Integrity and Stuffs

So, this year I've decided (yeah, let's say that) to broaden my horizons and teach some middle school in addition to elementary ESL. I guess you could say it was decided for me, if you're into facts and accuracy and all that business, but I like my version better. The point is, I'm teaching a few middle school classes.

So far, I've done two days. Day one consisted of, among other things, defining plagiarism as a habit to avoid. We went over examples and definitions, and I thought it went rather well.

Today the same students noticed part of their reading assignment involved finding examples of idioms in a handout and writing them down on a piece of paper. A hand shot up and one young man addressed me quietly.

"Isn't that plagiarism?"

I explained that

a) Your teacher wouldn't ask you to plagiarize (while trying to look as offended as possible)

and

b) It doesn't fit the definition. We spent a few minutes explaining why.

The p word has been a problem in the past pretty much anywhere I've taught, so the fact a student asked is heartening. Still, come on guys. Give me some credit (offended face continues).

Speaking of Action Figures...

I haven't seen the movie yet, but this is based on the cartoons and action figures anyway, so it made me laugh a lot. The sequel to it is funny as well. There is a bit of language, so now you know. And knowing is half the battle.

http://www.mcsweeneys.net/2009/8/7pille.html

You know it's been a long week

when you hear a country song and almost sort of like it. It's okay. I'm better now. Won't happen again. I hope. (suspenseful music)

More Awesomeness

I'm not a cat person, but here's proof they can occasionally be useful. Also, they may or may not have superpowers. I'll have to check on that.

Dancing in the Aisles

There's something about this that's just...awesome. That's all I can say.

Movie Review: King of Kong

In my latest blatant attempt to review a movie without a license I will add insult to injury by reviewing a movie that's been on DVD for over a year. Ah, living overseas.

I waited to see this movie ever since I heard the premise--two gamers go head to head for the title of Donkey Kong champion. I wish it was Starcraft, because I would have seen it by now. Whatever the case, it seemed weird and compelling enough for me to want to see it. I watched clips on youtube, and I was hooked. I had to see it.



During the wait, I learned a lot of generalities about the story, just enough to ruin a movie for someone. So much for self control, but what can you do*. I finally bought it this summer, and I put it in yesterday ready for the letdown.

Here's the funny part. There was no letdown. It's funny, surprising,oddly touching and heartbreaking, and uplifting. I don't want to say too much, because I don't want to ruin it for others, but it's one of my all time favorites. Hollywood fiction has nothing on this one. Actually, I've never seen a documentary come close either. It's that good.

One more observation. The makers of King of Kong chased several possible stories as they followed gamers around, and this showdown emerged. They said wow, that's our story, and went with it. People have called it a story of good vs evil (you have a hero and villain in the film), and it works well on that level. I just think it's interesting because the showdown between these two continues to this day. Neither will rest until everything is settled once and for all. Hmmm.


*besides not looking up spoilers, as that obviously didn't work so well for me.

Meanwhile, Back in the Far East

We're home. No more complaining about over sized portions for me. Now it's back to complaining about other things, like how the portions are too small. Or not complaining. That could work, too. Blogwise, anyway.

Had to share this story. I had to laugh, because it vaguely reminds me of cable news, only without ridiculous people who would have no job if they were remotely unattractive. At least it's a bipartisan policy.

http://www.theonion.com/content/news/china_strong?utm_source=c-section