The Secondhand Experience

My mom grew up in the period following Mao's death, when the re-education and cultural revolution was winding down so all of her childhood stories weren't during this period, and she had a fairly peaceful childhood.  Reading this much more exciting and dynamic account of the time period is very interesting to me, because I've never really learned much about China's recent history beforehand.  Its definitely a much more personal experience reading a book, even if its fictional, than learning about it from a wikipedia or a lecture.

Dear Calvin

Dear Calvin,
          Look, I know English isn't your favorite subject and writing isn't your strong suit, but honestly, you've been a little lackluster.  You wait for too long to begin writing, and the difference between your first and final draft is far too little.  You never pay attention to passive voice or the tense either. Your writing is logical most of the time, but sometimes your supporting evidence or paragraphs are weak; you should spend more time looking for good evidence.  I think you do an ok job with flow and general essay fluidity, but grammar mistakes and poor word choice can sometimes mess that up too.  Just work on your writing please.


From,
Calvin

Banned Books

          I've read a couple of book on the banned list, but I think that the primary reason that these books are banned is that they deal with sexuality, something teachers aren't uncomfortable dealing with, and shouldn't be.  Books that are banned because they introduce 'dangerous' ideas shouldn't be, it should be determined by the quality of the writing, plot, and interest of the book.  If a book had been seen as dangerous or illegal by my community it would make me want to read it more.  I think that would make it that much more interesting.  An interesting fact about banned books is those who burned book historically are seen as the most brutal, harsh rulers like Qin Shihuangdi or Hitler.

Wimps in Sports

Whatever people say about my generation and how we're a bunch of wimps, I know that I'm not.  I know that every time that I play a game, I desperately want to win.  And I know plenty of people like me, and I know plenty of people that are less competitive than me.  But I know that they kept score when I was playing AYSO.  I don't know if it really makes a difference, but dealing with wins and losses will be something that happens in everyone's lives.  So if they don't keep score in youth leagues, a generation of wimps won't emerge, but people less emotionally equipped to deal with losses might.

Let me leave you with a slightly unrelated amusing image I found on google: