FIRE!!! (Bi-weekly Paper)

            As a part of the health of plant life in the western plains, fire is essential to re-fertilization of the soil after a successful growing season. Though these fires may be so important, they are often assumed to be caused unnaturally and can be very dangerous to many hikers, campers and residents in the immediate area. In the report for how a recent fire near Los Angeles, California was started; “a U.S. Forest Service official reported the fire began when a car caught fire.” In this case on Labor Day weekend, “about 50 residents and 1,000 campers were evacuated.”

            The problem with these fires is mainly the damage they cause to nearby homes, structures and people. “The brush, composed mostly of chaparral, [a dense growth of shrubs and/or small trees], is very thick in some areas.”  This along with “low humidity and high temperatures,” and “the fire [is] more difficult [because of] steep and rugged terrain,” shows good reason to why people should fear for their lives and property. Though these fires are dangerous, with proper planning and reaction to emergency, major risk can be averted.

            Once I saw that the fire was near Los Angeles, I immediately worried for my family who lives in LA and often camps near the affected area. Needless to say, the ash will likely fall like snow over a major portion of LA, which can greatly have an effect on the air quality of the area. “I know we have some neighbors [in Camp Williams, one of the evacuated areas], that didn’t leave, we’re really worried about them.” From this statement by Toni Kova, a resident of the area, we can infer that these fires are in fact something to be feared.

Reading Bucket List

The Hobbit by J.R.R Tolkien; I have actually read this book before however I read it a few years ago. As you may be aware, the new "The Hobbit" movie is premiering soon and I am a huge fan of the previous movies; thus, I would like to be caught up with the story to refresh myself before watching the movie.
Enders Shadow by Orson Scott Card; Enders Shadow is the sequel to one of my favorite books of all time, Enders Game. In the prospect of one day finishing all of the books in the series, I am going to read the next one that is in chronological series. Card is a very skilled author and writes some amazing pieces.
The Hunger Games by Suzanna Collins; Like a typical movie goer, I've seen the movie for his three times. I consider it a great movie, and would like to read the actual book(s) so that I can gain a more in-depth understanding of what the characters feel, and also to possibly start reading the series as they seem to be interesting.
The Lord of the Flies by William Golding; Over several years and multiple English classes, I've read excerpts from this famed book. I find the plot and setting to be very intriguing. The entire idea of the book is exactly in the genre of literature that I have always been interested in.
House by Ted Dekker and Frank E. Peretti; Upon looking for a good intellectual book,
Savannah suggested I take a look at this book, after reading the back cover and a few pages, I've noticed quite a bit of mystery clouding what is to happen next. These sort of book are generally very fun to read and often will actually make you think about what your reading, almost like a science book.
The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams; I haven't a clue as to how long ago I heard of this book, or how long since I last watched the movie(which I loved). From what I remember, it is some sort of comical science fiction. I love comedy, and I love science fiction, so what could be better than this?
The Mark of Athena by Rick Riordan; Ever since eighth grade, I have been reading books by Rick Riordan. He is a very talented writer and has written three series all based on mythology, a subject I love. This particular book will be released in October and is a fictional adaptation of Roman mythology into modern times and characters.
Leviathan by Scott Westerfield; As I searched for possible books that I would enjoy, which include Historical Fiction/Mythology/sci-fi in most cases, I found this which is an adaptation of world war 2 but with an entirely new theme, Steam Punk, which is mostly a more advanced industrial age. I haven't found many decent books like this and I can't wait to read it.
Merchant of Death by MacHale; This particular series was recommended by Matt Harris as something that was similar to other books we talked about. To add, I've been noticing these books getting more common and in the hands of more and more of my classmates and friends. The first few pages intrigued me, but is near last in my list to read.
Ms Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs; Yet another 'peculiar' book for me to read. After suggesting House by Perretti and Dekker, Savannah told me I need to read this as well. By a little reading I did into the book, my guess is something mysterious or possibly paranormal, upon Finishing House, I will likely read this strangely interesting book.