Dear Lance,
I'm writing my final letter to you today. No, I'm not trying to be wierd, or all emotional, I'm just finished writing letters. So this may cover a lot of areas....Just to warn you.
First off all, you don't even know how impressed I am by your Tour victories. One day of the pain you go through in that race would do in most people, yet you put up with it for an entire month. The stages in that race are so tough, I don't think I could finish one if you gave me the whole day. Anyway, I think your training is what really set you apart, you were always first to arrive, last to leave, and always the one doing the work. Of course, I really admire that, being a runner, I put it on a LOT of miles, and, although it does pay off, sometimes you just get tired of it. Pounding the pavement is tough, if even for an hour or two. I can't even imagine biking for 12 hours like you did on some training rides. Although if there's one good example of hard working paying off, it's you and your seven Tour victories.
Also, I'm glad you are helping those with Cancer. Your funds and charity rides have helped more than most people ever would have thought, and I think everyone, not just patients, are in debt to you for that. Thank you so much for everything you did and continue to do for those sick and suffering on our world, you do more good than even you know.
Thanks,
Michael
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Sunday, October 21, 2007
It's Not About the Bike: Week 5, Post A
VOCAB
Sinew: (174) A tendon or nerve, especially one dressed as a cord or thread.
Braggadocious: (166) Overly boastful, showing braggart-like traits.
APPEALS
"You don't get it Bill [...] I keep telling you, I'm not a biker now" (167). This is an emotional appeal, and a pretty big one, because it shows Lance coming to the end of his line, and realizing that he may have have to give up his dream. He thinks that he is no longer going to be able to bike, even though biking is what really drove him through his cancer. It breaks a reader's heart to see someone give up on their dream after struggling for so long.
"By the end of the summer I resembled a healthy person" (172). I think this fits as a logical appeal because not only is it a fact (He looked healthy) it also argues a point, in a way: He's back and ready to go. It's put at the very beginning of a new section because it shows people that this is the beginning of his second chance, and he's going to work at it. (Which, at first, he doesn't.)
"What shape was my life supposed to take? What now? What about my recurring nightmares, my dream?" (181). This is an emotional appeal because it leaves Lance, and readers to think. What will happen? Not only does it make you want to read more, and find out what happens, it makes you almost want to reflect on your life, and find out where you want to go.
QUOTE
"Stacy Pounds had proved that to me. I was physically recovered, but my soul was still healing. I was entering a phase called survivorship" (181). I thought this quote was interesting because it really transitions into a new section of Lance's life, but one word really stuck out to me: Survivorship. Lance hints that you're never really done with cancer, you're either diagnosed, getting surgery, treating with chemo, recovering/waiting, or surviving. Surving means more that people think. Surviving means not only watching out for youself, but also for others: helping those who are diagnosed, giving hope to those going through chemo, and helping to find a cure. It's kind of a second job that comes when you're a survivor.
THEME
You have to work to accomplish your dreams. This is shown because Lance didn't work too hard on his first comeback and it ended badly, then he realized how hard you need to try.
Sinew: (174) A tendon or nerve, especially one dressed as a cord or thread.
Braggadocious: (166) Overly boastful, showing braggart-like traits.
APPEALS
"You don't get it Bill [...] I keep telling you, I'm not a biker now" (167). This is an emotional appeal, and a pretty big one, because it shows Lance coming to the end of his line, and realizing that he may have have to give up his dream. He thinks that he is no longer going to be able to bike, even though biking is what really drove him through his cancer. It breaks a reader's heart to see someone give up on their dream after struggling for so long.
"By the end of the summer I resembled a healthy person" (172). I think this fits as a logical appeal because not only is it a fact (He looked healthy) it also argues a point, in a way: He's back and ready to go. It's put at the very beginning of a new section because it shows people that this is the beginning of his second chance, and he's going to work at it. (Which, at first, he doesn't.)
"What shape was my life supposed to take? What now? What about my recurring nightmares, my dream?" (181). This is an emotional appeal because it leaves Lance, and readers to think. What will happen? Not only does it make you want to read more, and find out what happens, it makes you almost want to reflect on your life, and find out where you want to go.
QUOTE
"Stacy Pounds had proved that to me. I was physically recovered, but my soul was still healing. I was entering a phase called survivorship" (181). I thought this quote was interesting because it really transitions into a new section of Lance's life, but one word really stuck out to me: Survivorship. Lance hints that you're never really done with cancer, you're either diagnosed, getting surgery, treating with chemo, recovering/waiting, or surviving. Surving means more that people think. Surviving means not only watching out for youself, but also for others: helping those who are diagnosed, giving hope to those going through chemo, and helping to find a cure. It's kind of a second job that comes when you're a survivor.
THEME
You have to work to accomplish your dreams. This is shown because Lance didn't work too hard on his first comeback and it ended badly, then he realized how hard you need to try.
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
It's Not About the Bike: Week 4, Post B
QUOTE ANALYSIS
"This is what it means to be sick" (134). I picked this quote to analyze because it's very emotional and you can tell it comes from the heart. Also, it means so many different things at the same time. First, the fact that he's finally hurting and feeling the effects of Chemo. Although he expected it to be extremly tough, I don't think anything can prepare you for something like that. I think that Chemo is tough because it attacks you both physically and mentally, it hurts you to the point of tears, degrades you emotions, and makes you question you choices. But it also saves your life.
This quote "This is what it means to be sick" also rings true because Lance is now realizing how Cancer affects those around him. His mother, obviously is hurt, but also his friends, his sponsors, and even those people who he had never seen in his life. They all felt for him, and now Lance realizes it.
I think this is just a great quote that really sums up how Lance is feeling. Sure, he feels defeated sometimes, I think we all do. But he feels something more. He feels what all cancer victoms should feel, but there's something else. It's almost as if he's proud that he's feeling Cancer's effects.
Hurt. Depressed. Yet Somehow: Excited. He feels the pain, and just how he feels the pain in his race, he rallies. He tries harder than before. That's how be beats competitors. That's how he beats cancer.
"This is what it means to be sick" (134). I picked this quote to analyze because it's very emotional and you can tell it comes from the heart. Also, it means so many different things at the same time. First, the fact that he's finally hurting and feeling the effects of Chemo. Although he expected it to be extremly tough, I don't think anything can prepare you for something like that. I think that Chemo is tough because it attacks you both physically and mentally, it hurts you to the point of tears, degrades you emotions, and makes you question you choices. But it also saves your life.
This quote "This is what it means to be sick" also rings true because Lance is now realizing how Cancer affects those around him. His mother, obviously is hurt, but also his friends, his sponsors, and even those people who he had never seen in his life. They all felt for him, and now Lance realizes it.
I think this is just a great quote that really sums up how Lance is feeling. Sure, he feels defeated sometimes, I think we all do. But he feels something more. He feels what all cancer victoms should feel, but there's something else. It's almost as if he's proud that he's feeling Cancer's effects.
Hurt. Depressed. Yet Somehow: Excited. He feels the pain, and just how he feels the pain in his race, he rallies. He tries harder than before. That's how be beats competitors. That's how he beats cancer.
It's Not About the Bike: Week 4, Post A
VOCAB
Remission: The act of submitting or referring for consideration or judgement (121).
Ifosfamide: A chemotherapy drug used with all types of cancer (125).
APPEALS
"Seven days after the brain surgery, I went home. I would be back to the hospital soon enough. But at least I was beginning to talk this thing down to size" (125). This is an emotional appeal, because it makes you feel that Lance was beginning to cope, which is an important thing. Also, it makes you just kinda feel bad for Lance, but makes you want to get through it with him.
"I began to get good news. None of my sponsors were bailing out on me" (123). This is a logical appeal because it's a fact (none of his sponsors were leaving him even though he may never return to biking again) and also it was put at the beginning of the paragraph because it was such an important fact. He had no medical insurance and this fact just assures readers that he is going to be fine.
"This is the real McCoy [...] This is what it means to be sick" (134). This is an emotional appeal because it tells the readers that he's finally beginning to feel the pain and the effects of chemo. It makes the readers feel sorry for him, but at the same time it shows us readers that even the toughest people can be hurt from the smallest things.
QUOTE
"One day I noticed strange marks on my skin, almost like faint brown stains. They were chemo burns" (134). This is an important quote because it means the effect of the therapy is starting to appear. Lance thought it would be bad, but he assumed he would be tough enough to take it. This can just show us that just because you're physically strong doesn't mean you are invincible. Which just brings up my theme...
THEME
There are many types of Stregnth. Lance discovers this first hand because while he may be the toughest cyclist on the planet, thats got nothing to do with how strong he is versus cancer.
Remission: The act of submitting or referring for consideration or judgement (121).
Ifosfamide: A chemotherapy drug used with all types of cancer (125).
APPEALS
"Seven days after the brain surgery, I went home. I would be back to the hospital soon enough. But at least I was beginning to talk this thing down to size" (125). This is an emotional appeal, because it makes you feel that Lance was beginning to cope, which is an important thing. Also, it makes you just kinda feel bad for Lance, but makes you want to get through it with him.
"I began to get good news. None of my sponsors were bailing out on me" (123). This is a logical appeal because it's a fact (none of his sponsors were leaving him even though he may never return to biking again) and also it was put at the beginning of the paragraph because it was such an important fact. He had no medical insurance and this fact just assures readers that he is going to be fine.
"This is the real McCoy [...] This is what it means to be sick" (134). This is an emotional appeal because it tells the readers that he's finally beginning to feel the pain and the effects of chemo. It makes the readers feel sorry for him, but at the same time it shows us readers that even the toughest people can be hurt from the smallest things.
QUOTE
"One day I noticed strange marks on my skin, almost like faint brown stains. They were chemo burns" (134). This is an important quote because it means the effect of the therapy is starting to appear. Lance thought it would be bad, but he assumed he would be tough enough to take it. This can just show us that just because you're physically strong doesn't mean you are invincible. Which just brings up my theme...
THEME
There are many types of Stregnth. Lance discovers this first hand because while he may be the toughest cyclist on the planet, thats got nothing to do with how strong he is versus cancer.
Monday, October 15, 2007
The 400 Blows: Film as Literature Review
I thought The 400 Blows, a Francois Truffaut film starring Jean-Pierre Léaud, was a respectable movie, with certain aspects that shone, and others that disappointed. The plot was passable, a sort of mix between a story of oppressive parents and a child that won’t follow the rules, regardless of who tells him otherwise. The scenery all contributed to the artsy, almost indie feel of the movie, with gorgeous, sweeping shots of the Eifel Tower, and the Paris backdrop. The characters were believable as a whole but the acting really saved the movie in many ways. While Léaud’s Antoine was a strong figure, the acting in parts really did nothing to influence this either way, although full conclusions can’t be necessarily drawn, since the majority of the shots are from a birds-eye view and don’t necessary highlight good or bad performances from the actors. As a whole, however, everything comes together in a successful film with definite some flaws and triumphs.
This classic 1959 film shares many aspects with classic literature. Like some novels, the plot was about as simple or deep as you took it to be. That is to say, you could see it as being a story of a child rebelling against his parents, or you could look further and note the intricate father-son and husband-wife relationships, Antoine’s struggles to excel in school, and his intense passion for the work of Balzac. That being said, Antoine appears to be the same way. Scratching the surface, he comes into sight as a rude child who dislikes all authority. However, his troubled past as well as his disapproving parents force him to rebel and throw off what he knows to live a new life. The setting provided a strong backdrop for the motion picture as well. The phenomenal views of the countryside as well as the panning shots of the city showed the world outside the dismal, shadowy apartment Antoine shared with his uneven step-father and his vindictive mother. Though the movie taught us that crime doesn’t pay, you couldn’t tell that through Antoine’s relentless attempts at stirring trouble. What you could learn from Antoine, however, was that family is a necessary part of a successful life. Although both a mom and dad are present in Antoine life, they provide little to no support for him, and this clearly affects him negatively. When a child is forced to lie to his teacher about the death of his mother, steal a typewriter from his father, and escape a juvenile holding facility, you know something in them is not quite right. And obviously, that fault of misguidance falls on the parents. The story is told from a third person point-of-view, someone seeing and following Antoine from the outside, which I think helps us as viewers see the story in an unbiased sort of way. These literary aspects all help us to further analyze and understand the movie in many different lights.
The dramatic aspects of The 400 Blows are those that it shares with live productions. In a play or musical, acting is what makes or breaks the performance, and there is no exception in cinema, whether past or present . In this film, the leading role falls on a young Jean-Pierre Léaud, aged 15 at the time, but playing a 12 year old Antoine Doinel. Although he represents a very dynamic character, Léaud can’t seem to fully muster the emotion needed to portray a part of such difficulty. While he plays certain parts well- his portrayal of a young school boy causing trouble to an overworked and underpaid professor is superb- there are parts that leave you wanting more. Although he handles a complex part like an experienced actor, there is always something left to be desired. After being placed in a temporary jail, Antoine plays it cool, trying to show is toughness. However, Léaud appears almost too calm, putting a lack of emotion into the role where there should be a distinct air of superiority. Yes, the part comes off fine, but again, the scene is missing something. The casting , however, was first-rate. The choice of a young Léaud, making only his second silver-screen appearance, was a good one, for not many teenagers could have played the part with such distinction. The other major roles- those of Antoine’s mother, Gilberte (Claire Maurier), and Antoine’s father, Julian (Albert Rémy)- are superb, roles that really make you question whether you are watching actors or actual people interacting. Maurier’s performance especially stands out, in her playing of a mother who goes back and forth in her attempts to win back the good graces of her son. Very rarely did Maurier’s performances slip below purely striking. Although we don’t see much of her other than at the apartment, we can gather that she continually swayed between befriending and attacking her son Antoine. Her finest scenes came when she was doing something in the wrong whether it be lying to her husband or trying to make a corrupt deal with her son, and did they ever stand out. She was wickedly cool, making moviegoers love to hate her and wonder at what she would do next. Another role that was almost as entertaining, and equally two-faced was that of Antoine’s father. Played by the Paris-native Rémy, Gilberte was one that was hard to read. He appeared in the beginning to be a step-father trying to make peace in the family, joking with Antoine as much as he was assisting his eccentric wife. However, as the movie progressed, his mask was removed and he was revealed to be a cold, pitiless man, eventually dumping his son for juvenile treatment. His changing performance of good to evil, while still maintaining the seemingly same outer personality, was outstanding, blink-and-you-may-miss-it stuff, a real jem of a routine turned out once in a lifetime. It’s a pity he didn’t receive more screen time, although we’ve been shown again and again by actors such as Anthony Hopkins (Silence of the Lambs) that less really can be more when it comes to the art of film. As with Léaud, Rémy and Maurier are amazing choices for their jobs, each going above and beyond their expected roles, and even without such blatant flaws as those of the young Léaud . Even the lighting was superbly chosen, from the playful shadows of the city streets to the ominous shades of the apartment Antoine called home. The contrast of light versus dark gave a new feel to the movie, causing the viewer to get a sense for what was coming before it even happened. All this added up to brilliant dramatic aspects which made the movie stand apart.
Cinematic elements are those unique to film, those elements that come together when the editing is done and the reel is ready. These silver screen basics can be timidly subtle or immensely powerful. One of the most striking powerful things of this movie was the music, those same few notes repeated with almost eerie regularity throughout the picture . The refrain sounds happy, yes, but it’s the timing that is interesting. Though a casual viewer could view these melodic outburst as totally random, a deeper thinker can see a pattern emerge from the mangle of notes. Although within his residence there is silence, Antoine’s journeys outside cause the orchestra to strike up a tune, representing his freedom and happiness to be free of rules. The music is always light and happy, probably used by Truffaut to imply Antoine’s mood and his worry-free personality when away from oppressive adults. The camera work, on the other hand is a more subtle work that takes even more work to decipher. The majority of the shots are wide and sweeping, giving the observer a view of the whole picture, and letting them take in the scenery and surroundings of Paris. One scene showing the Paris scenery also happens to involve Antoine running from the Observation Center. This scene in particular is unique because it shows Antoine on the run for so very long. This seems to represent his running away from not only the guards, but his past as well, and the life he has grown up to know all too well. The shots are long throughout the flick, giving the feel of Antoine being distant, probably an intentional effect. Also, Antoine is camera shy, not looking the camera in the eye until the very last seen when he stares it down and makes his presence known: a dominant force in a land no longer ruled by adults.
Both Antoine Doinel, from The 400 Blows, and Richard Wright, from Black Boy, are quite comparable in many ways, although mostly in contrasting ways. Neither Antoine nor Richard can connect with society, which hurts them in their own way. While it drives Richard to become more integrated, it pushes Antoine further, leading him to the point of apparently leaving civilization, and possibly start life anew. They are also quite opposites when it comes to family relations, and in particular mother and son bonding. Richard and his mother may not always appear best of friends, they’re always there for each other, and love each other through thick and thin. Antoine and his mother, however, have an icy relationship, causing many arguments and eventually leading in part to his short lived stay at the Observation Center. While Richard and his mother want to be with each other, Antoine’s mother would rather have nothing to do with him, and tells him so at many points. So as strong as the bond between mother and son is in Richard’s life, it is equally or even possibly more feeble in the Doinel family.
As a whole, this movie was quite entertaining, and definitely worth a look. Though a little blemished in some parts, the performing was mostly top-notch and worth the price of admission on its own. But as good as the acting was, the cinematic aspects stole the show, with its awesome backdrop, a wide angle providing a matchless perspective, and music to embody the inner feelings of freedom in Antoine’s soul. Though the themes may not always be the clearest, the plot is attention-grabbing and deep to say the least, and characters are as interesting as they come, especially the intricate Antoine and his two-faced father. Overall, it’s a fun, while flawed, movie, that the whole family can not only watch but adore.
This classic 1959 film shares many aspects with classic literature. Like some novels, the plot was about as simple or deep as you took it to be. That is to say, you could see it as being a story of a child rebelling against his parents, or you could look further and note the intricate father-son and husband-wife relationships, Antoine’s struggles to excel in school, and his intense passion for the work of Balzac. That being said, Antoine appears to be the same way. Scratching the surface, he comes into sight as a rude child who dislikes all authority. However, his troubled past as well as his disapproving parents force him to rebel and throw off what he knows to live a new life. The setting provided a strong backdrop for the motion picture as well. The phenomenal views of the countryside as well as the panning shots of the city showed the world outside the dismal, shadowy apartment Antoine shared with his uneven step-father and his vindictive mother. Though the movie taught us that crime doesn’t pay, you couldn’t tell that through Antoine’s relentless attempts at stirring trouble. What you could learn from Antoine, however, was that family is a necessary part of a successful life. Although both a mom and dad are present in Antoine life, they provide little to no support for him, and this clearly affects him negatively. When a child is forced to lie to his teacher about the death of his mother, steal a typewriter from his father, and escape a juvenile holding facility, you know something in them is not quite right. And obviously, that fault of misguidance falls on the parents. The story is told from a third person point-of-view, someone seeing and following Antoine from the outside, which I think helps us as viewers see the story in an unbiased sort of way. These literary aspects all help us to further analyze and understand the movie in many different lights.
The dramatic aspects of The 400 Blows are those that it shares with live productions. In a play or musical, acting is what makes or breaks the performance, and there is no exception in cinema, whether past or present . In this film, the leading role falls on a young Jean-Pierre Léaud, aged 15 at the time, but playing a 12 year old Antoine Doinel. Although he represents a very dynamic character, Léaud can’t seem to fully muster the emotion needed to portray a part of such difficulty. While he plays certain parts well- his portrayal of a young school boy causing trouble to an overworked and underpaid professor is superb- there are parts that leave you wanting more. Although he handles a complex part like an experienced actor, there is always something left to be desired. After being placed in a temporary jail, Antoine plays it cool, trying to show is toughness. However, Léaud appears almost too calm, putting a lack of emotion into the role where there should be a distinct air of superiority. Yes, the part comes off fine, but again, the scene is missing something. The casting , however, was first-rate. The choice of a young Léaud, making only his second silver-screen appearance, was a good one, for not many teenagers could have played the part with such distinction. The other major roles- those of Antoine’s mother, Gilberte (Claire Maurier), and Antoine’s father, Julian (Albert Rémy)- are superb, roles that really make you question whether you are watching actors or actual people interacting. Maurier’s performance especially stands out, in her playing of a mother who goes back and forth in her attempts to win back the good graces of her son. Very rarely did Maurier’s performances slip below purely striking. Although we don’t see much of her other than at the apartment, we can gather that she continually swayed between befriending and attacking her son Antoine. Her finest scenes came when she was doing something in the wrong whether it be lying to her husband or trying to make a corrupt deal with her son, and did they ever stand out. She was wickedly cool, making moviegoers love to hate her and wonder at what she would do next. Another role that was almost as entertaining, and equally two-faced was that of Antoine’s father. Played by the Paris-native Rémy, Gilberte was one that was hard to read. He appeared in the beginning to be a step-father trying to make peace in the family, joking with Antoine as much as he was assisting his eccentric wife. However, as the movie progressed, his mask was removed and he was revealed to be a cold, pitiless man, eventually dumping his son for juvenile treatment. His changing performance of good to evil, while still maintaining the seemingly same outer personality, was outstanding, blink-and-you-may-miss-it stuff, a real jem of a routine turned out once in a lifetime. It’s a pity he didn’t receive more screen time, although we’ve been shown again and again by actors such as Anthony Hopkins (Silence of the Lambs) that less really can be more when it comes to the art of film. As with Léaud, Rémy and Maurier are amazing choices for their jobs, each going above and beyond their expected roles, and even without such blatant flaws as those of the young Léaud . Even the lighting was superbly chosen, from the playful shadows of the city streets to the ominous shades of the apartment Antoine called home. The contrast of light versus dark gave a new feel to the movie, causing the viewer to get a sense for what was coming before it even happened. All this added up to brilliant dramatic aspects which made the movie stand apart.
Cinematic elements are those unique to film, those elements that come together when the editing is done and the reel is ready. These silver screen basics can be timidly subtle or immensely powerful. One of the most striking powerful things of this movie was the music, those same few notes repeated with almost eerie regularity throughout the picture . The refrain sounds happy, yes, but it’s the timing that is interesting. Though a casual viewer could view these melodic outburst as totally random, a deeper thinker can see a pattern emerge from the mangle of notes. Although within his residence there is silence, Antoine’s journeys outside cause the orchestra to strike up a tune, representing his freedom and happiness to be free of rules. The music is always light and happy, probably used by Truffaut to imply Antoine’s mood and his worry-free personality when away from oppressive adults. The camera work, on the other hand is a more subtle work that takes even more work to decipher. The majority of the shots are wide and sweeping, giving the observer a view of the whole picture, and letting them take in the scenery and surroundings of Paris. One scene showing the Paris scenery also happens to involve Antoine running from the Observation Center. This scene in particular is unique because it shows Antoine on the run for so very long. This seems to represent his running away from not only the guards, but his past as well, and the life he has grown up to know all too well. The shots are long throughout the flick, giving the feel of Antoine being distant, probably an intentional effect. Also, Antoine is camera shy, not looking the camera in the eye until the very last seen when he stares it down and makes his presence known: a dominant force in a land no longer ruled by adults.
Both Antoine Doinel, from The 400 Blows, and Richard Wright, from Black Boy, are quite comparable in many ways, although mostly in contrasting ways. Neither Antoine nor Richard can connect with society, which hurts them in their own way. While it drives Richard to become more integrated, it pushes Antoine further, leading him to the point of apparently leaving civilization, and possibly start life anew. They are also quite opposites when it comes to family relations, and in particular mother and son bonding. Richard and his mother may not always appear best of friends, they’re always there for each other, and love each other through thick and thin. Antoine and his mother, however, have an icy relationship, causing many arguments and eventually leading in part to his short lived stay at the Observation Center. While Richard and his mother want to be with each other, Antoine’s mother would rather have nothing to do with him, and tells him so at many points. So as strong as the bond between mother and son is in Richard’s life, it is equally or even possibly more feeble in the Doinel family.
As a whole, this movie was quite entertaining, and definitely worth a look. Though a little blemished in some parts, the performing was mostly top-notch and worth the price of admission on its own. But as good as the acting was, the cinematic aspects stole the show, with its awesome backdrop, a wide angle providing a matchless perspective, and music to embody the inner feelings of freedom in Antoine’s soul. Though the themes may not always be the clearest, the plot is attention-grabbing and deep to say the least, and characters are as interesting as they come, especially the intricate Antoine and his two-faced father. Overall, it’s a fun, while flawed, movie, that the whole family can not only watch but adore.
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
It's Not About the Bike: Week 3 Post B
Lance-
I'm going to be honest with you right away. I've never really thought very highly of you. Why? I don't really know. For some reason my family has never really seen you as a hero, and so growing up, neither did I. Don't get me wrong, I respect you as a rider and a cancer surivor. But there are certain things (leaving your wife when you knew hard it was to frow up without a father) that I don't like, nor support.
Your book has changed things in my eyes, but I wonder if it is enough. I now know how hard it was on you and your family, how you had to switch hospitals to find the right treatment, and how you had little to know health insurance to cover it. But I would have thought it would show you the importance of having people around you. Yet you left your wife...why did you not learn?
But I didn't right this letter to question or accuse. I think you are a great rider and as I begin to road bike more and more, I understand your pain. I also hope you thanked those doctors oh very well, considering how hard they worked to save you and better yet, get you back into cycling shape. I aspire to be a doctor when I grow up and I respect their attempts very much.
I hope you look back at what you did and reflect. I don't expect you to mend broken ties but I hope you understand how it affected those around you.
Best of Luck,
Michael
I'm going to be honest with you right away. I've never really thought very highly of you. Why? I don't really know. For some reason my family has never really seen you as a hero, and so growing up, neither did I. Don't get me wrong, I respect you as a rider and a cancer surivor. But there are certain things (leaving your wife when you knew hard it was to frow up without a father) that I don't like, nor support.
Your book has changed things in my eyes, but I wonder if it is enough. I now know how hard it was on you and your family, how you had to switch hospitals to find the right treatment, and how you had little to know health insurance to cover it. But I would have thought it would show you the importance of having people around you. Yet you left your wife...why did you not learn?
But I didn't right this letter to question or accuse. I think you are a great rider and as I begin to road bike more and more, I understand your pain. I also hope you thanked those doctors oh very well, considering how hard they worked to save you and better yet, get you back into cycling shape. I aspire to be a doctor when I grow up and I respect their attempts very much.
I hope you look back at what you did and reflect. I don't expect you to mend broken ties but I hope you understand how it affected those around you.
Best of Luck,
Michael
Sunday, October 7, 2007
It's Not About the Bike: Week 3 Post A
VOCAB
ifosfamide: (89) A chemo drug given to work against many types of cancer.
lactate dehydrogenase: (89) An enzyme found in many types of living organisms.
APPEALS
Logical: "Youman explained that some chemotherapy parients recovered their virility, and somedid not; studies showed about a 50-percent return to normalcy after a year" (77). This is a logical appeal because it is a fact and it shows what the odds were against Lance Armstrong, and how hard he had to fight to beat them.
Emotional: "As long as I could move, I was healthy" (87). This is an emotional appeal because it shows Lance's determination toward staying in shape, and recovering. It's amazing how determined he was, and still is.
Emotional: "I had cancer, and I had no health insurance" (87). This is an emotional appeal because it really makes you feel bad for Lance, and shows how it just became harder for Lance to survive.
QUOTE
"I became a student of cancer" (88). I really like this quote because it makes you feel as though cancer is more powerful, and smarter in general, but if you work hard enough you can defeat it.
THEME
I think a theme is love your friends and family. The people around Lance come together when he is diagnosed and I think that was a big factor in his determination. Also, whenever he feels worried, he knows he can go to his mother, she is very important.
ifosfamide: (89) A chemo drug given to work against many types of cancer.
lactate dehydrogenase: (89) An enzyme found in many types of living organisms.
APPEALS
Logical: "Youman explained that some chemotherapy parients recovered their virility, and somedid not; studies showed about a 50-percent return to normalcy after a year" (77). This is a logical appeal because it is a fact and it shows what the odds were against Lance Armstrong, and how hard he had to fight to beat them.
Emotional: "As long as I could move, I was healthy" (87). This is an emotional appeal because it shows Lance's determination toward staying in shape, and recovering. It's amazing how determined he was, and still is.
Emotional: "I had cancer, and I had no health insurance" (87). This is an emotional appeal because it really makes you feel bad for Lance, and shows how it just became harder for Lance to survive.
QUOTE
"I became a student of cancer" (88). I really like this quote because it makes you feel as though cancer is more powerful, and smarter in general, but if you work hard enough you can defeat it.
THEME
I think a theme is love your friends and family. The people around Lance come together when he is diagnosed and I think that was a big factor in his determination. Also, whenever he feels worried, he knows he can go to his mother, she is very important.
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
It's Not About the Bike: Week 2, Post B
Why do bad things happen to good people? It sounds so cliche, yet it rings true again and again throughout our lives. Lance Armstrong was a good, hardworking person who just happened to be struck with a horrible illness. Although diseases don't pick their victoms, they always seem to attack the person who deserves it the least. Why? Sometimes life makes no sense, really. Luckily, Lance was touch enough to be able to fight back and beat the cancer. But not everyone can do that. No one should HAVE to do that. Diseases like cancer just seem to hit those who can't fight back- Those who are too weak, or not willing. It doesn't always strike the weaker, but it does claim thousands per year. Hopefully cancer victoms can see that there are always people behind them to support them. There's always someone to back you up.
Monday, October 1, 2007
It's Not About the Bike: Week 2 Post A
VOCAB
Surrogate (49): Put in the place of another, substitute. (My surrgote father never meant the same...)
Bravura (61): marked by a dazzling show of skill (...the bravura rider from Spain...)
APPEALS
"Cycling is a sport that embarrases youth, rather than rewards it. As I had planned, I turned pro immediately after the Olympics-and immediately finished dead last in my very first race." (48) This is a logical appeal because it make a statement and backs it up with personal evidence.
"Maybe it was the end of the long, hard climb of childhood" (63). This is an emotional appeal because it makes us think back not only to our childhoods but also to the childhood of Lance and how hard he had to climb back to become a champion. It creates a bond between the reader and the character.
"'Hello, I'm Lance, and I'm from Texas'" (57). In this sentence, the loaded word, at least in context, is Texas, because he is with a group of Europeans who view him differiently because he is from America. He goes on to say how people from America, and specificlly from Texas, are very loyal, patriotic, and content.
QUOTE
"It was like the start of a dreamlike summer season. Next, I won a suprise victory in a stage of the Tour de France with another late charge..." (59) This is important because it shows how Lance becomes a dominant force in cycling, and starts to move up in the rankings so that people notice him.
THEME
I think the theme is "work your butt off," because Lance at first is not all that good of rider, but as he works and works he becomes better, and his work pays off magnificantly. He never gives up, and his work just keeps him motivated.
Surrogate (49): Put in the place of another, substitute. (My surrgote father never meant the same...)
Bravura (61): marked by a dazzling show of skill (...the bravura rider from Spain...)
APPEALS
"Cycling is a sport that embarrases youth, rather than rewards it. As I had planned, I turned pro immediately after the Olympics-and immediately finished dead last in my very first race." (48) This is a logical appeal because it make a statement and backs it up with personal evidence.
"Maybe it was the end of the long, hard climb of childhood" (63). This is an emotional appeal because it makes us think back not only to our childhoods but also to the childhood of Lance and how hard he had to climb back to become a champion. It creates a bond between the reader and the character.
"'Hello, I'm Lance, and I'm from Texas'" (57). In this sentence, the loaded word, at least in context, is Texas, because he is with a group of Europeans who view him differiently because he is from America. He goes on to say how people from America, and specificlly from Texas, are very loyal, patriotic, and content.
QUOTE
"It was like the start of a dreamlike summer season. Next, I won a suprise victory in a stage of the Tour de France with another late charge..." (59) This is important because it shows how Lance becomes a dominant force in cycling, and starts to move up in the rankings so that people notice him.
THEME
I think the theme is "work your butt off," because Lance at first is not all that good of rider, but as he works and works he becomes better, and his work pays off magnificantly. He never gives up, and his work just keeps him motivated.
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