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.

As usual, we will be discussing articles tomorrow.  I’d like to see some original works from you.  Think of an issue that matters in your life, something you enjoy or wish could be changed, then write about it.  Remember, this is not a chance to "report" on something—you should write a persuasive piece.  If you’re having trouble coming up with ideas, go over some previous analyses that you’ve written, find an attached article, then write the issue as it should be argued.

Check out my previous post on invention from the Winter’s Night Blog if you’re still stuck, or would like some guidance on clarifying your position/point.

Good luck!  I can’t wait to read them.

This article from the NY Times describes the newfound importance of right-brained intelligence in the workforce.  One more reason to get your M.F.A.  NYT Story

Another update in the development of video games.  Christopher Williams of Popmatters reviews NiGHTS.  Popmatters story

We will be discussing The Tipping Point up to page 59 tomorrow.  If you have not purchased the book from Border’s Midtown, today is the last day to use my educator’s discount on your purchase.

While reading (and journaling, marking, or post-iting), consider the "three agents of change" Gladwell describes on page 19: "the Law of the Few, the Stickiness Factor, and the Power of Context."  He briefly describes them in the first chapter.

• Do you see the Tipping Point in your own life?  (Think homework, perhaps.  At what point do you "shut down"?)
• Are there other trends that this can be applied to?
• Are there trends that the Tipping Point doesn’t explain?  How do you explain those?

In Chapter Two, he explains "the Law of the Few" in more detail, labeling three types of people that generally make up "the Few": "Connectors, Mavens, and Salesmen" (Gladwell 30). 

• Are you a "Connector"?  I new 19 people from the list on 40.  Suppose I should update my address book.
• Do you know anyone who might be a Connector?  What is your connection to him or her?

Talk to your parents and friends about this.  See how well they do with the name test, or see what trends they remember—either national or local ones.

has arrived, and that’s the bottom line.

We will be reading through page 30 (the Introduction through the first chapter) by Monday.  For instructions on purchasing at the Midtown Border’s, see the previous post here.

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.