Learning Challenge: The Anti-library

Reading used to be one of my favorite pastimes. Any free time I had would be devoted to finishing up my books, but once college started, my days of reading for pleasure vanished quickly. Because of this, I haven't had time to put anything on my reading list or add any books to my library. The article discusses an interesting topic. When I first thought about it, seeing all the books I haven't read makes me feel less accomplished, but I guess it could motivate me to learn more. I can't even imagine what Eco's library must have looked like. I do like the idea of surrounding yourself with potential knowledge.

The possibilities are endless. Image: Pexels

Growth Mindset: Multiple Intelligences

I liked the illustration because it was simple, but it provided a lot of information in a small space. I would say I struggle with the intrapersonal intelligence the most. I'm not someone who likes to reflect on myself because I believe ignorance is bliss! I know it's not good, but I hate to look back. I prefer to just keep going, but I should work on this intelligence more. I think musical and interpersonal intelligence are probably two of my stronger ones. 

Another view of multiple intelligences. Image: Flickr

Reading Notes:The Monkey King, Part B

I was surprised that Sun Wu didn't bow to the Lord of the Heavens, but I'm glad he wasn't punished in the beginning. For his actions afterward, I have no excuse for him. It almost reminded me of Lucifer from the Bible, who also let pride get to his head. He thought he could be on the same level as God, like Sun Wu and the Lord of the Heavens. To be honest, I had almost forgotten about his many transformations until he began using them against the warriors. What an ending, I loved the twist about the pillar being Buddha's finger! I'm glad Sun Wu learned his lesson. It's probably been my most favorite story so far. I liked all the action.

He finally bested Sun Wu. Image: Wikimedia Commons

Tech Tip: Word Count

This has definitely been my favorite new addition to my browser. I hated having to write a post in Word first and then transferring it over because I didn't know how many words it was. It seems like a minor issue, but it's so helpful to just hightlight a paragraph and see how many words I'd written. It works on any text regardless of if you've typed it in or not.

Reading Notes: The Monkey King, Part A

I haven't read much from Japan yet, so I thought it would be interesting to read The Monkey King. I was a little confused as to why the ape was magially born from the stone. I also didn't believe he would go unnoticed among humans for NINE years just because he was wearing a fisherman's clothes. I liked that the saint knew he was out there, but why didn't he just knock instead of hoping someone would find him? I have no clue how he understood the "secret message" from the three blows to the head. Why wouldn't the saint simply tell him? I liked the specificity of "72" times for how much he could transform himself. It gives the idea that these dangers won't be easy to fight off. I like how the story quickly progeresses as opposed to dragging with the minute details.

The Stone Ape in 2-D. Image: Pixabay

Reading Notes: Southwestern and California, Extra Credit

I read a lot about Native American creation stories and the Coyote in this reading. I liked the idea of the eagle's feathers coming down and becoming trees. It's interesting to see how many different animals are involved in these stories. I like the variety! No one would think a spider could make the world, but it's one of the cooler stories for me. I was itching to know what was in the boxes at the beginning. Coyote's seen as a clever, cunning character, so I understand how he could make the earth and light. I like that these stories address a lot of aspects of the world coming to be and they have stories for it all. They believed in the Great Flood, like Christians, I believe. Even the course of the sun is addressed in one of the stories.

The sun goes where he pleases. Image: Flickr

Tech Tip: Canvas Calender

This is probably one of the best features about Canvas. You can see every upcoming assignment, quiz, or test in every class on one calendar. It's useful and helpful when trying to figure out what to first. I usually keep my agenda updated, but I sometimes use my Google calendar too. Syncing them together brings your entire life together, so it's pretty nice. The only issue is sometimes, professors won't put everything on Canvas until after the assignment, but other than that, it's great!