Blog #6 - Putting the Postive in the Negative

       "This ref sucks!", or "Ref, what kind of call was that!?"As an avid soccer player, as well as a licensed referee, these are only two out of the bunch of complaints heard by coaches, parents, and players. I believe referees, are almost always seen in a negative way. I see and hear people all the time whine and criticize over what they think are "mistakes" made by the referee. To me, I feel its almost immature to do so, because it's not like the referee is trying to make the bad call, or better yet, the call the parents aren't pleased with. The game of soccer, isn't always going to be a fair game, so parents, coaches, and players need to take that into consideration. The referee strives to keep control, and maintain a fair game, but it's very difficult to do so when you have everyone on the sideline raging and moaning at you, being a nuisance. Yes, I do understand there are times where you get a referee, with lets just say... very little experience. However, I feel we shouldn't downgrade him for trying. Instead of screaming and shouting, maybe try talking in a different, more cordial connotation.

#5 - Reflection on Class Discussion

       Imagine being homeless, living a lifestyle consisting of loneliness, being sad, and poor. This is generally how we stereotype the homeless, however in the piece "The Box Man", a homeless man contradicts this stereotype, and is portrayed as being content with his situation. The story also describes two elderly women with different issues whom are alone as well, and compares to how they deal with their perspective of loneliness.

       Yes, the box man is homeless and lives a lonely lifestyle, yet he is content with it. The women in the story, however, are shown in the story are shown to have no one but themselves, and they're not satisfied living that way.

       I believe the author wrote this story to demonstrate a necessary life lesson; happiness is found within ourselves, not the materialistic items to maintain our well-being, and The Box Man demonstrated just that. Sure, he didn't have a bed to sleep on, a steady paycheck to rely on, or food for every meal of the day, however, he is appeased with that, and has found happiness within himself.  The elder women, however, have a decent fortune, and a roof over their head, but are the ones who are the most dissatisfied with their lifestyle, because they haven't found the the essential key to a pleasant life; the happiness within ourselves.

Blog #4 - Compare & Contrast

The Declaration of Independence - Represents and protects the rights for the citizens of the United Stated of America, life, liberty, freedom, and the pursuit of happiness. 
The Bill of Rights - Constitutional amendments made to US constitution that deal with the issue connected to the human rights including issues such as freedom of religion, speech, and press.


These two documents differ because of several reasons: the year the were created, the laws they appoint, and were composed for different reasons. The two are similiar because of the role they take in our country. Both protect our rights as citizens, and ironically, Thomas Jefferson contributed his help to both of these.

Blog #3 :)

    The Secret Life of Bees, a heartfelt tale about a young girl seeking to find out what her heart longs for the most, to find out about her mother. Lily Owens, the main character, is a confused girl with a devastating memory; a witness of her mothers death, but worst of all, being blamed for the tragedy. Lily lives life with an abusive father, and her only friend, Rosaleen, a black worker her father hired to replace the acts of her mother. Later in the story, the two girls flee to Tiburon, South Carolina in desperate attempt to find out about her mother. They end up at a Bee-Keeping place ran by three strong sisters, May, August, and June. Lily becomes involved with the bee-keeping process, as she also matures and finds out some info as to why she went in the first place.

Throughout this admirable book, I found myself to appreciate family more than i do. If you are looking for a well told, compassionate story to read, this is the book to read. :)

Blog numero dos!

After sitting here pondering through my "nonfiction literary history", I've came to realize that i don't actually have much to list and discuss about this topic. i suppose this is because I typically find myself to be more into other types of books, rather than autobiographies and such. So, from what i can recall the nonfiction books i have read are...

-All But My Life, by Gerda Weissmann Klein
-The Diary of Ann Frank
and
-The Autobiography of Eleanor Roosevelt, by Eleanor Roosevelt

Out of these three, I would have to say my favorite would be The Autobiography of Eleanor Roosevelt. Something about his women amazes me. Her many accomplishments includes leading women's organizations, youth movements, fighting for consumer welfare, civil rights, and improved housing.

The Diary of Ann Frank demonstrates a young and innocent girl whom kept a diary with her to write about her life during the dreaded Holocaust. A philosophy from this novel that can correspond to life is to stay strong. Throughout her diary, she stays strong, and doesn't stop believing, even with all the hardships she had to face. 

Lets' Break It Down

Hello there! My name is Alissa Travers. I'm your average girl, full of wishes and dreams. I love to play soccer, go on bike rides, and eat. I try to make the best out of everything, and enjoy meeting new people. My life consists of endless laughter, and you'll generally find me in a good mood with a smile strung upon my face. :)