The Winsome Scholar

New Blog!

2009-05-14T16:02:00.001-07:00

I’ve ported all of my blogs to this site. This blogger account will remain viewable, but will no longer be updated.

Visual Representation of the Archetype

2009-04-27T20:00:00.001-07:00

I've had a few questions regarding this phase of the project. To clarify, there are two goals I want to achieve and two parameters I wish you to follow.

Goals:

Achieve an understanding what your archetype is, on an essential level (which you should be discovering as you find your 50 examples)
Represent that essence visually using an original image of the medium of your choice (from photography to Photoshop or ink to paint; it doesn't matter).

Parameters of project:

Must include the image described above
Must incorporate (either through text or smaller images) the fifty examples you have found.

If you create your project on the computer, do not worry about printing it. Simply email the file to me, burn it to a disk, stick it on a flash drive, or upload it to MediaFire or another hosting service.

If you create your project by hand, it may be letter-sized.

Email any questions.

Open Letter, Re: Archetypes

2009-04-26T11:27:00.001-07:00

To the individual journeying into the underbelly of the world's stories:

How is the search coming? I have been unable to consume anything without coming across various incarnations of the Trickster or Damsel; I found myself watching an odd mixture of Princess, Anti-hero, and Warrior yesterday (rhymes with Muffy the Mampire Slayer). They seem to be everywhere.

They're even in my dreams.

I wonder if you haven't found yourself in a similar situation? If so, perhaps writing them down, getting them out of your head would be the best course of action. They can't surround you if they're trapped on the page—right?

We should meet tomorrow and trade advice. Perhaps there is some essential understanding we can gain from one another. I have around 25 on my page so far, but they just keep coming. I keep my list in the freezer; it's safer that way.

To tell you the truth, I'm a bit apprehensive of Thursday. You and your co-conspirators will be parading your archetypes for all to see, all drawn up and...listy. There should be hundreds all together.

Best of luck in your search,

Stallings

P.S. Keep in touch.

"Ah ha!" Moment Count: 7

2009-04-22T16:46:00.001-07:00

You guys are doing great. The handout I gave you today is not meant to get you thinking about the paper, but rather how to continue your search. Online is a great start, but you might think about dropping by Barnes and Noble or Gardner's. Take a peek around the mythology section (or the children's section) and see what you dig up. Share your sources!

As always, email me with questions or comments.

Man, This is Fun.

2009-04-21T18:35:00.001-07:00

I've received a dozen or so messages from you guys updating me on your chosen archetypes. I'm having a blast pointing you in the right direction. If you have any questions, post them below or send me an email; I'm happy to respond.

Those covered so far:

Femme fatale (twice)
The trickster
The seeker
"Screw the Rules, I Make Them" (trope; most likely falls under the "rebel" archetype)
The student
The mentor
The fairy godmother
The damsel
The heroine

Keep 'em coming!

Index Card Workshop

2009-04-21T14:43:00.001-07:00

Today we discussed the two stories included in the packet yesterday. While the connection between the two might have been obvious, it gave us a chance to discuss the portability of stories and practice the index card system. Here are three examples from 5th hour today:

Notice the author's name on the right, the quotation in the middle, and the analysis at the end. This student also included a connector for the Anansi story.

The "Brer Rabbit" title seems a bit specific, but if this student were to continue to study this particular character, the title would help him find cards from different stories easily.

Again, the author's name in the upper right corner and a title that includes the name of a character. I've added "(wife)" to the General Topic on the top left to allow this card to fall under the more general "all wives" category rather than this specific woman.

This card contains, rather than a direct quotation, a paraphrase of the action in the story. This is a good thing to do instead of quoting large sections of the story (the wife's advice in the four trials, in this case).

The analysis in this card is better than the first example, as the student is looking into the motivations of the character and comparing her to her husband.

Another great example. Similar to the previous example, I have added "(sky god)" in the General Topic section in order to open up the possibility of connecting this character to Zeus, Horus, etc.

The analysis pulls the god's miserly nature from the fact that he "kept all the stories locked up in a wooden box." The next step, perhaps, for this student would be to look for miserliness in other gods or characters, or perhaps look for other boxes in other stories...

Archetype Calendar

2009-04-20T16:59:00.001-07:00

(Not a calendar that is the epitome of calendar-ness, just an overview of what we'll be up to in the coming weeks. Click to expand)

This is going to be a fantastic close to your senior year; archetypes are (by definition) apparent in every culture around the world and can be seen in every story ever told. For the past two years I've emphasized that "everything's connected"; now it's time to see just how closely.

This will be a four-step project with plenty of benchmarks on the way. (More specifics to come.) Today I have you an overview of how to learn/do research with index cards. Trust me on this. Follow my instructions and you'll have no problems.

Your homework tonight is to choose an archetype that you wish to study. I've given you lists, and here are some more. And some tropes from television. And here's a t-shirt.

After you've chosen, read the two stories I included with the "Index Cards are Your Friends" handout and compare. Mark the similarities and the differences, and anything else you find interesting about them. Make index cards for them if you'd like to get ahead for tomorrow, but I'll walk you through the process in class.

And please, for the love of the class, let me know if I've made a mistake on this calendar. (All dates subject to change with advanced warning. Things happen.)

Weekend Short Story-The Crane Wife

2009-04-04T10:19:00.001-07:00

Or, Tsuru no Ongaeshi, a classic Japanese fairy tale.

As you read, see if you can find any of the archetypes we've been discussing. Also, if you're familiar with The Decemberists, check out the lyrics for their album The Crane Wife.

Read twice, annotate. We'll talk about it on Monday.

Love in the Time of Cholera Essay

2009-03-27T16:08:00.001-07:00

We discussed your paragraphs and ideas for the essay in class today. I was quite impressed with your ideas, and can't wait to read the product on Monday.

If you were absent, please send me an email and I will get you caught up.

Remember, while we will go through the peer review process on Monday, you should come to class with a typed, "finished" paper. Seven pages is too many, three is not enough.

Send me an email if you have any questions.

Spring Break Reset

2009-03-22T05:08:00.001-07:00

Just a reminder: Your vocabulary words are due Monday when you get to class. If you want to email the list to me, there is a "contact" button at the top of this page. Also, we will be discussing the novel to chapter six on Monday, so please get caught up before then.

Vocab I Answers

2009-03-09T14:08:00.001-07:00

So, the plan is to check your answers, take the numbers you got wrong, write down the definition in your own words, use it in an original sentence, then turn it in before March 23rd. (That's the Monday after Spring Break.)

Also, we will be moving our reading schedule back a day. Read through page 123 for tomorrow.

Unrequited
Eminent
Peregrinations
Austerity
Premonitory
Contemplative
Indomitable
Faltering
Erosion
Fastidious
Disingenuous
Diligent
Despondency
Anachronism
Clandestine
Inexorable
Atavistic
Miasmic
Solemnity
Avid
Putrefaction
Pedagogy
Inculcate
Convalescence
Quagmire
Ominous
Interminable
Capitulated
Complaisant
Providential
Vulgarization
Facile
Reiterated
Brevity
Effusiveness

"Love" Essay

2009-03-07T18:00:00.001-08:00

In case you missed it, here's the assignment due Monday:

We have encountered several types of "love" thus far in Love in the Time of Cholera, so I'd like to give you all an opportunity to voice your own perspective/opinion. Bring to class on Monday a written (see specs below) account of your thoughts on love.

Now, you can choose your format (as long as it's prose; no poetry, sorry), be it an academic essay or a short story. You can deliver an account from your own experience (as long as you make it clear how others can learn from it), you can write a philosophical examination of the phenomenon, you can differentiate between different types of love, or explicate the metaphors in the novel so far (I'd suggest the "bird" imagery or Florentino vs Dr. Urbino).

The Specs:

Paper must follow the guidelines set out here, be between 150 and 500 words, and be written in third person. (No "I," "me," or "we" words.)

If you do not follow these guidelines, I will return your paper to you. I would rather you not have to focus on the technical aspects, but some of the papers I receive just look funky.

First Day & Love in the Time of Cholera

2009-03-03T11:35:00.001-08:00

Great first day, guys. I hate talking as much as I did, but I think we're set for the year. If you want a copy of the syllabus or the LitToC stuff, you can download it all here.

Also, here is the Scribd document of the novel. As I said before, use it only until you purchase the book. You will not be able to read the entire novel on a computer or iTouch screen.

As you read, mark the parts that are interesting to you. This will be the first thing I ask about tomorrow. (And don't forget vocab!)

Gabriel García Márquez - Love in the Time of Cholera

Publish at Scribd or explore others: eBooks novel literature

I do love Thoreau...

2009-03-02T15:57:00.001-08:00

It's nearly spring! I just hope it gets warm enough for us to read some Walden outdoors. (But why would that matter? How does that make the reading experience more enjoyable?)

If you're interested, or did not receive a copy of "Economy" in class, here it is. (We're reading through page 10 for tomorrow):

Walden - H D Thoreau

Publish at Scribd or explore others: Academic Work Essays Uncategorizable-Unca Literature-Literatur

We will be grateful for these (snow) days

2009-02-01T09:07:00.001-08:00

Or not. Stupid snow. Hopefully it gave you guys a chance to spend some time with Okonkwo and crew. If not, go outside today and finish up the novel. We'll be discussing the end in class tomorrow, and I don't want to ruin the ending for you. Here's the plan:

The Plan

Until now, we've focused on the effects of Okonkwo's father's legacy on the man, and Okonkwo's choices in interacting with those around him. The final section places him in an environment that he cannot control, and forces him to realize that he does not have complete power over those around him. This is a sobering realization for our strong protagonist, and he makes some difficult choices (or are his (re)actions purely a result of his environment? We'll see).

On Tuesday and Wednesday (if we finish our discussion of Okonkwo's life on Monday) I will present a brief overview of Existentialist ideas. If you want to get a head start, I suggest The Stanford Encyclopedia of Psychology's page on "Existentialism" or *sigh* the Wikipedia's entry. We may also read Jean-Paul Sartre's "Existentialism is a Humanism" to gain a better understanding of our author's ideas (you can find a copy here).

By Thursday we will discuss Part One of The Stranger. Thirty pages per night may be more than you're used to reading, but Sartre's prose is not too dense. Do plan to set aside some time to read the book in chunks, though.

On Friday we will discuss your tentative (hypo)thesis statements in class. I will also ask you to write a brief paragraph contrasting the philosophies of Things Fall Apart and The Stranger. (Hint: it goes beyond TFA=fate and TS=choice.) More on this later.

Brave New World Papers

2008-12-16T13:33:00.001-08:00

I've received lots of email about due dates for the paper, etc. Assuming we have school on Wednesday, the due date stands. If you have questions, I am happy to answer them. Remember, this is not a "final draft" due date, but only a "work in progress" check. For those who have asked for extensions, you must bring to class a copy of your progress so far; I can't help you out if I can't see where you're going.

One More Quiz: How's Your US History Knowledge?

2008-11-20T16:31:00.001-08:00

American Civil Literacy Quiz. I got 84.85% I'll be retaking AP History and Economics next session.

Liberal and Conservative Morals

2008-11-17T13:51:00.001-08:00

There was a brief mention in class today about a conservative=conformist/ liberal=rebel bias. While I don't such a strict division could be accurate (there are no absolutes when discussing humans), it made me think of this video from TED.com. We'll talk about it tomorrow in class.

Or maybe Wednesday; we have a lot to discuss.

After you watch, you might want to check out YourMorals.org to see where you rank.

On Conformity and Rebellion

2008-11-17T13:02:00.000-08:00

During what turned into "storytime" on Monday, we looked at Ursula K. LeGuin's short story, "The Ones Who Walk Away From Omelas." Finish the story. We'll discuss it tomorrow.

We'll have a discussion of conformity tomorrow and seek answers to questions of equality, specifically: What is the overlap between a society that values conformity above all things and a society that values equality above all? Is there any overlap? Michel de Montaigne, considered by many to be the father of the modern essay (now you know who to blame), says of conformity:

Once conform, once do what others do because they do it, and a kind of lethargy steals over all the finer senses of the soul.

Which, of course, raises the question: What are the "finer senses"? (See Kurt Vonnegut's "Harrison Bergeron") After freeing himself from the equality devices, Bergeron dances with the prima ballerina. Can we make the argument that the arts are made possible by these "finer senses" and thus non-conformity or rebellion? Of course, Bergeron also declares himself "a greater ruler than any man who ever lived!" So there's the wrench in that analysis. Thoughts?

Your homework for this weekend is to keep reading Brave New World (reading journal=friend) and finish Harlan Ellison's "'Repent, Harlequin!' Said the Ticktockman." First question: What's with the jellybeans? I leave you to come up with other questions that pop up.

Bonus reading: Ursula LeGuin's "The Ones Who Walk Away From Omelas." This is a quick read, but a very haunting story. Read it if you so desire, but we will be focusing on Brave New World and Ellison's story in class on Monday.

P.S. If for any reason you have trouble opening Ellison's essay, download a free PDF reader or read LeGuin's story. Discussion is impossible if we're not all on the same page.

I had a really weird dream last night

2008-11-02T09:40:00.001-08:00

...involving faces without lips, raised eyebrows, and tight frowns. Thanks guys.

We went over the plans for each of your essays last week. Continue sorting through the quotations from your books, and we'll begin thesis statements/essay building next week. If you haven't begun collecting quotations, you have an extra hour today!

See you Monday.

My Sick Day, Take Two

2008-10-22T09:21:00.001-07:00

This is just getting annoying.

Because I was not present for your discussion yesterday (which I heard was excellent; you all rock. Truly.), I can only guess how far you got, so here's the plan:

Finish the questions from yesterday (if you missed any).
Take a closer look at the final lines of the book:

Why does Mersault want to be "rid . . . of hope"?
What is "the gentle indifference of the world"? Does this explain his attitude toward his trial, the death of his mother, the help from other people, etc?
He wants "a large crowd of spectators" to "greet [him] with cries of hate" at his execution?! Discuss.

How does this tie into our theme of identity? That is, how do you think Meursault (spelled it incorrectly yesterday—my bad) would identify himself? Better yet, what if Okonkwo, Holden Caulfield, Jim Nightshade and Will Halloway, Eugene Henderson, Meursault, and Viktor Frankl met? (J. VDW and E. Mc, insert your main character's names into the list.)

Start with Frankl. What makes a man's life meaningful? If you're reading Man's Search for Meaning, briefly explain Frankl's philosophy on meaning. If you're not, discuss how your character would react to this philosophy.
As a group, decide which of your characters have similar outlooks on life, and who does not. I'll get you started: If Okonkwo met Henderson (same continent; different times, different locations, but bear with me), it would probably end in bloodshed. Henderson's, that is. Though he seemed to get along well with King Dhafu, right? Hmm...

If you finish this (you won't, but I'd like to mention this anyway), begin working on your essay topics. We have around two weeks left in the session, so I recommend starting now. Send me an email with your ideas if you want/need help.

I'll see you all tomorrow. Even if I have to set up a webcam, I'll see you tomorrow.

My Sick Day...

2008-10-21T06:16:00.001-07:00

Sorry guys.

Yesterday we discussed Mersault's interrogation and trial. We focused, as did his interrogators, on the lack of emotion he showed during his mother's funeral. While there was much debate as to whether he did not care or was simply lacking "the trappings and the suits of woe," I believe we came to the consensus that he was not reacting "normally" to the situation, whatever the cause.

We also discussed the fact that nearly everyone he interacts with is trying to help him in some way, but he either outright rejects the help or ignores the offer. (See specifically the Inspector and the Chaplain's attempts to "help" Mersault.)

My questions to you today:

What types of things does he most often think about? (The future/the past/the present, emotions/ideas, people/what he's currently experiencing....)
Does he act logically? (Think about our discussion of his reaction to his mother's death—Is the "normal" reaction that people have logical, or something else?)
Is he ever emotional? When?
Why does he not seem to want to fight for his freedom? (See "Hope" in yesterday's post.) What is it about his outlook on life that makes this impossible?

Finally, take a look at the last lines of the book:

As if that blind rage had washed me clean, rid me of hope; for the first time, in that night alive with signs and stars, I opened myself to the gentle indifference of the world. Finding it so much like myself—so like a brother, really—I felt that I had been happy and that I was happy again. For everything to be consummated, for me to feel less alone, I had only to wish that there be a large crowd of spectators the day of my execution and that they greet me with cries of hate.

Discuss. Take notes. I'll look over these tomorrow.

Hope in The Stranger?

2008-10-20T12:49:00.001-07:00

Brief synopsis of our discussion in class today. More to come tomorrow. Why does there seem to be an absence of hope in the novel?

Conformity/Rebellion Essays

2008-10-17T17:31:00.001-07:00

Hey all, hope your break is going well. This is just a reminder that your conformity/rebellion essays (yep, those from all those months ago) will be due no later than this Monday. If you have any questions, please shoot me an email or post a comment. I'm here to help, but it's time to get them in.

For the rest of you: Keep reading your personal novels; I hope to begin writing by the end of the coming week. We will discuss the ending of The Stranger on Monday.

The Stranger, Things Fall Apart

2008-10-10T15:01:00.001-07:00

We've finished up Things Fall Apart and are now moving on to Camus's The Stranger. This is an interesting take on the identity theme we've been exploring, so I'm excited to see how you like it.

This story is a classic example of existentialist literature (as we discussed in class), so this should be a good representation of the "personal choice" aspect of our breakdown of identity, but we may find otherwise.

We will read to Part Two this weekend (page 59, I believe). If you have any questions or strokes of insight, please post a comment below.

Things Fall Apart

2008-09-16T15:02:00.001-07:00

Here's the "From the Board" on Things Fall Apart. Remember, all homework for this session is due this Thursday the 18th. I won't accept anything after this. We will be discussing chapters 4-6 tomorrow.

Essay Topics, Reading Schedule

2008-08-29T18:03:00.001-07:00

We've had some great discussions the past few days. If you are still uncertain about a topic, ask Stacie. She keeps cranking them out then disowning them.

We decided to finish the book by Tuesday, which seems reasonable. Don't rush if you're feeling behind. Enjoy the book, read a bit every day, and you'll be fine.

Here again are the board clips (less jumbled this time):

Sherrie presented her idea for synthesizing Ellison's short story, MLK's "Letter...," the novel, and Montaigne's quotation on conformity. (Keep us updated!)

The question I put before the class was: Are they happy? If so, why? If not, does it matter? We went through a list of things in our lives that upset us, then crossed out those that are eliminated in the BNW. The next question was why is Bernard unhappy initially, and what is the source of Hemholtz's discontentedness?

If you come up with an idea, want to offer one to the class, have a question, or a general observation, comment below for the good of all.

Brave New World Essay Discussion

2008-08-28T16:41:00.001-07:00

We had a great discussion today, guys! Here are my notes. The screencast thing didn't work, but here is a copy of my notes, jumbled for your interpretative pleasure:

(Click on the pics to make them printable/legible. Well, larger, anyway.)

Brave New World and Plato's Crito

2008-08-21T06:38:00.001-07:00

Thanks, guys, for keeping me on task.

During our last few discussions we have found it easy to dismiss the dystopian society described in Huxley's work. "Of course someone would rebel against a society that cares so little about its citizens. Of course it is not right to determine someone's caste from birth. Of course a person should rebel against morally unjust laws." Maybe, maybe not.

Enter Plato. Written around 360 B.C.E., Plato’s Crito is a dialogue between Socrates, who has been condemned to die by the government of Athens, and his friend Crito, who wishes to help Socrates escape before his sentence can be carried out. Their debate centers on the question of whether it is just to disobey laws one does not find just. This may seem like a simple question, but we'll see just how complex it is.

To add another position to the argument (from a related situation, but not the same), we will read Martin Luther King's "Letter from Birmingham Jail." In this letter, Dr. King makes a moral argument for disobeying unjust laws.

With these two readings, we will return to Brave New World with perhaps a different perspective. Each of us may or may not come to a personal conclusion to these questions, but we will have a better awareness of the intricacies of this particular aspect of the Conformity/Rebellion discussion.

Left/Right Brain in Brave New World

2008-08-19T17:47:00.001-07:00

I love this. Nothing makes me happier than a cross-disciplinary insight into a piece of literature. We were discussing the fact that "particulars"—that is, the details necessary for a person to live in a time A.F.—are considered to be the basis of "virtue and happiness" in the novel, while generalities are merely an "intellectually necessary evil" (Huxley 4). This philosophy seems to be adapted straight from assembly-line logic: a person (read: "worker") needs only to know about his or her specific duty. Thinking beyond that, to generalities, might create more questions and unnecessary thought.

Then JVW mentions left brain/right brain thinking. Fantastic.

Now I give you this:

From TED.com. Bookmark it.

We'll talk more tomorrow about chapter 3.

Cool Internetness.

2008-08-13T13:06:00.001-07:00

If you were confused by the RSS feed talk today, check out this older post. I have listed sites that I enjoy, as well as a video about setting up an RSS feed yourself.

I'd add Treehugger and Popmatters to the list.

Remember, comment below, telling me who you are (if it isn't obvious from your name), which web sites you like to visit and anything else you care to share, like good music! If you don't have a site to share, click on a link that has been posted, have a look around, and report back.

Buy journals soon.

Amazing first day! Thanks, guys.

Summer Art

2008-06-04T08:59:00.001-07:00

Hope you're all enjoying your break. I came across this book in B&N yesterday. Thought you might want to check it out.

Lynda Barry's What It Is

The books are in!

2008-04-26T12:45:00.001-07:00

You can pick up a copy of Chip Kidd's The Cheese Monkeys at the Barnes and Noble at 41st.

We are writing reviews of our graphic novels over the weekend. They need not be longer than a page. If you aren't sure how to begin, check out popmatters.com for some good examples.

Artists and Graphic Novels

2008-04-18T18:51:00.001-07:00

Oh goody. We're moving to graphic novels.

Your homework for this weekend is to travel to your favorite local book purveyor (or Amazon, if you're willing to order right now and have it overnighted) and browse the graphic novel shelf. Find a book that interests you, purchase it, and bring it to class on Tuesday.

"But wait," you say, "I don't like superheroes and I've never even touched a graphic novel. Heck, I don't even know where to start." Tilting my head in consolation, I respond: "Aww, shucks. I'll help you." Offering a nick to the chin, we begin our journey:

Graphic Novels 101: A story in which your kindly teacher leads you through the illustrated world of the graphic novel, ending in your personal discovery that the most often looked down upon medium actually contains stories worth reading. And studying.

First lesson, a list. These are the cream of the crop. The first three are autobiographical (though Jimmy Corrigan is only partly so); Sandman is masterfully written fantasy; Cerebus is part fantasy, part social satire (think Gulliver's Travels with an aardvark); the final two are modern superhero tales.

Chris Ware's Jimmy Corrigan: The Smartest Kid on Earth—Ware's novel traces three generations of Corrigan men, their effects on one another, and the title character's life in unintentional isolation.
Art Spiegelman's Maus I and II—The story of Spiegelman's father's life as a Jew under the Nazi regime. The tale is haunting and beautifully drawn. Spiegelman won a Pulitzer for Maus I.
Marjane Satrapi's Persepolis—In this graphic tale, Satrapi describes growing up in Iran during the Islamic Revolution.
Neil Gaiman's The Sandman series—I warn you, I have had several friends become hooked after the first novel. First published as a series of 75 comic books, the series tells the story of Morpheus (Dream) and his six siblings (Death, Desire, Delirium, Destiny, Destruction, and Desire). While the series should generally be read in order, Dream Country (#3) contains two of my favorite Sandman stories. Please flip through before purchasing; some of the stories are a bit violent.
Dave Sim's Cerebus series—Like I said, Gulliver's Travels with an aardvark. To my knowledge, this is the longest running storyline (6000 pages) in comic history. I could be wrong.
Joss Whedon's Astonishing X-Men—Whedon, of Buffy the Vampire fame, is the current reigning master of witty dialogue. The story is solid, but the characters are simply amazing.
Frank Miller's The Dark Knight Returns—Often cited as the turning point in superhero comics. Miller's Batman is aged, doubtful of himself, and hated by the media. Oh, the media. If you want to begin a thorough study of the modern comic book, this is the place to start.

Now, go out and consume. Remember, this list is merely a starting point; find a work that piques your interest, not one that you think I want you to read. Remember, remember, graphic novels are occasionally violent and may contain images that are inappropriate for high school. You should get parental approval before purchasing anything not on the above list. Also, remember, remember, the fifth of November, the gunpowder treason and plot...

[Note: I realize that I am completely ignorant of authors, titles, movements, styles, etc. in the manga genre. Please forgive this, and know I will accept any guidance you can offer in this realm. I also realize that the Graphic Novels 101 subtitle contains an overly long sentence followed by a fragment. Do as I say, not as I do.]

KW Volunteers

2008-04-18T13:27:00.001-07:00

I'm told that the 3rd graders are planning a "secret" pizza party for their high school friends. Wouldn't it be nice if we returned the favor? I'm reaching out to you all for ideas. Something knitted for our friends might be cool; I'll talk to Ms. C about that. Please remember that there will be no reading this coming week, so we should have plenty of time to plan and create. If inspiration hits, post it below.

I've been very impressed with all of you who have stuck with it this semester. It may seem like a simple activity, but it makes an immeasurable difference in the kids' lives. For them to have interaction with someone, if only for an hour each week, someone who is interested in their lives and their development, is a very big deal. You each have made a difference in the life of another. For that, much respect. The world needs more people like you.

Daily Article

2008-04-18T00:10:00.001-07:00

Just one today.

Scott Tobias of The Onion AV Club reviews Harold and Maude—thirty years after it came out. This statement caught my eye, and inspired me to share the article:

As I said, the film is the birth of modern indie quirk, full of elements and attitudes that have become cliché: Heroes who are more whimsical conceits than real-life, flesh-and-blood creations; an offbeat and slightly twee pop soundtrack (here by Cat Stevens); authority figures painted as stiff, clueless, and completely devoid of humanity; and some vague leftist political references thrown in for good measure.... For me, the litmus test for quirkfests is whether there's some genuine insight and depth of feeling behind all that willful eccentricity.

An interesting point, which begs the question: Why quirkiness? I love Wes Anderson's films very much, listen to Devendra Banhart, Johanna Newsome, Vetiver, read Salinger and Chip Kidd [everything's connected], but why? Why not jocularity? Why not stoicism?

What do you all think of this "quirkiness"? Did it arise out of the post-Vietnam era only to become apropos again, thirty years later? Is it true, as the author alludes, that we cannot find this type of sincerity anymore?

[Note the author says "twee," then three of the responders follow. Stickiness, anyone?]

How to Write, revisited

2008-04-14T15:06:00.001-07:00

Here is a link to the previous post, How to Write an Article. If you ever have trouble finding a post, use the calendar on the side, the "Tags" section, or the search box at the top of the screen.

Daily Articles

2008-04-10T16:48:00.001-07:00

Um. What? Panic at the Disco meets the Beatles. Are we ready for Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Emo Pop Group? Popmatters essay

NPR's All Song's Considered discusses coming Portishead, Death Cab, Cloud Cult, and My Morning Jacket albums. With clips! Cloud Cult's "Everybody Here is a Cloud" is amazing. I'm unsure about the Death Cab clip, though I love them so. NPR audio

Pithiness in the wild. Wooster Collective image

A Staggering Wallflower

2008-04-08T14:38:00.001-07:00

Eh, that was a stretch.

First Hour

Finish chapter six of A Heartbreaking Work. If you're interested, here's the Eggers video from TED.com:

Third Hour

We'll be reading through page 73 for tomorrow. To continue the discussion of a book's impact on how we frame our language, write a journal entry in the style of Charlie. The topic does not matter, though I would suggest pulling from the previous week's events. It is not necessary to think of something exciting. In fact, a banal event night be best. Look at it through the eyes of a "Wallflower." How did the people act? Why? Try to "understand" as Charlie does. He's grappling with some very new concepts, and has been thrust into a world that he does not always understand. How is he affected by this?

Charlie mentions reading To Kill a Mockingbird. He is about the same age as Scout, and they are put into similar situations. Are their reactions similar? Why? Maybe this quote by Shunryu Suzuki can shed some light:

In the beginner's mind there are many possibilities; in the expert's mind there are few.

The Perks of A Heartbreaking Work

2008-04-07T17:11:00.001-07:00

Yeah, the classes are blending.

First Hour

We will be discussing the next chapter of Eggers's book tomorrow (through page 165). We noted several things about the beginning of the book in class today:

The Acknowledgements section is long. Perhaps it is the author clearing his throat, perhaps Eggers is setting the stage (like a chapter-long opening paragraph), perhaps he is using this section as a means to deconstruct his own life. A few of you were distracted by the opener, many loved it, others skipped it (Noo...).
We noted the incredible transitions between the first and second, and second and third chapters. Eggers is definitely taking us on an emotional roller coaster. As you read, though, keep in mind the overall tone of the sections. Does the story ever get somber or depressing? What is he doing when the tone is ecstatic? Where is Toph at these times? Is it ever completely serious?
We discussed the author's use of humor at length. Some of you mentioned the fact that he is rarely, if ever, serious. It seems that every time he makes a sincere statement, he undercuts it with humor. Why do you think he does this? In what kinds of situations do we do this?

As you read the next chapter, think about Dave and Toph's relationship. The fact that Dave must balance being a brother and parent wears on him, and he often has a hard time balancing the two positions.

Finally, as you read Dave's tortured thoughts after he leaves Toph, try to understand why your parents ask you to call them when you're out late. Eggers paints an accurate portrait (minus the hat smelling thing, maybe. Maybe not.) of the stresses of parenting in this chapter. How does that work out during his first chance to spend time with his friends?

Third Hour

We're reading through Part One (to page 39) tonight.

Ahh, the Perks. Are there any (perks, I mean) that you've seen so far? What kind of boy is Charlie? What kind of girl is his sister? Do you relate?

We discussed the syntax and diction of this book at length today. As you read, take note of how Charlie's letters become more complex and more clearly written. How does this affect you as a reader? Does it at all?

We also talked about the impact of a good book on how we think. When we finally break away after diving into a book, after turning away from the world around us, the cadences and structure tends to color our vision. Like this:

See you all tomorrow.

Articles Due Tomorrow

2008-03-31T16:23:00.001-07:00

Just a reminder. Clean up the latest draft, email me a copy and bring one to school tomorrow. We will be presenting them to the class, then working out the logistics of putting this thing together.

How many goodly creatures are there here?*

2008-03-29T11:14:00.001-07:00

*See Wm. Shakespeare's The Tempest, Act 5 Scene 1

To Write an Article...

2008-03-26T15:45:00.001-07:00

check out the post at Winter's Night Blog.

Daily Articles

2008-03-25T17:02:00.001-07:00

NPR's John Ridley interviews rapper MF Grimm, novelist Jodi Picoult, and Joss Whedon about moving from their original mediums (music, prose, and TV, respectively) to graphic novels. NPR Story

Quick reading list:

The Tenth Circle, an excellent half novel / half comic book about a father's strained relationship with his daughter
If you are looking to study dialogue (for any type of fiction writing), check out Whedon's Astonishing X-Men Vol. 1-3, or any of the Buffy the Vampire Slayer episodes. No really. Good stuff.

Amazing story of student initiative and giving. NPR Story

"Rickrolling," memes. NYT Story

Autism: The Musical review. Popmatters story

Popmatters reviews Spirits in the Material World, a reggae tribute to The Smiths. Popmatters Story

Treehugger revisits a "what the future holds" issue of Modern Mechanix from 1968. Treehugger Story

Analysis of one of author Tobias Wolff's prevalent topics (lying), and what this topic says about literature. Slate Story

Article by Louis Menand about the "comics scare" during the Cold War Era. A great overview; definitely worth reading if you've never heard of the Comics Code. NYT Article

Discussion of Nine Inch Nails' latest album. You know: the free one. Popmatters Story

Daily Articles

2008-03-22T14:21:00.001-07:00

NPR: World Cafe's David Dye interviews Chris Walla about his newest album, Field Manual. Have any of you heard it? NPR: World Cafe Story

This is really amazing. Dan Phillips creates homes using 85% recycled or reused materials, which is incredible in itself, but Phillips works with the working poor to . . . just watch:

via Treehugger Article check out Phillips's website.

Anyone looking to major in geology? Something to think about: NPR Story.

Domingo Martin plays a song using his Moleskine journal as his only instrument. Video at Moleskinerie.com Article.

Interesting commentary on the current election slogans. In These Times Article

Library WII. Gothamist Article

John Marks writes about Stoker's Dracula and how it reminds him of . . . Easter. Just check it out: NPR Story.

Daily Articles

2008-03-22T14:20:00.001-07:00

NPR: World Cafe's David Dye interviews Chris Walla about his newest album, Field Manual. Have any of you heard it? NPR: World Cafe Story

This is really amazing. Dan Phillips creates homes using 85% recycled or reused materials, which is incredible in itself, but Phillips works with the working poor to... Just watch.

via Treehugger Article check out Phillips's website.

Anyone looking to major in geology? Something to think about: NPR Story.

Domingo Martin plays a song using his Moleskine journal as his only instrument. Video at Moleskinerie.com Article.

Interesting commentary on the current election slogans. In These Times Article

Library WII. Gothamist Article

John Marks writes about Stoker's Dracula and how it reminds him of . . . Easter. Just check it out: NPR Story.

And we're back

2008-03-19T21:44:00.001-07:00

with some sad news.

Arthur C. Clarke, author of 2001: A Space Odyssey, has died. I'm not sure how many of you are familiar with his works, but there are many eulogies and tributes available online (Christian Science Monitor, The New York Times, NPR, Google Search) for you to check out. Much has been made of his most famous work, 2001: A Space Odyssey (first a book then a movie with Kubrick), but I am most familiar with him though his World of Strange Powers miniseries.

We have lost four brilliant minds in less than a year (Clarke, Ingmar Bergman, Madeline L'Engle, and of course, Kurt Vonnegut). I'm not sure why this has caught me so off guard, but I can't help but imagine what my world would be like if I hadn't read A Wrinkle in Time when I was in elementary school, if Clarke's World of Strange Powers hadn't scared the pants off me when I was younger, or if I hadn't watched The Seventh Seal in college. I won't attempt to explain the impact Vonnegut's oeuvre has had on my love of reading, because I'm not sufficiently talented to explain that in a blog entry. It seems to me, though, that when an author goes beyond simply keeping the reader's attention, beyond entertainment, and is able to impact the reader's perception of the world, the author has tapped into the true power of the written word. That is, I believe, the point of most (if not all) writing. Just something to think about.

For your journal (perhaps), here are Clarke's Three Laws of Prediction:

When a distinguished but elderly scientist states that something is possible, he is almost certainly right. When he states that something is impossible, he is very probably wrong.
The only way of discovering the limits of the possible is to venture a little way past them into the impossible.
Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.

What authors, artists, musicians, inventors, magicians, scientists, politicians, philosophers, or saints have had an impact on your life?

Per aspera ad Astra.

Daily Articles

2008-03-14T16:45:00.001-07:00

Interview with Shawn Martinbrough, author of How to Draw Noir Comics, including some speculation on the art. NPR Story

Living architecture. This is really cool. Remember Odysseus' bed? Treehugger Story

Homework

2008-03-13T17:20:00.001-07:00

Go outside. Read. Talk with your family. Whatever you are in the middle of, move it to the yard.

This is worth ten points.

Barnes and Noble Update II

2008-03-07T16:12:00.001-08:00

The books are in! You can pick up your copy at the front desk of the B&N at 41st. They will be under TSAS or Jesse Stallings. Or I suppose you could just ask for the title... We will begin discussing the novel on Monday, so try to get through the first chapter at least. Do not skip the Introduction. Eggers has some very interesting stuff to say, even before the story actually begins.

Your journal assignment over the weekend is to reflect on the novel.

Let me know what you think.

Also, if you read this and have a way to contact other members of the class, please spread the word. Ask them to do the same.

Barnes and Noble Update

2008-03-06T18:43:00.001-08:00

I just spoke with B&N at 41st. They tell me that Eggers's Heartbreaking Work should be at the store by the 10th, which is Monday. We will have a separate reading over the weekend and a discussion on Monday, so this shouldn't be a problem. I'll let you know if they arrive before then.

You are what you eat, right?

2008-03-06T18:04:00.001-08:00

Tomorrow we'll be discussing and analyzing our favorite songs. Bring a copy to class (on a CD or in a music player) so the class can enjoy. Because, after all, "what [is] a personality if [not] a drop-down menu, a collection of likes and dislikes?"

[Insert obligatory "please keep it clean" disclaimer here.]

Raj, Bohemian

2008-03-05T20:15:00.000-08:00

I've been very impressed by our discussions over the New Yorker article "Raj, Bohemian." It's interesting that 1st and 3rd hour came to fairly different conclusions about the narrator and what it means to be "bohemian."

Here's a synopsis of both arguments. Please let me know what you think of each, and whether I'm accurately recounting the discussion.

First hour: The narrator has set himself up to be robbed of his "cultural capital." By placing such importance on the exclusivity of his interests and actions, he has allowed his personality to be dictated not by any actual interests he may have but by the sense of originality they afford him.

Third hour: This short piece highlights the impossibility of unselfconscious uniqueness in modern society. Because modern individuals are constantly bombarded by commercial goods and advertisements, it is impossible to make a completely personal choice about taste

Also, the narrator may be crazy.

Any thoughts?

Tomorrow we will be discussing the narrator's self image in relation to the other chracters and his comments on his environment.

Cool side note: Hari Kunzru is the author of The Impressionist (2002), Transmission (2004), and My Revolutions (2007). His first won several awards in Great Britain and Transmission was a NYT notable book of the year. I haven't read any of these. If you pick one up, let us know what you think.

Welcome!

2008-03-05T18:11:00.001-08:00

I apologize for the late start, but it looks like we're up and running now. Take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with the blog; this will be my primary means of communicating with all of you outside of class.

On the right side of my nifty header are links to my other blogs/classes. W&G (or Windmills and Giants) is the AP English Language blog, and WN Blog (or Winter's Night Blog) is the site for Modern Nonfiction.

It would be a good idea to bookmark this page now as I will be posting class information, reading lists, reminders, articles, and links to web pages here regularly. If you forget an assignment or are absent one day, I will normally direct you here for the information.

If you have an RSS reader (like Google Reader), click here to subscribe to this blog. If you don't know what an RSS reader is, Google the phrase or ask me.

I have placed a list of the books I've just finished under the "Winsome Book-ness" button in the right sidebar. If you see something you might be interested in, come talk to me and I'll lend you a copy.

Finally, the comment button at the end of each post allows you to ask questions about the post, especially if you have a question about an assignment. I check these regularly, so expect a quick response. Also, it is possible that someone else has a similar question.