Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Enrique's Journey

Hi Class!

I just wanted to provide you a few links for more information on Sonia Nazario, and her book Enrique's Journey.

I also found a fascinating Radio interview with the author on National Public Radio.


It's long, but take a listen!

Miss K

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Class Blog List: IV

IVA

Alfaro Morales, Leslie Aileen http://lesliealfaro.blogspot.com/
Alvarez Ibáñez, Juan Pablo http://writenowalvarez20.blogspot.com
Ardón Arugeta, Rodrigo http://charlie-ardon.blogspot.com/
Berganza Sandoval, Maury Alejandra http://nolimitsbeyond.blogspot.com
Cabrera Turcios, Anna María http://anniect28.blogspot.com/
Cartegena Pineda, Juan José http://carta118.blogspot.com/
Castellanos Cadenas, Flor de María http://flor-castellanos.blogspot.com/
Chrioy García, Roberto http://roberto-cg.blogspot.com/
Espinoza Sierra, Ana Gabriela http://gespinozas.blogspot.com/
Flores Paíz, José Leonel http://leonelnewsblog7.blogspot.com/
Guindi Selechnik, Sandra Stella http://sandraguindi.blogspot.com/
Luna Clara, José Leonel http://mylife-jose94.blogspot.com/
Mackay Paredes, Andrea Lucia http://andreamackay11.blogspot.com/
Mancilla Alcazar, Juan Pablo http://typingwords123.blogspot.com/
Mayén Martínez, Daniela Ximena http://playwithdollbarbies.blogspot.com/
Morales Gutiérrez, Silvia Estela http://bebmgee.blogspot.com
Padilla Eskenasy, Anna Karina de la Asunción http://karina-padilla.blogspot.com
Palma Orozco, Kartherinne Michelle http://youmaylaughnow.blogspot.com
Pinto Roque, Mariandré http://towardsthefutureoflife.blogspot.com/
Pira López, María Cesilia http://ceci-pira.blogspot.com/
Ramirez Herodier, Juan Carlos http://mybestlifeexperience-juan.blogspot.com/
Robles Sánez, Camila http://somebodysnotebook.blogspot.com/
Ruiz García, José Alejandro http://alexelpapiruiz.blogspot.com/
Santos Pérez, Miriam Adriana http://miriadsp-snowbunting.blogspot.com/
Sechel Balsells, Esteban http://esteban-sechel.blogspot.com/
Solórzano Abed, André Musa http://theinked-am-sa.blogspot.com
Valez Vásquez, Mónica Ivonne http://monicasmemories16.blogspot.com/
Villatoro Casteñada, Melissa http://fenestra-mvc.blogspot.com/


IVB

Argueta Cifuentes, Izabella http://dancerblg.blogspot.com/
Arguijo Evans, Luis Fernando http://bestcar2choose.blogspot.com/
Barrera Pac, Andrea Isabel http://aisbarrera.blogspot.com/
Caravantes Armas, Elizabeth Andrea http://myheartspeaks-elizabeth.blogspot.com/
Castillo Panamá, Marie Andreé http://lhpl94.blogspot.com/
Chea Arivalo, Marco Antonio http://alwayskeepthat.blogspot.com/
Contreras Chang, Estefany http://lovelikeair.blogspot.com/
Contreras Tánchez, Estefanía http://freeskw.blogspot.com/
Durand Mendizabal, Michelle http://happymichi.blogspot.com/
Franco Dominguez, Ana Lucia http://analu-franco.blogspot.com/
Garcia-Salas Mandrona, María del Rocío
Heffner Rodriguez, Michael http://myminddepth.blogspot.com/
Leon Echeverría, Liza María lizaleon.blogspot.com
Luna Aguilar, Miguel Angel http://litestorymiguel.blogspot.com/
Mansilla Arreola, William Rorigo http://youwifree.blogspot.com/
Mena Morales, Celeste Maria http://lifefeelingslove.blogspot.com/
Mendoza Pérez, María Andrea Beatriz http://bea-mendoza.blogspot.com
Moran Toledo, María Fernanda http://carpediemmmt.blogspot.com/
Motta Bran, Mariela Adriana http://fearless-diary.blogspot.com/
Peña Duque, Pamela http://pameoutstandingandbless.blogspot.com/
Redón Chávez, Estrella Isabel http://www.estrellitarendon.blogspot.com/
Rosil Johannessen, Christopher Gabriel http://informermachine.blogspot.com/
Sagastume Canova, Jenynfer http://www.nevergiveup-onlife.blogspot.com/
Saldivia Estrada, María José http://majoteenagesoul.blogspot.com/
Sandoval Echeverría, Andrea María http://www.strong-bipolar.blogspot.com/
Solis Macilla, Dominiquehttp://domsolis.blogspot.com/
Tijerno Cordón, Pablo Alejandro http://pablotijerino.blogspot.com
Wyss Menéndez, Juan Esteban http://wyssdude.blogspot.com/

IVC

Aparicio Veliz, Marcela http://dailyteenagerthoughts.blogspot.com/
Barillas Ruiz, Rueben Estuardo http://topgeargt.blogspot.com/
Casteñada Flores, Paula http://my-littleuniverse.blogspot.com/
Cardón Morfin, Andrea María http://acordon-danbo.blogspot.com/
Chávez Arrianza, María Gabriela http://fourtimesfour.blogspot.com/
Cohn Bech, Melanie Michelle http://michellecohn.blogspot.com/
de la Roca Garcia, Pablo Javier http://myhouseisprogressive.blogspot.com/
de la Torre Valle, Alejandra http://behindmysmile-adlt.blogspot.com/
Domínguez Chután, Andrés http://sporty-funny-checs.blogspot.com/
Farrington Aguilar, Joanne http://dreaming-inspired-living.blogspot.com/
Guerra Paredes, Ana María http://Asmilecostsnothingbutgivesmuch.blogspot.com
Lemus Orozco, Jennyfer Pamela
Luna Aguilar, Mynor Vinicio http://sixthemescollide.blogspot.com/
Mayén Meyer, Juan Pablo Nathan
Monio Leal, Renato Stefan http://achtung-baby360one.blogspot.com/
Norguera Pineda, Mónica http://wedefinemusicasawayoflife.blogspot.com/
Nolte Brol, Martin Johannes http://happyisjustmynickname.blogspot.com
Pineda Lara, Manuel Estuardo http://greatmemories123.blogspot.com
Rivera Salazar, Karen Michelle http://perfectly-imperfect-pi.blogspot.com/
Rubio Gandara, Alejandra http://whatteenagersshouldknow.blogspot.com/
Samayoa Barrera, Claudia Fabiola http://fabiola-samayoa.blogspot.com/
Sánchez Ramos, Andrea Paola http://livelaughlovedancegetfool.blogspot.com
Soto Benítez, María Fernanada http://www.hope-avenue.blogspot.com
Tenenbaum Israelsky, Florence Ariela http://arielat.blogspot.com
Vasquez Gonzáles, Alicia Pamela http://1happyfamilysaturday.blogspot.com/
Zelada López, Lourdes María http://lourdeszl.blogspot.com/

Thursday, August 18, 2011

Virtual Tour: Paris Opera House

Hi Class!

Here's the link for your assingment on the virtual tour for the Paris Opera House.

Remember:

1. Take your tour.
2. Choose a room in the tour that is also in the book.
3. Look up the passage from the book to use it in your writing.
4. Write one, solid paragraph comparing and contrasting the photo from the tour vs. Leroux's description in The Phantom of the Opera.
5. Write one more paragraph describing how this exercise influences and helps you understand the setting of the story.


Please write one full page, double spaced with a proper heading by Friday 7:00. I'll check my mailbox at the end of 1st period, and all other assignments received after that will be late.

if you have a problem with ink/printing. E-mail your copy BEFORE school on Friday morning. Then, put a paper copy IN MY MAILBOX with a note from your parents by Monday.


Good luck!

Miss K

Monday, August 1, 2011

Capote. Extra Credit.

Hi Class!

I'm going to grant extra credit for whoever wants to watch Capote or Julie and Julia on their own time.

I would like you to write one paragraph summarizing the plot of the movie, and another paragraph that explains just how far you would go to write your own "nonfiction novel." Would you pay for a new lawyer like Capote did? Would you sacrifice three years of friendship and relationships with those around you to leave the country and write a book?


Due, in my mailbox by Friday morning.

Typed, double spaced.


Miss K

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Class Blog List

Hi Class!

Below you'll find a list of all of the blogs your classmates are writing.
Check it out!



IIIA:


1. Aranky, Mariam http://kirkebell.blogspot.com/
2. Arenales, Vera http://vera-a-blog-0310.blogspot.com/
3. Arreola, Sergio http://footballandthelife.blogspot.com/
4. Avila, Marisa http://marisasiram.blogspot.com/
5. Chang, Stephanie http://experiences-tefyrojas.blogspot.com/
6. Chea, Marco V. http://somethingnewbymch.blogspot.com/
7. Estrada, Alejandra http://alejandra-e.blogspot.com
8. Heffner, Krista http://kheffner.blogspot.com
9. Landaverde, Sofia http://myhistoryplace.blogspot.com
10. Mena, Jose Pablo http://soccerfcj.blogspot.com/
11. Mendizabal, Jose Manuel http://josemmendizabal-m.blogspot.com/
12. Ordonez, Pablo http://pablo-11sep.blogspot.com
13. Pira, Sofia http://justotherannoyingguy.blogspot.com/
14. Poroj, Cristian http://dolcezza-di-writing.blogspot.com/
15. Rivera, Jose Carlos http://lovingthemusictonight.blogspot.com/
16. Roma, Marco http://pato-roma2.blogspot.com/
17. Salazar, Luis Fernanado http://onmywaytogreatness.blogspot.com/
18. Tenenbaum, Joseph http://cars-joseph.blogspot.com/
19. Zambrano, Luisa Fernanada http://livinontherollercoaster.blogspot.com/
20. Zecena, Desi http://desizecena.blogspot.com/
21. Zhou, Sophia http://soophiezl.blogspot.com/





IIIB:


1. Alarcon, Isabel http://dopey-girl.blogspot.com
2. Argueta, Guillermo http://stcampus.blogspot.com/
3. Avila, Luisa http://unique-couture.blogspot.com/
4. Caravantes, Alvaro http://until12am.blogspot.com/
5. De Leon, Alejandra http://ale-facing.blogspot.com/
6. Enriquez, Marcela http://marcelamystery.blogspot.com/
7. Fratti, Noe http://lilybillydilly.blogspot.com
8. Gaytan, Carmen http://theprettytragedy6.blogspot.com
9. Gonzalez, Francisco http://whatgoestrhoughfrancismind.blogspot.com/
10. Higeros, Jose Pablo http://myownblogspotblog.blogspot.com
11. Kesler, Roberto http://untillmidnight.blogspot.com
12. Lemus, Ma. Andree http://purple-flight.blogspot.com
13. Marroquin, Paola http://paola-wwwarchaeology-cer.blogspot.com/
14. Mendez, Mafer http://epicfacts-mafe.blogspot.com/
15. Posadas, Javier http://xavip-xavisblog.blogspot.com/
16. Rivera, Rodrigo http://rodrigoriveraavila.blogspot.com
17. Ruiz, Luisa http://luisaruiz18.blogspot.com/
18. Sandoval, Jose Andres http://josesc-toxicrain.blogspot.com/
19. Santizo, Katherine http://katherin-santizo.blogspot.com/
20. Susbielles, Luis Pedro http://luispesusbielles.blogspot.com/
21. Tejada, Juan Diego http://diegoguatemala.blogspot.com/
22. Toledo, Ernesto http://netoledo.blogspot.com




IIIC:

1. Aranky, Amira http://mimi-yankee.blogspot.com
2. Avedano, Andrea http://andreav95.blogspot.com
3. Barrera, Nathalie http://nathaliebarrera.blogspot.com
4. Cancinos, Michelle http://michellec-justmywords.blogspot.com/
5. Cardona, Hector http://hectorsoccer.blogspot.com/
6. Chiroy, Ana Lucia http://analucgarcia.blogspot.com/
7. Cuevas, Jean http://jeanliterature.blogspot.com
8. Echeverria, Ma. Isabel http://marisa-echeverria.blogspot.com/
9. Echeverria, Ma. Jose http://majosays-majo.blogspot.com/
10. Galvez, Alicia http://aliciagalvez.blogspot.com/
11. Garcia, Carlos http://radiacwave.blogspot.com/
12. Gereda, Fernando http://fgereda95-soccernmusicblog.blogspot.com/
13. Laylle, Belen http://positive-belen.blogspot.com/
14. Lemus, Juan Pablo http://anotherstarinsky.blogspot.com
15. Lopez, Mariana http://mariana-lopez-f.blogspot.com
16. Morales, Cristian http://chompipeloco.blogspot.com/
17. Ocampo, Alejandra http://aleja-itsmyworld.blogspot.com
18. Padilla, Bryan http://bryanpa-blog.blogspot.com/
19. Palmieri, Claudia http://lifeisnoteasydealwithit.blogspot.com
20. Pimental, Israel http://israel-alfonso-pimentel.blogspot.com/
21. Ponce, Ma. Renee http://being-me-marre.blogspot.com
22. Quintero, Ana Luica http://readingcouch21.blogspot.com/
23. Smith, Daniel http://homework-daniel.blogspot.com
24. Zimmerman, Ricardo http://rzimmermann.blogspot.com

Sunday, July 10, 2011

Guatemala, MN

I'm at the antiqued table in the living room that was furnished by my Canadian landlord, exhausted from grading papers, listening to "Minneapolis, WI" from Bon Iver's new album, and missing Minnesota more than I probably should be.

You see, Bon Iver, in so many ways, represents Minnesota for me. From concerts like Rock the Garden, to the fact that he went to high school in Savage, MN with one of my friends (who ironically also lives in Guatemala), Justin Vernon, now Bon Iver, is a regular Minnesotan who had to leave to find himself too. Aside from his whimpering falsetto, our lives seem to have some sort of parallelism. Instead of fleeing to a tiny cabin in Wisconsin to write a music album after a terrible break up, I fled to Guatemala thinking I could somehow inspire students to love literature and writing. Somehow, I think Vernon got the better end of the deal. Worldwide fame, endless traveling...


Though I just returned from a week in that lake-filled place I call home, I feel as if the trip was more like a dream. For here I am, back in Guatemala, as if nothing has changed.

And really, nothing has, other than me.



Each time I return to Minneapolis, the skyline radiates over the Mississippi and the Gold Medal Flour sign shines over the Hennepin Avenue bridge. And I breathe out loud through that comfort of home, through the hours of yoga with my best friends, dinner and jazz shows with my parents, and into the face of my nephew.

Indeed, Minneapolis overall, seems to remain unchanging on the surface of it's local food movement, farmers markets, miles of bike lanes, and projects of sustainability. MPR and the Current are still responsible for good news and new Indie. The cherry in the Sculpture Gardens and The Walker Art Center are still free on Thursday, thanks to Target. My friends and I frequent the same locations, and places like the patio at the French Meadow Bakery on Lyndale Avenue near my old apartment have never smelled sweeter.


But what sours the situation is that the longer I find I am gone, the more the landscape of my friends changes with the seasons. On this last trip home, someone who was once my best friend in the dance department, my roommate, and my accomplice in the local music scene has become as distant as my physical distance to home. We treated our bloody blisters, collaborated from a creative standpoint, and confided in one another. But over time, our relationship has morphed from desperately finding tickets to Bon Iver, Sun Kil Moon and Calexico to canceling a coffee date last minute because she "got up late, and wants to shop the garage sales in her neighborhood."

But that's how it works. Sometimes you hit the metaphorical friendship jackpot, and sometimes you don't. Sometimes the friendship ends in a swift slice, because he or she has hurt you beyond your words or your forgiveness. Sometimes the air is let out of the tire in a slow leak, little by little, disappointment by disappointment. This, in my opinion, is far worse than the quick blow, because before you really realize it, you're left with a shell of a friendship and a physical appearance with you friends at the bar ends up being all you get because she had to "leave early for another birthday party."

"You know I'm only in town for a week, right?"





While I would have once let that idea sadden and anger me (and while I would be lying if I said it didn't in some ways), I see now, the positive side of moving away. I know now, who my best friends are, and who were simply playing the part. I know now that this chance I have is unlike any other, and this chance will weed out those who are true and those who will eventually flake off the wall like chipping paint.


And, to be frank, there isn't much you can do about peeling paint, other than strip it clean and choose a new color. This isn't the first time a brilliant color has faded from sunlight and worn with time, and it certainly won't be the last.

Thursday, July 7, 2011

Correction for Blog on Tuesday, July 19th

Hi Class:

I just wanted to leave you a short reminder.

On your assignment sheet for Tuesday, July 19th, there is a prompt titled: {People I've Met}.

Unfortunately, I mixed up prompts. Please include the prompt {People I've Met} (which really addresses the weather) as an option for Tuesday, July 26.



Then, consider the following two prompts for Tuesday the 19th:
Biogrphy--Portrait week.

[Someone Significant] Create a short biography about someone you know well who is not a family member. Describe their habits, accomplishments, and personality in the style of the essay we read on Albert Einstein.

[First Impressions] Write about the first time you saw someone significant in your life. Often we make first impressions, or initial judgements of people, that turn out to be wrong. Have you ever misjudged someone on first sight? What kind of first impression did you have? Did they seem too pretty or good looking to also be smart? How has your impression changed over time? Think about how you see that person now, and how your first idea of him or her is different from how you think about him or her in the present.

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

A note on the name...



The explanation is really as simple as noting bouginavillea are more commonly known as Paper Flowers.

Appropriate, hmm?