october 21

JOURNAL TOPIC:[today's tunes: "Hazy Shade of Winter" by Simon & Garfunkel or The Bangles]
Some people are extremely sensitive to the conditions of the season.  They may feel more energetic and even anxious during the spring and summer, and they respond to the lower light, the earlier sunset, and the cooler weather of fall and winter by feeling depressed, sleepier, or having less energy.  This has become known as Seasonal Affective Disorder.  This isn't true for many people-- some of my friends and relatives love autumn.  They get to wear their sweaters for the first time in months, they love watching football, and they celebrate making warm meals like soup.  I have mixed feelings-- I can't help but think that in nature, fall is when things die.  Either way, I can't deny there's a difference.  In California we still have some warm days (known as Indian summer), but the change is undeniable.  The sun is setting and it's dusk in the canyon as I write this, and it's not even 6:30.

Do you notice a change in the season?  Does it seem like it's time for Halloween and Thanksgiving?  How do you feel about fall?

AGENDA:
1. Journal
2. Revisit "The Art of Hosting Good Conversations Online"

3. "The Pedestrian"

POST:
1. Describe why Ray Bradbury wrote "The Pedestrian."  Explain how what happened in his life contributed to the tone, character, and plot of the story.  (title: SO THIS GUY GOES FOR A WALK)
2. Describe an event in your life that could you turn into a short story.  (title: STORY OF MY LIFE)

HW: Please have a look at the Fall Semester Application Portfolio and be ready with any comments or questions when we discuss in class on Wednesday.