Why is it we can't all have a good laugh at the expense of our so-called pillars of civic rectitude? SNL has been helping us do it for years.
Of course it's unlikely that Obama will dissolve the constitution in viva la revolucion fashion, but it sure would make a good movie. And imagining this isn't such a stretch, is it? We can all easily see (if we relinquish for a moment our staunch Obamic piety) a newly elected Hussein screaming the Guevara mantra into his inaugural microphone, donning a red baret and firing a few rounds into the sky. If this doesn't make you laugh, it should at least make you uncomfortable with the prospect, regardless of how improbable it may be.
I could easily have offered a similarly extreme perspective of Clinton or McCain, and gladly will, if it makes you feel any better about poor Obama and his "somewhat unseemly" past. Of course, if his candidacy requires so much defense, you might wonder why we should spend so much time as his sentinels in the first place.
On a more personal note, I must confess a sense of admiration for the man. It takes someone with real conviction to publicly justify his refusal of the American flag. Is the gesture arguably anti-American? Of course. Does it fit neatly into the hyperbolic profile of Obama as militant terrorist? Surely. But it also reveals him to be a thinking, analytical being with perhaps a greater agenda than making himself politically attractive. Still, it's hard to say he's worth my vote, especially considering the risks...
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Obama bin Laden?
Barack Obama has been gliding along the campaign trail with almost fiendish stealth, subtly blotting out (or at least concealing) all traces of anti-Americanism and terrorist affiliations as they are dragged from his closet. The fact that we are still considering him as a serious candidate seems a bit humorous, like an electoral Candid Camera pointed directly at America's p.c. reconciliation after 9/11. Will the people reject him for his eerie resemblance to the U.S. anathema, or will they embrace him in all of his unconventional glory? How much more will they take before his candidacy becomes laughable?
It's just hard to believe that, considering his past, Obama has truly relinquished his long held resentment of America and his militant ties. We have to remember that he's a politician with an agenda, pandering, performing, and painting himself as the electable moderate who can woo anyone with dark charm and a slice of gilded apple pie. After all, the American public would never elect Barack Hussein Obama, the radical anti-capitalist, if he gave his speeches in a bandolier and Black Panther fatigues. He'll save that outfit for the inauguration.
Don't get me wrong. I think he's an affable chap, but the skeletons he's been hiding are ghastly, and certainly more than enough to oust any whitey from the race (no pun intended). I verily believe that we are much more willing to overlook his frightening history because he's a minority, and no one wants to be hatin' on the black guy. But racism doesn't have to come into play to pit all of America against a possible terrorist, or a socialist (Clinton), or a warmonger (McCain). Here's an idea...DON'T VOTE!!!
It's just hard to believe that, considering his past, Obama has truly relinquished his long held resentment of America and his militant ties. We have to remember that he's a politician with an agenda, pandering, performing, and painting himself as the electable moderate who can woo anyone with dark charm and a slice of gilded apple pie. After all, the American public would never elect Barack Hussein Obama, the radical anti-capitalist, if he gave his speeches in a bandolier and Black Panther fatigues. He'll save that outfit for the inauguration.
Don't get me wrong. I think he's an affable chap, but the skeletons he's been hiding are ghastly, and certainly more than enough to oust any whitey from the race (no pun intended). I verily believe that we are much more willing to overlook his frightening history because he's a minority, and no one wants to be hatin' on the black guy. But racism doesn't have to come into play to pit all of America against a possible terrorist, or a socialist (Clinton), or a warmonger (McCain). Here's an idea...DON'T VOTE!!!
Friday, April 18, 2008
Fear of Failure
I just want to say we are coming to an end here and I will miss all of you, but some of us are graduating and have fear of what is next. Well, I am reading a book called the Alchemist, by Paulo Coelho and he says, “People are afraid to pursue their most important dreams, because they feel that they don’t deserve them, or that they’ll be unable to achieve them.” (pg. 130)
I just want to say how appropriate this book is for an ending to this semester. This quote signifies what each one of us that are graduating may fear of failure. Here we are moving through life with school and it is coming to an end. What is next? What am I going to do? These were a few thoughts I have now that I am graduating, how about you? I almost feel a sense of insecurity and fear of not becoming successful. School was a cushion for me and now it is gone. I have spoken to others that are graduating and they feel the same way.
It is interesting because I have been sending out resumes to all the top jobs, you know the ones that everyone wants, but I took a step back and realized that no matter what you or I do in life, as long as you are happy, then that is what success is all about. So, I started just applying for jobs that made sense and stopped worrying about when my phone was going to ring. This was the only way I would be content with myself.
I hope that all of you are successful or I should say happy with your lives after graduation. And remember you are the only one who can hold you back from success, so do what makes you happy and don't worry about what others think.
I just want to say how appropriate this book is for an ending to this semester. This quote signifies what each one of us that are graduating may fear of failure. Here we are moving through life with school and it is coming to an end. What is next? What am I going to do? These were a few thoughts I have now that I am graduating, how about you? I almost feel a sense of insecurity and fear of not becoming successful. School was a cushion for me and now it is gone. I have spoken to others that are graduating and they feel the same way.
It is interesting because I have been sending out resumes to all the top jobs, you know the ones that everyone wants, but I took a step back and realized that no matter what you or I do in life, as long as you are happy, then that is what success is all about. So, I started just applying for jobs that made sense and stopped worrying about when my phone was going to ring. This was the only way I would be content with myself.
I hope that all of you are successful or I should say happy with your lives after graduation. And remember you are the only one who can hold you back from success, so do what makes you happy and don't worry about what others think.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Enjoy Your Summer
In class today after handing Dr. Harrison my manila folder, my heart began to pound and my shoulders seemed lighter. This blogging class was my last class of my undergraduate career. It's sad to think about considering I have many memories here at FGCU. I am also happy because it is time to start a new chapter in my life, a full-time job and graduate school. I am now able to draw a line through #2 on my goal list: Complete my Bachelor's Degree with honors. Now I am on to the next thing, traveling.
It has been a pleasure having a class with all you and I hope whatever you may do, it turns out great. Enjoy your summer.
It has been a pleasure having a class with all you and I hope whatever you may do, it turns out great. Enjoy your summer.
Pardon My Norman Invasion
The “f” word is a holdover from Old English that became popular after the Norman Invasion. Say the “f” word aloud, if you can. If you’re at work, read this post later. Pay attention to the way the word leaves your mouth and causes air to move quickly as if you were releasing something. If you say the word with enough emphasis you can notice your chest rise and fall. Your head will also move forward slightly as if you were spitting out sour milk. Perhaps the word’s release factor is why it is the first word that comes to mind when you stub your toe. Pain enters your body via toe and exits via mouth; therefore, there is nothing wrong with using the word.
For those of us who do not swear, there are safe alternatives. The –uck ending is what causes the release. The word yuck, for example, offers our bodies the same release without the vulgar annoyance. When you get back your taxes and only make twenty dollars on your return, try repeating this poem, and feel better.
Chickens cluck and corn is shucked,
I once had a duck his name was chuck,
My poker hand’s muck, I’m out of luck
I feel so much better if I said the word…
For those of us who do not swear, there are safe alternatives. The –uck ending is what causes the release. The word yuck, for example, offers our bodies the same release without the vulgar annoyance. When you get back your taxes and only make twenty dollars on your return, try repeating this poem, and feel better.
Chickens cluck and corn is shucked,
I once had a duck his name was chuck,
My poker hand’s muck, I’m out of luck
I feel so much better if I said the word…
Realizations
As the days burn by on my journey through life, the fact that my own mortality occurs to me more often is strange. My prolific diet of nicotine, caffeine and alcohol becomes more questionable in this journey with multiple stops but no destination. Goals and achievements become both coveted and tarnished when held up to the prism of my own mortality.
For the first time in my life I find myself wondering if I should eat healthier, perhaps exercise and (God forbid) quit smoking. The notion of leaving this world is not a nightmare-fueled fear, but rather a bittersweet concession to reality. I have no fear of death, but rather a nagging notion that I have more to do before I can embrace the eternal rest of death. I have always accepted my own mortality, even used it to justify my optimism at every day spent on Earth, so self-awareness is not the cause for this sudden preoccupation with my own mortality.
Rather it is the mortality of others that has me contemplating my own mortality. From the unexplainable loss of a newborn to the slow living-death of a parent, my own lack of reverence for my time spent on Earth has me examining my life. Quality has always trumped quantity in my personal evaluation of my own life, I just never had to deconstruct and closely examine my personal definition of quality before.
The pursuit of happiness becomes less clear as my experiences accumulate, forcing me to discard the habitual acceptance of short-term contentment for the more opaque acceptance of implied responsibilities and relationship-based commitments.
In the context of family and business obligations, what I once considered self-destructive personal decisions now are seen as irresponsible hedonism. My own health and longevity are no longer the sole ante paid in this game, but it is the responsibilities that I can not fulfill if not alive that are the true cost.
I have successfully avoided both matrimony and procreation in a conscious attempt to limit my own liability and increase my long-term freedom, and still believe that neither equals salvation in any conceivable shape or form. Yet changing family dynamics and the choices of others has placed me in the position where my continued existence now outweighs my contentment with my current life. This realization has been avoided for years, but recent events have made its denial impossible, and as with most things, once it has been learned it can not be unlearned.
The only question that remains is if perspective can be altered in order to extract contentment from the fulfillment of implied responsibilities as easily as excitement was extracted from the avoidance of concrete responsibilities.
For the first time in my life I find myself wondering if I should eat healthier, perhaps exercise and (God forbid) quit smoking. The notion of leaving this world is not a nightmare-fueled fear, but rather a bittersweet concession to reality. I have no fear of death, but rather a nagging notion that I have more to do before I can embrace the eternal rest of death. I have always accepted my own mortality, even used it to justify my optimism at every day spent on Earth, so self-awareness is not the cause for this sudden preoccupation with my own mortality.
Rather it is the mortality of others that has me contemplating my own mortality. From the unexplainable loss of a newborn to the slow living-death of a parent, my own lack of reverence for my time spent on Earth has me examining my life. Quality has always trumped quantity in my personal evaluation of my own life, I just never had to deconstruct and closely examine my personal definition of quality before.
The pursuit of happiness becomes less clear as my experiences accumulate, forcing me to discard the habitual acceptance of short-term contentment for the more opaque acceptance of implied responsibilities and relationship-based commitments.
In the context of family and business obligations, what I once considered self-destructive personal decisions now are seen as irresponsible hedonism. My own health and longevity are no longer the sole ante paid in this game, but it is the responsibilities that I can not fulfill if not alive that are the true cost.
I have successfully avoided both matrimony and procreation in a conscious attempt to limit my own liability and increase my long-term freedom, and still believe that neither equals salvation in any conceivable shape or form. Yet changing family dynamics and the choices of others has placed me in the position where my continued existence now outweighs my contentment with my current life. This realization has been avoided for years, but recent events have made its denial impossible, and as with most things, once it has been learned it can not be unlearned.
The only question that remains is if perspective can be altered in order to extract contentment from the fulfillment of implied responsibilities as easily as excitement was extracted from the avoidance of concrete responsibilities.
Its so hard to say Goodbye...
We've come to the end of the road and I’m actually saddened by the thought. This was a great class with a lot of outstanding writers. I'm grateful to have shared the past 15 weeks with you all. Our fearless leader took most of us from untried blogger neophyte and molded us into lean mean blogging machines. Okay it’s early in the morning, I haven’t brewed my coffee and I’m way over the top. But nevertheless this has been one of the more entertaining and informative of classes I’ve taken. I’m glad I stuck it out to the end. It’s been a pleasure blogging with all of you and I hope many of you continue with your blogs. The blog world will be diminished if you don’t.
Congrats to all the graduates. For the rest of you, enjoy your summer, get your service learning papers in to the office early rather than later and see you around campus.
I’ll leave you with a video that illustrates how I feel at this moment.
Congrats to all the graduates. For the rest of you, enjoy your summer, get your service learning papers in to the office early rather than later and see you around campus.
I’ll leave you with a video that illustrates how I feel at this moment.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
(D)Evolution of the Blog
While perusing the musty cases of Echo: Vintage books and Vinyl downtown, I stumbled upon a fantastic first-edition copy of Pundits, Poets, & Wits: An Omnibus of American Newspaper Columns.
The compendium contains some of the best American sarcasm and commentary you will ever read, all written in the first-person pre-bloggerly mode of the columnist. Featured writers include a conspicuously electric Silence Dogood, Frederick Douglas, Walt Whitman, E.B. White, James Reston, and Dave Barry. The selected pieces are essentially paper-bound blog posts - timely, reactive, and socially engaging - without hyperlinks (although I am quite sure Whitman would have used them if he was able).
Each article is incisive and meticulously crafted, recalling a time when megaphones couldn't afford to be braindead (or at least couldn't publish themselves). The columns are representative of "blogging" before blogging, a small subset of great and accredited minds who generated artful commentary in hearty defiance of today's vox nihili.
Check this book out. You'll like it, I swear. Read the whole thing, a single column or just a few lines. This is American wit at its finest.
The compendium contains some of the best American sarcasm and commentary you will ever read, all written in the first-person pre-bloggerly mode of the columnist. Featured writers include a conspicuously electric Silence Dogood, Frederick Douglas, Walt Whitman, E.B. White, James Reston, and Dave Barry. The selected pieces are essentially paper-bound blog posts - timely, reactive, and socially engaging - without hyperlinks (although I am quite sure Whitman would have used them if he was able).
Each article is incisive and meticulously crafted, recalling a time when megaphones couldn't afford to be braindead (or at least couldn't publish themselves). The columns are representative of "blogging" before blogging, a small subset of great and accredited minds who generated artful commentary in hearty defiance of today's vox nihili.
Check this book out. You'll like it, I swear. Read the whole thing, a single column or just a few lines. This is American wit at its finest.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Mangrove Review
Since we are a class of writers, I thought I'd pass along the fact that Mangrove Review (our campus literary magazine) is having our year-end celebration this Friday. It's at 6 p.m. in the Sugden Welcome Center, there will be free food, and you'll get to hear some fellow students read their work.
Hope to see you there!
Hope to see you there!
It's always the last One
Oy. I'm down to my last portfolio entry and it's driving me nuts. There's three I really like, three I think that would suffice, and therefore three potential candidates. One is witty, and two are serious, but which one is best? I know all the critera for selecting the best one, yet I can't seem to get enough distance from my blog to be objective. Where's my roomate when I need a voice of reason? I think I'm coming to the realization that I really like my blog, and I really don't like picking it apart: declaring some entries crappy and others well-executed. Bleh. Anyone else having this problem?
Tax day got you down?
This really won't help in any constructive way will cheer you up at least... maybe.
Encouraged by Morgan's post about LOLcats, I'm going to share The Cutest Blog Ever. I just found this site last week through The Webby Awards, where you vote for your favorite blogs and other websites.
Cute-overload posted about this kitten, Meme-bon, a few days ago. For a wee animal, she's huge in Japan.
Encouraged by Morgan's post about LOLcats, I'm going to share The Cutest Blog Ever. I just found this site last week through The Webby Awards, where you vote for your favorite blogs and other websites.
Cute-overload posted about this kitten, Meme-bon, a few days ago. For a wee animal, she's huge in Japan.
Kenneth Cole Infiltrates Campus
Was anyone else accosted by a pushy fashionista on Tuesday? Twice, as I rounded the corner between Howard and Griffin Hall, I managed to fall victim to a Kenneth Cole representative's desperate promotions and annoyingly scripted hook: "hey guys, I'm from Kenneth Cole and we're putting on an event for you guys!"
The perpetrator, armed to the teeth with long leather boots, those insectoid sunglasses that every female insists upon wearing, and a gaudy display of handbags, occupied a space normally reserved for student organizations and fundraising efforts.
Who let them on campus? Apparently the only university mandate was that they euphemize "shameless unaffiliated advertising" as "event promotion," but the end result was still annoyingly commercial and misaligned with FGCU's modus operandi. I hope this doesn't signal a slow decline of civic and academic integrity here on campus, although I could use some new boots...
The perpetrator, armed to the teeth with long leather boots, those insectoid sunglasses that every female insists upon wearing, and a gaudy display of handbags, occupied a space normally reserved for student organizations and fundraising efforts.
Who let them on campus? Apparently the only university mandate was that they euphemize "shameless unaffiliated advertising" as "event promotion," but the end result was still annoyingly commercial and misaligned with FGCU's modus operandi. I hope this doesn't signal a slow decline of civic and academic integrity here on campus, although I could use some new boots...
I Am Dread and Speechless
This is one of the few times I am speechless. I can only mourn this death. Read this, please. No, don't pay attention to the way the article is written, that is a different issue. Just follow the "plotline", if you can.
Cheesy Yet Satisfying
Some things considered a travesty by today’s standard were oh-so-cool back in the day. Enter Princess Leia’s aluminum foil jewelry. Oddly, it works for her. Or may be it just worked in the 70’s. I really don’t know. But clearly, if someone tried that today, you can be certain the film would be hitting the racks as a B movie. How George Lucas turned it classic instead of tacky I have yet too discover. The ceremony at the end Episode IV remains one of the most poignant in classic sci-fi. Personally, I am willing to credit John Williams 50% of the success due to his awesome music score in that section of the film, but the vision remains George Lucas. All hail George! All hail George! King of Science Fiction!
Monday, April 14, 2008
Where Everybody Knows Your Name
The awesome thing about a blogging class (and most creative writing classes, really) is that you get to know this weird little slice of all the people in the class.
I know everyone's name (though it took me a little longer to pair names with faces for the people sitting behind me), and I know everyone's blog. We've all put a little bit of ourselves out there for everyone to read this semester, and it's been a lot of fun. The only other experience I've had like this was when I took a creative non-fiction class last year. When you are constantly writing and reading the writing of your peers, it's kind of a bonding experience, no?
I know everyone's name (though it took me a little longer to pair names with faces for the people sitting behind me), and I know everyone's blog. We've all put a little bit of ourselves out there for everyone to read this semester, and it's been a lot of fun. The only other experience I've had like this was when I took a creative non-fiction class last year. When you are constantly writing and reading the writing of your peers, it's kind of a bonding experience, no?
Okay so I’m much of a cat person but this website is hilarious. A friend of mine turned me on to it and i could have spent hours flipping through the pictures.
Disclaimer: spelling is atrocious. It bothered me at first too.
Disclaimer: spelling is atrocious. It bothered me at first too.
I think we've all been there.
Music Snobbery at its Finest.
If you are anything like me, and find yourself rummaging through the same old cd's and singing to those same songs with a bit less fervor you might want to try Pitchfork. This music website has something for everyone. Click it. You just might like it.
Sunday, April 13, 2008
It's a Conspiracy.
Why is it every fashion template for blogger has so much pink? Even the name brand ones like Chanel. It bothers me that pink is the color being associated with style. It places limits. I prefer my life with more colors than just pink and fashion certainly associates with other colors. Some colors are even more popular. There are plenty of people who would rather shades of blue be the theme. It feels like they automatically assume anyone who enjoys fashion must be a consummate girly- girl who adores pink. Personally, I left that particular color with my Barbi corvette, Barbi house,…Barbi. It’s a shame none of the template designers did the same.
Skating Rink: a Nice Feeling
Is there anyone who likes skating. I "discovered" this place in Fort Myers, behind the Chrysler dealer. It was my first time there, and I liked it. I fell twice. Uhmmm, maybe three! Somebody was there to help me! I thought it was amazing they wanted to give a hand. No so many people in the US offered me theirs (hand)! In a way, I thought I was home. It was as if those people could be my friend, as if I knew them already. It was one of the rare times where I didn't feel alone among Americans. It was one of the rare times where I wasn't a ghost, and people didn't tear apart my invisible body.
It was a nice feeling!
It was a nice feeling!
Everywhere A Starbucks
Every morning I go to Starbucks and order coffee. Over the years I have been so conditioned to the taste of their "special" brew that I can now chug it down in the morning without snarling. For someone who doesn't particularly love the taste of their coffee, I drink it like a fool. And I do so because it is so damn convenient.
Starbucks are everywhere, and I hate to say it but frequenting them can be quite the experience. You order a drink, it takes too long, and before your blood pressure can even start to rise, someone hands you a cardboard placard for a free drink-which is the equivalent of them saying: "We know you are a big baby, don't cry. Just take this coupon and bring it back here tomorrow morning."
Even the music they sell enrages me because for the most part I cannot find any fault with it. Who can argue with old Stax compilations, Sinatra and Sam Cooke?
I bring all this up because there is a new independently owned cafe in town called Bennett’s Fresh Roast. They roast their beans every morning and hand make their very own doughnuts, special touches that only an independently owned coffee joint can give.
Sigh. But I just don't care anymore. I have seen the future that has tamed the great white whale of commercialism and it is good.
Wishing for a World of Typos
A typographical error or typo is a mistake made during, originally, the manual type-setting (typography) of printed material, or more recently, the typing process. The term includes errors due to mechanical failure or slips of the hand or finger, but excludes errors of ignorance.Too often, however, ignorance plays a huge part, turning what might have been euphemized as a slip of the finger into a glaring stylistic, orthographical, or grammatical error. We are all guilty of such faux pas (and aren't getting paid enough to take the time to publish our own corrigenda), but at least we can try to cut down on the really obvious flaws that make us look bad. Here are some that really bother me, with the incorrect usage listed first:
"suppose to do something" rather than "supposed to do something"
"heighth and width" rather than "height and width"
"supposably" rather than "supposedly"
"Valentimes Day" rather than...if you don't know this one, you are an idiot.
"alot" rather than "a lot"
"carmel" rather than "caramel"
"irregardless" rather than "regardless"
"flustrated" rather than "frustrated"
Please add more!!!
American Idols
STOP climate change. END human trafficking. ELIMINATE Genocide. STAMP OUT world hunger. With your help, we can MAKE A DIFFERENCE.
Such commands and do-good drivel are routinely doled out in droves on popular television and college campuses alike, begging for almost godly aid in futile human battles. Can any one person ensure world peace? Any dollar? Any god? Of course not, but such programs as "Idol Gives Back" would have us think otherwise, placing such burdens upon the American demigod who is overjoyed to hear the news: "I can end world hunger!"
The concept of international charity is more selfish than its name implies; it satisfies the imperialist need to feel intransigently powerful. We see the starving black subaltern through American airwaves, and, although we may cry, we extract a strange euphoria from the fact that we can feed him for a week with just 75 cents. This is true power.
But while we sit around munching our KFC chicken wings and feeling good about ourselves, our well-intended pocket change perpetuates the problem. It spawns a society dependent upon parachuting breadbaskets. It makes the impoverished townsfolk more vulnerable to depredations. I can still remember a disillusioned George Clooney describing how charity recipients in Darfur had become new targets of exploitation.
Programs like "Idol Gives Back" don't give the poor a voice, they just give us a louder one - an excuse to party harder and revel in our apotheosis. Ironically, this is why we are "giving back." We rely upon the collective suffering of the subaltern for our own idolic decadence. So thanks a lot, you massive heart of darkness. Here's a few bucks to get you through the month. Your idols will see you again next year.
Idol: a. an image used as an object of worship
b. a false god
Such commands and do-good drivel are routinely doled out in droves on popular television and college campuses alike, begging for almost godly aid in futile human battles. Can any one person ensure world peace? Any dollar? Any god? Of course not, but such programs as "Idol Gives Back" would have us think otherwise, placing such burdens upon the American demigod who is overjoyed to hear the news: "I can end world hunger!"
The concept of international charity is more selfish than its name implies; it satisfies the imperialist need to feel intransigently powerful. We see the starving black subaltern through American airwaves, and, although we may cry, we extract a strange euphoria from the fact that we can feed him for a week with just 75 cents. This is true power.
But while we sit around munching our KFC chicken wings and feeling good about ourselves, our well-intended pocket change perpetuates the problem. It spawns a society dependent upon parachuting breadbaskets. It makes the impoverished townsfolk more vulnerable to depredations. I can still remember a disillusioned George Clooney describing how charity recipients in Darfur had become new targets of exploitation.
Programs like "Idol Gives Back" don't give the poor a voice, they just give us a louder one - an excuse to party harder and revel in our apotheosis. Ironically, this is why we are "giving back." We rely upon the collective suffering of the subaltern for our own idolic decadence. So thanks a lot, you massive heart of darkness. Here's a few bucks to get you through the month. Your idols will see you again next year.
Idol: a. an image used as an object of worship
b. a false god
Forward-Thinking Americans
The Letter from Birmingham Jail, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. wrote:
"Frankly I have never yet engaged in a direct action movement that was "well timed," according to the timetable of those who have not suffered unduly. For years now I have heard the word "Wait!" It rings in the ear of every Negro with a piercing familiarity. This "wait" has almost always meant "never." We must come to see with the distinguished jurist of yesterday that "justice too long delayed is justice denied."
In 1963, these words and the accompanying actions by thousands of civil rights pioneers made our nation hopeful in some quarters, uncomfortable in others, and downright scared in others. Everyday folks of all races wondered where these protests would lead.
Today, in a time in which major presidential contenders are representative of different races, genders, and backgrounds, we certainly see progress from the time of Dr. King's letters. Such progress can make us comfortable, and if we aren't careful, that level of comfort with the status quo can hide injustice and unfairness in our midst. It can stifle a sense of urgency on the part of forward-thinking Americans.
I can only hope we avoid a comfort level that makes us forget we are all equal and that our actions can either promote or hinder fairness toward others. When we learn to give, as they have done so generously, I hope it is with an open mind about the experiences and priorities of others, especially those of other races and cultures.
One has to understand history to understand King's sense of urgency in 1963. However, one needs only to open eyes widely in our own community to understand that there is still a need for the justice and action that King called for.
"Frankly I have never yet engaged in a direct action movement that was "well timed," according to the timetable of those who have not suffered unduly. For years now I have heard the word "Wait!" It rings in the ear of every Negro with a piercing familiarity. This "wait" has almost always meant "never." We must come to see with the distinguished jurist of yesterday that "justice too long delayed is justice denied."
In 1963, these words and the accompanying actions by thousands of civil rights pioneers made our nation hopeful in some quarters, uncomfortable in others, and downright scared in others. Everyday folks of all races wondered where these protests would lead.
Today, in a time in which major presidential contenders are representative of different races, genders, and backgrounds, we certainly see progress from the time of Dr. King's letters. Such progress can make us comfortable, and if we aren't careful, that level of comfort with the status quo can hide injustice and unfairness in our midst. It can stifle a sense of urgency on the part of forward-thinking Americans.
I can only hope we avoid a comfort level that makes us forget we are all equal and that our actions can either promote or hinder fairness toward others. When we learn to give, as they have done so generously, I hope it is with an open mind about the experiences and priorities of others, especially those of other races and cultures.
One has to understand history to understand King's sense of urgency in 1963. However, one needs only to open eyes widely in our own community to understand that there is still a need for the justice and action that King called for.
Is Peace Idealistic?
I do believe that peace is an idea at this point in our world. I'm by far a negative person, but I do however undertand the reality of our world. We all have different views, but my view is that pride and greed are the number one cause that peace is inevitable. The only peace that we have is the one that come from within ourselves. I have always wondered, why people do mean and hateful things to each other? And I have came to the realization that people are who they are... human, and with hope we will find our way to be above all this foolish pride and greed. I believe also, that with peace comes acceptance, if we learn to accept one another for who we are, whether it good or bad, we could eventually learn from one another.
We are only human, so is pride, greed, and judgement our natural behavior and will always have an impact on this world? We strive to live and learn from our actions, and will continue to until the day we no longer think as humans and go into a more spiritual realm. This is when the fighting stops and we all become one. There is so much we still need to learn and only few have mastered it. Jesus for example, was one in history that mastered what we call peace. People couldn't understand it and what people don't understand gives them fear, so in essence fear is why they wanted him crucified. I can only hope that one day generation after generation, we will learn from our past and use it to reflect and better our futures.
We are only human, so is pride, greed, and judgement our natural behavior and will always have an impact on this world? We strive to live and learn from our actions, and will continue to until the day we no longer think as humans and go into a more spiritual realm. This is when the fighting stops and we all become one. There is so much we still need to learn and only few have mastered it. Jesus for example, was one in history that mastered what we call peace. People couldn't understand it and what people don't understand gives them fear, so in essence fear is why they wanted him crucified. I can only hope that one day generation after generation, we will learn from our past and use it to reflect and better our futures.
So close yet so far
If one more graduating senior comes to my office or calls my phone with the words “I didn’t know there was a deadline” for turning in service hours I can’t promise to be responsible for my responses any longer. If I were queen of the world I’d shout out “off with their heads” and go about my merry way.
The deadline for turning in paperwork was March 31st as posted on the FGCU website had students bothered to look. The excuses given have run the gamut of “I forgot to turn in my paperwork” to “I didn’t know we were suppose to turn in forms”. One young man offered me $300 to put his hours in without the accompanying paperwork (turned him down as my 401K is worth considerably more than a measly $300 and possible jail time for falsifying records). One young lady had her mother call me to find out if she should spend the money to come to her daughter’s gradation if her service requirement isn’t met. Geezy Peezy!
If you are graduating in a few weeks and your service hours are in then congratulations and have a good life. If you are graduating and your paperwork for service learning isn’t in by now, let’s just say you’ll be walking in the ceremony but don’t be too surprised when your degree doesn’t get certified for Spring 08. Certifying degrees is handled by the Registrar’s office. Once they start checking graduation requirements, if all of yours aren’t met you will not be a graduate of FGCU. Never fear though, you can always apply for Summer graduation.
The deadline for turning in paperwork was March 31st as posted on the FGCU website had students bothered to look. The excuses given have run the gamut of “I forgot to turn in my paperwork” to “I didn’t know we were suppose to turn in forms”. One young man offered me $300 to put his hours in without the accompanying paperwork (turned him down as my 401K is worth considerably more than a measly $300 and possible jail time for falsifying records). One young lady had her mother call me to find out if she should spend the money to come to her daughter’s gradation if her service requirement isn’t met. Geezy Peezy!
If you are graduating in a few weeks and your service hours are in then congratulations and have a good life. If you are graduating and your paperwork for service learning isn’t in by now, let’s just say you’ll be walking in the ceremony but don’t be too surprised when your degree doesn’t get certified for Spring 08. Certifying degrees is handled by the Registrar’s office. Once they start checking graduation requirements, if all of yours aren’t met you will not be a graduate of FGCU. Never fear though, you can always apply for Summer graduation.
Friday, April 11, 2008
Deadly Strain
Prior to becoming an English major, Biology was my forte. Given my extensive research in microbiology, I feel confident in asserting that I have nailed down a virulent strain that has been plaguing college campuses nationwide since the dawn of time. Put on your mask. No, not the little green one with the nifty strings that tie around your ears. I’m talking the level four containment mask.
Procrastitis bacillus is a deadly gram negative rod striking everyone from lowly freshman to on-the-verge-of-graduating seniors. It enters through the mouth, generally accompanying hops or barley over spring break. By the time school has returned to normal it has lodged itself deep in the central nervous system.
Incubation period is approximately 5-10 days. Initially, after returning from break individuals will pursue studies with considerable vigor. During this period P. bacillus is rapidly multiplying, infiltrating the cerebrum, ears, eyes, hands, and feet.
When the viral load has reached approximately one million P. bacillus individuals, symptoms will become manifest:
-First, pupil will find their hands incapable of writing notes or typing papers
-Then, pupil’s brain will no longer be able to process information being taken in through pupil’s viral laden eyes and ears
-Finally, pupil’s feet will refuse to take pupil to class
Penicillin is ineffective.
There is no known cure.
Procrastitis bacillus is a deadly gram negative rod striking everyone from lowly freshman to on-the-verge-of-graduating seniors. It enters through the mouth, generally accompanying hops or barley over spring break. By the time school has returned to normal it has lodged itself deep in the central nervous system.
Incubation period is approximately 5-10 days. Initially, after returning from break individuals will pursue studies with considerable vigor. During this period P. bacillus is rapidly multiplying, infiltrating the cerebrum, ears, eyes, hands, and feet.
When the viral load has reached approximately one million P. bacillus individuals, symptoms will become manifest:
-First, pupil will find their hands incapable of writing notes or typing papers
-Then, pupil’s brain will no longer be able to process information being taken in through pupil’s viral laden eyes and ears
-Finally, pupil’s feet will refuse to take pupil to class
Penicillin is ineffective.
There is no known cure.
Graduation Is Near
Searching for graduation details on the FGCU website, I came across information about honor cords and how they should be ordered with the cap and gown. I started to freak out because I did not order any cords and I definitely worked hard to get the G.P.A. I have. After a sudden panic, I called the bookstore and asked if I had to purchase my honor cords for graduation with my cap and gown. The lady's reply "No, it is not too late to purchase honor cords. You can purchase them with your cap and gown for $12.00."
I was relieved when I hung up the phone. It finally hit me today that I will be graduating in 16 days. Before today, I told people I was graduating with no enthusiasm because I was not done with classes. Now that classes are coming to an end and I am getting myself ready for the real world, I have become excited to what the future can bring.
So, the next time someone asks me about when I am graduating, I will say in an enthused voice, "It is soon and I will be an educated woman on paper."
I was relieved when I hung up the phone. It finally hit me today that I will be graduating in 16 days. Before today, I told people I was graduating with no enthusiasm because I was not done with classes. Now that classes are coming to an end and I am getting myself ready for the real world, I have become excited to what the future can bring.
So, the next time someone asks me about when I am graduating, I will say in an enthused voice, "It is soon and I will be an educated woman on paper."
Some interesting reading
I recently had to read this article by Herbert Meyer for my Foundations of Civic Engagement class. I enjoyed reading it so much that I felt I would share it with you.
Spare the Rod...
Have any of you read this story? It's disturbing. Apparently, eight Polk County, FL teens, ages 14 to 18, were arrested for luring a former friend into a house and beating her senseless. Oh yeah, and while they ganged up on her, they videotaped it. They filmed everything but the two guys standing outside playing look-out. The victim, 17 year old Victoria Lindsay, had apparently badmouthed the girls on Myspace. To seek their revenge, the girls lured her into the Mulberry, FL home she was temporarily living in (which is where the story gets even more twisted) and beat her for 30 minutes so that they could post it on Youtube. That'll teach her!
The beating took place in the home of Mercedes Nichols, one of the attackers. Lindsay had been staying with Nichols for about a week because Lindsay had been having problems with her parents. Nichols' mom, Christina Garcia, has done several interviews since the attack, and claims that her daughter tried to warn Lindsay, and that an adult neighbor heard the warning. But during the 30 minute beating, neither Nichols nor the unidentified adult witness called the police.
This crime is disturbing. It hits close to home for me, because I live in Polk County. My siblings grew up in Mulberry. Oh, and one of the little twits is my cousin's ex-girlfriend (I tried to tell him she was trouble).
All eight were arrested and will be tried as adults. After the girls were arrested, they were LAUGHING ABOUT IT, and joking that they wouldn't be going to the beach for spring break after all. Twisted, very twisted.
I just watched an interview with Lindsay's parents. Lindsay is not in critical condition, but she definitely suffered major damages. She is recovering from a concussion, and has yet to regain hearing or vision on her left side. She also suffered several cuts and bruises. Meanwhile, her parents are blaming the Internet.
"For whatever reason, this Myspace, Youtube... It's gone too far. And what it's doing to our kid's... It's too much," said Talisa Lindsay.
"These websites that are creating a space for violent activity... As far as I am concerned, MySpace is the anti-Christ for children," claimed Patrick Lindsay.
The situation is awful. But is the Internet to blame? Is Myspace the anti-Christ? If so, does that mean I am satanic for having a Myspace account?
I would really like to see someone step up and tell parents everywhere to wake up and smell the freakin' coffee. Do you want to know why your kids are beating the crap out of each other? Because that's how they see you solve problems. Do you want to know why your kids are getting into trouble? Maybe it is because you don't keep decent tabs on them to know what they're doing. Where did these eight sets of parents think their kids were when this happened?
I'm not a parent yet, so it may be unfair for me to toss around these kinds of accusations. But I do know that when I have children, I will know where they are and who they are with, for the most part. And no, I will not spare the rod...
The beating took place in the home of Mercedes Nichols, one of the attackers. Lindsay had been staying with Nichols for about a week because Lindsay had been having problems with her parents. Nichols' mom, Christina Garcia, has done several interviews since the attack, and claims that her daughter tried to warn Lindsay, and that an adult neighbor heard the warning. But during the 30 minute beating, neither Nichols nor the unidentified adult witness called the police.
This crime is disturbing. It hits close to home for me, because I live in Polk County. My siblings grew up in Mulberry. Oh, and one of the little twits is my cousin's ex-girlfriend (I tried to tell him she was trouble).
All eight were arrested and will be tried as adults. After the girls were arrested, they were LAUGHING ABOUT IT, and joking that they wouldn't be going to the beach for spring break after all. Twisted, very twisted.
I just watched an interview with Lindsay's parents. Lindsay is not in critical condition, but she definitely suffered major damages. She is recovering from a concussion, and has yet to regain hearing or vision on her left side. She also suffered several cuts and bruises. Meanwhile, her parents are blaming the Internet.
"For whatever reason, this Myspace, Youtube... It's gone too far. And what it's doing to our kid's... It's too much," said Talisa Lindsay.
"These websites that are creating a space for violent activity... As far as I am concerned, MySpace is the anti-Christ for children," claimed Patrick Lindsay.
The situation is awful. But is the Internet to blame? Is Myspace the anti-Christ? If so, does that mean I am satanic for having a Myspace account?
I would really like to see someone step up and tell parents everywhere to wake up and smell the freakin' coffee. Do you want to know why your kids are beating the crap out of each other? Because that's how they see you solve problems. Do you want to know why your kids are getting into trouble? Maybe it is because you don't keep decent tabs on them to know what they're doing. Where did these eight sets of parents think their kids were when this happened?
I'm not a parent yet, so it may be unfair for me to toss around these kinds of accusations. But I do know that when I have children, I will know where they are and who they are with, for the most part. And no, I will not spare the rod...
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Coming to a Close...
The semester is almost over. We will no longer be blogging for a grade. I've really enjoyed the class and reading everyone's blogs. Just posing the question here for informational purposes- Who will be keeping up with their blog after the class has ended?
I for one plan to keep Upon A Living Canvas up and running. Anyone else?
I for one plan to keep Upon A Living Canvas up and running. Anyone else?
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
technology and me are not bff's.
Today's post is coming from my new HP laptop. While I am pretty excited to have a new computer, the circumstances are quite troubling.
Last night, around eleven at night, I was sitting on my bed watching TV. My laptop was sitting on my desk. All of a sudden, I hear the most odd clicking sound. I started looking around trying to figure out the source of the noise. Low and behold, my laptop is making terrible noises at me. The screen turned black, and hitting any key resulted in me being reprimanded with a loud beep.
I frantically tried restarting the computer, but when it came back on there was no hope for me. Nothing was happening. My trip to Best Buy this morning gave me horrible news. That clicking sound was my hard drive dying. Not only did my it crash, but none of the data is retrievable. And of course, the last time I backed up my photos on my external hard drive was a month ago. Goodbye to my photos, schoolwork, and music.
So, lesson of this story? You can't back up your irreplaceable documents too much. Looks like I am spending part of my night redoing my workshop of Heather's blog.
Last night, around eleven at night, I was sitting on my bed watching TV. My laptop was sitting on my desk. All of a sudden, I hear the most odd clicking sound. I started looking around trying to figure out the source of the noise. Low and behold, my laptop is making terrible noises at me. The screen turned black, and hitting any key resulted in me being reprimanded with a loud beep.
I frantically tried restarting the computer, but when it came back on there was no hope for me. Nothing was happening. My trip to Best Buy this morning gave me horrible news. That clicking sound was my hard drive dying. Not only did my it crash, but none of the data is retrievable. And of course, the last time I backed up my photos on my external hard drive was a month ago. Goodbye to my photos, schoolwork, and music.
So, lesson of this story? You can't back up your irreplaceable documents too much. Looks like I am spending part of my night redoing my workshop of Heather's blog.
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Workshops...
Being in workshop today really made me realize the job I did on Todd's blog was rather dispirited. My mindset was simply there isn't a whole lot left to say. Second workshop same as the first. But I was wrong. Every presenter today was oozing zeal.
Good job guys.
Good job guys.
Hating Topics
Remember when Professor Harrison warned us to choose our topics carefully? Well, I don’t know about the rest of you but I don’t think I was quite careful enough. I so dreadfully sick of my topic already. I realize that the information hasn’t been depleted, but everything that spills onto the page feels like worthless drivel. The more in-depth we get about constructing good sentences the les able I feel to do so. That compounds the problem, because now , not only do not like what I am writing about, I feel woefully inadequate to write anything. Am I the only one feeling overwhelmed? Is any one less regretting their topic choices? If so, how are you coping?
Monday, April 7, 2008
"I can smile about it now but at the time it was terrible…"
As of late it seems that the class blog has been getting more personal with the odd story being shared here and there. Here's one of mine.
I don't live in the best neighborhood. I live downtown, which is bittersweet at best.
My house is cavernous and terribly cheap to rent. When I first met my land lord he laughed when he first saw me and said "White boy huh?" I nodded my head confirming that yes indeed I was white and then signed the lease. Before my land lord left he said "Good luck white boy." and then began laughing as he drove off.
I didn't find the comments offensive. I just remember thinking that as far as ghettos went this one wasn't all that bad. And it's true. The area I live in now is fairly safe. It has its share of drug dealers and half way houses. But for the most part things are relatively quiet around here. And to be honest, I'm really glad to live here.
I say all this because, before Florida, my friend Shane and I unknowingly moved into one of the worst ghetto's Chicago had to offer. Within the first month our apartment had been broken into. All this did was enforce a new rule of whoever was going to the bathroom past 10:00 p.m. had to knock on the others door four times; which really is as maddening and useless as it sounds.
Shortly after the break in Shane and I were told in class by an astonished classmate that the movie Judgment Night was filmed where we lived. Judgment Night indeed… That very night as we walked back home Chris pointed to some bridge and said " Yep. Look, that's the scene where the bus breaks down..." And that was also the scene where a group of men came out of the inky blackness and beat Chris and me before taking our money.
A lot more happened while we lived there, but all in all it was a good experience. My grades had never been better because in a needless way, my surroundings were teaching me not to waste my time or my potential; which is part of the reason I still cling to the outskirts of such places now. All of this is not normal I know, but the rent is terribly cheap.
I don't live in the best neighborhood. I live downtown, which is bittersweet at best.
My house is cavernous and terribly cheap to rent. When I first met my land lord he laughed when he first saw me and said "White boy huh?" I nodded my head confirming that yes indeed I was white and then signed the lease. Before my land lord left he said "Good luck white boy." and then began laughing as he drove off.
I didn't find the comments offensive. I just remember thinking that as far as ghettos went this one wasn't all that bad. And it's true. The area I live in now is fairly safe. It has its share of drug dealers and half way houses. But for the most part things are relatively quiet around here. And to be honest, I'm really glad to live here.
I say all this because, before Florida, my friend Shane and I unknowingly moved into one of the worst ghetto's Chicago had to offer. Within the first month our apartment had been broken into. All this did was enforce a new rule of whoever was going to the bathroom past 10:00 p.m. had to knock on the others door four times; which really is as maddening and useless as it sounds.
Shortly after the break in Shane and I were told in class by an astonished classmate that the movie Judgment Night was filmed where we lived. Judgment Night indeed… That very night as we walked back home Chris pointed to some bridge and said " Yep. Look, that's the scene where the bus breaks down..." And that was also the scene where a group of men came out of the inky blackness and beat Chris and me before taking our money.
A lot more happened while we lived there, but all in all it was a good experience. My grades had never been better because in a needless way, my surroundings were teaching me not to waste my time or my potential; which is part of the reason I still cling to the outskirts of such places now. All of this is not normal I know, but the rent is terribly cheap.
Technical Difficulties
I just spent an hour working on a blog. I edited twice. It was one that I felt really good about, too. The information was good and it was divided into paragraphs. Alas, it was not meant to be read because just as I hit post- my cat happened. (I named him Rascal for a reason.)
One time I read an article about how red is the only color cats can see. I believe it, because my little darling becomes inordinately fascinated with my lips whenever I wear red lipstick. He jumps on my lap and bats at my face with his paws. I’ve never taken the time to test anything else, but I now feel I have irrefutable proof the article was telling the truth.
My cat is lazy. In fact, I am quite sure if you looked it up in the dictionary there would be his picture next to it. Nothing will entice him to play. Or at least nothing did until today. This evening I made the mistake of moving from my desk onto the sofa in the other room and I connected to the internet with a red cord. Apparently, he succumbed to color curiosity and pounced on the cord ripping it from the back of my computer just as I hit post. Since I had used the cut and paste method, there was no draft saved anywhere. I have so learned my lesson. From now on, I will sit tucked neatly behind my desk with my cat shut in the other room and I will back up my post after every sentence. Overkill? I think not. My lazy louse has turned into an attack mouser and I caught him red- uh, pawed.
One time I read an article about how red is the only color cats can see. I believe it, because my little darling becomes inordinately fascinated with my lips whenever I wear red lipstick. He jumps on my lap and bats at my face with his paws. I’ve never taken the time to test anything else, but I now feel I have irrefutable proof the article was telling the truth.
My cat is lazy. In fact, I am quite sure if you looked it up in the dictionary there would be his picture next to it. Nothing will entice him to play. Or at least nothing did until today. This evening I made the mistake of moving from my desk onto the sofa in the other room and I connected to the internet with a red cord. Apparently, he succumbed to color curiosity and pounced on the cord ripping it from the back of my computer just as I hit post. Since I had used the cut and paste method, there was no draft saved anywhere. I have so learned my lesson. From now on, I will sit tucked neatly behind my desk with my cat shut in the other room and I will back up my post after every sentence. Overkill? I think not. My lazy louse has turned into an attack mouser and I caught him red- uh, pawed.
God and the Toilet Bowl
A recent conversation with a friend of mine turned to religion. He posited that all religions are exactly the same; they provide humans with the same necessities and myths, whether the messenger wears an episcopal miter or Buddhist robes. He reasoned that every religion involves a transfer of value from the self to the divine path, the cause, or the ideal. Indeed, logia and precepts universally urge us to follow a code that, if upheld, will lead to a graceful life and a privileged afterlife. But I argued that these foci are ubiquitous to a fault. Surely the relationship between people and religion is similar (if not exactly the same) all across the board, but the relationship between people and their surroundings varies widely, and much of this discrepancy is attributable to religion. Different religions espouse different maxims and advocate different mindsets. They implant different beliefs and foster different relations between man and nature, nature and the cosmos. They urge different lifestyles, subordination and sovereignty. They are different, says I.
This is where the conversation shifted to my critique of over-generalization. The similarities my friend highlighted are so broad they can be applied to everything; philosophy, art, education, vocation, etc. all involve devotion to a higher order, a better life, an understanding that may never come. The aspect of worship is always there. Each field has its idols, and each disciple strives for some sense of piety and nirvana. We all have a purpose. Every action, down to the most trivial of motor functions, involves a cause and requires subservience to its method. So while my friend may have oversimplified religion, he revealed man's entire earthly existence to be an unwitting pilgrimage. Even shitting has its heaven: "ahh...sweet relief!"
Sunday, April 6, 2008
Ghosting through Life
My uncle has cancer. We have watched him drop pounds and his skin become papery and opaque. There have been times when I thought he would simply become transparent and then fade into the air as I watched. He fights to live for us, but what he has achieved is mere existence. He is alive but he doesn't really get to live. Watching him makes me appreciate small things about my life every day. I can walk. I can drive. I can even stay up for longer than thirty minutes at a stretch. When I think of all the personal freedom he no longer has, I realize there are worse things than death. Like the half life he clings to so tenaciously. I am under no illusions that he does so for himself. He hangs on for us; waiting for my family to realize what I have. I can't speak for them, but the smile Uncle Bob gives me as I smuggle in food unsanctioned by his doctor tells me he is aware I now understand what he has been trying to tell me. Death is not to be feared, getting so busy one forgets to live life should be . From now on, I am going to live. If for no other reason than to guarantee that my uncle didn't hang around in vain.
Can blogging kill you?
Maybe, maybe not (so far we seem not to have lost anyone), but (via Sullivan) a NY Times article this weekend takes a look at the possibility. Money quote:
Two weeks ago in North Lauderdale, Fla., funeral services were held for Russell Shaw, a prolific blogger on technology subjects who died at 60 of a heart attack. In December, another tech blogger, Marc Orchant, died at 50 of a massive coronary. A third, Om Malik, 41, survived a heart attack in December.
Other bloggers complain of weight loss or gain, sleep disorders, exhaustion and other maladies born of the nonstop strain of producing for a news and information cycle that is as always-on as the Internet.
Saturday, April 5, 2008
I'll Never Give up
It is roundup time. Many of us are tired, but there’s no need to panic. I believe this is a stage every student goes though during the spring semester. I don’t know how and why, but the spring term seems longer and harder than the fall is. Sometimes, I feel lazy too and I take a five-minutes brake. Yes only five, I am not allowed more than that. I roll all day; I just switch from a task to another until I go to sleep. If it can help, think of me when you feel indolent…
Now about our workshops. I agree with Todd, but the groups who workshop that day should foment the discussion. Last Thursday, both groups seemed to like each other blogs. I agree with almost everything they said. Both groups performed well, but I felt terribly bad for the second group because Todd, left alone, was also the only one to lead the conversation. It wasn’t fair, but HE DID GREAT!
What do we do now? Gather our energy and break through the end of the semester as if we were winning athletes!
Listen to this by Brian Mcknight
Now about our workshops. I agree with Todd, but the groups who workshop that day should foment the discussion. Last Thursday, both groups seemed to like each other blogs. I agree with almost everything they said. Both groups performed well, but I felt terribly bad for the second group because Todd, left alone, was also the only one to lead the conversation. It wasn’t fair, but HE DID GREAT!
What do we do now? Gather our energy and break through the end of the semester as if we were winning athletes!
Listen to this by Brian Mcknight
Lay Off the Sloth
Everyone has taken their turn as "end-of-the-semester" pathologist; we now have an impressive catalog of symptoms affixed to the scholastic home stretch, from laziness and truancy to writer's block. If it's a seasonal influx of Caribbean bradypus variegatus dander that hexes us in the later days of March and November, I must admit I am not immune. But a newly noted symptom known as "unenthused-ness" has caught my attention, and thanks to Rachel's recent findings in the lab, it may confound our understanding of end-of-the-semesteritus.
Unenthused-ness is marked by apparent deficiencies of the following: excitement, constructive feedback generation, and opinionated criticism. It manifests itself as the sort of general malaise you'd expect from college students itching for summer. Although perfectly congruous to previous symptomatology, unenthused-ness may have ambiguous origins. It may point to another cause.
In a class that has progressed from explaining "what a blog is" to creating, troubleshooting, improving, and maintaining one, a drastic change is to be expected between first and second-round workshops. Six weeks ago, most of us were still fumbling with the Blogger interface. Six weeks ago, we were typing without checks or feedback (aside from the occasional and magnanimous comment thread). Needless to say, there was plenty to criticize.
First-round workshops hit some people in the face like a brick. For others, they helped with the gestation process. What we have seen already, and can expect to see in upcoming workshops, are the results of our advice and criticism. At this point in the semester, there should be less to say. I don't mean our workshops should be without fervor, but I expect to see more well-established blogs that defy criticism.
Unenthused-ness is a symptom of bloggerly improvement. So let's just wait a minute before we blame less-than-scathing workshops on old Three-toes as well. He has enough problems as it is.
Unenthused-ness is marked by apparent deficiencies of the following: excitement, constructive feedback generation, and opinionated criticism. It manifests itself as the sort of general malaise you'd expect from college students itching for summer. Although perfectly congruous to previous symptomatology, unenthused-ness may have ambiguous origins. It may point to another cause.
In a class that has progressed from explaining "what a blog is" to creating, troubleshooting, improving, and maintaining one, a drastic change is to be expected between first and second-round workshops. Six weeks ago, most of us were still fumbling with the Blogger interface. Six weeks ago, we were typing without checks or feedback (aside from the occasional and magnanimous comment thread). Needless to say, there was plenty to criticize.
First-round workshops hit some people in the face like a brick. For others, they helped with the gestation process. What we have seen already, and can expect to see in upcoming workshops, are the results of our advice and criticism. At this point in the semester, there should be less to say. I don't mean our workshops should be without fervor, but I expect to see more well-established blogs that defy criticism.
Unenthused-ness is a symptom of bloggerly improvement. So let's just wait a minute before we blame less-than-scathing workshops on old Three-toes as well. He has enough problems as it is.
is the american dream a reality?
I am looking at one more year of college. One more year before I have to become a real adult. As the prices of daily expenses rise, I wonder if I will be able to attain the so-called American dream. Am I going to be able to attain a life style I expect with today's economy? Two car garage, white picket fence, stable job market. These are all thoughts that have been swimming around my head lately, and during a trip around Estero I took a photo that really made me think. It was a white picket fence that guarded a rusted barn and run down house.
Is the American dream one that has long since been abandoned?
A passerby informed me that the woman who owned the property kept it in amazing condition before she died two years ago. It was a quaint little place that she kept spruced up with gorgeous landscaping. Since she passed away, the city has paid off her son for the land so that they can flatten it and build a shopping plaza.
Maybe this is the new version of the dream.
Is the American dream one that has long since been abandoned?
A passerby informed me that the woman who owned the property kept it in amazing condition before she died two years ago. It was a quaint little place that she kept spruced up with gorgeous landscaping. Since she passed away, the city has paid off her son for the land so that they can flatten it and build a shopping plaza.
Maybe this is the new version of the dream.
Friday, April 4, 2008
Remembering MLK
At this moment, I sit at my computer desk crying. Crying because I am thinking about what today, April 4th represents to many. If you don't know, it represents the 40th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s death.
Before I started writing this post, I took a look back into MLK's life and what he wanted Americans to embrace. It is hard to believe that 40 years ago a man fought for change and most of what he dreamt about came true. Americans are beginning to treat each other equally and embrace change and some Americans are still living in the past.
Before I started writing this post, I took a look back into MLK's life and what he wanted Americans to embrace. It is hard to believe that 40 years ago a man fought for change and most of what he dreamt about came true. Americans are beginning to treat each other equally and embrace change and some Americans are still living in the past.
Below is the last speech he gave before being assassinated
Again I start to cry because MLK is part of the reason I am able to sit in a cultural classroom with fear for my life, I am able to have multicultural sister, and I have the freedom to be viewed as equal among my fellow peers.
After viewing other videos, I wondered if change would have come if Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. did not fight for equality. I also wonder what would have happened if he was able to live his full life. Would things still have panned out the way they did? I can only wonder because I believe nobody will ever know. One thing I know for sure is that MLK will live on and he will always be a part of me. If you don't know much about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. or you would like to reeducate yourself, please visit the 40th anniversary page presented by Yahoo!.
After viewing other videos, I wondered if change would have come if Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. did not fight for equality. I also wonder what would have happened if he was able to live his full life. Would things still have panned out the way they did? I can only wonder because I believe nobody will ever know. One thing I know for sure is that MLK will live on and he will always be a part of me. If you don't know much about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. or you would like to reeducate yourself, please visit the 40th anniversary page presented by Yahoo!.
I'm getting Sleepy
I don’t know if it’s just that time of the semester or what, but I couldn’t help noticing the extremely unenthused presentations yesterday. This statement isn’t me bashing the presenters; it’s simply an observation of the class as a whole. No one seems as enthusiastic about their blogs, others’ blogs, or just talking about blogging in general. During the first round of presentations everyone seemed excited to discuss one another’s blogs, pointing out what we liked, and stomping on the things we didn’t. Why are we all so subdued? Has blogging become a chore, like so much of our other homework? Are we no longer invested in giving constructive feedback because we see the end is near? Maybe yes. Maybe no. Maybe we’re all just worn out from the demands of cranking out English papers and reading 300 pages a week, while still trying to have a social life.
I don’t know the answers to these questions, but I do know this: presentations are way more enjoyable when everyone has an opinion, not just a person or two. I even remember there being a lively debate over Barbra’s blog last time, and I’d like to see it happen again—controversy keeps things interesting. Hopefully, we’ll see some sparks fly on Tuesday; because honestly, I don’t want to fall asleep—somehow I don’t think Dr. Harrison would approve.
Speaking American
Every semester my dad asks me what I've learned in hopes that his money spent on tuition will finally yield positive results. Since I've been in college, the results have been less than positive and almost always end in me shrugging and not really knowing what to say. Today my dad popped the question. After several minutes of thinking about what I was going to say I finally decided I had a great answer. Though the answer nearly cost me my next semester's tuition, after hearing me out I think he liked what I had come up with.
I told my father that I didn't speak English.
To his surprise, I was right.
See, I told him that I spoke American. This is when I almost lost the paycheck for the tuition. As he rolled his eyes he encouraged me to continue.
I told him that English is the base of my language, but that American is what I speak. The concept was similar to Spanish and Mexican. I was losing him, I could tell, so I had to get to the point quickly. I went on to explain that I merge the words 'whats' and 'up' to create “sup.” I great people with “yo” instead of “hello.” I explained to him that when I say I want to hang out or chill I don't literally want to dangle from a rope or sit in a freezer, but that I want to enjoy time with others doing exciting or relaxing things. Finally! He was getting it! What shocked my dad the most was when I told him I discovered this during my blogging class.
True story, blogging made me realize that I write similar to the way I speak, and what I speak strays far from the typical English language. I may or may not know if I nominalize, and I probably don't have perfect sentence structures, but I think thats what makes my writing more “Americanish” instead of “English.” The conversational hey-girl-whats-up style that I strive for only shows how relaxed both my personality and writing styles are, or at least I hope so anyway.
I told my father that I didn't speak English.
To his surprise, I was right.
See, I told him that I spoke American. This is when I almost lost the paycheck for the tuition. As he rolled his eyes he encouraged me to continue.
I told him that English is the base of my language, but that American is what I speak. The concept was similar to Spanish and Mexican. I was losing him, I could tell, so I had to get to the point quickly. I went on to explain that I merge the words 'whats' and 'up' to create “sup.” I great people with “yo” instead of “hello.” I explained to him that when I say I want to hang out or chill I don't literally want to dangle from a rope or sit in a freezer, but that I want to enjoy time with others doing exciting or relaxing things. Finally! He was getting it! What shocked my dad the most was when I told him I discovered this during my blogging class.
True story, blogging made me realize that I write similar to the way I speak, and what I speak strays far from the typical English language. I may or may not know if I nominalize, and I probably don't have perfect sentence structures, but I think thats what makes my writing more “Americanish” instead of “English.” The conversational hey-girl-whats-up style that I strive for only shows how relaxed both my personality and writing styles are, or at least I hope so anyway.
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Runaways
When you have one of those days where you have dragged yourself out of your bed and think what a terrible, no-good very bad day it is already, don't climb back in the covers. Remember that New Year's Resolution you made to get in shape? Today is a good day to take step two. Start your day with a morning run.
I'll be honest. I used to be one of those people who hated exercise. And while I still don't enjoy it very much, I love the benefits. It always puts me in a better mood during the day for two reasons. Exercise boosts your immune system and releases a torrent of endorphins. Those endorphins make you happier and the energy boost from the adrenaline helps you keep going .
Of course those are just some external benefits. There are also some lifestyle changes I like. The first and most fun is the fact that I can pretty much eat whatever I want. Fattier foods just mean a couple extra miles. If you actually want to lose weight instead of just tone up you do actually have to eat healthy, unfortunately.
Perhaps my favorite benefit of exercise is the psychological one. Nothing beats the rush there is from doing something instead of just griping about the extra five pounds or cellulite. That means I do more than just survive the day. I will actually enjoy it! All that for getting up a mere hour earlier. It is so totally worth it. Give it a try. you just might be pleasantly surprised.
I'll be honest. I used to be one of those people who hated exercise. And while I still don't enjoy it very much, I love the benefits. It always puts me in a better mood during the day for two reasons. Exercise boosts your immune system and releases a torrent of endorphins. Those endorphins make you happier and the energy boost from the adrenaline helps you keep going .
Of course those are just some external benefits. There are also some lifestyle changes I like. The first and most fun is the fact that I can pretty much eat whatever I want. Fattier foods just mean a couple extra miles. If you actually want to lose weight instead of just tone up you do actually have to eat healthy, unfortunately.
Perhaps my favorite benefit of exercise is the psychological one. Nothing beats the rush there is from doing something instead of just griping about the extra five pounds or cellulite. That means I do more than just survive the day. I will actually enjoy it! All that for getting up a mere hour earlier. It is so totally worth it. Give it a try. you just might be pleasantly surprised.
To go to class or not to go to class
I always find myself in these little predicaments and no matter which I choose I always feel guilty. If I miss class today I will be telling myself all day I should have gone. If I go to class and miss my furniture being delivered then I’ll have to wait another week to sleep on a bed. Decisions, decisions.
I don’t think I’m going to come to class; after all I’ve only missed once before. But I know I’ll be telling myself all day that I should have gone to class.
It’s like a never ending battle. I think I’ll finally feel better at 1:45 when I know that I can no longer get in my car and go to class because it’s over.
Yeah, beds are more comfortable than class. (no offense, Dr. Harrison)
I don’t think I’m going to come to class; after all I’ve only missed once before. But I know I’ll be telling myself all day that I should have gone to class.
It’s like a never ending battle. I think I’ll finally feel better at 1:45 when I know that I can no longer get in my car and go to class because it’s over.
Yeah, beds are more comfortable than class. (no offense, Dr. Harrison)
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Braindead Megaphone on Wheels
Taking advantage of today’s class cancellation, I decided to run some errands and ended up at the bank around 1:30. Pulling in to the bank in front of me was a nice white pick up truck, with the following political “advertisement” scrawled across the back windshield in bright red lettering:
Obama “Racist” Hussein. Wake Up America! Anti-God, Anti-America, Lying Muslim. God Bless America.
Holy shit. Pardon my French, but that’s the last thing I expected to see today. It made me think of this class. Say what you will about people who choose to create blogs and spew ad hominem, fear mongering crap like that online, but at least there’s a chance for readers to express their disgust. I was trapped in my own car, with no recourse but to hope the driver caught my evil eye staring back at him from the rearview mirror.
There will always be millions of people out there who take up the megaphone and say the things that distract from what’s really at stake. At least if the guy’s window had read, “Obama wants to cut-and-run, vote McCain,” I could have felt slightly less cynical about American democracy on the drive home.
The whole thing makes me especially glad that on our individual blogs we all set the bar far above this kindergarten-insult level of “discourse.”
Obama “Racist” Hussein. Wake Up America! Anti-God, Anti-America, Lying Muslim. God Bless America.
Holy shit. Pardon my French, but that’s the last thing I expected to see today. It made me think of this class. Say what you will about people who choose to create blogs and spew ad hominem, fear mongering crap like that online, but at least there’s a chance for readers to express their disgust. I was trapped in my own car, with no recourse but to hope the driver caught my evil eye staring back at him from the rearview mirror.
There will always be millions of people out there who take up the megaphone and say the things that distract from what’s really at stake. At least if the guy’s window had read, “Obama wants to cut-and-run, vote McCain,” I could have felt slightly less cynical about American democracy on the drive home.
The whole thing makes me especially glad that on our individual blogs we all set the bar far above this kindergarten-insult level of “discourse.”
Balancing Work & Family Life
I am reading a book called, “In Praise of Slowness,” by Carl Honore. This book is about balancing work into your everyday life. The balancing of work and life is all in personal preference. Everyone is different so it is tough to have a theory for every individual. The only thing that I can say is that the more money you make the more money you spend, so if you are a family person like me then working 80 hours a week isn’t in your vocabulary. Now when you take a look at most of our society as Honore explains it is very common that we work our assets off and it is unnecessary. Our Society has become a place that frowns on coffee breaks and restroom time. It is also interesting that when you are out sick it’s frowned on, but then if you come into work sick people end up hating you. I believe it to be inevitable, that no matter what you do unless you never get sick or go to the bathroom, you’re going to have moments that are frowned upon. This really shouldn’t be our way of life. What happened to the understanding if your child is sick and you need to leave? Now in interviews, it’s do you have any kids?
There are not a whole lot of jobs out there that have the compassion for our family lives, so when you are committing to a job, you may be starting a whole new family. I believe that it is important to do whatever it takes to make you and your family happy, so going part-time or cutting your work hours isn’t going to break the bank as long as you set yourself up for it. Honroe said, “People who cut their work hours often take a smaller hit financially than they expect.”(pg. 201) If we spend less money on gas, eating out, childcare, retail therapy, and etc… Then your pocket book will still have money in it. After all, isn’t happiness what we are all seeking in the end, so why not support it?
There are not a whole lot of jobs out there that have the compassion for our family lives, so when you are committing to a job, you may be starting a whole new family. I believe that it is important to do whatever it takes to make you and your family happy, so going part-time or cutting your work hours isn’t going to break the bank as long as you set yourself up for it. Honroe said, “People who cut their work hours often take a smaller hit financially than they expect.”(pg. 201) If we spend less money on gas, eating out, childcare, retail therapy, and etc… Then your pocket book will still have money in it. After all, isn’t happiness what we are all seeking in the end, so why not support it?
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