Monday, February 28, 2011
A Sentence Starts Out Like...
A sentence starts out like a railroad track, for its beginning is hard to find but once you get started it can lead you to endless possibilities. When I first get on a train, I like to look at the track below to see where it goes and where it may begin or end. Once the train gets going, I wonder where it will take me before I get to my final destination. There are many stops along the way, but I get to view the scenery that goes by me along the tracks. When I get to the end of the track or to my stop, there's a sense of finality, like this is the way I was supposed to go. A sentence can have a hard start, but once it gets going it can travel through different possibilities until the right idea comes out. When it reaches its final stop, that is how the sentence is suppose to be. But a sentence can be many things. This is just the first thing that came to mind.
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Let Me Help You Out There
I found some questions that need answering. Don't you worry, they're all based on the same subject: Billy Collins lous-- er, I mean, inspirational poem.
Why do you look at the love poem like it is a joke?
Believe it or not, some people find love is a joke. It is too serious for them to take seriously. But for Billy Collins, I'll give him a break. He may have found the metaphors just as ridiculous as the rest of us so he decided to re-image it for comical purposes. Perhaps he wanted to show what not to do with a love poem. Maybe he wanted to show how some people view love, which can be cynical, insensitive, and serious. Who knows what his reasons were for such a strange poem.
Do you feel that every love poem writer secretly craves similar metaphors to be written about his or herself?
Frankly, I'm not quite sure how the average person would feel about being compared as "the bread in the knife" or " the pigeon on the general's head." These are not flattering and I wonder if the average love poem writer would know that. I would think if a love poem writer was full of love and inspired by it that they would use metaphors expressing themselves in more clearly defined and serious terms. But then again, it depends on the personality of the writer. if he or she is bitter about love and scoffs at it, the metaphors may be more comical. But if he or she is blissfully drowned in the waves of loves, the metaphors may be more endearing. Every writer is different and expresses themselves differently.
Why did you incorporate metaphors about yourself in the poem?
He probably wanted to poke fun at himself. Maybe he wanted to reveal some of his own feelings about love, which would provide some interesting assumptions about his own love life and how successful it may or may not have been. Perhaps he just wanted to give some lively spirit to the poem and give it some fun by being able to laugh at himself. If he was poking at himself, it would suggest what a charismatic character he is. It is not easy to be able to laugh freely at yourself, especially in front of a crowd. But again, these are just theories.
In the end, I didn't fulfill the questions by giving concrete answers. but some of these questions can only be answered by Billy Collins himself without passing judgment behind the ridicul--uh, I mean, fascinating poem.
Why do you look at the love poem like it is a joke?
Believe it or not, some people find love is a joke. It is too serious for them to take seriously. But for Billy Collins, I'll give him a break. He may have found the metaphors just as ridiculous as the rest of us so he decided to re-image it for comical purposes. Perhaps he wanted to show what not to do with a love poem. Maybe he wanted to show how some people view love, which can be cynical, insensitive, and serious. Who knows what his reasons were for such a strange poem.
Do you feel that every love poem writer secretly craves similar metaphors to be written about his or herself?
Frankly, I'm not quite sure how the average person would feel about being compared as "the bread in the knife" or " the pigeon on the general's head." These are not flattering and I wonder if the average love poem writer would know that. I would think if a love poem writer was full of love and inspired by it that they would use metaphors expressing themselves in more clearly defined and serious terms. But then again, it depends on the personality of the writer. if he or she is bitter about love and scoffs at it, the metaphors may be more comical. But if he or she is blissfully drowned in the waves of loves, the metaphors may be more endearing. Every writer is different and expresses themselves differently.
Why did you incorporate metaphors about yourself in the poem?
He probably wanted to poke fun at himself. Maybe he wanted to reveal some of his own feelings about love, which would provide some interesting assumptions about his own love life and how successful it may or may not have been. Perhaps he just wanted to give some lively spirit to the poem and give it some fun by being able to laugh at himself. If he was poking at himself, it would suggest what a charismatic character he is. It is not easy to be able to laugh freely at yourself, especially in front of a crowd. But again, these are just theories.
In the end, I didn't fulfill the questions by giving concrete answers. but some of these questions can only be answered by Billy Collins himself without passing judgment behind the ridicul--uh, I mean, fascinating poem.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Give Me Another 6 Reasons
To continue my point from before, I find reading scholarly papers to be tedious at times. But not this time.
"Apple's iPod: I've Got the World on a String(Shaped-Earphone Chord)": How it makes me think
1. The title itself makes me wonder how dependent we are on technology
2. The introduction makes me realize how quick and easy the iPod makes everything and how convenient it is
3. The iPod assists us on things we want: easy access music, a traveling companion, a portable alarm clock, an extra watch, and endless amounts of games to provide entertainment in times of boredom
4. I start to wonder if this is so amazing, what are the possible consequences to the iPod, such as lack of attention when in the car with a conversing mom.
5. How has this sort of technology been made possible? And I mean the foundations of the idea to create such a product and the constant additions being made. What will come up next? All the designs presented really makes me wonder sometimes...
6. How does the iPod affect people socially? Are people treated differently if they don't have one? How are the people who don't have an iPod affected?
The Downside:
1. Everything written sounds the same and monotoned, which can turn me off to listening to what the argument has to say
2. If you have an iPod, you will most likely agree to how the iPod has become an essential everyday tool
3. It is written scientifically, without much creative stray, which has the potential to cause boredom for me
4. The iPod is a device designed for the younger generation. What do the older generation think?
5. Is there more to just one side of the iPod? What else could be discussed, such as the effect it has in other cultures. Is it the same?
6. There is so much more that could be gained about the iPod, such as its origins behind the necessary creation.
Note: This too was a very impressive paper. Again, not too much that put me off. It all depends on the readers interest.
Give Me 6 Reasons
I hate reading papers. They can be so unmoving at times. They don't usually affect me or get me to think. They can be too repetitious. But after reading "'It Gives You Wings'" and "Apple"s iPod" I've discovered that papers aren't all that bad. Some can actually be moving, although at the same time they can still have points where I'm unfazed by the topic.
"'It Gives You Wings'": How to think about Red Bull in a new way
1. Never thought how Red Bull could be a healthy lifestyle
2. "embodies the spirit of energy"; Never thought how it could apply to athletes in keeping them energized
3. The comparison of Red Bull to an angry bull; how the animal builds up energy when it is mad and how Red Bull builds up the body's energy
4. Reflecting how often people use Red Bull and realizing how much it is needed during stressful situations
5. The necessity of " speed, efficiency, and convenience" of Red Bull is similar to our fast needs of drive thru windows, credit cards, and other on-the-go tools
6. Red Bull can benefit those trying to lose weight actively
How it does not provide stimulation:
1. Some repetition of the same information is dulling
2. Not enough narration that could capture my attention more
3. Some points are vague and generalized: "The colors on the can are stimulating as well. The bright red bull attacking a yellow object against a metallic blue is very stimulating" This has potential for more creativity and excitement
4. What about other energy drinks? Should there be a mention of their effects as well? An expansion into the field of energy drinks maybe?
5. What about the culture, race, and ethnicity? How does that come into play. I lose interest because I assume there's nothing more when there is more to know or compare.
6. Do not fully comprehend the paragraph on symbolism therefore I lose some interest
Quick note: There wasn't much that didn't move me in this paper. I am impressed and pleased because I can read more work from this person and enjoy it
Friday, February 18, 2011
....
It is 48 degrees today and yet the sun still hides itself beneath a thick wad of clouds. As I make my way across the pedestrian-filled street, a cool breeze still gnaws at me from behind. If the sun could only break out of the smothering shell to give a few extra degrees of warmth. Spring is on its way; its scent can be traced through the wispy air. The dawn of spring puts the darkness of winter to a welcoming end. The gloomy weather that encompasses winter with an iron fist taunts us and brings us down into a somber state. But the first fresh burst of gleaming warmth penetrates the darkness and lifts us up once again. Eagerness spreads across the face that is freed from the restraints of a harsh winter. The sun shines merrily once again and tells me I don't have long to wait until the fresh warm air is summoned back.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
A Poem for my Beloved
I don't know about you, but I never was one to understand poetry. As much as it can sound beautiful, poetry can also be flabbergasting, confusing, complicated, subtle, misunderstood, and infuriating. Sometimes the language is not clear enough and sometimes the meaning is difficult to grasp. At least for me, I find it difficult to grasp the meaning. I tend to read too into it. And "Litany" is no exception. Filled with metaphors of humorous and thoughtful characteristics, I am still left confused at what the poem is getting at. If I had to ask six questions, they would be as follows:
1. What strategy was used to describe the relationship?
2. How do the metaphors fit into the relationship?
3. Could there be other tactics, such as over exaggeration, to describe the relationship?
4. Why were those particular metaphors used?
5. Is the relationship rocky like a boat floating in the ocean on good and bad days? Is this what can be assumed?
6. Did the metaphors originate already or were they made up? What could replace the some of the metaphors used to make it clearer?
1. What strategy was used to describe the relationship?
2. How do the metaphors fit into the relationship?
3. Could there be other tactics, such as over exaggeration, to describe the relationship?
4. Why were those particular metaphors used?
5. Is the relationship rocky like a boat floating in the ocean on good and bad days? Is this what can be assumed?
6. Did the metaphors originate already or were they made up? What could replace the some of the metaphors used to make it clearer?
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
How to Describe a Paper
To the average college student, writing papers isn't exactly an ideal fun time. But we have to do it, no matter if we mechanically go through it like robots or if we meticulously dedicate ourselves to the making of it. And we all assume that writing a paper is done in the same way. As I'm sitting here with my "Materiality" essay in class, I am to take note of other papers written by other students. And I notice, perhaps for the first time, that everyone writes their paper in a different way. I don't mean by content- everyone is going to have a different content- but by format. Who ever thinks about the format anyway?
I see that everyone has the same white vertical paper with black ink. Most likely the font is Times Newman. Some people have put their names in the left corner, others in the right. Some have double-spaced, others have not. Some gave headings and used bold print. Others have not. Now the question becomes: why have we done this? What is the point of this format style? Why is it dictated as such? It can be assumed that we all think the same thing: it's professional, it's how we've been taught, it seems like the proper way,etc. But it seems like a boring way. Why can't we use black paper instead of white or landscape mode instead of portrait mode? Why can't we use crazy font or write in a different language? Why can't we do whatever we want to our paper? Because society has it set in stone what it wants. If we try to do otherwise, it is sometimes seen as an "error".
Some teachers can fail you for papers they consider to not "fit the mold". Employers can decide not to hire you if your resume appears "sloppy". I wrote may paper the way it is because that is how I've been taught and been told that this is the way to do it. But what constitutes as the "proper" way of "fitting the mold" to writing? Who decides what's okay to use in a paper and what isn't? What is "the conventional way"? Is there a conventional way? So many questions are left unanswered.
If I could re-format my paper, I would stylize it based on my topic, just to be chaotic and creative. Since i wrote about blush and beauty, I would write my paper in eyeliner, then place blush on top of it to give it a musty look. I just think that papers get boring without getting creative and need some spicing up. But I guess for now it just has to be deemed "presentable".
I see that everyone has the same white vertical paper with black ink. Most likely the font is Times Newman. Some people have put their names in the left corner, others in the right. Some have double-spaced, others have not. Some gave headings and used bold print. Others have not. Now the question becomes: why have we done this? What is the point of this format style? Why is it dictated as such? It can be assumed that we all think the same thing: it's professional, it's how we've been taught, it seems like the proper way,etc. But it seems like a boring way. Why can't we use black paper instead of white or landscape mode instead of portrait mode? Why can't we use crazy font or write in a different language? Why can't we do whatever we want to our paper? Because society has it set in stone what it wants. If we try to do otherwise, it is sometimes seen as an "error".
Some teachers can fail you for papers they consider to not "fit the mold". Employers can decide not to hire you if your resume appears "sloppy". I wrote may paper the way it is because that is how I've been taught and been told that this is the way to do it. But what constitutes as the "proper" way of "fitting the mold" to writing? Who decides what's okay to use in a paper and what isn't? What is "the conventional way"? Is there a conventional way? So many questions are left unanswered.
If I could re-format my paper, I would stylize it based on my topic, just to be chaotic and creative. Since i wrote about blush and beauty, I would write my paper in eyeliner, then place blush on top of it to give it a musty look. I just think that papers get boring without getting creative and need some spicing up. But I guess for now it just has to be deemed "presentable".
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Birds and Words
As much as I love to read, I am immediately turned off by dialogue filled with scientific language and an lecture-like format. It is bland and boring. I struggle to stay awake. In order to capture my attention, I need a more descriptive and narrative format that can provide much more excitement for my eager mind. What is most clever about Don Stap's "Flight of the Kuaka" is that he conceals the science underneath a layer of descriptive narration. He begins the passage with his experience in New Zealand and then drifts off into the scientific nature of the passage. He also manages to decrease the amount of superfluous and technical language that science articles so often require. The appeal to the subject of the E7 is change dramatically just by altering a few boring words into more descriptive and lively phrases.
Although many scientific journals are educational, I find myself not learning anything because of the dryness and complex articulation of the information. But the information presented by Stap's is much more fascinating. First, he classifies the different bird species by introducing their proper names, which are easily pronounced and slightly humorous. For instance, there is the Bar-Tailed Godwit, the Black-Tailed Godwit, Bristle-thighed Curlew, Whimbrel, and the Eskimo Curlew. Sometimes I wonder if scientists could come up with better names.
Before I forget, the tone of Stap's is also tweaked a bit. The way he described the feat of the E7 implied a voice of incredulity that I was able to feel myself. How he emphasized that the E7 flew for eight days without stopping made me stop in bemusement. Scientific articles usually don't provoke any reaction, but the way the author formed his work made this experience very, very different.
Although many scientific journals are educational, I find myself not learning anything because of the dryness and complex articulation of the information. But the information presented by Stap's is much more fascinating. First, he classifies the different bird species by introducing their proper names, which are easily pronounced and slightly humorous. For instance, there is the Bar-Tailed Godwit, the Black-Tailed Godwit, Bristle-thighed Curlew, Whimbrel, and the Eskimo Curlew. Sometimes I wonder if scientists could come up with better names.
Before I forget, the tone of Stap's is also tweaked a bit. The way he described the feat of the E7 implied a voice of incredulity that I was able to feel myself. How he emphasized that the E7 flew for eight days without stopping made me stop in bemusement. Scientific articles usually don't provoke any reaction, but the way the author formed his work made this experience very, very different.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
say what?
"In thinking about a certain idea, many sentences and ideas can be drawn by using detailed words within this idea."
Not to be critical, but I must wonder what exactly this sentence is trying to say because it is very unclear. The message that is trying to be represented comes off in an obscured and vague manner. It is too generalized. It is hard to know what the writer is saying. But I have no right to judge because every writer's style comes off as different and unique. There are just ways to better oneself in prose.
I can assume that the writer is trying to convey how many powerful and logical descriptions can stem off of a specific idea. For instance, when suggesting a child's energy is like a rabbit, words like hyperactive, bouncing, excited, bountiful, and playful can be perfectly suited. But this is my assumption. Who knows what other people assume when they read this sentence. The proficiency is not high, but with a few changes, it could become rich in meaning and communicating. Everyone makes errors in writing. But with some adjustments, a reader does not have to scratch their head and mutter " Huh?"
Not to be critical, but I must wonder what exactly this sentence is trying to say because it is very unclear. The message that is trying to be represented comes off in an obscured and vague manner. It is too generalized. It is hard to know what the writer is saying. But I have no right to judge because every writer's style comes off as different and unique. There are just ways to better oneself in prose.
I can assume that the writer is trying to convey how many powerful and logical descriptions can stem off of a specific idea. For instance, when suggesting a child's energy is like a rabbit, words like hyperactive, bouncing, excited, bountiful, and playful can be perfectly suited. But this is my assumption. Who knows what other people assume when they read this sentence. The proficiency is not high, but with a few changes, it could become rich in meaning and communicating. Everyone makes errors in writing. But with some adjustments, a reader does not have to scratch their head and mutter " Huh?"
Monday, February 7, 2011
What does this mean?
There are many things in life that can be read but looked at with a "Huh?" expression. The way a piece of work is written can make the reader think " What the devil is this rubbish?" Sometimes we can stare and stare at a passage, with firm eyes fixed intently on the words and the mind repeatedly cycling ideas around. But alas we cannot find the answer. In frustration, we give up on the piece of work instead of letting a new pair of eyes collaborate with you.
But when I read Jonah Leher's "Don't", not only did I have one extra set of eyes but four. Each set brought a variety of new opinions with inter crossing ideas, yet none were related to what puzzled me in the first place. I didn't quite comprehend the quote " She found that the ability to delay gratification... was a far better predictor of academic performance than I.Q." Although I value and respect the opinions of my classmates, I was left even more baffled because my initial befuddlement was not satisfied. I was wondering how the ability to delay gratification was related to academic studies. I thought the initial comparison was to personality, so I was unable to comprehend any other possibilities.
The meaning of what is confusing is obscured, so I'll give it that. No one can be a mind reader. All we know is that if a statement is confusing, it's confusing. And what's confusing about it can be interpretted in many different ways. But I think the statement has become clearer since reading everyone's insight. To me, if a person can delay their desire to not study and go watch t.v instead, then they will perform better on tests than those who can't wait any longer to watch t.v and do not study. Sometimes I think a matter can best be understood after trying to read hard into it because after a while you come to a point where a light bulb goes off and you say " Oh now I get it."
But when I read Jonah Leher's "Don't", not only did I have one extra set of eyes but four. Each set brought a variety of new opinions with inter crossing ideas, yet none were related to what puzzled me in the first place. I didn't quite comprehend the quote " She found that the ability to delay gratification... was a far better predictor of academic performance than I.Q." Although I value and respect the opinions of my classmates, I was left even more baffled because my initial befuddlement was not satisfied. I was wondering how the ability to delay gratification was related to academic studies. I thought the initial comparison was to personality, so I was unable to comprehend any other possibilities.
The meaning of what is confusing is obscured, so I'll give it that. No one can be a mind reader. All we know is that if a statement is confusing, it's confusing. And what's confusing about it can be interpretted in many different ways. But I think the statement has become clearer since reading everyone's insight. To me, if a person can delay their desire to not study and go watch t.v instead, then they will perform better on tests than those who can't wait any longer to watch t.v and do not study. Sometimes I think a matter can best be understood after trying to read hard into it because after a while you come to a point where a light bulb goes off and you say " Oh now I get it."
Friday, February 4, 2011
Red Bull, Red Bull... Gimme some Red Bull
One morning I walked into the library and spotted a friend sitting at a desk with a pile of books. On closer inspection, I see that her eyes are bleary and red, her clothes are ruffled, and her hand is placed firmly on a starbucks coffee cup. Clearly, she had spent all night studying and needed extra energy to keep her going. Coffee is not the only caffeinated beverage that society requires these days. With an increase in buzzing, fast-paced activities that consume our lives, companies have been producing more products to give people more time and energy to do things for longer periods of time. Such a product that has become highly coveted is Red Bull, which, as the slogan suggests, "gives you wings".
From late night studying to working overtime until 2 am, every age group requires something to keep them going. For toddlers, it is candy. For adults it is Red Bull. Designed in a slender, aluminum can, Red Bull advocates that it will make a person feel more awake and alive in moments they feel tired and in a slump. The slogan emphasizes just how much better a person will feel on Red Bull- it'll feel like you are floating and flying high towards the heavens. It is merely just another type of beverage that people can enjoy on a regular basis. It exercises more energy, but so does Synergy drinks, 5 hour energy drinks, and Monster drinks. It is just another brand that people are willing to use. It seems to produce the desired effect since there are no complaints and there are still advertisements.
Parents are constantly running between work and children. Teenagers are constantly spending time studying, playing sports, and being with friends. Young adults are looking for a place to live while maintaining a living. Live is in a constant rapid state that sucks on our energy. We supposedly need Red Bull because there isn't enough hours in the day to get what we want done. We supposedly need an extra boost in energy so time can be on our side. Red Bull is just another instrument that preys upon society's busy lives.
From late night studying to working overtime until 2 am, every age group requires something to keep them going. For toddlers, it is candy. For adults it is Red Bull. Designed in a slender, aluminum can, Red Bull advocates that it will make a person feel more awake and alive in moments they feel tired and in a slump. The slogan emphasizes just how much better a person will feel on Red Bull- it'll feel like you are floating and flying high towards the heavens. It is merely just another type of beverage that people can enjoy on a regular basis. It exercises more energy, but so does Synergy drinks, 5 hour energy drinks, and Monster drinks. It is just another brand that people are willing to use. It seems to produce the desired effect since there are no complaints and there are still advertisements.
Parents are constantly running between work and children. Teenagers are constantly spending time studying, playing sports, and being with friends. Young adults are looking for a place to live while maintaining a living. Live is in a constant rapid state that sucks on our energy. We supposedly need Red Bull because there isn't enough hours in the day to get what we want done. We supposedly need an extra boost in energy so time can be on our side. Red Bull is just another instrument that preys upon society's busy lives.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Butterflies do have Wings
Never have I ever seen a commercial that was over a minute long. Yet despite this, I somehow was able to enjoy the wonderful story Pantene had told. Perhaps they should become more involved in emotional short movies. Who knows, maybe they'll be nominated for an Oscar.
It took a while for me to see what the commercial had to do with hair. At first, I thought it was going to be an advertisement for art school, but the end caught me off guard. For some reason, I found myself short-changed because it was such an intense and dramatic storyline and then it ended abruptly with the resolution about hair. I thought how stupid that was. But looking back, it was brilliant. The word shine applied to the protagonist as well as the condition of hair. The butterfly represented how the girl can rise on her own wings and shine as bright as her hair. The producers created a more powerful implication of a subject as simple as hair.
Yet despite the wonderful storytelling, there were some social stereotypes being played out. Everyone assumes that an Asian loves studying and doing activities concerning higher classical teachings. It is assumed that they only play the piano or violin or other instruments that demonstrate high intellect. But not Asians are like that. Not all girls are mean and catty either. They depict the average high school to be crawling with mean rich girls who always pick on the poor nice girls. They depict the poor girl as the hero when that is not always the case. They imply with the butterfly, which seems to symbolize feminism, that boys could not possibly relate to this commercial. Yes, it may be aimed for a female audience, but there can be some boys just as much into their hair as girls.
The producers intended to captivate us into its story so we could sympathize and relate to the characters, therefore making us buy its product. It had the girl struggle through deafness and schoolmates. It made the butterfly emerge while the girl was caught in her music to persuade how all of us have a butterfly waiting within us to emerge and find its place in the world. It made it seem as if we wanted to be like the girl. But all it did for me was leave an unfinished feeling in the pit of my stomach. No, I do not wish to buy the product. Instead, I'm interested in how the story plays out. I wished it was an advertisement for art school for the disability instead.
It took a while for me to see what the commercial had to do with hair. At first, I thought it was going to be an advertisement for art school, but the end caught me off guard. For some reason, I found myself short-changed because it was such an intense and dramatic storyline and then it ended abruptly with the resolution about hair. I thought how stupid that was. But looking back, it was brilliant. The word shine applied to the protagonist as well as the condition of hair. The butterfly represented how the girl can rise on her own wings and shine as bright as her hair. The producers created a more powerful implication of a subject as simple as hair.
Yet despite the wonderful storytelling, there were some social stereotypes being played out. Everyone assumes that an Asian loves studying and doing activities concerning higher classical teachings. It is assumed that they only play the piano or violin or other instruments that demonstrate high intellect. But not Asians are like that. Not all girls are mean and catty either. They depict the average high school to be crawling with mean rich girls who always pick on the poor nice girls. They depict the poor girl as the hero when that is not always the case. They imply with the butterfly, which seems to symbolize feminism, that boys could not possibly relate to this commercial. Yes, it may be aimed for a female audience, but there can be some boys just as much into their hair as girls.
The producers intended to captivate us into its story so we could sympathize and relate to the characters, therefore making us buy its product. It had the girl struggle through deafness and schoolmates. It made the butterfly emerge while the girl was caught in her music to persuade how all of us have a butterfly waiting within us to emerge and find its place in the world. It made it seem as if we wanted to be like the girl. But all it did for me was leave an unfinished feeling in the pit of my stomach. No, I do not wish to buy the product. Instead, I'm interested in how the story plays out. I wished it was an advertisement for art school for the disability instead.
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