I want a vote.

I can give you the final as a take home test tomorrow and make it due on next Thursday (16 Dec 2010), or I'll just include it with the homework packet for Winter Break.  BTW, the homework packet is already REALLY LONG.
Which will it be?
I want a vote of at least 10 people leaving a comment here or else I'll just decide for you, and you bet I'll choose the harder choice.

FUNNEL BRAIN!!

Since I get email updates from FunnelBrain, I got this extremely AWESOME email telling me about ACADEC. It's basically an online scrimmage, for FREE. :O Yes, that's right, they analyze your score with other Acadecians, for FREE. :O

Just go to this link right here: http://www.funnelbrain.com/cad/

Take one of the tests, analyze your score, and take a look at your areas of improvement.

YAY! I was super excited. . . as you can tell :D

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

-Vanisha(:

Update on the essays

So apparently there's a limit on how long a comment can be;
Sorry about that.
So instead of posting it as a comment,
Just go ahead and e-mail it to me,
And I'll post it on the language and literature page [link].
Which means you'll have to go there to read everyone else's essays and study off of them!
Ciao. :3
Seewah

New Deal Projects, Agencies, etc.

I was thinking about how I still don't know all of the acts; very sad story. D:
Soooo, I went and searched and looked at these websites:
http://www.historylearningsite.co.uk/new_deal.htm
http://americanhistory.about.com/od/greatdepression/tp/new_deal_programs.htm
http://www.livinghistoryfarm.org/farminginthe30s/money_13.html

I found it interesting; weird. I'm hoping the social science group will post the actual acts that we need to know, though. How many did they say there was? ..15 or something like that. And do we need to know the federal agencies too? I shall find that out.
Anyways, have a good 4-day weekend!

Yay for Four Day Weekends!

I'm sorry, I just HAD to add this picture.
It's Aizen from Bleach!
Pfft!

Now we get to sleep all we want, right?
Don't forget to do my homework though! Again, a here a [link] to the blog you have to post your homework on.  I'm postponing the due date to midnight between Saturday  and Sunday.  Anything late [that starts 12:01 am on Sunday, November the 14th!] will get 5 points reduction for each day.  The homework is worth 35 points (I know I said 50 to some of you guys earlier-- I changed it, okay?).




Right-o. Well, the real reason why I wanted to blog was because I saw some interesting parallels to Acadec-ish related information in some stuff I was browsing through.
First, a quote:

"Wit makes its own welcome, and levels all distinctions. No dignity, no learning, no force of character, can make any stand against good wit." -Ralph Waldo Emerson

What does Emerson have anything to do with the Great Depression?  The novel!  You know, the theme, the Over-Soul? Yeah, Steinbeck got that from Emerson!
I'll be going over themes post-scrimmage, so... too bad if that's going to be on the scrimmage tests, you should just read the entire Lang & Lit section from the test.

Ummm!
Oh, yes.
Second: videos.
Okay, so here's Vigilante Man by Woody Guthrie, which I played for you guys at the end of Tuesday's lesson.  If you remember, Woody Guthrie did the "So long, it's been good to know you" song from the CD.

I played this video because of the reference to Jim Casy in the verse around 1:50.

Here's the new video I wanted you to watch:

For those who didn't know, university students in England were protesting new government policy: a rise in tuition by nearly three times, and a reduction in government funding by 40%.  Mr. Callahan brought it up during Econ class, for those in his period 5 gold class.  Here's the [article] I got this video from.

Can you see the parallel I'm trying to make?  If I were you, I'd spend some time reflecting on whether or not strikes are "good", etc.  You never know, could be one of the essay topics.  Also, spend time reflecting on the role of strikes and how they have shaped our society today, and whether or not they are as effective today as they were in the 1930s.

And lastly, because I put on Woodie Guthrie, I just GOT to put on his son, the beloved Arlo Guthrie.  I grew up with this guy-- friggin' hilarious :)


It's a three-part video.  You gotta watch all of it, 'kay? ^^
Funni, funni stuff xD
Once you watch it, you will get half of my humor when I start speaking in funny voices during Pre-Calculus class...

Next Week's Presentations: Postone for Scrimmage practice?

Ok, so Ms. Kelly wants to know if you guys want to do tests from Demidec to practice for scrimmage.

This would mean that we would give up all lessons next week and do tests instead.

I'm willing to do this, since really you guys should have the basics,

Rebecca (art) says that she and Emily haven't presented all the basics yet but they're not presenting this week anyways so what does it matter.

What about you guys?

I've sent out e-mails to group leaders.
Please answer ASAP because Ms. Kelly needs to know if she's going to make copies!

Danks

Old Lang and Lit HW: The One Due 09 Nov 2010. Answers.

So, only 8 or so people turned it in, which makes me really disappointed.  It's really not that much.  Here's an answer that got full credit:

The Grapes of Wrath portrays humanity as part of a universal soul.  People must be unified in order to be strong.  Industrialization seems to dehumanize people, as it pits man against man for a steady wage and replaces people and animals with machinery.  The migrants' wrath is justified because it was brought about by the "evil" companies that took away everything that the migrants had.  The migrants bring about revolution by unionizing and demanding their rights.

That's only five sentences.  I graded based on clarity, effort, understanding, and whether or not the questions were answered.
Because such a small percentage of the class actually did their homework, please expect me to be harsher in grading the next homework assignments.

Below, I've given some examples of pretty okay answers to the questions.  They're paraphrased, so bear with the choppy grammar.  I'm also not done grading, so not everyone's awesome answer has been included.  I'll edit this post some more later... probably on Thursday.

How does Grapes of Wrath portray humanity?

"Humanity as something that is based on how we act in accordance to changing times... Casy leads the strike...to preserve human values... possibility of machines overtaking the human race because we acted as slaves to the machines... how easy it is to become inhuman through the hardships..."
-Richie

"Humanity as naturally holy... connects to the concept of the Over-Soul... when you connect to the natural world, you connect with humanity... people as at first good but then later corrupted by society and dehumanized... migrants are able to sympathize with each other because they know how the poor around them feel... the Over-Soul and holiness can only be reached when people gather together in unity... society not united and unable to reach holiness."
-Tsina Bing

"Humanity is portrayed as the quest for the Promised Land... and also the Garden of Eden before the fall of humankind...."
-Delia-chan!

In what way is industrialization at odds with this view of mankind?
"Industrialization leads to dehumanization... [people] become meaner to each other and choose to themselves.  They are already disconnected to the Over-Soul and choose to continue to be disconnected..."
-Such.A.Rita.Yellow.Prada

Is the migrants' wrath justified?
"[Yes] because it was brought about by the "evil" companies that took away everything that the migrants had."
-Bikachu

"... justified because they were treated like crap... noble and justified because their wrath is a good anger that inspires them to change things for the better."
-SY (again)

Just watched "V is for Vendetta" and now feel like blogging.

Now I know what people mean when they say that movie is a classic.  I mean.  I mean.  Like WOAH.  It was so good, I nearly cried (no nasty jokes).  I don't know if I can focus on my homework anymore.  Thank you, Mr. Eayrs for telling us to watch it for homework!  And thank you, Nancy, for lending it to Rebecca and me!  I am forever indebted to you!

Here, a gift:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uW6HbZXI9Y0&feature=related

I would embed it in the blog, but all clips have disabled embedding.  WHY?!?

Anyway, to somehow tie all this to Academic Decathlon...

1. Don't forget to do my homework.  Here, a [link] to the exact blog that I assigned the homework in.

2. Read Studs Terkel's Oral History excerpt in the USAD guide.  See my previous blog post for the video I posted.  Please watch it; that guy says a lot of great stuff.

3. A thoughtful rant from me....

So, reading about people in the USAD guide, going to that lecture at SacState, watching documentaries and interviews of everything, and all of the other things that I've been doing to prepare for the Academic Decathlon has really been getting me thinking that this was the era where truly inspiring people formed from the mire.  Frank Lloyd Wright, Studs Terkels, Billie Holiday-- these are all people that have really shaped society.  After they were seen, known, acknowledged by the public, our world was really never the same.  But this isn't something spectacular-- lives are changed everyday, without us even noticing.  There are so many amazing people, that it's nothing special.  That doesn't mean the world is dull, mundane, exaggerated.  No, this is an understatement of just how wondrous our world is.  I guess I'm just noticing this because I watched this video on vimeo about how certain people influence society and create trends.  It really doesn't have anything to do with what I'm saying, but I guess I'll post it here for the hell of it:

INFLUENCERS FULL VERSION from R+I creative on Vimeo.

Anyway, the point of all this was: when you read the USAD guide, when you complete Academic Decathlon homework, when you watch related documentary, don't treat this as if it was just information.  Information that's going to be tested on.  Information that you think has nothing to do with your life, is inapplicable, and that you just have to memorize to win a medal so that the colleges will be impressed when they see your resume.  There are lessons, concepts, universal truths to be learned here.  Think with a broader perspective.  Embrace the knowledge with your mind, heart, and soul.  I know this sounds super corny, but I think we students at SECA really need to learn that.

So, get cracking, have a wonderful night full of homework, and if you haven't watched V for Vendetta-- what are ya waitin' for? Get to it!

Studs Terkel

Check your guides for more about him. As you (should) know, he won the Pulitzer Prize and is also well-known for his oral histories.  We look specifically into the oral histories of Caesar Chavez and EY Harburg.
He actually died recently (2008).
Here's a few pictures of him:

This one's in the guide.

Anyway, this is just a preview for tomorrow.  Ben will be presenting, so listen closely!  Read the excerpt from the Oral History, and the info from the guide.

Finally, a Youtube vid:



Don't forget, homework due tomorrow!  Other assignment due later on this week!

"Tip the world over on its side and everything loose will land in Los Angeles." 

       -- Frank Lloyd Wright

What did Frank Lloyd Wright mean by that? I have noo idea.  Just thought it was interesting that an Acadec artists guy came up in a quotes gadget I have on iGoogle.
Did Becca ever find that documentary of FLW? No, because you have to buy it.
So, if you ever want to splurge a few dollars for the sake of the class, look for the Ken Burns Documentary on Frank Lloyd Wright.
In the meantime, here's a clip from it:

Seewah-chan desu ne! Language and Literature homework for the Sophomores.

Due on November 9,2010:
Answer the following questions:

How does Grapes of Wrath portray humanity?  In what way is industrializationat oddswiththis view of mankind?  Is the migrants' wrath justified?  How do the migrants bring about a revolution?

Details: You could write 4 very long sentences to answer this question. However, I don't recommend it.
Hint: These questions (and their answers) are in a guide.  Not necessarily the USAD guide, but a guide.


Due by midnight, Friday November 11 (the midnight between Thursday and Friday):
Go on Demidec, click on "Essay" under Subjects, then click on "100 Essay topics".
You guys are each assigned one of these topics, to be posted as a comment on THIS blog.
Do the essay prompt according to your number listed below:

1. Tsina!!!
2. Vanisha
3. Jorelyn.
4. Sandra
5. Joey
6.Josephine
7. Priya
8. Karen
9. Daryl
10. Nico
11. Sucharita
12. Emily
13. Becca
14. Delia
15. Andrew
16. Matthew
17. Richard
18. Aldo
19. Jasmine
20. Vanessa
21. Christian
22. Anissabel

PLEASE do a good job on this and don't leave it until the last minute!  It will be a study guide to the class for scrimmage! Use as many resources as you can (since you have them available to you, fufufuuu) and even ask this as a tutorial question! I don't care! Just do a good job :D

BTW, look at the "Language and Literature" page for a heads-up about next week.
Ciao!
-seewah..:3

Music :D

Study your crosswords for the test we told you about last week!

*Keep reviewing your notes from previous presentations as well...who knows, maybe this week Vanisha will test you on them. Just putting that out there!

Herro again! Ish Seewah, Again. This time about Econ.

Sorry if I'm stepping on your guys' toes.  I just like sharing information, and I really don't want to do my other homework right now. :D
Right so, here's my excuse for blogging again.
Remember that question that came up on Monday, about why intermediate goods are not included in the measurement of GDP? Well, I've been rewriting my notes while using the Demidec Econ Power Guide (that thing is a godsend.  Like seriously, clear as friggin' day and has wonderful examples.  Econ group should use it as a resource when presenting!!!) and here's what it says...
(well actually, this is what I've rewritten in my notes...)

Finals goods- goods which are consumed, not used to produce anything else.

intermediate goods- goods which are used to produce other goods.  Not counted in GDP cuz that would be "double-counting".  Value of intermediate goods should be reflected in the market value of final goods.

Kay? So stop flippin', yo!  Those apples that were originally sold for consumption but used to make juice to sell will be taken out of the "final goods" category and thus taken out of the GDP calculation.
Not that a crate of apples or two will make much of a difference...

Anyway, now that THAT'S out of the way, I just wanna mention the statistic that made me want to blog.
Page 83 of the power guide:
1. In 2009, US had the highest nominal GDP ($14.3 million)
To this, I went YAY! We're number one still! But then--
2. In 2009, US had a per capita GDP of $46,381 (making us 6th in the world).
I was like SAY WHAA?!

LOL. Yeah, just a bit Seewah-silliness.
Ciao, now!

 

Remember my question from the last music lesson...

"What's the difference between an ostinati and a motif?"

Vani, I took the liberty of checking it out myself.

The answer (found from wikipedia):
An ostinati IS a motif.

 An ostinato is always a succession of equal sounds, wherein each note always has the same weight or stress. The repeating idea may be a rhythmic pattern, part of a tune, or a complete melody in itself.

A classical music example:
The basso continuo part from Pachelbel's Canon in D.
Riffs are ostinato's.  Think "Iron Man" by  Black Sabbath: (<-- click for link to youtube)

This chord progression is repeated over and over again.


Thahnks por reading!
-Seewah.

History Study Guide

Sarah requested that this was uploaded, but I don't think the social science group saw this, so I shall post the terms and whatnot.

Keynesianism

mature capitalism

Adolf Berle (1 of the chief critics of big businesses)

Harry Bridges --> San. Fran. General Strike

American Liberty League

corporate liberalism

Farm Credit Act of June (1933)

United Council of Working-Class Women (UCWCW)

End Poverty in California (EPIC)

"share our wealth"

"soak-the-rich"

There ya go! I hope someone actually reads this..

Request for the history section!

I forgot to write down the whole list of terms you wanted us to study;
so could you post them here on the blog?
Danks, would be mucho appreciated! :D

BTW, Just a reminder guys.
Literature section isn't presenting this week either.
Sarhaa!

The Music Group...AGAIN!

since we "unexpectedly" did not present today, you shall receive your corrected crosswords and tests NEXT wednesday. if you have an extremely, extremely, extremely urgent question, please do ask us! if not, you'll bother us anyway -.- I dont know if anyone reads these posts but I'm (vanisha) always the one posting these. so if you have any questions, comments, or concerns about previous posts, presentations, or powerpoints you would like uploaded to snapgrades, please contact me or comment on this! ..I'm thinking about uploading the ppts either way.

p.s. it bothers me that many of you don't ask questions...*looking at your test scores* please, ASK!

A word from the Music Group...

there will be a test!

we changed our minds.

deal with it.

ok have fun!

Art test is today!

Okay, so I'm just blogging cuz I'm waiting to go to school.
Ganbatte, minna!
-^_^-

Update on Music

If you check out the "Music" page, you'll see the updates.

If you're too lazy to click the "Music" link, hint hint: there's no BIG music test anymore.

If you want more details, stop being lazy and click "Music" at the top of this page.

If you -- bye bye :D