PechaKucha

I watched Lessons in Falling. It was about how Alain Parizeau found himself with the help of Graphic Design. Things fell into place in his life and he found a way to use Graphic Design to creatively solve problems and help people feel good. All his slides where good, the pictures fit well together and were good sizes. He had lots of examples of things he had created, which I liked. So the presentation itself was good, but his speaking was an example of things not to do. He said things like umm and uhh a lot, and took very long pauses in talking. This took away from his presentation because it was easy to lose track of what he was talking about and get off focus. It also made it less clear what he was talking about. I could tell he was less comfortable talking and not rehearsed. I like this form of presentations, because I like pictures and would prefer not to read slides, but I am concerned about my talking going smoothly. Knowing what not to do can help just as much as knowing what to do. I just will be more aware of not using words such as: umm, uhh, like, and okay. Those extra words we don't need and add because we lose our train of thought or run out of things to say.

The Bitter, Sweet, and Aftertaste

In one of the letters I received from China the girl, Danlei, told me about the ancient city of Dali, located in northwestern Yunnan, where she grew up. She told me that if I were ever to visit that I needed to try the three courses of tea by the Bai nationality (Huang.)  I thought this was interesting, I’ve heard of multiple courses of meals, but never thought about having multiple course of a drink. She described each course and what really stood out to me is that one of the courses had cheese in it. I couldn’t imagine having a type of tea with cheese in it, so I had to look into these teas.

 

The Three Course Tea of Bai today is a kind of welcoming ceremony for treating guests and friends of the Bai people. It was originally a ceremony held by the senior members of the family to express good wishes for younger generations leaving home for school, work or when they are married. But now it has become one of the ways the Bai people show their value of friendship  (Three-course Tea Of Bai, Three-Course Tea of Bai Ethnic Minority.)


The courses are the "bitter, sweet and aftertaste". The first course is the Bitter Tea. This tea is made from baking a local green tea in a pottery jar till they have a “scorched” smell and they turn yellow, then the boiling water s added to make the tea. You get half a cup, it is described as bitter and strong, but still refreshing. The second, the Sweet Tea, is made by diluting the bitter tea with more boiling water, and adding brown sugar, cinnamon, and Ru Shan, which is the cheese like food. It is just a daily product made from goat cheese. This course is “chewed” and is sweet and nourishing. The last is the Aftertaste. Honey, ginger, Chinese pepper, and semen juglandis, which are type of walnut kernel, are added to this tea. Danlei described how in all three courses you taste the five flavors: sweet, sour, bitter, pungent, and salty. The Bai people think of it as your life- bitter, sweet and full of aftertaste (Three-course Tea Of Bai, Three-Course Tea of Bai Ethnic Minority.)

 

I think this is a very fascinating tradition. The Bai people found a way to get all of these different tastes just from only three teas. Danlei said it was an unforgettable taste for her, and I would love to try it one day if I get the opportunity, even though I am not a big fan of tea. I also think it is a good connection with life. The more I’ve thought about it life is exactly that: bitter, sweet, and full of aftertaste.

 

 

Secondary Sources

 

"Three-course Tea Of Bai." -Yunnan Tourism Website. N.p., n.d. Web. 06 Nov. 2014.

 

"Three-Course Tea of Bai Ethnic Minority,China Guide,Great Wall Travel." Three-Course Tea of Bai Ethnic Minority,China Guide,Great Wall Travel. N.p., n.d. Web. 06 Nov. 2014.

Primary Source

 

Huang, Daniela. "Good days in Dali." Letter to Mary Books. 21 Oct. 2014. MS. Qingdao, China.

Reading Response #4

Uglies by Scott Westerfeld

I started reading this series of books a few years ago, but like most things I just never finished them. So I decided to start over from the beginning. There are four books, and the first is Uglies. It is a book based in the future. This is clear due to the crazy technology and this society's totally new way of thinking about how our humankind looks. People that look like how normal people look today are considered “ugly”, and on everyone’s 16th birthday they get an operation to become “pretty”. Basically the operation makes everyone perfect, it takes away human flaw, and gives everyone the best life they could imagine. After getting the operation teenagers are moved to a new town to party and be pretty with other pretty people.

Tally, the main character has just lost her best friend, Peris, to New Pretty Town, because he is three months older than her and has been turned pretty. Tally, wants nothing more than to become pretty and be with Peris. She feels like a young gross child, still having all her impurities. Through the book Tally starts to realize there is more to life than just partying and being pretty, and she values her three months as an ugly more than she would have originally thought. There is a good deal of excitement in this book, as Tally and a new friend have a few adventures. The whole pot and idea of the book is quite interesting.

Right off the bat Westerfeld uses an odd style, and describes the surroundings in different way, “The early summer sky was the color of cat vomit.” This statement is off putting and kind of gross, but it paints a picture. It says something about both Westerfeld’s writing style but also ties into the character of Tally. At the beginning of the book Tally has very a negative outlook on being ugly, and really a negative outlook on her whole life. She thinks all her problems will be solved by this big operation.

The image shows how even though Tally thinks she is an "ugly", she is what we would think today is normal. Just an average girl, but because of the world she lives in she is thought to be ugly. I think it's interesting to think about what it would be like if we all looked perfect. Even our pretty people today would still be considered ugly until they got the operation.

Refection

I honestly don't know what to think about what we did in class today. I didn't like the bias test. I don't feel like that was a reliable test. I didn't think of it having anything to do with a race or bad and good words, I was just sorting things in the way that they told me to. Naturally I messed up more when they switched the sides, because it took me adapting to something different. I got that I moderately prefer European American, which I don't really agree with. I have no preference, and I put I was neutral about both when the test directly asked. I believe I got that result because I made more mistakes when I had the European American and Bad on the same side, but that was the way it was after they switched sides, so it was the opposite of what I had done to start with. I didn't like the test, and don't like being told I have a preference, when I don't.

The Face to Face sight was interesting. I only listened to the section about FBI Investigations. It was insightful, and I liked directly hearing about personal experiences having to do with the treatment of different races after 9/11. They all felt like their lives were intruded on and that they had nothing personal. Multiple people talked about how they were surprised about all the FBI knew. Another common theme was about how people where judge based just on their skin color and names. Khaled Abou El Fadl talked about how now he wears a suit and has to be accepting of things that could happen when he flies. He knows there is the possibility for people wanting to change seats, and that people will watch what he does more closely. I believe who we are has nothing to do with the color of our sign. This isn't a topic people like to talk about, but it is sad that people live in fear and take extra precautions because of something they have no control over.

Reading Response #3

Reading Response: Safe Haven by Nicholas Sparks

When I was younger I loved Nicholas Sparks. I spent a whole summer just reading his books and I ended up reading most of them. For some reason I just stopped after a while, and then my mom got me Safe Haven for Christmas. So I finally decided to read it. I feel differently about Nicholas Sparks’ writing than I used to. He is a really good writer but his stories just seem a little cheesy and predictable now. I don’t even know if I’ll finish the book.

Like all of Sparks’ books this is a love story. Katie wonders into Southport, NC, with no intention of making any friends. She stays to herself, trying only to get what she needs: new clothes, a job, and a house. After going into the local grocery store it becomes clear she isn’t going to be able to keep her life secluded from everyone like she wanted. Alex, a widowed man with two children, owns the store. Right away you see there is going to be something because of the way Katie acts with his children. What keeps you interested in the beginning is trying to figure out what Katie is trying to get away from.

“He didn’t want that to happen. Not for selfish reasons, but because she was entitled to the kind of life she’d come here to find. A normal life. A life of simple pleasures, the kind most people take for granted: the ability to go where she wanted and live in a home where she felt safe and secure. She also needed a way to get around.”(p.65)

In the quote above you can tell Alex cares about Katie from the start. He wants to respect her, and keep his distance because he can tell that’s what she wants, but he just can’t help wanting to make things easier for her. He knows some about her past, but I can’t explain any of that. I wouldn’t want to give it away, even though I’m sure a lot of you have seen the movie. Alex just wants to do all he can without it being too much.

This picture is from the movie, when Katie first goes into Alex's store, and meets him and his daughter, Kristen.You can see from the picture how Kristen automatically takes a liking to Katie. Alex is hooked on Katie in the beginning because of how well she gets along with his children. This moment is the start of everything.

Even though I don't like this book, it's still good, and I think it's better than the movie. So if you like love stories you should read it.  

Reading Response #2

Reading Response: Water for Elephants, part 2

I ended up being extremely pleased with this whole book. I read the rest of it in one day, it was so unlike myself, but I just couldn’t put it down. The book’s second half really kept me interested.

     When I wrote my previous response, I thought that Jacob and Rosie’s relationship was going to become a bigger part of the book. Instead there was barely enough bonding between them described, making it more special and not too much. The parts she is in, it is clear that Jacob and Marlena truly love Rosie, and she loves them back. Marlena is the one that causes all Jacob’s woman problems, and she is the one that performs with the animals. “Marlena stares at it, wide-eyed. The she crumples to the ground. Rosie fans her ears, opens her mouth, and steps sideways so she’s standing directly over the top of Marlena.”(p. 310) In the bunch of chaos that is going on in the book at this point, Rosie knows to protect Marlena. She is an incredibly smart animal, that takes care of the people she loves. It might have seemed like a small acted, but that act saved Marlena’s life.

 

Side thought:If you have seen the movie, you know the really big thing that Rosie does. I think you should know, it was far better reading it in the book. 

 

     I loved the ending just like I loved the beginning. It was a perfect ending to the book. Still one of my favorite things about this book is that it goes back and forth between present and past. It is always had a well connected transition between him being old and him being young. I enjoyed reading the parts in present time, even though there is less going on there are still some exciting parts. The book ends in present time, and this is just the start of Jacob’s last big adventure.

“I scootch to the edge of my seat and reach for my walker. By my estimation, I’m only eighteen feet from freedom. Well, there’s an entire city block to traverse after that, but if I hoof it I bet I can catch the last few acts. And the finale- it won’t make up for missing the Spec, but it’s something. A warm glow tingles through me and I snort back a giggle. I may be in my nineties, but who says I’m helpless?”(p.322)

Jacob Jankowski is just such a character in his old age. He has nothing to lose and is tired of being told he can’t do things on his own. The circus was the biggest part of his life, why should he miss it being in town just because he’s old.

 

Read the book. It’s great.

     The picture above displays the strongest relationships throughout the book. You see how Jacob loves Rosie and how Marlena loves Jacob because of his love for Rosie, or just the animals in general. These are the characters that matter the most. This picture is what it's all about, these three characters trying to just be together and happy.

Reading Response #1

Reading Response: Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen

“I am ninety. Or ninety-three. One or the other. When you're five, you know your age down to    the month. Even in your twenties you know how old you are. I'm twenty-three, you say, or maybe twenty-seven. But then in your thirties something starts to happen. Its a mere hiccup at first, an instant of hesitation. How old are you? Oh, I’m- you start off confidently, but then you stop. You were going to say thirty-three, but you're not. You're thirty-five. And then you're bothered, because you wonder if this is the beginning of the end. It is, of course, but it’s decades before you admit it. 
You start to forget words: they're on the tip of your tongue, but instead of eventually dislodging, they stay there. You go upstairs to fetch something, and by the time you get there you can’t remember what it was you were after. You call your children by the names of all your children and finally the dog before you get to his. Sometimes you forget what day it is. And finally you forget the year. 
Actually, it’s not so much that I’ve forgotten. It’s more like I’ve stopped keeping track. We’re past the millennium, that much I know- such a fuss and bother over nothing, all those young folks clucking with worry and buying canned food because somebody was too lazy to leave space for four digits instead of two- but that could have been last month or three years ago. And besides, what does it really matter? What’s the difference between three weeks or three years or even three decades of mushy peas, tapioca, and Depends undergarments?

I am ninety. Or ninety-three. One or the other.”(page 5)

          

I understand that this is a pretty decent size quote, it was just that it couldn't be broken up, I had to use it all. This is the first page of Chapter 1. I have never liked a beginning of a book as much as I like this one. I can't pen point exactly what it is, I just love it. It seems like such a strange topic to start with, but surprisingly it plays a dominate role in the novel. 

Jacob Jankowski is an elderly man in a nursing home, who has lived an exciting, unusual life. During Jacob's dreams you are taken back to when he was in his twenties, living life with the Benzini  Brothers Most Spectacular Show on Earth, a circus, during the prohibition. It is two parts of Jacob’s life being told in the same story, having chapters in the present and past. It amazes me how the author, Sara Gruen, is able to write for the character of Jacob, an old man with a strong desire to live a young live or is ready to die. There is definitely a darker, depressing side to this novel. It makes you really think about how much it sucks to get older. His opinion stops having the weight that it used to and he has no say in his life, because he is old, everyone else knows best. 



There is just so much to this book. In Jacobs younger life, as a vet for the circus, it becomes obvious that will be some romantic love connections, which is predictable, but I think the most inspiring relationship is between Jacob and the animals. Especially Rosie the elephant, who is the newest attention to the show. Everyone thinks she is a dumb animal that doesn't do anything but eat and go to the bathroom. Most think she is a waste of money and shouldn't have been boughten from the circus that left her behind, but I think Jacob has hope. I'm just getting to the start of their friendship but I can already tell that the bond they are going to have will be strong, just like some of the bonds he has with other animals.

“Come on, Bobo,” says Pete, reaching for the chimp.
The chimp’s hairy arms and legs tighten around me. 
“Come on now,” I say.
Nothing. 
“All right. One last hug and that’s it,” I say, pressing my face against his       dark fur.
The chimp flashes a toothy smile and kisses me on the cheek. (page 146)

There is no denying that the animals love Jacob, because Jacob has love for then animals. He shows gives them care in their very abusive conditions. He risks his life for the good of the animals and does everything he can for them. 

I'm pretty excited read what's going to happen next and to finish this book. 

101 Things About Me, Or Maybe Just 17

1. My name is Mary Books and yet I don't like to read books.

2. I have three brothers, two older and one younger, and I'm pretty close with all of them. My younger brother, Sam, is a freshman this year, and I would probably consider him one of my best friends.

3. I turned 19 this week, yes I know I'm old, but it's just one of the ways I'm different from your average Joe.

4. I did pole vaulting last year, and wasn't the greatest, but I hope to get better this year. I also joined cross country this year. I still kinda hate running, but I keep getting told I'm going to love it, and it has gotten better. So maybe there is hope.

5. My favorite thing to do in my free time is cook. I haven't had a lot of time lately and I really miss it. Something has got to change.

6. I also enjoy spending my days with Caroline, swimming at the pool and watching absolutely terrible movies on Netflix. We have skills and can find the worst made movies ever.

7. I have a pet bearded dragon, named Edwardo. He is about 4 years old and I love him so much. It might be strange that I love a big, scaly, lizard, but he's just so cute.
Oh and I have a pet goldfish, named Larry. Sydney bought me him from Wal-Mart, and he has managed to live for 10 months now, in a glass bowl with nothing but water. LARRY LIVES.

8. I don't have a favorite color because I don't like to pick favorites. I also don't have a favorite food, type of music, season, or holiday.

9. I like basically all music with the exception of country. I've just never liked it at all. It makes me want to pull my ears off.

10. I have lived in over 14 houses, in multiple states, all before the age of 12.

11. I cannot stand things that are unorganized, and yet I live in a room that is currently a disaster.

12. One of my least favorite things is being cold, I hate it so much. My muscles get all tight and there is no way to relax, I just can't stand it. All it makes me want to curl up and sleep.

13. I really really really hate living in Missouri. The weather is SO terrible. Summers are hot and humid while winters are cold and miserable. We don't even get enough snow for it to be fun, not that I would really play in it if we did.

14. My dad lives in New Mexico, and I haven't gotten to visit him yet but I think I might love it there. Dry heat for most of the year. That is the life for me.

15. I love to eat almost as much as I love to cook, and I can eat a lot. I really should probably weigh 100 pounds more than I do.

16. I have an extensive T-shirt collection of around 90 shirts, 14 of which are just plain white v-necks. What can I say, I just love T-shirts.

17. I've spent most of my life being extremely awkward. I'm still a little awkward, but I got a lot better last year, and think I'm still improving. Who knows I could be a whole new Mary one day.