A Mixtape for Eleanor & Park

A “Mix-Tape” for Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell

“How Soon Is Now?” by The Smiths

How Soon Is Now

Park gives this song to Eleanor. Eleanor listens to this song over and over again. The lyrics in this song obviously speak to Eleanor and Park: “I am human and I need to be loved just like everyone else does.” Morrissey, the singer/lyricist, speaks plainly and truly about love and boils love down to a simple need comparable to food, water or air.

“Boys Don’t Cry” by The Cure

Boys Don't Cry

There is a simple message in this song: boy’s cry. They don’t want to because I guess they shouldn’t, said someone somewhere. Park cries. It’s what love does to you. And it’s okay. It’s okay for anyone to cry regardless of gender. And you too can cry while reading this book, especially if you’ve met that someone special and that someone…well, read the book first.

“Love Will Tear Us Apart” by Joy Division

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zuuObGsB0No

Spoiler alert. Kind of. Love doesn’t tear anyone apart in this book. Kind of. Park loves Joy Division. This isn’t the happiest music. Read about them on Wikipedia or something. But this song, by the title alone, elicits a certain mood, a Park which seems to suit Park until Eleanor comes along.

“All You Need Is Love” by The Beatles

All You Really Need Is Love

Eleanor has a rough life. Her step-dad Richie is an abusive drunk. She shares her room with all four of her siblings. But she finds Park. And with Park comes love. Afterwords, all that Eleanor needs is Park. And Park is love. Plus, this is the one band that Eleanor introduces Park to.

“Out of Step” by Minor Threat

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JUaEPQ_hvUw

Park loves punk rock when he’s angry. He says playing it loud quiets his thoughts. I agree (sometimes). This song is about being an outsider, different than the rest of the “normal” people. Park and Eleanor fit this profile exactly, but finding each other puts them “in step.”

“I Want To Know What Love Is” by Foreigner

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=raNGeq3_DtM

If Eleanor and Park make it to prom, this will be there song. Surprisingly Eleanor hates the song, but Park likes it. It’s a classic 80’s song. It’s cheesy. It’s grandiose. Maybe those two traits mimic the book. Yes, the book is cheesy, the love between the two characters seems a bit grandiose, but love, after all, is never perfect (and may not be seen as the best choice when you are older).

“Over the Ocean” by Low

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vWUQpvfRkVM

Though this song was written after the time period in which Eleanor and Park takes place in, Low does have a connection to the book. Low is from Minnesota. They sound like they come from a cold, quiet place, a place with long winters spent indoors with someone you love. “Over the Ocean” is a simple song with a simple message: listen to the last two lines. I hope Eleanor & Park’s line is “And if I belong, then I’ll be longer than I expected.” Minnesota is far away from anywhere when you’re in love.

Quarter One Reading Requirements

When I Finish A Book I Do This:

First Book Read by Friday September 9, 2016

Second book Read by Monday October 3, 2016

***************

After both books you must either

Present a two minute book talk (summary, genre, what you like about it, theme/main idea) about the book.  The grade will be based on how well you sell this book.  At least one “important” paragraph must be read.  This has to be done directly after warm-ups.  Please sign up in advance (meaning let me know a least a day in advance). 

Or write this on a piece of paper, which I will read out loud to the class. 

***************

Plus, for one of the two independent books you must complete one of the options below by October 3, 2016

01. Draw a picture that represents the theme or the Central/Main Idea.  A caption at the bottom of the picture must be a proficient Theme Statement or Central/Main Idea statement. A theme statement can be something like this one for Eleanor & Park: Love can happen in and instant and disappear in an instant.

02. Build a Legos (or something like that) Diorama of a scene that shows how the setting influences the character & conflicts in the book.

03. write the next chapter of the book. This is a great option for books in a series or books with an ending that leaves you guessing. (Please include a brief summary of the book, especially the cliff hanger ending.

04. Create a “mixtape” for the book.  With at least 7 songs, explain why you chose those songs.  You can email me the list with the links to the songs (mistercoreyryan@gmail.com).

05. Create a comic based on one of the chapters/parts. There will be a minimum of 10 panels.  Dialogue must be included (in either bubbles or narration at the top or bottom of the panel).    See a graphic novel for an example.

Dinosaur Man: Vocab #1

Dinosaur Man

Words In Context

You have received these words on Monday August, 2016 (unless you were absent)

The Quiz On Words 1-8 Will be on Friday, August 15, 2016

            When Luke was barely two years old, he developed an extraordinary(1) awareness of dinosaurs.  The awareness was unusual not only for the ardent(2) nature of his interest, but also because of the boy’s age.

            It all began in Luke’s preschool.  His teachers introduced the children to a set of dinosaur models, which Luke promptly scrutinized(3).  On the drive home from school, he regaled(4) his mother with tales of triceratops and tyrannosaurus and velociraptor.  She decided to stop at the nearby bookstore to procure(5) a few dinosaur books he might enjoy.  Enjoy?  He simply devoured(6) them.  As his mother read to him, Luke pondered(7) the miracle of creatures so different from those he knew. 

            It soon became obvious that Luke’s love of dinosaurs would endure(8).  Anything with a dinosaur pattern elicited(9) from Luke expressions of sheer(10) glee, so nearly every gift from friends or family catered(11) to this taste.  Before long, representations of dinosaurs adorned(12) his bed sheets and pillowcases, his shower curtain, his bath mat, and even the walls of his room. 

            When Luke’s teachers completed the dinosaur unit and moved on to Native Americans, Luke’s passion for the former(13) did not abate(14).  His parents arranged a trip to various zoos and museums.  They visited Denver’s Museum of Natural History, whose dinosaur display enthralled(15) the future paleontologist.

Below or on back or in your notebook-write the definitions and their parts of speech (Adjective, Verb, Noun)

AND

Use it in a sentence of your own-it will help.

NO EXCUSES!

             

For Example:

Extraordinary:  Adjective is the part of speech.  Supernatural or beyond ordinary is the definition. I am an extraordinary singer because I just became a new One Direction member.  

I Am The Messenger: The End(ing)

Name ________________________
I Am The Messenger: The End(ing)
Period ____
May 17, 2016

1. Who sent the messages?

2. How do you know your answer to #1 is correct?

3. Are you satisfied with the ending?

4. Support your yes or no.

Every Day: 58-69

Name______________________________________

Every Day 58-69

Period 3 or 6 or 7

April 21, 2016

Directions: Please write these answers on a separate piece of paper. Please write in complete sentences so I know what you are writing about. I will collect the work when I get back on Monday. You can work together at your tables if you’d like, but ultimately the opinion questions should not be the same as someone else’s because that would really be lame.

1. Reread the paragraph on page 58 that starts with “I don’t want to love her.” In your own words, what to do you think David Levithan is saying?

2. What do you think is in control of you, your body or your mind? Explain your answer?.

3. What do you think the point is of including day 5998 in the story? Everything the David Levithan writes should be allowing the theme to emerge? No writer would just put a random chapter in a book unrelated to its theme. Explain your answer as best as you can.  Hint, he might tell you the answer on page 68. 

4. A keeps an email that he/she/it records what happens so he won’t forget it? Do you keep any sort of diary or journal? If yes, why? How often do you write in it? How often do you reread it? If no, why not? Do you think you could start one, even for a week or so?

5. A “kind of” tells Rhiannon that Justin is incapable of love? Do you believe that some people are incapable of love? Explain your answer.

6. A is constantly interfering in people’s lives just to get to Rhiannon. Nathan seems to be the most “normal” person we have seen so far. Is it okay for A to be doing this even when A knows it’s wrong? Are we “excused” from doing crazy, weird, unordinary stuff for love? Explain your answer.

7. Of all the characters we have met so far, which one do you most identify with? Who is the most like you? Be sure, of course, to explain why.

8. There is a great song called “Bittersweet Symphony” by a great band called The Verve that you probably have never heard before. In the song, Richard Ashcroft repeats the chorus, “I’m a million different people from one day to the next.” Mr. Ashcroft, the singer, is not a spirit-thing like A, so please explain how this quote from this song can relate to a major theme in the book. How are we a different people every day? What one word theme is that?

9. What can we learn from A’s life about our own lives? This should take a few nice sentences.

10. Do you like the book so far? Why or why not?

11. What is the craziest thing that you can think of happening in the book to either A or Rhiannon? 

The End

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=TWmVlgIR2HA

Spades Quiz

Name _____________________

Spades Quiz

Period ______

Monday May 9, 2016

Each of these 3 questions must be answered in complete sentences. Each of these questions requires a well-written paragraph which explains your thoughts so that I know exactly what you’re talking about without having to read the questions. Also, the answers are due today, Monday May 9, 2016.

1. Ed has been talking about how scared he was of the spades since the beginning of the book. Explain why, yes, so far, the spades were the hardest suit to complete. Quotes would be awesome, but you do not need to quote anything, paraphrasing would be just fine, but explain it well.
2. What two things (one having to do with the screen and one having to with what Bernie tells him) does Ed learn about his mission while in the theater?  Having learned those things, make a prediction of who is sending Ed the cards. Be sure to explain why you think your answer is right. If you know the answer, support your “cheating” with some clues that you know noticed that readers should’ve picked up on.
3. Yesterday was Mother’s Day, in your opinion, should Ed have given or made his mother something for Mother’s Day? Why or why not? This response should state, basically, if you believe Ed’s mother is a “good mother” (whatever that means to you) and if she is “deserving” of something from Ed.

Clubs (I Am The Messenger)

Name ____________________

Period

Clubs Section

May 2, 2016

Directions: Hey honors class! You are in an honors class, did you know that? This means that you are expected to explain your answers well. Really well. So if your work looks like it came from seventh grade (like many people last time) I'm going to hand it back to you and remind you that you are not in seventh grade. 

1. Explain how the events in the "clubs" section relate to the word "club." Yes, there's more than one meaning of "club." 

2. Explain how Ed "helped" Gavin Rose. Do you agree with his method? Do the ends justify the means? Explain it well. 

3. Which message from this section appealed to you the most?

4. Which section of your notes do you believe is most leading you towards a theme? Explain. 

5.  Look at page 123. You see how it's written? Short lines. Like a poem. What effect does this have on you as a reader? Why? Explain. 

Every Day (Quiz & Two Sets of Questions)

Name___________________________

Period ________

April 20, 2016

Every Day Quiz pages 34-57

1. What happened to Leslie’s brother Owen?  _____________________________________________________

 2. How are A’s actions as Justin similar to A’s actions with Leslie?  ___________________________________

 3. What did Rhiannon’s email to Justin say (paraphrase)?  ___________________________________________

 4. Do you think A messed up Rhiannon’s life more? _______________________________________________

5. What part of A’s shifting (changing bodies) did you learn from the Skylar Smith chapter?_______________

6. Does A remember everything when he shifts bodies? Explain.  ____________________________________

7. Where does Amy Tran go? _________________________________________________________________

8. What happens between Amy & Rhiannon? _____________________________________________________

9. The title is part of how David Levithan allows the theme to emerge? What do you think the title is trying to teach us besides the life of A? _________________________________________________________________

10. Is A’s love for Rhiannon “crazy?” ___________________________________________________________

Name______________________________________

Every Day 58-69

Period 3 or 6 or 7

April 21, 2016

Directions: Please write these answers on a separate piece of paper. Please write in complete sentences so I know what you are writing about. I will collect the work when I get back on Monday. You can work together at your tables if you’d like, but ultimately the opinion questions should not be the same as someone else’s because that would really be lame.

1. Reread the paragraph on page 58 that starts with “I don’t want to love her.” In your own words, what to do you think David Levithan is saying?

2. What do you think is in control of you, your body or your mind? Explain your answer?.

3. What do you think the point is of including day 5998 in the story? Everything the David Levithan writes should be allowing the theme to emerge? No writer would just put a random chapter in a book unrelated to its theme. Explain your answer as best as you can.  Hint, he might tell you the answer on page 68. 

4. A keeps an email that he/she/it records what happens so he won’t forget it? Do you keep any sort of diary or journal? If yes, why? How often do you write in it? How often do you reread it? If no, why not? Do you think you could start one, even for a week or so?

5. A “kind of” tells Rhiannon that Justin is incapable of love? Do you believe that some people are incapable of love? Explain your answer.

6. A is constantly interfering in people’s lives just to get to Rhiannon. Nathan seems to be the most “normal” person we have seen so far. Is it okay for A to be doing this even when A knows it’s wrong? Are we “excused” from doing crazy, weird, unordinary stuff for love? Explain your answer.

7. Of all the characters we have met so far, which one do you most identify with? Who is the most like you? Be sure, of course, to explain why.

8. There is a great song called “Bittersweet Symphony” by a great band called The Verve that you probably have never heard before. In the song, Richard Ashcroft repeats the chorus, “I’m a million different people from one day to the next.” Mr. Ashcroft, the singer, is not a spirit-thing like A, so please explain how this quote from this song can relate to a major theme in the book. How are we a different people every day? What one word theme is that?

9. What can we learn from A’s life about our own lives? This should take a few nice sentences.

10. Do you like the book so far? Why or why not?

11. What is the craziest thing that you can think of happening in the book to either A or Rhiannon?

Name______________________________________

Every Day 70-83

Period 3 or 6 or 7

April 22, 2016

Directions: Please write these answers on a separate piece of paper. Please write in complete sentences so I know what you are writing about. I will collect the work when I get back on Monday. You can work together at your tables if you’d like, but ultimately the opinion questions should not be the same as someone else’s because that would really be lame.

1. Reread the last paragraph on page 71. What do you think is keeping Rhiannon in a relationship with Justin? Explain.

2. “You shouldn’t have to venture deep down in order to get to love?” In your own words, what does this quote mean?

3. Poor Nathan. Now he’s gay and he’s going to so confused. A calls himself a “monster for doing this to him.” But he said he has his reasons. Are his reasons okay to mess with someone else’s life like that? Do you like A more or less for this? Explain?

4. What does David Levithan mean on page 77 that “race is different purely as a social construction, not as an inherent different?”

5. Prediction: Will Nathan figure out A? Will Nathan disrupt A’s love of Rhiannon?

6. A admits that he is losing control. Is he telling you that love is a great thing or a problem? Explain your answer.

7. On page 83 you’ll read the word “personwise.” What does this word mean? Who is someone you like personwise? What makes you like them?

8. Is A the type of person you would want to date? Explain why or why not. Remember, A is only a personality so you can’t talk about physical characteristics. This should be a nice, well written paragraph full of honesty and opinions.

***Okay, if you finished this, get reading. You have to be to page 111 by Monday and it’s supposed to be nice outside so I’m sure you’d rather be reading here today than during the weekend. I hope to see you Monday. I’ve missed you.  

I Am The Messenger (Quiz & Two Sets of Questions

Name___________________________

Period

April 20, 2016

I Am The Messenger Quiz pages 37-66

1. What does the bank robber tell Ed in court? ____________________________________________________

2. How long does the robber get in jail?  _________________________________________________________

3. What happens in the first house—Edgar Street? _________________________________________________

4. What does Ed realize he has been chosen to do?   ________________________________________________

5. What happened at 2^nd house—Harrison Avenue?  _______________________________________________

6. Does Ed complete the Harrison Ave mission?  __________________________________________________

7. Why does Ed like being Jimmy?  ____________________________________________________________

8. What did the mysterious call say? ____________________________________________________________

9. What does Ed find at the third house--Macedoni Street?  __________________________________________

10. How are all 3 houses similar so far? _________________________________________________________

Name______________________________________

I Am The Messenger 67-79

Period 1 or 5;

April 21, 2016

Directions: Please write these answers on a separate piece of paper. Please write in complete sentences so I know what you are writing about. I will collect the work when I get back on Monday. You can work together at your tables if you’d like, but ultimately the opinion questions should not be the same as someone else’s because that would really be lame.

1. There’s a quote on page 79 that discusses diamonds in a symbolic, metaphorical way. Three sentences. Find it and write it down. What theme can you connect this quote and why?

2. Explain why you think Ed chose to give her an empty box of shoes instead of a nice pair of running shoes?

3. Do you agree with Ed’s choice of the empty shoebox or should he have bought her a nice pair of running shoes? Explain your reasoning.

4. What do you think Ed means when he tells Sophie that he is “just another stupid human?”

5. What do you think the symbolism is in the “Another Stupid Human” chapter being a Joker?

6. Motivation question: Why do you think Ed feels the need to complete the challenges on the card by himself instead of calling the police or asking his friends to help or just ignoring them completely?

7. What sort of figurative language does Zusak use in the third paragraph (“The violence…”) of page 77 (and really, all over this page, this book)? Why does he chose that one instead of another type? Is the type he chose effective? Why or why not?

8. Per page 74, write your own definition of saint? Is Ed a saint? Explain your answer using the bank, his family, his friends and the 3 girls on the card. Sainthood here relates to heroism, I think. More metaphorical than literal. I could be wrong? If you’d like, you’re welcome to bring any religious background you have into this question of saints/sainthood and use it to answer this question.

9. Who is a saint/hero in your life? Explain what makes them that.

10. What do you think the symbolism is in the “Edgar Street Revisited” chapter being a Queen?

11. For some reason, maybe Sophie’s section, made me think of crowdfunding. Crowdfunding is when ordinary people like you or I donate money to help make something happen. It could be earthquake relief, someone’s medical bills, to help an artist record an album, anything. I see these all the time through sources like gofundme and kickstarter. Just this year I got an email through school from a teacher I don’t know to help out with his brother-in-law’s medical bills in Pennsylvania (he was jumped and severely beaten). I didn’t donate any money if you’re wondering.

                Now here is the question that I would like answered in a paragraph. Do you think donating money is the best thing to do or is there something else that could be better? In all of Ed’s situations, he could have used “crowds” to help fund his challenges. A lawyer for Edgar Street, Shoes for Sophie and a nice retirement home for Milla. So the question is, do you support donating money to causes? If yes, why and what have you donated to recently or would’ve liked to donate to? If no, what is the best way to help a situation that is way bigger than you? This should be a nice, lengthy well written paragraph full of honesty and support. There is no right or wrong answer.

Name______________________________________

I Am The Messenger 80-91

Period 1 or 5;

April 22, 2016

Directions: Please write these answers on a separate piece of paper. Please write in complete sentences so I know what you are writing about. I will collect the work when I get back on Monday. You can work together at your tables if you’d like, but ultimately the opinion questions should not be the same as someone else’s because that would really be lame.

1. What do you think the symbolism is in the “Murder at the Cathedral” chapter being a King?

2. Ed asks the question: What if I don’t do it (complete the Edgar Street challenge)? What do you think would happen if Ed quit the cards?

3. Ed can’t tell which one cursed him more, the card or the gun. This brings up the old blessing or a curse argument. Do you think the cards are a blessing or a curse for Ed? Explain?

4. Someone at your table must have a phone with YouTube. Find the video or song “I Would Walk 500 Miles” by The Proclaimers. Listen to the lyrics. Get the mood of the song. Would this be a good song to play behind this scene if it were to be a movie? Explain your answer.

5. Do you think Ed shot the man? Explain why or why not.

6. In only 91 pages Ed has become a different person. Is this a realistic change for a person to make? Is it believable?

7. How far do you predict Ed will go for the missions on the cards?

8. Of all the missions, which one do you think was the most important? Yes, you have to pick one and explain why? Thanks.

***Okay, get to reading. You should be on page 111 by Monday. It’s supposed to be nice out this weekend. You want to get the reading done right now and not have any homework. See you on Monday. Miss you all.

Beasts of the Southern Wild Test

Name ____________________________

Period ___________

Beasts of the Southern Wild Quiz

April 12, 2016

Directions: Please answer these questions on another sheet of paper. Be sure to number the answers and use the questions in the answer so I know what you are talking about—those are otherwise known as complete sentences.

1. How did you track and analyze the theme from the movie over the course of the entire movie?

2. Who or what or who and what does the “Beasts” in the title of the film represent?

3. Explain the connection between the plots of Hushpuppy and the Aurochs.

4. How is your community (whatever that is to you) different OR similar to that of the community in the bathtub?

5. Reread your notes (especially actions and dialogue) for anything having to do with Hushpuppy. What do you think her main goal was throughout the film? Did she achieve her goal? Explain how it conflicted with goals of other characters throughout the film.

6. Did you like the film? Why or why not? Provide at least three examples to support your claim.

7. Explain how the theme emerges and is shaped using three (two for ELD) different categories of your notes. You do not have to quote (except in dialogue) but you do need to add specific evidence to back up your reasoning so I can tell you know what you’re talking about. I have provided an example that I will go over with you in class. Use the example. It’s there to help you.  

Yours will look just like this!

Action

The theme of Death emerges many times in the film Beasts of the Southern Wild. One way theme emerges in the film is through actions. Hushpuppy, the brave young girl in the film, strikes her father, Wink, in the heart causing him to have a heart attack. The heart attack relates to the theme of death.

            And this where the theme of death is shaped into death brings us closer together. Though Hushpuppy immediately ran to get medicine to help her ill father, she returned to find him gone. She thinks he may have turned into a bug or a tree. After once again finding her father alive, the father and daughter become closer and closer as the film goes on. Wink’s and Hushpuppy’s flirtation with death brought them closer together. Hushpuppy is fully aware of her father’s heart troubles and will do everything she can to help him.  

Symbolism

            The theme of death also emerges through the film’s symbolism. The alligators in the film are magic and are killed and eaten, therefore symbolizing both life and death. The alligators were hunting, trying to survive, but Hushpuppy’s mom killed the alligator and cooked it up before the alligator had a chance to kill a drunken Wink.  

            The alligator is sacrificed; it is killed to keep life going. We first hear of the alligator in a tale told by Wink to Hushpuppy about her conception. This tale of death shapes the theme of death into death brings us together. The next time we see alligator is when Hushpuppy’s mom feeds her fried alligator tail, bringing the two together if not actually, then metaphorically. Hushpuppy then takes the alligator meat back to her father and feeds him his last meal before his heart no longer beats. The alligator meat, a dead animal, brings Hushpuppy closer to her mother and her father.

Conflict

            The theme of death also emerges in the film’s person vs. nature conflict. The community of the Bathtub cannot combat the death and destruction no matter how hard they try. They can shoot the storm, the can wear life jackets and they can hide their animals but Mother Nature always wins.

This trail of death left by Mother Nature shapes the theme of death by bringing the community closer together. Though the bathtub is destroyed by the salt in the water, the community never gives up. In fact, they become closer, tighter. The community is united until the very end...and beyond. They are together through the government relocation, through rebuilding, through Wink’s death and even at the end of the film where they are all walk together as the water pours over their shoes. Death brought them together.

The theme of Beasts of the Southern Wild is death brings us closer together emerges and is shaped through action, symbolism and conflict.

Reading Response 4.1

Corey Ryan

Reading Response 4.1

Period 1567

March 23, 2016

Summary

I am on page 109 of 438 of Don’t Worry Baby by Benjamin Hale.  Miles and Odelia were part of the Obscure Record Collective’s plot to firebomb the New York Stock Exchange and had to flee the country or go to jail forever. They had been staying in Tangiers but are now ready to move to Mexico City.  Where I am in the book right now they have landed in Miami, the last connecting flight before Mexico.

The Prompt

Everything in a book, in a film is there for a reason.  Pick out two objects that seem to be important in the book you are reading. Explain why these objects are important, when they appear and what they might symbolize.

           

            Breastfeeding, and therefore breast milk is important in the story I am reading.  Breast milk is what calms the baby, Abraxas, down on the long flight from Paris to Miami.  It is also, obviously, nourishment.  But it is also the reason the main conflict comes into play.  Miles, Odelia’s husband, gives her a candy bar that contains some sort of psychedelic drug.  As Odelia begins hallucinating, Abraxas continues to feed.  The drug passes from the mother’s milk to the baby, causing the baby to also hallucinate. “Miles pries open one of Abraxas’ eyes with a thumb and forefinger and the baby recoils and howls louder”(32).  The breast milk in this situation symbolizes innocence.  The baby, innocent about all life’s dangers, loses her innocence from the mistakes of her mother.  We never find out what the repercussions are for Abraxas later in life, but we can assume they could be horrific. 

            Another object that appears and reappears in the story is the airplane.  It is important for the simple reason that it gives the main characters freedom.  Without the airplane, they would not have been able to leave Tangier.  But it is also a sort of prison.  There is nowhere to go once the plane is in the air.  The plane is loud and increases the paranoia brought on by the drugs.  Therefore, this airplane symbolizes not freedom, but the lack of it.  Once the plane lands, Odelia gives herself up to the police in order to receive help for the baby. “I am a wanted criminal. My child is sick. I am turning myself in”(39).  This will surely cause Odelia to be separated from her baby, separated from her husband and eventually separated from the free world. 

My Thinking

Phew, I have read a lot of stories where drug use takes place, but I wasn’t expecting this!  I suppose beign a father to a daughter who still breast feeds really caused me to connect with the mother and feel for the baby.  That must be so horrible.  Almost like a date rape drug or eating something that you did not expect to contain some mind altering substance.  Crazy.