Looking Forward

It seems fitting, of course, that I have just finished my final paper at 2:30 in the morning (less than six hours before our final exam time is slated to begin). What a crazy semester.

I don't know exactly what to write on here, but I'll give it my best shot.

It's been a pleasure to work with each and every one of you. I enjoyed hearing different opinions on the wide array of topics we covered in class this year, and I also enjoyed chatting about random other things like who we were playing in hockey in the upcoming weekend, or complaining about all the homework we always seemed to get.

This class was unique to me because I feel like I actually learned something that will stay with me for quite some time. I have this mentality about classwork and education that I'm mostly there to take tests, pass tests, and move onto the next class and the next step of education. Taking time out to read and think about the Middle East and other pertinent topics in today's culture really was beneficial to me. I wish all classes would be more relevant.

If there's one recommendation I can make to all of you, it's to read The Kite Runner. It's fantastic. I just wrote my paper about it, and I'm really happy with it because I feel like I finally have something to write about that I truly believe in. Read the book, you'll love it.

Also, Diane and I went to see the video last week in the Fetzer center, and we both really enjoyed it. The RSO that hosted the event is called the Palestine and Israel Peace Initiative, and they meet Wednesdays at 8 in the Bernhard center. If anyone is interested in going starting next semester, seek me out, I think I'll be going on a weekly basis.

I hope all of you have a safe and wonderful Christmas break, and I hope I didn't annoy any of you too much. Thanks for a great semester guys.

This is Dan, signing out.
:)

The Kite Runner

"Now, no matter what the mullah teaches, there is only one sin, only one. And that is theft. Every other sin is a variation of theft. Do you understand that?"
"No, Baba jan," I said, desperately wishing I did. I didn't want to disappoint him again.
"When you kill a man, you steal a life," Baba said. "You steal his wife's right to a husband, rob his children of a father. When you tell a lie, you steal someone's right to the truth. When you cheat, you steal the right to fairness. Do you see? There is no act more wretched than stealing, Amir..."

Taken from pages 17-18 of Khaled Hosseini's The Kite Runner.

I'm not sure quite where to start. This book is, so far, beyond fantastic, and is quickly becoming one of my favorite novels. I've read about 200 pages in the past two days, and I feel like I'm completely immersed in it. If I'm in another class, I'm thinking about this book - if I'm hanging out with my friends, I catch myself wondering what's going to happen next. I'm hooked.

On top of the immense amount of pleasure I'm getting from reading the book, it's a very deep read, as well. I find myself having to take breaks after each chapter to deliberate the intended meaning of certain passages, as well as taking a break emotionally because the story has the tendency to become quite heart-wrenching. What an amazing novel. I'm blessed to be finishing the class reading it.

Right now, as I stated earlier, I'm at about page 200. I'm only writing in this now so I can take a break and help myself get some thoughts on paper and then get immediately back to reading. I hope everyone has found a new love just like this for their final paper.

I may just write another passage tonight after I'm another 100 pages into it, but if not, I'll see you all tomorrow, completed book in hand. :)

-Dan

Final Exam

http://homepages.wmich.edu/~acareywe/engl1100fall2007middleeastfinal.html

Our Class Final Examination will be from 8-10 on Thursday, December 13th

3 pages are due of our rough draft for our final paper this Wednesday, December 5th.

Exam Schedule:

Monday - 10:15 - 12:15 PSCI 3200 American Judicial Policy
Tuesday - 2:45 - 4:45 HOL 1000 Intro to Holistic Health
Wednesday - 2:45 - 4:45 PSCI 3040 Intro to Public Policy
Thursday - 8:00 - 10:00 ENG 1100 Literary Interpretation

Iraq War - Me

Potential Iran War - Me

Representation of Race - Mitch

Family / Daily Life - Ryan

Israel – Frankie

Music - Brian

Have stuff written by Friday!!