I. One possible subject that would be interesting to look into would be many people's hesitation to delve into philosophical texts. Philosophy sadly is the target of more than a few jokes and seems to have received a reputation as "useless" from many people... why is this? Why do people not become more involved in philosophy and all it has to offer?
II. Another topic that might be interesting to examine would be the question of why do a great many students seem uninterested in their studies? From personal experience and seeing everything I have going through school to this point many people exert the least amount of effort required in order to squeeze by. Education is something vitally important is it not? What causes students to be uninterested? What processes are at work here?
III. A final topic that seems appealing and relevant would be looking at the impact of new technological advances and how they will come to impact our lives. Looking to the work of Ray Kurzweil brings thoughts of technological advances and their impacts to light. Is important to stop and "reflect on teh effects and outcomes of technology," says Ray. A paper doing just this might be successful.
Wachau, Austria
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Paragraph Revision
The system that is currently in place has had it’s structure dictated by standardized tests, and this is why the system has serious short-comings. This system is oriented towards preparing students for a test, rather than concentrating on the big picture of teaching skills such as synthesis of information, and channeling creativity into productive areas. Performance on a test becomes inconsequential once one is immersed into the real world and an entirely different skill-set is needed. Education must be rethought, so that it is is applied on a personal level, because once this happens the natural desire of any child to learn will take over and the teacher will only need to guide their desire to learn, rather than try and force-feed the students information. Studies conducted by Sugata Mitra show quite clearly that students have a very natural drive to learn. If a system were implemented, where students natural desires to learn could be elicited, success of education would grow exponentially each year. Mitra stresses incredible education occurred in his tests when, “I set the children up with material and... then I left.”₇ In addition to this insight, Sir Ken Robinson has likewise critiqued the education system, he believes that “creativity is as important in education as literacy,” and that in, “our education systems, mistakes are the worst things you can make.”₈ By conditioning students to think that mistakes are unacceptable, Sir Robinson believes that we “destroy this capacity [for creativity and innovation].”₈
Fixed:
The system that is currently in place has had it’s structure dictated by standardized tests, and this is why it has such serious short-comings. This system is oriented towards preparing students for a test, rather than concentrating on the bigger picture of teaching skills such as synthesis of information, and channeling creativity into productive areas. Performance on a test becomes inconsequential once immersed in the real world, where an entirely different skill-set is needed. Education must be rethought so that it is is applied on a personal level, rather than on a standardized level. Once this happens the natural desire of any child to learn will take over, and the teacher will only need to guide their natural desire to learn, rather than try and force-feed the students information. Mark Twain once said, "I never let my schooling interfere with my education." Once standardized testing receives less emphasis schooling won't be a hinderance to a child's education.
Studies conducted by Sugata Mitra show quite clearly that students have a very natural drive to learn. If a system were implemented, where student's natural desires to learn could be elicited, success of education would grow exponentially each year. Mitra stresses incredible education occurred in his tests when, “I set the children up with material and... then I left.”7 Clearly education must be changed to take advantage of a student's natural urges. In addition to this insight, Sir Ken Robinson has likewise critiqued the education system, he believes that “creativity is as important in education as literacy,” and that in, “our education systems, mistakes are the worst things you can make.”8 By conditioning students to think that mistakes are unacceptable, Sir Robinson believes that we “destroy this capacity [for creativity and innovation].”9 These insights are vital points to focus on, and to hold in mind.
Fixed:
The system that is currently in place has had it’s structure dictated by standardized tests, and this is why it has such serious short-comings. This system is oriented towards preparing students for a test, rather than concentrating on the bigger picture of teaching skills such as synthesis of information, and channeling creativity into productive areas. Performance on a test becomes inconsequential once immersed in the real world, where an entirely different skill-set is needed. Education must be rethought so that it is is applied on a personal level, rather than on a standardized level. Once this happens the natural desire of any child to learn will take over, and the teacher will only need to guide their natural desire to learn, rather than try and force-feed the students information. Mark Twain once said, "I never let my schooling interfere with my education." Once standardized testing receives less emphasis schooling won't be a hinderance to a child's education.
Studies conducted by Sugata Mitra show quite clearly that students have a very natural drive to learn. If a system were implemented, where student's natural desires to learn could be elicited, success of education would grow exponentially each year. Mitra stresses incredible education occurred in his tests when, “I set the children up with material and... then I left.”7 Clearly education must be changed to take advantage of a student's natural urges. In addition to this insight, Sir Ken Robinson has likewise critiqued the education system, he believes that “creativity is as important in education as literacy,” and that in, “our education systems, mistakes are the worst things you can make.”8 By conditioning students to think that mistakes are unacceptable, Sir Robinson believes that we “destroy this capacity [for creativity and innovation].”9 These insights are vital points to focus on, and to hold in mind.
Monday, November 8, 2010
Teachers: Go Straight to Jail, Do Not Pass Go, Do Not Collect $200.
Merit-pay questions mount: Will teachers lose their jobs? Their careers? Is the bill legal? " McClatchy
I have examined an article on merit-based pay for teachers. The article essentially covers the issue in it's relation to the Florida education system, which is attempting to use the merit-based system for paying it's teachers. The article goes through the various levels of he issues. It touches on the concerns that many teachers have; many fear the implications of the new system effecting their tenure, or job security, their wages currently, and some feel that this bill is degrading to them. The article addresses these concerns and the answers are as follows, the teachers already having tenure would be covered to an extent, new teachers however would have an annual contract and could be fired at any time. The wages of teachers already teaching would not change but all raises in the future would depend on the new system.
The article then addresses the issue of how the actual teacher assessment would be carried out. The system would focus mainly on 'student achievement' which would be assessed through tests of the students. Other methods that would go along with this main method would include evaluation of teaching habits, classroom techniques, discipline, &c.
The article itself is heavy on all aspects of rhetorical devices. The initial worries of teachers and the implications of the new system are very heavy on the pathos. The teachers are very clearly worried about their livelihood. The teachers are having a very emotional reaction to the proposal, and empathy makes the reader feel what they feel. "They fear it would cut their future pay, strip away their job security and blame them for the failings of students and parents." This shows the emotional anguish of teachers, the helplessness in the face of this proposal.
The article similarly uses logos in it's discussion of how the plan might be used in it's assessment of teachers. The article lays out the logical structure of the assessment in the hopes of convincing the readers of the rationality of the assessment methods in determining the quality of the teachers. The article illuminates the plan to have teachers on annual "probationary" contracts, as a logical way to eliminate teachers who are found to be "bad" as they call them. This is an attempt to show the logic behind the proposed system, and it's goals.
The article also raises heavy ethos. There are many critical ethical issues tied in with the arguments over merit-based pay. For example is it ethical to be able to assess teachers every year and to have the ability to fire teachers on the spot if they do no meet assessment standards? The article addresses the legality of the bill. The bill itself is a direct violation of the Florida constitution, guaranteeing workers, "collective bargaining for wages and benefits as a fundamental right." This in particular is an important point to consider in the issue as it is one that very well may make or break the entire bill.
I believe that this article brings up quite a few important points on the topic of merit-based pay, and I will certainly want to include the moral/legal issues in the article. It is certainly a good source for my paper.
I have examined an article on merit-based pay for teachers. The article essentially covers the issue in it's relation to the Florida education system, which is attempting to use the merit-based system for paying it's teachers. The article goes through the various levels of he issues. It touches on the concerns that many teachers have; many fear the implications of the new system effecting their tenure, or job security, their wages currently, and some feel that this bill is degrading to them. The article addresses these concerns and the answers are as follows, the teachers already having tenure would be covered to an extent, new teachers however would have an annual contract and could be fired at any time. The wages of teachers already teaching would not change but all raises in the future would depend on the new system.
The article then addresses the issue of how the actual teacher assessment would be carried out. The system would focus mainly on 'student achievement' which would be assessed through tests of the students. Other methods that would go along with this main method would include evaluation of teaching habits, classroom techniques, discipline, &c.
The article itself is heavy on all aspects of rhetorical devices. The initial worries of teachers and the implications of the new system are very heavy on the pathos. The teachers are very clearly worried about their livelihood. The teachers are having a very emotional reaction to the proposal, and empathy makes the reader feel what they feel. "They fear it would cut their future pay, strip away their job security and blame them for the failings of students and parents." This shows the emotional anguish of teachers, the helplessness in the face of this proposal.
The article similarly uses logos in it's discussion of how the plan might be used in it's assessment of teachers. The article lays out the logical structure of the assessment in the hopes of convincing the readers of the rationality of the assessment methods in determining the quality of the teachers. The article illuminates the plan to have teachers on annual "probationary" contracts, as a logical way to eliminate teachers who are found to be "bad" as they call them. This is an attempt to show the logic behind the proposed system, and it's goals.
The article also raises heavy ethos. There are many critical ethical issues tied in with the arguments over merit-based pay. For example is it ethical to be able to assess teachers every year and to have the ability to fire teachers on the spot if they do no meet assessment standards? The article addresses the legality of the bill. The bill itself is a direct violation of the Florida constitution, guaranteeing workers, "collective bargaining for wages and benefits as a fundamental right." This in particular is an important point to consider in the issue as it is one that very well may make or break the entire bill.
I believe that this article brings up quite a few important points on the topic of merit-based pay, and I will certainly want to include the moral/legal issues in the article. It is certainly a good source for my paper.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Issues that Rouse Passion
http://news.blogs.nytimes.com/2007/06/17/merit-based-pay-for-teachers/
Merit-based pay is an incredibly important issue that impacts everyone in society.
http://www.wired.com/medtech/drugs/magazine/16-04/ff_kurzweil?currentPage=all
The idea of technology and it's implications on human life, existence, and what it means to be human in general. This exigence was spurred by seeing Ray speak last Tuesday...
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa3711/is_200305/ai_n9238722/
Examining what effect violence in the media is having on our minds is another topic of major concern. Many believe that violent media causes aggression, while many others believe it is the other way around...
Which topic to choose I wonder...
Merit-based pay is an incredibly important issue that impacts everyone in society.
http://www.wired.com/medtech/drugs/magazine/16-04/ff_kurzweil?currentPage=all
The idea of technology and it's implications on human life, existence, and what it means to be human in general. This exigence was spurred by seeing Ray speak last Tuesday...
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa3711/is_200305/ai_n9238722/
Examining what effect violence in the media is having on our minds is another topic of major concern. Many believe that violent media causes aggression, while many others believe it is the other way around...
Which topic to choose I wonder...
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Sentimental Design
There is something inviting about the book. The crisp pages of the new book, the off-white with the newly printed letters. The new book calls to you, it beckons, open and enjoy it says. there is some sort of simple joy in the turning of a page the light press it takes to press down the page before one continues. The book is compact in most cases, the paperback is the perfect size to enjoy while reclined in a comfortable chair. The book is light, and in lamplight the pages seem warm, reflecting the yellow light of a lamp. When used in combination with a bookmark the design is genius; simply pick the book up and one can pick up where the story was left off. The image of a book is one of sentiment, there is some strange emotion attached to it. A sense of tradition and loyalty.
There is a sterility about this object. The sentimentality of the book is all but gone. Certainly there are attempts to conjure up this emotion, with the faux aged pages, the clever programming, but the emotion is absent. The design is one of a modern age. There is the characteristic curvature of the actual device. Metal and plastic give it a durability and heaviness the book does not have. The polished surface of the screen reflects light and is hard to the touch, sometimes cold and sometimes hot. The turning of pages is more of a presentation than an action. The animated effect of a turning page intending to simulate a book yet something is missing. Somewhere in the metal, the processors, the ingenious ingenuity the heart of the book is lost. Some think that the two are interchangeable, and on the surface they do seem to be. There is something powerful in the simplicity of a book that even cunning technology cannot replace.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Critique of Basterds.
Everyone knows Tarantino. Who doesn't? After all the man has been tremendously successful with the Kill Bill series, and with Pulp Fiction and Reservoir Dogs, and finally with his latest project, Inglourious Basterds. This film follows in the tradition of Trantino's style and is one of the best cinematic experiences, of the year, or ever.
The film is immensely successful because it conforms to Tarantino's usual film style, which is very much the film-making that American's have come to expect from a good film.
There are two key components to the appeal that come hand-in-hand in Tarantino's movies. Both of these components relate to the striking visuals presented in the films. The movie makes use of I. wonderful and imaginative cinematography and II. use of incredibly vast amounts of graphic violence. Both these components are present in his latest, Inglourious Basterds. The cinematography features the unique stlye that has come to define Tarantino movies. It is gritty and old fashioned and yet at the same time it works in modern imaginative shots. The violence similarly adds to the striking impression the already vivid visual side of the movies has. The contrast of the vast amount of blood against the otherwise bleak backdrop add aesthetic brilliance. This scene in particular illustrates both the extreme violence, cinematography, and dialogue.
As can be seen, particularly from the bar scene, the dialogue that goes back and forth between characters is a major reason Inglourious Basterds should be deemed such a masterpiece. The dialogue in the movie is both witty and ingeniousely written. The film in particular is known for it's brilliant dialogue. A major component of this dialogue naturally brings me to the issue of actors. The film features perfect actors and extraordinary performances particularly by Brad Pitt and his attempts to speak Italian, and by Christoph Waltz (an Austrian actor) who won an Oscar for his performance.
Another key component staying on the subject of audio is the soundtrack. Tarantino in all is films loves to include tracks reminiscent of the Western movies that are his inspiration. Inglourious Basterds is the same. He includes these types of themes in the backdrop of his WWII movie and surprisingly it works. Tarantino adds his own unique flair to this reimagining of a WWII story. This film is without a doubt a Tarantino success.
The film is immensely successful because it conforms to Tarantino's usual film style, which is very much the film-making that American's have come to expect from a good film.
There are two key components to the appeal that come hand-in-hand in Tarantino's movies. Both of these components relate to the striking visuals presented in the films. The movie makes use of I. wonderful and imaginative cinematography and II. use of incredibly vast amounts of graphic violence. Both these components are present in his latest, Inglourious Basterds. The cinematography features the unique stlye that has come to define Tarantino movies. It is gritty and old fashioned and yet at the same time it works in modern imaginative shots. The violence similarly adds to the striking impression the already vivid visual side of the movies has. The contrast of the vast amount of blood against the otherwise bleak backdrop add aesthetic brilliance. This scene in particular illustrates both the extreme violence, cinematography, and dialogue.
As can be seen, particularly from the bar scene, the dialogue that goes back and forth between characters is a major reason Inglourious Basterds should be deemed such a masterpiece. The dialogue in the movie is both witty and ingeniousely written. The film in particular is known for it's brilliant dialogue. A major component of this dialogue naturally brings me to the issue of actors. The film features perfect actors and extraordinary performances particularly by Brad Pitt and his attempts to speak Italian, and by Christoph Waltz (an Austrian actor) who won an Oscar for his performance.
Another key component staying on the subject of audio is the soundtrack. Tarantino in all is films loves to include tracks reminiscent of the Western movies that are his inspiration. Inglourious Basterds is the same. He includes these types of themes in the backdrop of his WWII movie and surprisingly it works. Tarantino adds his own unique flair to this reimagining of a WWII story. This film is without a doubt a Tarantino success.
Monday, September 27, 2010
Willard Preacher Outline
1. Opening Scene:
- Description of Willard during class change
- Description of the preacher and his attempt to preach to people during class change.
2. Illustrative quote to end the scene:
- I have an excellent quote that is perfect to illustrate why people thinks the man is crazy (no I won’t share it now).
3. Nut Graph:
- I will at this point break down why it is important that we not just think of the preacher as a nutcase.
- I will share some facts about Gary and what he does. (give him a more relatable perspective)
- People might be surprised to see what he’s like as a person, when he is not preaching, I hope to show this at least a bit.
4. Background:
- I will delve very briefly into the start of a preacher at Willard
- I will talk about “bro” Cape the first preacher.
- I will talk about how his style differs from Gary’s style.
5. Supporting Information 1:
- I will at this point hone in on what effect the preacher has on the students.
- I will examine first the perspective of people alienated by him.
- Quotes will include negative comments made about him.
- All of this will serve to show if he is a negative influence on students.
6. Supporting Information 2:
- In this section I will explore what positive impact he has on students.
- I have quotes about people who are inspired by Gary
- I will explore those who argue for Gary online in “forum wars”.
- This section will focus on people who support his preaching, and maybe a bit of those who simply see him as a humorous icon at University Park.
7. Supporting Information 3:
- This section I will focus on the man himself.
- I will use some quotes from and interview with Gary.
- I will show his dedication to what he feels he is called to do.
- I will consider his motives and beliefs and show Gary as a man who simply has a calling he believes is important.
8. Conclusion:
- Through reading this piece I hope that Gary is not simply some lunatic preaching “damnation and hellfire” on the unsuspecting students of PSU. I will attempt to show how he is a very down-to-earth, and intelligent person who simply has very strong beliefs. Certainly some might question his methods, but he is making an impact, he is getting noticed, he is getting through to some people.
- Description of Willard during class change
- Description of the preacher and his attempt to preach to people during class change.
2. Illustrative quote to end the scene:
- I have an excellent quote that is perfect to illustrate why people thinks the man is crazy (no I won’t share it now).
3. Nut Graph:
- I will at this point break down why it is important that we not just think of the preacher as a nutcase.
- I will share some facts about Gary and what he does. (give him a more relatable perspective)
- People might be surprised to see what he’s like as a person, when he is not preaching, I hope to show this at least a bit.
4. Background:
- I will delve very briefly into the start of a preacher at Willard
- I will talk about “bro” Cape the first preacher.
- I will talk about how his style differs from Gary’s style.
5. Supporting Information 1:
- I will at this point hone in on what effect the preacher has on the students.
- I will examine first the perspective of people alienated by him.
- Quotes will include negative comments made about him.
- All of this will serve to show if he is a negative influence on students.
6. Supporting Information 2:
- In this section I will explore what positive impact he has on students.
- I have quotes about people who are inspired by Gary
- I will explore those who argue for Gary online in “forum wars”.
- This section will focus on people who support his preaching, and maybe a bit of those who simply see him as a humorous icon at University Park.
7. Supporting Information 3:
- This section I will focus on the man himself.
- I will use some quotes from and interview with Gary.
- I will show his dedication to what he feels he is called to do.
- I will consider his motives and beliefs and show Gary as a man who simply has a calling he believes is important.
8. Conclusion:
- Through reading this piece I hope that Gary is not simply some lunatic preaching “damnation and hellfire” on the unsuspecting students of PSU. I will attempt to show how he is a very down-to-earth, and intelligent person who simply has very strong beliefs. Certainly some might question his methods, but he is making an impact, he is getting noticed, he is getting through to some people.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Zoinks, Another Clue!
I felt the same muggy warmth that so often visits State College, staying on like a guest who overstays their welcome. The sun shining down on the steps added insult to injury. I lay back, on a portion of the steps that provided some protection from the sun. I focused beyond the flights of steps to the small space of pavement just before the path of the Pattee Mall. I was sitting on the steps of Willard on this fine Wednesday afternoon. In front of me, and the small group of onlookers who I shared the entrance to Willard with, was a man. Strolling thoughtfully back and forth. His arms clasped behind his back as he paced. He spoke carefully and thoughtfully, and it struck me that I’d never actually really observed the man like this before.
He was dressed extremely plainly. Looking from the ground up, he was wearing what appeared to be old worn-out sneakers that were most likely useless in terms of running due to their age. He wore baggy blue running shorts with drew attention to his chicken-bone legs. He wore a baggy white t-shirt which he tucked into his shorts. I looked again at his face, beneath his glasses his eyes were fixed on the ground as he spoke. He would look off into the distance, at nothing in particular, as he turned to pace in the opposite direction. He seemed so lost in his own thoughts, so pensive as he continued with his lecture. I looked at my peers on the steps and railings, all focused on this center of attention. They were all completely fixed to this strange man pacing back and forth in front of makeshift lecture hall.
Quotations:
“If you are and atheist you have to admit that it’s okay for others to rape 2 year-olds.”
- Willard Preacher
“Anybody who spends his day pushing his religion on others has crossed the line into the nutball neighborhood. You don’t win souls by yelling at people.”
- Mojoey blog
“The vulgar shit this guy says, I love it!”
- Unnamed source
Facts:
Began preaching in 1982
Replaced another preacher, Clarence “Bro” Cope
Has an official website, complete with blog, book, quotes, etc.
Has a number of fan clubs, imitator videos on youtube, etc.
One thing that I never would have thought of before is the extent to which he influences people. I would never have guessed that people would go through all the time-consuming trouble to post their thoughts on the man. There are various supporters and well as angry atheists who get into “forum wars” and other arguments online about the man and his preaching. I especially have been looking into this and wish to bring this to light in my paper.
He was dressed extremely plainly. Looking from the ground up, he was wearing what appeared to be old worn-out sneakers that were most likely useless in terms of running due to their age. He wore baggy blue running shorts with drew attention to his chicken-bone legs. He wore a baggy white t-shirt which he tucked into his shorts. I looked again at his face, beneath his glasses his eyes were fixed on the ground as he spoke. He would look off into the distance, at nothing in particular, as he turned to pace in the opposite direction. He seemed so lost in his own thoughts, so pensive as he continued with his lecture. I looked at my peers on the steps and railings, all focused on this center of attention. They were all completely fixed to this strange man pacing back and forth in front of makeshift lecture hall.
Quotations:
“If you are and atheist you have to admit that it’s okay for others to rape 2 year-olds.”
- Willard Preacher
“Anybody who spends his day pushing his religion on others has crossed the line into the nutball neighborhood. You don’t win souls by yelling at people.”
- Mojoey blog
“The vulgar shit this guy says, I love it!”
- Unnamed source
Facts:
Began preaching in 1982
Replaced another preacher, Clarence “Bro” Cope
Has an official website, complete with blog, book, quotes, etc.
Has a number of fan clubs, imitator videos on youtube, etc.
One thing that I never would have thought of before is the extent to which he influences people. I would never have guessed that people would go through all the time-consuming trouble to post their thoughts on the man. There are various supporters and well as angry atheists who get into “forum wars” and other arguments online about the man and his preaching. I especially have been looking into this and wish to bring this to light in my paper.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
A Drinking School With a Football Problem
Having looked at investigative reports recently I found the This American Life special on PSU to be an ideal example of a creative investigative report. Their hour long broadcast "#1 Party School" dealt with the issue of drinking at PSU and they made sure to examine the issue from many different perspectives. This move on their part not only made it an accessible report for people with different beliefs regarding drinking, but it also spread knowledge of different perspectives.
The report makes it very clear that there is a problem with some aspects of the drinking at Penn State. The report mentions that 1/4 of students have missed class or skipped homework because of drinking, student drinking often leads to vandalism and disorderly conduct on and around campus, and also the pleas of local residents that something be done. To top all there exigences off there is the issue of Joe Dado's death as a direct result of drinking. These blaring examples make it clear that there needs to be some sort of action taken to combat these undesirable consequesnces of drinking.
As previously mentioned, the report gives an almost 360˚perspective on the issue. The report includes interviews with State College residents, Gram Spanier, with frat members, underage drinkers, policy makers, etc. Each group of people is interviewed and many happily share their views on the topic. The perspectives vary from group to group. Many of the students, alum, and even some of the parents seem to have a very nonchalant view about drinking and how it might have negative impacts. A group of freshman interviewed before their outting to a frat proudl boast of how they "got slutty once [they] got to college." The effective use of interviews with college students and exploration of several parties and a bus full of drunks really paint a picture of college life for the audience. The report takes the audience in, no matter what their experience with drinking is, and shows them the reality at Penn State for college students, and (with the beginning scenes) of the sitaution for residents near frat row. These residents give an impression of stark contrast to the perspective of the college students, giving their opinions about the destructive and irritating nature of the drinking at PSU. The residents show interviewers the theft of a stop-sign by drunken students, the urination on private property by groups of girls that is commonplace, and countless other acts that become the norm on campus. These residents express their concerns with how this situation is becoming more and more commonplace on campus and how it effects their lives negatively. Both opinions are openly explored on the report giving it a very raw, and honest look at both sides of the issue. This exploration of both sides is important as it allows both sides of the audience to relate to their side and to feel like their perspective is being explored while at the same time raising awareness of how others migth view their behavior. In this aspect the report is able to incorporate a personal reach to both groups without leaving one or the other feeling attacked or as if their opinion is being or ignored. This plurality makes the report highly accessible to both groups.
The report leaves the reader with some of the new initiatives by policy makers and Penn State to combat drinking problems and underage drinking. Several ideas are discussed (bouncers at teh doors of frats, harsher measures for being caught drinking underage...) the question of these measures is left with the audience. The report closes with a sharp jolt into the reality that Gram Spanier and PSU have to deal with. They bring up the ever changing tide of students that come and go from PSU. Because of this fact each they they must "start again" with the new classes, making progress painfully slow. This is the end of the report and leaves the audience pondering the the complexities and challenges facing change in the drinking situation at PSU...
The report makes it very clear that there is a problem with some aspects of the drinking at Penn State. The report mentions that 1/4 of students have missed class or skipped homework because of drinking, student drinking often leads to vandalism and disorderly conduct on and around campus, and also the pleas of local residents that something be done. To top all there exigences off there is the issue of Joe Dado's death as a direct result of drinking. These blaring examples make it clear that there needs to be some sort of action taken to combat these undesirable consequesnces of drinking.
As previously mentioned, the report gives an almost 360˚perspective on the issue. The report includes interviews with State College residents, Gram Spanier, with frat members, underage drinkers, policy makers, etc. Each group of people is interviewed and many happily share their views on the topic. The perspectives vary from group to group. Many of the students, alum, and even some of the parents seem to have a very nonchalant view about drinking and how it might have negative impacts. A group of freshman interviewed before their outting to a frat proudl boast of how they "got slutty once [they] got to college." The effective use of interviews with college students and exploration of several parties and a bus full of drunks really paint a picture of college life for the audience. The report takes the audience in, no matter what their experience with drinking is, and shows them the reality at Penn State for college students, and (with the beginning scenes) of the sitaution for residents near frat row. These residents give an impression of stark contrast to the perspective of the college students, giving their opinions about the destructive and irritating nature of the drinking at PSU. The residents show interviewers the theft of a stop-sign by drunken students, the urination on private property by groups of girls that is commonplace, and countless other acts that become the norm on campus. These residents express their concerns with how this situation is becoming more and more commonplace on campus and how it effects their lives negatively. Both opinions are openly explored on the report giving it a very raw, and honest look at both sides of the issue. This exploration of both sides is important as it allows both sides of the audience to relate to their side and to feel like their perspective is being explored while at the same time raising awareness of how others migth view their behavior. In this aspect the report is able to incorporate a personal reach to both groups without leaving one or the other feeling attacked or as if their opinion is being or ignored. This plurality makes the report highly accessible to both groups.
The report leaves the reader with some of the new initiatives by policy makers and Penn State to combat drinking problems and underage drinking. Several ideas are discussed (bouncers at teh doors of frats, harsher measures for being caught drinking underage...) the question of these measures is left with the audience. The report closes with a sharp jolt into the reality that Gram Spanier and PSU have to deal with. They bring up the ever changing tide of students that come and go from PSU. Because of this fact each they they must "start again" with the new classes, making progress painfully slow. This is the end of the report and leaves the audience pondering the the complexities and challenges facing change in the drinking situation at PSU...
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
The Dreaded Writer's Block
Lamott says, in her "Shitty First Drafts," that the perceptions most people have of how writers work is different from the reality of the work itself. She refers to this in paragraph 1 as
“the fantasy of the uninitiated."
I think that many people, often those who don't write often, believe that writer's do possess some sort of supernatural ability to simply conjure up ground-breaking and concise ideas all the time. This however is not the case at all. I, as one who loves writing, often struggle with beginning and even get stuck part-way through...(this clip illustrates struggles with "writer's block") as Lammott says, "very few writers really know what they are doing until they've done it ." I think that this is something that I can very much relate to. My writing style tends to be simply running with an idea that pops into my head. Once I have an idea that I am set on writing about I will simply write and write without any sort of organization. The goal is simply for me to get the ideas onto the paper before they slip back into the deep, dark recesses of my mind never to be seen again. If I concentrate too hard on working with my ideas and with any sort of strict organization I lose the creativity and enthusiasm that drives any quality writing I produce.
For me, writing is a type of freedom. Due to the fact that I see writing as freedom it doesn't make sense to put this freedom behind the oppressive bars of formal organization (at least at the beginning). When I do this to my writing, it ceases to be a work of love, it turns into a painstaking process of forcing myself to think of ideas that work within the confines of this set structure. If the situation occurs in the reverse, the writing is saved. Once my ideas are out, all the details and a vast quantity of possible directions it might take, I can then shape it to fit the requirments. Like a sculpter shaping a slab of marble into a masterpiece I am able to work with the mass of ideas and shape it into the appropriate form. If for example a sculpter were forced to make a statue from a very limmited quantity of material he would have to add to his piece and his work would be that much harder.
A "shitty first draft" is a writers defense against blocks, and allows the writer much freedom to simply express any ideas and emotions without any concern for grammar, structure, or anything else. Once this hard part is over the process of shaping this rough draft into a finished piece begins. That is the real writing process...
“the fantasy of the uninitiated."
I think that many people, often those who don't write often, believe that writer's do possess some sort of supernatural ability to simply conjure up ground-breaking and concise ideas all the time. This however is not the case at all. I, as one who loves writing, often struggle with beginning and even get stuck part-way through...(this clip illustrates struggles with "writer's block") as Lammott says, "very few writers really know what they are doing until they've done it ." I think that this is something that I can very much relate to. My writing style tends to be simply running with an idea that pops into my head. Once I have an idea that I am set on writing about I will simply write and write without any sort of organization. The goal is simply for me to get the ideas onto the paper before they slip back into the deep, dark recesses of my mind never to be seen again. If I concentrate too hard on working with my ideas and with any sort of strict organization I lose the creativity and enthusiasm that drives any quality writing I produce.
For me, writing is a type of freedom. Due to the fact that I see writing as freedom it doesn't make sense to put this freedom behind the oppressive bars of formal organization (at least at the beginning). When I do this to my writing, it ceases to be a work of love, it turns into a painstaking process of forcing myself to think of ideas that work within the confines of this set structure. If the situation occurs in the reverse, the writing is saved. Once my ideas are out, all the details and a vast quantity of possible directions it might take, I can then shape it to fit the requirments. Like a sculpter shaping a slab of marble into a masterpiece I am able to work with the mass of ideas and shape it into the appropriate form. If for example a sculpter were forced to make a statue from a very limmited quantity of material he would have to add to his piece and his work would be that much harder.
A "shitty first draft" is a writers defense against blocks, and allows the writer much freedom to simply express any ideas and emotions without any concern for grammar, structure, or anything else. Once this hard part is over the process of shaping this rough draft into a finished piece begins. That is the real writing process...
Monday, August 30, 2010
The Story of Speech
Fball57575: Hey Becky
BeckyGrl34: Hey, what's up?
Fball57575: Not much, just thought I'd talk to you. What are you up to?
BeckyGrl34: Just at home... nothing much.
Fball57575: I had a great time last night... I'd love to see you again soon?
BeckyGrl34: Yeah I had so much fun ;)) It was great to hang out with you finally.
Fball57575: Yeah. Maybe we could go watch a movie this weekend or something?
BeckyGrl34: Oh yeah! There’s this amazing new movie that came out. My friend Lauren said she saw it. We should totally go watch it.
Fball57575: What movie?
BeckyGrl34: It’s called “The Betrayal.” It’s about this girl who cheats on her boyfriend it’s supposed to be really hot.
Fball57575: Chick flick?
BeckyGrl34: No it isn’t. Just some of it’s romantic... you’d love it, I’m sure!
Fball57575: Well I guess I’ll check it out, just because I’m going with you though.
BeckyGrl34: AAAw. That’s sweet of you. There are so many jerks around campus. It’s nice that I’ve got someone like you.
Fball57575: You think so?
BeckyGrl34: Yeah. I know this guy and he’s so hard to get along with...
BeckyGrl34: He’s so selfish sometimes, I just can’t stand the way he puts other things before me and he can act so ridiculous.
Fball57575: I’m sorry. I hate people like that...
BeckyGrl34: Oh it’s fine. I guess maybe I’m just stressed out from the first few weeks of school. I’ve just had so much reading and other work to do. Maybe I’m just stressed out.
Fball57575: Yeah I’ve had lots of work as well.... we just need to get used to it.
BeckyGrl34: Yeah I guess so hopefully It’ll level-off eventually.
Fball57575: I’m sure it will, don’t worry about it.
BeckyGrl34: Haha I’ll try not to. The other day though I slipped up and I was in the wrong classroom for 25 min. before I realized I was in the wrong room.
Fball57575: Wow, really? Maybe you just have too much on your mind...
BeckyGrl34: Yeah I guess so. It was so embarrassing. I can’t believe I could mix something like that up...
Fball57575: Haha. Don’t worry, it could happen to anyone.
BeckyGrl34: Don’t laugh, it’s not funny!
Fball57575: I wasn’t laughing at you...
BeckyGrl34: ...
Fball57575: I’ll tell you what we can go see that movie on Friday. That’ll cheer you up.
BeckyGrl34: Alright. What time?
Fball57575: 9?
BeckyGrl34: Perfect, maybe we can go to your dorm again after ;)
Fball57575: I don’t live in a dorm.... Becky?
BeckyGrl34: Oh shut up Jake, I was there yesterday.
Fball57575: You were with a guy named Jake yesterday after I took you out?!
Fball57575: What the fuck is wrong with you Becky?
BeckyGrl34: OH GOD. Ben I’m so sorry, nothing happened.
Fball57575 left the chat.
BeckyGrl34: Hey, what's up?
Fball57575: Not much, just thought I'd talk to you. What are you up to?
BeckyGrl34: Just at home... nothing much.
Fball57575: I had a great time last night... I'd love to see you again soon?
BeckyGrl34: Yeah I had so much fun ;)) It was great to hang out with you finally.
Fball57575: Yeah. Maybe we could go watch a movie this weekend or something?
BeckyGrl34: Oh yeah! There’s this amazing new movie that came out. My friend Lauren said she saw it. We should totally go watch it.
Fball57575: What movie?
BeckyGrl34: It’s called “The Betrayal.” It’s about this girl who cheats on her boyfriend it’s supposed to be really hot.
Fball57575: Chick flick?
BeckyGrl34: No it isn’t. Just some of it’s romantic... you’d love it, I’m sure!
Fball57575: Well I guess I’ll check it out, just because I’m going with you though.
BeckyGrl34: AAAw. That’s sweet of you. There are so many jerks around campus. It’s nice that I’ve got someone like you.
Fball57575: You think so?
BeckyGrl34: Yeah. I know this guy and he’s so hard to get along with...
BeckyGrl34: He’s so selfish sometimes, I just can’t stand the way he puts other things before me and he can act so ridiculous.
Fball57575: I’m sorry. I hate people like that...
BeckyGrl34: Oh it’s fine. I guess maybe I’m just stressed out from the first few weeks of school. I’ve just had so much reading and other work to do. Maybe I’m just stressed out.
Fball57575: Yeah I’ve had lots of work as well.... we just need to get used to it.
BeckyGrl34: Yeah I guess so hopefully It’ll level-off eventually.
Fball57575: I’m sure it will, don’t worry about it.
BeckyGrl34: Haha I’ll try not to. The other day though I slipped up and I was in the wrong classroom for 25 min. before I realized I was in the wrong room.
Fball57575: Wow, really? Maybe you just have too much on your mind...
BeckyGrl34: Yeah I guess so. It was so embarrassing. I can’t believe I could mix something like that up...
Fball57575: Haha. Don’t worry, it could happen to anyone.
BeckyGrl34: Don’t laugh, it’s not funny!
Fball57575: I wasn’t laughing at you...
BeckyGrl34: ...
Fball57575: I’ll tell you what we can go see that movie on Friday. That’ll cheer you up.
BeckyGrl34: Alright. What time?
Fball57575: 9?
BeckyGrl34: Perfect, maybe we can go to your dorm again after ;)
Fball57575: I don’t live in a dorm.... Becky?
BeckyGrl34: Oh shut up Jake, I was there yesterday.
Fball57575: You were with a guy named Jake yesterday after I took you out?!
Fball57575: What the fuck is wrong with you Becky?
BeckyGrl34: OH GOD. Ben I’m so sorry, nothing happened.
Fball57575 left the chat.
The Big Splurge Theory
SPLURGE. That’s a nice, concise way to describe where and how my love of writing began. What the hell is that supposed to mean you might ask?
It was Sophomore year, and at this point, to me, writing was a vague and distant memory. Writing was something off-limits (my attitude was similar to this?). By chance, I signed on for a creative writing class, I figured it was easy credit and from what I had heard the grading system was essentially a joke. The first day we started by receiving a composition book. The instructions were simple: splurge any ideas, thoughts, random words that pop into your mind on the page. The idea was not to have a unified piece of writing. Quite the opposite, the exercise was meant to open us up to simply expressing ourselves... easy enough. From this activity I got a taste of what would become an important part of my life, a love of writing.
My writing tended to be mostly personal narrative. I loved using vivid descriptions, I am a person who lives very much in physical details, as the world to me is a vast , churning, tumultuous sea of stimuli, in which there is nothing better than submersion, so that my senses are completely absorbed in every possible way by my surroundings. This previous cluster of information brings me to the downside of my passion for writing (this itself being only a very mild case). When in the midst of my writing, I tend to drag my thought on, and on... and on. Periods are not something that come naturally to my writing.
Then there came some hope. I am always up for trying new authors, and I attempt to read different styles of literature. I had come across Hemmingway and Camus. The first books I read by Hemingway being “A Call to Arms”, and “The Sun Also Rises”, I was very impressed with his writing. Camus I really enjoyed due to his involvement with Existentialism. These authors brought a new style to my immediate attention. Their writing was so vivid with detail, their characters so strong (I relate personally with Camus’ narrator in “The Stranger”). There was something unexplainable about these authors that had me baffled. They achieved all these things with such minimalist style. I began to write daily, and I yearned to master the ability to conjure up such complexity from so little. I have been writing almost daily about really anything since the time I started the creative writing class. I write about experiences, random thoughts that seem worth exploring. For me the topic is irrelevant, it is the ability to make the topic into something unified and worth reading that counts.
I’ve been able to simplify and shorten some of my writing but I hope to improve on my style even more throughout this year. I find that shortening one’s writing seems to make it more accessible to most readers and it also shows a very important control of language and thought. I intend to practice writing, and to continue to experience new pieces and styles of writing to add inspiration to my own.
It was Sophomore year, and at this point, to me, writing was a vague and distant memory. Writing was something off-limits (my attitude was similar to this?). By chance, I signed on for a creative writing class, I figured it was easy credit and from what I had heard the grading system was essentially a joke. The first day we started by receiving a composition book. The instructions were simple: splurge any ideas, thoughts, random words that pop into your mind on the page. The idea was not to have a unified piece of writing. Quite the opposite, the exercise was meant to open us up to simply expressing ourselves... easy enough. From this activity I got a taste of what would become an important part of my life, a love of writing.
My writing tended to be mostly personal narrative. I loved using vivid descriptions, I am a person who lives very much in physical details, as the world to me is a vast , churning, tumultuous sea of stimuli, in which there is nothing better than submersion, so that my senses are completely absorbed in every possible way by my surroundings. This previous cluster of information brings me to the downside of my passion for writing (this itself being only a very mild case). When in the midst of my writing, I tend to drag my thought on, and on... and on. Periods are not something that come naturally to my writing.
Then there came some hope. I am always up for trying new authors, and I attempt to read different styles of literature. I had come across Hemmingway and Camus. The first books I read by Hemingway being “A Call to Arms”, and “The Sun Also Rises”, I was very impressed with his writing. Camus I really enjoyed due to his involvement with Existentialism. These authors brought a new style to my immediate attention. Their writing was so vivid with detail, their characters so strong (I relate personally with Camus’ narrator in “The Stranger”). There was something unexplainable about these authors that had me baffled. They achieved all these things with such minimalist style. I began to write daily, and I yearned to master the ability to conjure up such complexity from so little. I have been writing almost daily about really anything since the time I started the creative writing class. I write about experiences, random thoughts that seem worth exploring. For me the topic is irrelevant, it is the ability to make the topic into something unified and worth reading that counts.
I’ve been able to simplify and shorten some of my writing but I hope to improve on my style even more throughout this year. I find that shortening one’s writing seems to make it more accessible to most readers and it also shows a very important control of language and thought. I intend to practice writing, and to continue to experience new pieces and styles of writing to add inspiration to my own.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)