The Hardy Boys: The Sign of The Crooked Arrow (Book Review)

          The Hardy Boys: The Sign of The Crooked Arrow is Volume 28 in the original The Hardy Boys Mystery Stories published by Grosset & Dunlap.

          This book is about the two detective brothers, Frank and Joe Hardy, who are following the steps of their father Fenton Hardy, a retired police detective and a private investigator, in solving criminal cases not only around their hometown Bayport, but also on other countries.

          Frank and Joe were tasked by their father in helping him to settle the case about a wave of jewelry-store hold-ups. Then, a widowed cousin of theirs who lived on a cattle ranch in New Mexico desperately need their help. Their pal, Chet Morton, joined them. The mysterious disappearance of one cowboy after another has given their cousin's Crowhead Ranch the reputation of being jinxed, and it is quickly being stampeded toward financial ruin. The young detectives face grave danger before they uncover a cleverly conceived plot engineered by the crooked arrow gang. In a dramatic climax, they aid the law-enforcement officers in capturing the highly organized band of criminals, putting an end both to the troubles at Crowhead Ranch and the jewelry-store robberies.

          This book, together with the other Hardy Boys books, is one of the best books that I have ever read because it is an action-packed book that consists of mystery and adventure, and full of twists and logic. The first time that I have read a Hardy Boys book, I was amazed by the flow of the story yet it captured my interest that motivated me to read and read another Hardy Boys book. This is a kind of book that is irresistible to close once I've started reading it. It kept me on edge of the seat because of the thrill and the excitement that it gave to me.

          The things that I have learned from this book is mainly about the determination, perseverance, and hard work in facing the problems that come along the way. Also included here is the essence of being brave and not giving up the fight immediately despite the hazards or dangers that a dilemma brings. A success is completely satisfying if you achieved it with all your might.

          Another thing that I got from the detective duo, Frank and Joe, is the willingness to help those who are in need. And, lastly, it should be that we need to be open-minded and being strategic- or analytic-thinker in working out a plan, solving a problem, or fulfilling a goal.

          A great book like this is worth reading for.

Future Shock by Alvin Toffler (Reflection)

         

          "Nothing is constant on Earth except change."

          A quotation like this has something to do with the book "Future Shock" by Alvin Toffler for it is more about foretelling the evolution of our world from the older to the technology era and on how the people adapt and don't adapt to these rapid changes. But could it be possible that we will be shocked or even overwhelmed by the fast-paced changes in the future?

          How basic and unsophisticated the kind of lifestyle people has centuries ago. With the use of simple machines and any other technologies that they have during their time, their daily activities were already eased yet they are satisfied with what these can do to them. But with the advent of the modern technology, many things transformed so swiftly. Numerous flashy gadgets emerged and various devices converted from manual to automatic. Furthermore, stuffs like these were made even better and splendid due to the innovations caused by industrial revolution or competition. The existence of these things now serves as tools for us to finish works at our convenience, give us enjoyment during our free time, interact with others who are away from us, etc. Yet these are very important on every sector of the government and economy in fulfilling transactions quickly and easily. Just how amazing modern technologies work for our comfort, far more different from the inventions before. However, technological evolution is just a fragment from the whole thing about change.

          No one can definitely predict and exactly picture out the future.And considerably, future arrives together with change. Thus, we are to expect that there are changes (either gradual or drastic) in the future. Everyday, there is actually at least a slight trace of change that unfold in ourselves or in our surroundings. In the long run, those slight changes slowly become evident. Fast forward to the future, being shocked or overwhelmed by changes is no longer possible because we are already exposed and adaptive to it in our daily lives. It is only when you ride the science-fiction invention called "time machine" that you will be completely flabbergasted to see the future.

          An issue about generation gap is present because the oldies today are still clinging to the things, customs, culture, etc. that their generation has before while in fact living in the digital world, wherein we, youths of today, already has the modernized all. This so-called generation gap is perhaps due to the drastic changes that occur in our world that the elders today still find it hard to adapt to it. But, to bridge the said gap, both elders and youngsters need adaptability, understanding of both backgrounds, and being considerate.

          Change is, of course, inevitable. There's nothing that we can do to defy these changes but to go along with it. And we must accept the reality that nothing remains forever and everything does change. That’s why we should cope with the said impermanence by facing it, embracing it, and being adaptive to it for us to survive in this ever changing world. We must consider to ourselves that change is part of our lives and we are part of change. Let go of the past, focus on the present, and anticipate for the future. Let's just hope that we will change for the better in the future, and pray to the Almighty God that we will always be safe in facing our journey in life full of changes.

Me As A Digital Learner

         

(image source: www.edutopia.org)

          Devices and gadgets that are products of today’s technology are very helpful for the academic and educational works of learners nowadays. These technological products let them do their school tasks in just several clicks and, at the same time, in a multi-tasking manner that makes it easier and faster to finish. Besides, through these digital tools, students can learn more effectively and creatively and learners can develop some of their abilities, skills, and attributes that are needed in preparation for their future.

          Personally, when it comes to using modern gadgets in my education, I am now more dependent than being not. It is because I frequently make use of computer at the Internet café, mobile phone, and the likes to finish my school works, and I only utilize books sometimes. But way back my elementary and high school years, I prefer to read books that we had at school or at home to look for information about the topics that I like to know more.

          Honestly speaking, I really love reading books. However, my fondness of books began to minimize when I entered the college level due to the thing that I am getting busy with multiple requirements and I need to fulfill most of them as quickly as possible by surfing the Internet (because in the Internet, there are so many resources that I can find there – so many that I got confused to choose what specific website I will use as a resource in my research). That’s why I don’t have enough time to read books. Until such time that I am getting more and more inclined to browse the Internet when researching, and my habit of reading books is slowly fading.

          Today ,whenever there are reports to be done and requirements or assignments to be submitted, I just go to the nearest Internet cafe and look for information there by choosing the most substantial website as the resources of the said tasks of mine and then print it into a hard copy, so that I will no longer jut it down. That is how I make my school works now, especially in a haste situation. Meanwhile, I am starting to learn to use multi-media or PowerPoint presentations in delivering a report so that it will be very creative and there’s no need for me to cut and paste any kinds of paper in making my report.                          

          I often watch educational and scientific channels or programs on our television at home (such as Discovery Channel, National Geographic Channel, Discovery Science, and the likes) in which I have learned so many things and widened my knowledge about the subjects or topics that I am interested of. I developed my fondness of watching these programs because they featured so many things not only on Earth, but also on the whole universe creatively and comprehensively – a thing that really captured my interest. Moreover, I keep up-to-date with the current events locally and globally by watching on the various news stations, still, on TV.

          I have learned so many things from these modern technologies. But the skills and knowledge that I have acquired is way too insufficient for me to become one of the ideal and efficient 21^st century digital learners. That’s why I am still striving hard to learn more and more from these gizmos by indulging myself in encountering new types of gadgets or multi-media so that in the future, I can facilitate my pupils effectively using the digital tools (because I am a teacher education student). As a digital learner, however, I must not cease to appreciate the beauty of written literature and revitalize my love of books.