December 4th 2009
Matt is beginning to fight back verbally against the keepers. The keepers have beaten him because of his arrogance, and his rebellion he has created with his roommates. The keepers cannot get Matt to confess a sin, so they decide they will beat Fidileto. Before Jorge the keeper hits him, Matt knocks the cane out of his hands, and the children gang up on him.
All I can think is that I really hope that there never comes an orphanage like this, where children are forced to work, and are beaten. Then again, there probably already is one. It may not be an orphanage but there are places around the world where child labor exists.
Matt and Chacho are dumped into the whale pit, as punishment for ganging up on Jorge. Luckily, Ton-Ton and Fidileto who rescue them on their shrimp harvester save them. They escape the facility and are brought to a hospital.
It is there that Matt finally finds Maria, and her mother Esperanza. Matt learns that Opium is in lockdown. No one can enter or leave the country. Only El Patron's DNA can deactivate the security. Esperanza tells Matt that because he is a clone of the dead El Patron, he has inherited Opium and is the new El Patron. She offers Matt her support, provided that he promises to destroy Opium from within and return it back to normal. Matt agrees, and returns to Opium, planning to shut down the drug empire and turn the eejits back into normal humans. Matt manages to re-enter Opium, but only to learn that El Patron killed most of his staff and family. El Patron viewed his staff and family as his possessions, and killed them with the wine they drank at his funeral.
The ending of the book really surprised me. I never really expected things would turn out so great for Matt. How Matt basically became the “new El Patron”, really was a shock to me. Though it does sadden me that among the people who died at El Patrons funeral, Tam Lin was one of them, despite him knowing the wine was poisonous.
The book had an overall feel-good ending. However, the ending was ambiguous. Matt conquers his enemies and obstacles (El Patron, Tom, the Keepers ect..) and now he is left, the leader of Opium. He is left as El Patron. It really makes me wonder what happened next. I think the book was written way too well to ever have a sequel. It a way, it reminds me of The Sopranos. It was a perfect series, and it ended “boom”, just like that. It was good, but it left you wanting more, wanting to know what happened next.
I think the whole objective of these kinds of endings is basically to make people think of their own sequel, or ending to the series, and make them think what ever they want to happen next. I think the author wouldn’t dare try to pick one of these outcomes to such a good book, as it may not suit everyone’s taste in how they want the story to continue or end.
This is definitely one of the best books I have ever ready. Though the book was long, it never proved difficult for me to read once. It perfect climax build ups that really made it the most exiting book I have ever read as well. My personal rating is 89/100. I would recommend this book to anyone ages 14 and up. Anyone who has the reading ability to read this book should do so.
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
The House of the Scorpion: 4/5
November 24th 2009
After being taken away, Matt finds himself in the hospital, awaiting the surgery: his inevitable death. El Patron says his farewell speech to Matt, revealing that Matt owes him life, for not taking away Matt’s intelligence when he was born. Then, Celia reveals he injected Matt with a poison that does not kill him, but rather make it impossible for his organs to be fit for a transplant. El Patron dies.
The next day, Tam Lin is ordered to dispose of Matt, to dump him in the eejit wasteland. After being dismounted from the horse, Tam Lin reveals he has created an escape route for Matt. He must escape from Opium into Aztlan, and find Maria in San Luis.
Matt is sent out, on the journey to the border. When he finally reaches it, he makes a running attempt. He barely outruns the farm patrol, and is saved by a “keeper”. Matt is brought into a labor orphanage. He meets new friends Chacho and Fidelito. Every night the children must rehearse principals of work, and must confess to a sin they have committed.
The 3 are transported to a new factory orphanage where they must collect the plankton out of shrimp tanks. It is here that the boys must spend the next 4 years of their life. Matt is commonly referred to as the aristocrat, for his disagreement with the confessions, and how he preaches that the keepers get all these luxuries while the children must work. If you misbehave or disagree with the rules of work, or do not confess, you must “assume the position”, and be beat with a cane until you have learned your lesson.
I am very happy with Matt’s outcome. I’m glad Celia did what she did and Matt escaped. However, it did seem a little sad when El Patron died. He didn’t seem that bad, and Matt kind of felt bad for him too. I agree with Matt, when he said a part of El Patron will live a long as Matt lives.
Overall, the plot turned from good to bad though, when the Keepers took in Matt. It would really suck to have to work for 4 years until you are set free. It really shows how much we take for granted the fact that we live how we do here in Canada.
This section became more inciting, reading that Matt was fighting back against the keeper and their beliefs, however I don’t think this will have a positive outcome for Matt.
The book’s turn of events flows real nice, with each section of the book having an overall segment in setting and conflicts. I’m glad some of my older questions were answered. However I have many more. Will Matt live all 4 years here? Will him, chacho and Fidelito ever escape or be set free within that period? Again, I guess the answers lie within the next, final segment that I really look forward to reading.
After being taken away, Matt finds himself in the hospital, awaiting the surgery: his inevitable death. El Patron says his farewell speech to Matt, revealing that Matt owes him life, for not taking away Matt’s intelligence when he was born. Then, Celia reveals he injected Matt with a poison that does not kill him, but rather make it impossible for his organs to be fit for a transplant. El Patron dies.
The next day, Tam Lin is ordered to dispose of Matt, to dump him in the eejit wasteland. After being dismounted from the horse, Tam Lin reveals he has created an escape route for Matt. He must escape from Opium into Aztlan, and find Maria in San Luis.
Matt is sent out, on the journey to the border. When he finally reaches it, he makes a running attempt. He barely outruns the farm patrol, and is saved by a “keeper”. Matt is brought into a labor orphanage. He meets new friends Chacho and Fidelito. Every night the children must rehearse principals of work, and must confess to a sin they have committed.
The 3 are transported to a new factory orphanage where they must collect the plankton out of shrimp tanks. It is here that the boys must spend the next 4 years of their life. Matt is commonly referred to as the aristocrat, for his disagreement with the confessions, and how he preaches that the keepers get all these luxuries while the children must work. If you misbehave or disagree with the rules of work, or do not confess, you must “assume the position”, and be beat with a cane until you have learned your lesson.
I am very happy with Matt’s outcome. I’m glad Celia did what she did and Matt escaped. However, it did seem a little sad when El Patron died. He didn’t seem that bad, and Matt kind of felt bad for him too. I agree with Matt, when he said a part of El Patron will live a long as Matt lives.
Overall, the plot turned from good to bad though, when the Keepers took in Matt. It would really suck to have to work for 4 years until you are set free. It really shows how much we take for granted the fact that we live how we do here in Canada.
This section became more inciting, reading that Matt was fighting back against the keeper and their beliefs, however I don’t think this will have a positive outcome for Matt.
The book’s turn of events flows real nice, with each section of the book having an overall segment in setting and conflicts. I’m glad some of my older questions were answered. However I have many more. Will Matt live all 4 years here? Will him, chacho and Fidelito ever escape or be set free within that period? Again, I guess the answers lie within the next, final segment that I really look forward to reading.
The House of the Scorpion: 3/5
November 23rd 2009
PG 153-228
The next section continues at the funeral. The priest discovers Matt is Patron's clones and threatens to kick him out, however Maria saves him, and takes him away, inside the music room passageway where they kiss, and speak to each other for the first time in years. Maria says she forgives him for killing Furball, but Matt doesn’t think Maria will believe him if he told her he didn’t do it. Maria once again must leave once the funeral ends, but they vow to see each other soon.
Matt, one day, decides to take a horse, to go try and find his old home in the poppy fields. He ventures off towards the uncharted lands, and comes to the eejit pens. The ground becomes unstable and the horse falls. Matt is left unable to move while having asthma attack in the toxic fumed wasteland. Luckily, the Farm Patrol pick him up, but they believe he is a runaway eejit. Matt tells him he is the clone of El Patron and threatens them. They believe him and return him to the “big house”. They tell Matt of Tam Lin’s history.
Steven and Emilia, have been ordered by El Patron to be married. However, during the wedding, El Patron has an almost fatal heart attack. It is here that Matt learns why he was made; to transplant his heart or any other organs that Patron would need in the future. Everyone is searching for Matt who has hidden in the house. They must find him before Patron dies. Tam Lin plans an escape for Maria and Matt, however Steven and Emilia find them, and Matt is sent away to the hospital.
This part of the book has proved to be the most inciting so far. It all builds up to the final climax, and Matt and Maria’s love is finally revealed. I think the ending is very sad. I really hope that Matt’s fate turns out good. I highly believe it will, as I'm not sure how else the book will go on if Matt were to be killed off.
My earlier question about Tam Lin has finally been answered. The farm patrol tell Matt that Tam Lin was a terrorist that tried to blow up the prime ministers building, but instead killed 20 kids that drove by on a bus. El Patron had saved him and brought him here to work while being protected from the police, and government.
I think I have too many questions now. Will Matt ever see Maria again? What exactly will his fate be? Will El Patron die or live from this heart attack. The list goes on. I guess this is what really makes me hungry for more House of the Scorpion.
PG 153-228
The next section continues at the funeral. The priest discovers Matt is Patron's clones and threatens to kick him out, however Maria saves him, and takes him away, inside the music room passageway where they kiss, and speak to each other for the first time in years. Maria says she forgives him for killing Furball, but Matt doesn’t think Maria will believe him if he told her he didn’t do it. Maria once again must leave once the funeral ends, but they vow to see each other soon.
Matt, one day, decides to take a horse, to go try and find his old home in the poppy fields. He ventures off towards the uncharted lands, and comes to the eejit pens. The ground becomes unstable and the horse falls. Matt is left unable to move while having asthma attack in the toxic fumed wasteland. Luckily, the Farm Patrol pick him up, but they believe he is a runaway eejit. Matt tells him he is the clone of El Patron and threatens them. They believe him and return him to the “big house”. They tell Matt of Tam Lin’s history.
Steven and Emilia, have been ordered by El Patron to be married. However, during the wedding, El Patron has an almost fatal heart attack. It is here that Matt learns why he was made; to transplant his heart or any other organs that Patron would need in the future. Everyone is searching for Matt who has hidden in the house. They must find him before Patron dies. Tam Lin plans an escape for Maria and Matt, however Steven and Emilia find them, and Matt is sent away to the hospital.
This part of the book has proved to be the most inciting so far. It all builds up to the final climax, and Matt and Maria’s love is finally revealed. I think the ending is very sad. I really hope that Matt’s fate turns out good. I highly believe it will, as I'm not sure how else the book will go on if Matt were to be killed off.
My earlier question about Tam Lin has finally been answered. The farm patrol tell Matt that Tam Lin was a terrorist that tried to blow up the prime ministers building, but instead killed 20 kids that drove by on a bus. El Patron had saved him and brought him here to work while being protected from the police, and government.
I think I have too many questions now. Will Matt ever see Maria again? What exactly will his fate be? Will El Patron die or live from this heart attack. The list goes on. I guess this is what really makes me hungry for more House of the Scorpion.
The House Of the Scorpion: 2/5
November 22nd 2009
PG 76-152
Throughout this section of the book, Matt is settling in with the Alacrans. Matt finds places to hide and watch people in the house. Finally he gains the courage to try the piano, and when Tam Lin sees him, he gives Matt a Piano teacher.
Matt is becoming very attached to Maria. She is the only one that sees humanity in Matt. She can sometimes be difficult, but I guess that’s all you can expect from a 7-year-old girl. El Patron has taught him to be confident and to show no weakness to his enemies. At El Patrons birthday party, Matt forces Maria to give him a kiss. She is furious, and does not talk to Matt for quite some time. Soon, El Patron has a heart attack, but steadily recovers. Tam Lin leaves to go with Patron.
In an attempt to convince Maria that he is only human, he kidnaps her dog, Furball, as this seemed to be the only way to come in contact with her after what happened. During the kidnapping, someone secretly put a large amount of a sleeping drug in the dog’s food, and kiss it. Matt is blamed, and Maria is taken away to live with her father.
After living without Maria for about 4 years, their paths cross once more at the funeral of an old Alacran family member.
My questions from my last entry still remain mostly unanswered, however this section did somewhat clear it up. El Patron seems to be very old and has a history as a drug lord. He has authority over the family, and can do anything he wants.
This section has changed my thought on Maria. She seems a little greedy, and sometimes never listens or believes Matt. I am hoping this will change when Maria and Matt talk once again.
Matt however. Has earned maybe a little too much from Patron. What he did to Maria was a little over the top: both kissing her and stealing her dog. But again, Matt was only 8 or 9 when this happened.
Tam Lin still remains my favorite character, though it is sad he had to leave after El Patron’s heart attack.
The book is getting better every page. It’s becoming more and more exciting, though it can take time for something inciting to happen.
PG 76-152
Throughout this section of the book, Matt is settling in with the Alacrans. Matt finds places to hide and watch people in the house. Finally he gains the courage to try the piano, and when Tam Lin sees him, he gives Matt a Piano teacher.
Matt is becoming very attached to Maria. She is the only one that sees humanity in Matt. She can sometimes be difficult, but I guess that’s all you can expect from a 7-year-old girl. El Patron has taught him to be confident and to show no weakness to his enemies. At El Patrons birthday party, Matt forces Maria to give him a kiss. She is furious, and does not talk to Matt for quite some time. Soon, El Patron has a heart attack, but steadily recovers. Tam Lin leaves to go with Patron.
In an attempt to convince Maria that he is only human, he kidnaps her dog, Furball, as this seemed to be the only way to come in contact with her after what happened. During the kidnapping, someone secretly put a large amount of a sleeping drug in the dog’s food, and kiss it. Matt is blamed, and Maria is taken away to live with her father.
After living without Maria for about 4 years, their paths cross once more at the funeral of an old Alacran family member.
My questions from my last entry still remain mostly unanswered, however this section did somewhat clear it up. El Patron seems to be very old and has a history as a drug lord. He has authority over the family, and can do anything he wants.
This section has changed my thought on Maria. She seems a little greedy, and sometimes never listens or believes Matt. I am hoping this will change when Maria and Matt talk once again.
Matt however. Has earned maybe a little too much from Patron. What he did to Maria was a little over the top: both kissing her and stealing her dog. But again, Matt was only 8 or 9 when this happened.
Tam Lin still remains my favorite character, though it is sad he had to leave after El Patron’s heart attack.
The book is getting better every page. It’s becoming more and more exciting, though it can take time for something inciting to happen.
Monday, November 23, 2009
The House Of the Scorpion: 1/5
November 21st 2009
For my group novel study, I am reading the book, “The House Of The Scorpion”. It is a 380-page novel written by Nancy Farmer. The title or cover gave me no idea about what the book could be about, until I read the back.
The first chapter introduces me to a character named Matt. He is six years old and living with his young guardian Celia among the “poppy fields”. He is an eager young child, and has almost never been outside his home. He is warned that danger lurks, and he must never be seen when on the inside. One day, Matt breaks free to follow some kids he saw pass by, but ends up cutting him self severely. The kids take Matt back to their mansion, the house of the Alacran to be stitched up, but he is recognized as a “clone”, and is thrown in a cell by the housekeeper Rosa. For six months Matt lived in a room full of sawdust and among his fesses. Finally one day, Rosa takes Matt to do a health check in front of the great “El Patron”. They discover the harm Rosa has inflicted on Matt, and she is taken away immediately. I later discover that Matt is El Patrons clone. El Patron gives Matt a bodyguard, and he officially is part of the Alacran household, but is portrayed as a “beast” and is sometimes neglected.
I think a lot happened in these first 76 pages. I have many questions about this piece I have read. Who exactly is El Patron and why is he feared among the Alacran household. Why does everyone think Matt is a beast because he is a clone? What is Tam Lin’s history, where did he come from?
For one, I am really glad the character Rosa was taken away, as she seemed to be the most vile and evil human I have ever read about. Maria, one among the Alacran kids seems like a nice character. She is the only one who sees humanity in Matt’s eyes, and spends time with him. Tam Lin, Matt’s bodyguard, is my favorite character. He has a very cool personality that is fun to read about.
So far, this book has proven that it is different and stands out among other books I’ve read. I look very much forward to read more, as I hope many of my questions will be answered.
For my group novel study, I am reading the book, “The House Of The Scorpion”. It is a 380-page novel written by Nancy Farmer. The title or cover gave me no idea about what the book could be about, until I read the back.
The first chapter introduces me to a character named Matt. He is six years old and living with his young guardian Celia among the “poppy fields”. He is an eager young child, and has almost never been outside his home. He is warned that danger lurks, and he must never be seen when on the inside. One day, Matt breaks free to follow some kids he saw pass by, but ends up cutting him self severely. The kids take Matt back to their mansion, the house of the Alacran to be stitched up, but he is recognized as a “clone”, and is thrown in a cell by the housekeeper Rosa. For six months Matt lived in a room full of sawdust and among his fesses. Finally one day, Rosa takes Matt to do a health check in front of the great “El Patron”. They discover the harm Rosa has inflicted on Matt, and she is taken away immediately. I later discover that Matt is El Patrons clone. El Patron gives Matt a bodyguard, and he officially is part of the Alacran household, but is portrayed as a “beast” and is sometimes neglected.
I think a lot happened in these first 76 pages. I have many questions about this piece I have read. Who exactly is El Patron and why is he feared among the Alacran household. Why does everyone think Matt is a beast because he is a clone? What is Tam Lin’s history, where did he come from?
For one, I am really glad the character Rosa was taken away, as she seemed to be the most vile and evil human I have ever read about. Maria, one among the Alacran kids seems like a nice character. She is the only one who sees humanity in Matt’s eyes, and spends time with him. Tam Lin, Matt’s bodyguard, is my favorite character. He has a very cool personality that is fun to read about.
So far, this book has proven that it is different and stands out among other books I’ve read. I look very much forward to read more, as I hope many of my questions will be answered.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
I, Robot - Chapter 9: The Evitable Conflict
October 11th 2009
The final chapter is basically an overview of the world in the year 2052. Powerful machines that run Earths economy and production, known as “The Machines”, have given orders against their function. These malfunctions haven’t caused much harm yet, but the fact that they are simply appearing is alarming. Stephen Byerley, the new elected World Coordinator, asks for advice from leaders of regions of the world, and Susan Calvin herself.
This final closing chapter to the book leaves me with tons of questions, and has me wondering. Could there ever be a world in the future that relies on Machines to run our economy? To me this idea seems great. If we could have these machines make our economic decisions in the most intelligent ways, then the idea of these machines sounds brilliant. Relating to the book however, our technology would have to be controlled so that malfunctions like this aren’t possible. It would be hard to have these machines run the government, for the sake that a malfunction like this could really mess up our government.
These machines believe that in order for humanity to not be lost in the near future, some inaction of law #1 is needed, ultimately causing small loss to the humans race to prevent mass loss in the future.
This is how I, and many other people like Asimov probably have envisioned a robots race’s fate. If humans ever created robots as what they are portrayed as in I, Robot, then the ultimate climax is that these robots, will malfunction, error and overpowering us to the point of our, or their destruction. I think that intelligence of robot in the future will be so great that robots will be able to become self-conscience, and will have the ability to make their own decisions, whether positive or negative.
My overall take on this book is that if you love challenging novels, and have an interest in science fiction, this is the perfect book for you! Each chapter is a different tale, and can be read in different order. There is no, one plot building up throughout the whole books. Only small plots in each chapter. They all, however, share the theme of humans, robots, and mortality.
For me, this book was slightly more challenging then I expected. Small details included very space like words and dialogue that you really have to read over carefully and think about what they mean, in order to understand these small details. Characters were hard to relate to, in terms of what they did. There wasn’t enough detail given on some character to determine relations
My rating on this book: 7/10
The final chapter is basically an overview of the world in the year 2052. Powerful machines that run Earths economy and production, known as “The Machines”, have given orders against their function. These malfunctions haven’t caused much harm yet, but the fact that they are simply appearing is alarming. Stephen Byerley, the new elected World Coordinator, asks for advice from leaders of regions of the world, and Susan Calvin herself.
This final closing chapter to the book leaves me with tons of questions, and has me wondering. Could there ever be a world in the future that relies on Machines to run our economy? To me this idea seems great. If we could have these machines make our economic decisions in the most intelligent ways, then the idea of these machines sounds brilliant. Relating to the book however, our technology would have to be controlled so that malfunctions like this aren’t possible. It would be hard to have these machines run the government, for the sake that a malfunction like this could really mess up our government.
These machines believe that in order for humanity to not be lost in the near future, some inaction of law #1 is needed, ultimately causing small loss to the humans race to prevent mass loss in the future.
This is how I, and many other people like Asimov probably have envisioned a robots race’s fate. If humans ever created robots as what they are portrayed as in I, Robot, then the ultimate climax is that these robots, will malfunction, error and overpowering us to the point of our, or their destruction. I think that intelligence of robot in the future will be so great that robots will be able to become self-conscience, and will have the ability to make their own decisions, whether positive or negative.
My overall take on this book is that if you love challenging novels, and have an interest in science fiction, this is the perfect book for you! Each chapter is a different tale, and can be read in different order. There is no, one plot building up throughout the whole books. Only small plots in each chapter. They all, however, share the theme of humans, robots, and mortality.
For me, this book was slightly more challenging then I expected. Small details included very space like words and dialogue that you really have to read over carefully and think about what they mean, in order to understand these small details. Characters were hard to relate to, in terms of what they did. There wasn’t enough detail given on some character to determine relations
My rating on this book: 7/10
I, Robot - Chapter 7: Escape, Chapter 8: Evidence
October 10th 2009
Chapter 7
This Chapter is shortly followed after the events chapter 6. A rival company has developed blueprints to build a spaces ship that can complete an interstellar jump. However, the rival company’s computer was destroyed while trying to calculate the blueprints. US Robotic take these blueprints, and uses their super computer, know as “The Brain”, to calculate the blueprints and to give the orders to other robots to build the ship. Within a few weeks, the ship is completed and surprisingly seems flawless.
Mike Donovan and Greg Powell are sent to the ship to overview it, but the brain sends the ship out without warning. During the procedures of building the ship, The Brain malfunctioned, and became a practical joker. He sent the ship out with the men, into space with no showers or beds, and no manual controls.
How a super computer this intelligent could of messed this up beats me, but sending men into space with no showers, beds, only with milk and beans seems crazy.
So far this chapter has been my favorite in the book. It holds many suspenseful moments, and to be honest, this is the first chapter I have really, really enjoyed.
The Brain cannot harm a human being, and it knew the men would only be gone long enough that they will be perfectly healthy with just beans and milk. The scariest part though, is that with the interstellar jump, any humans must go through the process of… death. That right, for a mere moment, you have to actually die in order to pass through interstellar space. But it is only in the jump that you actually are dead.
This part really got to me. Would interstellar jump really temporally kill you? Whether or not this is true, it really shows we should expect the unexpected when it comes to space science.
Chapter 8
Chapter 7
This Chapter is shortly followed after the events chapter 6. A rival company has developed blueprints to build a spaces ship that can complete an interstellar jump. However, the rival company’s computer was destroyed while trying to calculate the blueprints. US Robotic take these blueprints, and uses their super computer, know as “The Brain”, to calculate the blueprints and to give the orders to other robots to build the ship. Within a few weeks, the ship is completed and surprisingly seems flawless.
Mike Donovan and Greg Powell are sent to the ship to overview it, but the brain sends the ship out without warning. During the procedures of building the ship, The Brain malfunctioned, and became a practical joker. He sent the ship out with the men, into space with no showers or beds, and no manual controls.
How a super computer this intelligent could of messed this up beats me, but sending men into space with no showers, beds, only with milk and beans seems crazy.
So far this chapter has been my favorite in the book. It holds many suspenseful moments, and to be honest, this is the first chapter I have really, really enjoyed.
The Brain cannot harm a human being, and it knew the men would only be gone long enough that they will be perfectly healthy with just beans and milk. The scariest part though, is that with the interstellar jump, any humans must go through the process of… death. That right, for a mere moment, you have to actually die in order to pass through interstellar space. But it is only in the jump that you actually are dead.
This part really got to me. Would interstellar jump really temporally kill you? Whether or not this is true, it really shows we should expect the unexpected when it comes to space science.
Chapter 8
In the year 2032, lawyer Stephen Byerley is running for mayor in New York City. However, a man known as Francis Quinn has developed a theory that Byerley is a robot, as he is never seen eating, or sleeping.
Quinn heads to US Robotics to find people to support his claim. Once Byerley arrives, they ask him to eat an apple, as robots do not eat. Without hesitation, Byerley eats the apple. This has Quinn to surprise, but he still does not believe that Stephen is human.
This really has me wondering that in the future, if robots our introduced as equal as men, will there ever be any robots running in politics? It may seem hard to believe, but I think that if we develop them enough, they could prove to do better jobs then most humans.
All of Quinns actions to prove Stephen a robot fail, and Stephen ends up winning the election.
Quinn heads to US Robotics to find people to support his claim. Once Byerley arrives, they ask him to eat an apple, as robots do not eat. Without hesitation, Byerley eats the apple. This has Quinn to surprise, but he still does not believe that Stephen is human.
This really has me wondering that in the future, if robots our introduced as equal as men, will there ever be any robots running in politics? It may seem hard to believe, but I think that if we develop them enough, they could prove to do better jobs then most humans.
All of Quinns actions to prove Stephen a robot fail, and Stephen ends up winning the election.
I enjoyed the chapter a lot. The whole political plot to this story brought a relief to me. I was slightly sick of all the space plots, as they help a little to much information that I couldn’t take in.
I, Robot - Chapter 6: Little Lost Robot
October 8th 2009
This chapter got off to a slow start. It was full of "hyper space" talk, that really threw me in to a couple of brain freezes. The chapter is on Hyper Base, in space, an asteriod base where scientists are working to develope a hyper space drive. 63 robots with Law #1 (Robots must never harm a human being) modified have been transported to the Hyper Base, in order to complete special operations. One of the robots was annoying one of the workers apparently, and the worker told him to go "lose yourself". The robot did just that, and hid among the other robots of the space stations.
These robots happen to not have serial number, and are expected to apply to their work. With this incident, Susan Calvin, and co-workers are asked to come to hyper base to locate this lost robot.
I am starting to notice a pattern in these chapters. I have noticed that most of these plots involve robot failures and errors, but I guess what these events are that Susan Calvin is describing are key events in the US Robotics history. I feel it is an understandable structure in the book, but it seems to be getting just a little bit repetitive.
Susan must put the robots threw a series of operations in order to determine what robot is Nester 10, the lost robot. In the end, Susan finds the robot, after a long very boring chapter.
At this point, the novel looses a bit of my taste. A lot of these stories are hard to follow, but it really does amaze me how much detail is thrown into a novel like this written in the 40s!
Again, the chapter was a little long and boring in my opinion, but it did include a very clever plot by Isaac.
This chapter got off to a slow start. It was full of "hyper space" talk, that really threw me in to a couple of brain freezes. The chapter is on Hyper Base, in space, an asteriod base where scientists are working to develope a hyper space drive. 63 robots with Law #1 (Robots must never harm a human being) modified have been transported to the Hyper Base, in order to complete special operations. One of the robots was annoying one of the workers apparently, and the worker told him to go "lose yourself". The robot did just that, and hid among the other robots of the space stations.
These robots happen to not have serial number, and are expected to apply to their work. With this incident, Susan Calvin, and co-workers are asked to come to hyper base to locate this lost robot.
I am starting to notice a pattern in these chapters. I have noticed that most of these plots involve robot failures and errors, but I guess what these events are that Susan Calvin is describing are key events in the US Robotics history. I feel it is an understandable structure in the book, but it seems to be getting just a little bit repetitive.
Susan must put the robots threw a series of operations in order to determine what robot is Nester 10, the lost robot. In the end, Susan finds the robot, after a long very boring chapter.
At this point, the novel looses a bit of my taste. A lot of these stories are hard to follow, but it really does amaze me how much detail is thrown into a novel like this written in the 40s!
Again, the chapter was a little long and boring in my opinion, but it did include a very clever plot by Isaac.
Monday, October 12, 2009
I, Robot - Chapter 5: Lair!
October 7th 2009
Chapter 5, I am finally starting to understand the structure of the book a lot more. At each chapter, a new story is introduced by Susan Calvin, who is giving an interview to a reporter in 2057. The book plays out a lot like the movie Titanic, story structure wise. I think Isaac does a good job using this structure.
The next plot is set in 2021. Susan Calvin and her team at US Robots are testing the new RB-34 model of robot, nicknamed “Herbie”, capable of reading the human mind!
This chapter was one where you really had to think in order to understand. A robot that can read humans mind, I think, would be a very bad idea in my mind. Just think; robots walking around that can just look at you, and tell you exactly what you are thinking!
On the contrary, it wouldn’t be so bad. Imagine having robots taking the place of humans interrogating criminals. There wouldn’t be much interrogating needed.
In the end, the robot is outsmarted by the wit of Susan Calvin, and the robotic law #1 over powers its abilities: that a robot must not harm a human being.
Chapter 5, I am finally starting to understand the structure of the book a lot more. At each chapter, a new story is introduced by Susan Calvin, who is giving an interview to a reporter in 2057. The book plays out a lot like the movie Titanic, story structure wise. I think Isaac does a good job using this structure.
The next plot is set in 2021. Susan Calvin and her team at US Robots are testing the new RB-34 model of robot, nicknamed “Herbie”, capable of reading the human mind!
This chapter was one where you really had to think in order to understand. A robot that can read humans mind, I think, would be a very bad idea in my mind. Just think; robots walking around that can just look at you, and tell you exactly what you are thinking!
On the contrary, it wouldn’t be so bad. Imagine having robots taking the place of humans interrogating criminals. There wouldn’t be much interrogating needed.
In the end, the robot is outsmarted by the wit of Susan Calvin, and the robotic law #1 over powers its abilities: that a robot must not harm a human being.
I, Robot - Chapter 4: Catch That Rabbit!
October 6th 2009
Chapter 4 again follows Mike Donovan and Greg Powell. It’s 6 months later, and they are on an asteroid station, overlooking robot model DV-5, nick named “Dave” and his DV mining team. While watching the robots in their one-week overview to make sure everything is okay, well, things turn out to be not okay. Dave is sending out strange commands to his robot team. Greg and Mike have seen the robots doing marches up and down the mining perimeters. However once Mike and Greg come in contact with them, they immediately go back to work, and when questioned have no memory of the, malfunctions, so to speak at all.
Again, Isaac Asimov shows a very creative but realistic idea of how the future should play out. Asteroid mining in Isaac’s future plays a big role in economy, and if our world some time in the future could extend to something like this, we would probably be a lot more stable and sophisticated.
Dave commands six robots around the asteroid, often referred to by Mike and Greg as Dave’s fingers. In the end, 6 robots turned out to be one too many, as Dave couldn’t handle operating 6 different radio frequencies at once. His level of robotics just wasn’t capable of it.
All of these stories in space kind of have me wondering what life on earth is like in Isaac’s 2015. It appears we really haven’t progressed to this future that the author portrayed, or at least robot and space travel wise. I, Robot was written in the 1960s and back then, some people thought that robots and flying cars were to be introduced as early as the 80s, so it is easy to understand why Isaac chose to vision this kind of future.
Chapter 4 again follows Mike Donovan and Greg Powell. It’s 6 months later, and they are on an asteroid station, overlooking robot model DV-5, nick named “Dave” and his DV mining team. While watching the robots in their one-week overview to make sure everything is okay, well, things turn out to be not okay. Dave is sending out strange commands to his robot team. Greg and Mike have seen the robots doing marches up and down the mining perimeters. However once Mike and Greg come in contact with them, they immediately go back to work, and when questioned have no memory of the, malfunctions, so to speak at all.
Again, Isaac Asimov shows a very creative but realistic idea of how the future should play out. Asteroid mining in Isaac’s future plays a big role in economy, and if our world some time in the future could extend to something like this, we would probably be a lot more stable and sophisticated.
Dave commands six robots around the asteroid, often referred to by Mike and Greg as Dave’s fingers. In the end, 6 robots turned out to be one too many, as Dave couldn’t handle operating 6 different radio frequencies at once. His level of robotics just wasn’t capable of it.
All of these stories in space kind of have me wondering what life on earth is like in Isaac’s 2015. It appears we really haven’t progressed to this future that the author portrayed, or at least robot and space travel wise. I, Robot was written in the 1960s and back then, some people thought that robots and flying cars were to be introduced as early as the 80s, so it is easy to understand why Isaac chose to vision this kind of future.
I, Robot - Chapter 3: Reason
October 5th 2009
Chapter 3 is set half a year later on a solar station. Mike and Greg have just come back from a much needed vacation, and are training robot QT-1, nicknamed “Cutie” to run the solar station and harness the energy of electrical storms without any humans presence on the station. Cutie is the highest quality robot ever created, and Mike and Greg are having troubles teaching the robot, as it believes he was not created by humans, and overlooks “the master”. This throws Mike and Greg into a huge problem, as Cutie is supposed to be trained and ready to go in a 2 days.
This really has me wondering if that by the time we do have robots working at our service and fulfilling jobs normally humans would do, will these robots have “errors” like this, and will they become so smart that they question their own existence? Personally I hope not, because in my mind it has humans vs. robots written all over it.
Eventually, Cutie over takes control of the robots running the station, and has them under command, and working under the rules of this so called “master” Cutie is praising. Mike and Greg have to get Cutie under control and running the station before the electrical storms hits, or the storm could go out of focus and destroy the station.
This future is one I would really like to see humans take forth. If we could have our main source of energy supplied from electrical storms in space, then this could solve a lot of our energy problems down here. Electrical Storm power could take away usage of fossil fuels, preventing pollution. Unfortunately I fear this future may be too far away before we can stop any long-term negative effects our habits have caused.
In the end, Cutie shows that he can focus an electrical storm and harness its power. Despite the “errors” Mike and Greg ran into, they leave the station.
Again, I ran into some pretty confusing words in this chapter, but overall, it was understood. The author chose a funny way of using futuristic dialog. For example, phrases like “Jumping Jupiter”, and “Sizzling Saturn” are seen a lot.
So far the book seems to be a little ahead of my league, but I am understanding the overall story structure.
Chapter 3 is set half a year later on a solar station. Mike and Greg have just come back from a much needed vacation, and are training robot QT-1, nicknamed “Cutie” to run the solar station and harness the energy of electrical storms without any humans presence on the station. Cutie is the highest quality robot ever created, and Mike and Greg are having troubles teaching the robot, as it believes he was not created by humans, and overlooks “the master”. This throws Mike and Greg into a huge problem, as Cutie is supposed to be trained and ready to go in a 2 days.
This really has me wondering if that by the time we do have robots working at our service and fulfilling jobs normally humans would do, will these robots have “errors” like this, and will they become so smart that they question their own existence? Personally I hope not, because in my mind it has humans vs. robots written all over it.
Eventually, Cutie over takes control of the robots running the station, and has them under command, and working under the rules of this so called “master” Cutie is praising. Mike and Greg have to get Cutie under control and running the station before the electrical storms hits, or the storm could go out of focus and destroy the station.
This future is one I would really like to see humans take forth. If we could have our main source of energy supplied from electrical storms in space, then this could solve a lot of our energy problems down here. Electrical Storm power could take away usage of fossil fuels, preventing pollution. Unfortunately I fear this future may be too far away before we can stop any long-term negative effects our habits have caused.
In the end, Cutie shows that he can focus an electrical storm and harness its power. Despite the “errors” Mike and Greg ran into, they leave the station.
Again, I ran into some pretty confusing words in this chapter, but overall, it was understood. The author chose a funny way of using futuristic dialog. For example, phrases like “Jumping Jupiter”, and “Sizzling Saturn” are seen a lot.
So far the book seems to be a little ahead of my league, but I am understanding the overall story structure.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
I, Robot - Chapter 2: Runaround
October 4th 2009
The chapter starts off relating to the introduction, an interview with Susan Calvin, who appears to be the narrator of the story. She begins tells the reporter of the Mercury Mining Expeditions of 2015, which is where the next plot takes place. Mike Donovan and Greg Powell are running the facilities, and have just sent out thier robot, “Speedy” to go get Selenium. I personally have no clue what selenium is or why they needed it, the book does not explain too well. Speedy then doesn’t return, so the two must leave the facility by mounting 2 old robots stored away from earlier expeditions, to retrieve Speedy. I am a little annoyed how the plot jumps so quickly, I just hope that it does not do this so very often.
They soon rescue Speed and bring him back to the facility after a long, confusing journey into the Mercury Desert. Again, I am a little confused, there are quite a lot of scientific terms and words used, and I really haven’t gotten into space study in science class yet. Their rescue mission had some very thrilling moments, and even funny ones.
This chapter was not very long, compared to chapter one. I am left with a few questions. Who are Mike Donovan and Greg Powell? Will they play a role further on in the book? I hope so. I don’t really like a constant change in characters.
The chapter starts off relating to the introduction, an interview with Susan Calvin, who appears to be the narrator of the story. She begins tells the reporter of the Mercury Mining Expeditions of 2015, which is where the next plot takes place. Mike Donovan and Greg Powell are running the facilities, and have just sent out thier robot, “Speedy” to go get Selenium. I personally have no clue what selenium is or why they needed it, the book does not explain too well. Speedy then doesn’t return, so the two must leave the facility by mounting 2 old robots stored away from earlier expeditions, to retrieve Speedy. I am a little annoyed how the plot jumps so quickly, I just hope that it does not do this so very often.
They soon rescue Speed and bring him back to the facility after a long, confusing journey into the Mercury Desert. Again, I am a little confused, there are quite a lot of scientific terms and words used, and I really haven’t gotten into space study in science class yet. Their rescue mission had some very thrilling moments, and even funny ones.
This chapter was not very long, compared to chapter one. I am left with a few questions. Who are Mike Donovan and Greg Powell? Will they play a role further on in the book? I hope so. I don’t really like a constant change in characters.
I, Robot - Chapter One: Robbie
October 4th 2009
In Mr. McGuchan’s Grade 9 English Class, we have recently been asked to take on an independent novel assignment. For my Novel, I chose I, Robot, written by Isaac Asimov.
Chapter one entitled “Robbie”, starts off a young 8-year-old girl, Gloria, playing hide and seek with her robot. Throughout the chapter, I learn that the chapter one setting is in the State of New York, 1998. I know now that this book must have been written a while ago, as the author’s idea of 1998 is a little incorrect. There aren’t too many other details as to what futuristic 1998 is like, but other relations I will explain later on. This also convinces me not too expect too many flying cars and robots in future. Gloria seems be a typical little 8 year old, and too me she seems a little greedy. Gloria bosses her robot around, maybe not in an angry manor, but in the little rich girl kind of manor I think. I can relate, as I have run into many kids with this personality.
Later on in the chapter, Gloria’s parents are convinced the robot is preventing her from befriending other human girls, so they take the robot away behind Gloria’s back, and told her that he ran away. Then they buy Gloria a dog, thinking it would be more suitable as a real living creature for a pet. I can understand why the parents would not tell her. Trying to explain why a robot isn’t a real living thing even thought it plays, follows orders, and does everything a “best friend” does, would be hard.
The family then goes on a trip to New York City, hoping Gloria will see the real world in a different way, full of other people. 1998 New York City is full of robots, and seems to differ New York City today way to much, considering 1998 was 11 years ago. The trip ends up not doing so well as Gloria thinks they are there to try and find Robbie. There final attempt to convince Gloria that a robot is not a living thing and has no soul was to go to a robot factory, but this only leads to Gloria finding Robbie, who was brought back to the factory to complete labor.
I think what the parents did was wrong, as they should of expected what would happen in the end.
The chapter ends here, but I would imagine that Gloria would be angry with her parents for lying to her for quite some time.
The story plot changes after this chapter, but I think this chapter will hold key information in relation to other chapters. Maybe as the book progresses, an older Gloria will come back. Robbie could possibly return, but I am still not very confident in any of my predictions on how the book will progress, I will just have to keep reading more.
The Day Paddy Murphy Died
In English class, we were split up into groups, and were asked to read over lyrics of a song given to us. Our group analyzed the song “The Day Paddy Murphy Died”. The song follows the events after Paddy Murphy dies. All of Paddy’s friends and relatives drink and party the night away. Lyrics claim that this is how Paddy's friends and family pay respect to him.
If someone I knew here in Ingersoll died, I definitely would not drink the night away with my friends. The song itself has a Newfoundland theme in the lyrics and music itself (Song done by Great Big Sea, a Newfoundland band), which tells us that wherever in Newfoundland Paddy was from, that is how they honor the memory of someone.
Did You Know 3.0
Madonna said it best. We are living in a material world, and we are all becoming material girls. And boys.
In English class, we watched a video called “Did You Know? 3.0”. This video basically gave us mind-blowing facts about how we are changing, and how we have changed the world. Facts like, the number of texts sent and received each day exceeds the total amount of the human population, is just crazy! Other facts included, the top 10 in-demand jobs in 2010 did not exist in 2004, and how it took 38 years for radio to reach a market audience of 50 million, but Facebook only 2 years. These facts can be pretty scary, and our generation is being left to control them.
I think I agree with the video. What does this all mean?
In English class, we watched a video called “Did You Know? 3.0”. This video basically gave us mind-blowing facts about how we are changing, and how we have changed the world. Facts like, the number of texts sent and received each day exceeds the total amount of the human population, is just crazy! Other facts included, the top 10 in-demand jobs in 2010 did not exist in 2004, and how it took 38 years for radio to reach a market audience of 50 million, but Facebook only 2 years. These facts can be pretty scary, and our generation is being left to control them.
I think I agree with the video. What does this all mean?
Viral Videos
In English class, we looked at The Best Youtube Viral Videos in 4 Minutes. I personally knew just about every video, as I am a Youtube veteran. It is simply crazy how such videos grow so popular on the Internet. Youtube, and the Internet have grown so big and so fast that the moment these videos are posted, they can explode in views and popularity. I think its easier for these videos to be recognized through the web, as for example, anyone can make a Youtube account, and post a video of their child saying “Charlie bit me!”
My favorite Internet meme is “Keyboard Cat”. Keyboard cat is a video of a cat called Fatso, appearing to be playing the keyboard. He is wearing a cat suit, so someone probably had their arms inside controlling the cat. The video starting being used in other Youtube videos as well. In videos, commonly referred to as “Fail” videos, when people mess up on anything, keyboard cat comes in and plays them off. For example if there is a news blooper video, keyboard cat will come in at the end and “Play him off”, simply trying to make his blooper not look as bad as it seemed. If want an real example of one of these videos, go to Youtube and type in “Play Him Off Keyboard Cat”, and click any video.
My favorite Internet meme is “Keyboard Cat”. Keyboard cat is a video of a cat called Fatso, appearing to be playing the keyboard. He is wearing a cat suit, so someone probably had their arms inside controlling the cat. The video starting being used in other Youtube videos as well. In videos, commonly referred to as “Fail” videos, when people mess up on anything, keyboard cat comes in and plays them off. For example if there is a news blooper video, keyboard cat will come in at the end and “Play him off”, simply trying to make his blooper not look as bad as it seemed. If want an real example of one of these videos, go to Youtube and type in “Play Him Off Keyboard Cat”, and click any video.
Lamb To The Slaughter
In English, our entire class read the short story Lamb to the Slaughter. The story follows Mary Maloney, a devoted and loving housewife, or at least so we thought. Mary murders her husband, after he tells her a secret he simply had to get off his chest. She must then find a way to cover up the murder, and in the end be proven innocent.
The story was very clever, and really makes you think. It was clear to say that Mary is crazy for what she did. She killed someone! On the other hand, lots of people probably understand Mary and why she did what she did. I’m sure many people have been enraged at someone else or even there boyfriend or husband lots of times, just maybe not to the point where they want to strike them in the back of the head with a leg of lamb. With that said, I sure hope this story doesn’t give anyone ideas.
The story was very clever, and really makes you think. It was clear to say that Mary is crazy for what she did. She killed someone! On the other hand, lots of people probably understand Mary and why she did what she did. I’m sure many people have been enraged at someone else or even there boyfriend or husband lots of times, just maybe not to the point where they want to strike them in the back of the head with a leg of lamb. With that said, I sure hope this story doesn’t give anyone ideas.
The Lunch Date
In English class, we watched the short film, “The Lunch Date”. The film seemed fairly old, probably made in the 1950s. The film followed the events of an Elderly Woman who missed her train at Grand Central Station.
I enjoyed the film, and I thought that the story was a very clever one, and shows how much people were stereo typed in those days. It had a good ending, and everything kind of built of to a climax moment in the story, which was very cool.
I enjoyed the film, and I thought that the story was a very clever one, and shows how much people were stereo typed in those days. It had a good ending, and everything kind of built of to a climax moment in the story, which was very cool.
Grade 9
In my English class, we examined and listened to the song, “Grade Nine”, by the Bare Naked Ladies. The song lyrics explain an experience on the first day of Grade 9, probably those of the band members, as most of the events have an Eighties theme to them.
Personally I enjoyed my first day of school, but a few of the lyrics, such as being late for classes, try to look normal, relate to me. Because the lyrics were based on Grade 9 in the eighties, I couldn’t appeal to any of the other lyrics really.
Personally I enjoyed my first day of school, but a few of the lyrics, such as being late for classes, try to look normal, relate to me. Because the lyrics were based on Grade 9 in the eighties, I couldn’t appeal to any of the other lyrics really.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Mella
Earlier last month, we read an old tribal story called Mella. The tale tells of of a brave girl, Mella, from Zimbabwe. The story of her is one we have heard of alot, the story of a regular person who goes on a quest or adventure and becomes a hero in the end. Mella must save her dieing father, by facing the great python healer.
The story was past on for generations. It must of been adored by the people of Zimbabwe, and I can see why this story is adored so much. There are hundreds of other stories and tales that almost follow the same outline, and we simply just love them. It leaves a good vibe after you read it, and gives you someone to look up to, someone to reconize as an icon.
Personally, I believe this story is a little too similar to others I have heard, and their was nothing very creative in my mind about it. To the people of Zimbabwe, the story is probably treasured, and was the pride of Mella's tribe. This story is a good example of a hero quest, but to me it has nothing that stands out among other hero quest stories.
The story was past on for generations. It must of been adored by the people of Zimbabwe, and I can see why this story is adored so much. There are hundreds of other stories and tales that almost follow the same outline, and we simply just love them. It leaves a good vibe after you read it, and gives you someone to look up to, someone to reconize as an icon.
Personally, I believe this story is a little too similar to others I have heard, and their was nothing very creative in my mind about it. To the people of Zimbabwe, the story is probably treasured, and was the pride of Mella's tribe. This story is a good example of a hero quest, but to me it has nothing that stands out among other hero quest stories.
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