Creative Writing Book Project

You need to start reading your book for Creative Writing class. If you don't like to read, focus on finding something that looks less bad than everything else. I'll help you find the right book for you if you need help. If you've found your book, start reading. Oh, and you can't pick a book that you've read before. This is the honor system, because I can't possibly know what you've read and what you haven't, but don't cheat yourself. You're smarter than that. So, do yourself a favor, and find something new to read. The list is along the left side of this blog, and yes, you must pick one of those titles. Last little thing: if you choose a book that has the word (series) next to it, you can choose to read any or all of the books in that series.

Bonsoir

This is the first time I've blogged since the trip began, so I'm well behind in my writing. They've been scribbling in their notebooks and using the hotel computers to document their daily travels. Since the trip began we've given the travelers three assignments. To warm them up, we just wanted to get the first impressions of London. They've jotted down everything from our bus mishaps to tour guides to pigeon attacks. Second, we asked students to fictionalized some account of their trip by stepping into the shoes of someone we have come across: a passerby, another group member, our tour director Vico, or even me.

Yesterday we arrived in Paris and went first to Notre Dame. Apparently the people of Paris wanted to tear down the "eye sore" that is was until Victor Hugo wrote a little tale about a hunchback ringing the bells. Since then, it has been a point of pride in the city, and Hugo is heralded all over the place. We asked the students to use sensory detail and show their passion for something by telling us what they would like to save through their words. This shall be interested. As always, traveling to new and different places forces me to reflect on myself more than anything else. Wandering through city streets, attempting--rather pathetically--at new languages, and experiencing iconic landmarks causes me to egotistically think as much about myself as about the history and people and nature that have created this world. I both take pride and shame at my abilities to be clever, intelligent, authoritative, rude, snobbish, and curious. These are all things I already know about myself, but they come through in new ways. As I get to know the fourteen students, three parents, and twenty-seven other members of the tour group all led by one fast-walking, multi-lingual, Italian-British ex-pat, I broaden my views more than ever (though I know it never seems like it). I have in five days beamed at eighteen year-olds becoming adults and marveled at the ignorance of a well traveled middle-aged woman. A lot can be determined by observing simple decisions. Who will eat at McDonald's and who will try something new? Who will clumsily speak a little French and who will talk in English without thinking? Who will complain about their weary feet and who will run--yes, run-- from the Louvre to the Eiffel Tower? Which would you do?

Oh, and for the record: running through Paris in a skirt surrounded by spirited high school students has been the highlight so far.

Bon Voyage!

I suppose people should be saying that to me right now. I'm all packed up and about to head to the airport. If I forgot to put anything in my suitcase, it's not going to make it now. Three options for when that happens:

1. Borrow someone else's

2. Buy a new one

3. Go without.

I know I have my passport, so I'm not too worried about anything else that might have been left behind. Hopefully the rest of the crew will be on time waiting at the airport. Now all we have to do is try to help 14 high school students fall asleep at 7:30 p.m. for the red eye. Hmm... If you have any ideas, please post them to my brain via telepathic means.

It also just occurred to me this afternoon that we are technically visiting four countries, not three. Vatican City is officially the smallest nation in the world, and I can't wait to see the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel.

Just a few hours and we'll be on our way!

22 Days...

Your first big blog assignment is as follows:

1. Write a list by Tuesday, May 25: Top 5 Things I'm Looking Forward to in Europe
2. Explain each one with a bit more than a sentence or two. Let's hear your voice!
3. Include at least one image.
4. Include at least two links.
5. Check out everyone else's blogs. Read them and comment on at least three of them by our next meeting.

I'll see you at the last meeting before the trip:

Tuesday, June 1

Europe for the Trip? I'm up for the Trip!

Only 42 days left before the trip! There are only 26 school days (21 for seniors) in the way, and a few very hectic weekends full of cramming for finals, packing, learning French, Italian, and British (take a lift up to the loo in my flat, anyone?), making souvenir lists, reading, and blogging.

The next time we meet will be Tuesday, May 18 after school in Ms. Cardona's room, C114. Be sure to read the Bill Bryson pieces before then, and find your own example of travel writing--preferably something from London, Paris, or Rome. Bring that with you. Also, check out some cultural facts-- phrases, rules for tipping, how to act in certain places, whatever. Be ready to share those, too.

If you have not given Ms. Cardona your medical/travel forms yet, or you missed the meeting on May 3, then go see her immediately! Also, you probably aren't reading this. Hmm... a conundrum.

Start checking out each others' blogs. The more you get into this, the better it will be!

Jeopardy! for Exam 2

Last week's Jeopardy! is up and available for you to use while you study. But first... read what I assigned you!

Presentation Station

Like I said, don't panic. The reason we spent so much time talking about the project is so that you can break it down, really think about what you want to do for it. Take your time, pace yourself. Start by choosing a book to the left. If you want help picking something, comment on my blog. Really, though, take a few minutes this weekend to choose your book. Look on line. Check out Shelfari, Amazon.com, and Wikipedia to see what people think about them. The most important thing is that you like the book you read. The rest of the project will go well if you put effort into these early choices. And trust me: if you choose your book first, then your topic after you start reading, it will go much better than the other way around. And for the love of whatever you love, read a book you haven't read before. Do yourself a favor and experience something new.

Here are the instructions for Category 4, the Technology section:

Create one of the following. This should be original work manipulating another technology. This may discuss or feature your philosophical issue. For example, if you were to create a blog, it could be a few posts on your findings or the imaginary blog of someone who is dealing with your issue. It could even be a series of reviews of your book, movie, and other citations. Do what you are interested in. I can help with some basic online ways to create blogs, wikis, and websites. Google is your friend. But hey, if you know how to program or you're into filmmaking or writing music, go for it.

We won't spend a lot of time in class on this, but I'll mention the progress frequently. Start those books now. You've got this.

Testing, Testing, 1-2-3

As Exam I quickly approaches, I have some study tips for you. First off, I'd like to apologize for not getting Jeopardy! up in a timely manner. It's on the left side of this page in the links list.

Also, have something you're not sure about? Comment on this blog with your questions by 2:00 p.m. tomorrow (Sunday) and I'll answer back by 7:00 p.m. at the latest.

Now, for those test taking tips. Maybe you've heard some of these before, maybe you're not even worried about the exam. For the rest of you, here you go:

1. The test has 24 multiple choice questions and you have to answer 20 of them. Just go through and answer the ones you definitely know, then worry about the ones you don't. You might come across ones you don't know right at first. Don't panic! And really, the multiple choice section is more general than the Jeopardy! game.

2. There are six short answer choices and you have to do three of them. Again, go out of order if you have to. Jump right to the one you really know and are excited about, then do other ones. I don't care what order you answer them in, as long as you label them with the prompt number.

3. The big one: essay. If you're scared of the grammar/mechanics/spelling portion, don't worry too much. I'll take off a couple points, but nothing major. Be more concerned if your handwriting is atrocious. You know who you are. Remember that essays can be bent to your strengths. Don't change the question I ask completely (bad), but choose a direction and run with it. Remember that you should write your essay according to what you can most logically argue and back up with evidence. That doesn't necessarily mean it's your true opinion. How would I know, anyway?

4. Go ahead and make that philosopher chart. I'm not much of a chart person myself; I usually make flashcards to study. Do things however you best work, and if you don't know, this is a good chance to start understanding your own brain. There are good things to know about those philosophers: Name, branch of philosophy (agency, epistemology, etc.), side (fate, idealist, etc.), and major contributions and opinions (cogito ergo sum, allegory of the cave, etc.). If you don't understand the overall ideas of each guy, review. Use sources online to help you get the big picture.

5. Look at the links to the left on this blog. Check out the philosophy dictionary if you're not sure what something means. For example, keep in mind that philosophy has different definitions for "materialism" and "idealism" than our normal everyday language does.

6. Plan your time on the test. you have about 80-85 minutes for the whole block. Start with this: one minute for each multiple choice, 10 minutes for each short answer, 30 for the essay. Bend this to your own strengths and weaknesses. Give yourself slightly less time so you have a few minutes at the end to review and breathe. Use the clock or wear a watch.

7. Go out of order if you want to. Do the essay first or whatever. There are no rules.

8. Write outlines for you essays and short answers so there aren't scribbles everywhere. Also, as soon as you get the test, try writing down the stuff you think you might blank on. You'll be turning in everything you write on, so bring lots of paper if you think it will help.

9. Don't cram. You know this. Seriously, don't wait until Sunday night. I hope you haven't even waited until now. Also, I know you will do it. I know I will hear it. But really, don't look at last minute stuff right before class, and ABSOLUTELY DO NOT ask other people things you're not sure about. DO NOT LISTEN to your fellow students spout off random tidbits of information just before. Bring your mp3 player, Walkman, Ghetto Blaster, whatever and tune them out. Studies show you do better on tests when you don't look at anything and just relax for 10 or 15 minutes before an exam.

10. Trust yourself. Don't waste time reviewing the things you know. Go over what you aren't sure about and don't stress over every tiny fact--that's why I give you choices.

You know more than you think you know.

Welcome to Philosophy! Are You Even Really Here at All?

The literal meaning of the word "philosophy" is "love of wisdom." Keep that in mind throughout the course of this class. Many of you might pride yourself in your ability to master every test you take. But philosophy is about wisdom over knowledge, understanding over facts. Yes, you will have to learn specific pieces of information and know the names of certain stuffy old people, but above all else, this is class will be about ideas.

Easy. All you have to do is know what you think, and ace in the hole, right? But do you? Do you know what you truly believe? Do you know why? Can you back up those beliefs with evidence from your own life? Do you know how to explain those beliefs to others and define them according to great thinkers of the past? You will. At least, you will begin to, because more understanding undoubtedly leads to more questions. By the end of your life, when you realize how little you actually know, then you will have become quite wise indeed.

I look forward to a fun and challenging semester of thoughtful discussions, respectful debates, and extensive questioning.

#10 Peer Review

Last Blog! Yippee! For the final post of the semester (it's almost over... sniffle) you should review something-- a movie, tv show, album, book, art exhibit, restaurant, whatever. Write at least 10 sentences, and include the following:

• What you're reviewing


• Your likes and dislikes. Be sure to focus on one or the other (is this a good review or a bad review?). Back up your opinion with examples from whatever you're reviewing.


• A few facts about this thing/place/etc.


• Comparison to other like things/places/etc. (e.g. if you're reviewing McDonald's, compare to Burger King. Also, don't review McDonald's. Yuck!)


• A rating. 4 1/2 cups of coffee out of 5 for the java spot near your house, for example.

While commenting, write at least 5 sentences stating what viewpoint you have made based on the critic's review. Does this make you want to see that movie or avoid that exhibit? Why? As per the last few posts, just pick two people's blogs to comment on. Try to choose people whom you don't know/have not yet commented on.

Savor it, after this, most of these blogs likely go to a lonely cyberspace grave, swirling around an internet purgatory until Google pulls the plug for good.

#9 Take Two!

Since we've been focusing on movies of late, it's time to dissect one of your favorites. Go to YouTube and choose a clip from one of your favorite films. I realize it might not be exactly one scene, but choose something between 1 and 5 minutes long. My example above is from one of my Top 5 movies of all time, Rushmore. Once you've found your clip, embed it into your blog entry. Then, write at least eight sentences on the sorts of details in your clip that would be included in the script (specific to this scene-- think Juno's pipe). Write at least eight more sentences regarding the details added by the director, actors, and other crew members once filming began.

To embed:
1. Choose your clip from YouTube. Please pick a PG-13 or under clip, even if the movie is rated R. Be sure to pick something from a movie or TV show; no video games, music videos, etc.
2. To the top right of the video screen on YouTube, underneath the "Subscribe" box are two text boxes labeled "URL" and "Embed."
3. Copy the entire text inside the "Embed" box including <> on either side of the code language.
4. While posting on your blog, click on the tab labeled "Edit Html" above where you type your entry.
5. Paste the code from the "Embed" box at the very top of your post. Be sure to leave any other code as is.
6. Return to the "Compose" tab to write the rest of your post.
7. If you have too much trouble with this, at least link to your video clip.


For your comments, choose two people from your block on whose blogs you have never commented (or whom you at least do not know). Pretend you are involved in the making of this movie. Write at least 6 sentences on one major change you would make while filming, such as casting, setting, directorial choices, props, etc.

Have fun!

#8 Haiku-Doodle-Doo

Welcome back to the blog, fellow poets. This week, we're just going to get a glimpse at the huge world that is poetry. To get you into it a little, you're going to write some haiku for the blog. A haiku is a very short poem with one simple topic for each. Traditionally, Japanese haiku were about the seasons, but you can do yours on whatever you wish. The following are the rules:

1. You must write 3 haiku, which are all tied together to one theme (i.e. three colors, three seasons, three stooges, etc.) It is not a bad idea to title your blog with your theme. Example: #8 The Seasons.

2. There are three lines to each haiku.

3. The first and third lines are 5 syllables each.

4. The second line is 7 syllables.

Be sure to have one idea per line; it is extremely difficult to write a successful haiku when one sentence bridges more than one line. Here is an example from the movie Fight Club:

Worker bees can leave

Even drones can fly away

The queen is their slave

As for your comments this week, you are to write one haiku which also goes with the original poster's theme of three. So, if someone posts three about summer, winter, and fall, you might write one about spring. Get it? For this week, comment on anyone's blogs; however, you must comment on one person's blog from Block 1 and one person's blog from Block 2. Have fun.

#7 Not Your Average Tuesday

National Talk Like a Pirate Day. William Shatner's Birthday. Haunted Refrigerator Night. Mario Day (It's on March 10, because it looks like M-A-R-I-O spelled out when you write "mar 10").

Since we're discussing holidays this week--and we'll soon be celebrating one as a class--it's time for you to come up with your own. So, for this blog post, make up your own holiday and write about it (at least 15 sentences). What are the traditions? How do people gear up for it? How do they decorate? What is the historical background of this holiday? Write about the true meaning of your day and all the other things we talked about in class.

For your comments, discuss how you would most like to celebrate the person's holiday (at least 8 sentences).

Block 1:

Group 1: Alpha Amber Wolf, Lady Blue, & This Blog Should Be Anonymous

Group 2: arbol44, Peace and Love, & tomorrowiswaiting

Group 3: Blogx, Potter, & wayzatacreative

Group 4: changeinapocket, Princess Sparkle, & Zoolander

Group 5: Checkers, Rock Fan, & zzzxy

Group 6: CoolKCato & Sisu (choose one other to comment on)

Group 7: Graffiti the World, i like turtles :), & Some Dude

Group 8: Hawk Eye 777, iloveanime, & spark 32

Group 9: Highway Star, junior2010, & Squarish Square

Block 2:

Group 1: About21ninjas, Gobl1nmast4r, & smiley

Group 2: Alice, k of the milky way, & stargazer

Group 3: alle, laranail188, & Stinky Toes

Group 4: Anonymous Blogger, Mindfreak, & StrawberryCake

Group 5: Butterfly, Montag, QB1991, & Ursa Major (just do 2)

Group 6: catastrophebyassociation, One Moment Can Change Everything, & Scrappy Coco

Group 7: Darken Rahl, one x, & Sgirl

Group 8: Dually x3, porcupines and potato salad, & Shiny-sama

#6 They Oughta Have a Law

Greetings, creative writers. Even though I was sick today, there's still a blog this week. Even if you don't notice until I tell you on Tuesday, you'll still have until midnight on Wednesday to get this done.

As we continue to explore creative nonfiction, I'm going to give you the chance to pass any law you like. Come up with something that you think should be a new law. Write at least 15 sentences to explain why this is law. Now's your chance to outlaw aviator sunglasses. Or make people take an IQ test before they're allowed to have children. What about having line-cutting punishable by law? Whatever you want, no matter how ridiculous.

For you commenters, write at least 6 sentences stating whether you would vote for this law or against it. Also, if it passed, would you break it? Would you do so on purpose? Don't forget to explain yourself.

Oh, and remember to comment on my post if someone in your group didn't write an entry. Keep in mind that you're responsible for commenting on someone's even if someone in your group didn't do it.

Here are the groups:

Block 1:

Group 1: Alpha Amber Wolf, Peace and Love, & spark 32

Group 2: arbol44, Potter, & Squarish Square

Group 3: Blogx, Princess, & This Blog Should Be Anonymous

Group 4: changeinapocket, Rock Fan, & tomorrowiswaiting

Group 5: Checkers, runcarnyrun, & wayzatacreative

Group 6: CoolKCato, i like turtles :), & Zoolander

Group 7: Graffiti the World, iloveanime, & zzzxy

Group 8: Hawk Eye 777, junior2010, & Sisu

Group 9: Highway Star, Lady Blue, & Some Dude

Block 2:

Group 1: About21ninjas, One Moment Can Change Everything, & smiley

Group 2: Alice, one x, & stargazer

Group 3: alle, porcupines and potato salad, & Stinky Toes

Group 4: Anonymous Blogger, QB1991, & StrawberryCake

Group 5: Butterfly, JB24, & Ursa Major

Group 6: catastrophebyassociation & k of the milky way (choose one other blog to comment on)
Group 7: Darken Rahl, laranail188, & Scrappy Coco

Group 8: Dually x3, Mindfreak, & sgirl

Group 9: Gobl1nmast4r, Montag, & Shiny-sama

#5 Monster Mash

Halloween is coming, and we've been studying speculative fiction, so get those imaginations going! For this blog, you are to create a new creature. Write at least 12 sentences about your beast. Describe what it looks like. Where does this animal live? What does it eat? Give examples of behavior. Tell us all about it, and don't forget to name it!

For your comments, write about how this creature would do as a pet. Write at least 8 sentences. Here are the groups:

Block 1
Group 1: Alpha Amber Wolf, Princess Sparkle, & tomorrowiswaiting
Group 2: arbol44, Rock Fan, & wayzatacreative
Group 3: Blogx, runcarnyrun, & Zoolander
Group 4: changeinapocket, i like turtles :), & zzzxy
Group 5: Checkers, iloveanime, & Sisu
Group 6: CoolKCato, junior2010, & Some Dude
Group 7: Graffiti the World, Lady Blue, & spark 32
Group 8: Hawk Eye 777, Peace and Love, & Squarish Square
Group 9: Highway Star, Potter, & This Blog Should Be Anonymous

Block 2
Group 1: About21ninjas, One Moment Can Change Everything, & stargazer
Group 2: Alice, one x, & Stinky Toes
Group 3: alle, porcupines and potato salad, & StrawberryCake
Group 4: Anonymous Blogger, Gobl1nmast4r, & Ursa Major
Group 5: Bob Smith, JB24, & QB1991
Group 6: Butterfly, k of the milky way, & Scrappy Coco
Group 7: catastrophebyassociation, laranail188, & Sgirl
Group 8: Darken Rahl, Mindfreak, & Shiny-sama
Group 9: Dually x3, Montag, & smiley

A Couple of Things about the Blog

Hello Creative Writers!

If you're having trouble reading text on my blog because it is invisible or only half-visible, try clicking on the text and highlight the missing portions. They should appear. I don't know why my blog does this nor why highlighting works, but hey, let's go with it. Hooray for technology!

On another note, I had to remove a RUUD (spelled incorrectly on purpose) comment from my blog. Not only was it insulting to people in the class, but this person chose to be so anonymous he or she did not even sign in with a user name, but simply "anonymous." I won't tolerate unconstructively mean writing on the blogs, especially when someone is too cowardly to say who he or she is. This is NOT an invitation to rewrite the comment with your user name. You know who you are. That said, please enjoy this week's blog assignment (next post down), and here is a picture of a unicorn (they're real, you know):

#4 Where Can I Get One of Those?

After such a long hiatus from the blogs, are you ready to go shopping? For your new post, write an advertisement or sales pitch for an impossible product or service. Remember to come up with something theoretically possible--or something in the early stages of actually happening-- and try to sell it to your fellow bloggers. Think along the lines of flying cars, personal time machine tours, or memory erasure (like in Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind).

Be sure to include the following:

• Minimum 12 sentences
• Name of product/service
• Description of product/service
• Available choices for product/service
• Price
• A picture would be great! So would links!

For your blog comments, let the seller know whether you would or would not purchase the product or service as advertised. If you would buy it, explain what you like about the product or service and what you would do with it. If you would not buy it, explain why not, and what changes would have to be made in order to purchase it. Write at least 5 sentences.

Here are the groups:

Block 1:
Group 1: Alpha Amber Wolf, Rock Fan, & Zoolander
Group 2: arbol44, runcarnyrun, & zzzxy
Group 3: Blogx, i like turtles :), & Sisu
Group 4: changeinapocket, iloveanime, & Some Dude
Group 5: Checkers, junior2010, & spark 32
Group 6: CoolKCato, Lady Blue, & Squarish Square
Group 7: Graffiti the World, Peace and Love, & This Blog Should Be Anonymous
Group 8: Hawk Eye 777, Potter, & tomorrowiswaiting
Group 9: Highway Star, Princess Sparkle, & wayzatacreative

Block 2:
Group 1: About21ninjas, one x, & StrawberryCake
Group 2: Alice, porcupines and potato salad, & Ursa Major
Group 3: alle, Gobl1nmast4r, & QB1991
Group 4: Anonymous Blogger, JB24, & Scrappy Coco
Group 5: Bob Smith, k of the milky way, & Sgirl
Group 6: Butterfly, laranail188, & Shiny-sama
Group 7: catastrophebyassociation, Mindfreak, & smiley
Group 8: Darken Rahl, Montag, & stargazer
Group 9: Dually x3, One Moment Can Change Everything, & Stinky Toes

Please Forgive Me

Every Little Detail

This blog assignment might remind you a little of the first one we did a couple weeks ago. Once again, you'll find an image to write about. Put it at the top of your blog and write a descriptive paragraph based on it (16-20 sentences). This is not a story or a narrative, but a point in time which you are dissecting. You'll be graded on the following:

1. You use fewer than 10 total adjectives and adverbs. Remember, nouns and verbs are your power words.

2. You use a minimum of three metaphors or similes.

3. You utilize sensory detail: think about how things not only look, but sound, taste, smell, and feel.

Your groups for the week:

Block 1:

Group 1: Alpha Amber Wolf, runcarnyrun, & Zoolander

Group 2: arbol44, i like turtles :), & zzzxy

Group 3: Blogx, iloveanime, & Sisu

Group 4: changeinapocket, junior2010, & Some Dude

Group 5: Checkers, Lady Blue, & spark 32

Group 6: CoolKCato, Peace and Love, & Squarish Square

Group 7: Graffiti the World, Potter, & This Blog Should Be Anonymous

Group 8: Hawk Eye 777, Princess Sparkle, & tomorrowiswaiting

Group 9: Highway Star, Rock Fan, & wayzatacreative

Block 2:

Group 1: About21ninjas, One Moment Can Change Everything, & stargazer

Group 2: Alice, Gobl1nmast4r, & Stinky Toes

Group 3: alle, JB24, one x, & StrawberryCake

Group 4: Anonymous Blogger, k of the milky way, porcupines and potato salad, & Ursa Major

Group 5: Bob Smith, laranail188, & QB1991

Group 6: Butterfly, Lucky :], & Scrappy Coco

Group 7: catastrophebyassociation, Mindfreak, & Sgirl

Group 8: Darken Rahl, Montag, & Shiny-sama

Group 9: Dually x3, musicly_minded16, & smiley