#6

I recently read about the commutue Mitch and his wife make daily.  During the ride Anna keep on asking Mitch about their love life, and Mitch is ver tolarable with her, and answers in a sweet way every time.  It really shows how much Mitch needs her.  Without Anna, Mitch would probably go insane, because she is the nly real thng that brings him into the normanl, everyday life dramas, and not his ussual, top-secret classified information life.  Without Anna, Rapp would probalby go on a killing rampage.  This leads me to believe that Anna might be usesed as a hostige in the Rapp-assassination attempt.  Later in the book, Abel meet with the angry dad who is going to pay him for Rapp's life.  The father keeps on asking Abel about the plan, and to make sure everyone is trusted.  Abel tries to stay calm, but you can tell he's ancy.  This shows Abel knows so much could go wrong with this opperation, and he's nervous the father will find out that the propbability of success isn't where they want it.  

#5

I recently read chapter 19-20.  In the begginning of chapter 19 Mitch Rapp meets with and old navy SEAL fiend who is in trouble.  The SEAL worked for a security firm, and his firm must have been doing something illigal, becsause he seems really nervous when he meet's Rapp.  He tells Rapp the sitation, and Rapp says he'll help him out.  I found this very interesting, because it helps prove that if you're on Rapp's good side, he'll do pretty much anything for you, but if you're on his bad side, you in big.  This helps show why Able is so concerned about choosing the right assassing, because he has to make sure the assassin finishes the job, or his life will be over.  In the next chapter, the nameless assassin talks with his girlfiedn about how he made a deal with Able.  Then Flynn writes about the assassin's past.  He was born into a rich, French family proud of traditions.  All the males of the family, including the nameless assasin, go by the name of Louie.  All the children went to school in law, and that's what the assassin was planning on doing until his dad had an affair, and it devistated the youngest Louie.  He then whent to army school, which devistated his father, which eventually led him to his current job.  I found this very apropiate for an assassin to have some devistating moment in their past to take their job.  I think that moment helps fuel the fire, and drive  them to kill all of those people.  

#4

I recently read chapters 16-18. In one of the chapters we see into Mitch Rapp's past. There is a lot of character development. The beginning of the chapter was really cheesy, but ended up quite nicely. It started with Mitch Rapp standing up to a bully when he was eight, where he beat the kid up. This part was really cheesy, because Rapp comes sprinting in from the outfield, (this beating happened during the middle of a pick up game) and screeming crazily. He then dives on the bully and takes him down. The end of this chapter is great though, because it shows why Rapp is willing to murder so many terrorists, and why he has so much rage. During college, Rapp's girlfied was on a plane that was hyjacked by terrorist, and was crased, killing over 200 people. After this incident Rapp vowed to kill as many as he could. The last chapter was very interesting because Abel and his contact have a meeting. We recieve insight into why this man is so good. One of the reason's is because he can speak any lauguage. There is also no proof he exists. He doesn't own any credit cards, doesn't have a bank, and doesn't have any name. He tells Abel, "What would you like to call me... pick a name" (147). All of this shows that al this man cares about is getting money. It also shows he's very intellegent, so he has a desent chance at taking down Rapp.

#3

I recently read chapters 13-15 in Vince Flynn's novel Protect and Defend. In the beginnign of chapter 13 Abel is about to meet his contact in Paris, that he worked so hard to get. There was an in quote about his feelings there. Flynn wrote, "Abel was wondering why one of the world's most beautiful and dynamic cities gave him a sense of melancholy" (116). This quote is ment to show what the life of a spy is like. He doesn't enjoy the beauty beacause he can't and it saddens him. This is probably due to the fact that he is stuck spying on people from his hotel room, and that's all he can concentrate one. He has no time to be destracted becaus there could be someone coming after him. Latter in chapter 14 Flynn writes about how spys have a set plan of what's going to happen. It was interesting when Abel's plan was spoiled he had no idea what to do and was caught off gaurd. This seems unsual for a spy due to the fact that they seem to know what to do in all situations, but he froze in this siuation. Abel's contact made him feel like he was in charge until they met when he realized they'd been playing him, and they were going to set their own rules. This all happend because Abel was caught off gaurd infront of the coffee house.

#2 Protect and defend

I recently read chapters ten through twelve in Vince Flynn's novel Protect and Defend. In these chapters we discover who is assigned to the difficult task of assassinating Mitch Rapp. The mystery character I discussed earlier did turn out to be the man who's going to hunt down Rapp. We learn this by two ex-assassins having a get together with each other. It's interesting how Flynn has one assassin manipulated the other into getting what he wants, and he knows exactly what he need to do from the beginning. He starts by have a bottle of pricey champian. Latter they have a pricey dinner and end up smoking a cigar. This all loosens up the other man so he eventually gives up the talented mans phone number. Later back in America Rapp has a scene about getting into the cia building. It's over four pages of just describing this toll booth. This is why all of Flynn's books are so good, because he describes thing so well.

#1 Consent to Kill

I have recently read chapters one through nine in Vince Flynn's novel Consent to Kill. In these opining chapters we learn some one is trying to kill the American assassin Mitch Rapp. This man is Saeed Ahmed. Saeed says, "He is an assassin, he is an infidel, and he is the man responsible for the death and defilement of my son" (13). This quote is significant because it shows that Saeed knows who whe's messing with. It also provides a great plot for the novel. Saeed is trying to take down a man who is "unkillable". Saeed's teem gives the operation a seventy percent chance of success, but even they don't like those odds, because Rapp is so well trained. All of chapter 9 is about an assassin trying to kill someone in London. The assassin takes the job because he wants to cahllenge to adapting to modern days and how to continue his job. He eventually figures out a way to make sure the cameras won't notice him and completes this job. This man is interestiong because he might be the one assigned to kill Rapp, but we don't know for sure. It adds to the suspence of the novel.

#13 Lord of the Rings (amnesty)

The film Lord of the Rings The Return of the King is about the fight between good and evil and everyone's fate lies in the little hobbit Frodo. His mission is to destroy this ring that contains all of the evil in the world, but it is slowly starting to make Frodo evil. In the end Frodo has to destroy it by sneeking into Saraman, which is the evilest place in the world and throw it into the lava. Frodo turns almost completly evil, but remember all of the good in the world and feels he needs to protect it so he trows the ring in. This film is similar to Things Fall Apart in that the fate of the Ibo's culture rest in the hands of someone willing to fight back, Okonkwo. In the end he ends up giving up unlike Frodo, and the Ibo's cultures are lost forever.
Picture:http://blog.afi.com/100movies/user-uploads/post1002.jpg
mla: The Lord of the Rings. Dir. Peter Jakson. Perf. Elijah Wood and Viggo Mortensen. DVD. New Line Home Entertainment, 2003.

#12 Congo (amnesty)

I found an article that discusses the differences between imperialism and colonialism with Congo. First of all Congo has been under imperialism and colonialism. Imperialism is when a nation wants to gain or maintain control over a territory or people while colonialism is when a government sizes control over a territory and they then impose their rules over them. The colonialism started when king Leopold wanted Congo as his own. It's estimated that between 5 to 10 million citizens of Congo died from Leopold's rules. This is similar to Things Fall Apart where two cultures clide, and they get destroyed in the end.
picture: http://www.un.org/special-rep/ohrlls/ldc/LDCs-List/demRepCongo.gif
MLA: "Colonialism & Imperialism in the Congo." Lots of Essays.com. 23 Mar. 2009 .
link: http://www.lotsofessays.com/viewpaper/1710868.html

#11 Global Warming (amnesty)

On the Environmental Defense Funds website they have many facts about global warming and what Americans are doing to stop it. It talks about how 2006 was the hottest year on record (it was published in the summer of 2007) and how America is the number one polluter in the world, which means we are the primary force causing global warming. I shows a fact that the government hasn't passed a legislative bill to stop America's global warming, but you think the government would do this, since we are the major problem and we're effecting everyone else. This is kind of related to Night in that many Germans new that Jews were being staved in death camps, but did nothing to stop it, but in the global warming situation its not just effecting one group its effecting everyone (but the Holocaust is much worst). My point is we need to do something to stop this.
MLA:"Global Warming by the Numbers." Enviornmental Defense Fund. 30 Aug. 2007. 23 Mar. 2009 .
Link:http://www.edf.org/article.cfm?ContentID=5816&source=ggad&gclid=CPib3bLLupkCFQgNDQod2T-7Jw

# 15 Natalie du Toit

Natalie du Toit recently competed in the 2008 Bejin Olympic games for South Africa. She swam in the 10k open water swim, and all of this might not sound too extrodinary until you hear she had only one leg. She didn't win, but she didn't get last, which in itself is a huge accomplishment in the olympics, but it might be one of the best accoplishments due to the fact that she only has one leg, and alot of power is develpoed from your legs. She finish 16th, yet still seemed upset. Natalie du Toit should be a huge insperation to all children due to the fact that she showed the world that hard work can help you accomplish anything. Du Toit is sort of like one of the acctivities we did in class where the more bennifits you have, the farther you start foward. Du Toit might have been able to win if it wasnt for the fact that she had to take multiple steps back due to the fact she's missing a leg.
picture:http://nbnl.globalwhelming.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/natalie-du-toit.jpg
MLA: Associated Press, ed. "Du Toit doesn't win, but inspires in Olympic debut." International Herald Tribune 20 Aug. 2008. 22 Mar. 2009 .
link: http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2008/08/20/sports/AS-OLY-SWM-Du-Toits-Olympics.php?page=2

#14 Call of the Wild

In the novel Call of the Wild by Jack London the main character is a dog named Buck. He is abused by one of his early owners which he eventually leaves to join John Thorton who he really loves. They do everything together. Buck trusts John Thorton so much he does some risk stuff when John jokingly tells him to do. Their bond is mostly likely so great because Buck was abused at one time. This love is sort of like the passion Okonkwo has for being great in Chinua Achebe's novel Things Fall Apart. He is so comited to making a name for himself, that it seems like he doesn't like free time since it doesn't help him gain titles, yams, ect. In Call of the Wild, Buck is eventually seperated from John Thorton. This is like when Okonkwo is banished from his tribe for seven years for accidently killing a man.
picture: http://mail.jsd.k12.ca.us/bf/bflibrary/images/CallWild.jpg
MLA: London, Jack. Call of the Wild. New York: Macmillian, 1903.

#10 How the Grinch Stole Christmas

In the film Hoe the Grinch Stole Christmas, The Grinch is trying to ruin the Who's Christmas by taking all their presents. He does this because nobody realizes he's really a good person. The only way he feels he can get attention is by stealing everyone's presents and ruining their Christmas. Cindy Lou Who eventually explains to The Grinch that it doesn't matter how much you have, but how much you believe. This is a good lesson for everyone since a lot of people judge their Christmas on how may presents they get, but they should really judge it on how much quality time they spend with their family.
image: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0170016/
MLA: How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Dir. Ron Howard. Perf. Jim Carrey. DVD. Walt Disney, 2000.

#9 Bollywood

In The Times of India, the article Bollywood Profits hit an all Time Low talks about just that.  Since the start of 2009 Bollywood has yet to have a film to bring in a lot of revenue.    Typically the film industry in India has done very well, due to the fact that lots of Indians watch movies instead of TV.  This is probably due to the fact the the world is in an economic slump.  Since people don't have as much money, they can't afford to spend as much on things that aren't necessities.  You can get by without watching movies, but you can't get by without food.  

link: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/India/Bolluwood-profits-hit-an-all-time-low/articleshow/4210154.cms

MLA: Kazi Nikhat.  "Bollywood profits hit an all-time low."  The Times of India 2 March 2009. 2 March 2009

#8 Aladdin

In the movie Aladdin culture has a lot to do with the film.  Firstly, Aladdin feels like he can't even talk to Princess Jasmine since he lives on the street.  This has always been part of the Indian culture where traditionally, women marry someone of their social class.  If they don't it's considering "marrying down."  This is what causes Aladdin to tell the Genie to turn him into a prince.  Now that Aladdin is a prince he can now talk, and eventually marry Princess Jasmine.  Also in the film, Princess Jasmine's dad talks about how important is is for women to get married.  Aladdin is similar to Nectar in a Sieve in that Rukmani is considered to be marrying down when she marries Nathan.  Also, Rukmani is very concerned for her daughter Ira, because she didn't marry anyone.  All of these traits are important in the Indian culture.  

MLA: Aladdin.  Dir. Ron Clements and John Musker.  Perf. Scott Weinger and Robin Wilimas.   Walt Disney, 1992.

#7 The Lion King

In the the Disney movie The Lion King there is a lot of change. Firstly, Simba's dad Mufasa dies and which makes Simba the king, but Scar, Simba's uncle takes control and becomes king. This is a huge change because Scar has a different rulling style. Scar is protryaed as the "evil" character so the kingdom becomes bad. Hyenas start to help rule the kindgom which makes it even more evil. Later Simba comes back and reclaimes his control. He makes the kingdom "good" again. Now there has been chanange twice in the kingdom. The change of power is similar to the novel Nectar in a Sieve where Rukmani's dad who was the city's ruler is loosing power to the collector.
picture: http://www.impawards.com/1994/posters/lion_king_ver1.jpg
MLA: The Lion King. Dir. Roger Allers and Rob Minkoff. VHS. Walt Disney, 1994.

#6 The Rookie

In the movie the, The Rookie, Jim Morris was a minor league pitcher but could never make it up to the majors. One day he is coaching his high school team and looses a bet which forces him to try out for the majors. His family isn't doing very well financially, so he is really hoping he'll make it. He makes the minors which brings hope to his family but can't make the majors. He is finally called up which gives hope to his family and all of his small town. Families who have hope to make money to provide for their family is also in the book we've been reeding, A Nectar in a Sieve. Nathan is a lower class farmer who always has hope he can provide for his family but usually can't provide enough. In The Rookie though, Jim ends up being able to provide enough for his family.
image:http://www.impawards.com/2002/rookie.html
MLA: The Rookie. Dir. John L. Hancock. Perf. Dennis Quaid. VHS. Walt Disney, 2002.

#5 Da Vinci Code

In the Da Vinci Code religion is one of the main points of the novel. Mary Magdalene supposedly slept with Jesus, which contradicts what the Catholic faith says. There is a sector of the church Opus Dei who are trying to find the Holy Grail which suposedly contains information about the Mary Magdalene scandle and destroy the information about it. A college professor, Robert Langdon, is faced with the choice of revealing that the information is true about Magdalene and that the church has been telling the world false information. He decides to write a book about it but doesn't say he has proof that the scandle is real. An intresting piont is brought up in the book in that many Catholics know Jesus slept with Magdalene but still believe in their faith. This is intresting because alot of Catholics have read this book yet still believe. Also, The Church has told many people not to read this novel because it is full of lies, and in the novle it talks about how the church has tried to cover up this secret.
Picture: http://www.sheilaomalley.com/archives/008086.html
MLA:

Brown, Dan. The Da Vinci Code. New York: Anchor Books, 2003.

The Davinci Code

In the Da Vinci Code gender roles are explored numerous times throughout the novel. In the beginning Bezu Fache, the French investigator, thinks Sophie Neveu should be fired mainly due to the fact she is a women. He thinks that she isn't good as good at her job as male would be. This happens alot today in the work force, where women are paid less than men doing the same job. The books also talks about how women are the sighn of fertility. This means they are ment to be parents, stay at home, and raise their children. This happens alot in todays society where women are usually thought of taking care of their children at home.
Picture: http://www.sheilaomalley.com/archives/008086.html
MLA: Brown, Dan. The Da Vinci Code. New York: Anchor Books, 2003.

Chinese New Year

San Francisco had their Chinese New Year parade on Saturday February 7th. Dragons streamed down many of the blocked off streets. This seems like the 4th of July parade. There are tons of spectators watching performers stream down the streets. Vendors are selling cheap toys and candy. This is the largest celebrated part of Chinese culture outside of Asia. The American Chinese New Year is probably like Cinco de Mayo, where it's celebrated diferently in America, yet Mexican and Chinese Americans acceppt the Americanized celebrations. The people holding the dragons are dancing the whole time. This seems similar to when Native Americans celebrate by dancing.
image: http://travel.latimes.com/daily-deal-blog/index.php/chinese-new-year-par-1384/
MLA: Rubenstien. "S.F. Chinese New Year parade of dragons." San Francisco Cronicle. 7 Feburary 2009. 8 Feburary 2009 http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/02/08/BA3V15PN9G.DTL

Natalie du Toit

Natalie du Toit swam for South Africa in the Beijing Oylmpics. She was in the 10k open water swim and finished a "disappointing 16th, though most considered this a miracle. Du Toit lost one of her legs from the knee down after a motercycle accident. This is a huge feat to overcome since your legs generate a lot of power. This just shows that if you train hard, you can accoplish many things. It also shows that being mentally strong helps alot in life. Du Toit could have given up swimming after her accident, yet she kept on training. It's also very insperational to see her compeating at the highest level, because I bet almos everyone thought her career was over. Du Toit should be a role modle to all because she show us that you need yto believe in yourself in order to accomplish anything.
image: http://www.myhero.com/myhero/heroprint.asp?hero=Amputee_Olympics_AP
MLA: "Du Toit doesn't win, but inspires in Olympic debut." Herald Tribune. 20 August 2008. 4 Febuary 2009 http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2008/08/20/sports/AS-OLY-SWM-Du-Toits-Olympics.php

Droughts in Nevada

This year Nevada has declared most of Nevada as a natural disaster area. There were bad droughts last year that caused farmers to lose lots of there harvests. This situation is similar to the book we're reading, Nectar in a Sieve were the farms depend on the monsoon season to allow there harvest to be successful. When it rains a lot in Nectar in a Sieve the farmers crops are ruined. This makes life really tough for the farmers. In Nevada, the droughts ruined the crops for the farmers, but their lives are not as tough because the government will be giving these farmers help. This doesn't happen in Nectar in a Sieve, but it would help the farmers a lot because three quarters of the population are farmers. When the monsoon season is bad it means a lot of the population will suffer. If the government helped out these farmers like Nevada does it would make life for the Indian farmers much more enjoyable.
"Nevada a natural disaster area due to drought." SFGate. 29 Jan 2009. 1 Feb 2009 http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2009/01/29/financial/f154459S73.DTL