Blog Party: What Am I Reading For?

Introduction:

If you had to make a choice, would you spend the majority of your time reading books that would build knowledge and skill, books that provide you with information, or would you choose to read for enjoyment, a fictional story or poetry perhaps, what would you choose? If you were the Director of the U.S. Department of Education and were tasked with developing a reading curriculum for our schools would you focus more on reading for information or reading for enjoyment, or would you try to find a balance? Would the scale tilt heavily in one direction or the other?

Inquiry question:

Should our focus as a society with our school aged children, be to encourage them to read books that build knowledge, skills and abilities? Or, should we simply encourage them to read literature for enjoyment?

Point 1: Cultural Priorities?

When we ponder the inquiry question I think as a society we have to answer what our priorities are. If we agree that it would be more difficult to develop a scientist or an engineer in our schools if they are encouraged to read fiction novels for enjoyment, simply reading to expand their imagination, then we need to set our priorities based on our needs as a society. Do we need more scientist and engineers? If the answer to that question is yes, then we need to determine how we encourage and develop young people into the worlds best scientists. In fact, a lack of engineers and scientist has been discussed at a national level for almost 6 decades, ever since the Russians launched Sputnik, the first orbiting satellite, into space. In a recent study conducted by the organization referred to as BEST (Building Engineering and Science Talent) the report entitled “The Quiet Crisis: Falling Short in Producing American Scientific and Technical Talent,” This “quiet crisis,” the report’s authors noted, “stems from the gap between the nation’s growing need for scientists, engineers, and other technically skilled workers and its production of them.... This ‘gap’ represents a shortfall in our national scientific and technical capabilities.” In addition, a recent study conducted by the National Science Foundation of America asked adults living in the U.S. science related questions. When asked, only 21 percent of American adults could define DNA, and just 9 percent know what a molecule is. Another poll showed that one in seven American adults, roughly 25million people, could not even locate the United States on an unlabeled world map. NASA administrator Dan Goldin cites a question he received while defending funding for the space agency: "Why are we building meteorological satellites when we have the Weather Channel?" If this is the state of our knowledge base, we could make an argument that a more focused reading program is needed in our schools.

On December 10th, 1969 Max Delbruck conducted a Nobel Lecture. In his lecture he spoke of a Jubilee that was hosted by the Connecticut Academy of the Arts and Sciences. They arranged a poet, a conductor of trumpet and percussion, and two scientist to perform. It was a grand affair according to Delbruck. Everyone enjoyed the poem and the music, most of all the scientist. But the attendees had little to no interest in the science exhibition. To me this is troubling. We rely on technology, in fact, our society is referred to as a technological society. It appears that we take for granted what we have and would rather be stimulated by feeling rather that advancing our future through focused learning programs?

Point 2: Efferent vs. Aesthetic Reading

As we analyze reading for knowledge vs. reading for enjoyment we see that a portion of our debate is between two specific types of reading, Efferent vs. Aesthetic. Efferent is reading to learn something, what is a molecule for example (thank goodness at least 9% of us read that book). Aesthetic reading is reading that stimulates how we think and feel, reading a poem or fictional short story is a good example of aesthetic reading. Dr. Louise Rosenblatt, a leading researcher in the field of reading and learning, argues that it is not necessarily choosing one style of reading over the other, rather, if you tell the student why they are reading the book then they will automatically adopt the efferent or aesthetic stance. Rosenblatt presents a "Transactional Theory of Reading" and argues that it is not necessarily the book that determines learning but rather the reader bringing to the text their past experience and present personality. If this theory is accurate then it could be stated that less emphasis would be required on what a student reads and more emphasis on informing them why they are reading it, a more focused learning approach if you will.

In an article published in the New York Times on September 19th, 2009, Entitled "Initiative Focuses on Early Learning Programs" experts describe the current array of programs serving young children and their families nationwide as a "hodgepodge of efforts with little coordination or coherence. Financing comes from a shifting mix of private, local, state and federal money. Programs are run out of storefronts and churches, homes and Head Start centers, public schools and other facilities. Quality is uneven, with some offering stimulating activities, play and instruction but others providing little more than a room and a television." Again these are alarming facts and show very little coordination within our society. Proof that coordinating not only what they are reading but how they are reading it is a very important key, especially if Rosenblatt's "Transactional Theory of Reading" is accurate.


Point 3: Challenges with Reading in Today's Society

In today's society we face many challenges with reading, especially in young people. There are obvious advantages to encouraging kids to read for enjoyment, it is probably more healthy than watching TV or playing video games. I also think we would all agree that parents should play a major role in helping their children to develop good reading habits. Although its sounds fairly easy, this can be challenging in today's electronic world. Video games occupy several hours of a child's time each day and their phone is constantly buzzing with a text from a friend. But, please take a moment to ponder the thought of focusing their reading into a specific area that builds knowledge, skills and ability. Think of how productive this time could be if they were reading books about science or engineering? I do believe that we should inform them and encourage them to read to learn, to channel their energy in a more specific and productive direction. This type of reading or learning certainly should be a focus in our schools, right?

In contrast to reading for knowledge, it is probably more enjoyable to read for pleasure, we love to be entertained. In fact, I will quote from the literary text book for this class, chapter 1, "Human beings love stories. We put them everywhere-not only in books, films and plays, but also in songs, news articles, cartoons, and video games. There seems to be a general curiosity in how other lives, both real and imaginary, take shape and unfold" (Kennedy, Gioia, Pg. 5). This presents an even bigger challenge; it may be more difficult to get our youth to read for knowledge, and they may be more inclined to read for enjoyment.

Edgar Allan Poe, one of our great fictional writers, wrote many great short stories and poems. When you read his writing, and other great fictional writers, you get a sense that they understood how to draw the readers attention, bate them into wanting to read more. When we look at a Poe classic, "A Tell-Tale Heart" we are provided with a great example of drawing the reader into a story. "It is impossible to say how first the idea entered into my brain; but once conceived, it haunted me day and night. Object there was none. Passion there was none. I loved the old man. He had never wronged me. He had never given me insult. For his gold I had no desire. I think it was his eye! yes, it was this! One of his eyes resembled that of a vulture-a pale blue eye, with a film over it. Whenever it fell upon me, my blood ran cold; and so by degrees-very gradually-I made up my mind to take the life of the old man, and thus rid myself of the eye forever" (Poe, pg. 37). This short story about a mad man that seemingly murders (may just be in his imagination) for no reason, and his own insanity causes him to confess, is a great short story. Certainly all of us, including young people, would love to read this story rather than a book about molecules (not including the 9% o course).

Conclusion:

At the end of the day we are left with one simple fact. We live in a very technological society and we as human beings are compelled to evolve, it is our nature. If we are to continue to advance our society we must encourage our youth to read and to aspire to become the next great scientist, computer programmer or engineer. Evidence suggest that we do not focus our attention with young people on reading that builds knowledge, at least not enough to support important fields, such as science and engineering. That is not to say that evidence suggest the contrary, that we are developing poets and writers through an aesthetic style of reading. If Rosenblatt's "Theory of Transactional Reading" is accurate then one could argue we simply need to inform the reader what it is that we would like them to learn and encourage them to read more. Also, by Reducing the amount of time they spend doing other activities and becoming more involved in their reading and learning, we can guide them in a more productive direction.

Questions:

1. Do you agree that kids spend to much time playing video games and watching TV and should spend more time reading a book.

2. Do you agree that reading in our schools should focus on learning and developing skills, or do you support a more balanced approach where reading for enjoyment is encouraged equally?

Works sited:

Department of Teaching and Learning, School of Education, University of Miami, Distinguished Visiting Scholar, Louise Rosenblatt Interview

MICHAEL S. TEITELBAUM, Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, "Do We Need More Scientists"

SAM DILLON, New York Times, "Initiative Focuses on Early Learning Programs,"
Published: September 19, 2009

Kennedy, X.J. and Gioia, Diana. Literature: An Introduction to Fiction, Poetry, Drama, and Writing. New York: Pearson-Longman, 2007. 3

Blog Entry 22: Freestyle

My take on Othello:

I had a challenging time understanding the text in this play. However, as I continued to read I gained more of an understanding and was comprehending the story much better in Acts III and IV than in Acts I and II. I really enjoy the story and understand why it is a classic. I would like to find the 1951 version and watch the full length movie. I also think that if there was a book that adapted the text into a format that would be easier to read and understand I would enjoy that as well.

If you would like to post a response to this I would be interested in reading your comment.

Blog Entry 21: Scene response on Youtube

Of the four videos I feel I enjoyed the 1951 scene the most. Partly because I think it appeared to me to be the most authentic. I did not feel however that the casting for Othello was a good representation of his heritage, Northern African. I thought this film followed the script closely and the acting was very well done. It did not appear to be as dramatic as the other scene III version. The setting was very appropriate and the lighting was sunny and bright in most locations. The costumes were mostly white, with leather and brown colors. The movie is in black and white so it was not colorful. Iago was very deviant looking and I enjoyed the actors facial expressions. Othello was very big and masculine and had a very deep strong voice. In contrast I did not think Lawrence Fishburne did a very good portrayal of Othello. I felt this was less true to the original script, and although it was in color I did not get the feeling this was as good as set as in the earlier version.

The other two clips I felt were a little over acted. I understand this scene is more intense but both characters were very distraught, one grabbing Iago and one slamming himself into the wall openly sobbing. I did not enjoy the settng of the civil war. I like the setting that closely represents the original setting.

I would have liked to have scene the contrast of all four movies using the same scene. I would have liked to see the 1951 version actor campared to Anthony Hopkins.

Blog entry 20: Shakespeare Act III Quote Response

Iago:

"I do beseech you, though I perchance am vicious in my guess as I confess it is my nature's plague to spy into abuses, and oft my jealousy shapes faults that are not-that your wisdom then, from one that so imperfectly conceits, would take no notice, nor build yourself a trouble out of his scattering and unsure observance. If were not for your quiet nor your good, nor for mu manhood, honesty, and wisdom, to let you know mu thoughts.

Othello:

What dost thou mean?

Iago:

Good name in man and woman, dear my lord, is the immediate jewel of their souls. Who steals my purse steals trash; 'tis something, nothing; 'twas mine, 'tis his, and has been slave to thousands; but he that filches from me my good name robs me of that which not enriches him and makes me poor indeed.

This exchange takes place shortly after Othello enters the room and sees Cassio leaving Desdemona's presents. Othello becomes interested in why Cassio was visiting with Desdemona and his suspicions are born. Desdemona desperately wants to put this idea to rest and begs Othello to meet with Cassio and discuss his loyalty and return him to favor. OThello is not interested in doing this anytime soon and suggest that if something made him stop loving her the result would be chaos.

Iago takes this opportunity to manipulate Othello and using reverse psychology appears to hook Othello's interest. Once Iago catches Othello's attention he draws him into his web of deceit. He suggests that a man can steal his money (purse) and that is not disheartening; but rather a man steals your good name then you are left poor and he is none the richer. This statement seems to invoke Othello's pride and puts him in a defensive and suspicious frame of mind.

I believe this passage represents the central conflict in the play. Iago is determined to destroy Othello and is going to use wit and deceit to do so. The story is a tragedy because two people that love each other are torn apart by senseless jealousy. But if Othello had possessed a stronger presence he could have dismissed Iago's suggestions and could have believed in Cassio's friendship and Desdemona's love. I believe this quote best represents what is at the heart of this story.

Blog Enry 19: Freestyle

Shakespeare

Recently while reading Shakespeare's Othello, I believe this was my first experience with Shakespeare by the way, I struggled to understand the dialect. I began to get frustrated because no matter how hard I tried to concentrate the writing was so difficult to understand, written almost backward, like Spanish. But, I read on, trying to enjoy the story. In the end I enjoyed act I and II of Othello very little.

I think Shakespeare may be an acquired taste. That hath become accustom for the yearning that thou didst know twas of some such thing with little goodness did come of it?

I will continue to read the story and in the end who knows?

Blog Entry 18: Quote Response Othello

Othello Act I Scene III

Desdemona -

My Noble Father,/
I do perceive here a divided duty./ To you I am bound for life and education;/ my life and education both do learn me/ how to respect you. You are the lord of my duty;/ I am hitherto your daughter. But he is my husband,/ and so much duty; as my mother showed/ to you, preferring you before her father,/ so much I challenge that I may profess/ due to the Moor my lord. (Shakespeare pg. 929)

I thought this was an interesting point in the play. After Brabantio speaks so strongly to the Moor I thought that he would never join the two together. Surprisingly, after Desdemona speaks the father joins the two of them together and says "I here do give thee that with all my heart." This was surprising to me and shows that Brabantio did not want to lose the relationship he had with his daughter. I also thought that Desdemona eloquently chose her words and won her father over.

I thought this scene was a testament to the strength of Desdemona. She had to stand before Nobles and her father to profess her love for a man that she should never have been with. This must have been very difficult to do. I also think this scene helped plant the irony in the outcome of the play. Desdemona was murder for being unfaithful.

Blog Entry 17: "Trifles"

County Attorney: "I guess before we're through she may have something more serious than preserves to worry about."
Mrs. Hale: "Well, women are used to worrying over trifles"
County Attorney: "And yet, for all their worries what would we do without the ladies? Dirty towels! not much of a housekeeper, would you say, ladies?"
Mrs. Hale: "There's a great deal of work to be done on a farm" (Glaspell, 812)

As I was reading this poem this exchange really stood out to me. It was obvious that the writer was making a statement here about a women's position in society during this period, in this particular culture. The men in this play do not appear to hold women in high esteem. The attorney insinuates here that Mrs. Wright needs to do a better job of keeping her house clean for Mr. Wright. Mrs. Hale appears to stand up for Mrs. Wright and does not take the attorney's comments lying down (subplot, men vs. women).

At this point it was difficult to determine where the play was going and who killed the farmer, although everything appeared to point to his wife, Mrs. Wright. But as I read on it was apparent that the women were going to defend Mrs. Wright and that they felt the husband was deserving of his fate for killing the bird.

I don't feel that the play was looking at this particular incident and analyzing whether or not Mrs Wright should get away with murder. Rather, if men can mistreat their spouse and it is accepted what rights do women have to stand up for themselves (central conflict). Now Mr. Wright certainly did not deserve his fate for killing the bird. However, women do, on occasion, get away with murdering their abusive husband.

Blg Entry 16: "O"

Scene 8: Weakness

I chose scene 8, "Weakness," for my review. I believe that in this scene Hugo exposes Odin's weakness, Jealousy.

Hugo, driven by envy, wants to deprive O of his ability to fly, or in a literal sense, his ability to be a great basketball player. Hugo is jealous of the attention that Odin receives from everyone in the school, including his father, the coach. Driven to destroy Odin, Hugo sets his plot in motion by deceiving Odin and convincing him that his girl friend Desi, whom Odin cares for very much, is deceiving him. In doing so Hugo sets in motion a plot that will destroy several lives.

The scene is set in the weight room, with both Odin and Hugo working-out together. Odin, a person that appears to have everything going for him and is sitting a top the world, is exposed to his weakness, jealousy. In a conversation with Hugo he is manipulated into thinking that his girlfriend, Desi, is betraying his trust with his friend Mike. As the conversation continues Odin becomes more and more interested in what Hugo is telling him. He begins to believe that Desi may be deceitful and that Mike is seeking to steel his girl away. Hugo, a master of manipulation, puts into motion the last player of his plan.

I felt this scene was a critical point in the movie. Odin showed that he did have a weakness and that he would allow himself to be manipulated by Hugo. If Odin had been to strong for Hugo he would have faded into the background and Odin would have continued to soar. Instead he proved to be weak and was easy pray for Hugo. I believe this scene was the pivotal point in the central conflict. It involved the protagonist, Odin and the antagonist, Hugo in a one on one face off.

The director used many different techniques in this movie to sell the story. I enjoy very much when a director begins with a metaphor. I felt this movie did that very well. In the beginning when they show the hawk with all of the other white doves. The hawk represents a player that soars above the rest, who is strong and stands alone at the top. The doves represent the other players, weaker, less talented, that do not soar as high. It was unfortunate that the hawk did not continue to soar, or did he? A hawk is a bird of prey, who is the hawk in this story?

Blog Entry 15: Iran

I am very intrigued by the history in Iran and other parts of the world. Comparatively, we have so little history here in the Northwest. It has always been challenging for me to understand countries around the world that can't seem to all get on the same page. As I was reading Iran's history it is more apparent to me why that country, in particular, struggles. When you look at how many times they have been invaded, and how many different cultures are present, it is more understandable. Such strong beliefs and often contradictory to your neighbors beliefs. Here in the US we are a bunch of Mutts. But our forefathers set us up well and instilled in us that sense freedom and our system seems to work. However I don't know how it may be in a thousand years? That is yet to be seen.

Blog Entry 14: Persepolis Quote Response

"I am the light of the Aryans. I will make this country the most modern of all time. Our people will regain their splendor" (Satrapi, Pg. 27). This was the statement made by the Shah at his crowning ceremony. It always seems difficult to know a politician. promises are made and very few are kept. So many today seem corrupt and are only in office for reasons of greed and power.

The words that leap out at me are the use of the word I and the statement that "I am the light of the Aryans." This appears to be a man that has a growing "God complex." Meaning his power and greed have taken over and he feels that he can do no wrong. If you were a good leader your crowning speech would sound more like; We are the light of the Ayrans. Together we can make this country great. Our people will regain their splendor and we will strive to make our country modern.

The illustration shows the Shah standing on a raised platform behind a podium. He has his hands in the air and the illustration appears to be supporting the notion that he thinks he is omniscient.

I believe this portion of the book illustrates how disgusted the people were with their government. That Tierney would not prevail and that the majority could bond together and take back their country. I am often amazed at how screwed up an entire country can get. I sometimes can't believe that they can't agree on a direction and move to improve their status. I also am amazed at how one person can get a strangled hold on a country and dictate their future.

Blong Entry 13: Quote Response

The Road not Taken "Two roads roads diverged in a wood, and I-I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference" (Frost, pg. 610)

This thought has always intrigued me; What if you had or had not done something? What affect would it have on your life? How significant of an impact did one decision have on your life. Now it is obvious that some decisions carry with them strong and permanent consequences. But what about the little ones. I almost did not ask my wife to go on a second date because the first one did not go to well. The decision to not go on a second date would have obviously changed my life significantly. But what about all of the smaller ones leading up to that decision? Maybe a friend can't makeit and your plans change and you decide to go on the second date? Or maybe your car breaks down on the way and you meet someone else? Something similar to the "Butterfly Effect".

Frost poem, The Road Not Taken, appears to lament on the fact that he made a choice long ago and is somewhat regretful that he did not choose differently. The end of the quote that says "and that has made all of the difference", appears to imply regret for his decision? He also insinuates that he chose the easier road and it may have paid more dividend to make the more difficult decision for long term success or happiness.

I always tell my sons "You can work hard in school for the first 22 years of your life and reap the benefit in the last 60, or you can screw off now, have fun in the first 22 and suffer the consequences in the last 60.

Blog Entry 12: When I was one-and-twenty

When I was one-and-twenty (Poem paraphrase)written by A.E. Housman pg. 563 of the text.

When I was one-and twenty
I heard a wise man say,
"Give crowns and pounds and guineas
but not your heart away;
Give pearls away and rubies
but keep your fancy free."
But I was one-and-twenty,
no use to talk to me.

When I was one-and-twenty
I heard him say again
"the heart out of the bosom
was never given in vain;
'Tis paid with sighs a plenty
and sold for endless rue."
And I am two-and-twenty,
and oh, 'tis true, 'tis true.

This poem is a simple poem to understand its meaning. It is an older man telling a younger man to be careful falling in love at the age of 21 because it can be painful and frustrating. The older man, probably a Father talking to his son, is imparting the wisdom of what a wise man told him once. The wise man is probably his own experience. The interesting word in the poem is "rue". I did not know what this meant and when I googled it it really solidified my understanding of the poems meaning. Rue is defined as sorrow, and regret. The currency in the poem is English which places the author in Great Brittan. When you read the poem you almost sound like you are talking to yourself with an English accent, because it has that feel. This poem really hit home for me because it is very difficult for a father to impart his wisdom to his son because they tend to know everything already. I know I did?

Blog Entry 11: Quote Response

In John Donne's "Song" I found an interesting rhythm to the poem. He used different line lengths and changed its rhythm by alternating the lines that rime. The first few times I read it I had some difficulty getting into its groove. After a few run throughs I started to catch on. Reading it aloud helped. My favorite lines in the poem were as follows:

"If thou be'st borne to strange sights,
Things invisible to see,
Ride ten thousand days and nights,
Till age snow white hairs on thee,
Thou, when thou return'st, wilt tell me
All strange wonders that befell thee,
And swear
Nowhere
Lives a woman true, and fair" (Donne)

Read though this a few times and see if you can pickup the unique rhythm. The entire poem is on page 573 of the text book.

Blog Entry 10: Song Quote: Old Man

"Old man look at me know, 24 and there's so much more, live alone in a paradise that makes me think of two. Love lost such a cost, give me things that don't get lost, like a coin that won't get tossed, rollin home to you. Old man take a look at my life I'm a lot like you. I need someone to love me the whole day through. I well look in my eye's and you can tell it's true" (Young, 1972)

One of the great song writers of our time, Neil Young, wrote several classics. This song A about his relationship with his father. I have struggled for years to determine if it is a positive message or one that troubled the writer. The first line "Ole man look at me now, 24 and there's so much more" implies to me that he feels he has or is falling short of what he wants or should be doing. It also could mean that he is doing much more than what his father was at the age of 24. The next line in the song is, to me, the most perplexing, "Live alone in a paradise that makes me think of two". This statement contradicts itself in that it is a paradise but he is alone and thinking of his father or a relationship with another person? The next line "Love lost such a cost, give me things that don't get lost, like a coin that won't get tossed,rollin home to you". This is a reference to losing love. But who's love, his fathers? I believe he is speaking of his fathers love here? The reference "rolling home to you" leads me to believe that. The next three lines are the chorus and he is expressing that he is just like his father, and he is missing the love that he has always wanted. I love the last line of the chorus that tells his father to "look in my eyes and you can tell it's true".

This song is a great song and has always struck a chord with me. I think one of the most significant relationships a boy has is with his father. Neil Young is not a great singer but has a unique voice and is a very convincing performer. Watch his live performance of this song on youtube.

Blog Entry 9: Haiku

Anticipation
delivered with one strike, joy
live to play once more

If you read the blog please post what this haiku means to you.

Thanks for reading.

Kevin

Blog Entry 8: Dover Beach (pg. 727)

Dover Beach paraphrase:

I love the calm sea, the sound it makes. The night air gives me comfort. And at the same time the pounding waves make me sad and help me remember times of misery in our past. The world is a place that is doomed. We are doomed. There is very little if any hope for us and it does not seem worth it to dream. For tonight we fight and many will surely die. Maybe even I?

Blog entry 7: Freestyle

During this course I have read several short stories from the text book. I find it very challenging at times to understand the author's meaning. Are you having the same challenges? I often read portions over to try and find a key word, phrase or point. I have found that when I read the questions at the end of the story it helps me to track down information that helps find the authors meaning. I think literature in general, short stories, plays and poems require more abstract thinking to get the moral or the just of the story. I tend to be a more logical thinker. I have found that if I really concentrate and look for clues I have more success understanding a story the first time through. Sometimes I think the author is vague and allows you to interpret the story however you like?

Blog Entry 6: Quote response

"Dell, said he, lets put our Christmas presents away and keep'em a while, They're too nice to use just at present. I sold the watch to get the money to buy your combs. And now suppose you put the chops on".

This quote is from The gift of the Magi. This was a good short story about a young couple sacrificing their prize possessions to buy the other a Christmas present. I think this is the type of behavior not often seen in our society today. Everyone is wanting things for themselves, even those that are married. I was pleasantly surprised in the end to see they each made a sacrifice. I realized shortly after Jim came home and revealed the combs that he had probably sold the watch. I wonder if this was more common behavior during the early 1900's?

Blog Entry 5: Freestyle

The House on Mango Street

The perspective of this story really hit home with me. I remember similar feelings as a child. You always wanted everything you or your family was associated with to be acceptable. I had similar issues and this story brought back those memories of embarrassment. I remember how much flack I received from my friends that my mom drove a Pinto station wagon. Yes, it is true, wood paneling and all. Every time we would pick a friend up I would dread it. In this story I felt the author was shedding light on similar, if not identical feelings. And what is odd is some people do not recognize these feelings. Or, maybe it is the perspective of the person feeling inadequate? What do you think?

Blog Entry 4: Quote Response

"The villagers kept their distance, leaving a space between them and the stool" (Jackson, Pg. 214).

This quote is from The Lottery. As I began reading the story it was intriguing to me what was the lottery going to represent? Initially there seemed to be tension in the air and it did not appear that the lottery was going to gift a load of cash, or in this case, a new tractor to the villager with the winning ticket. But when Mr. Summers (unique name given to the villager that does the drawing every June) brought the black box out and set it on the black stool, carried by the postman, and all of the villagers kept their distance. I believe this quote really cast a dark shadow on the drawing. Sure enough as it was revealed the winner was stoned to death so the corn would grow better. OK?

Blog entry 3: Freestyle

A reading interest of mine outside of the class is "The Complete Art of War" by Sun Tzu. I first learned of this book while I was attending a leadership conference and the speaker, his name escapes me, was quoting the Art of War. I was impressed by the injection of quotes into his presentation and how they related to leadership. At the end of the presentation he revealed the source of the quotes and I was surprised to learn that they were made by Sun Tzu from 506 B.C.

Sun Tzu Was relatively unknown until he was revealed to the King during a time of war. The King's army was outnumbered and he was in need of a strategy that could overcome his opponents advantage, Sun Tzu provided the needed strategy and tactics. Many of these tactics are studied by the U.S. military today. The book not only serves as a tactical guide but can be used as a self help book for leaders and managers as many of the tactics apply to everyday life.

"One who's upper and lower ranks have the same desires will be victorious" (Sun Tzu, The Complete Art of War, pg. 52). This quote is written for an army that is about to go into battle. But, if you apply these same strategies to your company, team or family you can see that they could be very effective. If your team believes in the cause and you all share the same desire then you should be successful. I also believe that it can apply to relationships and many other areas of modern life. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in self improvement.

Blog entry 2: Quote Response, A & P

I enjoyed reading A & P. I felt the central conflict was the struggle taking place between the upcoming generation and the current one. The story is written in 1961 and during this period there were many things going on in the world. The cold war between Russia and western civilization is referenced in the story when Sammy is talking about Stokesies being the manager some day when the store is called "the Great Alexandrov and Petrooshki Tea Company or something". In addition, the sexual revolution was beginning and the philosophical differences between the two generations were widening.

"His face was dark and gray and his back was stiff, as if he'd just had an injection of iron, and my stomach kind of fell as I felt how hard the world was going to be to me hereafter" (Updike, pg. 20). This passage is the last sentence in the story and summarizes the internal conflict of the protagonist, Sammy. He is an 18 year old boy that is coming of age and is struggling with the conflict between two generations. On one hand, he is expected to be like his parents; get a job, get married, buy a house and have 2.4 kids, this was the "norm" in the 50's. On the other hand, he wants to join his generation and be different, carefree, look at girls in the supermarket in their swim suit. The description of the store manager in the passage is critical. The writer depicts him as very hard, unforgiving and unchangeable. This is the representation of Sammy's parents generation. Sammy wants girls to be able to walk in the supermarket without there shoulders covered. The words in this passage that leap out as important to me are "to me". The words "to me" seem to say that Sammy has gone to the other side. The author could have said; I felt how hard the world was going to be hereafter. But I feel he was trying to tell us that Sammy decided he was going to go his own way and make decisions based on his convictions, not what his parents or the store manager believe is right.

Welcome

Welcome,

My name is Kevin Olson and I am majoring in Fire Administration and this is my first quarter at EOU. I am a battalion chief at the Valley Regional Fire Authority in Washington State. I enjoy fitness, sports and spending time with my wife Carla, and my two son's Taylor and Cody.

What is the story of my reading life?

I have never been much of a reader. I did not read much as a child because I could not sit still that long. As an adult I have tried to read more but suffer from what I like to call "reading narcolepsy". Currently most of my reading is related to work and school. I have read books for enjoyment and usually choose books that are nonfiction and include human triumph. One of my favorite books is the Endurance, the story of Earnest Shackleton's transcontinental voyage. My memories of reading in school are not fond ones. I was always somewhat of a slow reader and did not like to be chosen to read aloud. I do however feel that my reading has improved and I want to spend more time with a good book.

Three interviews:

My wife:

My wife is an avid reader and goes through a book in about two weeks. Her favorite type of book is a murder mystery or serial killer biography. Currently she is reading The Lion by Nelson Demille. She had trouble naming her favorite book because she had read so many. She also watches the forensic channel and if she ever decides to take me out she will probably get away with it.

My Oldest son Taylor (16):

Like his Dad Taylor is not an avid reader. However he is a very good student and does read more often than I do. He too likes nonfiction and has very similar tastes to mine. His favorite book is Guns, Germs and Steel. His experiences relate very closely to mine. He does not prefer to read aloud and most of his reading is assigned.

My youngest son Cody (15):

Like his Dad Cody is not an avid reader. However he is a very good student and reads fairly often. He enjoys reading about sports figures like Micheal Jordan. His favorite book is How to Win State. Unlike his dad and older brother he is a strong reader. He reads very fast and has an easy time reading to others.

Thanks for visiting my blog and I would appreciate your post.

Kevin