We discussed two poems today: “Dulce et Decorum Est” by Paul Lawrence Dunbar, and Sylvia Plath’s “Daddy.” I was glad to hear that a number of you were familiar with Dunbar’s poem (from Jan’s class?), as the historical background helps clear up his references to the artillery and gear of a WWI soldier. The poem’s link above has explanatory notes if you are still unsure about a few things.

While the site I pulled the text from seems to be down at the moment, I did come across a video of Plath reading her poem:

Do you think of the poem differently after hearing the author read it?

I was greatly impressed by your interpretations today. This is a very complex piece, and it’s great to see that you are able to tackle it so early in the year.

We will continue our discussion tomorrow with hope that you will gain a better understanding of this misunderstood creature we call poetry.

Glad you made it to the site okay. Today was a bit of a whirlwind, but we have a lot to do.

Homework:

• Please go to the page above entitled “Tell Me About Yourself” and fill out the form. This will save me much time when I need to get in contact with you or your parents (I email them good things as well as bad, so don’t worry about negative messages).
• Sign up for an RSS feed or email messages under the “Feeds” page above.
• Sign into WinsomeWiki with a username that clearly identifies you.

To find the latest information on your class on this site, go to “Categories” above, then “Courses.”

Some of you asked about materials for my classes, which I seem to have overlooked in the syllabus. Here’s what you’ll always need:

• The book we are reading as a class (or a personal book if we’re not in a novel at the moment).
• Something to write on, preferably a small bound notebook of some sort, for taking notes as you read.
• Post-its, highlighters, your favorite pen, something to write in your book with.
• Loose paper or a notebook with removable pages, and a pen.
• Any work in progress—this is important; even if the paper or essay is not due that day, I may ask to see how it is coming along. It also helps me answer any questions you may have about the assignment.

As always, send me an email if you or your parents have any questions.

Strings outline below.

Is this creative, or does he have too much time on his hands?

Found via TheNextWeb

Here’s the outline so far.  If you have a brilliant idea, post it below.  We’ll continue discussion tomorrow.

1. I. Peace

1. A. Characters Introduced

1. 1. Billy, the only one who has hair

2. 2. Otto, has a wrench

3. 3. Deric MacGrave, extremely thin

B. Talks about normal life

1. 1. Spend days playing in streets

2. 2. Rules/guiding strings

3. 3. School, self-writing blackboard

4. 4. Market

5. 5. Our songs

2. II. Rules for Breaking/Market Vandalized

1. A. Billy is guided by the Strings to vandalize the market (Couldn’t control himself, enjoyed destroying the market)

2. B. Wakes up next day and looks for Deric MacGrave, finds him on the street, broken, with X’d-out eyes. He had fallen

1. 1. 1st miss rule

3. III. Nothing test

1. A. Billy is terrified, decides to stay in bed all day.

2. B. Later, Otto comes in to find Billy. Billy is guided to yell at Otto.

1. 1. 2nd miss rule

3. C. Otto says he is going to tell the Blackboard. Leaves, Billy runs after him.

4. IV. Twisted School

1. A. Billy follows Otto out into the street

2. B. Otto trips and neck snaps on his own Strings. His eyes roll up to X’s.

3. C. Billy drags Otto to the school to see if he can help.

4. D. Writes Question on Blackboard.

5. E. The Board gives a Twisted Drawing in response.

6. F. Billy throws Otto’s body into Blackboard, breaking it. He finds a recording machine…

5. V. End of the Line

1. A. Billy decides to solve his own problems.

2. B. He climbs his Strings.

3. C. Finds nothing, just his Strings tied to a bar.

4. D. Realizes he had been controlling himself all along.

5. E. He has grown out of his strings.

These links have been bouncing around my bookmark folders for a while, so I thought I’d share.

• Game Explanations for Beginners via Popmatters is a cool overview of the basics and history of gameplay.  The author gets a bit philosophical towards the end, and his jokes are aimed at established gamers, so I’m not sure who his audience is…
• Samorost 2 is an odd amalgam of adventure and puzzle genres.  The game isn’t difficult, but the art is amazing.  (After a quick Google search and 30 minutes of play I bring you Samorost [the Original].  Also cool.)
• Reading’s good, too!
• I am not an avid gameplayer, but I was completely blown away by World of Goo.  The same author wrote the story, created the art, composed the music, and designed the program.  Great design tour here.
• More to come as I dig.