Book Review #2

I got this picture at: http://thebookreviews.wordpress.com/2010/12/19/how-angel-peterson-got-his-name/


          "How Angel Peterson Got His Name", by Gary Paulsen, is a book of different stories from Gary Paulson's childhood in Minnesota, involving extreme sports. One of the first stories is the one that gave both Carl Peterson and this book their names. One day, Carl has a crazy idea and wants to break the world record for speed on skis, 74 mph. There was a twist though, since Minnesota doesn't have any mountains, Carl will be pulled behind the local bad boy's, Archie's, hot rod, who was paid five dollars for the tow. So Carl, Gary, and two other friends, Alan and Wayne, collected the items they needed at the local army surplus store. That included World War II flight goggles, a leather flight helmet, a leather flight jacket, sheep skin pants, sheep skin-lined flight boots, and a pair of genuine sheep skin gunner's mittens. The next day they met Archie and drove to a flat road covered in snow, then decided if Carl gave them a thumbs up them they'd keep accelerating. Carl then got out and set up dehind the car and they accelerated, and after Carl's thumb was frozen straight up giving them the go faster signal, they had broken the record and went 82 mph, but then something happened. The road turned to gravel and Carl crashed. After they had found Carl and they were driving back, he told them that when he crashed he saw angels and they sang "Your Cheating Heart", by Hank Williams. From then on after Carl's name was Angel Peterson. That was one of the many stories from Gary's childhood in this book
          The theme of this book is person vs. nature. This book is about stories of extrem sports. All of the stories deal with the extreme parts of nature, electricity, ice, animals, and air. Some,  might even say girls are an extreme part of nature too, so I will include girls. Every single story has a person testing these parts of nature. Carl and the skis is a good example of it. The theme of this book is person vs. nature.
          I can relate with this theme. I live in Alaska and have to deal with the extreme parts of nature all the time. Whether I take advantage of it is another thing. I deal with nature like anyother person, I adjust to it. The same with Gary and his pals.
          I really enjoyed this book. It was fun and excitting all the way through. Gary and his friends did stuff unamaginable, which makes it worth reading. Therefore, I totally recomend this book to anyone! This book is simply amazing!



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iPods and MP3 Players at School

Kids growing up in the 21st century feel that music is vital. In classes, kids have a difficult time staying on task. When you ask what they do at home to get jobs finished, most of them say, "I listen to music." Music stimulates the brain and makes things run smoothly. In other words, music inspires kids to be creative. Music helps you relax and not strain your brain. Music makes you focus on what is in front of you, not your friend or the class clown. Kids think music helps you remember what goes on in class and what you have learned. I think kids should be allowed to listen to music in school.         Music inspires you to be creative. Personally, I've done some of my most creative work in the midst of music. I was making an art project, and I zoned in and created a wonderful piece. Music helped me create my drawing. During my art class, my teacher plays music because music breeds creativity. Our own music, which we're familiar and fond of, would help creativity even more. Why else would we listen to music? If we did not benefit from listening, I doubt many people would waste the time.         Music is a good way to relax. When I am laying down, watching the ball game, or even riding in the car, I listen to music.    Every night, I fall asleep listening to my favorite artist. My friends have listened to music for most of their lives. In Jazz Band, my  teacher wants us to listen to music as an assignment. If we listen to music in class we could be getting homework done and relaxing at the same time. Then, kids will have more time to do their core classes' homework. Kids use music to relax and recuperate after a long day. So why not in school? If kids are having a rough day, why not fix it during class, instead of getting irritated and not doing quality work? Have you ever been having a bad day, and it seems everything takes an extremely long time? Music simply helps this problem!         If you want to focus, listen to music. Music makes it easier to focus. One time, I had to get a school project done, and I was having a hard time focusing. Then I decided to pop in a CD, and just like that I was on my way on getting a good grade. Leonardo DaVinci worked on his priceless masterpieces while listening to music. Look where it got him, he made history. When mechanics are working on cars, they listen to music. This is because it helps them focus and get their tasks done. Other wise, they wouldn't repair as many cars. In class, we are mechanics, always needing to focus or we wouldn't get our class work done. Why not ease it up by listening to music? We can't, because it is against the school district's rules. Well, I say it shouldn't be. We're academic mechanics, and we need our music.         We have to live by rules, but the one against listening to music in class is wrong, and needs to be changed. First, music stimulates the brain and allows us to be more creative. Second, music is relaxing. Lastly, music makes it easier to focus and get work done. Kids should be allowed to listen to music during class. Therefor, I recommend our principal gets the school board to change this unneeded rule. I got this picture at: http://uptowntaxi.net/yahoo_site_admin/assets/images/ipodLogo.123171723_std.gif