Life is a Reign-bo

The Shadow of the Wind

2008-06-12T21:12:00.000-07:00

Father Fernando tells Daniel and Fermin the little he knows about Carax. Father Fernando recalls meeting Carax at San Gabriel's school, where they become friends along with Jorge Aldaya,Miquel Moliner and Javier Fumero, the now famous detective. Fumero's hate towards Carax begins as jealousy because of Penelope Aldaya. As children, Fumero tried to murder Carax, after assasinating his own mother. Father Fernando also recounts Jacinta Coronado, who worked for the Aldayas, and was fond of Carax. After talking to Father Fernando, Daniel and Fermin question the father's story, while discussing and trying to put together all the different stories they've been told about Carax. When they reach home, Bea awaits for Daniel, and asks him to meet her later on that day.

Is it possible that Father Fernando would lie? or do you think that he might have omitted important details of the story?

The Shadow of the Wind..Part VIII

2008-06-11T21:48:00.000-07:00

Following his visit with Nuria, Daniel meets up with Bea. As always, both throw smart remaks at each other to break the silence. Daniel proposes to Bea for them to take a walk and go eat. While Daniel eats, he reveals and tells Bea his story, and Carax's story, including The Shadow of the Wind, which excites her. Daniel takes Bea to the Cementery of Forgotten Books; obviously. Bea is awed by what she sees, and Daniel allows her to take a book, exempting The Shadow of the Wind. Unknowingly, Daniel kisses Bea, making the return home long and intense. The following morning, Fermin alerts Daniel about the PO Box, and discovers that Nuria was the proprietor is Nuria, and that she lied to him. Both Daniel and Fermin set forth a plan to exhume information on Carax, not lies. To do so, they turn to Father Fernando, a childhood friend of Carax.

Inbetween these pages, Fermin compares Daniel's life situations, with that of Carax's life. Do both of their lives relate? What impact can this have on Daniel, knowing that his life might be based on another's experiences and a book?

The Shadow of the Wind..Part VII

2008-06-11T21:04:00.000-07:00

Daniel meets Merceditas, whom seems to be interested in his father. During their meeting at the bookstore, they (Daniel, Fermin, Sempere, & Merceditas) are notified that Mr. Flavia was arrested and tortured for being a transvestite, left in a terrble state, with bruises, cuts, etc. Fermin keeps ip with Mr. Flavia's health, and states that what these people did was"moronic." Mr. Sempere allows Daniel to take the day off. Daniel decides to go pay a visit to Nuria Monfort, Isaac' s daughter. Nuria tells Daniel the story of how she met Carax, and the "few" things she knew about him. Nuria also mentions that Daniel reminds her of Carax himself. Throughout the conversation Daniel gazes at Nuria,feeling some sort of attraction, simultaneously discovering new details about Carax. It seems that the pieces of the puzzle are coming together.

Thus far, Daniel has adventured his way into finding out about Carax's past. Do you think that his insistence will pay off?

The Shadow of the Wind..Part VI

2008-06-04T21:15:00.000-07:00

In this section of the novel, Daniel continues to dig deeper into Carax's life. Daniel meets Mollins, who talks to him about Carax's parents, and how Daniel was suppose to be the outcome of an affair that his mother had with another man. Carax's "father" saw Carax as a sin because he was not his legimate son; furthermore, the fact that Carax had an abnormal behavior, had his father fill Carax's room with crucifixes, which helps Daniel to comprehend what he saw in the abandon home. After making such findings, Daniel decides to open the envelope he kept from Carax's home, and dicovers that apparently that Penelope was very close to Carax, more than friends. Daniel decides to go to the address on the envelope, only to run the same luck he did when he went over to Carax's home.

Do you think its a coincidence that no matter how hard and deep Daniel tries to get some dirt about Carax's past, all the puzzle pieces seem to be missing? Could it be that Carax is hiding himself?

The Shadow of the Wind..Part V

2008-06-03T21:01:00.000-07:00

The next 25 pages of Zafon's novel, concentrates on Daniel's longing curiosity and determination in digging into Carax's past. This part of the book is full of mystery and tension, when Daniel decieds to take a trip to an abandon home, considered to be where Carax lived as a chilld. Daniel meets Doña Aurora, the care-taker of the building; after discussing with Daniel about Carax, Doña Aurora allows Daniel to set foot into the abandon home and tags along with him. The home has a rare and dark vibe, yet Daniel's curiosity is stronger than anything, as he is determined not to give up on finding about Carx's life. Eventhough it was asssumed that no one had set foot inside the house since the death of Carax's father, Daniel reveals otherwise after discovering recent footprints in the abandon place.

Do think that Coulbert, the shadow, is the one roaming the house? Does the possibilty that one of the characters presented up to this point might hide their identity as "Coulbert?"

The Shadow of the Wind..Part IV

2008-06-02T20:36:00.000-07:00

The following pages of Carlos R. Zafon's novel, focus on Daniel changing and growing up, followed with new dixscoveries about Carax. Daniel continues to grow anxious about Carax, and begins to dig deeper into Carax's life. Daniel's curiosity is fed by Coulbert, the Shadow, who mysteriously continues to approach him. After the incident with Clara, Daniel meets Fermin Romero de Torres, who is the beggar who aid him, and offers him a job at the bookstore. Daniel and Fermin bond, and maintain a close relationship in which both know about each others' interests. Yet, as Daniel grows, he continues to build relationships. Daniel becomes best friends' with Tomas, who beat him up the first time they met. In the long run, Daniel discovers that Carax was not alone as assumed, but was known by various people, close family friends.

Do you think that the Daniel's relationship with Fermin will influence Daniel's curiosity and discoveries about Carax?

The Shadow of the Wind..Part III

2008-05-27T21:39:00.000-07:00

The third part of Carlos R. Zafon's novel, The Shadow of the Wind, alludes Daniel's experiences with that of the book's main character. For his sixteenth birthday Daniel decides to have a small gathering by inviting Clara, Barcelo, and Bernarda over to dinner. Already having problems with his father, Daniel becomes dissapointed by his guests abscence, and blames it on Sempere. Daniel takes a stroll out at night, and notices that he is being followed by the shadow of the man, setting a suspenseful and mysterious tone. Daniel is later approached by this mysterious man, and is offered money in exchange for Carax's book; he declines the offer. This man threatens Daniel if he does not get hold of the book. Daniel's first instinct is Clara. Daniel goes into Barcelo's desolated home to get the book. He decides to peek in Clara's room, and finds himself looking at Clara's naked body being touch by Neri's hands. Neri becomes aware of Daniel's prescence and strikes Daniel. Despite the beating, Daniel walks himself to the Cementery of Forgotten Books to hide Carax's novel.

Questions: What do you think is this mysterious man's obsession wit Carax's books?
Could this man relate to Carax's past as told by the book keeper?

The Shadow of the Wind..Part II

2008-05-27T21:16:00.000-07:00

The following 25 pages of Carlos R. Zafon's novel, The Shadow of the Wind, focus on Daniel's emotional and physical growth. After four or more years, Daniel continues to visit Clara whether to read to her or simply to chat. With time, Daniel gains the confidence of Barcelo, and the acceptance of Bernarda, the housekeeper. Yet, as with time, Daniel notices that Clara no longer enjoys his company like before, but instead acts cold towards him and tries to evade him. Sempere began to disapprove of Daniel' s visits to Clara, and proclaimed that Daniel should be spending more time with kids his age, and not older females, "women." Daniel does not to accept what his father said, despite Clara's noticeable approach to her music instructor Adrian Neri. Daniel's lust towards Clara becomes noticeable by both Bernarda and Barcelo.

Questions: Do you think that Clara's cold attitude towards Daniel and distance, will affect him?
Can it be condidered a lesson in life?

The Shadow of the Wind

2008-05-22T21:01:00.000-07:00

The first 25 pages of Carlos Ruiz Zafon's novel, The Shadow of the Wind, takes place in the summer of 1945 in Barcelona. Daniel, the main character lives alone with his father Sempere, after the death of his mother due to a cholera. Daniel's life is surrounded by books; his father who is a librarian, takes hoim to a secret passage where all forgotten books are kept alive, the cementery of forgotten books. Intrigued by the little information there is about the author of thebook he choses to keep,"The Shadow of the Wind," Daniel seeks the help of Barcelo and his niece Clara. Daniel becomes awed by Clara's beauty despite her blindness. Clara's story-telling becomes the first step for Daniel to learn about Carax's mysterious life.

Questions: Do you think that Clara's insight will feed Daniel's curiosity, and how do you believe that there bond will play a greater role in this?

Things Fall Apart

2008-05-08T21:57:00.000-07:00

Chinua Achebe

Things Fall Apart, is the story of Okonkwo, a young man who brings honor to his village. Unlike his father, Unoka, Okonkwo is strong, and ambitious, atleast that is what he portrays. Unoka does not have a postive among those in his village, causing Okonkwo to be ashamed of him and to strive to rise above his father's legacy. Okwonkwo grows believing that his father is weak, a sign of "feminity," and when he sees his father's characteristics in his son, Ikemefuna, Okonkwo decides to kill him afraid of appearing weak. Okonkwo's life is dominated by fear and resentment. The story of Okonkwo is interesting, as it illustrates how certain traditional values or certain beliefs shape one's life.

Question:What role does dignity and ambition have in modern society? How does the image that others have of us shape our actions?

How The Garcia Girls Lost Their Accents

2008-05-07T21:29:00.000-07:00

Julia Alvarez

How the Garcia Girls Lost Their Accents, narrates the story of four sisters-Carla,Sandra, Yolanda, and Sofia- who are forced to flee to the United States from the Dominican Republic, which is experiencing political problems: dictatorship. Once in America, the entire family has to adapt to a new environment and life, but at first it is extremely difficult for the girls. All four girls experience descrimination at school, as well as undergo unpleasant and life threatning situations while adapting to this new place. Yet, after several years they are noticeably Americanized; however, the impact of the American culture causes a stir as they grow older and return to the Dominican Republic. Their family's traditional views on behavior, relationships, culture, language, etc. contrast with those the four sisters have adopted. Alvarez's novel brings to mind the struggle, uncertainties, the joy and exuberance of belonging to two different cultures, which most of us can relate to.

Question: What are some advantages and difficulties of being part of two different cultures, and how do such things affect how we act and are viewed by others?

Their Eyes Were Watching God

2008-05-06T19:32:00.000-07:00

Zora Neale Hurston

Their Eyes Were Watching God, is a novel that captures pain, hapiness, love, and loss. Janie is an indpendent women, whose marriages have not kept her from doing what she wants. Janie marries a man who believes that a woman's role is to be at home, and care for her husband. At first it does not seem to bother Janie, but with time Janie feels like she's being detained from being herself, portraying something she's not to society. Further in the novel, Janie meets Tea Cake, whose totally the opposite from her previous husband, he's outgoing, loving, free-spirited, and young. Janie and Tea Cake struggle together, and unfortunately after a storm Tea Cake looses his life. When Janie returns home, she becomes the talk of the town, but she does not let that bring her down, and is determined to live her life. Hurston's realism and combination of real life issues captivated me; furthermore, the story in general represents the rights and determination a woman should have.

Question: Can age difference in any relationship(family, friends, love..etc.) impact one's actions or personality? How?

Gonzalez & Daughter Trucking Co.

2008-05-04T20:09:00.000-07:00

Maria Amparo Escandon

Gonzalez & Daughter Trucking Co. is a book full of adventure and the pursuit of becoming independent. The narration takes place on the road, where father and daughter have lived all their life, across the nation's highways. As Libertad grows older, she seeks the independence that her father never let her have, as well as the right to be with the one she loves. Libertad is convicted of unintentional murder, and as she awaits for her freedom, she sits narrating her story to other prisoners. At the end her determnation pays off, as she is let free, with the opportunity and maturity to start off on a new road. Maria A. Escandon presents the strength of the individual spirit and determination on the quest for freedom and love, making the book enjoyable with a mixture of different feelings and situations.

Question:How can a person's actions and decisions affect their future and those around them?

The United States of Europe: Part II

2008-03-04T21:47:00.000-08:00

The second piece of reading from T.R. Reids book, The United States of Europe, Reid illustrates the impact that the European Union is having on the United States. The United States has been recognized for its strong economic power thoughout the world, yet not evryone knows who is behind alot of this commercialism: Europe. American enterprises such as Jeep, DKNY, Snapple, Taster's Choice Coffee are all ran by Europeans, including the LA Dodgers! Aren't they suppose to be Californian, in other words American? Its impressive how Europe owns many of these so-called "American" brands, and contines to have great influence within this country.

Tone: Informative, Picturesque

Rhetorical Terms:

Repitition: " The grand old palaces, the stunning new architecture in the big cities, the rolling rural downland, the lush green parks, the cheery village pubs, the charming street markets, the sweet voices of the boy choirs in the majestic cathedrals, the roomy black cabs, the red double-decker buses..."
Peronification: "Once mighty Europe was a shattered and hungry continent where both the winners and losers of the war were dependent on huge sums of American aid."

Question: Why do you think that Europe has such interest in the United States? Could this relate to their interest in becoming a "world power?"

The United States of Europe

2008-02-20T22:55:00.000-08:00

The first section of T.R. Reid's book, The United States of Europe, emphasizes on "the invention of peace." Reid describes how supposedly peace was created after the the conflicts among warious countries, evolved into a war, WWI. World War I was followed by a series of policies, treaties, agreements, etc. created to "supposedly" establish tranquility among conflicting countries. Yet, such events were also taken advantage of, as the U.S. did. In response to WWI, the U.S. rose into a world power, taking say on its behavior, and that of other countries. Even though being considered to be the most influential country in the world, the U.S. is slowly deteriorating, provoking the slow and steady rise o f the European Union, which is now going through similar planning for all European countries to unite under one government, similar to that of the U.S. and its states, but with different tactics. This "peace" invented has been the result of various atrocities as well as injustices from various nations.

Tone:
Author's writing style:
Rhetorical Strategies:
Question: How has the formation of "peace"(treaties, policies,etc) affected us? and do you think that the U.S. has lead an example of "peace?"

¡Ask a Mexican! Ay, Chihuahuas!

2008-01-05T20:38:00.000-08:00

http://www.laweekly.com/la-vida/ask-a-mexican/ask-a-mexican-ay-chihuahuas/18008/

Gustavo Arellano, author of the article ¡Ask a Mexican! Ay, Chihuahuas!, which appeared on LA Weekly on January 5, 2008, questions the identity or races of dogs with the nation in which they were bred, as well as criticizes the people from the mentioned nations. Even as insignificant as the article may seem, the comparison between an animal and human or ownwer, leads to the question, can we judge a book by its cover? Unfortunately, the answer is yes, because people do it all the time. Like the article states, Mexico is believed to be a "nation of macho man and feisty women," yet if a person was to describe Mexicans by observing a chihuahua, they probably wouldn't come up with the same conclusion. That's just how it is, and its the same ordeal with every a nation and its symbols. Yet, there also those occasions in which what a person first observes, and criticizes is completely true, which leads to agreeing with Arellano who states that "the world respects and fears Americans — a Manichaean innateness that loves and kills with equal ease. The difference in comportment for both is a reflection of the trainer, and the results show up quickly — just look at us after seven years of the Bush II administration," after describing the "American dog." Every nation and person is characterized and identified by the different symbols- in this case dogs- they adopt.

Tone Humorous, Mocking, Critical
App. Question How does "judging a book by its cover," impact the decisons we all make, as individuals and as nations?

Dangerous Uncertainties

2007-12-29T21:36:00.000-08:00

http://laopinion.com/editorial/?rkey=00000000000002934830

The article "Dangerous Uncertainties" posted on La Opinion, juxtaposes the situation in Pakistan after the murder of Benazir Bhutto. Bhutto was a strong polical leader who was running for the presidency of her home country Pakistan, and was hoping to bring democracy to the country. Even after being threatened several times before, and after being in exile in London, she was willing to risk her life to seek a better government for her people. Unfortunately, Bhutto's enemies got what they wanted, her death, as they did with Bhutto's father and two brothers in past elections. Eventhough current president, Pervez Musharraf has also been threatened, his government is being affected. "Bhutto’s assassination has brought dangerous uncertainties" for Pakistan and the world.

Tone Condemning, Concerned
App. Question How chaotic can this situation become, and how does it affect the U.S. government and citizens?

"We Want the Awards" Really? Truly? No!

2007-12-21T20:48:00.001-08:00

-Nikki Finke
http://www.deadlinehollywooddaily.com/we-want-the-awards-really-truly/

The article "We Want the Awards" Really? Truly? No! by Nikke Finke, illustrates the possibility that certain programming -award shows- will no longer be aired. The AMPTP has been blamed for such "tragedies," that will affect the Hollywood environment. Yet, ratings have confirmed the opposite, since over the years the popularity of award shows has decreased. People no longer seem to care about what actors win an award, or movie, it is no longer taken in consideration. This also includes future movies, TV programming, etc., as well as other industries the rely on such type if events. Finke juxtaposes that if the AMPTP "began real negotiations," then maybe there would be less commotion on the subject, and everyone will be happy.

Tone Sarcastic, Bantering
App. Ques. How can events such as awards, affect our lifestyles, or the city's industries overall?