We learned about the US governments testing of digital currency and their plans to roll out FEDNOW this summer as well as the implications for the American People.
During our first session, we parsed and analyzed an enigmatic poem by ee Cummings. As a radical Modernist poet ,Cummings breaks rules of conventional English , and creates images in unique ways. To enter this world of Modernism , we first noted the use of antonyms in most lines, and symbols noting the passing of time such as ",sun, moon ,stars and rain" and the ongoing chiming of bells " floating up and down." We further noted the use of "anyone" and "no one" as both individuals and universal characters who defy the conventionality of the "everyones" who don't live their dreams but instead "sleep " them. During our second session, we had an interactive on-line lesson studying "Musee des Beaux Arts" by Auden. In this lesson ,we were able to on a single shared screen see the text of the poem, study marginal literary commentary, and focus on sections of the paintings by Bruegel that are the subject of the poem. Studying the relevant Renaissance paintings along side the poetry, highlighted the poem's theme of societal and Nature's indifference to human tragedy and suffering. Nina especially appreciated the ability to closely examine the tragedies at the "edges" of the paintings that are often overlooked by the casual museum visitor and noted how the poem's theme hence overlaps with the artist's theme . We further began to examine how styrax and biblical allusions convey meaning .
After reviewing the elements of negotiability , we studied checks as a form of negotiable instrument. Looking at a sample check, we noted the elements of negotiability, and I further explained the series of numbers at the bottom of the check as the routing number and account number. We then addressed terms specific to checks such as drawer and drawee and discussed checks as a tri -party transaction between the payor, the payee, and the bank.As a practical skill I explained how to write out a check , and ways to check on account balances to make sure there are sufficient funds in the account before passing a check(as passing an NSF check is a criminal offense). We last discussed how checks are cleared in the banking system and the difference between using a check and the Venmo app.
In this activity, Nina determined the continuity of a function. This continuity is determined at a point and Nina used a three step process in her proofs.
During our first session, we discussed Keat 's view of history as a cyclical series of historic events and addressed the impact of World War I on his poem "Second Coming." We noted the poem's references to "blood -dimmed tide, anarchy, and loss of innocence" as an observation of the post WWI society in England that gave rise to America's "Lost generation" of writers. During the second session, at Nina's request, we studied the very recondite poem by Wallace Stevens "The Emperor of Ice Cream" as well as the equally enigmatic "Red Wheelbarrow" by William Carlos Williams. As we worked through Steven's poem line by line ,Nina demonstrated strong analytical and imaginary insight in piecing together the poet's message to value reality over illusions . We discussed the ironic tone of the title as suggestive of meaning. We then examined "Red Wheelbarrow" and exchanged ideas and interpretations on the symbolism of the red wheelbarrow that "so much depends upon." Last , In connection with the homework reading on Auden's "Beaux Arts" ,we looked at Brueghel's painting ,"Landscape of the Fall of Icarus" ,and I discussed the myth of Daedalus and Icarus portrayed in the painting.
