Blog 22-Freestyle

Reading through Othello by Shakespeare and watching the movie "O" that is based off of that play, has been very interesting. Even though it is not a real life story, it really is. It is really scary to me that people can sir up trouble so easily. People can be so evil with their words and lies. That alone really has caused murders and crimes. Not that those crimes are ever excusable, but it almost makes the person that committed the crime a victim as well. Words really do hold power, and cause emotion, whether they are true or not. YIKES!

Oopsie! I skipped Blog 7 Freestyle

It is really hard to keep kids reading through the summer. Studies have show that just 5 minutes a day keeps students reading scores from dropping. This sounds like a very simple task, yet feels so hard. When my kids hear the word "summer" they do not think of cracking a book, not even for 5 minutes. We have accomplished some reading this summer but nowhere near an average of 5 minutes a day. How sad!
There are so many distractions during the summer, but I don't think that's a bad thing. I love to see kids outside playing and getting fresh air. Playing sports and having summer trips are also good for them. I think summer break is so good for kids. It's a chance for them to start fresh well rested and ready to give it their all in the Fall.
So, I guess I'm not sure what side of the issue I'm on....hahahah. I must be feeling guilty for not making my kids read more this summer. Well, we still have 20 days until school starts.

Blog Evidence Collection

Does technology such as texting hinder students learn, especial, reading and spelling?

As a teacher, I have seen an increase of problems due to cell phone use. "No phone allowed in class!" is a very hard rule to enforce as students are very sneaky and can text without even taking the phones out of their pockets. Also, simply placing their phones on vibrate makes a constant distraction that prevents the students from ever really engaging in the class. Another problem I see is that the shortcuts created to make IMing and texting quicker and easier are creating a problem for learning how to spell. GR8, LOL, OMG, and PROBLY, ROFL, may make texting faster by these type of shortcuts prevent students from actually having to sound out words or know proper grammar.
One mother I talked to about the issue says that her son, age 16, didn't even know what she meant when she told him to "look up" a word in the dictionary. He had always used the computer to do spell check and it never even occurred to him that he could look it up in a book.
An article from the New York Times, says that the average teen send a text every two minutes during their 24 hour period. Even through the night. This hits on another very important issue, sleep. If students having been texting all night how in the world will they be ready to engage in their school day.
On the other hand, some parents believe that texting and IMing have given their children a boost in typing and computer skills. I would agree with them there.
It does seem to me that there are most tallies on the "Cons" side than the "Pros." How do we as a nation fix this problem?

Blog 20-Quote Response to Othello

Othello: She's a liar gone to burning hell!
'Twas I that killed her.
Emilia: O, the more angel she,
And you that blacker devil! (V,ii,133)

These words take place between Othello and Emilia right after Othello kills Desdemona. I feel like there are a lot of importance to these words. First, Othello fully admits to the crime. He is not trying to cover anything up. Then, Emilia is saying how wonderful Desdemona was. The words that really stick with me are "blacker devil". I can't even really say why either, but they really stick in my head. A race issue does seem to be present in this play, but not a reason for murder. Othello killed Desdemona because of festering lies, jealousy and anger. There is no reason to kill someone; he let his emotions get way out of hand. Still, I am thinker of the words "blacker devil". I wonder why?

Blog 19--Freestyle

I chose to do this freestyle blog on a response to the document Film in the week 7 folder. This document was written by Nancy Knowles. I found it to be very eye-opening. I never really thought of a film/movie to be a piece of art before now. But that is truly what it is. A movie feels like real life in the way that it seems to flow seamlessly from one scene to the next. So, sometimes I forget that I'm only watching a movie. One of the parts of this paper that really stuck with me is the fact that scenes aren't shot in order most of the time. I knew this but never really broke down in my head what that means. It means that the actor/actress has to recall their exact feeling back even though there has been a break in time. Their wardrobe, make-up and hair and scene has to be exactly the same as the scene before. When reading through the list of things that go on during the making of a film I realized that there are hundreds of factors the go into every scene.
I think it is easy for me to judge actors and actresses as having an easy job, but I don't really think that is true. I couldn't do what they do. When all things are considered I think they have quite difficult jobs. The making of a film truly is an art form. If you have not read this piece by Knowles, you should.

Blog 18--Quote Response to Othello Acts I and II

"Iago: Though I do hate him as I do hell pains," (Othello, I,i,155)

"hell pains" are the words that grab my soul. Hell pains? Wow! Well, that is an awful deep hate. I think this line lept out at me because it is such a good example of just how deep Iago's hatred is for this man.
The play is hard for me to read because it is almost like reading a different language. However, I can feel that this type of writing is very passionate. I'm not sure if people even spoke like this. Did they? Or if it was just for Shakespearean plays, but people sure don't talk this way anymore. I feel like plays are a dying art. I was in a few play in high school but now a days programs like Art/Drama/Music are the first to get cut out of the budget.

Blog 17--Quote Response to Trifles by Susan Glaspell

"County Attorney: Well, Henry, at least we found out that she was not going to quilt it. She was going to--what do you call it; ladies? 
Mrs. Hale: We call it-knot it, Mr. Henderson."  (Glasplell, 819)

These two lines really stuck in my mind. Can you imagine if you were Mrs. Hale, having the evidence to a murder right there in your pocket? Then, after the men in charge of the investigation talking down to you, keeping your composure and answering such a simple question?
The words she used to answer the question really meant nothing to the men. They were actually mocking the ladies. It's what closing the conversation meant to Mrs. Peters and Mrs. Hale that really mattered. I think they meant that Mrs. Wright secret was safe with them.
Mrs. Wright had no children. She also was married to a man that didn't really pay much attention to her. She lead a very sad and lonely life. Mrs. Hale and Mrs. Peters understood the situation and wanted the men to have nothing against her. They would not understand how hard she had it. They couldn't have put themselves in her shoes.
Her husband robbed her of the only thing that brought her joy, so she took his life. The ladies understood that. So, by answering that simple question at the end of the play, there was nothing left to find in the house to convict her.

Blog 15--Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi

I feel very fortunate to be born in a country that is free. As Americans, we have have the freedom to choose what kind of education we obtain, church to attend, household activities and many many more thing we don't even think about. In the book PERSEPOLIS by Marjane Satrapi, the story of a girl who grew up in Iran, she had no such freedoms. Even something as simple as having a party to celebrate the birth of a family member was against the law and something to be hidden. I can't imagine not having the freedom to have people over. Also, having wine in your house was illegal. Again, a choice that I feel should be individual not come from the government.
If you were caught do anything against the law, most likely, you would be killed. I feel that the girl in this story was very independent and went "against the grain" with most of what the government said, and all who stood for it. I agree with her parents decision to get her out of the country. It was the only way for her. She would have got herself killed. She was too independent for anyone to tell her how to live her life.
I thank God for what I have and where I live. It is sad that people in some other countries have it so hard.

Blog 14--Quote Response

"Everything will be alright." (Satrapi pp. 65,66 & 70)
These reoccurring words really stuck with me. It is interesting that they pop up three times. When everything in Iran is going so badly Uncle Anoosh tries to be reassuring. Then after his death Marji tries to keep up his spirit. Each time this phrase is used, the picture that goes with it gets a little more destitute. It would be very hard to keep a positive attitude during these times. But Uncle Anoosh really tried. Marji really looked up to and idolized her uncle.

For those of you who have not done so, check out the You Tube video under our assignments of Satrapi. It is interesting to her her talk and see her face. It make the book even more "alive."

Blog 13--Uphill by Christina Rossetti

"Will there be beds for me and all who seek?
    Yea, beds for all who come."

In the poem Uphill by Christina Rossetti, these two lines seem to clinch my thought that the road uphill is the symbol for Christianity. That there is a bed, and there is room and rest for all who choose that road that winds all the way up (first line, Uphill, Rossetti). And along the way we shall find some rest and comfort and we will meet "Those who have gone before." (Rossetti pg611) Also, this is a road which we must work on "From morn to night, my friend."(Rossetti pg610)

Blog Party Publicity

Technology and Kids

I am doing research on whether or not technology, such as IMing and text, is affecting our youths ability to spell, read, write and use correct grammar. Do you feel that shortcuts such as ROFL and BRB (there are hundreds of examples) pay a disadvantage to the learning mind? How do you feel about the over-exposure of technology used by kids?

Your feedback is much appreciated! I need as many comments on this issue as I can get. Thank you!

Blog 12--Epigram

In reading about all of the different kinds of poems I like the Epigram the most. An Epigram is a short poem ending in a witty turn of thought. Most of the ones I have read have a comical twist. They are clever and easy to remember.

Epitaph on a dentist
-Anonymous

Stranger, approach this spot with gravity;
John Brown is filling his last cavity.

When I read the first line I think of the angel of death floating down from the sky. In the second line we learn that a soon-to-be-dead victim is dentist John Brown. He is filling his last cavity while Mr. Death is getting ready for him.

Blog 11--When Maidens are Young

When maidens are young
-Aphra Behn (1640-1689)

When maidens are young, and in their spring,
Of pleasure, of pleasure let'em thake their full swing,
     Full swing, full swing,
And love, and dance, and play and sing,
For Silvia believe it, when youth is done,
There's nought but hum-drum, hum-drum, hum-drum,
There's nought but hum-drum, hum-drum, hum-drum.

"There's nought but hum-drum, hum-drum, hum-drum,
There's nought but hum-drum, hum-drum, hum-drum."
These two lines that are exactly the same, lept out at me because I can relate to them. Who hasn't felt like they are working their life away? Well, the answer is the young. This poem is a warning for "Silvia" to enjoy life while she is young. "And love, and dance, and play, and sing," because "when youth is done," it is nothing but repetitive (the reason why the lines repeat) daily grind. Especially in the era of which this poem was written. I feel like even though this poem was written almost 400 years ago, woman can still relate to it.

Song Quote Response

"Surrounded by Your glory;

What will my heart feel?

Will I dance for You Jesus;

Or in awe of You be still?"

-Mercy Me

I love this song! I think it is amazing to think of myself in Heaven. This might be an odd thought for one who does not believe in God, but I love to think about it.

The words that leap out at me are "Surrounded" in the first line, and "still"in the last. 

"Surrounded by Your glory" is an AMAZING thought. Gods glory all around me.

"Or in awe of You be still" to me is the most relatable by being completely surrounded by the most beautiful nature, and it is so beautiful that I just want to be completely still and quiet. 

I have always really loved this song, but it also brought new meaning to me when it was played at my Grandpas funeral 4 years ago.  It is a very beautiful and uplifting song.

Poem Paraphrasing

The Runner by Walt Whitman

On a flat road runs the well-train'd runner;

He is lean and sinewy, with muscular legs;

He is thinly clothed-he leans forward as he runs,

With lightly closed fists, and arms partially rais'd

I chose this poem because I am a runner. I have felt this poem in action.

Line One: To me, this line paints a nice picture. It is a nice run because its flat and he is well-trained. There is no sign of struggle on this run. I picture it is a relaxing run.

Line Two: He is lean and fit. He is a well-trained runner so his legs are muscular, but also when a runner is running, the leg muscles are really hard and working.

Line Three: He is thinly clothes which tells me that he is going a long distance or its warm, more than likely. He is leaning forward just a little so he is keeping his form. He is in it for the long haul.

Line Four: With lightly closed fists, because when you run you want to relax all your muscles and try to conserve your energy into the task at hand, which is running. You don't want to flex and put your hands in a tight fist because that will make your arms sore and it wastes energy. So, the proper and most relaxed form when running is this lightly closed fist and arms partially raised, bent at elbows. This guy definitely knows what he is doing when he runs. He seems to be out for a long relaxing run.

Found Poem or Haiku

I chose to do a Haiku because I think it is so cool how something so short can be so beautiful and keep a readers thoughts going long after the reading stops.

Waiting room waiting
to look upon the new face
miracle child.

Traditional Japanese Haiku follows the syllable pattern 5,7,5

Blog 6--Response to "The Gift of the Magi"

"And here I have lamely related to you the uneventful chronicle of two foolish children in a flat who most unwisely sacrificed for each other the greatest treasures of their house." (O. Henry page 162)
I actually really liked this story until I read this line. I feel like they were not foolish in getting the gifts for each other. They wanted to get wonderful gifts for each other, gifts that they knew the other would absolutely love. I think in this story they put their love for the other person above themselves. They both gave up the thing they loved most to get the other something they knew they would love. This is not foolish. It is called selflessness. Even when they had nothing, they figured out a way to give a gift that showed the other their love.

Blog Number 5-Freestyle

While Freestyle reading, I came upon "The Story of an Hour" by Kate Chopin. This is a story of tragedy, heartbreak, surprise, and more tragedy.
The story starts with Louises' sister, and her husbands long time friend. They both know that her husband has just died in a railroad disaster. They took time to assure it was him with a second coming of information before they relayed the news to his widowed wife Louise. She has a heart condition so they need to handle things as "softly" as possible.

After hearing the news and getting out the initial crys and shock, she retreats to her room alone, and locks the door. She sits in a chair facing her window go goes through a large scale of feelings from panic to laughter.She was feeling many different things. "There was something coming for her and she was waiting for it, fearfully. What was it? She did not know; it was too subtle and exclusive to name. But she felt it, creeping out of the sky, reaching toward her through the sounds, the scents, the color that filled the air. Now her bosom rose and fell tumultuously." (pg 317, Chopin) It goes on to say,"Her pulses beat fast, and the coursing blood warmed and relaxed every inch of her body." (pg 317, Chopin) At this point I am wondering if she is dying.

Her sister beckons to her through the keyhole to come out. Louise and her sister start to head downstairs. At the bottom of the stairs is where Richards, the friend of the late husband, is standing. Just then they all hear a key insert into the front door ahead of them. The door opens and in walks Louises' husband. Turns out he was not involved in the railroad disaster and has no idea of  it. It didn't matter. Louise was dead. Her heart gave out.

Was it her overwhelming joy, or the pain of her loss?...

Quote Responce to "Miss Brill" by Katherine Mansfield

"Oh, how fascinating it was! How she enjoyed it! How she loved sitting here, watching it all! It was like a play! It was exactly like a play!"(pg 86, Mansfield)
Miss Brill is so hungry to be a part of something that when she realizes that her Sunday afternoons in the park remind her of a play, it bring her great joy. A play that everyone has a role in. That people would miss her if she didn't come sit in her special seat every Sunday. She is a part of this show! Thinking about all of these things she get emotional, thinking of all of the beauty of this productions brings a smile to her face. Even the sky looks painted to her just like a beautiful set. These Sundays are very important to her. She even puts time into what she wears on this day, "She had taken it out of its box that afternoon, shaken out the moth-powder, given it a good brush, and rubbed the life back into its dim little eyes." (In reference to the fur she wore. pg 84, Mansfield) She much enjoyed this Sunday ritual.
I feel like Miss Brill is someone we all know. I have known several "Miss Brills" in my life. The lonely old lady type, that is thirsty for any conversation and purpose, and would get all dolled up just to go out and get the mail. I feel like this is why I feel so sorry for her at the end, its because I feel like I know her.
I do think the young couple at the end hurt her feelings. When she was putting her fur away, "She unclasped the necklet quickly; quickly, without looking, laid it inside" (pg 87, Mansfield) I think she was ashamed of it or felt silly about it. It certainly was not put away with as much care as it was taken out.

Reading Survey ENGL 104

I like to read things that are real "feel good" stories. Real life sorties of inspiration and success. I love stories where someone overcame great obstacles, where the underdog wins. Some of my favorite books are, "The Purpose Driven Life" by Rick Warren, "The Scarlet Tread" or anything by Francine Rivers. Also, I like a few Ann Rule books. I  like self help books. I feel like there is enough hurt, pain and drama in the world so I don't like drama, or anything like that. I asked a few people what they like to read and why. Here is what that said:

Friend #1: I like to read inspirational true stories... Because I love them! And I have enough drama at work, I don't need to read about it! I hate to sound cliche, but Eat, Pray, Love is one of my favorites... Another book that I love which is fictional but short and oh-so-sweet is The Giver... You would love it!

Friend #2: I like to read because it is like an out of body experience. It takes me to a difference place and I stay there sometimes even after I finish the book. I really get caught up in what I read.

Former student of mine #1: I like to read intense books. Ones that can keep you guess. Because other books I get lost and bored with, but with intense books your always on the edge of your seat.

Former student of mine #2: Action books. There well scripted. And tons of details to picture it in your head. My favorite author is Daniel Defoe.

Thank you all for your help! It's fun to see what different people like to read. :)

Response to "A Rose For Emily" by William Faulkner

"A Rose For Emily" by William Faulkner, did not end how I thought it would. I thought maybe I didn't understand it right, so I read it again. I am still confused by some of the details that I think must be important. I thought for sure we(the readers) would find out in the end that she had been killing people and that they would find several dead bodies in her house, not just one. Did she kill H.B.? Why the need for Aresnic? What was the terrible smell?

Also, I love the way this story ended, "Then we noticed that in the second pillow was the indentation of a head. One of us lifted something from it, and leaned forward, that faint and invisible dust dry and acrid in the nostrils, we saw a long strand of iron-gray hair."(Falkner, pg 35)

She finally found love and she was not going to let it go. She would not even let death come between them. It was important to the story to hear that it was an "iron-gray hair" which means it was from Emily's head recently.

GROSSSSS YES! But you can understand her not wanting to let go.

Response to "A&P" by John Updike

"In walk three girls in nothing but bathing suits."(Updike, pg 16) "I looked around for my girls.." (Updike pg 20)
I chose these two nonconsecutive lines because I feel that the transformation that his mind is going through is very interesting. He notices the girls shortly after they enter the store, and throughout their quest for the herring snacks. We don't know how long they were in the store, but it couldn't have been long. After all, they were only after one thing. He notices several details about them, so much so, that you(the reader) can feel his one-way connection with them growing stronger by each line read. By the end of the story, he feels strong enough for them that he quits his job on their behalf, because he feels so embarrassed for them. He thinks he is going to be their hero, and in his mind, they might be so impressed with his heroic act that they will wait for him to come out of the store and live happily ever after. After all, they were now HIS girls in his mind.

I think he knew it was the wrong decision and he was trying to be really careful about it. His boss was a family friend and he knew that word was going to spread to his parents. The fact that he folded the apron and put it on the counter and put the bow on top(pg 20) shows the respect. He could have ripped if off and threw in on the floor, but he didn't. He know this was not a good choice and he was stepping lightly.

Do you think the last line, "...I felt how hard the world was going to be to me thereafter." is about him realizing that he let the pretty girls get ahold of his emotions (unaware is they were), and he allowed himself to get so carried away? Like men/women often do.

The Start of Something New

My books came today via UPS. I am very excited for the start of this new chaper in my life. Now, I'm going to make myself some coffee and get to work. I don't function well without it. Usually, I would say "go for a run, then coffee", but two of my toenails fell off last night, so I will not be running today. More info than you all needed to know, I'm sure.