More Grafitti

Here's some more really cool grafitti

Exam themes

Resurrection+Redemption: Lone Ranger, Love Medicine, Indolent Boys, Edgar Mint

Boarding Schools:Indolent Boys+Edgar Mint

Children+family: all 4 works

Miscelaneous themes: Tragedy, versimilitude, the apperance of reality

Who Control's Edgar?

I think that throughout the story, Edgar has been influenced by many of the male characters that he has come across, such as Barry, Art, and Clay. However, he does make some of is own decisions!

Ms. Deckard I was just wondering if for the extra credit assignment, instead of writing an extra journal, could write a letter to Udall instead.

Edgar's influences

Who do you think has the most impact on Edgar throughout the book?

Edgar's influences

For Mr. Udall

Mr. Udall, if you read this, could you please comment on your influences? What is your background with Mormonism? How do you think you so effectively captured the thoughts and the imagination of both a 9-year-old boy and a 15-year-old boy? What was your inspiration for the conclusion of the book? The book was fantastic, and I love how you close the book.

More Exam Information

1) Extra credit opportunity: You could turn in an extra journal (a ninth) on Monday. The topic can be either a letter to Brady Udall (1.5-2 pages) asking questions about your observations (emphasis on analysis and questioning), or a journal topic you haven't written on yet from any section of the book.

2) If you give me all your journals on Monday (although they're due Tuesday), I can grade them over night and give you a better chance of being exempt from the exam.

3) Themes to be thinking about for the exam: abandonment, disappointment, love, parent/child relationships (positive and negative), alcoholism, addiction, birth and resurrection, good vs. evil, marriage, quests (in all senses), man vs. government, mothers, feelings of immobility (being trapped), suicide and death. I can think of more, and I'm sure you can too, but make sure you focus on themes that connect all the works we've read. I may ask you to connect factual information from the articles about alcohol and Native Americans, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, and the NA Boarding Schools.

4) Check the blog and your e-mail over the weekend. I'll e-mail updates on exemptions.

Edgar's Purpose in Life

In the middle of taking my test i realized something really important i wish i could have inquired in my paper but did not have enough to go back and change things but after Edgar was touched by God he said his purpose in life was to find the mailman. He fullfills this purpose until the end but as a result, he loses his relationship with Him. He says how their relationship is at a stand still and he will no longer rely on God or trust Him. i just think how it is ironic that God touches him and brings him to fullfill his purpose which eventually leads him to a happy life. What does anyone else think about this?

Exam Information

The semester exam is Wednesday at 9:00 am.
It is comprehensive for the second semester. I will not know exactly who is exempt until Tuesday when your final journals are due. Please make sure to do them and get them in on time.
The exam will consist of: The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven, Love Medicine, The Indolent Boys, and The Miracle life of Edgar Mint. You also need to review the articles on alcohol use and effects, boarding schools, and Richard Henry Pratt. The exam will have ID's, quotes, and short answer. There may be an essay. I'll post updates, but I haven't made it yet.

Brady Udall's Response to my E-Mail!!

Dear Jessica,

Thanks so much for your kind note, and for letting me in on what you're doing in your classes--I'm amazed. What a great way to approach a book, and it's even better because that book happens to be one that I wrote.
The site is full of great links, and I took the time to read the discussions the students are having about various aspects of the book.
Lots of sharp insights and thoughtful critiques there. So, did you really have a couple of Mormon missionaries come to the class? That's wild. If only I'd had teachers like you when I went to school, maybe things would have turned out differently somehow.

I will try to sign onto the blog, but I'm a hopeless techno-phobe (I don't even own a cell phone). I'd be happy to answer some of the students' questions, so if they'd like to email, or if the class would like to make up a list of their most burning, penetrating questions, I'd be happy to answer. Or maybe I'll just try to figure out how this blog thing works. It can't be that difficult, can it?

I'd love to come to New Orleans to visit the class, so if you're serious about that say the word and we can figure it out.
And thanks again for letting me in on the class discussion; I hope these students know how lucky they are to have a teacher like you.

my best,

Brady Udall

The Mailman

Did any one else suspect that Edgar and the Mailman would be previously "related" to each other some how? I thought, before I found out what he really was to Edgar, that he could possibly be Edgar's father or something.

The Ending...

What does everyone think about the ending of the book? Were you suprised and do you think it was too abrupt? Any other thoughts...

Nicholas and Rosa

These names, like many others in the book, are symbolic:
Among other things, St. Nicholas is the patron saint of travellers and children.


Rosa means "Rose." Roses are symbols of both Jesus and Mary.
According to newadvent.org, "...the rose is the flower spoken of by Isaias (xi, 1), 'there shall come forth a rod out of the root of Jesse, and a flower shall rise up out of his root'."
The red five-petaled rose has been used as a symbol of the crucifixion. The thorns recollect the crown of thorns, the red remembers the blood, and the five petals indicate the five wounds of Christ.

Mary, mother of Jesus, has tons of titles and honorifics (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Titles_of_Mary). Two that are pertinent here are "The Vermillion Rose of Heaven" and "the Mystical Rose".

Also, the name Rosa, meaning "rose", may reinforce the theme of resurrection - "rose" is the past tense of "rise," and that's what Edgar does at the end of the novel. The last sentence: "I will put on my coat, pick up my Hermes Jubilee, lock the doors behind me, and emerge from the shadows of this house into the bright day, blinking and holding my hand to the sky, amazed at the light, like a man raised from the dead."

Kyle

Does anyone think that Edgar killing Barry is uncharacteristic of Edgar. I mean Barry was not that bad and it jsut seems unrealistic.

What has been the hardest part of the book for everyone to digest?

Reincarnation

Do you think that Dean could be keith the rat. I mean Keith is always being mentioned and when all of the other animals escaped when Clay went crazy, Keith was the only animal that stayed...strange?

Little Dean

Do you all think that Dean could still be in the house just like June was always present in the book? I think that he really could be. I think that some of Dean lies in Edgar because so far, I think Edgar is the best fit for the family. I think that everything happens for a reason.

What do you think is the funniest scene in the book so far?

What do you think is the funniest scene in the book so far?

I laughed out loud during Brain's birthday party. It was hilarious picturing Brain, a little nerdy kid with a clip-on tie, beating up the pinata. I liked the way Udall described the scene. I also liked how the Uncle said Brain could have a future in the mafia, and then Brain knocks the pinata's head off with a hammer.

My favorite funny scene was when the Madsens' neighbor knocks on their door to return their guinea pig. I couldn't help but crack up when I pictured a Mormon priest dressed in a habit, holding a squealing guinea pig, and saying, "I don't know what the hell this thing is, but I found it running for its life in the middle of the road."

On a different note...
The scene when Clay goes crazy and knocks all of the animal cages over was really dramatic. I felt bad for the kids in the house, and then I remembered that it was still Brain's birthday. I haven't really liked Brain throughout the story for the way he treats Edgar. This was the first time I felt sorry for him.

untitled

1. has anyone kept up with all of the cars Barry has..gee whilickers batman..so many

2. what would you do in Edgar's situation with Barry and Lana. He is trying to become closer to the family that is willing to adopt. But he has caught Barry pinkley, a man that loves him in his own way and will never leave him alone and his temporary mother, Lana with him kissing and being with him. What would you do in his situation rat them out and ruin the false marriage that the madsens have and risk your place in the household/adoption or live with the guilt and confusion of keeping Barry on his feet and Lana cheating on Clay.

Is Edgar Welcomed?

How do you feel about the way each family member is responding to Edgar staying with them? Are they doing a good job or not? From Brain, to Sunny, To Lana?

Edgar's habit

This book got really funny. Especially the part when Edgar develops his bad habit. Would you say this book is better than the other books we have read or worse?

Secret Affairs

What do you all think about Dr. Barry Pinkly's affair with Lana? That just makes me so angry that Barry would go that low to hurt Edgar's future...I mean, all Barry wanted for Edgar was to be happy. But now that he is happy, why would Barry want to ruin that. He is starting to really freak me out and I hope Edgar does something about it really soon!

Barry the Stalker

Barry is almost like a predator toward Edgar. Why is he obsessing over him so much? I know Barry thinks he relates to Edgar but there has got to be something else.

Reactions to the Mormons

What did everyone think about the mormons who spoke to our class?

Dr. Barry Pinkly

What do you all think the true motives are for Dr. Barry Pinkly's relationship with Edgar?

suicide

So far in the book, there has been much talk of suicide.  we have seen two people die from suicide, Ismore and Sterling.  Edgar also talks often about suicide, but constantly rejects the idea.  the two characters in the story that commit suicide have injuries that hinder their mobility.  they also have another similarity...they do not like help from others.  Edgar, on the other hand, doesnt mind help from others.  what do you think the difference in the personalities of Sterling and Ismore  vs Edgar that makes Ismore and Sterling suicidal, but Edgar to continually reject suicide?  maybe edgar's guilt makes him want to stay in this world and fix the "problems" he has created???

A Short Story by Brady Udall

OTIS IS RESURRECTED

???

Edgar reminds me a lot of June Morrisey from "Love Medicine, because they are both considered miracle children, and are praised religiously by others. Being a child with so much power, can be a confusing role to live. Think about Edgar's position in the various places he's lived, how does religion play a part in the book, what do you think Udall's veiw of religion ?

Cut me off a piece of that kit kat bar...

As we read this delightfully delicious book that everyone in the class of 08 N.A. Studies class can agree is utterly amazing..with the comedy, symbolism, drama, violence, sex, drugs, you name it has. But, its sad to see that my last 9 days of school, I look in the library seeing nothing but seniors laboring every period and piece of time they can fit in. We should remember this year for the fun we had and for the enjoyment of the books and not the laboring over 7-8 journals plus quizzes, plus blogging, plus tests..is tearing at our heart strings..

Religion

Do yall think Udall is using the book to perpetuate Mormonism.

Why do you think that Udall has not mentioned Edgar's father thus far? Do you think it is to emphasize the father-like figures in his life? or for some other reason? Also what does everyone think about Cecil? Is he going to be in Edgar's life again?

Latter-Day Saints visiting class

We will have guest speakers in class for 6th period on Tuesday and 3rd period on Wednesday. Please come prepared to ask questions. I will be grading your participation and willingness to ask good questions when our guests are here. You should know that these missionaries spend their years devoted to God, not the world, and are not allowed to read the paper or watch the news during this time. Therefore, they don't have extra information about what is happening on the YKZ Ranch in Texas. You can ask them about it, but they won't be experts by any means.

Do some background reading before class to prepare:
www.lds.org
Family home evening is linked off the "Home and Family" part of the lds homepage
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mormon_missionary
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/religionandethics/week449/cover.html (links at bottom of this page are also interesting)

Edgar's new home

From what we have learned so far about Edgar's new home, do you think it is too good to be true? Will something go wrong, or do you think he will be happy in this house.

Edgar Mint vs Dean Madsen

with the quote, "he's the reason for everything", Brain teases us with the thought that Edgar might have made his match with the miracle, saint thing. your thoughts..

Notes

I missed class friday so could some please lend me their notes so i can copy them.

Polygamy in today's society

Here is a link to the latest news about a polygamist sect in Texas... crazy stuff!

http://www.cnn.com/2008/CRIME/04/06/texas.ranch/

Thoughts so far..up to pg 220

* I dislike that sometimes Edgar goes ape shiz and thinks brutal thoughts about hurting people like when he said that cecil got what was coming to him and when he beats the poop out of the boy in the shower...because though we all have those thoughts, he is lowering himself to Nelson and his crew. He has a dark side.
* I love raymond, he is a gangsta..he cleans Edgar's sheets, keeps him from the dark side because he KNOWs that he is truly a good boy..plus he pats Edgar on the back for hitting the red headed satan child. *all redheads in life are devious, devilish people except for a handful. back in Geoffrey Chaucer's day they got a PHYSiognomy right.
* i wonder what UDALL thinks about being a Mormon because his description that Prissy says leaves some wonder in what his perspective.

What do you think is going to happen to Edgar now that his mother is dead, his grandmother is dead, and his new best friend, Cecil has been sent away? Do you think  he will still be strong and able to take up for himself?

Defective Books

I need to know exactly how many books are defective. Please post "yes" here if you need a new book.

Ms. Deckard...

Are you going to be a little easier in the grading of the first journals since we don't know exactly what your looking for and we've never done this before!? You'll probably make fun of me in class for asking but whatever

If you were Edgar's mother, what would you do? Would you run away like she did, just giving up on her son thinking that he were dead and not even checking up on him? Why do you think that she didn't give her son a hug or show any kind of affection when she finally was able to see him after all this time? Wouldn't you feel bad if your son felt like he was the cause of your problems?

Native American Prophecies - The Esoteric Agenda

Although this is very off topic, it is very interesting and ties in with native americans and prophecies. There is a video i watched on google the other day called The Esoteric Agenda, and its about Astrology and how the galactic center of the milkey way galaxy will line up with Earth on December 21, 2012. This date is also prophesized to be the the end of the world by Nostrodomaus and many other cults, religions, and even the Native American Mayans. This is how this ties in with native americans. If you watch the video you have to be careful because some of the stuff is not true but much of it is proved and based off of fact. the video isnt proving that the end of the world isnt coming. its actually about how messed up the country is and many other things. But as i researched some of the stuff native americans did come up and believe that the date December 21, 2012 is a time of transition.... here an interesting site i found: http://www.adishakti.org/mayan_end_times_prophecy_12-21-2012.htm ... also here is the site for the video for any one who wants to watch it... its super long.. i fell asleep... http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-1131942400352901009 ... i highly recommend watching it just to see how our country has transformed and how much of really isnt even ours.

Kyle

These kids lit a hangar on fire and burned the boys pecker! What the hell? Do you think Nelson is good of evil to Edgar and does Edgar need him?

Favorite

What is your favorite scene or the scene that has affected you the most?

The Cast of The Miracle Life of Edgar Mint

If you were to make a movie of The Miracle Life of Edgar Mint, who would you cast as the actors and why?

Edgar: Tyler Posey from Maid in Manhatten or Adrian Alonso from The Legend of Zorro
Arthur: the new track coach, Coach Jamison. He's not a frail old man. He seems like a war veteran, like he has good stories to tell and uses funny old sayings (like ding-a-ling in the book). James Garner would be a good Arthur for the same reasons.
Jeffrey: Saverio Guerra from the TV show, Becker. He had a funny sense of humor on the show, and I can just see him saying some of Jeffrey's lines (ex: suicide, huh?). I could also picture Steve-O playing Jeffrey because of his sense of humor.
Barry: Julian McMahon from Nip/Tuck and The Fantastic 4. I picture Barry as a dark haired doctor, who looks friendly yet mysterious/sinsiter.

Grafitti

Ms. Deckard suggested that someone start a post about our favorite grafitti. So voila.

I think my favorite is one I saw in London. On the window of a building by the London Eye (the giant ferris wheel) someone spray-painting the words "spastic cabbage." I don't know if it was a band name or what. It made me laugh.

Post your favorites here

Brady Udall interview

http://www.bookbrowse.com/author_interviews/full/index.cfm?author_number=792

this is a link to a short interview of the author, it gives just a little more insight into his book and what he was thinking when he wrote

Kyle

Do you think Edgar is more advanced or less advanced that most 8 year olds in terms of brain function?

Good or Bad?

Do you think that Edgar wants to be wanted so bad that he would be willing to be friends with the wrong group at his new school?

Good or Bad?

Apache Song

Apache Song

Art

people are talking about barry but Art is the man in that he looks out for Edgar and challenges him to take up the typewriter, he is a father figure..your thoughts?

Native Americans or Indians?

What do you think is the difference between the terms "Native American" and "Indian"?

Symbols To Look For

What are some symbols that you think might be reoccuring throughout the book.

Is Barry an antagonist or protagonist?

Do you think later on in the book Barry is going to help Edgar or is he just going to be a barrier for him?

What do you think the real reason is that Dr. Barry Pinkley is trying to get Edgar out of St. Divine's? Does he really want to help take care of him? Does he really want to find Edgar's mother?

The Power of Love

What do you think you would have done if you were white at this time but fell in love with an Apache? Would you let pressure and torment from others turn you away from someone you care about?

tents

http://www.geekologie.com/2008/03/ground-dwelling_tents_are_old.php

Udall's novel optioned for film

Date: 20 June 2001
By: Jonathan Bing
Source: Reuters/Variety
URL: http://news.excite.com/news/r/010620/03/culture-writestuff

Michael Stipe's Single Cell Pictures has optioned "The Miracle Life of Edgar Mint," the first novel by Brady Udall who was recently included in the Village Voice's annual roundup of "Writers on the Verge."
The novel is a picaresque story in the mold of John Irving about a half-Apache youth who is run over by a mail truck. Shipped to a hospital he begins a new life that eventually lands him with a Mormon foster family.
Stipe and Single Cell partner Sandy Stern, who are shopping the book to directors before trying to set it up at a studio, optioned the book with private funds.
"It's hard to set up a book right now without a star or director attached," says Stern. "We'd rather ante up and option it, then decide if we can find a buyer for it."
The shingle's biggest production to date, "Being John Malkovich," cost $10 million, says Stern, and this project lends itself to a pic that's bigger in scope. "This is a self-contained epic," says Stern, befitting "an A-list director and a great movie star."

Cochise - the most famous Apache chief

cool info about his life and battles at history.net

Cochise - the most famous Apache chief

Cool info about his life and battles