Information Literacy

Information Literacy Umbrella

Definition:
Information literacy is the ability to "recognize when information is needed and have the ability to locate, evaluate, and use effectively the needed information (Presidential)."
The National Forum on Information Literacy lists seven basic information literacy principles:

1. Define 
2. Access 
3. Evaluate 
4. Manage 
5. Integrate 
6. Create 
7. Communicate 

These seven principles set a basic guideline for understanding information literacy, and a person's ability to carry out these principles is helpful in determining whether he/she is information literate.

What Information Literacy Means to Me:
To me, information literacy can be summed up as my ability to locate, check, and properly manipulate the information I find. I would consider it to be an invaluable skill simply because it directly correlates with a person's ability to learn. A great example is when I need to research topics for school papers or assignments. Being information literate helps to ensure that the information I find is authentic, appropriate, adequate, and current. It also helps in ensuring that I communicate the information I gather both lawfully and accordingly. In an age where technology is always becoming more prevalent and abundant information, both factual and fictional, is becoming easier to share and access, being information literate is even more important. Whether it's researching for school, looking up recipes, checking the news or weather, or even shopping at the grocery store, being information literate is key in finding, evaluating, and using the presented information.

Works Cited
IL Umbrella. Digital image. National Forum on Information Literacy. National Forum on Information Literacy, Inc., n.d. Web. 4 Dec. 2012. <http://infolit.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/IL-Umbrella.jpg>.

"Information Literacy Competency Standards for Higher Education." American Library Association. N.p., n.d. Web. 05 Dec. 2012. <http://www.ala.org/acrl/standards/informationliteracycompetency>.

"Information Literacy Skills." National Forum on Information Literacy RSS. N.p., n.d. Web. 05 Dec. 2012. <http://infolit.org/>.

"Presidential Committee on Information Literacy: Final Report." American Library Association. American Library Association, 1989. Web. 05 Dec. 2012. <http://www.ala.org/acrl/publications/whitepapers/presidential>.

Faith

I really enjoyed the role that faith played in the relationship between Morrel and Valentine. Morrel had to place a lot of faith in Noitier in chapter 47. He could have easily decided to take matters into his own hands and elope with Valentine, but he decided to trust Noirtier and his promise to stop the marriage instead. Morrel risked everything, even his own life, through trusting in Noirtier. He stepped back, abandoned all of his ideas as to how to solve the problem, and allowed Noirtier to have full control of the situation. I think that it’s especially ironic that Morrel could place that amount of faith in the mute and paralytic Noirtier while I have trouble placing faith in my capable friends and even God. I believe that this kind of faith is one that today’s society is unwilling to have. It’s much easier to rely on your own strength and abilities than to place that all encompassing trust and confidence in another person. I find myself constantly doubting my classmates’ promises to complete assignments, my friends’ ability to keep secrets, and even the promises made by many of the politicians who were recently elected. Worst of all, I often doubt and forget about the God whom I know to be completely faithful, sovereign, holy, and good. This being said, I truly envy Morrel’s ability to give full control to Noirtier. I believe that it is still important to exercise discretion when dealing with imperfect man and human nature. However, if all Christians could apply that same faith in their relationship with God, I think that life would become so much easier and worry-free. Psalm 62:5 states this fact well. It says, “Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him.” Exercising this type of faith, especially in my relationship with God, is something that Morrel has reminded me to work on. I believe that a mutual faith can help to create one of the strongest foundations that a relationship can have. Imperfect man will always fall short and fail, but it is comforting to know that we have a perfect God whose faithfulness is never-ending.

The Good Earth Trailer

 A book trailer project for the Honors Literature Class at Hanalani Schools, based on the award-winning novel by Pearl S. Buck. Please watch in 720p for the best quality. 

Actors, in order of appearance:
 Christopher T. as Wang Lung
 Mr. Arellano as the first son
 Paul A. as the second son
 Hannah J. as the Great Lady
 Laurie C. as O-lan
 Kacie H. as Lotus

 Citation: Buck, Pearl S. The Good Earth. New York, NY: Pocket, 2005. Print.

Edmond Dantès

Edmond Dantès Wordle

Modeling Dumas

The sun rose red and resplendent, its first rays tinting the fleecy clouds with many delicate and brilliant hues. (Pg.19)
I really love the picture that Dumas nearly 'paints' in my mind here. He uses unique vocabulary that truly depicts a magnificent scene in my head.
1) The crystal surface of the azure lake stood motionless, its face only reflecting the graceful flight of geese overhead.
2) The insignificant forest stood grounded as it marveled in the opaque glimmer of the innumerable realms above it.  
3) The storm swelled and stirred ominously, its relentless roars causing even the greatest mountains to quiver.

Good fortune is like the palaces of the enchanted isles, the gates of which were guarded by dragons. (Pg.21)
I really liked the unique description Dumas uses to summarize Dantès' good fortune here. He has a beautiful way with words that I can only hope to come close to imitating.
1) Love is like beautiful fields of blooming hemlock, the poison of which will strangle all those who treat it flippantly.
2) Joy is like a captivating congregation of butterflies; so beautiful, yet never found for it is sought out in the wrong places.
3) Peace is like a rainbow. Albeit right in front of you, it's always being hopelessly chased after.

The Good Earth Storyboard

The Good Earth Book Review

The Good Earth by Pearl S. Buck is a historical fiction novel that portrays life in early twentieth-century China. Although this book contains many characters, only a handful of their names are revealed.The main character in The Good Earth is a poor and humble farmer named Wang Lung. He lives on his small farm with his elderly father who is only referred to as Wang Lung's father throughout the entire novel. One of the most captivating and likable characters in the book is the hardworking and former slave O-lan who is sold to Wang Lung from the extravagant House of Hwang to become his wife. Throughout the book, many other characters such as Wang Lung's devious uncle, Wang Lung's six children, the kind and reliable neighbor Ching, the occupants of the House of Hwang, the prostitute named Lotus, and the young slave Pear Blossom are introduced and entwined in this powerful story as the reader watches Wang Lung's character evolve as he gains more land, wealth, and makes a name for himself.

Overall, I truly enjoyed this book, considerably more than I was expecting to, and I would give this book a rating of four stars. I would give this book a four star rating for a couple various reasons. First, I thought that Buck's book was very emotionally provoking. I found myself getting angry at certain characters, and I also cried and sympathized with others. Buck does an amazing job of bringing the reader into the story and creating an emotional connection with the characters. Second, I thought that Buck did an excellent job in capturing the time period, people, and culture. As I read through the book, Buck's skillful writing and subtle details about the Chinese culture and social classes really captivated me. I felt that the characters were all very human, and that also allowed me to relate and even apply some of the lessons I have learned through following Wang Lung's story. Throughout the book, one can clearly see the extent of human depravity and true human nature. This being said, I also disliked certain parts and events that took place in the book, and I probably would have stopped reading part way had it not been required. However, I am glad that I finished reading the book, and I believe that it did have a positive impact on my life. This isn't a book that I would recommend to anyone, but I believe that it can be very influential to those who are willing to go into it with an open mindset of learning and acceptance. I have no plans on reading the sequels, but I am glad that this book has found its way into my life.