WHICH ONE ARE YOU?

Sanguine? Melancholy? Phlegmatic? Choleric?

Do these names mean anything to you? These are personality types that we all have. I never knew which one I was until reading this book. Well, actually, a friend had been discussing this with me because of our constant disagreements and it was completely foreign to me. This is what led to the reading of this book. The result was that I was amazed to find out so much about myself and others. It revealed to me why I am so bothered by some people and why I just get along so well with others.

Moreover, this book revealed to me how to deal with other personalities successfully. And, how I would be as a parent, co-worker, friend, and even my EMOTIONS based upon my personality. Also, I liked the examples of problems that were given and then the solutions on how to handle them. And, these solutions were great. In my opinion, they created respect and boundaries between the parties.

The self-test in this book revealed that I am a Choleric/Phlegmatic person. I agree because for years I have been goal-oriented and not easily discouraged. And, I am a very peaceful, easygoing and relaxed person.

However, I must admit though that I have become balanced in some areas that does not characterize a Phlegmatic person. Growing into a mature person, I have revolved into a more balanced person which reflects some characteristics of a Melancholy and a Sanguine as well. For instance, I am making efforts to keep home in good order (cleaning), sacrifice own will for others , have a sense of humor and be cheerful despite whatever.

Take the on-line test and find out what your personality type is!

http://www.ocampo.net/l2dae2dao/personality/personality.htm

My Friend, The Kitten

IN LOVING MEMORY OF THE KITTEN

Free Movies With A Library Card

With the increasing cost of gas and the cost of living, you can get a library card and save yourself some money. Why go to Barnes & Noble or Movie Gallery for books and movies when you can check them out at the library for FREE. Visit your local library for more details.

Additionally, September is Library Card Sign-Up Month - a time when the American Library Association and libraries across the country remind parents that the most important school supply of all is @ your library®--it's your library card. (ala.org)

If you and your child do not have a library card, please get one. It will be the best piece of plastic to have in your wallet.

It's Perfectly Normal & Nappy Hair

The book, "It's Perfectly Normal,"written by Robie Harris is on the challenged book list of 2007. I knew that this book would offend some parents because of the pictures. And, this is exactly what happened, a parent challenged the book being in the library. However, I thought that this book was appropriate for adolescents. I feel that children need to be aware of the changes that their bodies go through. The book was ONLY a guide to help parents educate their children about growing into adults. And, what better place than a library to house the information for free.

After the review of the book by library staff, the book was put in the branch manager's office. And, at some branches it was reclassified from juvenile to adult.

According to Carol Hurst's Children Literature website, this book goes where others fear to tread, explaining things like sexual desire, having intercourse, pimples, bras, jock straps, as well as the process of reproduction. The touch is light but informative as it talks about things pre-adolescents and adolescents want to and need to know and it does it with humor and kindness and without cringing. http://www.carolhurst.com/

However, below is an interesting link that opposed the book: http://www.cwfa.org/articles/6122/CFI/family/index.htm

Another book that received negative publicity was "Nappy Hair," by Carolivia Herron . As I flipped through the pages of this book, I knew it would offend someone as well. Personally, I did not take offense to the book. This is our culture and I am not ashamed of it. However, the book received a lot of controversy when a white teacher read this book to her predominantly African-American and Hispanic 3rd grade class. It caused her to transfer to another school.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR AND BOOK: Carolivia Herron is an African-American former English professor and the author of the children's book "Nappy Hair." The book tells the story of an African-American family extolling the strength and wonder of young Brenda's natural hair while affirming her beauty and culture. Uncle Mordecai is the principal character who praises Brenda, and Herron has written the following article from the perspective of what Uncle Mordecai would say about the sullying of the word "nappy."(CNN.com)

http://edition.cnn.com/interactive/us/0704/slideshow.herron.reading/frameset.exclude.html

The Most Frequently Challenged Books of 2007

According to ala.org, the ALA Office for Intellectual Freedom received a total of 420 challenges last year. A challenge is defined as a formal, written complaint, filed with a library or school requesting that materials be removed because of content or appropriateness. According to Judith F. Krug, director of the Office for Intellectual Freedom, the number of challenges reflects only incidents reported, and for each reported, four or five remain unreported.

The “10 Most Challenged Books of 2007” reflect a range of themes, and consist of the following titles:

1) “And Tango Makes Three,” by Justin Richardson/Peter Parnell

Reasons: Anti-Ethnic, Sexism, Homosexuality, Anti-Family, Religious Viewpoint, Unsuited to Age Group

2) The Chocolate War,” by Robert Cormier

Reasons: Sexually Explicit, Offensive Language, Violence

3) “Olive’s Ocean,” by Kevin Henkes

Reasons: Sexually Explicit and Offensive Language

4) “The Golden Compass,” by Philip Pullman

Reasons: Religious Viewpoint

5) “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn,” by Mark Twain

Reasons: Racism

6) “The Color Purple,” by Alice Walker

Reasons: Homosexuality, Sexually Explicit, Offensive Language,

7) "TTYL,” by Lauren Myracle

Reasons: Sexually Explicit, Offensive Language, Unsuited to Age Group

8) "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings,” by Maya Angelou

Reasons: Sexually Explicit

9) “It’s Perfectly Normal,” by Robie Harris

Reasons: Sex Education, Sexually Explicit

10) "The Perks of Being A Wallflower,” by Stephen Chbosky

Reasons: Homosexuality, Sexually Explicit, Offensive Language, Unsuited to Age Group

Off the list this year, are two books by author Toni Morrison. "The Bluest Eye" and "Beloved," both challenged for sexual content and offensive language.

BANNED BOOK WEEK, Sept 29-Oct 6

Banned Books Week, an annual celebration of the freedom to read, is observed the last week of September. Each year, librarians, booksellers, teachers and countless others take this opportunity to highlight the importance of intellectual freedom and remind us not to take this precious democratic freedom for granted. (ala.org)

Support Banned Books Week

http://ala.org/ala/oif/bannedbooksweek/supportingbbw/supportingbbw.cfm

A NEW ERA OF LEARNING: DISTANCE LEARNING

I am a strong supporter of distance learning. I took some classes at NWCC for two years and the remaining classes online through Phoenix. It was a success for me and many others. In fact, it has become the new era of learning for colleges including NW CC. According to NWCC, they are proud of this year's enrollment in the Elearning Division. This year there are a total of 1,860 students taking at least one online course. Of those students 439 are taking classes entirely online.

Distance learning allowed me to go to school and finish otherwise I would still be attending classes. For many adults, this might be the only option to attend school and WORK. I am also aware of the many negative comments that people have made about online classes. But, I challenge some of YOU to take a class and see how easy it really is especially through Phoenix.

Some students do not take online classes seriously because of the false belief that it is easy. Some people assume that you are not doing your own homework but I can assure you that no one wanted to do my assignments through Phoenix. You had to do the research and much reading to complete the projects. And, it does not matter whether you are in the traditional classroom setting or not...people will find a way to be cheaters if they want to. But, on a positive side, everyday there are thousands of students successfully taking online classes and earning their degrees.

Check out this link http://oll.temple.edu/students/interview.htm about a visually impaired student who earned a degree because of this new era of learning. Basically, this new era of learning creates OPPORTUNITIES for many and it should be encouraged if this will allow others to achieve their dreams. Below are some books for students who are considering taking some online classes and books for educators who need some techniques on how to manage an online environment with success.

E-LEARNING BOOKS FOR EDUCATORS AND STUDENTS

FAMILY LIFE'S WEEKEND TO REMEMBER CONFERENCE

I ENJOYED it last year and it is here in Memphis again, this November. I recommend this conference to married couples and SINGLES. Yep, even a single person can learn alot about marriage at the conference. Listen up! This is a great way to prepare yourself for the ups and downs that will come your way since Satan is always opposing God. And, marriage is an institution of God so it will be under opposition. I promise that if you attend this conference, it will be a life changing experience for YOU.

I learned so much about marriage. I even learned that I was at fault in some areas in my marriage. It was hard for me to accept at first since my husband was the one committing infidelity. But, we all make contributions in our marriages that are positive and negative....DEAL WITH IT. No one is perfect and this is exactly some of the issues that were discussed. Marriage should represent God and this means being holy. Yet, so many of us do not realize that marriage is not about us. All our dealings in life is to glorify God's name and to give honor and praise to him NOT OURSELVES. Surprise, even, if you are married to an unbeliever, there is hope for you as well. Remember, with God all things are possible.

What I enjoyed the most was listening to couples talk about their mistakes and how they overcame them by allowing GOD to actively be in their lives...becoming doers and not just hearers of the Word. This conference is nothing better than a testimony for struggling couples to see that their marriage has hope and to be inspired. And, a B-12 shot for couples who want to continue having a successful marriage.

Here is the schedule for this year with great topics.

Friday
5:00pm
• Registration begins
7:00-9:30
• Why Marriages Fail• Can We Talk?

Saturday
8:30-12:30
• Unlocking the Mystery of Marriage• From How to Wow• What Every Marriage Needs
2:00-4:45
• Rules of Engagement• Marriage After Dark
Evening
DATE NIGHT

Sunday
9:00-12:30
• Woman to Woman• Man to Man• How Marriages Thrive• Putting a Stake in the Ground

Official website: http://www.familylife.com/site/c.dnJHKLNnFoG/b.3082787/ I will share more with you about Familylife in the future. They offer daily broadcasting programs as well.

GREAT BOOKS ON FAMILY AND MARRIAGE LIFE WILL BE ON SALE AT THE CONFERENCE AS WELL