Wed 19 Oct 2005
The E-man is feeling so much better - no coughing, and he’s sleeping a lot more during the night as well (whew!!). This morning I was eating breakfast at the coffee table, and Sarah was getting ready for work, so the E-man was playing in his Graco pack-n-play, which we keep in the living room and use as a downstairs changing station and play area when neither Mom or Dad can hold him. We also keep a large stuffed dragon, Sneezy the Activity Dragon, in the bassinet with him. Now, I couldn’t see him when I was sitting there eating breakfast, but I did see this little hand slowly reach up and grab Sneezy’s head. The little hand then proceeded to pull Sneezy’s snout down into tasting range. It was so cute watching him manipulate this huge stuffed dragon with one tiny little hand.
Does anyone else ever use Wikipedia? For those who aren’t familiar with it, Wikipedia is an online encyclopedia, except the information is submitted by readers and can be edited by anyone. Inherent in that description is the disclaimer that the information in Wikipedia is only as good as the person who submitted it. If the page doesn’t list references or places to look for more information, I avoid it like the plague. I recently submitted two articles, one about the Battle of Big Sandy, and one about Daniel Appling (a soldier in the same Battle). I researched this little known battle for a graduate history course back in 1998, and I’m always disappointed by how this decisive victory is glossed over in history books. I thought it would be nice to see this information online, and maybe more people will come to hear of it.
I was discussing this with my wife, who is a high school science teacher, and she remarked about how some of her students tried using Wikipedia as a reference for research projects!! I think it’s a great starting point for students, but I don’t believe it should be used as a primary reference.




October 19th, 2005 at 10:31 am
Death to Wikipedia! As a history TA, I have so many students who refer first to Wikipedia, rather than the texts they should be reading, and a few slicksters who try to cut and paste. When the revolution comes, Wikipedia will be the first against the wall!
October 19th, 2005 at 7:40 pm
I’ve had the same experiences with students using Wikipedia as if it were the OED. I ended up banning internet sources altogether for research papers, unless it’s being used to access a scholarly database. However…I love Wikipedia! Just like many things, used in the wrong way it’s a PITA. But as a fun, cultural, hip reference, I really enjoy it. Viva la pedia!
BTW, I really like your blog site. I love the picture of Eli!
Audra