Thursday 25 October 2012

Google 20% 2.0

Yay! Another 20% project! Sadly, there will be no butterflies this year. But there will be animal ears! I present to you...............................complete with dots for effect...................................the best google 20% project since google released their version of sliced bread.............................................
THE ANIMAL EAR PROJECT
The animal ear project is a documentary. I am going to interview people on their views on individuality, then ask them to walk down the hallway wearing animal ears and see how that changes their view.  I will need my video camera and a small variety of animal ears. The only problem I foresee is the possibility that no one will feel comfortable wearing animal ears Around school. Since for some reason there is no individuality class I think I'll just talk to Ms. Mystrena if I need help because she's an individual too.

Friday 19 October 2012

Chris Langan

Chris Langan is one of the smartest men in America. He works on the theory of the universe and other mysteries of the world. Yet he is relatively unknown, and not particularly rich. But is he successful? I personally would say that he is very successful, he lives happily on a ranch with his wife and works on his theories. Other people might disagree with me, though. Chris isn't rich or famous. He never finished college and didn't go to an ivy league school. When he was on a game show, 1vs. 100, he didn't win the million. I, however, don't believe that success is about perfection. If you're rich or famous, that's great for you but success doesn't revolve around it. Success is all about being happy and satisfied with your life, and I believe Chris Langan has achieves that.

Monday 1 October 2012

The kindergarten debate

      When I was 5 years old, I went to kindergarten. I made friends and learned social skills.  I didn't really learn much else. I could already read and count to 1000. I mostly just sat there or helped the other kids. I am born in May. If the world went the way Malcolm Gladwell wanted it to I would be stupid because I am one of the youngest people in my grade.
     So basically I believe that Malcolm Gladwell is flat out wrong. He probably noticed a correlation when looking at the roster, then went on a mad hunt for other sports teams that followed that theory. There are so many teams that he would have eventually found one that supported his theory. His whole book could be filled with complete fraud.
     According to the New York Times article "Delay Kindergarten at your Child's Peril" you shouldn't delay kindergarten because your child will be smarter if he or she is in school and learning instead of sitting at home for an extra year. Gladwell stated that if you delay kindergarten your child will be the oldest and therefore will be treated as the oldest, being offered more opportunities. I personally have never heard of a teacher treating a child differently because he or she is the oldest.
    So to sum up, Gladwell really has no solid evidence supporting his theories, which make no sense. Therefore, I do not agree with him on the kindergarten debate, and am skeptical about this whole book.