The main character in Danger Zone was Jim Doyle. He was a high school student at Granham High School, in the town of Granham. Jim played basketball, and he was basically the team because the other players on Jim’s team were poor basketball players. The Granham basketball team won their games often thanks to Jim. Jim’s father died of a massive heart attack several years before, and the hardware store he left behind was picked up by Jim’s mom and Jim.
Sometimes while Jim was playing basketball, he became tremendously focused on the game, which athletes call a “zone”, and he was unbeatable while he was in a zone. While in a zone, he made great steals, superb 3-point shots, and excellent lay-ups.
Jim assisted his mom with the hardware store his father left behind. He managed the finances when he helped his mom out. He was caring, and would help his mom whenever she needed it. Whenever Jim went out to parties to celebrate a basketball victory, he always felt a bit guilty for not helping him mom with the hardware store. He had a girlfriend named Janey, and she was a cheerleader for the Granham basketball team. Jim felt very depressed when he thought of his father. Before his father died, he whispered 1 thing to Jim in the ambulance, “Love.” Jim was 11 at the time his father died, and he saw his father pass away. I know Jim still missed him because he became filled with grief whenever someone mentioned him.
Jim considered himself good-looking, but not as handsome as Brad Pitt. He did well in School, filling his report card with A’s and B’s. He claimed that he loved basketball, that it was his life.
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Monday, November 30, 2009
Conflicts
In Danger Zone, Jim faced numerous challenges. One of them was between Jim and himself. He couldn’t bring himself to let go of his dead father. He believed his father’s death was unjustified. Because of the death, Jim had to assist his mother in maintaining the hardware store. Scouts found Jim and asked him if he would like to join the U.S.A team that consisted of players that were below the age of 17. Jim refused the offer, but Jim’s mother found out and told Jim he should go. Jim agreed to join the team, only if his mother was positive she could handle the store herself. Jim joined the Teen Dream Team, and at the end of the story, realized it wasn’t his father’s fault for dying.
A person-to-person conflict occurred between Jim and one of his teammates, whose name was Augustus. Augustus blamed Jim for taking his cousin’s position in the Teen Dream Team. Jim and Augustus got into a fight because Jim confronted Augustus about Augustus being so hostile toward him. They began arguing and Augustus shoved Jim. The argument turned into a fist fight, but it ended quickly because one of their teammates broke it up. After the squabble, Augustus and Jim were hostile toward each other for a while until Jim attempted to patch up the rift. Augustus ignored Jim’s apologies and continued to resent Jim. They didn’t even acknowledge each other’s presence until the last game. It was the last 5 minutes in the game and the U.S.A. Teen Dream Team was losing. Augustus and Jim were forced to work together to increase their score. The clock rapidly ticked a way until there were just a mere 5 seconds left. Augustus flipped the ball to Jim, and he made an awkward toss to the basket. The ball bounced on the rim and fell through the hoop. A man from the audience jumped out of the crowd and aimed a gun at Augustus. Jim jumped out of the way as a police officer tackled the man, and the shot went wide. It hit Jim and he was transported to a hospital. He had to have surgery to repair his leg, and Augustus visited him and asked him why Jim took his bullet. Jim explained that he was trying to get out of the way, but he happened to fly right in the path of the bullet. Augustus apologized for blaming Jim for taking his cousin’s spot and for being so hostile.
Danger Zone also had a people vs. other force conflict. The other force in Danger Zone was the other teams in the tournament. The U.S.A Teen Dream Team competed against teams in other countries such as Sweden, Rome, and Germany.
A person-to-person conflict occurred between Jim and one of his teammates, whose name was Augustus. Augustus blamed Jim for taking his cousin’s position in the Teen Dream Team. Jim and Augustus got into a fight because Jim confronted Augustus about Augustus being so hostile toward him. They began arguing and Augustus shoved Jim. The argument turned into a fist fight, but it ended quickly because one of their teammates broke it up. After the squabble, Augustus and Jim were hostile toward each other for a while until Jim attempted to patch up the rift. Augustus ignored Jim’s apologies and continued to resent Jim. They didn’t even acknowledge each other’s presence until the last game. It was the last 5 minutes in the game and the U.S.A. Teen Dream Team was losing. Augustus and Jim were forced to work together to increase their score. The clock rapidly ticked a way until there were just a mere 5 seconds left. Augustus flipped the ball to Jim, and he made an awkward toss to the basket. The ball bounced on the rim and fell through the hoop. A man from the audience jumped out of the crowd and aimed a gun at Augustus. Jim jumped out of the way as a police officer tackled the man, and the shot went wide. It hit Jim and he was transported to a hospital. He had to have surgery to repair his leg, and Augustus visited him and asked him why Jim took his bullet. Jim explained that he was trying to get out of the way, but he happened to fly right in the path of the bullet. Augustus apologized for blaming Jim for taking his cousin’s spot and for being so hostile.
Danger Zone also had a people vs. other force conflict. The other force in Danger Zone was the other teams in the tournament. The U.S.A Teen Dream Team competed against teams in other countries such as Sweden, Rome, and Germany.
Themes/Lessons
The main character, (Jimmy) in the book I read, learned many lessons. One of them was, “Don’t dwell on the past. Move on.” I believe this is an important lesson because Jimmy had flashbacks throughout the book about his father dying. Jimmy thought that his father’s death was unjustified, and he believed that his father died way too young, and Jimmy thought he should’ve still been living. Jimmy’s father’s name was William. Jimmy repeatedly had flashbacks of watching his father behind the counter of his hardware store counting the finances and bills, when William suddenly dropped onto the floor. Jimmy immediately dialed 911. He stayed by his father’s side until the ambulance came, pleading with William not to die. The ambulance arrived, and Jimmy rode with. Before William died, he rasped one word. “Love”
Another theme I found was, “If you don’t get along very well with someone, at least treat them with respect.” I think this is a theme because Jimmy didn’t get along with one of his teammates, whose name was Augustus. Augustus resented Jimmy in the beginning of the story because Jimmy took the place in the U.S.A. team that Augustus believed belonged to his cousin. Jimmy and Augustus got into a fight in their first practice. Before the fight began, Jimmy confronted Augustus because he wanted to find out why Augustus hated him so much. The fight started with words, then switched to fists when Augustus shoved Jimmy, and Jimmy lost his cool and punched him. Augustus fell, then picked himself up and pounded Jimmy first in the stomach, then in the side of his head. Before the fight became any worse, a teammate stepped in and broke it up.
Throughout the story, Jimmy and Augustus ignored each other until the very end. It was the last game in the tournament, and The U.S.A. team won. A man from the bleachers suddenly pulled a gun out of his pocket and aimed it at Augustus. A police officer tackled the man, but not soon enough to stop him from firing. Jimmy tried to get out of the way, but the bullet hit him in the leg. Jimmy was taken to a hospital in Rome and he decided to have surgery in Rome since the best surgeon was there. Augustus showed up and told Jim he felt guilty that Jim took the bullet that was meant for himself. The two forgave each other and Augustus helped wheel Jim down the hospital hall to the surgery room.
Another theme I found was, “If you don’t get along very well with someone, at least treat them with respect.” I think this is a theme because Jimmy didn’t get along with one of his teammates, whose name was Augustus. Augustus resented Jimmy in the beginning of the story because Jimmy took the place in the U.S.A. team that Augustus believed belonged to his cousin. Jimmy and Augustus got into a fight in their first practice. Before the fight began, Jimmy confronted Augustus because he wanted to find out why Augustus hated him so much. The fight started with words, then switched to fists when Augustus shoved Jimmy, and Jimmy lost his cool and punched him. Augustus fell, then picked himself up and pounded Jimmy first in the stomach, then in the side of his head. Before the fight became any worse, a teammate stepped in and broke it up.
Throughout the story, Jimmy and Augustus ignored each other until the very end. It was the last game in the tournament, and The U.S.A. team won. A man from the bleachers suddenly pulled a gun out of his pocket and aimed it at Augustus. A police officer tackled the man, but not soon enough to stop him from firing. Jimmy tried to get out of the way, but the bullet hit him in the leg. Jimmy was taken to a hospital in Rome and he decided to have surgery in Rome since the best surgeon was there. Augustus showed up and told Jim he felt guilty that Jim took the bullet that was meant for himself. The two forgave each other and Augustus helped wheel Jim down the hospital hall to the surgery room.
Monday, November 2, 2009
BR #2: Black Duck First Entry
I’m reading the Black Duck. I think the book is okay so far. I like that Black Duck doesn’t become boring. There are plenty of events that keep you entertained. I appreciate the book is easy to understand.
Ruben, the main character, has had to make quite a few decisions. One was when Ruben and Jeddy found a dead body. They had to decide what to do, call the police, stay there and watch over the body, or leave the body to the police. He and Jeddy decided to call the police and they left the body thinking it would be alright, but the police called a little while later and told them they didn’t find any body where the boys told them it was. Later, Ruben studies what he took from the body. He had a smoking pipe and tobacco pouch. He didn’t know if he should hand the items over to the police, or keep them. He thought it over and decided to keep the items. Another decision he had to make was when he found out that there was a torn $50 dollar bill in the tobacco pouch, and an older boy Ruben knew asked him if he took anything off the body like a torn bill or the half of something else because it would probably be a ticket, something an alcohol smuggler would have to show the captain of the freighter shipping his liquor that he was the right smuggler. Ruben had to decide to tell the boy (Billy) that he did have an item like that, or decide to keep it a secret. If I was in Ruben’s position, I most likely would have made the same decisions. If Billy would’ve asked me that question, I would’ve been suspicious of why he would want to know. If I found a body, I’d report it immediately to the police.
Ruben isn’t really anything like me. He was alive during the Alcohol Prohibition period. I wasn’t. Another way he isn’t like me is he enjoys skipping school whenever he is able to, but I won’t. One of the very few similarities I can think of between Ruben and I is we are both boys.
I have learned that The Alcohol Prohibition was during the 1920’s, and lasted 13 years. I have also learned Newport, the town Ruben lived in, is located on the coast of Rhode Island.
So far I would rate this book an 8 because the book keeps me entertained. I think it’s interesting. I think it’s interesting because this book is the first book that I’ve read that’s based on the Alcohol Prohibition.
Ruben, the main character, has had to make quite a few decisions. One was when Ruben and Jeddy found a dead body. They had to decide what to do, call the police, stay there and watch over the body, or leave the body to the police. He and Jeddy decided to call the police and they left the body thinking it would be alright, but the police called a little while later and told them they didn’t find any body where the boys told them it was. Later, Ruben studies what he took from the body. He had a smoking pipe and tobacco pouch. He didn’t know if he should hand the items over to the police, or keep them. He thought it over and decided to keep the items. Another decision he had to make was when he found out that there was a torn $50 dollar bill in the tobacco pouch, and an older boy Ruben knew asked him if he took anything off the body like a torn bill or the half of something else because it would probably be a ticket, something an alcohol smuggler would have to show the captain of the freighter shipping his liquor that he was the right smuggler. Ruben had to decide to tell the boy (Billy) that he did have an item like that, or decide to keep it a secret. If I was in Ruben’s position, I most likely would have made the same decisions. If Billy would’ve asked me that question, I would’ve been suspicious of why he would want to know. If I found a body, I’d report it immediately to the police.
Ruben isn’t really anything like me. He was alive during the Alcohol Prohibition period. I wasn’t. Another way he isn’t like me is he enjoys skipping school whenever he is able to, but I won’t. One of the very few similarities I can think of between Ruben and I is we are both boys.
I have learned that The Alcohol Prohibition was during the 1920’s, and lasted 13 years. I have also learned Newport, the town Ruben lived in, is located on the coast of Rhode Island.
So far I would rate this book an 8 because the book keeps me entertained. I think it’s interesting. I think it’s interesting because this book is the first book that I’ve read that’s based on the Alcohol Prohibition.
Friday, October 30, 2009
BR #2: Black Duck Second Entry
I have just finished Black Duck. I thought it was a good book. I again enjoyed the action and how it was easy to understand what was going on. Another thing I liked about the book was it wasn’t predictable like some books are.
Ruben still isn’t like me. I like school while he enjoys skipping it whenever he gets the chance. He seemed interested in the alcohol smuggling at first, but changed his mind at the end, and I would never think about joining the alcohol smuggling that was going on then. He isn’t like me in many ways.
I think people who like action/mystery books would like Black Duck. Anybody who’s interested to know more about the alcohol smuggling during the Alcohol Prohibition should read this book. If you’re not interested in finding out more about the alcohol smuggling business, or if you don’t care for mystery books this would probably not be the book for you. I know I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and I think other people will too.
I learned quite a lot about the alcohol smuggling business from reading Black Duck. I learned that freighters, or ships, came from Canada and anchored just behind the Canadian/USA border, and waited for smuggling boats to come and load themselves with the liquor that the freighters possessed. Then the boats would rush to the shore, unload the liquor, and repeat the process. If they were caught by the Coast Guard, they would dump the liquor overboard so they couldn’t be charged with having alcohol with them and violating the alcohol prohibition law. I also learned that a ticket was half of something, usually a torn dollar bill, that a smuggler buying liquor from Canada would have to show the hired captain of the freighter who was shipping the liquor, and had the other half of the bill, that he was the right guy. It was a way of a smuggler proving to the captain shipping the liquor that he was the right buying customer.
I rate this book on a scale from 1-10 a 9. I rate Black Duck a 9 because it kept me entertained and wanting to keep reading. The topic it was based on was unique. Black Duck is the only book I know that is based on the Alcohol Prohibition years. The plot was exceptional, the events that took place fit into the story very well. Black Duck is a good book for, in my opinion, anyone to read, and I hope my responses made you interested.
Ruben still isn’t like me. I like school while he enjoys skipping it whenever he gets the chance. He seemed interested in the alcohol smuggling at first, but changed his mind at the end, and I would never think about joining the alcohol smuggling that was going on then. He isn’t like me in many ways.
I think people who like action/mystery books would like Black Duck. Anybody who’s interested to know more about the alcohol smuggling during the Alcohol Prohibition should read this book. If you’re not interested in finding out more about the alcohol smuggling business, or if you don’t care for mystery books this would probably not be the book for you. I know I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and I think other people will too.
I learned quite a lot about the alcohol smuggling business from reading Black Duck. I learned that freighters, or ships, came from Canada and anchored just behind the Canadian/USA border, and waited for smuggling boats to come and load themselves with the liquor that the freighters possessed. Then the boats would rush to the shore, unload the liquor, and repeat the process. If they were caught by the Coast Guard, they would dump the liquor overboard so they couldn’t be charged with having alcohol with them and violating the alcohol prohibition law. I also learned that a ticket was half of something, usually a torn dollar bill, that a smuggler buying liquor from Canada would have to show the hired captain of the freighter who was shipping the liquor, and had the other half of the bill, that he was the right guy. It was a way of a smuggler proving to the captain shipping the liquor that he was the right buying customer.
I rate this book on a scale from 1-10 a 9. I rate Black Duck a 9 because it kept me entertained and wanting to keep reading. The topic it was based on was unique. Black Duck is the only book I know that is based on the Alcohol Prohibition years. The plot was exceptional, the events that took place fit into the story very well. Black Duck is a good book for, in my opinion, anyone to read, and I hope my responses made you interested.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
My Memoir
The thing I can remember most from my past is when I was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. I was 5 years old at the time. My family and I were out shopping at Coborn's when I became very thirsty. I made about 6 trips to the water fountain. My mom finally asked me, "Are you feeling alright?" I replied, "I just feel very thirsty." My mom drove me to the doctor the next morning. The doctor asked my mom many questions and performed some tests like my blood pressure. He told my mom, "Your son has the symptoms of Type 1 diabetes." I had no idea what Type 1 diabetes was. He explained to my mom what it was, but I didn't really pay attention. My mom acted calm, but I knew she was worried. That of course made me worried. The next day my mom took me to the St.Cloud Hospital. I asked her what we were doing there, and she said, "You're just going to be here for a few days so the doctor's can see if you have diabetes." I was put into a room and handed hospital clothing by a nurse. I changed into them and waited with my mom for the doctor to come in. The doctor arrived and explained to my mom what tests they would be performing. Then the doctor had me sit next to him as he told me he had to check my blood sugar. The doctor pricked my finger and put my finger next to a small device. A strip of plastic sucked my blood up. the device beeped and 300 something showed up on the screen. That was my blood sugar. A normal person's is 80-95. The prick didn't hurt much. I didn't think it was going to be bad until a nurse walked in with a syringe. She announced, "He needs to be injected with insulin to lower his elevated blood sugar." I was terrified and began pleading with my mom and the nurse not to hurt me. The nurse swiftly, as if she had done this a million times before, gripped my arm and plunged the needle into my arm. I was very tense, causing the shot to hurt much more than if I had just calmly waited for the injection. I cried for about a minute. The next day they had to draw blood from my arm. I was led into a tiny room with a chair that looked like at a dentist's office. I tried to be braver than when I got my first insulin injection. I felt extremely queasy. I watched as they inserted the needle into my arm. I so badly wanted it to end right away, but it seemed to go on for several minutes. I watched the blood rush around and around in the tube. I was relieved when the nurse finally took the needle out. My legs felt like jelly when I stood. After that, I was led back into my hospital room. Bored out of my mind, I laid on the bed until a TV with a Nintendo 64 was wheeled into my room. Delighted, I began playing Mario 64. I was happy when my family visited me, which was frequently. After nearly a week went by, the doctor arrived and announced, "I think you have been in here long enough, let's get you out of here." I was impatient to get out, but the doctor had to explain to my mom I needed shots whenever I ate, or whenever my blood sugar level was high. He explained how to test my blood sugar. Finally he said, "Okay now, You can finally leave." Before we left he handed my mom a book explaining Type 1 diabetes and how to take care of it. Having diabetes doesn't bother me now. For about the first 2 years my mom gave me the shots. Now I give myself the shots. All I can do is take care of my blood sugar, and wish researchers will one day create a cure.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
About Me
Hello! If you haven't guessed already, I'm Tyler. For those of you who don't know a lot about me, here's some information. My favorite sport is soccer. My favorite books are the Alex Rider series. I am the oldest child. My favorite color is orange. I enjoy jogging and reading in my free time. My favorite kind of music is heavy metal and hard rock, and my favorite band is Mudvayne. My favorite song by them is "Happy?" I have Type 1 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is caused by the pancreas not working properly. (The pancreas makes the insulin that keeps your blood sugar under control after you eat) My favorite food is chicken-pot-pie. I play the alto saxophone. I really enjoy track. (I plan on going out for it) I have 3 siblings. My siblings are a sister who is 12, a brother who is 9, and another brother who is 3. After reading this, I hope I helped you learn something about me.
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