For this outside reading, I am writing about the presidential election. Yesterday, I watched over 5 hours of CNN's coverage on the election, and it was very interesting. It was very interesting to see the polls come in from around the United States. One thing that really surprised me was that Obama won the state of Florida. It has been known for a republican state for quite a while. I am very happy Obama won. His acceptance speech was amazing and I am really glad that he was chosen because I feel that he will bring change to this nation.

Endorsement Letter

For this year's National Hero of the Year, I endorse the great Telemachus. Other candidates don't compare to the great character of Telemachus. He should win the award because he is very courageous, and his selflessness.
Telemachus shows courage in times of trouble. For example, when the suitors invade his house, he knows that it isn't right. He eventually gains the courage to speak up against them and tell them that they need to leave. While you could argue that Odysseus is also courageous, you must learn that he is also a very self-centered person. When they are escaping from the Cyclops, Odysseus shouts out his name to him, saying that he is responsible for his pain. In fact, Odysseus' troops really did the dirty work. Is this the kind of person you want as a hero.
In conclusion, Telemachus should be nominated for the National Hero of the Year because of his demonstration of courage and selflessness.

Thesis Statements and Topic Sentences

Prompt- What is the most important thing that Odysseus does and why?

Thesis Statements
Listing-In the Odyssey, Odysseus greatest achievements is his defeat from enemies by his courage, cleverness, and his loyalty to his crew.
Open Ended-In the Odyssey, Odysseus greatest achievements is his escape from enemies in many ways.

Topic Sentences
1-Odysseus uses his courage to fight the frightening Polyphemus.
2-Odysseus uses his cleverness to escape from the mighty Cyclops.
3-Odysseus proves his loyalty to his crew by saving them from almost imminent death in many circumstances.

Outside Reading November 2

For this outside reading, I read an article in the Star Tribune called Homecoming Hurt by Kent Youngblood. This article is about the Minnesota Gophers football game against the Northwestern Wildcats. The Gophers had been playing well the whole game, but hadn't been dominating as expected. It looked as if the game was going into overtime, but an interception and a touchdown put Northwestern on top and they won the game. Mike Kafka played really well during the game. He is a faster quarterback and ran a lot. Even though he is a backup, he will probably be starting soon after his performance in this game.