With just three weeks to go, many of you are probably anxiously awaiting the lovely winter break. Students have been coming in to see me at office hours over the past month. If you haven't or are still not clear of your course grade so far, come see me in L-236, (510) 748-2131, either Tuesday/Thursday, 11-12 or 1-2, or Friday, 10-11.

We are working on our final research paper on a social entrepreneur of your choice. There are handouts associated with this assignment outside my office. Again, if you are confused about the assignment or want feedback don't hesitate to come by or call.

The paper is due the last week of classes.

Both English 201 and English 1A are completing The Tempest. All classes were assigned a short essay in response to one of the 20 questions in the study guide(min. response 250 words). A copy of Our Readers Respond from Newsweek Magazine (Nov. 27, p. 24) was handed out as an example of an effective use of signal phrases, transitions, and paraphrase. See Diana Hacker Rules for Writers: "Research," under the heading plagiarism.

English 201 still has to read My Life in the Bush of Ghosts. We have two short weeks. Perhaps English 1A would like to read The Palm Wine Drinkard?

Yesterday, a few of us went to Alcatraz Island for the Indigenous People's sunrise ceremony. It was warm initially then the morning turned cold, yet it was well worth the discomfort to recall the historic occupation and the indigenous people whose land, called Turtle Island, America now occupies.