tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43745531346777591252024-03-13T13:17:06.249-07:00Dylan's AP Lang BlogDylan Pippinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04020712499435524665noreply@blogger.comBlogger25125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4374553134677759125.post-19418005587319694042012-04-16T19:28:00.000-07:002012-04-16T19:28:21.300-07:00What Are It's Shortcomings?There are many shortcomings to Freakonomics that frustrated me and inhibited my enjoyment of the read. The repetitiveness of the chapters caused the book to drag on, which made it rather boring through the middle and end of the story. The interrelation of these chapters and how they seemed to all connect to each other contributed to the bland and repeating structure of the book. Also, the author's arrogant tone in most of his explanations turned me away somewhat from the book, although his cleverness and irresistible wit brought me right back in. All in all, one may have a love-hate relationship with the book because of the usable and seemingly important information, even though it is arranged in the same boring and cliche way throughout the entire novel.Dylan Pippinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04020712499435524665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4374553134677759125.post-17239304944172114522012-04-16T19:23:00.000-07:002012-04-16T19:23:35.952-07:00What's Praiseworthy?There are many qualities that made this book praiseworthy, but some are more predominant than others. The author's sheer ability to explain, twist, solve, bend, and present problems and solutions makes the book seem credible. This gives the audience a sense that they learned something actually useful after reading the book. When readers feel accomplished, proud, or glad after reading a story, that is when the author knows that he/she accomplished what he/she strove for when first writing the book.Dylan Pippinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04020712499435524665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4374553134677759125.post-83104084131799738142012-04-16T19:20:00.000-07:002012-04-16T19:20:18.649-07:00Main ThemeThe main theme of Freakonomics is to remember to always look deeper into something than the obvious and cliche answer. The author does a fantastic job in truly analyzing economic patterns and data, and refutes many common myths and misconceptions. The author often explains that the situations mentioned in the book may be applied to many other situations, and encourages the reader to begin to analyze such situations with the same vigor and intensity as the author does. Again and again does the author presents a seemingly concrete and obvious trend, but twists it in a way that either explains it better, analyzes it further, or provides a better solution than the one at hand.Dylan Pippinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04020712499435524665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4374553134677759125.post-59530769066624455282012-04-16T19:14:00.001-07:002012-04-16T19:14:49.159-07:00Freakonomics vs SLASHThere are many similarities and differences between the two books (Freakonomics by Steven Levitt and the autobiography of SLASH) that I chose to do evaluations on. Firstly, Freakonomics is revolved around economic ideas. SLASH, on the other hand, is about a rock band and the 80's and 90's heavy metal scene. Additionally, Freakonomics is basically a number of occurrences that is each explored and investigated. SLASH, however, is a narrative account of Saul Hudson's life from his birth to present day. Both of the novels use satire and controversial humor to attract a rebellious audience, though. Another similarity is the sarcasm that both authors take up throughout both stories.Dylan Pippinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04020712499435524665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4374553134677759125.post-69934893984404212382012-04-16T18:27:00.000-07:002012-04-16T18:27:10.507-07:003 major incidencesThere are many topics discussed in Freakonomics, but the topic I found most intriguing was the theory that it is much worse to cheat to lose in sports than it is to cheat to win. Levitt describes the 1919 White Sox, who conspired with gamblers to fix a World Series by ensuring several losses. They became formally known as the "Black Sox". Levitt also discusses the movie "On the Waterfront?" where Marlon Brando plays a boxer who believes all of his present problems resulted from one fight that he took a dive in. The last incident he describes is the intentional losses at sumo wrestling matches; those who already have 8 wins in a tournament intentionally lose to other sumo wrestlers that have just 7 wins and only need one more to secure their top spot in one of two elite divisions. Dylan Pippinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04020712499435524665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4374553134677759125.post-16165514811958150242012-04-16T18:16:00.001-07:002012-04-16T18:16:58.263-07:00EventsIn Freakonomics, because it is an Economical Non Fiction book, there is a lack of dialogue and characters. Additionally, there are few specific times and places that are described, and even mentioned. Therefore, the events that take place in society is the most important element in the book. After all, the book is essentially a cluster of occurrences that are relevant to the common topic of the chapter. These occurrences make up the backbone of the book. Without the occurrences, the book would have no context, and would just contain ramblings of some weird economist. The events provide evidence and credibility to the author. Dylan Pippinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04020712499435524665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4374553134677759125.post-74202213932090748312012-04-16T18:06:00.000-07:002012-04-16T18:06:45.758-07:00MoodFreakonomics has several moods that are prevailing throughout it; one of which is intuitive. The whole purpose of the book is to unveil common misconceptions about all things related to money. As directly written in the introduction of the book, "This is about stripping a layer or two from the surface of modern life and seeing what is happening underneath." In all chapters, Levitt dives deep into the happenings of today's economy and explains to the audience how and why it happens. <div>Another mood that prevails in the book is rebelliousness. The author often discusses rather controversial topics, almost too calmly and nonchalantly for a conservative audience. It seems the author likes to get down to raw facts and sugar-coats nothing for the reader, which could lead to some to become offended. Although most authors try to avoid this, Levitt embraces it. When making a connection to the Roe vs. Wade case, which was the first abortion case ever to reach supreme court, to the dramatic drop in crime rates in the 1990's writes, "Now, as the crime drop experts (the former crime doomsayers) spun their theories to the media, how many times did they cite legalized abortion as a cause? Zero." Levitt appears to bash crime experts in this quote. The author clearly exercises his right of Free Speech in this quote, and that is why he is so popular with his books; because people like to read things that cause controversy. </div><div>The only mood that struck me on a negative note was the author's arrogant mood that he presents in many situations throughout the book. In many situations he presents his ideas as if they are 100% true and concrete, while all the author really is is a theorist. Nobody will know exactly "How to be a perfect parent", but the author sure makes it seem like he knows exactly what he's talking about. He is, of course an economist, and EVERYONE knows that economists make great parents, right? Not really. His theories that are presented are believable, but never admits that he may be wrong, which in some ways makes his arguments somewhat hollow. </div>Dylan Pippinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04020712499435524665noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4374553134677759125.post-66879982330569863772012-04-15T17:05:00.000-07:002012-04-15T17:05:59.835-07:00What might the author be like?Based on the content of the book, I perceive Steven Levitt to be a very complex individual. He seems to be very analytic and I could never see him to settle with an obvious answer. Throughout the book, in almost every situation presented and analyzed, he presents the problem, states the obvious solution or explanation, refutes it, then explains why he disagrees with it. Based on the structure of the content of this book, I have developed a perception that the author requires routine and repetition in his life, and without these routines, he would go completely insane. Dylan Pippinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04020712499435524665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4374553134677759125.post-52280473346577713682012-04-15T17:00:00.000-07:002012-04-15T17:00:25.945-07:00Purpose?There are several purposes to writing Freakonomics, and some may be harder to understand than others. Levitt, an economist, seems to like to find the meaning behind things that occur because of the complexities of the human race. In Freakonomics, Levitt explores the hidden causes and effects of somewhat controversial phenomena that may often be overlooked in today's modern-day society. Therefore, the purpose for writing this book is to inform why and how events and trends are misinterpreted among American citizens. An example of this exploration is when Levitt explains the economics behind drug dealing, and why they still live with their mothers. Another oddity that Levitt explores is the misconception that if a political candidate puts forth more money in his running, the more likely he is to win. He provides believable details and simple common sense that left me thinking, "Ohhhh, why didn't I think of that?!".Dylan Pippinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04020712499435524665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4374553134677759125.post-17918568694492821722012-02-10T07:52:00.000-08:002012-02-10T07:52:30.615-08:00Testing My Publishing Skills<a href="https://docs.google.com/document/pub?id=1icTIPtIcGly6QGsOMkdxUBZ_eOn4cWdvJmgRE4HwO6c">AP Lang Persuasive Essay</a>Dylan Pippinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04020712499435524665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4374553134677759125.post-67824289983600943452012-02-09T19:02:00.000-08:002012-02-09T19:02:57.304-08:00Why?I have decided to select the novel Freakonomics for yet another book review for a number of reasons. I believe this book can not only provide information just on the concept of economics, but can also provide insight in society's commonly misconstrued perspective of common sense. Based on multiple reviews I've read on this same novel, I am convinced that I will "pull more out" of this novel more so than countless other books I have read.Dylan Pippinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04020712499435524665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4374553134677759125.post-45024113467249118552012-02-09T18:59:00.000-08:002012-02-09T18:59:07.674-08:00MLA Documentation For New NovelLevitt, Steven D., and Stephen J. Dubner. Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores the<br />
Hidden Side of Everything. New York: Morrow-Harper, 2005.Dylan Pippinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04020712499435524665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4374553134677759125.post-31068281433653436092012-02-09T10:08:00.000-08:002012-02-09T10:08:43.723-08:00The Best Thing I Learned Last Semester Is...The most important thing I learned about in AP Lang last semester was definitely my ability to analyze nonfiction texts. I am now able to read a passage and pick out the author's tone, diction, rhetorical strategies, and his/her mood. I can also write about what I have analyzed efficiently and eloquently.Dylan Pippinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04020712499435524665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4374553134677759125.post-43920643864598804132011-11-27T18:51:00.000-08:002011-11-27T18:51:09.626-08:00Recommendation?I do recommend this book to other AP Lang students. The book provides insight into the darkness of drug addiction, and is definitely an interesting read. Everyone wants to know what it is like to be a rock star, and one would know after reading this. SLASH allows someone to participate in incredibly illegal activities without actually doing so. I, personally, love this book; maybe because I am too an aspiring guitar player, but probably because I am also an avid Guns 'N Roses fan and listener.Dylan Pippinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04020712499435524665noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4374553134677759125.post-47049279727080971222011-11-27T18:46:00.000-08:002011-11-27T18:46:15.082-08:00Summary of the BookThe book begins when Slash is born in London, England, and when he moves to Los Angeles, California. He grows up there until he joins Guns 'N Roses, and he begins to go on the road on a 10-year tour of the U.S. After the tour, they record their first album, which was an unbelievable success, and begins another tour, but not of the United States. He tours the world. During that tour, tension builds in the band, mostly on account of the lead singer, Axl Rose. During the recording of their second album, Axl is late to almost every band practice, and tension begins to escalate even further. The third tour of Guns 'N Roses is cut short because of personal issues within the band, and they breakup shortly after. Slash then proceeded to go on a search for a new band, with all new members besides the rythym guitarist. The result of this search is the formation of Velvet Revolver, which becomes incredibly popular with a few hit songs. During the formation of Velvet Revolver, Slash gets married to his current wife Perla, and has two kids, London and Cash. Slash is still a member of Velvet Revolver, although they are on hiatus.Dylan Pippinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04020712499435524665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4374553134677759125.post-87118920654603825562011-11-27T18:29:00.000-08:002011-11-27T18:29:40.052-08:00Best SectionThe best section of the book is definitely the beginning, because it describes Slash's early life. I find it interesting to learn about how different life was in previous decades, and especially how different teenage life was. The first few chapters of SLASH enlightens me on that topic. He discusses how he used to skip school whenever he wanted, roam the streets of Hollywood without worry, and how easy life was in the early to late 70's. I also like this section of the book because I see some similarities in him and myself, and how some of his attitudes toward other people are similar to mine. I can also learn from the mistakes he made as an adolescent. From chapters 1-3 are definitely the most exciting, because they are the most relatable.Dylan Pippinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04020712499435524665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4374553134677759125.post-34437704916455353562011-11-27T18:19:00.000-08:002011-11-27T18:19:12.432-08:00Analyzing ToneOn page 51 of SLASH, Slash has a sort of reminiscent tone. He discusses how enjoyable school was for him, because of the drugs he used to snort, smoke, and inject at lunch and between hours of class. Although one would think that one would be regretful of these activities, but Slash seems to miss those times, and discusses them like he would describe a long-lost girlfriend.Dylan Pippinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04020712499435524665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4374553134677759125.post-76636324356583402692011-11-27T18:11:00.000-08:002011-11-27T18:11:47.764-08:0010 Significant Events1. Slash was born.Without Slash being born, there would be no story.<br />
2. Slash's brother was born. Slash claims that having a little brother changed the dynamics of his family, and for the better.<br />
3. Slash's parents' separation. When Slash's mother and father separated, he says that he had to redefine himself on his own terms.<br />
4. Slash owns his first guitar. Playing guitar defines Slash still, even today. It is the reason he is famous.<br />
5. Slash joins his first band. Being in a band reassured Slash that playing Rock and Roll was what he wanted to do for the rest of his life.<br />
6. Slash becomes addicted to heroin. Becoming addicted to drugs prevented Slash from being who he wanted to be; the greatest guitarist ever.<br />
7. Slash joins Guns 'N Roses. Guns 'N Roses is the reason that Slash became recognized as a great guitarist because of the other great musicians that surrounded him at Guns 'N Roses.<br />
8. Guns 'N Roses split up. The breakup of the band cast Slash into a low-point in his life, and also provided him with reasons to rise out of his low-point.<br />
9. Slash creates the band Velvet Revolver. The creation of this band put Slash back into mainstream Rock 'N Roll.<br />
10. Slash gets married and has two kids. Slash gaining responsibility provided further reasoning to stay sober.Dylan Pippinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04020712499435524665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4374553134677759125.post-45614497369969958782011-11-27T17:55:00.000-08:002011-11-27T17:55:17.721-08:00Two PlacesSlash mentions many venues in his book, but the one that seems the most significant to him is the Troubadour, which was home to many heavy metal bands in the 80's such as Guns 'N Roses and Motley Crue. The nightclub was housed with crazy-haired groupies, and strung-out rock and roll fans of the 80's. Slash played at the Troubadour multiple times and has never had a bad experience there, he says that that is his favorite venue to play at.<br />
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Another place Slash mentions in his book is where he met his life-long friend when he was 16 years old, at the ruins of the Pan Pacific Theatre in LA. It had been a 1940's movie palace, with an arched ceiling and a huge screen that used to show news reels. The arches were still intact, but the rest of the place during Slash's arrival had been reduced to rubble. Slash claims that it was a meeting place for ages 12-18, and was a place where kids hungout and did drugs. It was significant to Slash because it was a place that he could "fit in".Dylan Pippinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04020712499435524665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4374553134677759125.post-79263641613140346972011-11-27T17:34:00.000-08:002011-11-27T17:34:10.584-08:00Two Important PeopleThe most important person in the book is obviously the main character, and author, Slash. He is the most important character because what he has done throughout his life, determines what transpires throughout the story. Without Slash, there would not even be a story to be told. Slash is half African-American, half British, with long curly black hair. He is outspoken, and when under the influence of alcohol, has a short-temper. He also rather has an addictive personality, which subsequently led to his addictions with alcohol, cocaine, heroin, and his love of guitar.<br />
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The second most important character in the book is Slash's wife, Perla. Without her, Slash would have never reverted back to a sober lifestyle, without drugs and alcohol. Perla provided a meaning to his life, and means of a healthy life. She also provided Slash with two children, with further reason to sustain sobriety.Dylan Pippinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04020712499435524665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4374553134677759125.post-59228393377091181232011-11-27T17:10:00.000-08:002011-11-27T17:10:49.279-08:00Why Call it SLASH?The title of SLASH relates the the book in many ways. After all, the main character, and author of the book is almost always referred to as Slash, and he was given this title as a nickname when he was a boy. He was given this nickname by a friend of his father, because he was always so hyperactive. The title of this book is not only in relation to the story, it is the story. Slash's name is his persona, it's what makes his so dynamic on stage, because he was always trying to live up to his persona of "slash".Dylan Pippinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04020712499435524665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4374553134677759125.post-59976297898362026162011-11-27T16:31:00.000-08:002011-11-27T16:31:20.166-08:00About the AuthorSaul Hudson, AKA Slash, is a guitarist that has been in the bands Guns N' Roses, Slash's Snakepit, and his current band, Velvet Revolver. He lives in Los Angeles, California, with his wife Perla, and his two sons, London and Cash. He is one of the most revered guitarists in history, and has written, or helped written, many hit songs, several of which have reached #1 on the Billboard's Top 100.<br />
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Slash was born in Hampstead, London, but grew up in Los Angeles, California, and went to high school there, never finishing and earning his diploma, because of his aspirations to play in a rock band.Dylan Pippinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04020712499435524665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4374553134677759125.post-2863261825986838192011-11-27T16:08:00.001-08:002011-11-27T16:08:56.486-08:00MLA Citation of SLASH<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; font-size: 12px; letter-spacing: 2px;">Hudson, Saul. </span><i style="color: #333333; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; font-size: 12px; letter-spacing: 2px; text-align: left; text-indent: -20px;">SLASH</i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; font-size: 12px; letter-spacing: 2px; text-align: left; text-indent: -20px;">. 1st. New York: HarperCollins, 2007. Print.</span>Dylan Pippinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04020712499435524665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4374553134677759125.post-74319386183923170472011-11-17T10:19:00.000-08:002011-11-17T10:19:59.308-08:00Why I Write, essay from National Writing ProjectMark Salzman writes about why he writes in this particular essay. He claims that before learning about Helen Keller he feels that he wants to be as determined and confident as she was. Salzman also wishes that he does not want to be a "wasted life" like Helen Keller was "supposed" to be. The main reason he writes though, instead of being a martial-arts teacher like he had planned, is because he did not feel right doing what he did, and he felt that writing would feel more like the life he had originally planned to have. <br />
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<div style="color: #333333; font-family: times new roman, times, serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; letter-spacing: 2px; margin-left: 20px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 5px; text-align: left; text-indent: -20px; word-wrap: break-word;">Salzman, Mark. "Why I Write." <i>www.nwp.org</i>. N.p., 17/10/2011. Web. 17 Nov 2011. <a href="http://www.nwp.org/cs/public/print/resource/3693">http://www.nwp.org/cs/public/print/resource/3693</a>.</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: times new roman, times, serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; letter-spacing: 2px; margin-left: 20px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 5px; text-align: left; text-indent: -20px; word-wrap: break-word;"><br />
</div>The way Mark Salzman writes this piece is the way that I wish I could write. He connects his paragraphs, which are not very similar in thought, very seamlessly, and although the essay is no more than a few paragraphs, he really gets his point across. It seems that I know exactly why Salzman writes just by a few paragraphs of explanation. I really enjoyed this piece of writing.Dylan Pippinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04020712499435524665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4374553134677759125.post-17488021667653707332011-11-17T10:06:00.000-08:002011-11-17T10:06:15.144-08:00"Why I Write" Reaction"Why I Write" by Terry Tempest Williams struck me differently than most literature I read. The passage explains why this particular author writes and what she gets out of writing. It includes a long list of short sentences, most of which beginning with the words "I write". I loved this piece because I felt i could connect very deeply to it. Most of her examples of why she writes i can apply to why I do some of the things that I do. She says that she "writes because it creates my composure". I feel similarly to why I play my guitar, it gives me almost a feeling of confidence; it calms me down. I feel that I could even write a similar list for why I play guitar, but I'll save that for another time.Dylan Pippinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04020712499435524665noreply@blogger.com0