Arrived Indianapolis, IN- June 26, 2007

We went through clouds that were very dark. It rained so heavy that I could not see anything except the red lights of the truck I was following. After 15 min, clouds gradually decreased and the sun came out. My daughter was scared because she just studied tornadoes.

We are back to IN. Tonight, we will stay in the only hostel in Indianapolis called "Indy Hostel."

INDY: A common nickname for Indianapolis, Indiana. It often substitutes for "Indianapolis" in phrases, such as "Indy 500", "Indy Racing League", or as a nickname for the "Indianapolis Motor Speedway". It should be noted that Indy is not an appropriate nickname for the state of Indiana.

My children went to St. Louis Zoo

Link to ZOO- http://www.stlzoo.org/

My daughter was upset that she did not have a chance to see WOLFs... There are no wolfs in the Zoo... She has a stuffed animal instead.

Exploring Neil Postman and new terms

Youth dominated culture- what is that mean?

Metaphores are changing.

What does it mean to be young?

Children grow older younger. Child wants to grow older and adult wants to be young.

1982- Postman wrote a book. Notes from his book: American Culture hostile to Children world.

Talked about Pseudo adulthood

Gap between childhood and adult is diminising. Children look older... wearing make up, adult looking dress...

http://journalism.nyu.edu/pubzone/weblogs/pressthink/2003/10/07/postman_life.html

There were things children did not know. Childhood does not exist. It is difficult to keep secrets from children in this media culture. Once the children have capacity to read, in a way, printing press, etc. now, they get into adult symbolic system earlier. Parents push them to read early. This gets them into adult life earlier.

Please check the cover of this book The Disappearance of Childhood and describe the picture of the girl.. why she is gazing over her shoulder?

http://www.aaronsw.com/weblog/postmankid

Helicopter Parents- parenting hoovering over their children

children with cell phones...

Key Note Speaker- Henry Jenkins- June 25

Henry Jenkins will post his presentation here http://henryjenkins.org/

June 24- Asena received her ranger badge

My children and I went all the way up to the arch and took many pictures. We will upload them soon. Asena completed the ranger handbook and received a certificate and badge...

More later... Peace, Melda

I attended a wonderful session on Graphic Novels

Check the link-- http://www.smallstoriesonline.com
Check the stories by Derek Kirk Kim

www.smallstoriesonline.com hurdles


Endless possibilities to use graphic novels in the schools...

Arrived to St. Louis, MO last night, June 23, 2007

On our first night, yes, after 250 miles later I had a flat tire... in the middle of wild country part of PA. in front of mile 224 sign. on June 21st, 2007.

Geiko road assistance was great. We could not find the flat tire. After reading the manual, we figured it was hiding on the left bck side of our van.. I drove to our Budget Inn hotel in Clearfield.

It is fixed the next day, on Clearfield, PA...

We arrived Bloomington, IN on June 22. Details and photos will be posted as soon as I have better internet access.

Peace, Melda