Images
1. The notes were as individual and perfect as a four pack of butter sticks.
2. She stood up as if her limbs were electrocuted erect at exactly the same time.
3. Forty eight frames per second in movies look as if one was watching a play take place on site.
4. The toddler stood there just like a melting ice cream cone.
5. The look on the woman's face looked as though she had received a gift from her husband that would have been meaningful had he been a four year old.
6. He had such little vision of the world that he could have understood more if he had bats taped over his eyes.
7. Her fur felt as though she had constant, consistent streams of water flowing down her back at all times.
8. The homemade granola bar tasted like the trail on which the inventor was treading on, as he was thinking of the idea for the granola bar.
9. His true age showed when he watched last weeks news with the same knowing, sad eyes of an old man.
10. The school had the same feeling as the twin tower's wreckage did.
11. When looking at this man, you would think that he had a child's handwriting, and would have a pronounced lisp.
12. She made it seem that he had forgotten her birthday and was worthy of being put a solitary confinement cell.
13. He seemed to be satisfied with the legislative compromise as he would be with his parent's divorce.
14. The zit behind my ear feels as though an enormous tick is embedded into my skin.
15. When in enclosed spaces, I feel as though the walls are not only coming towards me, but they actually have the intent of slowly sucking the life out of me just like the dementors of Harry Potter.
16. It scorched the inside of my mouth like a thousand little scorpions simultaneously clamping down.
17. The resilience she displayed was on an equal plane as a begging beagle.
18. It nourished his soul just as McDonalds nourishes the body.
19. The content of this man's character was about as questionable as the meet in a chicken McNugget.
20. This list of visuals displays as much talent as a five year old' turkey hand art project.
Sunday, December 16, 2012
Saturday, December 8, 2012
Rhetorical Modes
Subject: War
1. My ears are ringing. I'm in shock. My friend is in my arms and his eyes are struggling to hold any signs of animation that they used to. I hear shots firing around me, but they don't matter anymore. All I can think, or see is chaos that doesn't lead to anything. Why are we really here? There's some guy in power, but is that really something to kill ourselves for? Suddenly I'm being dragged away. I don't wish to go, but then I see that I to have been hit. I see the flecks of blood starting to form from my side. Why did I volunteer to put myself here?
2. When us humans have problems that have opposing sides that are grinding together like two tectonic plates, we seem to only be able to find war as a solution. This problem almost always relates directly to who has the power in economic situations and they lead to the end of many lives. When a war starts, there is patriotism usually behind the cause, both nations see the other as completely wrong and they feel that they need to expunge the other from the earth or at-least teach them a serious lesson. They send their most fit youth, who could be finding new forms of energy, or building bridges metaphorically and physically between bodies of people. Instead, they are sent to go kill the other prospects. Eventually, both sides see that their cause is no longer worth it, and the two sides do what they could have from the start and negotiate. Even when it's a one sided negotiation, both sides eventually meet in the middle. Always.
3. There are two sorts of wars. Both equally awful on the ground, and both equally disgusting. One being the likes of the world wars, and the civil war during '63-'65. This type of war is full fledged destruction. All things that fall into this sort of wars path it destroyed physically. Nothing remains. The other type of war being that, that is has been the most popular of the last thirty five years, and this is the terror war. In this sort of war, there is just enough fighting to get press and kill unnecessary amounts of people. But rather than decimating everything in its path, it leaves the eery skeletons of what used to be. It destroys enough to send its message of fear and terror to both sides, enough to convince both that the other side is in the wrong. This war drags on, and no one really wins because both sides are so vague in their specific intents other than the destruction of the other. Maybe the latter is the precursor to the former, only time will tell.
4. War in the context of the world is wrongly thought of as water in chemistry. Water is the universal solution, meaning that it can virtually dissolve or break everything down over time. In human thinking, war is thought to be able to break any obstacle down. As we are now seeing in the middle east, in Cuba in the 60's, and in the Versailles treaty, war is not the final solution that breaks the other down. This is because the obstacle involved is not meant to be broken down because it too is water. What we suck at, is appealing to each other want to be happy and satisfied. This approach would be diplomacy, which like war, would need work, but in contrast it appeals to humanities need for safety and coming together. Just as water particles have a need to stick together. It's a loose bond, but it is a bond that holds our world together. THAT WAS ALMOST AWESOME.
5. War is the inability for humans to compromise. Whether it be for right or wrong. War is the bloody conflict that takes place because two entities see themselves as too different and that the only solution is to get rid of the other side. Even as children we see violence as a solution to high friction situations. War plays on this childish lack of communication strategies, that then results in the destruction of our own brethren.
6. Every western country teaches about it and was deeply effected by its wrath. This being World War Two. In this illness that spread the world just as the plague, millions of Jewish men, women, and children were slaughtered for the reason that an ill man thought that they did not fit in society (I think I like the Hitler card too much). Springing from this mental instability, hundreds of thousands of men were sent to fight for their causes. Because of this, cities were destroyed. Economies crumbled, and scars were left on masses of people that will probably never be fully expunged. This is the power of war.
Subject: War
1. My ears are ringing. I'm in shock. My friend is in my arms and his eyes are struggling to hold any signs of animation that they used to. I hear shots firing around me, but they don't matter anymore. All I can think, or see is chaos that doesn't lead to anything. Why are we really here? There's some guy in power, but is that really something to kill ourselves for? Suddenly I'm being dragged away. I don't wish to go, but then I see that I to have been hit. I see the flecks of blood starting to form from my side. Why did I volunteer to put myself here?
2. When us humans have problems that have opposing sides that are grinding together like two tectonic plates, we seem to only be able to find war as a solution. This problem almost always relates directly to who has the power in economic situations and they lead to the end of many lives. When a war starts, there is patriotism usually behind the cause, both nations see the other as completely wrong and they feel that they need to expunge the other from the earth or at-least teach them a serious lesson. They send their most fit youth, who could be finding new forms of energy, or building bridges metaphorically and physically between bodies of people. Instead, they are sent to go kill the other prospects. Eventually, both sides see that their cause is no longer worth it, and the two sides do what they could have from the start and negotiate. Even when it's a one sided negotiation, both sides eventually meet in the middle. Always.
3. There are two sorts of wars. Both equally awful on the ground, and both equally disgusting. One being the likes of the world wars, and the civil war during '63-'65. This type of war is full fledged destruction. All things that fall into this sort of wars path it destroyed physically. Nothing remains. The other type of war being that, that is has been the most popular of the last thirty five years, and this is the terror war. In this sort of war, there is just enough fighting to get press and kill unnecessary amounts of people. But rather than decimating everything in its path, it leaves the eery skeletons of what used to be. It destroys enough to send its message of fear and terror to both sides, enough to convince both that the other side is in the wrong. This war drags on, and no one really wins because both sides are so vague in their specific intents other than the destruction of the other. Maybe the latter is the precursor to the former, only time will tell.
4. War in the context of the world is wrongly thought of as water in chemistry. Water is the universal solution, meaning that it can virtually dissolve or break everything down over time. In human thinking, war is thought to be able to break any obstacle down. As we are now seeing in the middle east, in Cuba in the 60's, and in the Versailles treaty, war is not the final solution that breaks the other down. This is because the obstacle involved is not meant to be broken down because it too is water. What we suck at, is appealing to each other want to be happy and satisfied. This approach would be diplomacy, which like war, would need work, but in contrast it appeals to humanities need for safety and coming together. Just as water particles have a need to stick together. It's a loose bond, but it is a bond that holds our world together. THAT WAS ALMOST AWESOME.
5. War is the inability for humans to compromise. Whether it be for right or wrong. War is the bloody conflict that takes place because two entities see themselves as too different and that the only solution is to get rid of the other side. Even as children we see violence as a solution to high friction situations. War plays on this childish lack of communication strategies, that then results in the destruction of our own brethren.
6. Every western country teaches about it and was deeply effected by its wrath. This being World War Two. In this illness that spread the world just as the plague, millions of Jewish men, women, and children were slaughtered for the reason that an ill man thought that they did not fit in society (I think I like the Hitler card too much). Springing from this mental instability, hundreds of thousands of men were sent to fight for their causes. Because of this, cities were destroyed. Economies crumbled, and scars were left on masses of people that will probably never be fully expunged. This is the power of war.
Monday, November 26, 2012
Image Deconstructed Reflection
The images presented on this website are all extremely intriguing. Each displays clearly discernible idea that strikes a cord with pretty much anyone. Reading about Diana Markosian who went into Chechnya and photographed the Muslim community. The pictures she took display the common interactions between the people in this area, that live in such extreme conditions. She uses the backdrop to portray the idea of the pictures. There is one of a couple, who are not allowed physical contact with each other until marriage, and the image shows them sitting on opposite ends of a bench, while the frame is rather large displaying the dismal blank winter behind them, making the distance between them even further. What was more interesting, was that Markosian's experience in Chechnya was as interesting as her pictures, and it furthered the idea of hardships in the area.
The images presented on this website are all extremely intriguing. Each displays clearly discernible idea that strikes a cord with pretty much anyone. Reading about Diana Markosian who went into Chechnya and photographed the Muslim community. The pictures she took display the common interactions between the people in this area, that live in such extreme conditions. She uses the backdrop to portray the idea of the pictures. There is one of a couple, who are not allowed physical contact with each other until marriage, and the image shows them sitting on opposite ends of a bench, while the frame is rather large displaying the dismal blank winter behind them, making the distance between them even further. What was more interesting, was that Markosian's experience in Chechnya was as interesting as her pictures, and it furthered the idea of hardships in the area.
Sunday, November 25, 2012
The Fam and Thanksgiving
My thanksgiving consists of delicious food, unrelenting business talk, a ping pong tournament, more food, board games, and naps sporadically intermingled with this whole extravaganza. I have always celebrated thanksgiving with my mom's side of the family. I'm not really sure why, but that's just how it is. My mom's side of the family consists of us, them, and my aunt's up north, ex-resort owning brethren. All in all, there are fourteen of us, three of the Strom clan, four of the Rabens, and seven of these up northers. Now, every year the Strom clan always likes to show up a little bit early to the Rabens household, which is actually a half an hour past when we were sappose to be because my mom really enjoys taking frustratingly long, and ill timed showers. When we do arrive, we always come in through the side, mudroom entrance. This may be for easier access tot he table, or some other mildly logical reason, but my inclination is that my Mom just enjoys being a little different. But we are always first to show around noon, and we help clean a little, make some coffee, just basic set up over all. My brother likes to tend to the cooking, my mom likes to help cook as well or help with some clean up, and I usually just sort of wander and talk to members of the Rabens clan, indirectly averting the eye of my aunt who will unquestionably force me into some mild chores. After about twenty minutes of this little circus, Grandma Harriet, who really deserves a class of her own comes to the door and walks her cute little self in. Grandma Harriet is an 83 year old, Macy's working ball of sweetness that could has a handicap parking pass, though she is probably more able bodied than most 50 year olds. When she comes, everyone of course must go hug her and ask her how she is, and then she usually takes up her post of setting out the pickles and the olives in a little tray every year because she "Always needs a little salty with her food." Then come my aunt's side of the family. First is cute old Grandma Nancy, who was born surprisingly on the same day as Grandma Harriet, who is a dear old lady that belongs to a little writing club. Accompanying her, is Uncle Jim. Uncle Jim is a character. He is a heavy set, 5'10" guy who has consistently for the last five years asked my brother and I about A. If we have a girlfriend yet. B. What movies we've seen lately C. If we've seen or read the last installment of the Twilight saga. He is always the first to take up a couch and doze for a couple hours. He also made it very clear this year that he was not a big fan of Obama's re-election in saying that because Obama won, he would like to purchase an automatic weapon, and a hand gun. These two, Jim and Nancy always come and set out their contribution to the meal, of which are actually very good, and then come the the rest of the northern clan. They are a clan of four, who are Eric, Jane, Scott, and Mary. They are all varying and different. Eric is the owner of a very flat, but sort of hilarious personality, Jane is a bubbly, and interesting woman, Scott has his father's monotone voice, but has a considerable amount more of youth and intrigue in him, then finally Mary is really just as her mother is, but slightly more self conscious in her soul searching. They too set their dishes out, and we all take part in that awkward, initial greetings.
From there we all eat food. Us "youngsters" get to go out on the porch at the kids table, though I am the youngest at sixteen and the oldest is twenty five so the title of the table is rather undeserving. But this table consists of me, my brother, cousin Ross and Blake, and northerner Scott, who has now lives in uptown. I have always been a little bit excluded from conversation because of my age and experiences, and this is still true today. What used to be chit chat about high school, accompanied by the overuse of swear words, has changed to talk of work at Ernst and Young, Target, and my brother's research lab, which is only more fervently accompanied by the overuse of swear words. I love this time of the day though. I really learn a lot, and when the food runs out and the older boys are getting heated about a subject in which they are arguing the same point, but just mildly rephrased, I sneak off to the wondrously furnished basement for a little afternoon nap.
From here, the Ping Pong starts, and this is the spectacular of the whole event. Each of the youngsters is paired with on of the older, less coordinated adults. This year I was paired with Uncle Jim, who in matches seemed to grow ever more frustrated when ever I would miss a ball. In this eight year long tradition, the winner usually boils down to which ever youth decides to hog the ball more. This usally ends up being my overly competitive cousin Blake. In fact, he's always in the championship, and his partner usually gets about 15% of the balls. By the fact that I'm writing this shows that it always has been a sore spot for me, who has never been graced with a championship. When the winner has been crowned, and the spray painted paddle, that has a turkey candle glued to it has been awarded, it's nap time number two, or in my case, I always like to see what little mechanical interests that my Uncle is taking part in. Uncle Steve like the rest of my family enjoys a slightly larger equator, and he works from home, selling different switches for countless mechanical processes. He is a man who loves hobbies, he has a huge garden, has three little Vespas, and enjoys wood working, so it's not surprising that he is a dreamer. This year he showed me some motorcycles that as can be seen from his search history, he dreams about on a consistent basis.
From here, some of the northerners leave, leaving just the urban Scott around, and we all amble over to the table for another round of feasting. By this time, we enjoy a very relaxed conversation on whatever, and cousin Ross pops off one liners at an interval of twenty seconds. We are all a little sleepy, so we attempt to keep the conversation alive, but us sleepy people make our way over to the T.V. to watch a British fixer up car show, while my peppy mom and cousin rile a few people up to play some board games. This livens them up and they get a little rowdy over apple to apples, attempting to cajole the judge at the time into choosing their ironically chosen card, and thus making lots of noise. After this, the night fizzles out, and we pack our food and games up. We say our goodbyes in a rather stereo typical hug, nice to see you kind of way and slowly make our way down the Raben's long driveway. Our night is then finished, and sleep is welcome.
My thanksgiving consists of delicious food, unrelenting business talk, a ping pong tournament, more food, board games, and naps sporadically intermingled with this whole extravaganza. I have always celebrated thanksgiving with my mom's side of the family. I'm not really sure why, but that's just how it is. My mom's side of the family consists of us, them, and my aunt's up north, ex-resort owning brethren. All in all, there are fourteen of us, three of the Strom clan, four of the Rabens, and seven of these up northers. Now, every year the Strom clan always likes to show up a little bit early to the Rabens household, which is actually a half an hour past when we were sappose to be because my mom really enjoys taking frustratingly long, and ill timed showers. When we do arrive, we always come in through the side, mudroom entrance. This may be for easier access tot he table, or some other mildly logical reason, but my inclination is that my Mom just enjoys being a little different. But we are always first to show around noon, and we help clean a little, make some coffee, just basic set up over all. My brother likes to tend to the cooking, my mom likes to help cook as well or help with some clean up, and I usually just sort of wander and talk to members of the Rabens clan, indirectly averting the eye of my aunt who will unquestionably force me into some mild chores. After about twenty minutes of this little circus, Grandma Harriet, who really deserves a class of her own comes to the door and walks her cute little self in. Grandma Harriet is an 83 year old, Macy's working ball of sweetness that could has a handicap parking pass, though she is probably more able bodied than most 50 year olds. When she comes, everyone of course must go hug her and ask her how she is, and then she usually takes up her post of setting out the pickles and the olives in a little tray every year because she "Always needs a little salty with her food." Then come my aunt's side of the family. First is cute old Grandma Nancy, who was born surprisingly on the same day as Grandma Harriet, who is a dear old lady that belongs to a little writing club. Accompanying her, is Uncle Jim. Uncle Jim is a character. He is a heavy set, 5'10" guy who has consistently for the last five years asked my brother and I about A. If we have a girlfriend yet. B. What movies we've seen lately C. If we've seen or read the last installment of the Twilight saga. He is always the first to take up a couch and doze for a couple hours. He also made it very clear this year that he was not a big fan of Obama's re-election in saying that because Obama won, he would like to purchase an automatic weapon, and a hand gun. These two, Jim and Nancy always come and set out their contribution to the meal, of which are actually very good, and then come the the rest of the northern clan. They are a clan of four, who are Eric, Jane, Scott, and Mary. They are all varying and different. Eric is the owner of a very flat, but sort of hilarious personality, Jane is a bubbly, and interesting woman, Scott has his father's monotone voice, but has a considerable amount more of youth and intrigue in him, then finally Mary is really just as her mother is, but slightly more self conscious in her soul searching. They too set their dishes out, and we all take part in that awkward, initial greetings.
From there we all eat food. Us "youngsters" get to go out on the porch at the kids table, though I am the youngest at sixteen and the oldest is twenty five so the title of the table is rather undeserving. But this table consists of me, my brother, cousin Ross and Blake, and northerner Scott, who has now lives in uptown. I have always been a little bit excluded from conversation because of my age and experiences, and this is still true today. What used to be chit chat about high school, accompanied by the overuse of swear words, has changed to talk of work at Ernst and Young, Target, and my brother's research lab, which is only more fervently accompanied by the overuse of swear words. I love this time of the day though. I really learn a lot, and when the food runs out and the older boys are getting heated about a subject in which they are arguing the same point, but just mildly rephrased, I sneak off to the wondrously furnished basement for a little afternoon nap.
From here, the Ping Pong starts, and this is the spectacular of the whole event. Each of the youngsters is paired with on of the older, less coordinated adults. This year I was paired with Uncle Jim, who in matches seemed to grow ever more frustrated when ever I would miss a ball. In this eight year long tradition, the winner usually boils down to which ever youth decides to hog the ball more. This usally ends up being my overly competitive cousin Blake. In fact, he's always in the championship, and his partner usually gets about 15% of the balls. By the fact that I'm writing this shows that it always has been a sore spot for me, who has never been graced with a championship. When the winner has been crowned, and the spray painted paddle, that has a turkey candle glued to it has been awarded, it's nap time number two, or in my case, I always like to see what little mechanical interests that my Uncle is taking part in. Uncle Steve like the rest of my family enjoys a slightly larger equator, and he works from home, selling different switches for countless mechanical processes. He is a man who loves hobbies, he has a huge garden, has three little Vespas, and enjoys wood working, so it's not surprising that he is a dreamer. This year he showed me some motorcycles that as can be seen from his search history, he dreams about on a consistent basis.
From here, some of the northerners leave, leaving just the urban Scott around, and we all amble over to the table for another round of feasting. By this time, we enjoy a very relaxed conversation on whatever, and cousin Ross pops off one liners at an interval of twenty seconds. We are all a little sleepy, so we attempt to keep the conversation alive, but us sleepy people make our way over to the T.V. to watch a British fixer up car show, while my peppy mom and cousin rile a few people up to play some board games. This livens them up and they get a little rowdy over apple to apples, attempting to cajole the judge at the time into choosing their ironically chosen card, and thus making lots of noise. After this, the night fizzles out, and we pack our food and games up. We say our goodbyes in a rather stereo typical hug, nice to see you kind of way and slowly make our way down the Raben's long driveway. Our night is then finished, and sleep is welcome.
Sunday, November 18, 2012
The image above creates a comedic scene playing off of an comedic idea. In this image, the two very manly men, Popeye and Bluto who are burly chested sailors, are paired together in as a couple which societally, playing off of the gay stereotype. The humor is furthered by the fact that the two are enemies and that the reasoning for this, is that there was some romantic friction. Again playing on the contrast of demeanor of these burly men, and that of the stereotypical gay couple. Then to add to this, they two men who got found their beginnings in the early 30's are in a contemporary social gathering. The purpose of this little comic may be to convey the idea that some unexpected people may be gay, and that in some instances there can be very unexpected partnerships. That may be reading into this light hearted comic too much, but it sounds about right.
This is a visual argument if used properly because in essence, it's a sad puppy. Its eyes are those big, pleading, wanting eyes that call for immediate adoption. The fact that it's a puppy makes it even more pity inviting because it makes it seem more innocent and helpless. Its stance contributes to the idea because it's pressing agianst the bars, almost pushing to get out of its little box. This image just calls for you to come and scoop it up in your arms and snuggle it up to your face until you finally feel that the moral wound inflicted upon you by this puppies eyes has been healed. Then this puppy is just an annoying pooping machine.
Sunday, November 11, 2012
Monday, November 5, 2012
The Dumbest Generation.
Mark Bauerlein's "The Dumbest Generation"purposes the idea that we have the alarming problem that our youth, could be the dumbest generation so far, despite all of our advancement technologically. He describes that with all of the advances that ease day to day life, us youngsters have taken it too far and we are slipping intellectually.
Agreeable quotes
"brazen disregard of books and reading."
I have noticed that many of my peers are more likely to go and donate all of their worldly goods rather than sit down with a nice book for an afternoon. Many of my friends are relatively affluent as well which does seem to support Bauerlein's idea that this generation is definitely not the most well read of past generation who had nothing to do but chew on straw and read. I think that this is a problem because yes this generation still reads news articles on the internet maybe, but generally I feel that the reading level of my age group has decreased visibly. I have come across more than one instances where I will use a word that I think is maybe a little bit special and it will be received with a blank face. This problem is trivial and it may lead to nothing more than generally slightly less in depth vocabularies, but it could go further. Who knows.
"Social life is a powerful temptation, and most teenagers feel the pain of missing out."
Once again, I have definitely noticed this very strongly in my peers. It can be seen in the boy checking facebook during class, or a girl who tweets eighteen times a day. I know if I no longer had a twitter, or a facebook, or an account on reddit, I would have many, many more hours of usable and unobstructed free time. Bauerlein is also very correct in saying that teenagers feel the pain of missing out. I think this is the driving force behind pretty much all of teenagers risk taking. Whether it's sneaking out, in hopes of being a part of that once in a lifetime, badass excursion, or having some crucial piece of hilarity about some person's dog that you can obtain from the twitters. This want to be a part of everything new and popular drives teens to do anything social really. So, again with the progression of the digital age, where is it going to?
Disagreeable quotes
"America's youth know virtually nothing about history and politics."
This statement I think is dependent on different situations and areas, but I don't see this cultural deficiency as strongly as Bauerlein makes it seem. I know that Wayzata offers more in depth, and many more histories that it was even conceivable for my mom and dad, and I think that being as these classes are being taken, this statement isn't true. There are many things in history that I've described to my mom and dad that they have never heard before. Not just that they had forgotten, but they had never heard of the migration of African Americans after the civil war, and other little tid bits and ideas either. There are too many outlets for people to learn now that I can't get behind the validity of this statement.
"going online habituates them to juvenile mental habits."
By juvenile habits, Bauerlein refers to a want for instant entertainment, and I think that he is wrong with this statement. Not completely, but that instantaneousness about information and entertainment in the present technological age is what makes it so special. What would you do in 1953 to find an answer to a trivial question like who was the Queen of France in 1634. You'd go to the library, find an encyclapedia and search through through the book until you can obtain your answer. Now, it's type, enter, and be dazzled by all the options. That instantaneousness is whats special now in the academic realms and consequently the entertainment world too. Internet usage doesn't lead to juvenile mental habits, but new habits that are just different, and as the trend of this blog implies, it's not known where this change could lead to, but I don't think this is the right way to describe the effects of internet usage.
Effectiveness
Through Bauerlein's utilization of countless statistics, he does make a point about parts of the general trend of us youths. But I think he goes about it incorrectly. As we have discussed in class multiple times, Bauerlein fails to address those competitive, striving students for the rest of the book. He just throws them out, and he doesn't seem factor them into much else. Not only that, Bauerlein seems to only choose negative statistics. He tosses out the IQ progression, and the fact that standardized tests have been showing progression in difficulty and success from the 70's. He only cites statistics that contribute to his idea and it makes the argument very one sided. I'm not saying that he doesn't have a point, this moving away from novels and growing concern with social status is a problem, but Bauerlein fails to show really any positives, or solutions to the situation. He just states all of the negative, then says "Yes. That'll do." And fails to really make a round, whole argument. I got a lot from the book, but (it may partly be my want to defy his idea) I didn't think Bauerlein was correct in his assessment, and conclusions in this book.
Mark Bauerlein's "The Dumbest Generation"purposes the idea that we have the alarming problem that our youth, could be the dumbest generation so far, despite all of our advancement technologically. He describes that with all of the advances that ease day to day life, us youngsters have taken it too far and we are slipping intellectually.
Agreeable quotes
"brazen disregard of books and reading."
I have noticed that many of my peers are more likely to go and donate all of their worldly goods rather than sit down with a nice book for an afternoon. Many of my friends are relatively affluent as well which does seem to support Bauerlein's idea that this generation is definitely not the most well read of past generation who had nothing to do but chew on straw and read. I think that this is a problem because yes this generation still reads news articles on the internet maybe, but generally I feel that the reading level of my age group has decreased visibly. I have come across more than one instances where I will use a word that I think is maybe a little bit special and it will be received with a blank face. This problem is trivial and it may lead to nothing more than generally slightly less in depth vocabularies, but it could go further. Who knows.
"Social life is a powerful temptation, and most teenagers feel the pain of missing out."
Once again, I have definitely noticed this very strongly in my peers. It can be seen in the boy checking facebook during class, or a girl who tweets eighteen times a day. I know if I no longer had a twitter, or a facebook, or an account on reddit, I would have many, many more hours of usable and unobstructed free time. Bauerlein is also very correct in saying that teenagers feel the pain of missing out. I think this is the driving force behind pretty much all of teenagers risk taking. Whether it's sneaking out, in hopes of being a part of that once in a lifetime, badass excursion, or having some crucial piece of hilarity about some person's dog that you can obtain from the twitters. This want to be a part of everything new and popular drives teens to do anything social really. So, again with the progression of the digital age, where is it going to?
Disagreeable quotes
"America's youth know virtually nothing about history and politics."
This statement I think is dependent on different situations and areas, but I don't see this cultural deficiency as strongly as Bauerlein makes it seem. I know that Wayzata offers more in depth, and many more histories that it was even conceivable for my mom and dad, and I think that being as these classes are being taken, this statement isn't true. There are many things in history that I've described to my mom and dad that they have never heard before. Not just that they had forgotten, but they had never heard of the migration of African Americans after the civil war, and other little tid bits and ideas either. There are too many outlets for people to learn now that I can't get behind the validity of this statement.
"going online habituates them to juvenile mental habits."
By juvenile habits, Bauerlein refers to a want for instant entertainment, and I think that he is wrong with this statement. Not completely, but that instantaneousness about information and entertainment in the present technological age is what makes it so special. What would you do in 1953 to find an answer to a trivial question like who was the Queen of France in 1634. You'd go to the library, find an encyclapedia and search through through the book until you can obtain your answer. Now, it's type, enter, and be dazzled by all the options. That instantaneousness is whats special now in the academic realms and consequently the entertainment world too. Internet usage doesn't lead to juvenile mental habits, but new habits that are just different, and as the trend of this blog implies, it's not known where this change could lead to, but I don't think this is the right way to describe the effects of internet usage.
Effectiveness
Through Bauerlein's utilization of countless statistics, he does make a point about parts of the general trend of us youths. But I think he goes about it incorrectly. As we have discussed in class multiple times, Bauerlein fails to address those competitive, striving students for the rest of the book. He just throws them out, and he doesn't seem factor them into much else. Not only that, Bauerlein seems to only choose negative statistics. He tosses out the IQ progression, and the fact that standardized tests have been showing progression in difficulty and success from the 70's. He only cites statistics that contribute to his idea and it makes the argument very one sided. I'm not saying that he doesn't have a point, this moving away from novels and growing concern with social status is a problem, but Bauerlein fails to show really any positives, or solutions to the situation. He just states all of the negative, then says "Yes. That'll do." And fails to really make a round, whole argument. I got a lot from the book, but (it may partly be my want to defy his idea) I didn't think Bauerlein was correct in his assessment, and conclusions in this book.
Sunday, October 28, 2012
When I think of halloween as a boy in high school, the average things that really come to mind for costumes, are of course as an adolescent boy, girls with costumes that push moral and social acceptance, boys in banana costumes or a sports jersey with a headband, and then golden costumes. These golden costumes, are as the name implies, golden. To me, these have no definite criteria, no black or white definition as to what they are, they are just awesome costumes that always say something. Costumes that aren't necessarily the most showy, or attractive, but the ones that make you think at-least a little bit. Since this is suppose to be about rhetoric, I'd say that these golden costumes are the costume that best champion rhetoric. For instance, I would find someone dressed a burger with a sign that says "Stop childhood obesity" is much more funny and interesting than say, a scandalously clad girl dressed as a tele-tubby. The burger person's message is one of irony, and makes you thing, the judgement bringing tele-tubby girl's outfit is pretty direct in it's message, but lacks in any real meaning. So on this halloween, I'm going to dress like myself, and work on my analysis paper, which is ironic because on halloween you are suppose to have fun and dress up. Yes that is directed at you Ms. Prokott. That is directed at you. :(
Sunday, October 14, 2012
"Why don't you love me Jenny? I'm not a smart man, but I know what love is."
-Forest Gump
Looking at Pathos
The statement it's self is pretty simple. it's a serious subject with a very sad setting and scenario. But the fact that it's so simple is what's so special because like the statement, Forest is simple. I don't mean that negatively, but it's true. He's a man of simple taste and a genuine heart that is absolutely unfathomable. As I hope everyone knows, he constantly gives of him self for the benefit of others and he doesn't even think of seeking repayment or equality of giving so to speak. Except here. Here in this dramatic scene where Forest is standing in the door way, looking up at Jenny, with the rain pouring in the background and the sound of thunder. His statement of "Why don't you love me Jenny?" with his unquestionably serious, and concerned face just kicks your soul in the places that it hurts because all you want for this hero, this incorruptible man. It's so simply put, and the setting so sad, that it's actually raining pathos outside. Then he follows with the equally simple "I'm not a smart man, but I know what love is." Now his words found a gang of friends to beat your crying soul, it is such a sad moment. You can't help hate Jenny a little. Jenny then walks up the stairs, with a somber smile, hopefully going upstairs to cry and be dumb. Forest's audience with this statement is unquestionably Jenny, his childhood friend and only love with this sort of rhetorical question. He knows she's not going to answer, and this shows when he leaves before she can answer, but again it just hits so close to home.
-Forest Gump
Looking at Pathos
The statement it's self is pretty simple. it's a serious subject with a very sad setting and scenario. But the fact that it's so simple is what's so special because like the statement, Forest is simple. I don't mean that negatively, but it's true. He's a man of simple taste and a genuine heart that is absolutely unfathomable. As I hope everyone knows, he constantly gives of him self for the benefit of others and he doesn't even think of seeking repayment or equality of giving so to speak. Except here. Here in this dramatic scene where Forest is standing in the door way, looking up at Jenny, with the rain pouring in the background and the sound of thunder. His statement of "Why don't you love me Jenny?" with his unquestionably serious, and concerned face just kicks your soul in the places that it hurts because all you want for this hero, this incorruptible man. It's so simply put, and the setting so sad, that it's actually raining pathos outside. Then he follows with the equally simple "I'm not a smart man, but I know what love is." Now his words found a gang of friends to beat your crying soul, it is such a sad moment. You can't help hate Jenny a little. Jenny then walks up the stairs, with a somber smile, hopefully going upstairs to cry and be dumb. Forest's audience with this statement is unquestionably Jenny, his childhood friend and only love with this sort of rhetorical question. He knows she's not going to answer, and this shows when he leaves before she can answer, but again it just hits so close to home.
Sunday, October 7, 2012
In the summer of 2007, I think mother nature was just fed up with my neighborhood for some reason because she sent down a storm of the ages. I can still feel that sickly feeling of looking outside, and everything is more green than it should be, and there is absolutely no sound in the pre-storm quiet. Then, out of no where it came. There were rain drops falling that could fill a table spoon with one drop, hail the size of golf balls, and worst of all wind that I will never forget. We have two big oak trees in my back yard and in this storm, you could see the whole tree bending from the strain the wind was pressing on it. So, as you may have guessed from this storm, the power of course went out and it was later at night. Since I was a young, little boy then, of course sleep was not even an option in all of this excitement so my whole family sat up that night together. Just reading by candle light, or telling stories, taking in the smell of the scented candles, basking in the rhythm of mother nature's parade of power. That is one of my most fond memories of the four of us together. It didn't happen all that often where we were all together, without anything we could do except just be together without the distractions that our worlds put between us. This blog is suppose to be about darkness, but there in the glow of candles, there was nothing dark about it.
Saturday, September 29, 2012
Singer's Equation for Deserving Rights.
A body or group + The act of suffering + The capability to prevent the suffering = The need to have rights or take action to protect them.
This equation is an accurate interpretation of Singer's thinking for the following reasons. (I just finished my APUSH reading about the constitution and this set up just feels right) This whole equation is based on the presence of a body of things that are being oppressed. Without a discriminated against group, there is no problem, or necessity for action. Then the act of suffering is what is really the cause of the whole problem of rights. There has to be oppression upon that body to display the need for protection of the rights that body is entitled too. When there is suffering in this instance, there is an oppressor, (us in Singer's essay) and the oppressed (animals). This one sided destruction is what leads to the deficiency of rights. Finally, if the suffering this oppressor causes can be prevented, or avoided, then action must be taken. From the animal rights prospective here, the fact that all animal abuse for the sake of food can be avoided is the prime example of this variable of the equation. In the presence of all of these variables, The need for the protection of rights must be fulfilled, and steps must be taken because the oppressed deserve their liberties to be shielded from the oppressors.
A body or group + The act of suffering + The capability to prevent the suffering = The need to have rights or take action to protect them.
This equation is an accurate interpretation of Singer's thinking for the following reasons. (I just finished my APUSH reading about the constitution and this set up just feels right) This whole equation is based on the presence of a body of things that are being oppressed. Without a discriminated against group, there is no problem, or necessity for action. Then the act of suffering is what is really the cause of the whole problem of rights. There has to be oppression upon that body to display the need for protection of the rights that body is entitled too. When there is suffering in this instance, there is an oppressor, (us in Singer's essay) and the oppressed (animals). This one sided destruction is what leads to the deficiency of rights. Finally, if the suffering this oppressor causes can be prevented, or avoided, then action must be taken. From the animal rights prospective here, the fact that all animal abuse for the sake of food can be avoided is the prime example of this variable of the equation. In the presence of all of these variables, The need for the protection of rights must be fulfilled, and steps must be taken because the oppressed deserve their liberties to be shielded from the oppressors.
Sunday, September 23, 2012
From The Sunsets of Miss Olivia Wiggins
"The chains on the swing creaked responses to crickets and frogs as the sun cast long shadows across the yard."
From Grandad's Prayers of the Earth
"A bird prays when it sings the first song of the morning, and it prays in that silent moment just before it sings. And the robin's last song at sundown is an evening prayer."
From AQuiet Place
"You might find an old stump for a chair or a moss log for a couch in a green mansion of shadows and sunbeams."
"The chains on the swing creaked responses to crickets and frogs as the sun cast long shadows across the yard."
From Grandad's Prayers of the Earth
"A bird prays when it sings the first song of the morning, and it prays in that silent moment just before it sings. And the robin's last song at sundown is an evening prayer."
From AQuiet Place
"You might find an old stump for a chair or a moss log for a couch in a green mansion of shadows and sunbeams."
Sunday, September 16, 2012
The essay that struck a chord the most with me was the essay called What They Don't Tell You About Cancer. This is for the reason that I was in her shoes, I lived this story. The opening paragraph, describing that she didn't know what cancer was, expecting it to be a, ".. garbage full of used Kleenex" illness rather then a battle was an idea that I shared with her. So what can I steal then if it's so close? Hmmmm. I like how she opens the second paragraph with the setting, establishing the surroundings with great imagery. Then later in the third paragraph her listing of what her grandpa might miss because of the illness, or what she might not get to do with him again really establishes a connection with anyone who's had to deal with someone close going through cancer. This list also creates a picture of the grandpa for you, of things that he liked to do and of how he lived. It got a little to sappy when she was asking all the why's, though it wasn't a huge deal but again I can yoink the description of what I'll miss about my grandpa, and his smoking.
At the end of this essay, not only was I listening to sad music, but my mom had just put a picture of my grandpa up on the wall so needless to say my mood has been dampened significantly. I loved this essay though, and being sad just means it did it's job well.
At the end of this essay, not only was I listening to sad music, but my mom had just put a picture of my grandpa up on the wall so needless to say my mood has been dampened significantly. I loved this essay though, and being sad just means it did it's job well.
Sunday, September 9, 2012
Tim and Eric's Billion Dollar Movie
On Saturday night I had some friends over and we had a little bro night. So nine of us guys made bonfire that was of course slightly to large for safety and of course gas came out to make the night more exciting by lighting a near by tree on fire. But after our fun with fire we watched one of the oddest movies I think has ever been made. This movie is called Tim and Eric's Billion Dollar Movie. It starts with Tim and Eric who got a billion dollars to make a movie, but they spent it on a diamond suit and ended up with a crappy three minute movie. Needless to say they are in the whole then for a billion dollars and not ten minutes in, the two go on a drinking binge and Tim's arm is cut off and Eric gets a piercing in the place no guy should. I really don't want to describe the rest of the movie, but it only gets weirder. What I found interesting though was who of my friends liked it. It was as you expected as to who liked it and they were the funny, not best decision makers and they absolutely loved it. But then the friends who were the good, smart ones just couldn't give a damn about it other then a few quotable spots. But the interesting thing was that the more every one though about it and talked about it, everyone agreed that it really was, a really horrifically funny, but awful movie.
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
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