Random

UUUH im so glad to be finally done with the PoisonWood Bible in my oponion i was alot better than Johnny Got His Gun, alot more happened. But I can honestly say that the middle of the PoisionWood Bible was the best part of the book.

America ROX!

Were finally done with the PWB. I am happy that it's over, not because it was a terrible book, but just for the sense of acomplishment. The book was good, it had so much meaning and deep thoughts involved! It is a good book to read to make someone stop and evaluate thier own actions as well as the world around them. I liked it because it made the problems of my own life seem so minscule and petty! The Price's were trying to stay alive, and were worried about paying for gas! :P Our problems are still real, just not quite as life threatning which makes Americans far luckier and blessed than we realize and take for granted! There is always something to be happy about, because life could ALWAYS be worse! No matter how bad you think your life is... you could live in Africa! D: ... So be happy because you're an American!!! :D

The Eyes in the Trees

"I am muntu Africa, muntu one child and a million all lost on the same day. I am your bad child now gone good, for when children die they go good." This quote shows how Ruth May has changed, becoming pure like she once was when she was first born. Everything has now changed. Ruth May is now pure and is the spirit of Africa. She will forever be part of Africa. Also, the Congo has been swept by war , "a terrible war that everyone believes will soon have been worth the price." Mobutu dies in a darkened room and Orleanna and her 3 living daughters return to to Africa asking about Kilanga, which according to a women there, never existed. Changes have occur ed and each character was able to do what they had so longed hoped for, forgive.
In Orleanna's case, Ruth May forgave her. "Mother, you can still hold on hut forgive, forgive and give for long as long as we both shall live I forgive you, Mother...walk forward into the light." Guiding Orleanna into the path of enlightenment, stating that it is okay for her mother to move on, because Ruth May will never be forgotten. Adah finally forgave herself and Leah and was no longer blaming others for her "crookedness." "Misunderstanding is my cornerstone. It's everyone's...Illusions mistaken for truth are pavement under our feet." showing how she herself be run by the "illusions" and never actually looked at the truth and always had her mind set on betrayal because she constructed her life around misunderstandings. Leah was finally able to forgive Nathan because of her "skin color" and stated "if I could reach backward somehow and give Father just one gift, it would be the simple human relief of knowing you've done wrong, and living through it." To me them 3 stood out the most and took what they learned in Africa, back to wherever they were at.

poisonwood bible has made me sit down and think about the world we live in today.
america is so consumed with the things we own ---- the newest phone, trendiest clothes, and popularity status. its something as americans we do without noticing. our society relys so much on money we don't cherish things like family, health, and faith.
reading the poisonwood bible showed a modern american family entering the congo with a rude awakening. leaving all of their material possessions behind they had to start from scratch and they struggled!
the congolese villagers have nothing....hardly a roof over their heads! but they still had to help the price family through the hardships they encountered. the price family was healthy and spoiled by the villagers while they struggled to find food and shelter.
a good example is mama muanza...she is handicapped but was still waiting on the price family to make sure they survived. "they don't care one bit about her having any legs to speak of. to them shes still their mama and where's dinner?
we need to start realizing whats important to us!
reading this book really makes me want to go on a mission trip somewhere out of america. seeing the poverty and struggles of others would make me realize how greedy americans are.
this book was great and i would recommend it to anyone...its a real eye opener! :D
cant wait to start reading the color purple!

On Thursday I never got the chance to share my quote...
What I found was at the top of page 512 in Rachel's section.
She states...

"Do I ever think about the life I missed in the good old U.S.A?
Practically every day, would be my answer. Oh, goodness, the parties, the cars, the music- the whole carefree American way of life. I've missed being a part of something you could really believe in."

When Rachel said this it made me stop and think. At this point I had completey forgotton about the American life that was happening during the Price familys' trip to Africa. To me it seemed as though life in Africa was the only kind of life to live. The Africans didnt need all the parties and cars, it was about life and survival for them more than "popularity."

The same kind feeling came to mind when hearing about the royal wedding of Prince William and Miss Catherine Middleton. I don't know about you but Princes...Princesses... Kings and Queens? To me this are unreal and not part of the world. But think, just because you dont hear about them everyday doesnt make them unreal.

This quote just reminded me that there are other things going on in the world that are outside of our everyday life. Just as Rachel never really got over her life in America. She was still the same person she was before. Self-centered and materialistic.

quote (:

I didn't share my quote in class yesterday, but decided I would post it to the blog. The quote I had choose was in Adah's section on page 531 in the second paragraph.."Mother says I have no hear for my own kind. She doesn't know. I have too much. I know what we have done, and what we deserve" the quote just really stoood out to me, and shows how Adah realized and accepts the mistakes..or problems they caused.

PWB

Well since i didn't get to share my quote during class i might as well do that now. My quote was from page 525 in Leah's section.. "If I could reach backward somehow to give father just one gift, it would be the simple human relief of knowing you've done wrong, and through it." I like this quote because it shows how Leah somewhat feels bad for Nathan and how he never realized that he was doing the wrong thing. He had died too soon to realize what he was doing was not exactly the right thing and Leah wishes that Nathan would have caught on sooner. I also like this quote because it also resembles one of the themes of the novel itself and how many people do not realize the wrongs that we are doing not only as individuals, but as a nation. It is those who realize the wrongs being done that wish that the blind could see and realize what the reality of it is. But many of us as Americans do not want to see the reality because we are too concerned with ourslelves and are too afraid to step out of our comfort zone.

Thursday!

Well i just did my over the phone interview and it went well. It is such a relief to finally have someone and to make contact and have that done! I would write something acually meaningful on here but I have so much else to do in this class so Im not :)

I've been thinking...

And I think I've just had a revelation in my life.

Just after I finished my interview with my expert ( a professor at LSU ) in about 72 minutes, I really contemplated my life.  My subject being grade inflation, has forced me to look at a route that is often burried or intentionaly forgoten, just as Rachel does with her life.

I won't get to far into detail, FYI I had taken over 3 pages of notes on the interview, but the professor, Homberger, said that a primary way to fix the grade "compression", her term for inflation, is to redirct our foucus on the teaching outlook that is widly recieved.  Becoming a teacher needs to be a job that people want to do.  It needs to pay better, and the teacher needs to feel in control and not in fear of losing his/her job if he grades more harshly than average.  With  a goal being set by the teachers, students would strive harder to do tasks that seem impossible at first...sort of like this class.  And this preperation would make the students not only ready for college, but ready for the job they want.............

which isn't teaching.........

Homberger told me that students are having trouble finding jobs because although we have degrees, we are not really living up to the degree we've earned.  The grade inflation has made students dumber, while giving them a smarter report card and awards in trying hard.  Because of this, the jobs will typically go to more experienced workers, IE old people.

Another reason why the inflation in grades is so high is that it's easier on the teacher and helps him get by.  Homberger told me when schools get money, good grades are demanded out of them in return, but a good grade doesn't show progress all the time, if ever.  When it comes down to it, it's either your job, which is everything, or making the grades easier to reach.  I was told that many professors crack under the pressure and just make the class easy.  They keep their job, and the students get high marks.  This is a good short term fix, but the student will grow and find that he has learned very little!

And the students who are already really smart?  They will tend to avoid studying and still ace in High School.  But what kind of habit is this teaching the child?!  When he reachers college, he will be on his knees, freaking out over a bad grade.  And if he freaks out hard enough?  Then the class will get easier!!!!

I haven't said this yet, but the  reason I interviewed Dominique Homberger is because she was removed (fired) from teaching a biology class in LSU because she was grading to harshly.  She would make multiple choice impossible to guess, and would frequently give pop quizes to see if the students were doing their reading.  She's a role model!  She is what teachers should try and be like.  Her students were actully learning, and applying hard work for rewards in the format of high grades.

Homberger also said to end grade compression/inflation, teachers should get paid more.  With this, more professionals would give a stab at being a professor, and the teaching career would be less of a joke and spoken with respect.   But lets be honest, is our government really going to do this?  We need teachers, GOOD teachers.  And if we don't get them for our kids, then this generation, along with the next will be compressed into Exellence, while the majority don't know how to effectivly manage time or do a job right.

Which made me think......

What do I want to be?.... I want to be a Video Game Designer.  I have hundereds of games.  I don't just play them, I analyze them.  I dig into the story (which I find is much more pleasing and rewarding then "mindless" FPS's).  I study the game.  But what would a job like this do for me, or my country?  Sit in front of a computer and make art that is only respected by nerdy teenagers like me or bought and disrespected by the scum that is modern day freshman?  No...yes?  I really want to do this, but I'm I wasting my education?  My whole purpose of trying to exceed limits?  VG is a very artistic and unique road to travel.  While I strive in math and english, I can't really draw.  If so much of an emphasis is on that skill, will I waste my life pursuing a job that will only please me?  Will I even GET the job?  There are sssoooooo many geeks with no social life that would do great at this kind of job.  Better than me......well....yeah.

I know I'm smart, but has my dream of the past few years been... a joke? 

No, I can't believe it.... or except it.  But I can't be Rachel.  I need to address this, NOW.  I am smart, and charismi , at least I think I am.  And we need teachers.  The kids of now will never address the problem untill it is past due.  Untill we are run over by another country.  Untill we are so ignorant that we fail to see that our government is controling us.  But we will always be blind, unless there are those who enable us.  Someone who dedicates their life to make sure this reality never happens.  TEACHERS!!!  TEACHERS THAT KNOW HOW TO DO THEIR JOB RIGHT!!

But sometimes, why even bother?  Look at our senior class!  We used to have 120 or so kids, now we have 85-ish.  And of that 85, half are slackers.  Don't you even DARE deny it.  I even doubt that all the kids even in the harders classes will listen to the messages that we are learning.  Our class... all the classes, are just so.....ignorant.  I've been using that word a lot, but I can't think of a better one.

This whole idea of inflation, overshadowing and life long goals has really has made me turn around.  I guess was, somewhat enlightened in an educational sense.  But I wrote this rant with a main message, which is to thank you, Ms. Stariha!  You've pushed me and this class out of the stereotypes I was talking about earlier.  YOU, are that teacher.  The one who cares.  The one that is making a difference.  Like Adah, you chose to try and make the world better, with out focusing on the fake and miniscule pains, such as GPA and all the "I got an A-!!  The teacher did somthing wrong!  I'm better than this" moments. 

So...I guess... Thank you!

In a world where students are concerned with thier cell phones and MP3 players, you can kindly know that
 I'm listening.  And I'm contemplating whether or not this is the road I want to travel as well...

#%@#^, I still have to do Calc.

I Remember...

I remember the very first week of College English: Ms. Stariha made me about crap my pants when she told me that this class was going to be a lot of work. My very first paper, I didn't get the grade I wanted, although it was a pretty solid grade. I thought I had put a lot of work into it--a total of about two hours. I thought, "Gee, this had better be a good paper 'cause I put more work into this than any of the other ones I had written." It came back about a B- or so, and I was rather upset because I had put time into it.

I'm tellin' ya...lots of work is PAYING OFF BIG TIME! I put HOURS UPON HOURS into my rhetorical analysis essay, and it was worth it...

Seeking advice

Ok guys.... I was working on my survey and I started to think that I could get more out of my results if I made one for adults and one for high school students. Is this a good idea? Do you think it will get to complicated if I have more then I survey? Will it be better when figuring out my results if I just had the one survey?

Just looking for advice!

I'm getting kind of confused about the research paper right now, its like my mind is going blank. Maybe somebody out there has a few ideas they could share...please?

I really like having this time in the lab. Even though most classes seem to slack off during this time, I think that our class uses our time wisely. Having lab time available at school has helped so much so questions can be asked right away.
Thanks for the extra time.

In other news, I am getting very stressed out about this class.
ok bye!

Well, I put a lot of effort into my rhetorical analysis paper, and it definitely showed in my grade. I'm pretty sure that this is the best grade I've received so far in this class on a written paper! Anyways this definitely makes me want to apply myself even more to the research paper because I know I can probably improve more overall! I have to say, a lot has been going on in my life, and this has put a smile on my face. Thank you Stariha for helping me improve :)

My Blog This week!

I just finsihed a test in the computor lab. But anyways, the discussion today in class cleared up a lot of the questions I had so kudos to you stariha! I do not know if we have to read this week or we are just focusing on the senior project stuff?

Uh-Oh

I tried blogging last night but my internet wouldn't work! D: So anyways... today I was beneficial talking about outlines, letters and interview questions. I was at a loss for what to do, but today helped. I still have no idea who to interview on the topic of "International Competition". None of the politicians I emailed agreed to have an interview. I think I'll emial someone from the ISD and ask them?... well keep thinking about what we should do for our service projet!!!!!!!

Another blog for the weekend

So.. how about that ride in.. i guess thats why they call it sin city...haha(hangover). Anyways.. the quiz friday was much easier than the last one. I definitely figured out how to manage my time wisely on the last one. For some reason im actually kind of excited to do the discussions at the library.. i dont know why. Itll be a good expirience and help get rid of any stage fright. I'm not sure what we were suppose to read from PWB over the weekend so if anyone knows let me know.

The Life of Leah

In the beginning of our Poisonwood Bible discussions when we were broken into four groups, I was in the "Leah" group because I thought I was most like her. I then was moved to the "Ruth May" group to help even out the groups more. No matter what I still come back to Leah and find her my most favorite character (despite Rachel's many funny and unbelievable comments throughout her chapters). I just love how Leah is now a very mature, grown woman who is all about her family. Even when compared to her mom, she is a far better care-giver. She never once thinks of herself and loves her children and husband, Anatole, very much. Africa is her home now. Although she originated from America and really wanted nothing to do with the Congo in the first place, she grew to love it and the people that lived there. I like how she basically hates the fact that her skin is white because she doesn't want to be compared to the other whites (American's in particular). Because of how the American's treat the African's, she longs to help her new family and home overcome the disasters they all have and will experience.

I have been loving life lately. My brother turned 21 today [on Easter Sunday!] and I totally realized that I'm so young [only 17] but I'm growing up so fast. Random, but whatever.

Anyway, I woke up this morning around 8 because my dog would not stop barking! And then I got three text messages from my friends all saying "Happy Easter!" and then I started freaking out, because I thought I had to have something done for College English on Monday. I texted three people from the class and only one of them knew what was happening Monday. We're talking about the Service Project that we're doing as a class for our Senior Projects! I have been thinking out different ideas all throughout today. None of them are particularly great, but I will spit them out in class if I remember to.

I have been super busy all weekend, so I have not read anything past Exodus. And that really disappoints me because I wanted to have it all read by Monday.

Something Interesting to Post About?

So that quiz we just took really broke my juevos!!!! It was quite difficult i though, but whatever!! So im going to need help with my rough draft so any takers want to help me or.....?! this is a really lame post!

ITS THE WEEKEND!!

But not for much longer. Where do the two days go? Of course for me they've been absolutly packed!! On to the things englishy in nature. Im really sad that PWB is almost over...I've really enjoyed this book! Its been fun to be able to dig into things and notice how much thought and planning Kingsolver must have put in to make all the symbolism work. It amazes me! I know i would've just written the book and if something worked out then yay! The only thing that makes ending this book a little less painful is that next we get to read The Color Purple! I've heard from bunches of people that its a really good book! I'm excited to see if it ties in with the reacurring theme of government control! Oh yeah...HAPPY EASTER!!

Hello college english class. How is your Easter going? I hope that everyone is getting a lot done this weekend!

We are nearing the end of Poisonwood Bible! Im not gunna lie, I can't wait to start a new book. Its not that I don't like Poisonwood Bible but its starting to get a little old. I think its because this book is longer then the other ones we have read so far.

I was reading over the weekend and I came across a quote by Leah and I thought I would share it.

"I long to wake up, and then I do. I wake up in love, and work my skin to darkness under the equatorial sun. I look at my four boys, who are the colors of silt, loam, dust, and clay, an infinite palette for children of their own, and I understand that time erases whiteness altogether." (526)

This is such a powerful quote that can be taken many different ways. This quote shows how much Leah hates the color of her skin because of what is associated in the Congo with the whites. Leah works her self hard to try to make up for being white. I just think that Kingsolver writes this beutifully and wanted to share it

RACHEL PRICE

I absolutly love rachel price! nothing is ever her fault ugh i wanna wack a hoe! like seriouslu G "i don't blame myslef for any of those things that happen in africa, even ruth may'! im gunna kill the *&%*^%%(&*&()&^R**!!! any who this paper is hard ive started over and im very disintersested already.

Help!

OK im working on my research paper. So far Ive been stating facts and defining the facets of the system and process but Im wondering if Im supposed to support/discredit it all throughout my paper or not at all or just at the end of my paper or something? I don't know so if anyone could help that would be great!

:)

..PWB..

I didn't get to share my quote the other day in our circle..
but the quote i chose was from Rachel's section in exodus;
"I might as well get started packing my bags and get measured
for a Dior gown." I liked it because it just shows how much Rachel
hasn't change and even though she isn't moving back to America
she is still so consumed in the American culture, and using wealthy
men to advance herself.

Exposed to Some New Truths

Is it ok to be ashamed to be an American? The last two pieces of media that I have gone through have persuaded me that the previous statement can exist.
First: The Poisonwood Bible. I finished it today and left myself some time to ponder some of the meaning Kingsolver is getting across. I feel, that as a country, we are terrible people. To mislead, permenantly scar, harm, and undermine the people of another country, is unthinkable. That may be why we don't choose to think about it. Kingsolver has been successful in opening my eyes to an unseen part of our political world, and I don't like it. I feel that even though I wasn't a direct part of it, I am to blame as a citizen of our country. I guess the guilt of a country can trickle down through the generations.
Second: Waiting for Superman. I just watched this documentary with my sister (who's studying elementary education) and my mom (who's a fourth grade teacher) and I had no idea what I was about to learn. In the same way that PWB makes me feel guilty, this achieves that very thing. To prevent children who are ready to learn and want to learn and who's families are 100% behind them, a quality education seems like such a selfish thing for our country to do. As multiple people in this movie stated, education has become a game for adults and it should be about the better interest of the children. I'm not one who's ever wanted to be a teacher, but this movie made me want to do something to change what our country has 'accomplished'. And it's quite appropriate for the topic of our senior projects and it touches on multiple issues, so I definitly recommend it to everyone.

Hardest -- Easiest

so today on the test I felt much much more confident..
I started with the essay and ended with the short answer.
this made it much easier and lesss stressful! i feel like our lit circle was filled with lots of different aspects this time which was great and very helpful...also the blog has really improved which is a huge help aswell! :))
happy easter!

Lit Circle

So I wasn't able to share my quote when we had the Lit Circle the other day. My quote came from Book Five Exodus on page 444 where Adah had called Orleanna to ask her the one question that kept replaying in her mind. She finally asked Orleanna why she had chosen her that day at the Kwenge River. Orleanna replied "after Ruth May you were my youngest, Adah. When push comes to shove, a mother takes care of her children from the bottom up." When I thought about this quote, I thought about my future and having to choose between my children. Even though Orleanna was a shadow to Nathon, I can see how strong she is and how her children are the world to her.

Whoops!

My book cover just ripped off!

I know it's late...

but for all of the students (zero?) who will read this before the quiz, then I hope this helps.

I have about 4 quotes, all dealing with Nathan.

Rachel,  341----"Ruth May peed in her pants just because Father coughed out on the porch."
They fear their dad.  Actual fear of his wrath.  Nathan is a di...jerk, and this shows it clearly.


Rachel, 488 and 485----talking about Nathan, " I guess I was scared of seeing him as a crazy person.  The tales got wilder and wilder as the years went by.  That he'd had five wives, who all left him for example."

"He'd gotten a very widespread reputation for turning himself into a crocodile and attacking children."

The five wives being the price girls, and baptisim being the crocodile's charm to kill children, Nathan became what he was trying to avoid the most, a myth.  Everything he did was in vain.  Ruth May died for nothing.  He went to the Congo to save, and lost his family while making a himself a scary story for the campfire.  A tad ironic.    Also, relating how Nathan is the government, all the wrongs he did were sort of forgotten.  No one, aside from Nathan (gov.) remembers what really happened.  I guess this shows the part on ignorance and how we chose to forget rather then learn from mistakes.

Etcetera, etcetera, etcetera.

I've been trying to research some more; I emailed about 6 college professors, but so far no response. And no response about the interview, either :(

PRIDE Day is tomorrow--another cold day for PRIDE Day. Hasn't it been cruddy weather every year so far?

I would have to agree with Ms. Stariha about Exodus: it is my least favorite book to read. Leah's sections in particular. Of course, Leah's weren't my favorite to read in the first place. I really like Rachel's sections in this book, however. They are HILARIOUS! When I read it, I picture her having a really snooty, ignorant sounding voice, and that makes it even funnier.

A quote and a question

Since i didn't have time to share my quote in class today i thought i would share on here. It is found on pgs 436-437 and it goes like this "They take one look at the expensive, foreign-made uniforms of Mobutu's police and know to keep their thoughts to themselves. They know who stands behind Mobutu, and that in some place as far away as heaven, where the largest rules are made, white and black lives are different kinds of currencies. When thirty foreigners were killed in Stanleyville, each one was tied somehow to a solid exchange, a gold standard like the hard Belgian franc. But a congolese life is lie the useless Congolese bill, which you can pile by the fistful or the bucketful into a merchant's hand, and still not purchase a single banana." I like this quote for two reasons, one is that to me it shows how people tend look the other way whenever they hear of death and tragedy in third-world countries. And secondly I like this quote because of the comparison kingsolver makes between the value of a congolese life and a congolese bill, althought it is harsh I find the comparison to be nonetheless true.

Oh and i wondering if anyone can clarify for me what the thesis is since it's due on friday?

When Adah talks about her slant I'm guessing she is talking about her old way of walking as well as her view of life. Im not sure but I just finished reading and I'm getting started on my outline for friday!

PWB Quote

"At least I'm alive, and not dead like Ruth May." - Rachel

I honestly think Rachel gets dumber through out this book.

ugh!

Is anyone having a hard time finding someone to interview?! or send request letters to? I'm going crazy right now trying to find good people that would know about my topic. Any suggestions?

Interview.

I have attempted to set up an interview, but so far, no response back. However, I WILL NOT BE DISCOURAGED! I hope it is alright that I don't have an interview scheduled to turn in to Ms. Stariha tomorrow, but I can show her that I have attempted to get a hold of the person I am trying to interview.

I'm finishing up my interview questions and survey questions right now...and I'm feeling good about this! I'm still having a hard time finding research, but I emailed some college proffs asking them for some guidance.

Just for reference, due tomorrow is the interview questions, the survey questions, and the information request letters, correct?

YYYYYYYYYEEEESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!

I was FINALLY able to arrange an interview!  And it's with a professor from LSU who was removed from teaching an introductory bilogy class for being "to strict."  Since I have grade inflation, this interview is going to be golden!!!!!  I am SSSSSOOOOO HAAPPPPPYY!!
That, and my letters are coming around nicely as well.  They're both professors.  On from Wiscolnson, and one from Harvard.
FDGTEROITUWEJR6543rEW$*#@R
I'm so happy I could pee!!!  This project is really starting to pay off!

Pictures of Harper and Willa

Okay... this isn't really pertaining to class, but if you want to see some current photos we had taken of the girls, check out the following link: Portraits of Harper and Willa

PWB & Senior Project

So, I'm catching up in my reading for the Posionwood Bible (and yes I'm actually reading, not spark noting) and I'm glad to see that Rachel is finally maturing...somewhat... And I also think t he way Kingsolver connects with the reader, especially with the whole death of Ruth May, is amazing. I felt like I was right there, watching her family slowly deteriate. And kudos to Oreleanna for finally leaving Nathan!!! That made me so happy. This senior project is definatly stressing me out though. There's alot of stuff to do, and it seems like such little time. Anyone else feeling this same way??

Because I am an older sister to two younger siblings, I couldn't help being emotionally disturbed by the imagery painted in the particular section pertaining to Ruth May's death. Death in general is a very hard thing to cope with and can often times leave you questioning why and how something like this could ever happen to someone you know and love. Because Ruth May was a daughter, sister, friend and so young and innocent, it was so hard for the Price family to even comprehend what had happened (well, most of the family). As usual, Nathan could only focus on the fact that Ruth May had not been baptized yet, and she would be one of the lost souls (among many many others). I find it very interesting that death was what finally made the family realize that they are no different than the Congolese. No better and no worse. Because of Ruth May's death, the family was just like the other families in the Congo, as almost every family experienced the death of a child at one point or another. I'm interested to see what Orleanna will do next as I read further into the next book, and I'm wondering what else will change with the family because of this tradgic event.

Poisonwood Bible

The more I am reading, I am finding that it is becoming more intense. I thought at first that things that were happening at the beginning weren't going to change everything but now I am realizing that all of the stuff that happened earlier is describing what is happening now. Orleanna has changed so much within this section. The Bel and the Serpent has changed the whole story now with Ruth May gone. This has really brought a very emotional side out in the book. It also brought me to relate the section with actual happenings, whether they are personal or just things that are happening around me. I like that Rachel is finally changing and I cant wait to see what is going to happen next!

project

ok so ive been reasearching all weekend and i seriously cant find anything... so ms.s expectme to talk to you today lol... any who as for the book im lke interested but slightly disinterested now idk if its all the other work on top of reading or what but this isstressingme out!

:)

Well I came on this blog tonight expecting to see a bunch of in depth blogs and different peoples thoughts on the book and stuff, like the brit lit kids blogs that we were showed... but luckily enought our blogs havent changed too much! Woo hoo! I guess they're a little better, we dont talk about our daily lives as much. I didnt read very many though. But its all good. I dont really get the ol' annotated bibliography thing but i no my lovely teacher will help me. The book is great. Its been real. Peace.

Nathan

I guess I fell a little bit behind in the reading, but I just finished the part about the funeral, and I became rather mad when I read that Nathan was baptizing the kids in the rain. I even wrote on a sticky note, "NATHAN FRICKEN BAPTIZES THE CHILDREN!" because I was so bothered by it. He just lost his own kid, and all he could do about it was baptize kids that have no idea what baptizing means?!

Senior Project Paper

Today, after I church I came home and was excited to research my topic. I came to realize though, that Its hard to research the problem of school substance abuse and education without finding out about people's kids dying for taking drugs /: I can tell that the researching part of the paper is going to be the hardest...so if you guys know of any tips or suggestions and narrowing my research to what i need it would be greatly appreciated. thanks. (:

Feeling pretty good!

I decided to form all of my questions today for my interview and my letters. I have not finished my annotated bibliography yet, but now that I have my ten questions formed, I can separate each question into a different category to research. If I do this, I will have way more then 10 sources, but like Mrs. Stariha said, I don't have to use them all. If anyone is stuck on finding sources, I would suggest forming your ten questions first, it helps a lot!

So much to do....

Well i've been doing a bit of research for our senior project.. so far it's going alright. I just hope i'm getting the right information. I've been trying to figure out who I should interview for my research paper.. my topic is drop outs so if anybody has any ideas feel free to let me know... I really enjoyed our discussion friday about the Poisonwood Bible even though i had not read that far at the time.. I can see how Nathan can resemble America because of how he is very self centered in his goal to spread Christianity among the Congolese. America is similar because we are only involved with the Congo for our own interest, which at the time was for rubber, copper, and diamonds.

Cool Video to get you guys thinking about EDUCATION!

This video may help spark some ideas for some of you... or it may inspire you to solve all of your country's educational issues!

Anxiety, Frustration, and Confusion

I've been sitting at my computer researching for my SP topic--Sequential Grade Strucutre--and I am having absolutely no luck. I made the folders to organize my research, but sadly I have found nothing to put in those folders....HELP!!!!!!!!!!

The Last Word

So at the end of class on Friday, the last thing we talked about was (very briefly) how The Poisonwood Bible is connected to 1984 and Johnny Got His Gun. I suddenly figured out how each of them are based on the government controlling what we do and what we know in our lives. Its interesting how different authors can have the same central theme yet very different means of getting to it. We had one book portray it through a society where it was obvious that there was government control, one where it was through the disasters and hardships of war, and now one that is hidden amongst missionaries in Africa!! They each seem like such different story lines from each other, but when we dig deep into them, they are the same message at the very middle. I'm guessing if we did that more often in literature, we could find numerous trains of books that are all similar in theme.

Reflections on Nathan=America

When the idea of nathan being a symbol for america and more specifically the american goverment I was quite intrigued. The thought had never occured to me before but know that I think about it i can see the connection. One other thing that i realized was that there are parallels in the way that nathan treats his family and the way the american people are treated by the goverment. First off Nathan has an estranged relationship with his family, he hardly takes the time to get to know them as people and views them as inferior. I find this suprisingly similiar to our relationship with our goverment, i would best describe our relationship with our goverment as estranged at best. Although we know the names of our politicians we hardly now them as people and thats goes both ways. The only time that I see politicans reaching out to the public is when they are campaigning. Another thing i find similair is the way that nathan ignores the opinions of his family and when they have contradicting views he silences them. This is parallel to how our country is supposely run by the people but ultimately our decisions are made by the people in DC, and politicans have a history of going back on their word and betraying the trust of the people. Also our goverment has a history of silencing people who oppose them a fine example would be Lumumba from PWB he had contradicting views and the goverment just got rid of him.

Falling Behind

Well i finally caught up in my reading so thats great, and today i am going to look for research and that great stuff, i suposse i will have to ask mrs stariha for help with all my questions and things of that nature.

Books Books Books

I absolutly ADORE the Poisonwood Bible!! This book is SOO good! I feel like there is so much to learn from it, so many connections to make to America today. It was really interesting at the end of class friday when we dsicovered the connections in themes from 1984, Johnny Got His Gun and The Poisonwood Bible! But anyway, I love the way the book is a mix of true history and fiction. For me this makes the book even more real and connectable toable...because thats totally a word... The only thing about the history being real is realizing that our country had a part in it. A country that preaches Democracy and power to the people worked to destroy that in another nation just because those in power thought it would threaten their power. It makes me sad to think that our country, along with others, tortured and killed a father, a leader, and a man with great ideas on many different things. It kind of makes our country look cowardly..."lets just destroy the threats before anything comes of them"...its frusterating and sad but never going to stop...>:(

SO much Work to do!

Ugh this assignment is killing me. But im doing my research and getting it done. I have some sources and Im looking for primary ones. I dont know if we were supposed to read more this weekend or not? But Im thinking this project is more important. Jake and I were thinking and wondering about the survey. We can't remember if it was that we were supposed to make 10, 20 question surveys or if we were supposed to make 20 ten question surveys? Good luck everyone with the project!

sp-charter schools

im doing research right now for my project.. and i noticed ross's post about due dates because i actually had the same question. But we have pride day Wednesday, so are we just turning that stuff in by email?? Im also finding this project really challenging because of the in depth research. It's a really overwhelming project and i know ill feel a lot better when it is done. I was also wondering if anyone had any researching tips because i keep getting a bunch of ".org" and when i follow their sources it eventually takes me to a charter school website almost every time. And most of the websites don't have the right information im looking for.

Quick question!!

Bibliography----------Tuesday

Letters, interview, survey----------Wednesday

Rough draft------------????

Is that on Friday or Wednesday!? 

Anyway, all the hard work aside, and all the really really time consuming hard work aside as well, I'm thouroughly enjoying this Project.  I actually found a good person to write a letter to on my subject (grade inflation).  He is a professor at Harvard, and has very strong opinons on the matter that reach all the way back to affermitive action.  As for my interview, I'm not toooooooo sure.  I want it to be worthy of quality, and I'm trying my best to stay out of our school when thinking about it... But I'll try my best, and I'm sure it will go (for the most part) smoothly.

Nathan = US Authorities

Nathans relationship with his family is weak. As the father figure everyone looks up to him but in fear not by admiring him. He controls their feelings and beliefs negatively. His daughters and wife believe in Christianity not because of their faith but its what is expected by Nathan. Nathan is feared by his family with the control he has over them. This is closely related to the US Authorities with the Congo. The Congo fears America because of the power and control they have over them. The US authorities control the Congo in their beliefs and way of life. The Price family and the Congo live for others not for themselves which is wrong!

I don't understand!

In class today we were asked to compare the relationship between Nathan and his family, the relationship between America and the Congo, and the relationship between Tata Ndu and his community. I can see how the way Nathan treats his family is similar to the way the United States treated the situation in the Congo, but if these two things are so common then does that mean that Tata Ndu does not treat his people very well? If these three things are suppose to be similar then I guess I disagree. Tata Ndu may not be extremely intelligent but he truly cares for his people. I believe he is the exact opposite of Nathan. Tata Ndu was willing to try new things, (like voting) despite what he may believe.

Bel and the Serpent

In Leah's first section of What We Learned, I noticed that she had finally stood up for herself but talking back to Nathon. Her father as well as the other men in the village did not belive that a female should hunt along with the men. Nathon stating to Leah, "You're only causing trouble, and I forbit it." Finally, Leah stands up for herself yelling back "I'm going with the men and that's final." showing that she now is making a transformation and is deciding to stick with it. No longer will her father push her down or treat her like she has been treated. As Kingsolver had stated, Nathon went crazy. That night the girls were terrified and even slept with knives, and metal pans. When reading this I could picture all the girls extremely terrified and just shaking under their covers. To think that Nathon was the total opposite of now is almost unbelieveable. Things definitely changing and I wish we could discuss the rest of the chapter as a class.

Questions About the Book.

So I was kind of wondering about some ideas in the book... And I just thought to put them on here... 1. What was the second thing Anatole conviced Leah to do (besides teach)? 2. Since when is the Mamba snake's mouth blue? 3. What was Anatoles dream (from the quiz)? 4. Where was nathan through the whole "ant catastrophe"?

Research

Today we are researching in class! This is a big deal because it is what will write the majority of our papers. Mrs. booklet tips really help. Not being random and actually making good searches has helped save alot of time. Being organized is key in a project like this. I have no idea of who I am going to intereview?!!! If anyone has any ideas of who might know about International Competition let me know because I am desperate!!!

YES!

I am so glad we are working in the lab right now, I feel that I am going to get at least something done.. then I will feel a bit better about the project! And I hope we find out who is in our groups soon!

A Quick Concern...

Alright, I know that we are supposed to have at least two comments each week, but it's kind of hard to reach that requirement if NO ONE IS POSTING!

My Essay-Quiz Taking Strategy:

I found that this strategy worked rather well timewise today: First, I went through all of the short answer questions and wrote whatever I knew about them, and if I got the least bit stuck at all, I skipped some lines and moved on to the next question. For example, I couldn't remember much about the question about Anatole's wish, so I wrote a few sentences to jog my memory later about it, and then I moved on to the question after that. I didn't waste time getting stuck on a single short answer question just because I couldn't remember. I did the same thing when it came to the question about the ant scourge. I wrote down a few sentences (not the whole answer) because I couldn't think of the rest, but at least then I didn't have to start blindly when I went back through the quiz. Then, I eventually got to the BIG essay question. I looked at the clock and there was tons of time available for it! Starting it earlier this time than previous times was a big help because I didn't feel rushed to write a bunch in a short amount of time. At the end of the BIG essay, I went back to the questions I had left unfinished and finished the quickest ones of those (by this time, I had already written the main essay, so my mind was very engrained in the story, making recalling a little bit easier). I saved the one that I COULD NOT FOR THE LIFE OF ME remember, and searched through the book until I found it. I finished the whole quiz with a few minutes left and I didn't feel rushed at all through it. Everyone has their own strategy, but I just thought I would share mine in case anyone wants to try a different one.

The quiz an hour ago...

Whhhoooooaaa booyyy.... I'm not to sure about that last quiz.  Talking after class, I knew some of those short answers, but not when I was taking it (how does that always happen...?)

But any way, over the break I read the  whole book, and am looking forward to talking about future events.  There were a few parts where I actully "LOL'ed"  But there were also some parts where I felt a little lost... I'm really looking to the quote circles and class discussions for some help.

And about that Senior Project, are we going to be going over it any time soon?  Because I've bearly started my reasearch paper...

I Love Quote Circles!

Everyone brings something different to the quote circles! There are some things we mentioned today that I didn't catch when I was reading, but they seemed pretty valuable. Also, I really love getting Ms. Stariha's input on the story because she has read it a bunch of times, I'm assuming. She always mentions something interesting and draws connections that I possibly didn't see while I was reading. Alright, so even though I am LOVING the storyline of The Poisonwood Bible, I really think Johnny and 1984 were more exciting reads. Maybe it's just me that thinks that. I liked the mysteriousness of the two of them, and I feel like The Poisonwood Bible is interesting as well, but I personally liked the other two books a little bit more. Don't get me wrong, The Poisonwood Bible is a great story, and I really like it. For the quiz tomorrow (thank you Ms. Stariha for postponing it a day--the quote circle really helped), I need to remember that if a question asks me to analyze, I need to avoid summarizing. I did that on last quiz and lost a few points for it--sad day. I just have to get it through my skull that analyze does not equal summarize. Maybe if I say it enough times...

what an essay...

As I was going over and re-reading my essay I found many imperfections. Going through the edited paper from Mrs. S. helped so much. Pointing out details in my paper that can be improved helps so much. Each little thing counts and as my paper got more developed I began to feel more confident about my paper. Still, I have my doubts but without the rough drafts and the generous amount of time we got, I would not have developed the paper that I did. On the other hand... I'm ready for the Senior Project. I hope that I get all the information I need to create my last big project in high school. I was gone on Friday and missed the intro to it, so help me out and fill me in on things I missed if you get the chance. thanks :)

the more the merrier...

my goal of this essay was to get it to be as close to perfect as possible....which i am sure is every ones goal as well...hehe. but i started with my rough draft and after getting back the corrections and advising over the paper i scheduled a meeting with ms. starhia to talk in more detail..after this i sent back multiple drafts and the paper started to become constructed! i truly believe that the more drafts you send the more composed your paper becomes and this time my paper is close to perfect (hopefully)! even though it takes alot of extra time and preparation, its is worth it in the long run and i recommend everyone to send in multiple drafts to ms. starhia to get the best results popular.. the more drafts the merrier! :))

.....

ok so i find myself discovering somthing while reading this book. and even though i think im a little like evey character... i think im most like Nathan... i know that sounds horrible but service learning as Religion in my life and im very closed minded about it. IDK lets just hope we all do good on the test 2morrow.... let us pray

nsongonya, well kind of

My house has recently been infested with some devilish termite-looking bugs. Gross, right? Anyways, I took a nap earlier today for about an hour and a half. All of a sudden, I felt something crawling on my arm. I opened my eyes, my vision still a bit blurry with sleep, to see one of these devils on my arm. I flicked it off and thought nothing more of it. That is, until my vision was fully regained and I saw HUNDREDS of these little devils ALL OVER MY BED!! Needless to say, I freaked! It reminded me of the attack of the ants. Well, mine wasn't so deadly, but I was still as creeped out by my endeavor as when I was reading that part of the book.

Help!

I am having a difficult time working on my conclusion of my Rhetorical Analysis essay. Ms. Stariha says its to listy, and I totally agree with her! Does anyone have any suggestions? Leonid Fridman wrote this essay to change the mindset of Americans. He not only made many impressive points about how nerds are treated, but also uses literary techniques to further the readers understanding and to make them emotionally involved. With his Logos and a Pathos appeal, Fridman gives the reader factual evidence in hopes of convincing him that nerds have an important place in this world and should be treated with respect.

NO MORE SWEARING

Ok so its the last day a spring break, uhhhggg!!! But it is ok, you know why because Tuesday I have a track meet and im going to rock it. So we are supposed to write about things that are not about our lifes, to meet the expectations of the Brit Lit Kids!!!!! Yeah okay, so I have been reading the PoisionWood Bible and I am not going to LIE I still have a little bit left to read, but what I have read so far has really confussed me. So I read it really fast like almost a skim read and instead of re-reading it I though i would use the BLOG for the It's real PURPOSE, and that purpose of course being to answer questions? (I think) So my question is WHY are they worried about the revolution, is it because they are white or what?! Well this is probably the longest blog I have ever written and if you couldnt tell it is kind of a run on, so that it appears like I have written a lot!!! See you all TOMORROW!!!!!!

Quote Circle?

I for one love the quote circles we do in class before each quiz. Since we have no time to do this before the quiz on Monday I thought it might be helpful to have one on the blog. I guess I'll start, you're welcome to follow. :] pg 142, first sentence: "Some people will send a bread and butter note...Anatole sent us a boy." -I particularly like this one because it shows the difference between the life in Georgia and in the Congo. It also says to me that Leah is starting to acknowledge the differences and take them into effect in her new life. pg 173, last sentence: "Our Baptist ears from Georgia will never understand the difference." -This is when Adah was talking about how they pronounce words differently for different meanings. I thought it was interesting that Adah pays so much attention to this and no one else, especially Nathan, does. And she used the word 'ear' rather than mind or anything else, maybe cause she chooses to hear things instead of say them. pg 196, 2nd paragraph: "That was the last I would...and trust in the miracle of good fortune." -This is from Orleanna when she is recalling the accident that happened to Nathan in the war. It gives me the impression that she now sees a clear dividing point between her life before and after Nathan's accident. Her life seems so much worse now, but Nathan seemed like he had changed for the better. Well, I hope this gives some recollection of what happened in the early parts of the book (it helped me to skim through it all again).

Crossing the Line

I'm sitting in the car right now, getting internet from my dad's evo. We're in Maryland right now--it looks a lot like Michigan, except the temperature is 66 degrees right now instead of the 40 degrees I'm assuming Michigan is. I'm listening to a song by Trust Company called "Crossing the Line" (notice title of blog...). It kinda reminds me of Nathan. I haven't read the book we were supposed to read yet. I tried reading it earlier while laying on Virginia Beach, but it was too windy, so the pages were blowing making it impossible to read. Back to the song and Nathan: I always thought that Nathan crossed the line in going to the Congo. Obviously, the people there didn't really need him--they help him more than he helps them--so he really shouldn't be there. That is kind of like my Mexico trip. We went to be a blessing, but we were blessed overwhelmingly in return. We helped with building things and painting and cooking, and we really wanted to help out with the kids, but they ended up changing us more than we wanted to change them. I'm noticing that I'm having a hard time keeping on the same thought. There are so many things going through my mind right now, so it's difficult to only talk about one thing the whole time.

Paradigm Shift!!!

In my own words Paradigm shift is a change in perspectives that can result in the alteration or abandonment in beliefs. Relating to the PWB in the climatic ending of judges when the ANTS attack Adah and Leah go through Paradigm shifts that drastically alter each's beliefs. For example this quote "That night marks my life's dark center, the moment when growing up ended and the long downward slope toward death began. The wonder to me now is that i thought myself worth saving. But I did" shows how Adah comes to value her life as oppose to before when she felt her disability devalued her life, ironically though the moment she realizes her life is worth saving her mother abandons her for ruth may. Leah on the other hand abandons her faith in religion and her father for faith in Anatole, this is showed in this quote "I repeated his name because it took the place of prayer. Anatole's name anchored me to the earth, the water, the skin that held me in like a jar of water." Overall i think pardigm shift is an idea that most of us are resistent to in our society. Nobody likes to be wrong and so when an idea or opinon arrives that challenges our own beliefs we become defensive and inturn lose rationality and common sense for the sake of being right.

Religion and Shifts

So over reading the PWB and what we disscussed in class on friday... i did sum thinking... 1) I think everyone wears their faith like Nathan, and very few people like Orlena. Sertain religions spend more time trying to convert people instead of understand. 2) and those shift things... ok so this reacently happend to me over the last three years but i seriously thought the catholic church was the only true religion, and i went to other churches and that helped me better understand other christian religions... but i still think being a Catholic is best for me. but im more open to listining to other religions not just in the sector of chistanity..

The PWB

Everytime I pick up the Poisonwood Bible I can't keep from thinking about how much I am learning from it. In our last two books in class I found it easier to just read the book because I had to, but its completely different with this one. Everything in this book has so much built into it. I feel like I have to read slower to catch all the details because it is SO indepth. I really enjoy each of the characters and their unique use of dialogue and thoughts.

I also find our discussions in class quite interesting. I really like hearing what others have to say about the novel and different characters as we dig deeper into the story. Discussions always help to clear the misunderstandings I sometimes find and make things clearer. Sometimes I feel like the book is saying one thing where it might be saying something completely different to someone else or just in actually.

I'm still confused about the different books and what exactly each of them mean overall. With this book I find it easier to understand the details but not the big picture. I really enjoy reading The Poisonwood Bible because it is very interesting, has a lot of meaning, and has great comparisons and interpretations from its literal message in several cases.

I have been realizing that the more that each character reveals, the more I can see that I am really like all of them. I guess thats why I enjoy the book so much. I'm looking forward to getting further into the book.

Paradigm Shift

As we began to talk about paradigm shift and we thought about how it connects to the book, I began to realize that no only is it often present in PWB, but it is all over in the real world today. It is nearly impossible to accept many things at once. I personally don't like change very well and as I thought about this and connected it to myself, it started to make a lot more sense to me. College english has opened my eyes to a different side of me. At first I was really nervous about this class but it has made me more creative and made me think out of the box. In a way it has been a paradigm shift in my life. I couldn't except this big change in how this class is run but now I am so much more open to different things that we do.

Lurking in the Shadows

I really liked the conversation we had in class about how the truth is much like a shadow. Plato's example of this was so interesting to think about. In many ways I think much of our lives are portrayed as shadows. We may only see the 2D, single shade, shadow, but behind it lurks something so much more! Compared to a shadow, what makes it is so much more complex that to imagine an idea being that is amazing. To relate this back to PWB, I think the entire book may be a 5 person witness acount to the unveiling of the truth for their family. In the beginning they were all very naive and comfortable with their lives. As it goes on, I notice them acting alot more 'human'. I thought it was an interesting point of view to ponder with.

Senior Project Topics

Topics for the senior project are as follows:
Sarah Pranger--Arts Education
Noble Graham--Alternative Curriculum
Andy Brozek--Year Round School
Casey TenBrink--Merit Pay
Taylor Hegg--Sequential Grade Structure
Alexandria Sutton--National Curriculum (Common Core)
Becca Schmieding--Charter Schools
Nora Andrade--ESL
Amy Trevino--School Substance Abuse
Alex Kleiner--Drop Outs
Ross Ray--Grade Inflation
Tyler Ashbaugh--Bullying
Bethany Henion--Sex Ed
Sarah Sylvester--School Violence
Brian Schroeder--Sports in Schools
Emily White--Foreign Language Requirements
Henry Moron--Military Academies
Domanic Viterna--Public School Funding
Chelsea Smith--Standardized Testing
Kristen Wagner--Special Education Inclusion
Jake Smith--International Competition (I know you didn't sign up for this... but it is a great topic!)
Luke Smith--Tracking
Sydney Sherman--?
Eric Carballido--?

I didn' t hear from Sydney or Eric (unless I lost your slip Eric).  Here are some topics that aren't taken that I highly recommend:
Teacher Unions
Tenure
Parental Involvement
Teacher Evaluations
Privatized Schooling
(There are more if these don't interest you...)

I will be grouping these during break.

Cruise prep= Price family?

So on the long (24 hour...) drive to Florida for my cruise I had a lot of time to think. Along the way there was some GORGEOUS scenery especially once we actually got into Florida. While driving down the road we were surrounded by what looked a lot like a jungle. This got me thinking about Poisonwood Bible and how the Price family might have dealt with their upcoming trip much like my family has. I thought of how much my mom reminded me of Adah. A lot of times she doesnt really talk about what she's feeling and she is VERY analytical and likes to internalize many different facts and scenarios. While she's not at all bitter, my mom is very quiet and wise. My father on the other hand is very much a Ruth May. He is so exitable and is the one who wakes us up in the morning by throwing open the curtains and yelling "YOUR BURING DAYLIGHT!!!!" He is so much fun to travel and loves to explore and see everything he can whenever we go anywhere!! My brother is just like Leah. He is very logical and sees things in black and white, if its not right it is most definatly wrong. Seth thinks about everything that could happen and lays it all out in his head. While this leads to some unnecessary worry it makes the rest of us think about what might happen and helps us prepare. He also may or may not pretend like he knows everything... :)! Finally theres me. In preparation for this cruise I've realized that I'm more like Rachel than what I really want to admit. I constantly think about what other people will wear and how I'll stack up. I also think about how Jamaica will be different from home and if it will be dirty or to crowded. I even kind of worry about the people...will they bug me? Will they chase me around trying to make me buy stuff? What if they're dirty or rude?? Yup definetly more Rachel there than I'd like to admit.... So welcome to my 24 hour drive thoughts!! They used up a lot of time and even made me forget for a moment that I was stuck in the car with my little brother for another 10 hours!! >:S!!!

The Poison Wood smoke trap!

This week has been packed to the brim with many different mini adventures!  But sadly, this has hindered my reading experince with the Poison Wood Bible.  I got to the point where I was mostly skiming and searching
for great quotes, but when I got to the ant part, I read the whole thing.  It was a nice change of pace from the usual grind of Congo life.  It also let me (us as readers) see just how the charecters really act when lives are put up for  grabs.  I mean, Orleanna had to choose between Adah or Ruth-May, and she told Adah to "keep up."  Seriously?  She limps!  And those screw offs Rachel and Nathan are driving me crazy!!!  Rachel goes straight for the mirror, and Nathan preaches, he freaking preches!!!  I just wanted to go right into the book and beat some sense into him!  You can preach all your life, but you can only save your family when they are in danger, AND HE DID NOTHING!!  He is the reason that Leah is losing her faith.  How can he be so blind.

Whoa, I just worte a lot.  Anyway, last night I went to my great uncle's wake.  We stayed up untill 1A.M. and partyed like it was 1999.  Then today, we went to the memorial.  It was rather sad, but I was able to see all my cousins that I don't usually do.  All in all, it was a great time that will build me up as a charecter.

Well, tomorrow I'm off to see my great aunt, and will have a great time in Florida.  I also am going to read the entire rest of The Posion Wood Bible.  That way I won't fall behind in my other wise hectic life.

See you later.


And Alex[andria], you owe me 1$!!!!  The village really does get taken over by ants!!!!

Education..

So I was, and still kind of am nervous about the Senior Project. It definitely sounds like a lot of work that will be time consuming. A 7-10 page paper?! Scary! Especially since the longest paper I think I've ever written was about 4 pages. I will not procrastinate! When the topic was presented to us (Education) I was thinking in my mind "what kind of sub topics are there?" and then as Ms. Stariha talked about each and every one my jaw just dropped a little. It's shocking how many topics there are to discuss and that each one can be elaborated on in some way shape or form. I had a really hard time deciding what exactly I want to do my Project on because many of the topics interest me! Mostly everyone in our class is a hard worker, so I'm not too nervous about the group I am placed in. But there is the chance of someone not taking the Project seriously, which scares me and makes me a little more stressed than I already seem to be.

INCEPTION....!

Well this week in class I really liked the paradime shifts (I dont know if that's how you spell it?) But it was really cool, it made me think. How do you if something is real if it's only in your head? How do you know what is in your head is real or if you're just crazy without supporting evidence? This cylce could go on forever and makes one truly question: what is real, what do we create in our minds due to our perspective, and what makes something real?! This idea could drive someone crazy?!!! Well everyone have a good week off and dont forget to read!!! :D

EDUCATION!

Ms. Stariha's discussion today about the education system really got me thinking. I especially was interested when she was talking about merit pay. There is definitly two sides to this issue, and I am not sure which argument I side with. I understand completely why teachers don't want to get paid based on how well students in their class, (whom they do not get to select) do on a test. This would also cause teachers to teach strictly to a test which would make teachers feel confined to very specific material. But, from the other prospective, the way teachers are currently evaluated is probably not a fair examination of the teacher. Also, it makes sense that better teachers should get paid more money, I'm just not sure yet if standardized test is the best way to evaluate this. I'm in between!