Variations on Greasy Lake: Music and Image

"It's about a mile down on the darkside of route 88..."


In the notes for T. Correghessan Boyle's short story, "Greasy Lake," he references the allusion of his title to the Bruce Springsteen song "Spirit in the Night."

Click on the song and read the lyrics. Then, answer the the questions below in your comment. Also, listen to the song.

• How does Springsteen create the setting of "Greasy Lake"? What mood does his depiction of the setting create? Consider the imagery, diction and figurative language of the lyrics and the music itself.



• Is Springsteen's version of Greasy Lake different or similar? Why?
  

Also: Check out the video clip of the movie "Greasy Lake" on youtube (with James Spader).

• How does the movie depict the setting? Is it true to the story? To the song? How is it similar or different?
  
  

Stay Hungry. Stay Foolish.

Think Different.


Steve Jobs, the brilliant mind behind Apple, the personal computer, the ipod, ipad, iphone and Pixar died earlier this week. I thought it fitting, as you write your college essays and consider the beginning of your own professional and personal journey, to stop for a minute and reflect upon Jobs and his message for college graduates.


Read this obituary from CBS News about Steve Jobs.

Read this speech Steve Jobs gave the graduating students at Standford University. Watch the video too.


Please respond to his life and his speech. What aspects of his advice or message will you take with you? How will you "think different" as you begin your adult life?

WE REMEMBER: September 11th, 2001

Welcome to the
AP English Blog!

Unlike our wiki, which we will use for notes and class organization, we will use our blog as a way to have informal and creative discussion at any hour of the day. For our first topic, I would like to address the upcoming 10th anniversary of September 11, 2001.

First, view the PBS video Memory Quilt in which young people share their memories of September 11th. Click Here to view.

Then, please answer the following questions in paragraph form.

1. What are your memories about September 11, 2001? What have you learned about September 11th since the event that has remained relevant or poignant to you?

2. How do you believe the world (and your life) has changed since that event? How might your world and life be different if this event had never occurred?

3. What lessons or remembrances will you pass along to your children about September 11th?