Tuesday, November 15, 2016

What's New on T.V.?

Although I usually post about sports on this page, I decided to alter my audience this week. Let's talk T.V.!!!! Every year, there are new shows that come onto the T.V. platform and grab the audience's attention. This year, the most popular network right now is ABC. This colossal network has produced some of the top shows in television history. They are continuing their reputable success. My new favorite T.V. show, Designated Survivor starrring Kiefer Sutherland is huge success on ABC. Some shows that have been on ABC for a few years, including Modern Family, Blackish, and Fresh Off the Boat have enjoyed plenty of success.

However, there is one show that keeps on attracting viewers year after year; The Bachelor. The Bachelor is a Reality T.V. Show where an everyday man is paired up with twenty-five women, dreaming to be engaged to the one guy. Although the plot is very simple and not very dramatic, it has continued to thrive and become a power house on the ABC network. 

ABC continues to demonstrate economic and viewship success with their traditional shows and their new additions to their line up. What do you think? Is ABC the best network? Comment below!!!


Definitions

Alter- To make a change

Platform- a raised level surface on which people or things can stand.

Colossal- Extremely large

Reputable- having a good reputation, well thought of

Dramatic- Sudden, or striking, relating to drama.

Traditional- existing in or as part of a tradition; long-established



Activity

Can you guess which word represents the six words above?

Ritual:

Sudden:

Massive, Blue Whale:

Audible, Change up:

Excellent reputation:

Activity 2: Create a Mad Lib Using Adjectives
Directions: Below are 8 adjectives. You must fill in each adjective into an underlined spot.

Word Bank
Big                                 Green                           Strong                              Small                 Athletic

Happy                            Weak                         Big

The                    yellow dog sat on the                      brown couch during the football game. His owner was a                        teenager, who was very                           because he plays a ton of sports. The owner was drinking a                     soda and he looked very                          as he was drinking it.



Conclusion

Adjectives are extremely pivotal to writing a strong essay. As a writing it is important that we engage our readers in everything that we write. I believe that using new words in an essay will attract the readers to read more and learn more about what they are actually reading. I believe that this post has words that would continuously keep the reader interested in the reading. Enjoy the post!!!








And Our 45th President Is....

Every four years in November, our nation comes together to select a leader of the United States of America. This day is known as "Election Day". This election day was very distinct from other election days in the past. This was because it was between two candidtaes who are polar opposites. The Democratic candidate was Hillary Clinton. She has a very renowned resume. From serving as a Senator of New York, to serving as our 42nd First Lady, Clinton has plenty of experience with serving as a public figure. The Republican candidate was Donald Trump. Once a dominant entrepreneur known around the world, Trump has shifted his career goals and now wants to run the country.

Right before Election Day, Clinton was the favorite to become the 45th President of the United States. However, the people of the United States thought otherwise. Donald Trump was seleted to become our 45th President of the United States. Although Clinton won the popular vote, Trump took home the electoral college. Now that election day is over, Trump has much to look forward to. His Inauguration into the office of the White House will be on January 20, 2017. I wish Donald Trump and his cabinet the best of luck to Make America Great Again!






Definitions

Distinct: recognizably different in nature from something else of a similar type.

Polar: Being on two opposite sides.

Democratic:One of the two main political parties. Hillary Clinton was this party's representative and their symbol is the donkey.

Republican: One of the two main political parties. Donald Trump was the party's representative and their symbol is an elephant.

Entrepreneur: a person who organizes and operates a business or businesses, taking on greater than normal financial risks in order to do so.

Inauguration: The beginning or introduction of a system, policy, or period.



Activity

Can you guess the words jumbled up???

ROLAP- Hint: Opposites

TINCISD- HINT: Different

CTIARCMODE- Hint: A political party

NCAIBLPURE- Hint: Another Political Party

REUNPRETEN: Hint: Organizing business

NIOTARUAUNI: Hint: The beginning



Conclusion

This blog demonstrates the significance of eleboration your word selection. When writing, it is i,portant that we extend our vocabulary. if we use similar words, like different or opposite, then our writing will become predictable and boring for the reader. When I wrote this blog, I thought about the best possible words to keep my read on his toes. When writing, we must always think of our reader first. I hope you enjoy this blog!




Thursday, November 3, 2016

Why Travel the Globe?

Why Travel the Globe

If you asked me ten years ago, "Mike would you ever want to travel to another country?" I would say, "I don't think so." However, my opinion has altered every since my experience in Seville, Spain. When I was twenty-one years of age, I lived in Spain for almost a year. When I got on the plane, I did not know a single soul. In fact, I was the only East coast kid in my whole entire study abroad group. However, that did not affect my trip at all. In fact, I embraced the opportunity that I was given. I had a chance to immerse myself in a culture that I was studying back in the United States. I took up on the offer to immerse myself in a beautiful and unique culture. 

Over in Spain, I not only became fluent in speaking, but I also became fluent in the rhythm of the Flamenco. The Flamenco is a dance that originated in Andalusia Spain. It is a traditional dance that is celebrated at many big events in Spain. My housemother signed me and my roommates up for the dance classes. After three classes, we were hooked on the lessons. When I returned to the United States, I promised that I would immerse my friends and family into a culture that I fell in love with. As time begins to grow between my time in Spain, my love for the culture only strengthens because I do not want to forget that part of my life.


Vocabulary

Immerse: The involve oneself in an activity or interest

Embrace: Act of supporting or accepting something with enthusiasm

Altered: To change or cause a change in character.

Hooked: To be excited or fixated on something

Traditional: An original or well respected event or activity.

Activity 1


Find the Synonym- Each word below is a synonym for a word above. TRY AND FIND THEM!!!


Dynamic, change-

Support

Participate-

Dedicated to it-

Original-

Activity 2
Directions: Create a five sentence story using synonyms to the words below.

Word Bank
Immerse                             Embrace                   Differentiate                          Traditional          Colossal

Example: When traveling to another country, it is important to immerse oneself with the foreign world. We must all embrace change and the diversity that surrounds us. In order to differentiate culture, we must learn about other cultures first. Whether it is practicing traditional culture or new and current culture. We must all br ready for small, or colossal changes that can occur in our lives.



Synonyms:

Synonyms are extremely important in the English language. They help us create a consistent tone and message without using the same word or phrase. I believe that synonyms helps a good writer become a great writer. If a writer is using synonyms of a word, then they are not being repetitive and keeping a strong and detailed message. 





Go Cubs Go!!!

"Say Goodbye to the Curse!" That was what millions of Chicago Cubs fans where chanting on the Chicago city streets last night. After 108 years of consistent heartbreak and anguish, the Cubs finally silenced all of the critics around the world. After being down three games to one in a seven game winner-take all series, the Cubs showed resilience and won three straight games to win the world series and bring a title back to Chi-Town.

Many people have impacted the success of the Cubs this past season, but one man who shines more than anyone else is Theo Epstein. Epstein was a General manager of the Red Sox originally, where he reversed the most renowned in all of sports. Epstein answered the prayers of millions and millions of Cubs around the world by not only bringing a championship back to Chicago, but bringing hope as well. Chicago is known for their avid sports loyalty, where many great athletes left their mark on the windy city. Athletes such as, Brian Urlacher, Michael Jordan, and Sammy Sosa are all reputable names in the Midwest. However, the twenty-five men apart of the Chicago Cubs 2016 World Championship will never be forgotten, as they have left mark on sports history.

Vocabulary
Consistent: Unchanging in effect over a period of time.

Anguish: Serving as mental or physical pain, suffering.

General Manager: The leader of the logistics and management of a sports franchise.

Reversed: To cause a change of events

Renowned: Known or talked about by many people, famous

Reputable: Having a good reputation.


Activity

Directions: Please select which word above would fit in best in each sentence. Example: Michael had            success in the game: Answer: Consistent

1. The                                     is responsible for keeping the team and franchise strong.

2. Molloy is a very                                      education program.

3. Michael Jordan is a                                    celebrity in Chicago.

4. The loss to the their rivals left the fans with pain and                             .

5. After winning the world series, the cubs                               a curse.


My Belief on Vocabulary

Vocabulary is a pivotal part of understanding the English language. As a Spanish teacher, I try to share new vocabulary with my students on an everyday basis. When learning a new vocabulary word, it is best that a student tries using the word in a variety of sentences. As you progress with vocabulary, your ability to retain words strengthens.

Sunday, October 9, 2016

Playoffs??

When you think of the fall season, the words pumpkin spice, football, and Halloween generally come to mind. However, if you are a Barden, the words "MLB Playoffs" resonate in our heads. As an avid Yankee fan, I do not have a team that I am giving my allegiance to, but that does not mean that I do not the smell of popcorn, freshly cut grass, roar of the crowd, and the crack of the bat at a baseball field in October.

The great thing about baseball is that it is unpredictable. Any team can win a championship at any moment. The game took a change for the better, when the new baseball commissioner made the playoffs a ten team postseason  instead of an eight team. This means that there are more chances for rejoicing, but also other chances to commiserating

This year, the American League is represented by the Boston Red Sox, the Cleveland Indians, the Texas Ranger, the Baltimore Orioles, and the Toronto Bluejays. The National League is represented by the Chicago Cubs, the San Francisco Giants, the Los Angeles Dodgers, the New York Mets, and the Washington Nationals. I believe that the Chicago Cubs will break their curse this year and take home the crown. Let me know what you think below!

Vocabulary

Postseason- The games and events that occur when the regular season ends

Unpredictable- An uncertain and an foreseeable event

Commissioner- The leader or president of Major League Baseball

Crown- A slang term in baseball meaning the championship

Rejoicing- Having great joy and jubilation

Commiserating- Express or feel pity for a certain event

Curse- A supernatural power that is seen to inflict pain or problems for a group or individual

Resonate- To have particular meaning or importance to something

Crack- The sound that the bat makes in a stadium

Vocabulary Quiz

1. What is the sound a bat makes in a stadium?

A. Curse                 B. Crack                C. Wham                 D. Crown

2. What is a word that describes a supernatural power?

A. Crown          B. Rejoice                  C. Curse                  D. Crack

3. What is the name of the leader of Major League Baseball?

A. Commissioner         B. President               C. Captain        D. Chairman

4. Which word describes happiness in baseball

A. Rejoice                B. Commisserate           C. Resonate        D. Unpredictable



My Idea of Adjectives

Adjectives play a pivotal role in how we describe certain people, places or things. When I wrote about Major League Baseball, it was very easy for me to describe my passion of the sport through adjectives. I believe that a adjectives are on of the most important things to have in a sentence. When you use an adjective, it is important that the adjective compliments the whole sentence and the whole paragraph.


Sunday, October 2, 2016

The Voice: The Platform of Talent

If there is something that America seems to enjoy, it is Reality TV.  One show that has taken off with the ratings and popularity is NBC's the Voice. This show is very similar to the once very favored American Idol. However, The Voice does some things a little different. One in particular are their judges.

  The judges of the Voice are not only reputable names, but musicians that are at the top of their genre. One the Voice, the judges are actually called "coaches." The coaches serve as mentors and aids to the singers competing for the prize, which is a recording contract. In season, NBC did not stall to find their judges. Veterans Adam Levine from Maroon 5 and 9 time CMA winner, Blake Shelton return to their red chairs, while newcomers Miley Cyrus and New York's very own Alicia Keys bring in their expertise to hopefully win the show. The Voice has demonstrated the consistency and anticipation through eleven seasons.

Being a country music fan, I am Team Blake all the way. However, I would love to see a new coach like Alicia Keys surprise the audience with a victory. Tell me what you think below!!!



Vocabulary

Favored- Something that is preferred or recommended.

Reputable- Something or someone that is very wll-known for good reasons.

Mentor- An experienced and trusted advisor

Veterans- A person who has had long experience in a particular field

Consistency- Unchanging achievement over  period of time

Anticipation- Having excitement and expecting a certain action

Exercise: Can you name an Antonym?

What is a antonym for veteran?

A. Rookie                                  B. Leader                           C. Boss                     D. Captain

What is an antonym for reputable?

A.  Trustworthy                      B. Responsible                  C. Potential                D. Untrustworthy


What is an antonym for consistency?

A. Foreseeable                    B. Likely                            C. Possible                     D. Unpredictable

What is an antonym for anticipation?

A. Exciting                       B. Dreading                         C. Nervous                   D. Sad


Grammar Point: Adjectives

An adjective is a word or phrase that gives a description or names a certain attribute about a certain person, place, or thing. Adjectives are excellent descriptors for explaining how a certain thing or person performs. When describing a T.V. show, adjectives work very well. When I said the Voice judges have reputable names, this was describing the judges popularity and fame. Adjectives are a great way to explain how we perform in certain tasks.





Wednesday, September 21, 2016

    Break Out The Popcorn!!!


Everyone has their reason for loving the autumn season. For some, it is the beginning of the football season.  For others, it is the beginning of pumpkin spice season. When I think of autumn, I think of movie season! Over the past five years, there have been several autumn season movies that have not only became blockbusters, but also created a large amount of Oscar buzz. It is already clear that this fall season will not disappoint movie goers. Here are my Top Three most anticipated movies of Fall 2016:

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them-  This J.K. Rowling masterpiece has sure been the talk of the town for movie goers. It is expected to do extremely well, with stars Colin Farrell, Eddie Redmayne, and Jon Voight headlining the star cast, J.K. Rowling will have plenty to smile about come November. Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them opens everywhere on November 18th.

Moana- Pixar is at it again! The once Steve Jobs experiment has taken the animation world by storm. From creating plots about toys coming to life, to fishes swimming around the massive blue ocean, Pixar has definitely demonstrated their versatility. Moana is led by the very talented Dwayne Johnson and will open everywhere on November 23rd.

Bleed For This-  This movie is the most underrated out of the three coming into the fall season. A-List actors Miles Teller and Aaron Eckhardt lead the way for this biopic about the famous Rhode Island boxer. Bleed for This follows the life of famous boxer Vinny Pazienza. This highly anticipated sports flick will open everywhere on November 23rd.

Any movies that are missing from this list? Comment below!!!

Key Vocabulary Words

Oscar Buzz- A film that has potential to win an Academy Award.

Movie Goers- Individuals or groups who avidly spend their time in the cinematic environment.

Blockbusters- A thing of great power, or size, particularly a movie, which demonstrates great commercial success.

Headlining- Individuals, or people who lead cast in a movie, or TV show.

Animation- A technique of photographing successive drawings or positions of puppets to create an illusion of movement


Versatility- Having or being capable of many uses

Biopic- A biographical movie or TV show.

Vocabulary Exercise: Can You Guess Synonyms

Which word represents Oscar Buzz?

A. Upsetting                B. Devestating                   C. Potential                      D. Interesting

Which word word represent Block Buster?

A. Very Little Money         B. Great Power            C. Funny                      D. Exciting

Which word would representing Biopic?

A. Biography                   B. Comedy                  C. Drama                      D. Romantic Comedy

Which character would represent Animation?

A. Michael Corleone          B. Forest Gump            C. Abraham Lincoln    D. Mickey Mouse


Grammar Point
The present perfect is a tense that of that word that indicates that an action has ended, but not at a given time. Throughout my post, I explained how I used the present perfect. One example is "Pixar has definitely demonstrated their versatility." The present perfect is an excellent tense to use when describing a certain person or groups success.