So, what ya reading?

"Ohh. Uhhm.. nothing?" Oh wow, boy do I feel silly. I don't really read for fun.. Don't kill me! ;P
My hate for reading began in middle school because we always had to have group discussions and write summaries like everyday. Remember SSR (silent sustained reading)? Teehee. I remember my preference of a SSR book in sixth grade was with poetry. Short&simple, awesome. Arghh! I just can't remember the title or author, but I know the books had simple drawings as covers.. one of them had a green cover with an apple tree on it, I think. Later on in seventh grade, there was the book Seven Daughters and Seven Sons, our teacher read aloud in class that I remember liking. I wanted it to be a movie, haha.

No worries, I don't hate reading anymore. Well, at least not reading for fun. I'm not including all those textbooks and articles reading for school, although some may have been quite interesting at the time. I wish I could have written down all the books I've read and liked before I forgotten them.. Anyone else planning on visiting their local library to check out a couple books or even better, DVDs? It's going to be one busy week of spring break~ homework and all.. REMEMBER TO TAKE A BREAK and breathe HERE AND THERE!
I plan on reading more, and I should(: I'll continue to read whatever I'm simply in the mood for at the time... it varies from realistic fiction like teenage love stories and all that mush, knights and fairies, greek gods and goddesses, how-to books- oh, and anything that'll make me laugh (out loud)! I love how someone would just burst out a laugh when they're surrounded by silence. I never really thought of how you can get so into a book, and it's like the perfect escape from reality.. *content sigh*

Anyway, before all the bashing or obsessing, let me say that it's only a consideration of a suggestion. I think I'm going to start reading New Moon by Stephanie Meyers (I should probably read Twilight first though). My brother's girlfriend suggested to check out the whole series(; For those of you who have read them, what do you think? There are plenty books turned to movies or vice versa.. "Don't judge a book by its movie." ;D I'll gladly take any other recommendations too~

"idea draft"

Alrighty then people, let's get some brainstorming going~

The essay#2 prompt: Wikipedia as a source in academic writing?
My stance: Ye-nahh-idontknow? teehee.

"Welcome to Wikipedia
the free encyclopedia that anyone can edit"

Almost everytime it involves choosing a side, yes or no, I find myself floating around in between the two. I like to hear out some of the arguments from all sides before I could make up my mind. In this case with the use of Wikipedia, I already know that it's widely used and have heard the complaints about its inaccuracy. I have used the site many times before and also been prevented from its use. I don't believe that Wikipedia is as bad as what some people make it seem, even with the fact that anybody can edit it. It still contains information that can be dependable. Besides, the risk runs on the reader/user if they want to use it, so we can't blame the site itself. Wikipedia can't be the only place with misleading information anyway.. If some teachers or universities think that prohibiting its entire use will be better off, I think they're wrong. It might go in the opposite direction and do more damage. People just have to be more cautious when doing research and dealing with sources. I forgot who in what article said this, but I remember he/she suggested something about teaching students how to find and use (reliable) sources rather than eliminating the weak ones. There's always room for improvement! I think we should allow Wikipedia to be a source, but not encourage it as much.. ? to the point that that's students' first pick

Eesh, I'm confusing myself now.

Well this was the paragraph I designed from using the "paragraph generator" handout and all I have so far:
"Wikipedia can develop into a more reliable site (source) if professionals and/or even the readers are willing to help. Everyone would more than likely agree that the probability of Wikipedia being accurate is not so high, since just about anyone can edit and add on to the information on the site. But if such people posting were those who were knowledgeable in that certain category and have the proper skills, others may begin to believe in what is put up on the page. The experts and scientists can revise the incorrect or questionable areas. In an article from a Nature editorial, “Wiki’s wild world,” it was mentioned, “But scientists can bring a critical eye to entries on subjects they study, often highlighting errors and misunderstandings that others have unintentionally introduced.” This allows a chance for Wikipedia to perhaps gain people’s trust. It may become more acceptable as a source once experts adjust the content. With them lending a hand, it lessens the slip-ups and misinterpretations posted by those random people on the internet. On the other hand, one cannot be so sure that with such specialists, it will make everything better. Plus, not much may even want to contribute. Still, Wikipedia can slowly progress with the help of peer review and experts who can try to “fix” whatever is uncertain on that subject."

I must say that the "paragraph generator" paper is a great help to make essays easier to write. First time to use such a tool and I wonder why I hadn't before.. :)