How are Twelfth Night and "just add water" the same?
Both employ the same comic curve. The characters and communities in Twelfth Night and "just add water" all experiencing a bottoming out before things get better. In Twelfth Night, this bottoming out occurred when the love triangle becomes most intricate and confusing. In "just add water," the bottoming out happened right before Ray decided to make a change; after his wife left him and his son joined Dirk's crew. The communities in both texts have to become active and observant in order to make things better or restore order. Also, new relationships are fully formed by the end of each story. These potential relationships were somewhat present throughout the play, but by the end they are complete.
Friday, April 30, 2010
Focused Freewrite: Write here, write now.
What emblem/symbol/image best exemplifies the message/argument/point of the film "just add water"? What's its small object?
I really have no idea...maybe I'm just having a creative block. Who knows. Maybe water would best exemplify the message...but that's kind of boringly obvious, since the title has the word "water" in it. Although, water, especially in the form of rain, really does exemplify the meaning of the film. After all, the town WAS revitalized once it finally rained there again. Before the rain, Trona was a dry, barren, poisonous, infertile desert. No plant life could grow there, and the only people who lived there had a pretty pathetic existence. Dirk ran the town and polluted it even more than it already was, both literally with physical pollution and figuratively with his bad attitude. The rain gave Trona a new start. Dirk and his gang were arrested, and the town attracted visitors again with a new restaurant that Ray opened. Trona was becoming fertile again with the help of the new lake that formed, which probably also helped bring in tourists. The rain really did give everything a fresh start, so I guess that, all in all, it is a decent image that exemplifies the message of "just add water."
I really have no idea...maybe I'm just having a creative block. Who knows. Maybe water would best exemplify the message...but that's kind of boringly obvious, since the title has the word "water" in it. Although, water, especially in the form of rain, really does exemplify the meaning of the film. After all, the town WAS revitalized once it finally rained there again. Before the rain, Trona was a dry, barren, poisonous, infertile desert. No plant life could grow there, and the only people who lived there had a pretty pathetic existence. Dirk ran the town and polluted it even more than it already was, both literally with physical pollution and figuratively with his bad attitude. The rain gave Trona a new start. Dirk and his gang were arrested, and the town attracted visitors again with a new restaurant that Ray opened. Trona was becoming fertile again with the help of the new lake that formed, which probably also helped bring in tourists. The rain really did give everything a fresh start, so I guess that, all in all, it is a decent image that exemplifies the message of "just add water."
Sunday, April 25, 2010
An Invisible World
Mark A. Smith really likes to observe those little animalcules! He devotes his entire article "Animalcules and Other Little Subjects" to describing his observations and what they mean to him. He explains that these "little subjects" (268), although tiny and seemingly insignificant, are full of life and are constantly in motion. Just because these forms of life are microscopic and invisible to the human eye doesn't mean they're non-existent. Smith explains that one of the main reasons that he likes to observe these animalcules is because they are, to him, representative of human life and, in some ways, necessary to human life. Some of these animalcules are present in our bodies at this very moment. Without them, our bodies wouldn't be able to function as smoothly as they generally do.
To be honest, I was bored while I was reading the majority of this article. Most of it was devoted to describing his observations detail by detail. Microbiology has never particularly interested me, and Smith's describing the particular families and species that each microorganism belonged to failed to hold my attention. However, my interest WAS sparked towards the end of Smith's article. He began talking about how the life at the bottom of the pond is in many ways representative of human life. He explained that although we sometimes cannot see it, "life fills and overfills the world from puddle to ocean, from dirt clod to mountaintop" (272). As simple as most of these creatures are, they live in our bodies, the ground we walk on, and more or less everything else on Earth as well. Smith continues and explains why exactly he finds these observations so necessary. "You should know, then, that what works inside this jar works just as well inside of you" (270). Human beings are houses for these micro-animals, which do serve an important purpose inside our bodies. He also explains that our bodies' make-up isn't really that different from that of these animalcules. Some have exhibited evidence of consciousness and decision-making ability, making them seem more similar to human beings that we may have previously thought.
Although I don't particularly have an interest in the topic he was speaking about, Smith's use of language makes it apparent that he has an extreme love for these animalcules and even for the instruments that enable him to observe these creatures. He describes a simple microscope as if it were the most magnificent object that he has ever owned in his life. These descriptions help drive home his love for the animalcules and indirectly helps explain why he believes these observations are so necessary.
To be honest, I was bored while I was reading the majority of this article. Most of it was devoted to describing his observations detail by detail. Microbiology has never particularly interested me, and Smith's describing the particular families and species that each microorganism belonged to failed to hold my attention. However, my interest WAS sparked towards the end of Smith's article. He began talking about how the life at the bottom of the pond is in many ways representative of human life. He explained that although we sometimes cannot see it, "life fills and overfills the world from puddle to ocean, from dirt clod to mountaintop" (272). As simple as most of these creatures are, they live in our bodies, the ground we walk on, and more or less everything else on Earth as well. Smith continues and explains why exactly he finds these observations so necessary. "You should know, then, that what works inside this jar works just as well inside of you" (270). Human beings are houses for these micro-animals, which do serve an important purpose inside our bodies. He also explains that our bodies' make-up isn't really that different from that of these animalcules. Some have exhibited evidence of consciousness and decision-making ability, making them seem more similar to human beings that we may have previously thought.
Although I don't particularly have an interest in the topic he was speaking about, Smith's use of language makes it apparent that he has an extreme love for these animalcules and even for the instruments that enable him to observe these creatures. He describes a simple microscope as if it were the most magnificent object that he has ever owned in his life. These descriptions help drive home his love for the animalcules and indirectly helps explain why he believes these observations are so necessary.
Friday, April 23, 2010
...So We Kill Ourselves?
Benjamin Phelan's article "How We Evolve" can basically be summed up by the information given on the last page. Much of the article explains how humans have evolved throughout the centuries, how DNA changes and mutations can be linked back to particular cultures, and how our advanced human intelligence has led to the development of many devices and actions that are harming our entire world. This last bit of information is the bit that Phelan hones in on as he concludes his article. He expresses his fears that because of our advanced intelligence, humans are potentially bringing about "a self-inflicted extinction" (202). Even though our DNA can evolve quickly in order to help us adapt to our natural surroundings and circumstances, at the rate we're working at now, our so-called progressions might result in the extinction of the human race as we know it.
What Phelan talks about almost seems like an unintentional suicide by the human race. We are so focused on making new and advanced technologies that we don't realize the dangerous repercussions that come hand in hand with these technologies. Phelan explains that "the global climate is changing too violently for DNA to respond by fiddling around with heat regulation and hair thickness; forests everywhere are being clear-cut too quickly for their inhabitants to adjust, so food chains are coming undone; the collapse of global fisheries has been identified as an imminent calamity; and a nuclear disaster would constitute a catastrophe many orders of magnitude larger than what nature could readily absorb" (202). Because we are aware that our species will, inevitably, one day become extinct, we should use this knowledge to try and put off this extinction as long as possible. Sure, we can't change what is going to happen naturally, but we don't have to cause it to come about quicker than it would on its own. Phelan puts it perfectly when he says "we continue to evolve in the face of hunger, disease, and a changing ecosystem; but our virtual habitat of culture could enable us to become both subjects of evolution and conscious codirectors of it" (202).
It's a scary thought, that we might have a hand in our own evolution due to the evolution of our species up to this point. Common sense would say that we should be conscious of the decisions we are making and the effects of these decisions, especially if they are directly impacting our evolution. What's scary about this thought is that most of the time, we're not conscious about these decisions...or rather, we're not conscious of the repercussions of our decisions. We don't like to believe that our developments and the way we live our daily lives is harming our environment, and subsequently our evolution. Phelan sums it up the best in the last two sentences of his article: "the culture that we've created is, strangely, evolution's most powerful tool and its potential nemesis, the womb of human nature and perhaps its grave. By our own hand: this is how we evolve" (202).
What Phelan talks about almost seems like an unintentional suicide by the human race. We are so focused on making new and advanced technologies that we don't realize the dangerous repercussions that come hand in hand with these technologies. Phelan explains that "the global climate is changing too violently for DNA to respond by fiddling around with heat regulation and hair thickness; forests everywhere are being clear-cut too quickly for their inhabitants to adjust, so food chains are coming undone; the collapse of global fisheries has been identified as an imminent calamity; and a nuclear disaster would constitute a catastrophe many orders of magnitude larger than what nature could readily absorb" (202). Because we are aware that our species will, inevitably, one day become extinct, we should use this knowledge to try and put off this extinction as long as possible. Sure, we can't change what is going to happen naturally, but we don't have to cause it to come about quicker than it would on its own. Phelan puts it perfectly when he says "we continue to evolve in the face of hunger, disease, and a changing ecosystem; but our virtual habitat of culture could enable us to become both subjects of evolution and conscious codirectors of it" (202).
It's a scary thought, that we might have a hand in our own evolution due to the evolution of our species up to this point. Common sense would say that we should be conscious of the decisions we are making and the effects of these decisions, especially if they are directly impacting our evolution. What's scary about this thought is that most of the time, we're not conscious about these decisions...or rather, we're not conscious of the repercussions of our decisions. We don't like to believe that our developments and the way we live our daily lives is harming our environment, and subsequently our evolution. Phelan sums it up the best in the last two sentences of his article: "the culture that we've created is, strangely, evolution's most powerful tool and its potential nemesis, the womb of human nature and perhaps its grave. By our own hand: this is how we evolve" (202).
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
An Ethical Look at Climate Change
In his article "The Effects of Climate Change," John Broome claims that he "doubts" that "the money market reveal[s] people's ethical judgements about the value of future well-being" (Broome, 17). He says that if their behaviors in the money market did reflect their ethical judgments, economists couldn't "justify proclaiming an ethically neutral stance and taking the discount rate from the market." Although people might argue that they can do so "on democratic grounds," Broome explains that this is not possible, because this would require "leaving ethical judgments to the public rather than making them for themselves" (17). Since democracy and the democratic process requires debate and discussion, economists should want to share their thoughts with the public instead of keep them to themselves and let the citizens form their opinions on their own.
I'm going to be honest, I was a little bit confused about the specifics of this article. I had to re-read the section regarding the money market a few times before I understood what Broome was trying to say. It isn't that Broom is unclear, just that the topic is a tricky one, and I think that's why it's creating such a problem. It was interesting to hear about climate change from an ethical perspective. Normally it is only investigated on a scientific level. It is true, though, that humans have a tendency to "give less weight to their own future well-being than to their present well-being" (17). We want to make sure that we're comfortable now without worrying about the consequences that might follow later. This is why the climate is changing so drastically. We have no problem creating wonderfully convenient lives for ourselves now, even if the long-term effects directly damage our future well-being. This, I think, is Broome's main point. This is the habit we have to break if we want to slow the drastic climate change.
I'm going to be honest, I was a little bit confused about the specifics of this article. I had to re-read the section regarding the money market a few times before I understood what Broome was trying to say. It isn't that Broom is unclear, just that the topic is a tricky one, and I think that's why it's creating such a problem. It was interesting to hear about climate change from an ethical perspective. Normally it is only investigated on a scientific level. It is true, though, that humans have a tendency to "give less weight to their own future well-being than to their present well-being" (17). We want to make sure that we're comfortable now without worrying about the consequences that might follow later. This is why the climate is changing so drastically. We have no problem creating wonderfully convenient lives for ourselves now, even if the long-term effects directly damage our future well-being. This, I think, is Broome's main point. This is the habit we have to break if we want to slow the drastic climate change.
Monday, April 19, 2010
To Blog or Not To Blog?
I sort of have mixed opinions when it comes to blogging. I think it's great for class assignments, like we use it for. It allows other students in the class to read and share their opinions on their classmates' writing. This allows other students to use, in their own papers, some good writing methods used by their classmates. Starting a conversation about writing is also easier this way. Some people might feel more comfortable posting a comment on another person's blog than sharing their opinions verbally in class.
To be honest, if it weren't for this class I definitely wouldn't have a blog. I wouldn't have any reason for one, really. I do like to write things down in a journal from time to time, but I don't really want that journal posted on the internet for the world to see.
So I guess what it comes down to is that I don't mind blogging for class, but I would not start a blog on my own.
To be honest, if it weren't for this class I definitely wouldn't have a blog. I wouldn't have any reason for one, really. I do like to write things down in a journal from time to time, but I don't really want that journal posted on the internet for the world to see.
So I guess what it comes down to is that I don't mind blogging for class, but I would not start a blog on my own.
Friday, April 16, 2010
"Just Add Water" Observations/Inferences/Recalls
Observations
- Opens with a black screen and the repeated phrase "Thanks for coming, would you like a receipt with that? Don't forget to take a mint!"
- Voice over mentions routine life as houses that are almost identical are shown.
- Desert area of California, but flashbacks show that it used to be thriving.
- Ray picks up trash and tells Nora to keep the change.
- The grocery store is called "Right-Valu."
- The house is really dark and Ray's wife seems very withdrawn and off.
- Talk about the son's violence and anger and his dad's failed promises.
- A phone call comes in that Ray's mother is in a coma. The son is very nonchalant about this information.
Inferences
- Ray's life if very repetitious, but he doesn't seem to be getting bored with it. Is he going to shake things up a little bit as the movie progresses?
- The whole town seems to be stuck in this routine, just like Ray.
- It used to be better there. (Remember the billboard that shows a fishing resort.)
- Ray is very generous and always optimistic.
- "Right-Valu" might be the place where Ray meets respectable people, unlike those who live in the rest of the town.
- Is she mentally not all there, or is she hiding something? It seems as though she never leaves the house.
- There's a strange relationship between Ray and his son, and maybe they don't always see eye to eye or have the same values.
- Ray seems worried about his mom's coma, but his son doesn't. Maybe there's some tension in the family regarding people not getting along?
Recalls
- The type of town (with the neighbors who know each other, off-beat families with issues they don't necessarily want to make public, the relationship between the main character and the cashier at the local grocery store) kind of reminds me a little bit of "What's Eating Gilbert Grape."
- Opens with a black screen and the repeated phrase "Thanks for coming, would you like a receipt with that? Don't forget to take a mint!"
- Voice over mentions routine life as houses that are almost identical are shown.
- Desert area of California, but flashbacks show that it used to be thriving.
- Ray picks up trash and tells Nora to keep the change.
- The grocery store is called "Right-Valu."
- The house is really dark and Ray's wife seems very withdrawn and off.
- Talk about the son's violence and anger and his dad's failed promises.
- A phone call comes in that Ray's mother is in a coma. The son is very nonchalant about this information.
Inferences
- Ray's life if very repetitious, but he doesn't seem to be getting bored with it. Is he going to shake things up a little bit as the movie progresses?
- The whole town seems to be stuck in this routine, just like Ray.
- It used to be better there. (Remember the billboard that shows a fishing resort.)
- Ray is very generous and always optimistic.
- "Right-Valu" might be the place where Ray meets respectable people, unlike those who live in the rest of the town.
- Is she mentally not all there, or is she hiding something? It seems as though she never leaves the house.
- There's a strange relationship between Ray and his son, and maybe they don't always see eye to eye or have the same values.
- Ray seems worried about his mom's coma, but his son doesn't. Maybe there's some tension in the family regarding people not getting along?
Recalls
- The type of town (with the neighbors who know each other, off-beat families with issues they don't necessarily want to make public, the relationship between the main character and the cashier at the local grocery store) kind of reminds me a little bit of "What's Eating Gilbert Grape."
Questions About "Just Add Water"
I just want to say that I really want to see how this movie ends, especially after watching the part we watched last class!
1) What's up with the wife? Why is she so withdrawn? Is there something mentally wrong with her or is she like this because she's doing something behind his back?
(I asked this before we watched the second segment. She's having an affair, and that's at least partly why she had always been withdrawn.)
2) I don't know if this is significant at all, but what's in the tin that Ray has in the car?
3) How does Dike manage to run the town? Are their any law enforcement people around who would be able to stop him from cheating people out of money like he does?
(This question was also answered in the second part. The town was declared a toxic waste site, and instead of moving out, Dike bought all of the property from the government for a very cheap price. Since he now technically owns the town, he decided to charge anyone who wanted to continue living in the town.)
4) Toward the end of the last scene we watched, Danny DeVito's character urged Ray to go for his dream of re-establishing the town. Is this something Ray is going to attempt to do throughout the rest of the movie? Is that where the significance of the title comes into play? Will that be Ray's solution for the town?
5) Are Ray and Nora ever going to get together?!
6) Why is the town in shambles? What happened to it that made it so desolate?
(Again...this was also answered. The state diverted the water and it then became a chemical run-off area. The state declared it a toxic waste site and strongly suggested that everyone leave.)
1) What's up with the wife? Why is she so withdrawn? Is there something mentally wrong with her or is she like this because she's doing something behind his back?
(I asked this before we watched the second segment. She's having an affair, and that's at least partly why she had always been withdrawn.)
2) I don't know if this is significant at all, but what's in the tin that Ray has in the car?
3) How does Dike manage to run the town? Are their any law enforcement people around who would be able to stop him from cheating people out of money like he does?
(This question was also answered in the second part. The town was declared a toxic waste site, and instead of moving out, Dike bought all of the property from the government for a very cheap price. Since he now technically owns the town, he decided to charge anyone who wanted to continue living in the town.)
4) Toward the end of the last scene we watched, Danny DeVito's character urged Ray to go for his dream of re-establishing the town. Is this something Ray is going to attempt to do throughout the rest of the movie? Is that where the significance of the title comes into play? Will that be Ray's solution for the town?
5) Are Ray and Nora ever going to get together?!
6) Why is the town in shambles? What happened to it that made it so desolate?
(Again...this was also answered. The state diverted the water and it then became a chemical run-off area. The state declared it a toxic waste site and strongly suggested that everyone leave.)
Focused Freewrite : What is a Writer?
A writer is any person who chooses to express himself through the written word. Anyone can be a writer. In writing, or at least in creative writing, there is no good or bad; as the saying goes, "one man's trash is another man's treasure." Some people might argue that only those who have studied the technical aspects of written language and structure or those who have been published are writers. I disagree. In my mind, anyone who has ever written anything as a means of conveying a certain point, thought, emotion, or story is a writer. That person might not be professional per se, but he is still a writer.
Focused Freewrite : "Just Add Water"
Whenever I hear this phrase I think of those instant cookie or cake bake mixes. The front of the box always seems to say "Just add water!" to make it seem as if that is literally all you have to do in order to make a cake. I feel like a lot of companies use this phrase to entice people to buy their product. Everybody seems to be short on time and in a hurry, so why not make baking even easier? At the same time, it DOES spark a kind of excitement or anticipation, at least in me, because it usually means something tasty is being made and will be ready to eat pretty soon!
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Everyone Has A Carbon Footprint.
I thought Michael Specter's article "Big Foot" was very interesting. He took a very popular and frequently discussed topic - environmental protection and global warming - and examined it from a different angle. I never thought about all the miles that went into transporting food from where it is grown to the grocery store. Most of the time, whenever I hear references to global warming, I automatically think of huge, gas-guzzling cars and trucks and people turning on their air conditioners in the springtime before they really need them.
Including Elkington's claim into his article was an interesting move for Specter. By doing so, he is agreeing that "we are in an era of creative destruction." This phrase helps highlight Specter's claim that countries today - particularly developed countries - are damaging the world in new ways that were never previously imaginable. We are using new technologies more frequently and these products are damaging the world's atmosphere. Instead of developing products that benefit humans AND the environment, we have been selfishly ignoring the harmful results of these items. We are becoming, in a sense, more "creative" in our destruction; instead of just driving environmentally unfriendly cars, we are rapidly destroying forests and popularizing damaging methods of transportation of food items. What was a little bit frightening was that a solution for these problems is difficult to achieve. We still have a long way to go before we can fully understand how to universally solve these risks.
Everyone is responsible at least somewhat for global warming. We all use cars or take buses that use gas, we all use electricity, we all buy goods that had to be manufactured and shipped. These are things that are necessary for daily life. We are all guilty of occasionally over-using these commodities, and that is what we have to change. Instead of turning on the air conditioner when it's only mildly hot out, open up a window and let the breeze in. Walk to the store if it's close enough. In my mind, the most important thing we can do to work on slowing down global warming is to recognize the fact that like it or not, we all contribute to it.
Including Elkington's claim into his article was an interesting move for Specter. By doing so, he is agreeing that "we are in an era of creative destruction." This phrase helps highlight Specter's claim that countries today - particularly developed countries - are damaging the world in new ways that were never previously imaginable. We are using new technologies more frequently and these products are damaging the world's atmosphere. Instead of developing products that benefit humans AND the environment, we have been selfishly ignoring the harmful results of these items. We are becoming, in a sense, more "creative" in our destruction; instead of just driving environmentally unfriendly cars, we are rapidly destroying forests and popularizing damaging methods of transportation of food items. What was a little bit frightening was that a solution for these problems is difficult to achieve. We still have a long way to go before we can fully understand how to universally solve these risks.
Everyone is responsible at least somewhat for global warming. We all use cars or take buses that use gas, we all use electricity, we all buy goods that had to be manufactured and shipped. These are things that are necessary for daily life. We are all guilty of occasionally over-using these commodities, and that is what we have to change. Instead of turning on the air conditioner when it's only mildly hot out, open up a window and let the breeze in. Walk to the store if it's close enough. In my mind, the most important thing we can do to work on slowing down global warming is to recognize the fact that like it or not, we all contribute to it.
At the Writing Center
My writing center experience was neither great nor horrible. I found it somewhat useful, although I do think that I could have come to the same conclusions without the help of the writing center. When I went to my appointment, I wasn't exactly sure what thesis regarding disguise I was going to focus on. I had many different ideas and I explained my plan for each to the person helping me. We had a discussion about each, and I ended up combining two different ideas and molding them into one, focused thesis statement. Some of the comments I was given about the organization of my paper were not all that useful. The way the person I met with suggested I write it seemed a little bit boring, so after considering that organization as an option (he suggested I explore the sonnet and Twelfth Night in separate paragraphs and then tie them together), I decided to set it up differently (I explained both throughout the paper in the same paragraphs). After the conference, I fixed my thesis and made it more clear and precise. Instead of focusing on three of the characters in the play who were impacted by disguise, I focused only on Orsino. This allowed me to explore his character more thoroughly which made for a better paper.
Overall, I think I would have benefited more from this experience if I had more of the paper written instead of just the thesis statement and an outline of supporting paragraphs. I thought that would be enough material because I wasn't as concerned with organization as I was with the clarity of my thesis, but now I know to write more before I go next time.
Overall, I think I would have benefited more from this experience if I had more of the paper written instead of just the thesis statement and an outline of supporting paragraphs. I thought that would be enough material because I wasn't as concerned with organization as I was with the clarity of my thesis, but now I know to write more before I go next time.
This is Just as Confusing as "Lost."
Joshua Roebke poses an excellent question in his article "The Reality Tests" - Do we create what we observe through our observations?
I never thought anything could make my brain hurt more than trying to figure out what exactly time travel has to do with anything on LOST...but this article comes very close. I'm not entirely sure which side I agree with, the quantum mechanics side or the realist side, mostly because I'm not sure which side believes what, even after reading the article twice. Here's what I think: there is a certain universal truth and reality to things, but our understanding of these things can change depending how and when we make our observations and what we make them with. For whatever reason, I can't imagine things existing only when we observe them. That doesn't seem to make sense for me. Like Einstein asked, "Do you really believe that the moon exists only when you look at it?" On the other hand, I do understand how our observations can change the things we see. Not physically change things, really, but our perception of things can be wrong or varied or off. In a way, we do create what we observe through our observations, since our interpretations of these observations (which is essentially what theories and conclusions are based off of) can be very subjective and can vary from person to person.
Roebke's article and the thesis he poses in it are both very complex. They make you think. In my mind, the intrigue this article sparks is both a strength and a weakness. It's a strength because it DOES push readers to think about what exactly he is trying to say in his article instead of just allowing readers to finish reading the article without really learning anything. However, the weakness lies in the fact that it is confusing. Maybe Roebke could have tried to make his point more clearly. Unless this article is the result of many simplifications and the topic is just a confusing one by nature which cannot be perfectly understood by anyone other than quantum physicists, which is entirely possible...
I think I'm going to give my brain a break for a little while now.
I never thought anything could make my brain hurt more than trying to figure out what exactly time travel has to do with anything on LOST...but this article comes very close. I'm not entirely sure which side I agree with, the quantum mechanics side or the realist side, mostly because I'm not sure which side believes what, even after reading the article twice. Here's what I think: there is a certain universal truth and reality to things, but our understanding of these things can change depending how and when we make our observations and what we make them with. For whatever reason, I can't imagine things existing only when we observe them. That doesn't seem to make sense for me. Like Einstein asked, "Do you really believe that the moon exists only when you look at it?" On the other hand, I do understand how our observations can change the things we see. Not physically change things, really, but our perception of things can be wrong or varied or off. In a way, we do create what we observe through our observations, since our interpretations of these observations (which is essentially what theories and conclusions are based off of) can be very subjective and can vary from person to person.
Roebke's article and the thesis he poses in it are both very complex. They make you think. In my mind, the intrigue this article sparks is both a strength and a weakness. It's a strength because it DOES push readers to think about what exactly he is trying to say in his article instead of just allowing readers to finish reading the article without really learning anything. However, the weakness lies in the fact that it is confusing. Maybe Roebke could have tried to make his point more clearly. Unless this article is the result of many simplifications and the topic is just a confusing one by nature which cannot be perfectly understood by anyone other than quantum physicists, which is entirely possible...
I think I'm going to give my brain a break for a little while now.
Friday, April 9, 2010
Greed
A greedy person is someone who wants everything that they can get their hands on. They live a life of excess and generally don't care about the legitimate needs of others. Picture, for example, two young children. One of those children has a few pieces of candy in his pocket. That child, instead of sharing, eats all of the pieces of candy while the other child sits there, candy-less. Although that child might not know any better, he is still a legitimate portrayal of greed and selfishness. He keeps everything for himself. Greedy people also tend to surround themselves with material things and often expect more luxuries to continue coming their way without having to give anything back in return. They want it all and they expect to benefit from it, even if others are harmed in the process, like the hungry, candy-less child was.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Waste Not, Want Not
In his article "Faustian Economics," Wendell Berry directly addresses the problems of "prodigal extravagance" and "assumed limitlessness" inherent within the modern American society. These desires for limitlessness extend into the realms of our environment, politics, education, science, and technology. As a result of this desire for more, Berry explains that we have adopted a "moral minimalism," or a need to do things simply, quickly, and efficiently, with minimal effort from ourselves. Berry cites Christopher Marlowe's Tragical History of Doctor Faustus and John Milton's Paradise Lost to make clear that the dangers of limitless knowledge have been known for years, and that it is seemingly part of the human condition to want to break these bounds.
Berry believes that what we need most now is "sciences and technologies of limits, of domesticity" that would work "within self-imposed limits," which is how "the best humans always have worked." Again pointing out American greed, Berry states that "our human and earthly limits, properly understood, are not confinements," as some may argue, "but rather inducements to formal elaboration and elegance, to fullness of relationship of meaning." Finally, Berry recalls his initial argument about the environment, explaining that we cannot exhaust our natural fuels and resources because we do not get a second chance with these. Instead, it is "once-for-all."
Berry makes a very strong argument in favor of conserving our natural resources. Instead of simply focusing on ecological and environmental facts like many nature advocates do, Berry cites examples from science, politics, literature, and art to convey his message. This keeps the reader interested in what he has to say and helps to drive his point home in general. By exposing American tendencies toward greed and waste, Berry might cause some people to re-think their every-day decisions, thus helping the environment, even if only in a minor way. Overall, Berry's article poses a successful, convincing, and creative argument.
Berry believes that what we need most now is "sciences and technologies of limits, of domesticity" that would work "within self-imposed limits," which is how "the best humans always have worked." Again pointing out American greed, Berry states that "our human and earthly limits, properly understood, are not confinements," as some may argue, "but rather inducements to formal elaboration and elegance, to fullness of relationship of meaning." Finally, Berry recalls his initial argument about the environment, explaining that we cannot exhaust our natural fuels and resources because we do not get a second chance with these. Instead, it is "once-for-all."
Berry makes a very strong argument in favor of conserving our natural resources. Instead of simply focusing on ecological and environmental facts like many nature advocates do, Berry cites examples from science, politics, literature, and art to convey his message. This keeps the reader interested in what he has to say and helps to drive his point home in general. By exposing American tendencies toward greed and waste, Berry might cause some people to re-think their every-day decisions, thus helping the environment, even if only in a minor way. Overall, Berry's article poses a successful, convincing, and creative argument.
Derrida and his Fear of Writing
It's comforting to know that even professional writers experience a certain fear of writing. To me, Derrida seems extremely confident and self-aware. He knows the true power of language and writing and knows that what he says and writes will be taken very seriously. With that power, as with all power, comes a responsibility. This responsibility is what motivates this fear, or tentativeness, to begin writing, at least for me. I am responsible for creating a work that is respected by others, one that others can use for their own benefit.
I think that Derrida's fear is rooted in a similar circumstance. It seems to me that because he realizes this great responsibility, he is scared that he might write something, especially a particularly strong and opinionated piece, that will cause harm to a reader. He does not want to do this; he just wants to make his point. Because this harm or insult is always a possible outcome, however, Derrida always has a certain trepidation when it comes to his writing. I admire Derrida though because he overcomes these potential setbacks. He realizes that what he thinks is valuable and that it must be said. It was interesting to hear that when he was not writing he also had a certain hesitation, this time stemming from being overwhelmed with thoughts that he feels he must somehow express.
As for me, I notice that I am often not confident in what I write, and this goes back to my fear of that responsibility. I do not want to be wrong in my thoughts or opinions. If I am wrong, my credibility as a writer will be destroyed and I will no longer be entrusted with this responsibility. Even in this blog entry I notice that many sentences begin with, or at least contain somewhere, the phrases "I think" or "in my opinion." I need to destroy this fear of being wrong and take on my responsibility wholeheartedly.
I think that Derrida's fear is rooted in a similar circumstance. It seems to me that because he realizes this great responsibility, he is scared that he might write something, especially a particularly strong and opinionated piece, that will cause harm to a reader. He does not want to do this; he just wants to make his point. Because this harm or insult is always a possible outcome, however, Derrida always has a certain trepidation when it comes to his writing. I admire Derrida though because he overcomes these potential setbacks. He realizes that what he thinks is valuable and that it must be said. It was interesting to hear that when he was not writing he also had a certain hesitation, this time stemming from being overwhelmed with thoughts that he feels he must somehow express.
As for me, I notice that I am often not confident in what I write, and this goes back to my fear of that responsibility. I do not want to be wrong in my thoughts or opinions. If I am wrong, my credibility as a writer will be destroyed and I will no longer be entrusted with this responsibility. Even in this blog entry I notice that many sentences begin with, or at least contain somewhere, the phrases "I think" or "in my opinion." I need to destroy this fear of being wrong and take on my responsibility wholeheartedly.
Friday, March 26, 2010
"The Human Conversation"
It is necessary, at least in some cases, to discuss your ideas with others when writing. Without human interaction during the writing process, especially if you're writing about something that begs each person to develop his or her own point of view (such as any political or religious topic), you will be exposed only to your ideas and your writing runs the risk of becoming very one-sided. How will you be able to convince anyone of your argument without knowing what the counter-argument is? Also, your mind will expand and become more open to new and innovative thoughts and ideas through this interaction. If you're writing about your particular experiences or expressing your reflections on a particular event, however, interaction with peers might have a negative impact on this. Your writing will most likely become somewhat influenced by the reaction of your friends, even if you don't intend that to happen.
On the other hand, working collaboratively also develops one's ability to cooperate with other people and come to an agreement as a group in addition to broadening one's mind. This is a necessary skill to learn while in school, especially because almost all jobs in all professions will require workers to collaborate on projects. Kenneth Bruffee mentions in his article "Collaboration of Mankind" that medical school students who were told to collaborate on a diagnosis of a patient "acquired good medical judgment faster than individuals working alone." Perhaps this is why doctors, especially those working mainly in hospitals, often work together in teams when diagnosing a patient.
One thing that was mentioned in Bruffee's article that I didn't quite understand is why this collaboration among students was so revolutionary when it was introduced. I've had to do group projects for school since I was in second grade. Working with others seems simply like another required part of school. Maybe this was the goal of those who developed this method: for cooperative learning to be second nature to students. All in all, I do think this process is extremely beneficial for students. So much can be learned from these experiences that will help students in school ... and in life in general. After all, "the human conversation takes place within us as well as among us."
On the other hand, working collaboratively also develops one's ability to cooperate with other people and come to an agreement as a group in addition to broadening one's mind. This is a necessary skill to learn while in school, especially because almost all jobs in all professions will require workers to collaborate on projects. Kenneth Bruffee mentions in his article "Collaboration of Mankind" that medical school students who were told to collaborate on a diagnosis of a patient "acquired good medical judgment faster than individuals working alone." Perhaps this is why doctors, especially those working mainly in hospitals, often work together in teams when diagnosing a patient.
One thing that was mentioned in Bruffee's article that I didn't quite understand is why this collaboration among students was so revolutionary when it was introduced. I've had to do group projects for school since I was in second grade. Working with others seems simply like another required part of school. Maybe this was the goal of those who developed this method: for cooperative learning to be second nature to students. All in all, I do think this process is extremely beneficial for students. So much can be learned from these experiences that will help students in school ... and in life in general. After all, "the human conversation takes place within us as well as among us."
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
All That to Describe A Tree.
Yeah, it does seem like a lot of thought...just to describe the movement of a tree.
But Robert Hass has a goal that is larger than simply adequately describing the motions of a tree in the wind. In "The Problem of Describing Trees," Hass argues that many times, in poetry (and in literature in general), language often falls short of perfectly depicting an occurring action. Sometimes, however, this is not necessarily a bad thing, according to Hass. Perhaps he believes that it is this "disenchanting" language that allows us to be impressed by poetry. It is figurations like these that keep the reader interested and provide them with a connection to the poem, even if there might be some exaggerations.
So yeah, it is a lot to think about, just from trying to describe a tree. But he conveys a powerful message, one that was powerfully illustrated by that very tree.
But Robert Hass has a goal that is larger than simply adequately describing the motions of a tree in the wind. In "The Problem of Describing Trees," Hass argues that many times, in poetry (and in literature in general), language often falls short of perfectly depicting an occurring action. Sometimes, however, this is not necessarily a bad thing, according to Hass. Perhaps he believes that it is this "disenchanting" language that allows us to be impressed by poetry. It is figurations like these that keep the reader interested and provide them with a connection to the poem, even if there might be some exaggerations.
So yeah, it is a lot to think about, just from trying to describe a tree. But he conveys a powerful message, one that was powerfully illustrated by that very tree.
Monday, March 22, 2010
They Strive To Please Us Every Day
And please me they did!
I saw Twelfth Night on Saturday, and I thought it was great. The acting was great, and all cast members played their part pretty well, at least in my eyes, especially Sir Andrew, Sir Toby, and Feste. They've always been my favorite little bunch in the show, and this production was no exception.
When I first heard that it was going to be set in the south around the time of the Civil War...southern accents and all...I was a little concerned as to how that would work with Shakespeare. I've seen some bad southern/western versions of other Shakespeare plays and was worried that this would be another one that fell into that category. Thankfully, it was not. The majority of the cast held their accents throughout the show, which helped with the continuity and flow. If they'd have slipped, it probably would've thrown me off a little bit. Well done though!
Looking at the production side of things, I really liked the lighting for some reason. I thoguht it fit the mood of each scene wonderfully. In regard to the set, I liked how they made use of the room that they had on the stage. Audience right was mainly reserved for Orsino's house, and audience left was where the action regarding Olivia and her attendants took place. The decor of each respective "house" fit the personalities of each character as well. (Olivia's was more ornate and almost majestic, which is how she's portrayed in the eyes of Orsino.)
I saw Twelfth Night on Saturday, and I thought it was great. The acting was great, and all cast members played their part pretty well, at least in my eyes, especially Sir Andrew, Sir Toby, and Feste. They've always been my favorite little bunch in the show, and this production was no exception.
When I first heard that it was going to be set in the south around the time of the Civil War...southern accents and all...I was a little concerned as to how that would work with Shakespeare. I've seen some bad southern/western versions of other Shakespeare plays and was worried that this would be another one that fell into that category. Thankfully, it was not. The majority of the cast held their accents throughout the show, which helped with the continuity and flow. If they'd have slipped, it probably would've thrown me off a little bit. Well done though!
Looking at the production side of things, I really liked the lighting for some reason. I thoguht it fit the mood of each scene wonderfully. In regard to the set, I liked how they made use of the room that they had on the stage. Audience right was mainly reserved for Orsino's house, and audience left was where the action regarding Olivia and her attendants took place. The decor of each respective "house" fit the personalities of each character as well. (Olivia's was more ornate and almost majestic, which is how she's portrayed in the eyes of Orsino.)
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Don't Judge A Book By It's Cover
1) What thematic strand have you located?
disguise...conceal...veil...hide...taffeta...beard...trick
2) Where is the data you retrieved found? What is happening in context when Shakespeare employs this particular theme or image?
The data is found in various sections all throughout the play. Whenever disguises or concealments are mentioned, it is explaining how the person is disguising themselves and why. For instance, in earlier parts of the play, the establishing of the plot occurs in Viola's disguising herself as Cesario. Not much later, Olivia hides beneath her veil. As the play continues, the things being hidden/disguised become more conceptual than tangible (more towards hiding emotions and true feelings than hiding physical appearances, although that is still occurring).
3) How does the data you retrieved support your first thoughts on Shakespeare's obsessive use of a particular image? What can you argue about Shakespeare's figuration?
Many words in the strand were found multiple times throughout the play, which makes sense since the entire show is basically laid on the groundwork of Viola's disguise as Cesario. There would be no foundation for the rest of the play without this central deception. The figurations seem to be used to highlight the fact that things aren't what they seem and that appearances can be deceptive. The audience and Shakespeare have more knowledge than the characters (with Feste being the exception) in regard to who's who. It's almost as though a larger joke is being played by Shakespeare on the rest of the characters (in disguising so many people/emotions/motives). Interestingly, Shakespeare never uses the word "identity", even though it could be related to disguises (hiding one's true identity). I'm not sure why this is yet, but I'm working on it =)
disguise...conceal...veil...hide...taffeta...beard...trick
2) Where is the data you retrieved found? What is happening in context when Shakespeare employs this particular theme or image?
The data is found in various sections all throughout the play. Whenever disguises or concealments are mentioned, it is explaining how the person is disguising themselves and why. For instance, in earlier parts of the play, the establishing of the plot occurs in Viola's disguising herself as Cesario. Not much later, Olivia hides beneath her veil. As the play continues, the things being hidden/disguised become more conceptual than tangible (more towards hiding emotions and true feelings than hiding physical appearances, although that is still occurring).
3) How does the data you retrieved support your first thoughts on Shakespeare's obsessive use of a particular image? What can you argue about Shakespeare's figuration?
Many words in the strand were found multiple times throughout the play, which makes sense since the entire show is basically laid on the groundwork of Viola's disguise as Cesario. There would be no foundation for the rest of the play without this central deception. The figurations seem to be used to highlight the fact that things aren't what they seem and that appearances can be deceptive. The audience and Shakespeare have more knowledge than the characters (with Feste being the exception) in regard to who's who. It's almost as though a larger joke is being played by Shakespeare on the rest of the characters (in disguising so many people/emotions/motives). Interestingly, Shakespeare never uses the word "identity", even though it could be related to disguises (hiding one's true identity). I'm not sure why this is yet, but I'm working on it =)
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
"What is love? 'tis not hereafter"
1) Viola: "I am the man." (II.ii.25)
This is strange because Viola is not a man at all. She is a woman disguised as a man. This quote is another instance of mistaken identity. Viola realizes that Olivia has mistaken her for a man and is beginning to recognize Olivia's crush on her. This is sort of the beginning of the real foundation of the forbidden love triangle that is a fundamental element to the play. Viola realizes that only time can solve this, so she will continue to carry on with her disguise, even though it is a "wickedness". Things in Illyria are getting more and more crazy as more people are fooled by Viola's disguise as a man.
2) Malvolio: "...and yet to crush it a little, it would bow to me..." (II.v.143-145)
Malvolio explains that the letters in the note seemingly left by Olivia (M.O.A.I.) are all in his name, and to rearrange them ("crush it a little") would spell out his name ("bow to me"), with the exception of a few letters. Malvolio, who is predisposed to loving Olivia, wants to find any way possible to make this love letter pertain to him.
3) Viola: "Then think you right. I am not what I am."
Olivia: "I would you were as I would have you be." (III.i.148-9)
Here, Viola is trying to convey that she is not what she appears to be. Olivia's response is that she wants Viola/Cesario to be exactly as she (Olivia) desires. Viola subtly exposes herself and her true identity to Olivia, but Olivia, because she is so caught up in her love for Cesario (and also because she has no reason to question this phrasing, since she has absolutely no idea about any disguises), completely misses the hint.
This is strange because Viola is not a man at all. She is a woman disguised as a man. This quote is another instance of mistaken identity. Viola realizes that Olivia has mistaken her for a man and is beginning to recognize Olivia's crush on her. This is sort of the beginning of the real foundation of the forbidden love triangle that is a fundamental element to the play. Viola realizes that only time can solve this, so she will continue to carry on with her disguise, even though it is a "wickedness". Things in Illyria are getting more and more crazy as more people are fooled by Viola's disguise as a man.
2) Malvolio: "...and yet to crush it a little, it would bow to me..." (II.v.143-145)
Malvolio explains that the letters in the note seemingly left by Olivia (M.O.A.I.) are all in his name, and to rearrange them ("crush it a little") would spell out his name ("bow to me"), with the exception of a few letters. Malvolio, who is predisposed to loving Olivia, wants to find any way possible to make this love letter pertain to him.
3) Viola: "Then think you right. I am not what I am."
Olivia: "I would you were as I would have you be." (III.i.148-9)
Here, Viola is trying to convey that she is not what she appears to be. Olivia's response is that she wants Viola/Cesario to be exactly as she (Olivia) desires. Viola subtly exposes herself and her true identity to Olivia, but Olivia, because she is so caught up in her love for Cesario (and also because she has no reason to question this phrasing, since she has absolutely no idea about any disguises), completely misses the hint.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
In-Class Freewrite
In II.iii.170, Maria calls her manipulation of Malvolio "sport royal..." What do you make of this?
Maria knows that she will be playing games with Malvolio's emotions. She is under the impression that she can trick him (which she does succeed in doing), even though he is technically of a higher class than she is. Maria, along with Toby and Andrew, anticipates that she will enjoy watching this trickery unfold. By using the phrase "sport royal", Maria is emphasizing the fact that fooling Malvolio, a member of a higher class ("royal"), will be nothing more than fun and games to her ("sport"), despite the rather drastic outcome of this fabrication.
Maria knows that she will be playing games with Malvolio's emotions. She is under the impression that she can trick him (which she does succeed in doing), even though he is technically of a higher class than she is. Maria, along with Toby and Andrew, anticipates that she will enjoy watching this trickery unfold. By using the phrase "sport royal", Maria is emphasizing the fact that fooling Malvolio, a member of a higher class ("royal"), will be nothing more than fun and games to her ("sport"), despite the rather drastic outcome of this fabrication.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
"Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and others have greatness thrust upon 'em."
Malvolio:
"'M.O.A.I.' This simulation is not as the former, and yet to crush this a little, it would bow to me, for every one of these letters are in my name. Soft, here follows prose." (II.v.143-6)
(How is M.O.A.I. a code for Malvolio? The letters are not in order. Why would he assume it's him?)
Here, Malvolio is reacting to a particular selection from the note from Olivia that he found. Because of the content of the note, believes that Olivia is in love with him. Malvolio is ecstatic. However, this particular part of the note causes him concern...temporarily, at least.
He recognizes that the letters in the note (M.O.A.I.), although part of his name, are out of order. Nevertheless, Malovlio convinces himself that this letter is addressed to him. Malvolio, now under the impression that Olivia loves him, discovers his own mutual love for Olivia. When he sees the letters M.O.A.I., he ignores that they are out of order ("the simulation is not as the former") and tells himself that with some simple rearranging ("crush this"), these letters clearly spell out part of his name (the letters "would bow to [him]", giving him what he wants - evidence of Olivia's love). It's more like wishful thinking - Malvolio REALLY wants this love to be true, so he will look for any way possible for these letters to be related to his name.
"'M.O.A.I.' This simulation is not as the former, and yet to crush this a little, it would bow to me, for every one of these letters are in my name. Soft, here follows prose." (II.v.143-6)
(How is M.O.A.I. a code for Malvolio? The letters are not in order. Why would he assume it's him?)
Here, Malvolio is reacting to a particular selection from the note from Olivia that he found. Because of the content of the note, believes that Olivia is in love with him. Malvolio is ecstatic. However, this particular part of the note causes him concern...temporarily, at least.
He recognizes that the letters in the note (M.O.A.I.), although part of his name, are out of order. Nevertheless, Malovlio convinces himself that this letter is addressed to him. Malvolio, now under the impression that Olivia loves him, discovers his own mutual love for Olivia. When he sees the letters M.O.A.I., he ignores that they are out of order ("the simulation is not as the former") and tells himself that with some simple rearranging ("crush this"), these letters clearly spell out part of his name (the letters "would bow to [him]", giving him what he wants - evidence of Olivia's love). It's more like wishful thinking - Malvolio REALLY wants this love to be true, so he will look for any way possible for these letters to be related to his name.
Sunday, February 7, 2010
"If music be the food of love, play on."
TWELFTH NIGHT ACT I QUESTIONS1) I know she sort of touches on it later on in the Act, but why exactly does Olivia not want to be in a relationship with Orsino? Is it just because she isn't attracted to him, or is there a deeper reason?
2) Viola disguised as Cesario/Viola is the only attendant of Orsino's that Olivia has allowed into her house. Why? Is it just because there's something about him/her that she likes?
3) What's the purpose of Feste in the play? Is it just comic relief or does his character reveal the truth about each of the other characters?
4) When Olivia allows Orsino's attendant to come and speak to her, why does she hide at first underneath her veil? It seems later on that it doesn't take much for her to reveal her identity, so why hide it in the first place?
5) Olivia changes her responses to Cesario/Viola as the conversation goes on . At first she's short and impatient, and later she's sort of playing with her words in her responses to her visitor. Is this just because she's attracted to him/her or because she just wants to have a little bit of fun for the first time since her brother died?
6) What exactly is Viola's background? She seems to have a lot of money. Is she royalty?
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Abstract of Nijhuis's Article
CLAIM
- Although it is somewhat unconventional to conservationists, in order to protect endangerd plant species, such as the Torreya taxifolia, "assisted migration" to climates that better suite the needs of the species might be the only way to save it.
STATEMENT OF CLAIM
- (p. 185) "If rising temperatures and changing weather patterns make restoration difficult or impossible, new brands of meddling may sometimes be the only alternative to extinction."
SUBCLAIMS
- Due to changing climates and the introduction of many man-made things (highways, etc.), the only way to preserve a species of plant may be to physically pick it up and move it.
- Many debates are sparked over whether or not this migration is a good idea, and some fear that these plants might cause severe and unpredicted harm to their new surrounding areas.
- Conservation efforts need to change with the times in order for them to be even slightly effective
- Amateur attempts at reviving this plant species have been, for the most part, successful in climates reaching further to the north.
SUPPORT
- (p. 186) "Moving even federally endangered plants like the Florida torreya to more favorable climates, they wrote, was 'easy, legal, and cheap,' and Torreye taxifolia, prevented by highways, topography, and its own biology from moving on its own, needed immediate help."
- (p. 187) " The Florida torreya is unlikely to become the next kudzu, but the next species on the poleward wagon might very well prove a nasty invasive."
- (p. 187) "In transforming places once thought protected, in violating hard-fought boundaries, climate change is busting the limits of conservation itself."
- (p. 189) "Despite freezes and hurricanes, the Florida torreya has done itself proud in North Carolina: one of the trees at Biltmore, Alexander believes, is the second-largest of the species."
WARRANTS
- Readers are aware of the current on-going climate change taking place on our planet
- Conservation efforts are somewhat known to the majority of people reading this article
- Some of the plants named in here (specifically kudzu) and their effects on the environment are known to most readers
- Although it is somewhat unconventional to conservationists, in order to protect endangerd plant species, such as the Torreya taxifolia, "assisted migration" to climates that better suite the needs of the species might be the only way to save it.
STATEMENT OF CLAIM
- (p. 185) "If rising temperatures and changing weather patterns make restoration difficult or impossible, new brands of meddling may sometimes be the only alternative to extinction."
SUBCLAIMS
- Due to changing climates and the introduction of many man-made things (highways, etc.), the only way to preserve a species of plant may be to physically pick it up and move it.
- Many debates are sparked over whether or not this migration is a good idea, and some fear that these plants might cause severe and unpredicted harm to their new surrounding areas.
- Conservation efforts need to change with the times in order for them to be even slightly effective
- Amateur attempts at reviving this plant species have been, for the most part, successful in climates reaching further to the north.
SUPPORT
- (p. 186) "Moving even federally endangered plants like the Florida torreya to more favorable climates, they wrote, was 'easy, legal, and cheap,' and Torreye taxifolia, prevented by highways, topography, and its own biology from moving on its own, needed immediate help."
- (p. 187) " The Florida torreya is unlikely to become the next kudzu, but the next species on the poleward wagon might very well prove a nasty invasive."
- (p. 187) "In transforming places once thought protected, in violating hard-fought boundaries, climate change is busting the limits of conservation itself."
- (p. 189) "Despite freezes and hurricanes, the Florida torreya has done itself proud in North Carolina: one of the trees at Biltmore, Alexander believes, is the second-largest of the species."
WARRANTS
- Readers are aware of the current on-going climate change taking place on our planet
- Conservation efforts are somewhat known to the majority of people reading this article
- Some of the plants named in here (specifically kudzu) and their effects on the environment are known to most readers
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Abstract of Halpern's Article
CLAIM
- New virtual reality simulators can help war veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder who spent time in Iraq recover quicker from their symptoms than traditional therapy can.
STATEMENT OF CLAIM
- "If virtual-reality exposure therapy proves to be clinically validated - only preliminary results are available so far - it may be more than another tool in the therapists' kit: it may encourage those in need to seek help."
SUBCLAIMS
- By re-living the experience multiple times, the patient undergoing the treatment, over time, no longer finds these once-traumatic experiences to be anything out of the ordinary.
- Although it sounds cruel, the process is not harmful psychologically because the sessions are controlled by a trained therapist.
- Because results are so quick and dramatic, patients are motivated to continue the treatment.
SUPPORT
- (p. 119) "The idea is to disconnect the memory from the reactions to the memory, so that although the memory of the traumatic event remains, the everyday things that can trigger fear and panic ... are restored to insignificance."
- (p. 120) "Because the traumatic environment is produced in a computer graphics lab, and its elements are controlled by the therapist, virtual reality can nudge an imagination that is at once overactive and repressed."
- (p. 127) "It treats the core fear, the avoidance and the anxiety that are part of PTSD, in a potent way. VR augments the theraputic process. When the patients start to see results, usually by the fifth session, they turn the corner and get motivated."
WARRANTS
- Most readers are aware of at least the basics of virtual reality video games
- The general effects of PTSD caused by war are somewhat known to the public
- New virtual reality simulators can help war veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder who spent time in Iraq recover quicker from their symptoms than traditional therapy can.
STATEMENT OF CLAIM
- "If virtual-reality exposure therapy proves to be clinically validated - only preliminary results are available so far - it may be more than another tool in the therapists' kit: it may encourage those in need to seek help."
SUBCLAIMS
- By re-living the experience multiple times, the patient undergoing the treatment, over time, no longer finds these once-traumatic experiences to be anything out of the ordinary.
- Although it sounds cruel, the process is not harmful psychologically because the sessions are controlled by a trained therapist.
- Because results are so quick and dramatic, patients are motivated to continue the treatment.
SUPPORT
- (p. 119) "The idea is to disconnect the memory from the reactions to the memory, so that although the memory of the traumatic event remains, the everyday things that can trigger fear and panic ... are restored to insignificance."
- (p. 120) "Because the traumatic environment is produced in a computer graphics lab, and its elements are controlled by the therapist, virtual reality can nudge an imagination that is at once overactive and repressed."
- (p. 127) "It treats the core fear, the avoidance and the anxiety that are part of PTSD, in a potent way. VR augments the theraputic process. When the patients start to see results, usually by the fifth session, they turn the corner and get motivated."
WARRANTS
- Most readers are aware of at least the basics of virtual reality video games
- The general effects of PTSD caused by war are somewhat known to the public
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Abstract of Carroll's Article
CLAIM
- E-waste (electronic waste; typically broken down computers and other outdated technology) is being improperly disposed of/recycled and sold to underdeveloped nations, many of which burn the materials in search of valuable metals. This is leading to high levels of toxic substances in the atmosphere.
STATEMENT OF CLAIM
- "Future archaeologists will note that at the end of the twentieth century, a new, noxious kind of clutter exploded across the landscape: the digital detritus that has come to be called e-waste."
SUBCLAIMS
- Products are becoming outdated more quickly, allowing for the levels of e-waste to increase.
- Although 20% of this waste is going to recycling plants, much of the material is still improperly disposed of.
- Imports of e-waste to developing countries is dangerous and harmful to the health of the citizens of those countries.
- Although some countries, such as China, have banned (and successfully limited) imports of e-waste from developed countries, many illegal trading rings exist between independent sellers smaller countries.
SUPPORT
- (p. 31) "...at any given time, all the machines considered state of the art are simultaneously on the verge of obsolescence."
- (p. 32) "While some recyclers process the material with an eye toward minimizing pollution and health risks, many more sell it to brokers who ship it to the developing world, where environmental enforcement is weak." (Out of sight, out of mind.)
- (p. 35) "The air near some electronics salvage operations that remain open contains the highest amounts of dioxin measured anywhere in the world."
- (p. 36-7) Carroll tells the story of Baah, who on nights and weekends sells his brother in Ghana old computers that he gets for cheap on the internet.
WARRANTS
- Those reading the article are familiar with the fact that most electronics become out of date almost immediately after their release.
- People are aware that the chemicals named in the article are known to be toxic and that the developing countries named are, in fact, developing countries.
- E-waste (electronic waste; typically broken down computers and other outdated technology) is being improperly disposed of/recycled and sold to underdeveloped nations, many of which burn the materials in search of valuable metals. This is leading to high levels of toxic substances in the atmosphere.
STATEMENT OF CLAIM
- "Future archaeologists will note that at the end of the twentieth century, a new, noxious kind of clutter exploded across the landscape: the digital detritus that has come to be called e-waste."
SUBCLAIMS
- Products are becoming outdated more quickly, allowing for the levels of e-waste to increase.
- Although 20% of this waste is going to recycling plants, much of the material is still improperly disposed of.
- Imports of e-waste to developing countries is dangerous and harmful to the health of the citizens of those countries.
- Although some countries, such as China, have banned (and successfully limited) imports of e-waste from developed countries, many illegal trading rings exist between independent sellers smaller countries.
SUPPORT
- (p. 31) "...at any given time, all the machines considered state of the art are simultaneously on the verge of obsolescence."
- (p. 32) "While some recyclers process the material with an eye toward minimizing pollution and health risks, many more sell it to brokers who ship it to the developing world, where environmental enforcement is weak." (Out of sight, out of mind.)
- (p. 35) "The air near some electronics salvage operations that remain open contains the highest amounts of dioxin measured anywhere in the world."
- (p. 36-7) Carroll tells the story of Baah, who on nights and weekends sells his brother in Ghana old computers that he gets for cheap on the internet.
WARRANTS
- Those reading the article are familiar with the fact that most electronics become out of date almost immediately after their release.
- People are aware that the chemicals named in the article are known to be toxic and that the developing countries named are, in fact, developing countries.
A Blessing or A Curse?
Over the past five years, the popularity of cell phones has skyrocketed. There are few people, especially teenagers, who do not have their phone on their person at all times. Although when they were first developed the highlight of the cell phone was the ability to be able to call someone while you were on the go, cell phones can do much more than that now. In fact, most people use their cell phones more for other things, such as texting, taking pictures, instant messaging, and e-mailing, than they do for calling people. Video cameras in cell phones have become increasingly popular as websites such as YouTube have become more prominent. Since these sites allow ordinary people to become potentially well-known "directors" of the next viral video, many more young adults have begun to video tape even the most ordinary and mundane aspects of life, hoping for something funny or amazing to happen. In addition to YouTube, social networking sites like Facebook allow users to upload videos to their profiles directly from cell phones, allowing friends to share videos almost instantly and reminisce about past events together. The desire to be able to re-live and re-experience the past has taken on a heightened appeal to the younger generation as the recording devices necessary for this have become more readily available.
I'm probably one of the best examples of this phenomenon that is occurring among todays teenage population. I own a bunch of different things I use to record random moments: my FlipCam (probably the best Christmas present I've ever gotten), my digital camera (which lately I've used more to record things than to take pictures), and my family's Sony Handycam (my mom recently told me that she forgot that we even had one, since I use it so much that she rarely sees it around the house). And on the rare occasion that one of those devices is not on me, I know I can always turn to my cell phone's video camera. For the most part, I use these devices to record ordinary happenings in my life, things that may not seem significant at the time but later on become cherished memories. My friends and I enjoy the ability to re-watch clips of concerts that we all went to together or a hilariously bad song that we sang during karaoke, and I am extremely thankful that the technology exists that allows us to do this. I've wondered sometimes why we find it so important to get everything on video, to not miss a moment. Are we afraid of forgetting the things that made us happy? But if they made us happy, how would we forget them? Or do we just like the fact that we CAN record everything?
Video cameras in cell phones also open the gateway for less benign events to be recorded, however. Unfortunately, some people take advantage of this wonderful technology and record things that should not be recorded (or even happening in the first place); things that could (and very often do) get them in a lot of trouble. When these events occur, many valid questions arise. Why would someone think of videotaping something that could get them in trouble? Did they do it to show off? Would this have happened if this technology was harder to get your hands on?
Just like the photograph was a revolutionary way of retaining memories when it was first developed, the video camera has changed the way people re-live the past. It allows ordinary people to more vividly remember things that have happened some time ago. Producers must be aware of this desire to hold on to memories, otherwise they would not have even thought of the possibility of including this device in a cell phone. They also must assume that people will want to use this device on a daily basis, since it is now a standard part of almost every cell phone.
I'm probably one of the best examples of this phenomenon that is occurring among todays teenage population. I own a bunch of different things I use to record random moments: my FlipCam (probably the best Christmas present I've ever gotten), my digital camera (which lately I've used more to record things than to take pictures), and my family's Sony Handycam (my mom recently told me that she forgot that we even had one, since I use it so much that she rarely sees it around the house). And on the rare occasion that one of those devices is not on me, I know I can always turn to my cell phone's video camera. For the most part, I use these devices to record ordinary happenings in my life, things that may not seem significant at the time but later on become cherished memories. My friends and I enjoy the ability to re-watch clips of concerts that we all went to together or a hilariously bad song that we sang during karaoke, and I am extremely thankful that the technology exists that allows us to do this. I've wondered sometimes why we find it so important to get everything on video, to not miss a moment. Are we afraid of forgetting the things that made us happy? But if they made us happy, how would we forget them? Or do we just like the fact that we CAN record everything?
Video cameras in cell phones also open the gateway for less benign events to be recorded, however. Unfortunately, some people take advantage of this wonderful technology and record things that should not be recorded (or even happening in the first place); things that could (and very often do) get them in a lot of trouble. When these events occur, many valid questions arise. Why would someone think of videotaping something that could get them in trouble? Did they do it to show off? Would this have happened if this technology was harder to get your hands on?
Just like the photograph was a revolutionary way of retaining memories when it was first developed, the video camera has changed the way people re-live the past. It allows ordinary people to more vividly remember things that have happened some time ago. Producers must be aware of this desire to hold on to memories, otherwise they would not have even thought of the possibility of including this device in a cell phone. They also must assume that people will want to use this device on a daily basis, since it is now a standard part of almost every cell phone.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Abstract of Carr's Article
CLAIM
- Although it might seem overly-skeptical, Carr worries that Google is encouraging us to rely too heavily on the internet to do research for us, and that one day the work achieved now by human minds will be replaced by computers.
STATEMENT OF CLAIM
- "And what the net seems to be doing is chipping away my capacity for concentration and contemplation."
SUBCLAIMS
- People have a tendency to glorify technology
- What we write with changes how and what we write
- Old media has to adopt the ways of new media
- There are many ways to become distracted on the internet
SUPPORT
- Ever since the clock was invented, we base when we eat, sleep, etc. on specific times as oppoesd to following our natural instincts
- When Nietzsche started to use the typewriter, his writings went "from arguments to aphorisms"
- There are links leading to other links and articles and scrolls along the bottom of news shows giving us even more headlines to absorb
- Newspapers like the New York Times use snippets of news stories to provide people with only what they feel is the necessary information about an issue
WARRANTS
- People reading this article use Google a lot and are familiar with the internet in general
- In general, people have had similar experiences with distractions and a decrease in concentration
- Although it might seem overly-skeptical, Carr worries that Google is encouraging us to rely too heavily on the internet to do research for us, and that one day the work achieved now by human minds will be replaced by computers.
STATEMENT OF CLAIM
- "And what the net seems to be doing is chipping away my capacity for concentration and contemplation."
SUBCLAIMS
- People have a tendency to glorify technology
- What we write with changes how and what we write
- Old media has to adopt the ways of new media
- There are many ways to become distracted on the internet
SUPPORT
- Ever since the clock was invented, we base when we eat, sleep, etc. on specific times as oppoesd to following our natural instincts
- When Nietzsche started to use the typewriter, his writings went "from arguments to aphorisms"
- There are links leading to other links and articles and scrolls along the bottom of news shows giving us even more headlines to absorb
- Newspapers like the New York Times use snippets of news stories to provide people with only what they feel is the necessary information about an issue
WARRANTS
- People reading this article use Google a lot and are familiar with the internet in general
- In general, people have had similar experiences with distractions and a decrease in concentration
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Are We Really Stupid, or Just Lazy?
Google and other various search engines are not necessarily making us more stupid, but they are undoubtedly making us more lazy. Instead of taking time to browse through long passages from heavy, thick books from the local library, we now simply hop on the web, type in what we're looking for, and click various links on Google until we find something resembling the answer or fact that we're looking for.
Something is lost in this process though. I remember (oddly enough) doing projects in elementary school before my family had a computer. I dreaded going to the library to look up the few paragraphs that I needed to cite in my report that would be accompanying my diorama made of Crayola Model Magic. It seemed like an endless task that would leave me tired, exhausted, and drained in the library for hours on end. However, looking back on it, I found many different facts from skimming those books manually, without the aid of a computer; facts that I might have otherwise missed. Oftentimes, the material that I ended up using came from the paragraph or chapter that I least expected it to come from.
Another hindrance that power-browsing on the web creates is the difficulty to read long articles novels. It is no surprise that this generation's attention spans are significantly shorter than those of decades past. In today's world, the culture wants everything immediately (I think of the Netflix commercial featuring "The Wrightnows"). Don't get me wrong, Google comes in handy for quick facts. However, I don't like using it too much for projects or papers. If I do, I make sure that the website I'm clicking on from Google is reliable, and then I read it until I find the information I need. Yeah, it's tedious, but I like learning the other information that is not necessarily what I need to know about but nonetheless interesting. I get worried that people (myself included), because of these shortened attention spans, will lose their drive for learning and even possibly their creativity. If we want everything to be done quickly, our schoolwork will become sloppy and poorly written. Also, we will likely not put our creativity to use, simply because that would take too long and create too much work.
Another thing that interested me is the idea that people think differently and write differently depending on the medium with which they use. I realized that it is very true that the material that we use to write (pen versus keyboard, etc.) influences what we write and the way we write it. When I am on the computer, I find that my first instinct is to type without using much capitalization or punctuation. I try to get what is in my head out onto a virtual piece of paper as fast as I can without giving any attention to sentence structure or grammar. However, when I pick up a pen and put it to a piece of looseleaf paper, my brain immediately clicks into gear and makes sure that I dot all the "i"s and cross all the "t"s.
Also, I often find that sometimes when doing homework or reading an article in the newspaper, I'll come to the end of a paragraph and have no idea what I just read. I'll realize that I should go back and read it again to try and fully comprehend it, but sometimes I find myself not wanting to even make that small effort.
On different note, I'm a little freaked out by the thought of a supercomputer that is smarter than a human being. What's even more scary to me is the possibility of this computer being directly linked to someone's brain. Imagine having all of that information immediately available in your mind. That's a LOT of facts. I think I would be completely overwhelmed by all that instant information.
Anyway...
Although this makes it seem like I am completely against Google and all other search engines, I'm not. I use them just as much as the next person. Google makes valuable information widely available to people all over the world. It provides us with access to websites that contain information that we might not be able to find in a typical library. Google can be a wonderful thing, but I think that we just all have to make sure that we are not becoming to lazy or slacking in our research and writing.
Something is lost in this process though. I remember (oddly enough) doing projects in elementary school before my family had a computer. I dreaded going to the library to look up the few paragraphs that I needed to cite in my report that would be accompanying my diorama made of Crayola Model Magic. It seemed like an endless task that would leave me tired, exhausted, and drained in the library for hours on end. However, looking back on it, I found many different facts from skimming those books manually, without the aid of a computer; facts that I might have otherwise missed. Oftentimes, the material that I ended up using came from the paragraph or chapter that I least expected it to come from.
Another hindrance that power-browsing on the web creates is the difficulty to read long articles novels. It is no surprise that this generation's attention spans are significantly shorter than those of decades past. In today's world, the culture wants everything immediately (I think of the Netflix commercial featuring "The Wrightnows"). Don't get me wrong, Google comes in handy for quick facts. However, I don't like using it too much for projects or papers. If I do, I make sure that the website I'm clicking on from Google is reliable, and then I read it until I find the information I need. Yeah, it's tedious, but I like learning the other information that is not necessarily what I need to know about but nonetheless interesting. I get worried that people (myself included), because of these shortened attention spans, will lose their drive for learning and even possibly their creativity. If we want everything to be done quickly, our schoolwork will become sloppy and poorly written. Also, we will likely not put our creativity to use, simply because that would take too long and create too much work.
Another thing that interested me is the idea that people think differently and write differently depending on the medium with which they use. I realized that it is very true that the material that we use to write (pen versus keyboard, etc.) influences what we write and the way we write it. When I am on the computer, I find that my first instinct is to type without using much capitalization or punctuation. I try to get what is in my head out onto a virtual piece of paper as fast as I can without giving any attention to sentence structure or grammar. However, when I pick up a pen and put it to a piece of looseleaf paper, my brain immediately clicks into gear and makes sure that I dot all the "i"s and cross all the "t"s.
Also, I often find that sometimes when doing homework or reading an article in the newspaper, I'll come to the end of a paragraph and have no idea what I just read. I'll realize that I should go back and read it again to try and fully comprehend it, but sometimes I find myself not wanting to even make that small effort.
On different note, I'm a little freaked out by the thought of a supercomputer that is smarter than a human being. What's even more scary to me is the possibility of this computer being directly linked to someone's brain. Imagine having all of that information immediately available in your mind. That's a LOT of facts. I think I would be completely overwhelmed by all that instant information.
Anyway...
Although this makes it seem like I am completely against Google and all other search engines, I'm not. I use them just as much as the next person. Google makes valuable information widely available to people all over the world. It provides us with access to websites that contain information that we might not be able to find in a typical library. Google can be a wonderful thing, but I think that we just all have to make sure that we are not becoming to lazy or slacking in our research and writing.
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