I sent my boss the link to what I thought was a relevant blog as it connects to our job of Civic Engagement. She was very intrigued and interested in the potential benefits of blogging. Of course this led to a discussion of the Styles and Ways class and the blogging that we are learning to do. She now wants to investigate the possibility of "us" doing a blog for service-learning. I have no doubt that she'd be willing to write posts on occasion, but I'd be the editor, handling the nuts and bolts of the thing. She thinks getting students to guest author posts where they can talk about their experiences performing service-learning and the ways it's changed them is worth looking into. I can't help but wonder if I know enough to begin something this ambitious and if I want to. But to be a team player means saying things like “let’s give it a shot” even when you aren’t sure about the idea. Her only questions were how would people find the blog and would they read it. She hit the big questions early on. Gotta love it when the lines between school and work get all blurry. Any suggestions from the S&W gallery about this entire issue?
So to blog for work or not to blog for work, that is the question, whether tis nobler in the mind to suffer the slings and arrows of incipient lunacy, or to take arms against an I before E but not after C, and by opposing them rewrite, revise no more, and by deleting to say yes lets end the heart-ache.
May the good bard forgive my un-poetic license.
Monday, March 31, 2008
Hitting the wall.
The semester is slowly dwindling down, along with my creativity.
As the semester comes to a close I find myself hitting a wall in terms of what to post on my blog.
One of the problems is that I want each post to be astounding but usually it comes out the same hackneyed way as the one before it...and that is my cue to reach for some inspirational writing book with advice such as: "Let the whole thing flower: the story and the person writing the story. And let us always be kind in this world."
And then I laugh at the fact that I own so many of these cheesy books.
And then I write my post.
As the semester comes to a close I find myself hitting a wall in terms of what to post on my blog.
One of the problems is that I want each post to be astounding but usually it comes out the same hackneyed way as the one before it...and that is my cue to reach for some inspirational writing book with advice such as: "Let the whole thing flower: the story and the person writing the story. And let us always be kind in this world."
And then I laugh at the fact that I own so many of these cheesy books.
And then I write my post.
In the groove
Recently I have added the bravenet hit counter onto my blog site. And I have noticed a trend with my visitors. Since I have been posting Mon-Thurs most of my visitors come to my pages on those days. I have absoultely little to no activity going on throughout the weekend. People are finally starting to get my schedule down. They know I don't post Fri-Sun so they know not to check my page on those days.
The unfortunate thing is that on Thursday I didn't bother to post because, I'll admit it, I didn't feel like it. It's unfortunate because that's when I had the most visits to my page. Ah! I'm an idiot for not posting. I hope they will return to my page today and see my new post on an eco-friendly baseball stadium!
The unfortunate thing is that on Thursday I didn't bother to post because, I'll admit it, I didn't feel like it. It's unfortunate because that's when I had the most visits to my page. Ah! I'm an idiot for not posting. I hope they will return to my page today and see my new post on an eco-friendly baseball stadium!
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Finally FREE!
For many years I forgot how to ride a bike was. Yesterday, I was ready to buy a brand new Mustang. I don't know why my husband was obsessed with the fact that he wanted to buy that car for me. Of course I liked the car, but I didn't need it! Here was my "epiphany" and I understood what I needed: a bicycle or a pair of roller skates... to fly like a bird. So I decided to spend only a few hundred dollars instead of a few thousans dollar, and IT WORKED! I rode my new bike for a couple hours today and I loved it! Only one problem... my bottom now hurts so bad!!!!
A Day Off From Paradise
A day off from class is a day off from paradise, but definitely needed. Although I enjoy this class, it is so nice that we have April 1st off. We are getting nearer to the end and I have about a million and one things to do. Thank you so much for this one little day, it will allow me to catch up on some last minute work that will soon be due in some of my other classes…and not to mention all the work that is going to be due in this class as well. I think that this semester has zoomed right by and I’m not so sure where the time went? I know that a lot of us have not had time for anything, but in three more weeks we will have nothing but time. So, this one day we have off to do as we please, is a day that I will utilize to its fullest and try to get some work done.
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Stop Yelling at Me
I volunteer at a park in order to get community service hours. Today, an irate lady came in demanding that we halt the construction of our rock wall. The rock wall is being put up in an effort to thwart people from coming into our park from areas other than the entrance. The current problem is that people are walking there dogs on the park grounds. Now this would be fine if they would clean up the dog poop and we were a park that allowed dogs. However, the grounds are poo laden and no, dogs are not permitted.
The lady said that as a tax-payer she should have direct access to the park, and should not have to use the entrance. After the park manager explained that he was also a taxpayer, and also had to use the entrance, the lady changed her argument. She said that in Central Park, property bordering the park has direct access to the park’s grounds. Now, I am no expert on the districts surrounding New York’s famous park, but I am aware that quite a few muggings take place in central park.
If said lady is drawing a comparison between central park and our park, wouldn’t it then be fair to presume she would also welcome muggers?
This reason was many of the faulted arguments the lady presented in an overtly crass manner.
What strikes me most about this lady is the rude manner she addressed those who were trying to hear her concerns (even threatening lawsuits at one point). Yes, I understand she is frustrated but really, why do people like this lady think that being ignorant and demeaning will further their cause(s)?
Reminder: When ranting, use courtesy, and caution of analogy.
The lady said that as a tax-payer she should have direct access to the park, and should not have to use the entrance. After the park manager explained that he was also a taxpayer, and also had to use the entrance, the lady changed her argument. She said that in Central Park, property bordering the park has direct access to the park’s grounds. Now, I am no expert on the districts surrounding New York’s famous park, but I am aware that quite a few muggings take place in central park.
If said lady is drawing a comparison between central park and our park, wouldn’t it then be fair to presume she would also welcome muggers?
This reason was many of the faulted arguments the lady presented in an overtly crass manner.
What strikes me most about this lady is the rude manner she addressed those who were trying to hear her concerns (even threatening lawsuits at one point). Yes, I understand she is frustrated but really, why do people like this lady think that being ignorant and demeaning will further their cause(s)?
Reminder: When ranting, use courtesy, and caution of analogy.
Friday, March 28, 2008
Poetry and Blogging
Better Than The Rest
They are heading into the gyms
dressed in expensive designer clothing that assures them
this workout will be better than the last.
Somewhere a hand is cutting-parsnips-broccoli and carrots.
A soft rock song plays in the distance.
It is a good day to be the co-owner of both a gym and a juice bar.
The above was nonsense I wrote from our exercise flashblog. It came out like that, and at the time I had no idea why, but now I realize that I wrote it that way to get a different angle or way of thinking about the the topic.
I'm not posting because I think the above "poem" is good. It's not. It's completely ridiculous. But if you are like me and find yourself approaching every flashblog the same way you might want to try something like this.
They are heading into the gyms
dressed in expensive designer clothing that assures them
this workout will be better than the last.
Somewhere a hand is cutting-parsnips-broccoli and carrots.
A soft rock song plays in the distance.
It is a good day to be the co-owner of both a gym and a juice bar.
The above was nonsense I wrote from our exercise flashblog. It came out like that, and at the time I had no idea why, but now I realize that I wrote it that way to get a different angle or way of thinking about the the topic.
I'm not posting because I think the above "poem" is good. It's not. It's completely ridiculous. But if you are like me and find yourself approaching every flashblog the same way you might want to try something like this.
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Another J
Thanks to Patrick for his recent post "Probably, this is stupid." Its J-words, "jugulating" and "jejune" are now firmy situated in my vocab. As I read the post, I couldn't help but notice how neatly similar they were - both esoteric, both adjectives, both J-words. They seemed like perfect thesaurus words, "jejune" subsituting for "boring" and "jugulating" indicating a few minutes spent browsing the other J's. Thanks for the words...
potatoes and flash blogging.
My flash blogs always get me on random tangents. This time, the topic of "exercise" lead to potatoes.
My father is a personal trainer. We have a gym in my house. You can find him there at least twice a day, every day, unless he is sick.
My father, mother, and I used to sit down to dinner every night when I still lived at home.
Dinner is served. Cue Dad’s rant. “Protein first, ladies, protein first. Don’t get full on carbohydrates. Don’t drink your soda too fast and get full on liquids. Protein first.”
So I would have to eat the meat before the potatoes. Or whatever it was that night.
When he decided to throw in his two cents about the order I should eat my food, all it would do was start an argument.
I love you Dad, but I will eat the potatoes first if I want to eat the potatoes first.
My father is a personal trainer. We have a gym in my house. You can find him there at least twice a day, every day, unless he is sick.
My father, mother, and I used to sit down to dinner every night when I still lived at home.
Dinner is served. Cue Dad’s rant. “Protein first, ladies, protein first. Don’t get full on carbohydrates. Don’t drink your soda too fast and get full on liquids. Protein first.”
So I would have to eat the meat before the potatoes. Or whatever it was that night.
When he decided to throw in his two cents about the order I should eat my food, all it would do was start an argument.
I love you Dad, but I will eat the potatoes first if I want to eat the potatoes first.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
The Experience of Live Blogging
Personally, I didn't like live blogging. I felt like I was an elf attempting to build toys, but in this case I was building a post. The steps to building my post consist of:
I can't say I learned anything more about my topic because I am the Dabbling Native and I basically can talk about anything Florida. I did learn that live blogging is not for me because it does not allow me time to think about my readers and what they might like to read.
Overall, live blogging was an experience. If I do continue with my blog, I can bet I will rarely live blog unless it is needed to better engage my readers.
- Finding one plus two and three events just in case.
- Calling to make sure there will be wireless.
- Not being familiar with the place, spend time getting directions and finding the room.
- Once inside, make sure there is a power outlet.
- Start typing, but keep up with what the person is saying.
- Continue typing then post.
- And etc. until I complete the post.
I can't say I learned anything more about my topic because I am the Dabbling Native and I basically can talk about anything Florida. I did learn that live blogging is not for me because it does not allow me time to think about my readers and what they might like to read.
Overall, live blogging was an experience. If I do continue with my blog, I can bet I will rarely live blog unless it is needed to better engage my readers.
...and still if Live Blog
I sympathize with everyone about the problems and issues of Live Blogging. Certainly was not what I thought it would be and it was no easy task to accomplish. You pick a place to live blog, you find out if the place is wired for internet access, free or otherwise, you then drag laptop with you to the appointed time and place, where you basically play voyeur or clandestine eavesdropper to your neighbors.
Not being a person that gets out much during the semester, finding a comfortable and fun place to live blog was top on my list. I tried two separate restaurants. Have you noticed how small tables are these days? Or maybe it’s the amount of stuff that's placed on the table before a patron even sits down; assorted condiments, drink menus, candles, paper-towel dispensers. It’s difficult to fit a laptop, a beer, a glass of water and an order of hot garlic wings on an already crowded table.
How lucky was I to get the two chattiest waiters in the world at those restaurants. After an exhaustive explanation at the first establishment I kept my explanation monosyllabic at the next one.
You would think after all my efforts something good would have happened for me to really talk about in my live blog. No fights between wait-staff. No dropped dinner orders. Not one obnoxious and screaming kid in either place. I could have stayed home and had salad.
My live blog finally came out of an unlikely chore. I had to take my dog to the groomer. I called for an appointment and just out of habit brought my laptop and notebook with me.
Not being a person that gets out much during the semester, finding a comfortable and fun place to live blog was top on my list. I tried two separate restaurants. Have you noticed how small tables are these days? Or maybe it’s the amount of stuff that's placed on the table before a patron even sits down; assorted condiments, drink menus, candles, paper-towel dispensers. It’s difficult to fit a laptop, a beer, a glass of water and an order of hot garlic wings on an already crowded table.
How lucky was I to get the two chattiest waiters in the world at those restaurants. After an exhaustive explanation at the first establishment I kept my explanation monosyllabic at the next one.
You would think after all my efforts something good would have happened for me to really talk about in my live blog. No fights between wait-staff. No dropped dinner orders. Not one obnoxious and screaming kid in either place. I could have stayed home and had salad.
My live blog finally came out of an unlikely chore. I had to take my dog to the groomer. I called for an appointment and just out of habit brought my laptop and notebook with me.
Monday, March 24, 2008
The Impossibility of Live Blogging
When I first decided to live blog a show I thought it would be easy. I thought I had a leg up on everyone else in the class. I was wrong.
When I arrived at the show I somehow thought I wouldn't be bothered by people. I pictured sitting in a well preserved spot in icy solitude scribbling away laughing at my insightful observations.
What actually happened was everyone kept talking to me and vice versa. Then in the club I couldn't see a thing much less find a place to write calmly without getting bumped into.
Another problem I ran into is describing the sound of the band playing or trying to make what is happening interesting without sounding like a sports caster:
The band is taking the stage, and wouldn't you know it they have stringed instruments! A woman is lifting what appears to be a silver trumpet into the air, blowing into it, and...yes..definitely, a sound is coming from it! Not the normal trumpet sound of a foxhunt, but something else. Something new and distinctly American.
Everyone knows what an instrument sounds like. Everyone knows what a crowd looks like and what crowds do at concerts. I even scanned the crowd hoping for someone doing a particularly stupid dance that I could make fun of or write about, but nothing.
The lesson I learned is I should have Live Blogged something else.
When I arrived at the show I somehow thought I wouldn't be bothered by people. I pictured sitting in a well preserved spot in icy solitude scribbling away laughing at my insightful observations.
What actually happened was everyone kept talking to me and vice versa. Then in the club I couldn't see a thing much less find a place to write calmly without getting bumped into.
Another problem I ran into is describing the sound of the band playing or trying to make what is happening interesting without sounding like a sports caster:
The band is taking the stage, and wouldn't you know it they have stringed instruments! A woman is lifting what appears to be a silver trumpet into the air, blowing into it, and...yes..definitely, a sound is coming from it! Not the normal trumpet sound of a foxhunt, but something else. Something new and distinctly American.
Everyone knows what an instrument sounds like. Everyone knows what a crowd looks like and what crowds do at concerts. I even scanned the crowd hoping for someone doing a particularly stupid dance that I could make fun of or write about, but nothing.
The lesson I learned is I should have Live Blogged something else.
Probably, this is stupid.
I was talking with some friends the other day about blogs and the words "Fear Blog" came up. Then my friends and I began discussing what would actually go into this blog of fear.
Would it be someone collecting random posts of people's fears?
Or would it be someone logging in randomly posting their own personal fears?
It could go one of two ways really...
The absolutely horrified:
12:45 am: Oh endless jugulating doom!
Or any fear at all ranging from the jejune to insane:
1:35 pm: Today I woke up in fear again. I rose, showered, and ate toast but still, he evades me. God, where are you?
I wonder if the internet has such a thing as a fear blog that has some type of moderator where random people post their fears. Could make for interesting reading.
Would it be someone collecting random posts of people's fears?
Or would it be someone logging in randomly posting their own personal fears?
It could go one of two ways really...
The absolutely horrified:
12:45 am: Oh endless jugulating doom!
Or any fear at all ranging from the jejune to insane:
1:35 pm: Today I woke up in fear again. I rose, showered, and ate toast but still, he evades me. God, where are you?
I wonder if the internet has such a thing as a fear blog that has some type of moderator where random people post their fears. Could make for interesting reading.
Better late then never
I know that we're all supposed to be completed or close to completed with our live blog, but for those that haven't yet finished, here is a nifty tool.
http://www.coveritlive.com/
If you go there and sign up, it allows you to do use a program created for live-blogging. You can update in real-time while also receiving comments from whoever is watching. Ten times easier than re-editing the same post over and over again.
The fact that it can be done in real-time is a very useful tool. Enjoy.
http://www.coveritlive.com/
If you go there and sign up, it allows you to do use a program created for live-blogging. You can update in real-time while also receiving comments from whoever is watching. Ten times easier than re-editing the same post over and over again.
The fact that it can be done in real-time is a very useful tool. Enjoy.
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Live Blogging
This was not as easy as I thought it would be. First of all, blogging at a restaurant is weird. Second, it is tough to eat… blog, listen… blog, talk to the server… blog, and etc… I think that the live blogging thing isn’t so much for me, but it was a new venture that I will never for get. I was very nervous I wouldn’t have anything to live blog about, especially since the place was rained out. I just went ahead and kept with it and a story soon unraveled. I found that I was typing and didn’t have anytime to really talk to my husband or server and I had to hurry up and eat because I didn’t want to miss a thing. I sort of felt like a reporter on duty, so I had to be aware of my surroundings and concentrate on that big story. It wasn’t as an enjoyable evening as I thought it would be because I was working. However, after I was done I felt as though I had accomplished something and I did, but I looked like a big dork typing away in the middle of a restaurant.
Oh well...
Oh well...
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Holiday Laziness
For some reason, one week before and one week after any holiday I feel lazy. It seems as if everything around me is telling me to do nothing. Everything includes the family visiting, the food and many businesses being closed.
Therefore, throughout my years of college I have came up with steps to help me make it through the three weeks of holiday laziness. One step includes doing some homework ahead of time. For example, for blogging class, I did a couple of posts because I know once the week begins I will be lazy from Easter Sunday. Another step includes waking up early the day before a holiday and spending a few hours just doing homework and not allowing anything to stop me from completing my work. One last step is making a To Do list. With a list I know what I have to accomplish and once I finish the list, I feel accomplished.
I don’t think I will ever get over holiday laziness. All I can do are things I know that will allow me to not be lazy when I need to be working. If any of you feel holiday laziness, how do you get over it?
Therefore, throughout my years of college I have came up with steps to help me make it through the three weeks of holiday laziness. One step includes doing some homework ahead of time. For example, for blogging class, I did a couple of posts because I know once the week begins I will be lazy from Easter Sunday. Another step includes waking up early the day before a holiday and spending a few hours just doing homework and not allowing anything to stop me from completing my work. One last step is making a To Do list. With a list I know what I have to accomplish and once I finish the list, I feel accomplished.
I don’t think I will ever get over holiday laziness. All I can do are things I know that will allow me to not be lazy when I need to be working. If any of you feel holiday laziness, how do you get over it?
live blogging, family edition.
I have a huge Italian family. No family function would be complete without my fifteen cousins crazy antics or my uncle's boisterous commentary on absolutely anything. Someone almost always gets mad or starts crying. There is always too much food. So while I spent time trying to decide what event I could live blog, I got a call from my mom telling me the plans for Easter Sunday's family events. This year, two of my sorority sisters are coming along. This got me thinking about how ridiculous a family function would seem from the outside looking in.
When I hung up with my mom, I looked at the list I had conjured up of ideas for my live blog post. Nothing seemed as interesting as my family function. So there you have it. I will be live blogging Easter 2008.
When I hung up with my mom, I looked at the list I had conjured up of ideas for my live blog post. Nothing seemed as interesting as my family function. So there you have it. I will be live blogging Easter 2008.
Friday, March 21, 2008
Maybe I Need the Word Limit
Since the lifting of the word limit I have felt way less stressed about blogging. Prior to the removal, I dreaded posting. Not because I didn’t have anything to say, but because I had too much to say. Well, at least, that’s what I thought. I’ve come to realize that when I write 400 words, that approximately 120 of them are basically pointless. They’re simply superfluous little tidbits that make my writing sound better, or more intelligent (please, let me be in denial). It is increasingly hard for me to go through my work and chop out adverbs that make my words flow like poetry. I’m unsure about the rest of the class, but striking through eloquent bits of prose pains me and I don’t want to do it! Isn’t there some sort of happy medium, some sort of balance in which I can exist between wordiness and brevity? I know concision doesn’t necessarily mean short…but ugh…I feel plagued.
Thursday, March 20, 2008
OT: The Eco-Grump Returns
Disclaimer: This post contains inconvenient truths that may trouble those who consider themselves "green freaks," "greenies," part of the "green regime," or those in the process of "going green." Read at your own risk.
I apologize if you all think the old Eco-Grump is beating a dead horse, but Mr. Ed is looking livelier by the minute. The green movement continues to make a mockery of itself, as more and more studies are released that reveal eco-friendly practices to be more costly, detrimental, and downright unsustainable than their obsolescent and widely-shunned predecessors. First we learned that biofuel harvesting releases more carbon than traditional fossil fuel combustion. Then we saw an aquatic ecosystem decimated by a biodiesel processing plant.
An NBC story aired tonight that revealed compact fluorescent light bulbs (those curly ones) contain small amounts of mercury and, if broken, can require a $2,000 toxic waste removal procedure in order to purify the area. The bulb manufacturers, who capitalized on the burgeoning "green" market after Gore's documentary skyrocketed, stand by the bulbs' eco-amity. They also recommend you follow an 11-step toxic waste disposal plan so as not to destroy the earth with massive mercury deposits after they burn out.
It's important to remember that the available eco-friendly products, although catering to a more liberal consumer, are the products of capitalism. The companies we venerate for supporting the movement are merely profiteers, and we are helping to make them rich while they do more harm than good. A green label with a cute picture of a smiling Earth doesn't say anything but "buy me!" Think twice before you give in, and for God's sake, don't drop that light bulb!
I apologize if you all think the old Eco-Grump is beating a dead horse, but Mr. Ed is looking livelier by the minute. The green movement continues to make a mockery of itself, as more and more studies are released that reveal eco-friendly practices to be more costly, detrimental, and downright unsustainable than their obsolescent and widely-shunned predecessors. First we learned that biofuel harvesting releases more carbon than traditional fossil fuel combustion. Then we saw an aquatic ecosystem decimated by a biodiesel processing plant.
An NBC story aired tonight that revealed compact fluorescent light bulbs (those curly ones) contain small amounts of mercury and, if broken, can require a $2,000 toxic waste removal procedure in order to purify the area. The bulb manufacturers, who capitalized on the burgeoning "green" market after Gore's documentary skyrocketed, stand by the bulbs' eco-amity. They also recommend you follow an 11-step toxic waste disposal plan so as not to destroy the earth with massive mercury deposits after they burn out.
It's important to remember that the available eco-friendly products, although catering to a more liberal consumer, are the products of capitalism. The companies we venerate for supporting the movement are merely profiteers, and we are helping to make them rich while they do more harm than good. A green label with a cute picture of a smiling Earth doesn't say anything but "buy me!" Think twice before you give in, and for God's sake, don't drop that light bulb!
Better to Doublethink Late than Never
I was shocked to learn that Orwell's 1984 and Animal Farm aren't ubiquitous staples for the high school English curriculum. I read both of them twice throughout my K-12 career, and was enthralled by the dystopian genre. Of course, the futile exploits of a doomed subversive can get a bit tiresome, particularly the second time around. Nevertheless, 1984 is one of my all-time favorites, and Meagan touches on (in my opinion) one of its more interesting lessons.
The Party represses authentic thought but does so with subtle, machinating intent so as not to be discovered. It's not so much a salient delusion of the masses as a more sophisticated way of teaching the masses how to delude themselves. This tactic engenders ignorance, the degradation of language (Newspeak), the evanescence of memory (doublethink), and the consequential adherence to the present as dictated by Big Brother.
The American BB has learned from past sedition. Gone are the days when a government imposes unfair legislation and waits for its constituency to respond. Such a response is snuffed before it can begin; it falls victim to propaganda and subliminal dictation as leaders gussy up the yoke with words like "security" and "patriotism." We see bumper stickers that say "freedom isn't free." If this isn't doublethink, I don't know what is.
If anyone hasn't read 1984, you must check it out. If the genre strikes your fancy (and it just might, considering our post-9/11 age), you may also want to look into Fahrenheit 451, Brave New World, "Harrison Bergeron," and When the Sleeper Wakes.
The Party represses authentic thought but does so with subtle, machinating intent so as not to be discovered. It's not so much a salient delusion of the masses as a more sophisticated way of teaching the masses how to delude themselves. This tactic engenders ignorance, the degradation of language (Newspeak), the evanescence of memory (doublethink), and the consequential adherence to the present as dictated by Big Brother.
The American BB has learned from past sedition. Gone are the days when a government imposes unfair legislation and waits for its constituency to respond. Such a response is snuffed before it can begin; it falls victim to propaganda and subliminal dictation as leaders gussy up the yoke with words like "security" and "patriotism." We see bumper stickers that say "freedom isn't free." If this isn't doublethink, I don't know what is.
If anyone hasn't read 1984, you must check it out. If the genre strikes your fancy (and it just might, considering our post-9/11 age), you may also want to look into Fahrenheit 451, Brave New World, "Harrison Bergeron," and When the Sleeper Wakes.
1984
I recently began reading 1984 by George Orwell and while I’m not very far into the book I already feel completely deprived that I did not get to read this in high school. Don’t get me wrong, I have nothing against The Great Gatsby or The Red Badge of Courage but the ideas in this novel are just wonderful. “Doublethink;” the concept makes my brain smile when I read it (from the novel):
“The power of holding two contradictory beliefs in one's mind simultaneously, and accepting both of them . . . . To tell deliberate lies while genuinely believing in them, to forget any fact that has become inconvenient, and then, when it becomes necessary again, to draw it back from oblivion for just so long as it is needed, to deny the existence of objective reality and all the while to take account of the reality which one denies — all this is indispensably necessary. Even in using the word doublethink it is necessary to exercise doublethink. For by using the word one admits that one is tampering with reality; by a fresh act of doublethink one erases this knowledge; and so on indefinitely, with the lie always one leap ahead of the truth.”
I could have blown my high school teachers out of the water with an essay on Doublethink, I’m sure of it.
The “slogan” of the Party in the novel is:
“Who controls the past, controls the future: who controls the present controls the past.”
That statement couldn’t be truer! It’s known (or speculated if that’s better for you) that those that win write history. I’m sure if we could get information from both sides, things would be very different, but in the novel there is no past. The people don’t have memories. I can’t imagine not remembering things from my past, or having my books and newspapers altered so no trace of history is found.
I’m only on page 43, but I know I’m really going to enjoy this book.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
home stretch.
Well, class, we are coming to our home stretch. I can see summer, but I can't get a hold of it just yet. When I originally signed up for my group's presentation, I thought, "Wow, that's not until the end of the year." Me and Patrick present tomorrow.
This is the first summer I am actually apprehensive about. I just planned out my schedule for my senior year, and I realized that this is my last summer. The last summer of my "college years" at least. I mean, the summer after I graduate isn't really going to be summer vacation. It will be more like summer-get-your-act-together.
So what am I going to do with this last three and a half month long vacation? Possibly go home to New York, of course spend time with the fam. But what about something I won't ever forget? Out of the ordinary? Something I never thought I would do?
Bungee jumping. Sky diving. I hear the adrenaline rush is pretty spectacular. I know a kid who is on his 200-something jump. No, I didn't accidentally add two zeros to that number.
How about live blogging someone sky diving? I'm pretty sure that's the closest I will get. Even though I don't think I can get wireless in the airplane.
This is the first summer I am actually apprehensive about. I just planned out my schedule for my senior year, and I realized that this is my last summer. The last summer of my "college years" at least. I mean, the summer after I graduate isn't really going to be summer vacation. It will be more like summer-get-your-act-together.
So what am I going to do with this last three and a half month long vacation? Possibly go home to New York, of course spend time with the fam. But what about something I won't ever forget? Out of the ordinary? Something I never thought I would do?
Bungee jumping. Sky diving. I hear the adrenaline rush is pretty spectacular. I know a kid who is on his 200-something jump. No, I didn't accidentally add two zeros to that number.
How about live blogging someone sky diving? I'm pretty sure that's the closest I will get. Even though I don't think I can get wireless in the airplane.
Stopping the Clock
Yesterday’s juicy flash blog topic combined with two earlier posts made to the class blog (kudos to Subversive-Lisa and TNLogan) really got me thinking about the precious, elusive element of time.
I’m one of those people who has too much on their plate. You know, that sicko who likes to be busy. The one who likes to fall in bed utterly exhausted at night because they’ve been running around like headless-poultry-on-speed for the majority of the day.
“You don’t get out enough,” one of my friends told me the other day.
I laughed in his face. Silly boy. Like I actually have time to get out and do things.
“You’re missing the world,” he said, "Stay and talk."
The mounds of homework on the top of my desk at home were screaming for attention. There were at least 6 emails that needed to be written, lines that needed to be memorized for the play, people I needed to call back.
But I stayed.
For the first time in a long while I ignored the things that were calling my name and demanding my attention and focused on something that was important in a different way, and, in a sense, maybe even more important. I stayed and had a wonderful conversation with a friend. And you know what? I still managed to finish all of that other pressing business.
At the risk of sounding Aesopian, the moral here, I guess, is that you can make time to do what you need to do.
Sometimes the most important things aren’t inside a textbook, or written in your planner, they’re the things that happen spontaneously, they’re friends and family, or a moments worth of introspection. They’re not the things that you have to do, they’re the things you take time to do.
They are the world.
I’m one of those people who has too much on their plate. You know, that sicko who likes to be busy. The one who likes to fall in bed utterly exhausted at night because they’ve been running around like headless-poultry-on-speed for the majority of the day.
“You don’t get out enough,” one of my friends told me the other day.
I laughed in his face. Silly boy. Like I actually have time to get out and do things.
“You’re missing the world,” he said, "Stay and talk."
The mounds of homework on the top of my desk at home were screaming for attention. There were at least 6 emails that needed to be written, lines that needed to be memorized for the play, people I needed to call back.
But I stayed.
For the first time in a long while I ignored the things that were calling my name and demanding my attention and focused on something that was important in a different way, and, in a sense, maybe even more important. I stayed and had a wonderful conversation with a friend. And you know what? I still managed to finish all of that other pressing business.
At the risk of sounding Aesopian, the moral here, I guess, is that you can make time to do what you need to do.
Sometimes the most important things aren’t inside a textbook, or written in your planner, they’re the things that happen spontaneously, they’re friends and family, or a moments worth of introspection. They’re not the things that you have to do, they’re the things you take time to do.
They are the world.
A New Punct In Town
Earlier today I was writing a professor to thank him for assisting me on a project. As I was writing, I came across a dilemma. Should I end the sentence with a period or an exclamation? If I said “Thanks.” it might sound as if I didn't really care, and if I wrote “Thanks!” it might sound as if I was a bit too excited for the tiny favor. This is not the first time I've had this problem, and I've decided to finally do something about it!
I've created the periation. Thats right, the periation. We've got the liger, we've got the grappel , and now, the periation! The periation will be a cross between a period and an exclamation point. It will be a dot, like a period, but raised halfway to encompass the exclamation's expression.
I believe that the invention of the periation will be a great breakthrough for everyone. No longer will you have to sound overzealous when writing your boss to thank him for the new cubicle, and no longer will you have to sound apathetic when writing your mother-in-law to thank her for the sweater she bought you for Christmas (because clearly here, you wouldn't be able to use the exclamation.) The periation truly is revolutionary.
Now, all thats left is to contact the computer companies and request that they add this sweet little dot to keyboards across America.
I've created the periation. Thats right, the periation. We've got the liger, we've got the grappel , and now, the periation! The periation will be a cross between a period and an exclamation point. It will be a dot, like a period, but raised halfway to encompass the exclamation's expression.
I believe that the invention of the periation will be a great breakthrough for everyone. No longer will you have to sound overzealous when writing your boss to thank him for the new cubicle, and no longer will you have to sound apathetic when writing your mother-in-law to thank her for the sweater she bought you for Christmas (because clearly here, you wouldn't be able to use the exclamation.) The periation truly is revolutionary.
Now, all thats left is to contact the computer companies and request that they add this sweet little dot to keyboards across America.
Live Event in Cape Coral
I just knew about this event. Check it out! It could be a good subject for live blogging. It is a "sounds and jazz festival" in Cape coral (March 29). If someone of you wants to go, I'll go with you.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Live Blogging
I just finished my live-blog. It was definitely tougher than I expected.
I did tonight's American Idol episode. It was fun to watch with an eye toward my blog. Unfortunately, under the pressure of posting frequently (which included my best friend texting me when it had been too long between posts), I feel I had far less interesting things to say. Coming up with a comment and going back to revise and figure out what's really interesting is much easier when you have all the time you decide to take.
My post may not have had enough unique insight as I would have liked, but it was enlightening.
Especially enlightening when my computer would decide to freeze up (which happend four or five times during a two hour telecast) for a few minutes. Thankfully, these feezes mostly happened during a commercial break or during enough of a lull that I could still get commentary up pretty quickly after it was fixed.
Good luck to all of you as you live-blog!
I did tonight's American Idol episode. It was fun to watch with an eye toward my blog. Unfortunately, under the pressure of posting frequently (which included my best friend texting me when it had been too long between posts), I feel I had far less interesting things to say. Coming up with a comment and going back to revise and figure out what's really interesting is much easier when you have all the time you decide to take.
My post may not have had enough unique insight as I would have liked, but it was enlightening.
Especially enlightening when my computer would decide to freeze up (which happend four or five times during a two hour telecast) for a few minutes. Thankfully, these feezes mostly happened during a commercial break or during enough of a lull that I could still get commentary up pretty quickly after it was fixed.
Good luck to all of you as you live-blog!
Hire me!
I’m not sure how many of you are graduating after this semester or not. Some of you might be going to grad school and some might go out into the real world and try to find a job. The last one is me. I’m on the hunt for a job that has benefits and pays me enough so I can pay my own rent and support my shopping addiction.
After looking for anything and everything to do with editing, writing, and printing I came across absolutely nothing in this area. What I did come across was a lot of opportunities to blog for a living. Can you believe it? You should.
Some have a lot of restrictions and most don’t offer benefits but it’s just so surprising to me that this could be my full-time job. Most want a sample of your work, which I’m sure no one in this class will have a problem supplying.
Just something to think about if you’re looking for a job soon!
After looking for anything and everything to do with editing, writing, and printing I came across absolutely nothing in this area. What I did come across was a lot of opportunities to blog for a living. Can you believe it? You should.
Some have a lot of restrictions and most don’t offer benefits but it’s just so surprising to me that this could be my full-time job. Most want a sample of your work, which I’m sure no one in this class will have a problem supplying.
Just something to think about if you’re looking for a job soon!
Time...
Time: a four-letter word with a tremendous meaning, especially to a college student. In our arsenal of phrases, time seems to pop up a lot. It’s time to go to class. I don’t have time to take a break. I am wasting my time. Party time. Time to go. Break time. In the nick of time. I didn’t have time to finish my paper. Time is of the essence... okay, maybe not that last one. Still, we use time as a scapegoat. We complain that there is not enough time in the day to finish all of our tasks. We will wait impatiently for our time to shine. We complain that time just slipped away and before we knew it, we had run out of time. Do we really think time is the enemy? In time, we will look back on the good times and wonder where they went. We will sit back and ponder the time we have left on this planet. We will think about when our time will come. And when it does, we will be left with no excuses, no do-overs, and no timeouts. So, dear friends, are you using your time wisely?
Springing Back Into Classes
It’s been tough getting back into the grove of things for me as well as everyone else, so I’ve read. Spring Break is a sidetrack mechanism that makes one feel as though you’re done with the semester. I would much rather take spring break out of the picture all together and just get out one week early when the semester is over with. It's funny how I seem to have less time now then before spring break, why the hell is that? I do want to graduate this semester, maybe it’s a touch of senoritas as others have said. All I know is “I Am” going to get back into the grove of things and the “I Am” theory is very powerful. I will say however, that when reading the blogs after spring break there has been a huge transformation of writers. I, without a doubt can see that Dr. Harrison really knows his stuff. Maybe he can give us some tips on how to get back into the grove of things?...
Is Friday Good For You?
Just a quick note to let all of you know that my church, First Assembly of God is going to be having a service on Good Friday, in remembrance of what Jesus did for us. The services will take place 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm, 6:30pm, and 7:30pm. This is a wonderful time to reflect and there will be readings of scriptures. I try and go to this every year. The passages are fulfilling and a communion is given out if you want to receive it.
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16 NKJV.
We all have busy lives, but I know that an hour out of my life is a small sacrifice compared to what Jesus has sacrificed for me, how about you?...
25 Days Left of Classes…and Counting
I’m not sure about any of you, but spring break sucks. You get a little taste of summer, and then it dumps you back into the middle of your semester at full throttle.
*Bam*; your right back at it.
If you really got a break at all. Our only week off all semester and it has to be filled with overly excited professors assigning papers, books, and excessive homework. Granted I’m a procrastinator. Honestly, though, they must know I’m going to leave it till the last minute. And usually the harder assignments are back loaded into the end of the course.
So, for me, it all adds up to one big practical joke. You’re supposed to get a nice long week off, and it is; if you can ignore the small nagging voice (usually sounding like your mother) that echoes in the back of your mind and runs through a list of homework you have yet to complete. Yes, you’ll have a great spring break.
My only solution: skip spring break, get out a week earlier, or start later. Either solution would work for me. But in the end spring break just messes with your head.
*Bam*; your right back at it.
If you really got a break at all. Our only week off all semester and it has to be filled with overly excited professors assigning papers, books, and excessive homework. Granted I’m a procrastinator. Honestly, though, they must know I’m going to leave it till the last minute. And usually the harder assignments are back loaded into the end of the course.
So, for me, it all adds up to one big practical joke. You’re supposed to get a nice long week off, and it is; if you can ignore the small nagging voice (usually sounding like your mother) that echoes in the back of your mind and runs through a list of homework you have yet to complete. Yes, you’ll have a great spring break.
My only solution: skip spring break, get out a week earlier, or start later. Either solution would work for me. But in the end spring break just messes with your head.
Monday, March 17, 2008
Group Work Rant
I am sure I'm not alone in loathing group work. Many of you probably feel the same way pretty often. I should note that I have had several really kick-ass group presentations as an FGCU student. Why do the memory of those never make up for it when I'm in the middle of a group work nightmare?
It's 9 pm on Monday night. Tomorrow, for my 9:30 am Journalism class, I'm supposed to have edited and critiqued the articles of three classmates. The first problem: only one of my three randomly selected classmates has e-mailed me a story.
So now, here I sit, without work to critique. I had to e-mail the professor an hour ago to ask for an extension. I literally do not remember the last time I had to do that. And it's all because my work in this particular assignment rests upon the ability of my classmates to respond to an e-mail and attach a file.
Please everyone, share your own group work horror stories in the comments section so I don't feel so alone!
It's 9 pm on Monday night. Tomorrow, for my 9:30 am Journalism class, I'm supposed to have edited and critiqued the articles of three classmates. The first problem: only one of my three randomly selected classmates has e-mailed me a story.
So now, here I sit, without work to critique. I had to e-mail the professor an hour ago to ask for an extension. I literally do not remember the last time I had to do that. And it's all because my work in this particular assignment rests upon the ability of my classmates to respond to an e-mail and attach a file.
Please everyone, share your own group work horror stories in the comments section so I don't feel so alone!
St. Patrick’s Day
I know usually St. Patrick’s Day is best on the weekend, but Down at Cape Harbor they are throwing a huge Irish party. There is going to be live music such as acoustic guitars, pianos playing and we can’t forget the roaming bagpipers. Did I mention there will be alcohol? Of course there will be, it’s not a real Irish party without lots of alcohol... I think this is going to be fun and clean fun might I add, up until later on in the evening when the drunkies start flaring up. So kids are welcome, at least that’s what I was told when I called. The entertainment starts at 5:30, so wear your green and bring your mugs for some good times if your up for it...
Quantity vs. Quality
There is an assortment of blogs out there and over the past several weeks in this class, I have seen many blogs that differ. I have seen ones with pink colored backgrounds, personal pictures and laughed at personal experiences. Something else that differs from blog to blog is the quantity. Some blogs show posts several times a day and only consist of a few sentences. Then there are blogs showing a post every couple of days and consisting of a much longer post.
After looking at one blog, I thought about quantity vs. quality. Personally I enjoy reading shorter posts because it allows for me to do other things with the time I set aside. When the posts are long, I feel as if they should be serious and truly engaging. When they’re not engaging, I feel cheated out of my time. I personally attempt to write how I read blogs because I don’t want to cheat anyone out of their time.
After looking at one blog, I thought about quantity vs. quality. Personally I enjoy reading shorter posts because it allows for me to do other things with the time I set aside. When the posts are long, I feel as if they should be serious and truly engaging. When they’re not engaging, I feel cheated out of my time. I personally attempt to write how I read blogs because I don’t want to cheat anyone out of their time.
Water Water Everywhere
Over spring break I went up to my hometown in Baltimore. Since the break was only a week long I flew out of RSW. I’ve flown out of this airport many times in the two years I’ve lived in the Fort Myers area, generally at night. However, when I left here for break my flight took off at 10:00 in the morning. I don’t know if on all the other occasions I’ve flown if the sky was cloudy or if maybe the lighting was just too dim to see the ground, but on this occasion something struck me as odd.
When I looked out the window I saw all the roads, houses, and various structures arranged in a grid like format; this view is to be expected. What I didn’t expect to see was the dispersal and level of water. While I’m not a Florida native, I was still aware of the fact that Florida exists at sea level, and that the area in which we live is naturally supposed to be a murky bog, or so-to-speak. However, for some reason the implications of these facts never registered in my mind.
As I was gazing out the window all I could think was, “Wow, I bet all of this is going to be under water some day.” It is hard for me to accurately describe the bewilderment I felt taking in southwest Florida from an aerial view. The airplane’s cruising altitude gave me a new perspective. My colloquium teacher had explained how hurricanes and global warming could cause temporary, and in the later case, permanent flooding. Yet, in my mind these possibilities were a distant and somewhat disconnected reality. I don’t feel that way anymore. It’s cliché: but seeing is believing.
Next time you fly out of RSW or any local airport, take a good look at the landscape. It’s really a breath-catching experience to see our town seemingly held at the mercy of the water, which by some miracle hasn’t submerged us already.
When I looked out the window I saw all the roads, houses, and various structures arranged in a grid like format; this view is to be expected. What I didn’t expect to see was the dispersal and level of water. While I’m not a Florida native, I was still aware of the fact that Florida exists at sea level, and that the area in which we live is naturally supposed to be a murky bog, or so-to-speak. However, for some reason the implications of these facts never registered in my mind.
As I was gazing out the window all I could think was, “Wow, I bet all of this is going to be under water some day.” It is hard for me to accurately describe the bewilderment I felt taking in southwest Florida from an aerial view. The airplane’s cruising altitude gave me a new perspective. My colloquium teacher had explained how hurricanes and global warming could cause temporary, and in the later case, permanent flooding. Yet, in my mind these possibilities were a distant and somewhat disconnected reality. I don’t feel that way anymore. It’s cliché: but seeing is believing.
Next time you fly out of RSW or any local airport, take a good look at the landscape. It’s really a breath-catching experience to see our town seemingly held at the mercy of the water, which by some miracle hasn’t submerged us already.
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Blogging class? What the hell is that?
I’m not sure if any of you have had the same experience I have had when it comes to telling your friends that you have a blogging class, but they all react the same. They kind of crinkle their faces and look at you and ask: “What is a blogging class?” and I can’t really explain it myself other than saying “Y’know, we talk about blog etiquette and grammar issues...” then the person you are speaking to becomes almost angry in trying to figure out what it is you actually do in the class. And from a few conversations I have had with friends, I’ve realized I don’t really know what to make of this class. I mean, I enjoy it and the people in it, and I’ve come to think about blogs much differently than I did even a month ago. But when I think of other classes a definite answer comes to mind; with this class I just walk in wondering what will happen.
Look for my name in lights...er, print.
Greetings all. I've landed a gig at Eagle News (really the gig landed in my lap) writing weekly blurbs about what's new in the entertainment world. If all goes according to plan, my blurbs should start appearing in this week's issue.
I may also be given the chance to review some movies. This chance is a mixed bag, since (rumor has it) I'll be taking the more "chick-friendly" films that the guys don't want to cover. I'm never thrilled at being condescended to, but there are only six weeks left in my tenure at FGCU, so I'm not sure I even have the energy needed to actively criticize this if that is the case. And, by the way, Entertainment Weekly's senior film critic Owen Gleiberman has recently reviewed such "chick" fare as Penelope, The Other Boleyn Girl, and even the 3-D Hannah Montana concert.
My fingers are crossed that the end of my little updates will include a shoutout to "read more" by visiting my blog. Keep your eyes peeled!
I may also be given the chance to review some movies. This chance is a mixed bag, since (rumor has it) I'll be taking the more "chick-friendly" films that the guys don't want to cover. I'm never thrilled at being condescended to, but there are only six weeks left in my tenure at FGCU, so I'm not sure I even have the energy needed to actively criticize this if that is the case. And, by the way, Entertainment Weekly's senior film critic Owen Gleiberman has recently reviewed such "chick" fare as Penelope, The Other Boleyn Girl, and even the 3-D Hannah Montana concert.
My fingers are crossed that the end of my little updates will include a shoutout to "read more" by visiting my blog. Keep your eyes peeled!
Show me the Money
I quit my part-time job so I could have more time to do things. Yes I chose time over money. This is no small thing when you consider the higher prices of food, clothing, gas and other sundries we need to survive or live comfortably.
I came to the realization that I would have to place my academic endeavors on a higher priority. I don’t want to “just pass”, I want to pass with A’s and B’s. I want to also absorb the information I’m learning in a meaningful manner. In order to do all the readings, the research, the writing for this and my other classes I had to bite the bullet and make more of my time available. I couldn’t quit the real money maker. That’s the job that keeps me living indoors with running water, plus provides fairly decent benefits. So the 16 to 20 hour per week no benefits retail gig had to go. Not an easy decision, but one I will learn to live with.
It’s funny; I’ve worked just about every Sunday for the past 11 years. Sleeping past 7am for the last two has proved to be a pleasure I’ve long been missing. I actually looked forward to a day devoted to reading the last scenes of Prometheus Unbound and the first part of Frankenstein. It is thought inspiring to sit and type a few blog postings and comments while listening to raucous birdsong outside and the muted sounds of the Drums of India cd playing in my bedroom. My day’s not half done and I’ve been very productive.
Money may make our lives easier, but time is an immeasurable commodity. I’m putting my new free time to good use now so that I’ll be able to make more money in the future. I hope I continue to feel this way three months from now when my savings have dwindled. I may have to apply at one of the new stores popping up along Colonial Boulevard this Christmas season if I don’t. But right in this moment I feel good about my choice.
I came to the realization that I would have to place my academic endeavors on a higher priority. I don’t want to “just pass”, I want to pass with A’s and B’s. I want to also absorb the information I’m learning in a meaningful manner. In order to do all the readings, the research, the writing for this and my other classes I had to bite the bullet and make more of my time available. I couldn’t quit the real money maker. That’s the job that keeps me living indoors with running water, plus provides fairly decent benefits. So the 16 to 20 hour per week no benefits retail gig had to go. Not an easy decision, but one I will learn to live with.
It’s funny; I’ve worked just about every Sunday for the past 11 years. Sleeping past 7am for the last two has proved to be a pleasure I’ve long been missing. I actually looked forward to a day devoted to reading the last scenes of Prometheus Unbound and the first part of Frankenstein. It is thought inspiring to sit and type a few blog postings and comments while listening to raucous birdsong outside and the muted sounds of the Drums of India cd playing in my bedroom. My day’s not half done and I’ve been very productive.
Money may make our lives easier, but time is an immeasurable commodity. I’m putting my new free time to good use now so that I’ll be able to make more money in the future. I hope I continue to feel this way three months from now when my savings have dwindled. I may have to apply at one of the new stores popping up along Colonial Boulevard this Christmas season if I don’t. But right in this moment I feel good about my choice.
Crazy Gasoline Price
During the last couple of weeks, I did not fuel up my car. My husband did it for me, and I almost had a heart attack when, yesterday, I saw the crazy price of the gasoline. It was $3.39 for a gallon of regular! I dread with shame, but I fueled the car. What else could I do? I spent $47.93 and I only have an inane HHR! $47.93 is almost a third of the paycheck a college student may earn per week! About five years ago, I could fuel my old Lincoln Towncar (what a funny car that was: a helicopter!) with twenty bucks! We are rolling… help… you guys VOTE!!!!
Saturday, March 15, 2008
In the Library
Today I met a classmate in the Cape Coral library. I was reading my Frankenstein, and he came closer to say “hi”. He said he was writing. I asked what he was writing about. Oh only a poem, he said. “Only!” a poem… how modest!
I finished reading the first volume of my book. Before the library folk threw me out because they were closing, I thought of the elder couple I met as I entered the library a few hours earlier.
The women looked outside while her husband (I suppose the man was her husband) read a newspaper. Then he leaned against her and he fall asleep for about a half hour. They both were sleeping when I looked at them a second time. A beam of light illuminated their faces. It was a nice picture. I am sure Eugenia would take their photo.
I recalled that image and the image of my classmate walking toward me. My mind gave bloom to a parallel: the couple who was sleeping and my classmate saying “how’s going?” The first image, although powerful and tender itself, was crowded with a sense of loss, the second with a feel of presence and creation.
I wonder what the poem was about…
I finished reading the first volume of my book. Before the library folk threw me out because they were closing, I thought of the elder couple I met as I entered the library a few hours earlier.
The women looked outside while her husband (I suppose the man was her husband) read a newspaper. Then he leaned against her and he fall asleep for about a half hour. They both were sleeping when I looked at them a second time. A beam of light illuminated their faces. It was a nice picture. I am sure Eugenia would take their photo.
I recalled that image and the image of my classmate walking toward me. My mind gave bloom to a parallel: the couple who was sleeping and my classmate saying “how’s going?” The first image, although powerful and tender itself, was crowded with a sense of loss, the second with a feel of presence and creation.
I wonder what the poem was about…
My First Live Blog Attempt
Since first hearing about live blogging, I thought it was going to interesting and fun. As I got more into considering what to do, I am finding that live blogging is not that easy. It is easy to find a topic and anything after that requires work. Like Dr. Harrison said in class, this is not an assignment that can be done in one day.
I chose my topic this weekend and wanted to start working on it, but I ran into a few problems.
1. Live means posting while at the event. I don’t have a computer that enables me to use the internet outside of my home or school. With this problem, I had to throw that idea to the side and decide on another event.
2. With big events, I have to spend a little extra time to find an angle. I considered maybe choosing a smaller event to attempt the live blogging assignment.
3. I wondered how many posts should be included in the live blog and can I use more than one angle. Also I wondered if we should include pictures.
With my first live blog attempt, I believe I have learned more about live blogging. Live blogging is something that requires thought and time.
I chose my topic this weekend and wanted to start working on it, but I ran into a few problems.
1. Live means posting while at the event. I don’t have a computer that enables me to use the internet outside of my home or school. With this problem, I had to throw that idea to the side and decide on another event.
2. With big events, I have to spend a little extra time to find an angle. I considered maybe choosing a smaller event to attempt the live blogging assignment.
3. I wondered how many posts should be included in the live blog and can I use more than one angle. Also I wondered if we should include pictures.
With my first live blog attempt, I believe I have learned more about live blogging. Live blogging is something that requires thought and time.
HTML Saviors!
I spent most of my Friday night searching for an HTML code that would allow me to change from a two column to a three column blog layout. Somewhere around 10:30pm I stumbled upon a blog dedicated to enhancing blogs. Who knew? Tips for Knew Bloggers is a blogspot, so all the codes they supply work with the version of blogger we use. I highly recommend this site because it is “A dummies guide,” with: blog tips, tricks, help for all new bloggers on Web templates, Blog templates, designs, widgets, layout, JavaScript, HTML codes, SEO, Google AdSense, gadgets, diagnostic tools, and how to monetize Blogger or Blogspot blogs. Halleluiah! As if it couldn't get any better, there is a search bar at the top of the blog that allows visitors to find posts that interest them.
Beware:
If you choose to add a new template, with two or three columns, back up all widgits! Simply download a copy of your blogroll, archives, etc. to your computer and replace them after you change your layout. If you forget to do this you will loose all your information. I don’t think I have to mention how I know, let’s just say it was a long night…
Beware:
If you choose to add a new template, with two or three columns, back up all widgits! Simply download a copy of your blogroll, archives, etc. to your computer and replace them after you change your layout. If you forget to do this you will loose all your information. I don’t think I have to mention how I know, let’s just say it was a long night…
Friday, March 14, 2008
Graceification
Thanks to Dr. Harrison for introducing us to Style: Ten Lessons on Clarity and Grace. The chapters we have reviewed in class have been more than helpful. As a chronic "nominalizer," I was a bit shocked to see my own faux-pansophism laid bare. Are my tactics so transparent?
My recent writing history is fraught with -ions - nominalization, pseudo-sophistication, and now admission of the abomination. Hopefully this class can serve as catalyzation for the antiquation of my stagnation.
My recent writing history is fraught with -ions - nominalization, pseudo-sophistication, and now admission of the abomination. Hopefully this class can serve as catalyzation for the antiquation of my stagnation.
Webslingers
I recently learned firsthand the power of words. A civil email exchange in another class unleashed a world of stress and backlash for me, allegedly because my style was offensive, my diction too caustic, and my message too clear. I sent the original email without hesitation or fear of reprisal, but was promptly rebuked for my impertinence and wrongfully accused of libel.
Never would I have anticipated such a reaction to mere words. They managed to rile more than one person into a state of outrage, even under my intended restraint. The whole ordeal, however, has taught me that words are never mere. We wield great power when we choose them, organize them, publish them. But as Uncle Ben would say, "With great power comes great responsibility." That's right. We are all Spidermen and Spiderwomen.
Our politically-correct age denies the world's heroes, though. It makes them foes and scares them into silence. Those who speak their minds must do so cautiously. Every genuine idea is a token of trust you place in your reader or listener; it is an expression of faith in their response. If I take the time to offer you my thoughts, it is because I believe you are mature enough to handle them without judgment or prejudice, without offense or indignation. Buck up, world! We can use more Paines and Thoreaus, more Kings and more Geraldine Ferraros. Nothing good ever happened from shutting up. The truth is not a Venom.
Never would I have anticipated such a reaction to mere words. They managed to rile more than one person into a state of outrage, even under my intended restraint. The whole ordeal, however, has taught me that words are never mere. We wield great power when we choose them, organize them, publish them. But as Uncle Ben would say, "With great power comes great responsibility." That's right. We are all Spidermen and Spiderwomen.
Our politically-correct age denies the world's heroes, though. It makes them foes and scares them into silence. Those who speak their minds must do so cautiously. Every genuine idea is a token of trust you place in your reader or listener; it is an expression of faith in their response. If I take the time to offer you my thoughts, it is because I believe you are mature enough to handle them without judgment or prejudice, without offense or indignation. Buck up, world! We can use more Paines and Thoreaus, more Kings and more Geraldine Ferraros. Nothing good ever happened from shutting up. The truth is not a Venom.
Free practice LSAT
Just throwing this out there: there is a free practice LSAT being offered on Saturday March 22nd in Reed Hall. You know, they do say English majors make good lawyers (well at least do well in law school). I thought I'd let you all know about this event, just in case any of you, like me, haven't picked a career yet. Who knows maybe I'll score a 1600--or is that the SAT?
Contact Auggie at: padpresidentfgcu@gmail.com if you want to register.
Contact Auggie at: padpresidentfgcu@gmail.com if you want to register.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
spring break the mold.
Spring break is a monster to parents of college students; a nightmare fueled by prime time coverage on MSNBC on the dangers of the annual homage to booze & beaches.
"Drinking is so dangerous! Terrible things can happen! I saw it on the news."
Some of us have moms who have said this.
It is merely an excuse for alot, not all, college kids to get unbelievably shwasted at the nearest beach.
An excuse for college kids to make unbelievably stupid choices while shwasted.
A solid week for students to forget everything they learned the first half of the semester.
A week of meeting people you probably won’t remember because you are at the
beach. Drunk.
Doing something for your community? Actions benefiting humanity? Not unless they involve eight shots of jaegermeister and a kegstand.
But for the record, a few of my sorority sisters spent their spring break doing tornado relief in Tennessee. Others held clothing drives for the students in that state that were affected by the storms.
There is a slight glimmer of hope that the stereotypical spring break stories will be replaced with admirable community service.
"Drinking is so dangerous! Terrible things can happen! I saw it on the news."
Some of us have moms who have said this.
It is merely an excuse for alot, not all, college kids to get unbelievably shwasted at the nearest beach.
An excuse for college kids to make unbelievably stupid choices while shwasted.
A solid week for students to forget everything they learned the first half of the semester.
A week of meeting people you probably won’t remember because you are at the
beach. Drunk.
Doing something for your community? Actions benefiting humanity? Not unless they involve eight shots of jaegermeister and a kegstand.
But for the record, a few of my sorority sisters spent their spring break doing tornado relief in Tennessee. Others held clothing drives for the students in that state that were affected by the storms.
There is a slight glimmer of hope that the stereotypical spring break stories will be replaced with admirable community service.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Payday!
Well, maybe for someone who has a million regular readers. Who has the most viewers? Quick! Add AdSense to your page!
Has anyone else noticed this? Under the add elements feature in layouts, there is an option to add revenue-generating ads to your blog. Google provides relevant advertising to your page and when a viewer clicks on one of these ads the blog owner gets paid. Sweet action.
I'm really not sure how appropriate this would be while our blogs are still class projects, but if someone maintains their blog after final grades have come and gone and manages to build a large enough reader base, what a simple money-making opportunity. Someone has to succeed with the whole gaining viewers thing after that informative presentation on Tuesday! I've stumbled across one (and only one, but I know it exists) blog hosted by Blogger where the average Jane author mentioned earning enough revenue from her AdSense advertising to exist solely on that source of income. That is crazy.
Turning something you learned how to do in college into a profit-making venture...what a concept! ;-)
Has anyone else noticed this? Under the add elements feature in layouts, there is an option to add revenue-generating ads to your blog. Google provides relevant advertising to your page and when a viewer clicks on one of these ads the blog owner gets paid. Sweet action.
I'm really not sure how appropriate this would be while our blogs are still class projects, but if someone maintains their blog after final grades have come and gone and manages to build a large enough reader base, what a simple money-making opportunity. Someone has to succeed with the whole gaining viewers thing after that informative presentation on Tuesday! I've stumbled across one (and only one, but I know it exists) blog hosted by Blogger where the average Jane author mentioned earning enough revenue from her AdSense advertising to exist solely on that source of income. That is crazy.
Turning something you learned how to do in college into a profit-making venture...what a concept! ;-)
How to Get Your Blog Noticed...
Hey guys, I hope you all enjoyed the "How to Get Your Blog Noticed" presentation. Rachel and I spent a lot of time researching the various topics. It was tough to elaborate fully on every particular point we were trying to make without being in the class room for days. If you are interested in making your blog noticed then I would say the easiest way to do so is by going to Google and typing in “how to get your blog noticed.” There is so much information out there that we weren’t even able to touch on with our mini ten minute presentation. I hope you all got something out of it that you can utilize.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Signatures
After going back through my notes on how to create a signature, I realized that the process is only valid via e-mail. I did some searching on blogger to see if there was a way to automatically add a signature to all of your posts, but alas, there is not. The current recommendation from blogger: copy and paste your signature from a saved word/notepad document. If anyone else knows some sort of html-way to automatically embed a signature on all blog posts, please enlighten us!
Live Blogging
Continuation of the comment I made in class earlier....
Seriously. Is anyone planning on getting a tattoo anytime soon? I think that would be a pretty cool topic for a live blog.
I have a pretty good relationship with my tattoo artist, so I suppose I could just sit in on one of his tattoos. But I think it would add an element of personality if it were one of my classmates. You guys are family, remember?
Just throwing it out there. Your thoughts would be greatly appreciated!
Happy Week After Spring Break!
Tiffany
Upon A Living Canvas
Seriously. Is anyone planning on getting a tattoo anytime soon? I think that would be a pretty cool topic for a live blog.
I have a pretty good relationship with my tattoo artist, so I suppose I could just sit in on one of his tattoos. But I think it would add an element of personality if it were one of my classmates. You guys are family, remember?
Just throwing it out there. Your thoughts would be greatly appreciated!
Happy Week After Spring Break!
Tiffany
Upon A Living Canvas
Senioritis
I knew I shouldn’t have taken that week off from my blog. I cannot get back into my groove and have only myself to blame. I am graduating at the end of April like many of you and can already smell my freedom from homework, tests, and projects. I never thought there was a true definition for senioritis. I was pleasantly surprised when I found one.
Basically all I am saying is that I need some major motivation to get me through the rest of this semester.
Although, I heard that your last semester of grades don’t go on your transcript or go towards your final GPA.
Is that true?
Basically all I am saying is that I need some major motivation to get me through the rest of this semester.
Although, I heard that your last semester of grades don’t go on your transcript or go towards your final GPA.
Is that true?
Sunday, March 9, 2008
Welcome Back!
I am glad Mike had a good time during his Spring break.
I personally did not have any break (at all). I wrote and read almost every day and still I did not get to do all I supposed to do for my six classes. In addition, I cooked, cleaned, cleaned, and cooked. Oh yes, I worked at my blog, and I changed it a little bit. Oh yes, I read a few poems, one unpublished by a great poet I know, others by William Blake, both poets are romantic and I am madly falling in love with them! Oh yes, I wrote a few blogs. Oh yes, I wrote a new short story for my advanced fiction writing class. Oh yes, I wrote the essay my application for graduate school requires. Oh yes, I read most of The Prometheus Unbound by Percy Bysshe Shelley (lovely!). Oh yes, I read Prometheus Bound by Aeschylus, and some short stories by Carver (great storyteller!). Oh yes, I had the chance to see a two-minute Bush speech on the CNN – the only two minutes I watched TV throughout the entire semester, I believe! It was not worth though. It was rather ridiculous. He talked on today’s economy (in two minutes or so?) uhmm…
What else? Oh yes, I went to the Naples’s zoo. It was not a blast! My daughter did not enjoy it very much. I paid $18 for a ticket. I thought it is too much a Florida’s resident has to pay to enter the zoo. Of course, I did not argue with the teller, but…
So, now here I am, again.
Welcome back!
I personally did not have any break (at all). I wrote and read almost every day and still I did not get to do all I supposed to do for my six classes. In addition, I cooked, cleaned, cleaned, and cooked. Oh yes, I worked at my blog, and I changed it a little bit. Oh yes, I read a few poems, one unpublished by a great poet I know, others by William Blake, both poets are romantic and I am madly falling in love with them! Oh yes, I wrote a few blogs. Oh yes, I wrote a new short story for my advanced fiction writing class. Oh yes, I wrote the essay my application for graduate school requires. Oh yes, I read most of The Prometheus Unbound by Percy Bysshe Shelley (lovely!). Oh yes, I read Prometheus Bound by Aeschylus, and some short stories by Carver (great storyteller!). Oh yes, I had the chance to see a two-minute Bush speech on the CNN – the only two minutes I watched TV throughout the entire semester, I believe! It was not worth though. It was rather ridiculous. He talked on today’s economy (in two minutes or so?) uhmm…
What else? Oh yes, I went to the Naples’s zoo. It was not a blast! My daughter did not enjoy it very much. I paid $18 for a ticket. I thought it is too much a Florida’s resident has to pay to enter the zoo. Of course, I did not argue with the teller, but…
So, now here I am, again.
Welcome back!
Technology is just oh...so...fun...
Spring break, what a wonderful time... if you don't have a computer.
For the past week I have been wondering what was wrong with the complicated machine only to find out that I have lost my hard drive! Everything from my computer is gone! Software, photos, music, assignments, important documents, all of it is lost inside some metal compartment that now sits on my desk mocking me. Trying to find someone to take it apart and recover things has been a nightmare. It seems that no one is willing to preform this without taking my arm, leg and liver.
Now I know that I should have had everything backed up, funny part about that is that during spring break I intended on buying a portable hard drive just for that purpose, but before I could get to the store I was greeted by a blank screen with a flashing question mark. Wonderful, now I have to start over.
At least all my down time from technology allowed me to read 2 great books and start a 3rd, so I suppose the week wasn't a total bust.
Saturday, March 8, 2008
Time to put the game face on
My spring break was unbelievable, I hope yours was also.
My blog and the class blog seemed to have suffered from a terrible case of neglect while we were all enjoying our time away from school. But now that is over. That is the past.
Back on campus (or around campus) and back in action. I'm glad I could be the one to bring this blog back to life and I can't wait to continue from where we left off. Even though I clicked my bookmark to come and visit every day, the fact that nobody else had posted inspired me not to. I know it was said that we didn't have to, but I expected SOMEONE to step up to the plate and make at least a single post. Instead, I can write this one.
I wasn't brave enough, I can't point fingers. See you all on Tuesday.
My blog and the class blog seemed to have suffered from a terrible case of neglect while we were all enjoying our time away from school. But now that is over. That is the past.
Back on campus (or around campus) and back in action. I'm glad I could be the one to bring this blog back to life and I can't wait to continue from where we left off. Even though I clicked my bookmark to come and visit every day, the fact that nobody else had posted inspired me not to. I know it was said that we didn't have to, but I expected SOMEONE to step up to the plate and make at least a single post. Instead, I can write this one.
I wasn't brave enough, I can't point fingers. See you all on Tuesday.
Saturday, March 1, 2008
Guys, did you know Blogger has Youtube functionality!?
As you may not remember, I tossed my heart into an unnecessary Thursday primer on embedding your Youtube videos into Blogger (which, in my defense and no offense, the professor was also unaware you could do without hassle). If you've ever used WordPress, you could understand why I was driven to madness. For all this program's power, it has never supplied an easy answer for embedding Youtube into my out-of-class blog. After deciding to answer this question for myself, the next two hours of my life looked like this:
- Downloaded two separate Youtube plugins for WordPress, both of which failed to work.
- Spent nearly twenty minutes failing to make WordPress's supplied Youtube coding function properly.
- Upgraded WordPress under the impression this problem would be solved with a version update...while accidentally overwriting the settings for my blog's database. Had they not been saved on my machine elsewhere, the thirty minutes I owned an empty blog would have turned into a day-long affair.
- Spent fifteen minutes meticulously working the "pre" tags I shilled in class into my blog.
I bring this up for the simple reason that the next time you have a problem with Blogger's functionality, you should consider yourselves thankful for what your blog can do. If you're not interested in dominating the internet with the world's greatest blog, you should feel pretty comfortable with blogger.
- Downloaded two separate Youtube plugins for WordPress, both of which failed to work.
- Spent nearly twenty minutes failing to make WordPress's supplied Youtube coding function properly.
- Upgraded WordPress under the impression this problem would be solved with a version update...while accidentally overwriting the settings for my blog's database. Had they not been saved on my machine elsewhere, the thirty minutes I owned an empty blog would have turned into a day-long affair.
- Spent fifteen minutes meticulously working the "pre" tags I shilled in class into my blog.
I bring this up for the simple reason that the next time you have a problem with Blogger's functionality, you should consider yourselves thankful for what your blog can do. If you're not interested in dominating the internet with the world's greatest blog, you should feel pretty comfortable with blogger.
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