As some of you, may or may not know the latest competition to the iPad, brought to us by Amazon, is the Fire. It's being released tomorrow, and I can't wait. I really like the Android apps that are pre-loaded onto it, and the fact that its an e-reader (AP Eng points) like the Kindle.
However, I don't see that Amazon needs to compete with Apple. Remember all the parodies of the iPad? Well, it was fairly successful, so they decided to make another one to get the people who bought it to stop complaining about the lack of a front camera. The whole tablet craze just doesn't make sense to me. Why do you want a really big phone that you can't fit in your pocket and doesn't have a nice keyboard like a computer? (if you can explain-comment)
Three shakes for Shakespeare coming soon!
Monday, November 14, 2011
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Vacancy.com Scholarship Submission
Once upon a time, in a city far far away, there was an apartment. It was a modest little thing with free internet, a pool, a shuttle to Mizzou, a twenty-four hour computer lab, tennis courts, and, oh yeah, it only costs $320 for four bedrooms and two bathrooms. This apartment is even on the internet. That's right, it is more technologically advanced than your brother in Wisconsin. Don't believe me? See look it's right here: http://www.vacancy.com/missouri/columbia-apartments/campus-view/
When I heard about it, the first thing I thought was I can't wait to find four friends to share this apartment with! I couldn't believe it. I didn't always want to live in an apartment, but this one made me a believer. I kinda hoped to have a house, but I really don't need one with this apartment. I mean look at how nice it is! Wow, those bedrooms are really roomy. Plus, they have desks for me to put my homework and maybe, just maybe think about doing it. The outside is a very respectable looking beige. The photo shows three levels with nice (HGTV says it adds a pop of color) red doors. The residents so nicely display their bicycles outside; see, we're environmentally conscious too! The picture gallery also includes pictures of the clubhouse, tennis courts, fitness center, and more. I probably won't use the fitness center that much, although I really shouldn't say that- it's so nice I just might. It's nicer than my gym right now.
I really like the other amenities. Having a washer and dryer is sooo nice; I really don't want to go to the laundromat every week. The individual bedroom locks would be good to have if I shared the apartment with other people. Nooo, my apartment, mine! Smoke alarms are good, too. I don't want the apartment to burn down because of my cooking! Seriously, though, it's pretty bad. Maybe I'll get more practice (who wants dandelion juice? I did actually make that...it wasn't good, y'all) in the newly furnished kitchen. If you call right now (or at any time really), they'll even throw in a flat screen TV. That's right! You get the apartment and the TV and you don't have to pay separate processing and handling or buy a snuggie.
My only semi-complaints is that the pictures/ tours (I took the tour!) don't really do it justice. The lighting looks dim, and the furniture choices could have been better. Don't worry, though. When I move there, I'll make sure to take some photos for y'all to see how nice it is. I also don't need some of the amenities; I don't really play basketball...but I understand that many people do. I just wish I didn't have to pay for the things I don't need. I do wish the apartment had a printer as well as a copier and fax machine. I also don't know what some of them are. The Resident Referral and the Stand up Tanning aren't really explained. I mean, is the stand up tanning a spray tan or a tan-tan? And why do you stand up? I'm kinda lazy and would rather lay down. They have a Roomate matching service-what? Why would you buy an apartment and THEN look for a roomate? Excuse me, I need to go rest my brain...The grocery stores are too far to bicycle to; would a grocery store shuttle be too much? There's also fitness centers across the road. If I went there, would my rent be cheaper? Also I'd like to know a little bit about who I'm renting from. Are they nice people? Will they knock on my door at 11 at night? Should I bake them cookies? Have they lived in Columbia for a long time? Do they have any other jobs? Do they mind kids who ask a lot of questions?
Despite this, I can't wait to see this apartment, and I think it can't wait to see me!
When I heard about it, the first thing I thought was I can't wait to find four friends to share this apartment with! I couldn't believe it. I didn't always want to live in an apartment, but this one made me a believer. I kinda hoped to have a house, but I really don't need one with this apartment. I mean look at how nice it is! Wow, those bedrooms are really roomy. Plus, they have desks for me to put my homework and maybe, just maybe think about doing it. The outside is a very respectable looking beige. The photo shows three levels with nice (HGTV says it adds a pop of color) red doors. The residents so nicely display their bicycles outside; see, we're environmentally conscious too! The picture gallery also includes pictures of the clubhouse, tennis courts, fitness center, and more. I probably won't use the fitness center that much, although I really shouldn't say that- it's so nice I just might. It's nicer than my gym right now.
I really like the other amenities. Having a washer and dryer is sooo nice; I really don't want to go to the laundromat every week. The individual bedroom locks would be good to have if I shared the apartment with other people. Nooo, my apartment, mine! Smoke alarms are good, too. I don't want the apartment to burn down because of my cooking! Seriously, though, it's pretty bad. Maybe I'll get more practice (who wants dandelion juice? I did actually make that...it wasn't good, y'all) in the newly furnished kitchen. If you call right now (or at any time really), they'll even throw in a flat screen TV. That's right! You get the apartment and the TV and you don't have to pay separate processing and handling or buy a snuggie.
My only semi-complaints is that the pictures/ tours (I took the tour!) don't really do it justice. The lighting looks dim, and the furniture choices could have been better. Don't worry, though. When I move there, I'll make sure to take some photos for y'all to see how nice it is. I also don't need some of the amenities; I don't really play basketball...but I understand that many people do. I just wish I didn't have to pay for the things I don't need. I do wish the apartment had a printer as well as a copier and fax machine. I also don't know what some of them are. The Resident Referral and the Stand up Tanning aren't really explained. I mean, is the stand up tanning a spray tan or a tan-tan? And why do you stand up? I'm kinda lazy and would rather lay down. They have a Roomate matching service-what? Why would you buy an apartment and THEN look for a roomate? Excuse me, I need to go rest my brain...The grocery stores are too far to bicycle to; would a grocery store shuttle be too much? There's also fitness centers across the road. If I went there, would my rent be cheaper? Also I'd like to know a little bit about who I'm renting from. Are they nice people? Will they knock on my door at 11 at night? Should I bake them cookies? Have they lived in Columbia for a long time? Do they have any other jobs? Do they mind kids who ask a lot of questions?
Despite this, I can't wait to see this apartment, and I think it can't wait to see me!
NaNoWriMo and Practice
Remember how I talked about practicing writing? Go back and look, I'll wait for you...See, writing practice is something everyone needs whether you work at Mickey D's or for the New York Times. Here's a (somewhat) easy way for you to do so.
National Novel Write Month(NaNoWriMo) is in November. You sign up and write at least 50,000 words only in the month of November, and you get a certificate/win if you do. You don't need to worry about your content; the only requirement is the 50,000 words. This is a good way for you to practice writing around a common theme and freewriting. If you want, you can even ask your class to participate- the website has lesson plans for teachers.
Another way to practice is to join a Creative Writing class or club. If you're shy, the class or club may only ask volunteers to read their work aloud. You can practice fiction writing, historical (or another favorite focus) fiction writing, nonfiction, and even poetry in a fun and safe environment.
Let's go write!
National Novel Write Month(NaNoWriMo) is in November. You sign up and write at least 50,000 words only in the month of November, and you get a certificate/win if you do. You don't need to worry about your content; the only requirement is the 50,000 words. This is a good way for you to practice writing around a common theme and freewriting. If you want, you can even ask your class to participate- the website has lesson plans for teachers.
Another way to practice is to join a Creative Writing class or club. If you're shy, the class or club may only ask volunteers to read their work aloud. You can practice fiction writing, historical (or another favorite focus) fiction writing, nonfiction, and even poetry in a fun and safe environment.
Let's go write!
Acing that Essay!
Essay graders for the AP exam want to GIVE you points. They hate having to take points off a great essay simply because it doesn't follow the prompt. Here's five ways to make an ordinary essay better (these work for in class assignments as well!).
1) Respond fully and directly to the prompt
-Answer the question. Then make sure you've completely answered it. If the question says to compare and contrast two of Jane Austen's novels, be sure to do so.
2) Develop a central idea or thesis based on the overall meaning of the work.
-What is the author trying to say? What points does he/she make?
3) Synthesize the ideas and move to a logical conclusion
-If a character (or even the whole work) talks specifically for/against a subject, we can assume the character is a parody of the times or the author's own opinion.
4) Present ideas cohesively and logically
-Seriously, you guys? Don't write your essay in Pig Latin; it takes way too long to figure out what you're trying to say.
5) Write clearly
-Again, be clear. The AP essay is handwritten not typed, so penmanship counts! Practice writing in pen and ask a friend, teacher, random hobo if they can read it. It's a life skill!
Bonus: Taking risks is a good idea. Now I don't mean stupid risks like the Pig Latin example above, but showing the grader that you're aware of your strengths as a writer is wonderful. Use your own voice and have fun!
Practice makes perfect, they say. With plenty of practice, you should be able to confidently write a great essay.
1) Respond fully and directly to the prompt
-Answer the question. Then make sure you've completely answered it. If the question says to compare and contrast two of Jane Austen's novels, be sure to do so.
2) Develop a central idea or thesis based on the overall meaning of the work.
-What is the author trying to say? What points does he/she make?
3) Synthesize the ideas and move to a logical conclusion
-If a character (or even the whole work) talks specifically for/against a subject, we can assume the character is a parody of the times or the author's own opinion.
4) Present ideas cohesively and logically
-Seriously, you guys? Don't write your essay in Pig Latin; it takes way too long to figure out what you're trying to say.
5) Write clearly
-Again, be clear. The AP essay is handwritten not typed, so penmanship counts! Practice writing in pen and ask a friend, teacher, random hobo if they can read it. It's a life skill!
Bonus: Taking risks is a good idea. Now I don't mean stupid risks like the Pig Latin example above, but showing the grader that you're aware of your strengths as a writer is wonderful. Use your own voice and have fun!
Practice makes perfect, they say. With plenty of practice, you should be able to confidently write a great essay.
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Intruder in the Dust Spark-ish Notes
Overview:
Intruder in the Dust was first published in 1948. William Faulkner was born in 1897 and lived until his death in 1962. Now to the book...
Chapter 1 Summary:
Chick Mallison waits outside the jail on Sunday. Everybody in town knows about Lucas Beauchamp shooting Vinson Gowrie in the back on Saturday. Chick knows Lucas from before...
-How Chick Met Lucas
Four years ago, he was hunting with Aleck Sander (Alexander) when he fell through the ice into freezing water of the creek. Lucas helps Chick get out of the water by stopping Aleck from poking him with a pole. He takes him to his house (Lucas owns his own land) where he gives Chick dry clothes and food. Chick tries to pay him, but Lucas won’t take the money. Chick throws it on the floor like a little baby. Lucas doesn’t take the money, and Chick leaves.
Chapter 2:
Lucas went to the store wearing a nice suit. He buys some gingersnaps and eats one. One of the white men freaks out. Lucas just keeps eating. The men start fighting. Lucas only leaves after the owner’s son yells at him (nicely-ish) to get out twice.
All this time, Chick’s been trying to repay Lucas, but no matter what he does Lucas won’t take it. He tried to send a dress to Molly, Lucas’s wife, but he finds out later that she died.
Saturday afternoon, he heard about Lucas shooting. His horse is mentioned here; Highboy eats oats while his uncle, Gavin Stevens, talks to him at dinner. Chick gets up from the table saying he’s going to the movies. His uncle lets him go to do an errand for him.
Chick thinks back about how Lucas was discovered. All the evidence shows that he is being framed. Still, people really, really want to lynch Lucas, and everybody is afraid of the mob. Gavin reassures Chick a bit by saying that the Gowries won’t do anything until they bury Vinson.
Now Chick is in the present waiting outside the jail. There’s a lot of men there suddenly. The sheriff drives up to the jail to drop Lucas off. Lucas sees Chick and tells him he wants to see his uncle (Gavin’s a lawyer).
Chapter 3:
Chick goes home. He gets his uncle and they go back. Will Legate, the best shot in the county, and the jailer are guarding the jail for Mr. Hampton (the sheriff). Legate’s reading comics, and the jailer gets upset. He takes them up to Lucas.
Gavin asks Lucas what happened, but he is so biased Lucas doesn’t want to tell him anything. We find out what Vinson was doing- selling lumber late at night to another man. They leave. Chick wants to take Lucas some tobacco and goes alone back to Lucas. Lucas tells him to go dig up Vinson Gowrie’s body to prove he wasn’t shot by Lucas (his pistol is a 41 Colt).
Faulkner does his spiel about how women and children act and men talk.
Lucas offers to pay Chick, and they realize they need to dig him up quickly.
Chapter 4:
There’s a truck outside Chick’s house. It belongs to Miss Habersham. She’s with his uncle when Chick comes in. He asks Gavin why can’t sheriff Hampton dig him up. Gavin keeps interrupting him. He gives up and decides to dig it up himself. He’ll take Aleck Sander because they’ve done that sort of thing before on his horse. Miss Habersham comes up to Chick when Aleck is getting the stuff to dig up the grave. She was like Molly’s sister when she was alive (the reason she goes). She drives there in her truck. Aleck gets off the horse and into the truck (he drives).
When they get there, Highboy won’t cross the quick sand, and they argue about what to do. A mule comes down the hill. They hide and don’t see who it is.They dig up the grave, but instead of Vinson, they find Montgomery (a timber buyer).
Chapter 5:
They refill the grave. His family meet him at the front door. .
That morning, his uncle brings the sheriff to the house. He breaks the news about the body not being Vinson. The sheriff gets the O.K. and makes Miss Habersham protector of Lucas (because no Southern man would cross a lady). She goes home to get something do while sitting there.
Chapter 6:
Chick has to go to school and sleep, so he doesn’t go. He remembers what they did. He drinks his coffee and goes to school.
A mass of men has gathered outside the jail.
Chapter 7:
The lecture on getting rid of prejudice in the South
They’re just about to start digging when Nub Gowrie and the twins come up. The twins dig up the grave. . No body’s in the grave!
-Digging up the grave chart
1. Dig at funeral put in Vinson
- Mont. takes out Vinson
- Crawford kills him and switches bodies
- Chick sees Mont.
- Crawford takes out Mont.
- Sheriff no body
Crawford’s history
Chapter 8:
The sheriff and the Gowries look for the missing bodies. Mr. Gowrie tries to go in and gets pulled out. Montgomery is buried in the dirt by the river. Vinson is in the quicksand- “I’m standing on him.” They figure out which gun killed Vinson.
Chapter 9:
The mob leaves. Miss Habersham goes home. Chick’s mother is there too helping. Chick debates Gavin about the mob.
Chapter 10:
lucas gets out of jail. We find out what happens to Crawford Gowrie. The whole crew goes over what happened.
Chapter 11:
Lucas leaves. He tries to pay, but Gavin won’t let him. He finally agrees on two dollars. The book ends with Lucas asking fro his receipt.
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Haven't I Seen This Before?
Sometimes students do better on their AP Exams if they feel more comfortable with the test. One way of becoming comfortable is to know the works discussed on the test. The following list is of the most frequently cited works (novels, poems, etc.) on the AP test.
20 Invisible Man
17 Wuthering Heights
14 Great Expectations, Moby Dick
13 Crime And Punishment, Jane Eyre
12 King Lear, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Heart of Darkness
11 The Scarlet Letter, The Great Gatsby
10 The Awakening, Billy Budd, Catch-22, Light in August
9 Ceremony, Portrait of the Artist
8 As I Lay Dying, Candide, Othello, Their Eyes Were Watching God
*The number is the number of times cited.
And if the motivation of an AP test weren't enough, these books are great works of literature (my personal favorite is Catch-22) and fun (opinion!) to read. Besides, can People Magazine really educate you on the values of the twenties like The Great Gatsby can?
I think not.
20 Invisible Man
17 Wuthering Heights
14 Great Expectations, Moby Dick
13 Crime And Punishment, Jane Eyre
12 King Lear, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Heart of Darkness
11 The Scarlet Letter, The Great Gatsby
10 The Awakening, Billy Budd, Catch-22, Light in August
9 Ceremony, Portrait of the Artist
8 As I Lay Dying, Candide, Othello, Their Eyes Were Watching God
*The number is the number of times cited.
And if the motivation of an AP test weren't enough, these books are great works of literature (my personal favorite is Catch-22) and fun (opinion!) to read. Besides, can People Magazine really educate you on the values of the twenties like The Great Gatsby can?
I think not.
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Picking a Novel to Write About
AP Exam Overview:
The exam includes a writing portion with 3 questions. One is about a poem, another about a short story or a selection from a story dating anywhere from the 1700s to the 1900s, and the other prompt (and today's topic!) is an analysis question about a novel or one of comparative literary merit.
So what should you choose- a book from the list or one of your own? The answer- both! Sometimes a novel you choose will fit the prompt better than one on the list. Plus, you may not have read/ remember all the books on the list.
The important point of today is that you should remember to answer the prompt in the best way you can, and that it is a good idea to become well-read, or at least familiar with some works.
The exam includes a writing portion with 3 questions. One is about a poem, another about a short story or a selection from a story dating anywhere from the 1700s to the 1900s, and the other prompt (and today's topic!) is an analysis question about a novel or one of comparative literary merit.
So what should you choose- a book from the list or one of your own? The answer- both! Sometimes a novel you choose will fit the prompt better than one on the list. Plus, you may not have read/ remember all the books on the list.
The important point of today is that you should remember to answer the prompt in the best way you can, and that it is a good idea to become well-read, or at least familiar with some works.
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