FINAL

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the foever war end

Our group discussed many things last time-- the novel as a whole mostly. We figured that with all the stories the author tells taken in all have one thing in common: the war is forever and is not going to end for this country or their people anytime soon. The evens are also not in chronological order. This, however, is not significant. He actually makes a strong point by doing this, all the situations hit the readers just as hard, and what happened before is still happening, once again roving the consistency of the problems and the never ending battles. I think Filkins is one of the bravest people or authors I have ever encountered. Unfortunately, I have never met him, yet I feel I know him on a personal level. He went to the Middle East to show Americans what was really going on. Before reading this I had no clue, and I mean NO CLUE about foreign affairs, and sadly The War On Terror. Filkins didn't just open my eyes, he made me appreciate life and see the true hardships and what good journalism is really about.

article

The article we had handed out in class to read was very interesting. I think it struck my interest because I have been a waitress for many years. Although I do not work at school, when I go home for breaks and summer, my steady income is the tips and the one dollar an hour I receive. Although I do agree with Mrs. Williams about the author not knowing what it was really like, since she had money and was not living off the means of tips, I felt she did I fine job of capturing the essence of a small town diner. She honed in on the gossip that unfortunately takes over work and the struggle of living off minimum wage.  Her writing really captured how tiresome and overbearing it is to keep up with the economy and with a life that is trying to be lived.

tent city

I was really glad that we decided to interview that people for tent city. They were really lively and I feel they made some really good points about the event. One of them was the sole purpose was not what is is like to be homeless, but rather to bring awareness to the suffering. The student we talked to felt this was one of the biggest things everyone needed to know because there was no way we would ever know what it was like being homeless. Overall,  I felt the group was not only dedicated bu enthusiastic and have already brought awareness and change. They formed this event and now other school and organizations are catching on and doing it too!

The Forever War

The novel is coming to an end. Although some readers may feel this book seems like a process, like it is dragging on-- the author's stories and anecdotes still are interesting. Looking back at the beginning explanations of the situations he was in early in the war, to where he is now, do vary. I feel that I was struck with the beginning because I didn't know a lot about this subject. Now when I read the novel, the stories are still just as shocking. They are so terrible and heart-wrenching, as a reader you almost become numb to it. I feel maybe this is the author's point, perhaps he has become numb to all the devastation and realizations.

WEBSTIE

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The Forever War

This sections reading was probably the most interesting. Although, when I do remember first starting the book and feeling interested and bombarded with thoughts, ideas, and information I knew nothing of. In the chapters we read a new revelation was brought up: The Iraqis feel Americans are in their country for the oil. I had heard of this idea before, from family members, peers, and friends. I figured it was something they had thought-of, an idea that was not well- formed. I understand now, it was not. This feeling, that the American government is "helping" the non-democratic government Iraq has is false, is really brought to my attention. Many feel, including some in Iraw, that this is an excuse: we are simply there for the oil, so our own economics can sky rockets. There were other elements in the reading that rang interesting and unusual to me, normally their are so many to remember, but this was the most prominent.

Reading Group

This week we had to read to about the middle of the novel. I am again enjoying the book; however, thins are starting to become a bit blurry. We discussed in our group last time that the different cultures and nationalities in the book are confusing, and we often cannot tell them apart. This is only continuing to happen for me. I just do my best to keep reading. I feel like I am am getting the message though, despite my confusion with the different representations in the novel. Having almost read half the work, I do wonder how the piece will end. Is the writer going to finally overcome this grappling idea of a war lasting forever? Even though we know there is not peace yet in the Middle East, is the writer going to find peace with the subject or with the people surrounding him? There's only one way to find out.. keep reading!

The Forever War

The novel finally came in! I started reading The Forever War sometime last week and was immediately captivated. Although I was nervous that the material would be confusing, which at times it is, the author's language is clear and concise, just like we are often told to do in class. It was neat seeing this language in a non-fiction novel-- we often see it in articles, but now I see it being applied to the longer forms of journalism. As for the plot, it is fascinating to hear the stories the author has experienced it. Despite using this cliche, some of the stories he tells are literally jaw dropping. This though has made me realize how ignorant I am to other cultures and other countries. The conflicts they face are unlike anything I have hear, along with their attitude and ways. Having read nearly seven chapters, I am so glad I chose this novel to read for book club. It doeskin even feel like homework or work in itself.

The Forever War

Unfortunately, I have not received the novel from Amazon yet. I did however, research the journalistic novel. I found a review from a writer from The New York Times. The article, like most from the New York Times, is tedious and long. I uncovered what I thought the writer felt about the novel-- and it seemed he was extremely moved. In the begging of the review the writer spoke of the past wars and compared them to the one that The Forever War covers. He contrasts a lot-- and praises the writer for telling a story that other can learn from. Because of the review, I am looking forward to reading the novel-- the main reason being, I feel very ignorant and view to the war in Iraq and wish to know more.

person

The person I am planning on profiling is Thomas Nester.. the History professor.

Five qustions:

1). What are some of the differnces teaching at BSU then the universitys you taught at in other countires?

2). How did you know you wanted to be become a History teacher?

3). What interested you most about the topic?

4). What is your advice for future or current students?

5). What do you plan on bringing forth to BSU?

three profile

The first profile I am thinking of doing is my History professor Thomas Nester. He is a new professor at BSU and used to teach abroad in a Third World Country. I think there could be a neat angle on what the differences of teaching at a US state school compared to what he originally started off as. I could also explore the changes and what he plan on offering to BSU.

Another thought I had was to profile a deaf student who is in one of my English classes. Although this may be very difficult-- I am her note taker for class and can communicate to her through her translators who accompany her to every class.

I also thought of profiling a paraplegic who is in a couple of my classes as well. I can write to angle of what it is like being a disabled student at BSU, how he feels on the matter.