I found Bolter's introduction interesting, particularly in his defence or justification of the changes made from the previous edition to this one. Bolter cites "prophetic claims that either did not come true or were simply made irrelevant..." as a cause for the shortening from the previous edition by some 10,000 words. I thought that this was a fascinating example of how fast technology develops, that in the decade or less between editions, much of the writing was already made obsolete. It reminded me of some old science texts that I found years ago, claiming that by 2000 we would be travelling to the moon frequently and space travel would be anybody's right. Maybe a more appropriate comparison would be Arthur C. Clarke and Stanley Kubrick's masterpiece 2001: A Space Odyssey. While oftentimes, revisionism makes us less optimistic, Bolter's edits came because we are in an age of unparalleled technological advancement.
I also enjoyed Bolter's use of Victor Hugo to compare the birth of printed media with the growth of current communication technologies. It's almost eerie how well Frollo echoes today: The internet will kill the publishing house! In a world where becoming self-published is more and more accessible, the old ways are ending, just as the printing press brought literacy, education, and new ideas to the masses. I do believe, however, that Bolter may be a bit early in declaring this the "late age of print." Bound books are not going anywhere anytime soon, and while interactive media are growing more and more prominent, it is more than likely that printed text will continue to rule for the foreseeable future.
Friday, March 18, 2011
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Monday, March 7, 2011
The Problem of Describing Trees
"The gene pool threw up a wobbly stem
and the tree danced. No.
The Tree capitalized.
No. There are limits to saying,
In language, what the tree did..."
In these lines, Robert Hass rejects some common imagery of the humble tree; it is not dancing in the wind, nor is it dominating. The author posits that language does not have the depth to describe what it is the tree is doing exactly; to paraphrase Freud, sometimes a swaying tree is just a swaying tree. In the closing line, Hass says "Aspens doing something in the wind." This reinforces the idea that the imagery of the tree's dance, or of the mighty tree dominating, is not the end-all. Sometimes the best poetry doesn't rely on gimmicky visuals or unnecessarily flowery language; honesty in writing trumps these cliches any time.
and the tree danced. No.
The Tree capitalized.
No. There are limits to saying,
In language, what the tree did..."
In these lines, Robert Hass rejects some common imagery of the humble tree; it is not dancing in the wind, nor is it dominating. The author posits that language does not have the depth to describe what it is the tree is doing exactly; to paraphrase Freud, sometimes a swaying tree is just a swaying tree. In the closing line, Hass says "Aspens doing something in the wind." This reinforces the idea that the imagery of the tree's dance, or of the mighty tree dominating, is not the end-all. Sometimes the best poetry doesn't rely on gimmicky visuals or unnecessarily flowery language; honesty in writing trumps these cliches any time.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Poole, Pain, and Desperation
Hungover jumping jacks
Imagine the most intense headache you've ever had - maybe a long night of drinking, waking up at noon next to the bathtub, wondering where your pants are and how you mysteriously ended up with a burn on your ass...add to this confusion and general malaise the terror of hundreds upon hundreds of jumping jacks. This is probably the worst idea in the history of time
Throwing self down the stairs
Does this really need any further explanation? One the list of things to do before I die, throwing myself down the stairs is usually absent...usually.
Deep pit of discarded writings
How did the pit get there? Obviously it took a lot of frustrated energy to dig such a hole, even a figurative one.
Imagine the most intense headache you've ever had - maybe a long night of drinking, waking up at noon next to the bathtub, wondering where your pants are and how you mysteriously ended up with a burn on your ass...add to this confusion and general malaise the terror of hundreds upon hundreds of jumping jacks. This is probably the worst idea in the history of time
Throwing self down the stairs
Does this really need any further explanation? One the list of things to do before I die, throwing myself down the stairs is usually absent...usually.
Deep pit of discarded writings
How did the pit get there? Obviously it took a lot of frustrated energy to dig such a hole, even a figurative one.
A Sentence Starts Out Like...
a wide-thrown net, not knowing where it is going or what it is going to catch, but confident in its purpose. When writing, one has to take the mass (or mess) of ideas and wrangle them, and from there find an eloquent way of expressing these thoughts. If it is not written with confidence, the reader will not take the writings as they are meant to; one must project his or her ideas as his or her truth, and at the same time persuade the reader that this personal truth is more far-reaching and universal. If done skillfully, one can capture not just the ideas he or she had, but also the reader as well; if done poorly, it is easy enough to simply become entangled instead.
Friday, February 25, 2011
How Do I Know This Is Good?
Sample G:
Pros:
1. The author's theory of the bull as a symbol of power and agression is an interesting point that contrasts with the product's usual light-hearted advertising campaigns.
2. "One's supreme transformation after drinking this beverage..." When drinking something like this, we often focus on the immediate effects of it rather than whatever long-term effect it may have
3. "Americans can...fly their way to success with the help of Red Bull's wings instead..." Great use of imagery in relation to the product's slogan
4. The juxtaposition of Red Bull with Drank, the "anti-energy drink" was a great choice for comparison; it helps to reinforce the author's thesis that Americans on the whole are forced into hectic schedules with no room for relief.
5. "Red Bull is a very appropriate metaphor for our accelerated culture." Nice summary of the author's thesis; in such a hectic world, the symbolic wings of Red Bull let one get done what needs to be done quicker.
6. "Until Americans learn to slow it down and appreciate life at a more pleasant pace, energy drinks like Red Bull will continue to contribute to our lifestyle, as well as embody its spirit." This is a great closing point; though it is not in our best interest, energy drinks are a symbol of the modern world.
Cons:
1. "Red Bull pioneered the energy drink movement." Coffee has been an integral part of American culture for centuries; though Red Bull may have been the first of a new kind of energy drink, such products have been around for ages.
2. "Red Bull...embodies the spirit of energy, liveliness, and athleticism that would befit a healthy lifestyle..." The sugar content and health risks of Red Bull makes it more of an unhealthy and possibly dangerous choice.
3. "The active lifestyle, which characterizes the United States..." America is facing an unprecedented obesity epidemic, which is in no small part the fault of increased inactivity, the growing prevalence of video games and internet connectivity.
4. "Red Bull provides such instant gratification so anticipated by Americans." Though we do live in a society that demands instant gratification, the effects of energy drinks on the whole are not exactly instantaneous enough to draw this connection.
5. The paragraph beginning "While eating well balanced meals..." The sense of energy and well-being provided by a healthy lifestyle is far superior to any high one might get off of an energy drink.
6. "Products aimed to increase productivity and alertness are successful in American culture. This implies their evident need..." Though Americans on the whole are overworked and overstressed, isn't it possible that products such as Red Bull perpetuate a serious flaw in the American identity? Wouldn't it be better, not to mention healthier, to take the time to breathe and relax rather than chemically alter ourselves to attain unrealistic expectations?
Sample H:
Pros:
1. "In the past decade, the iPod has become a cultural icon, itself symbolic of the desire to have the world at one's fingertips in a world of media oversaturation." Given the figures quoted in the opening paragraph, it's easy to understand how oversaturated the media world has become.
2. "The iPod's design philosophy can be summarized in a single word: simplicity." Technology has always had a somewhat negative connotation, bringing to mind a pair of thick-framed glasses and sweater vests; by reducing technology to its easiest form, the technology becomes far more accessible, and even fashionable.
3. "This range of options helps ensure that nearly anyone can find a model that he or she will love..." Apple's design philosophy has helped to ensure its supremacy in the digital music arena.
4. "...this makes the iPod touch a unique device, in that it now serves the dual purposes of consuming and creating media...by expanding the capabilities of the device, Apple has once again shown its player to be on a different level than even its closest competitors." The iPod touch provides an interesting paradox; modern technology provides us an unlimited amount of media, and at the same time allows us to create our own media to share with others. As higher quality all-in-one products become easier and cheaper to procure, this cycle of consumption and creation can continue indefinitely.
5. "...the iPod line has relied on a certain amount of 'hipness' to keep its sales up..." Few products today are as ubiquitous as the iPod; were it not for this "hip factor," it is unlikely that the iPod would have developed the following it has to this day.
6. "Owning an iPod is now no as much a status symbol as it is almost a rite of passage..." It is an interesting idea that such a seemingly simple device has risen to such cultural prominence in the modern age.
Cons:
1. The opening paragraph may cite too many sources of media, becoming redundant.
2. When the author speaks about the importance of podcasts, is this relevant to the significance of the iPod, or more appropriate to a discussion about the "do-it-yourself spirit" of the internet?
3. The author should have spent more time developing the idea of the duality of the creation/consumption relationship.
4. Does the herd mentality ever really fade away? Though prominent in youth, isn't it possible for others to experience the same sort of mentality?
5. The author provides speculation on the future of the product without citing evidence. What proof does he or she have to back this up, or is it just wishful thinking?
6. The entire article seems to sing the praises of Apple without showing any of its darker aspects (planned obsolescence, cheap components, the Foxconn controversy, etc.)
Pros:
1. The author's theory of the bull as a symbol of power and agression is an interesting point that contrasts with the product's usual light-hearted advertising campaigns.
2. "One's supreme transformation after drinking this beverage..." When drinking something like this, we often focus on the immediate effects of it rather than whatever long-term effect it may have
3. "Americans can...fly their way to success with the help of Red Bull's wings instead..." Great use of imagery in relation to the product's slogan
4. The juxtaposition of Red Bull with Drank, the "anti-energy drink" was a great choice for comparison; it helps to reinforce the author's thesis that Americans on the whole are forced into hectic schedules with no room for relief.
5. "Red Bull is a very appropriate metaphor for our accelerated culture." Nice summary of the author's thesis; in such a hectic world, the symbolic wings of Red Bull let one get done what needs to be done quicker.
6. "Until Americans learn to slow it down and appreciate life at a more pleasant pace, energy drinks like Red Bull will continue to contribute to our lifestyle, as well as embody its spirit." This is a great closing point; though it is not in our best interest, energy drinks are a symbol of the modern world.
Cons:
1. "Red Bull pioneered the energy drink movement." Coffee has been an integral part of American culture for centuries; though Red Bull may have been the first of a new kind of energy drink, such products have been around for ages.
2. "Red Bull...embodies the spirit of energy, liveliness, and athleticism that would befit a healthy lifestyle..." The sugar content and health risks of Red Bull makes it more of an unhealthy and possibly dangerous choice.
3. "The active lifestyle, which characterizes the United States..." America is facing an unprecedented obesity epidemic, which is in no small part the fault of increased inactivity, the growing prevalence of video games and internet connectivity.
4. "Red Bull provides such instant gratification so anticipated by Americans." Though we do live in a society that demands instant gratification, the effects of energy drinks on the whole are not exactly instantaneous enough to draw this connection.
5. The paragraph beginning "While eating well balanced meals..." The sense of energy and well-being provided by a healthy lifestyle is far superior to any high one might get off of an energy drink.
6. "Products aimed to increase productivity and alertness are successful in American culture. This implies their evident need..." Though Americans on the whole are overworked and overstressed, isn't it possible that products such as Red Bull perpetuate a serious flaw in the American identity? Wouldn't it be better, not to mention healthier, to take the time to breathe and relax rather than chemically alter ourselves to attain unrealistic expectations?
Sample H:
Pros:
1. "In the past decade, the iPod has become a cultural icon, itself symbolic of the desire to have the world at one's fingertips in a world of media oversaturation." Given the figures quoted in the opening paragraph, it's easy to understand how oversaturated the media world has become.
2. "The iPod's design philosophy can be summarized in a single word: simplicity." Technology has always had a somewhat negative connotation, bringing to mind a pair of thick-framed glasses and sweater vests; by reducing technology to its easiest form, the technology becomes far more accessible, and even fashionable.
3. "This range of options helps ensure that nearly anyone can find a model that he or she will love..." Apple's design philosophy has helped to ensure its supremacy in the digital music arena.
4. "...this makes the iPod touch a unique device, in that it now serves the dual purposes of consuming and creating media...by expanding the capabilities of the device, Apple has once again shown its player to be on a different level than even its closest competitors." The iPod touch provides an interesting paradox; modern technology provides us an unlimited amount of media, and at the same time allows us to create our own media to share with others. As higher quality all-in-one products become easier and cheaper to procure, this cycle of consumption and creation can continue indefinitely.
5. "...the iPod line has relied on a certain amount of 'hipness' to keep its sales up..." Few products today are as ubiquitous as the iPod; were it not for this "hip factor," it is unlikely that the iPod would have developed the following it has to this day.
6. "Owning an iPod is now no as much a status symbol as it is almost a rite of passage..." It is an interesting idea that such a seemingly simple device has risen to such cultural prominence in the modern age.
Cons:
1. The opening paragraph may cite too many sources of media, becoming redundant.
2. When the author speaks about the importance of podcasts, is this relevant to the significance of the iPod, or more appropriate to a discussion about the "do-it-yourself spirit" of the internet?
3. The author should have spent more time developing the idea of the duality of the creation/consumption relationship.
4. Does the herd mentality ever really fade away? Though prominent in youth, isn't it possible for others to experience the same sort of mentality?
5. The author provides speculation on the future of the product without citing evidence. What proof does he or she have to back this up, or is it just wishful thinking?
6. The entire article seems to sing the praises of Apple without showing any of its darker aspects (planned obsolescence, cheap components, the Foxconn controversy, etc.)
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Response to Will
"We live in a world where color is seen as setting certain moods..."
It is a psychological fact that color has an impact on our emotions. Many studies have shown that different colors make people feel differently; for example, red is commonly perceived as being innately related to passionate, intense feelings. It is possible that changing the colors used while writing a paper can subconsciously change the mood of the reader.
"When writing a serious paper, a reader should not see what the writer is feeling by visuals; instead the writer should paint a picture with words..."
I wholeheartedly agree with this statement. It is not the visuals that matter, but the ideas presented. If they are presented in a vivid enough way, the writer loses the need to provide a visual aide; if one must use the design of the essay to sway the reader, than perhaps he or she should consider the underlying strength of one's argument. That is not to say that every paper needs to "spring to life" off the page; for example, a scientific research paper can be a rather dry read while still conveying all of the information one needs to visualize the matter at hand while still remaining professional.
"Society has set these rules and by not following them, one can become outcast, and less accepted."
I somewhat agree with this statement; though the example Will provides is drastic, it is likely that deviating from the norm in most papers will at least make them taken less seriously, if not even totally dismissed. That is not to say that a single instance of fudging a font or margins is going to be one's final act of writing; it is just wiser on the whole to try to stick by these guidelines to avoid any problems.
It is a psychological fact that color has an impact on our emotions. Many studies have shown that different colors make people feel differently; for example, red is commonly perceived as being innately related to passionate, intense feelings. It is possible that changing the colors used while writing a paper can subconsciously change the mood of the reader.
"When writing a serious paper, a reader should not see what the writer is feeling by visuals; instead the writer should paint a picture with words..."
I wholeheartedly agree with this statement. It is not the visuals that matter, but the ideas presented. If they are presented in a vivid enough way, the writer loses the need to provide a visual aide; if one must use the design of the essay to sway the reader, than perhaps he or she should consider the underlying strength of one's argument. That is not to say that every paper needs to "spring to life" off the page; for example, a scientific research paper can be a rather dry read while still conveying all of the information one needs to visualize the matter at hand while still remaining professional.
"Society has set these rules and by not following them, one can become outcast, and less accepted."
I somewhat agree with this statement; though the example Will provides is drastic, it is likely that deviating from the norm in most papers will at least make them taken less seriously, if not even totally dismissed. That is not to say that a single instance of fudging a font or margins is going to be one's final act of writing; it is just wiser on the whole to try to stick by these guidelines to avoid any problems.
Friday, February 18, 2011
It is 48 degrees today and...
I couldn't be more excited! This extended weekend has been the goal to get to since the beginning of the semester, a short vacation from the world of 9 A.M classes and evening cramming sessions. What better way to kick off such a break than with an unseasonably warm day? There are few things more enjoyable than that first long walk of the year, before all the snow has really melted, when you can be comfortable in no more layers than a tee shirt and hoodie; the fact that such a day came this early in the year seems nothing short of a miracle right now!
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Litany
1. How did the original poem go?
2. Why did you choose to lampoon this poem?
3. What makes one "the crystal goblet and the wine?"
4. What was the satirical target of this work?
5. Is it still imagery when used sarcastically?
6. Why isn't the subject of the poem any of those things described?
2. Why did you choose to lampoon this poem?
3. What makes one "the crystal goblet and the wine?"
4. What was the satirical target of this work?
5. Is it still imagery when used sarcastically?
6. Why isn't the subject of the poem any of those things described?
The Materiality of Essay Writing
When writing an essay, I don't often consider the physical choices that I have to make constructing it. After being asked to analyze it, I was forced to think about why I made such stylistic choices. For years, we've been given guidelines for papers, without ever really talking about how they were decided upon. While economy of space is obviously a factor, one can definitely make a case for the aesthetic properties that such guidelines provide. Personally, I try to set my essay apart aesthetically, while still conforming to the standards set forth; I find that changing the font, even subtly, helps me pay attention to my own writing better, and help it stand out among other papers. Whatever one chooses, it is important to remember that the physical choices we (or others) might make can have a distinct effect on the reception of one's writing.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Materiality of the Essay
Size: 5 pages, letter size (8.5" x 11") - These were the assigned dimensions and length for this paper, fairly standard for an assignment such as this
Margins: 1 inch - again, this is my standard when it comes to writing papers, as it allows a sufficient number of words per page while avoiding looking crowded
Font: Book Antiqua - this is a font introduced to me by a professor my freshmen year; to me, it is more dynamic and memorable than the standard Times New Roman, while still fitting in to the classic look of a serif font.
Color: Black and White
Punctuation: Periods, many commas, occasional semi-colons and colons
Heading: Single spaced (to fit into 5 pages). This is a standard heading that I use for most assignments, including my name, the date, course, and a general description of the assignment.
Works cited via footnote - as I cited a single article, I felt that a separate works cited page would be wasteful when a footnote would suffice. While this may not fit 100% with the MLA guidelines, but I felt that the savings justified the choice.
Margins: 1 inch - again, this is my standard when it comes to writing papers, as it allows a sufficient number of words per page while avoiding looking crowded
Font: Book Antiqua - this is a font introduced to me by a professor my freshmen year; to me, it is more dynamic and memorable than the standard Times New Roman, while still fitting in to the classic look of a serif font.
Color: Black and White
Punctuation: Periods, many commas, occasional semi-colons and colons
Heading: Single spaced (to fit into 5 pages). This is a standard heading that I use for most assignments, including my name, the date, course, and a general description of the assignment.
Works cited via footnote - as I cited a single article, I felt that a separate works cited page would be wasteful when a footnote would suffice. While this may not fit 100% with the MLA guidelines, but I felt that the savings justified the choice.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Rhetorical Strategies in "Flight of the Kuaka"
In his essay "Flight of the Kuaka," Don Stap uses a variety of rhetorical strategies to detail the extraordinary story of the longest migratory flight ever documented. One such strategy used is the author's overabundance of descriptive language; in the opening paragraphs of this essay, one is taken to the muddiness of a shallow pond in New Zealand, where researchers are gathering Bar-tailed Godwits to tag for a study on their flight paths and migratory practices. Stap describes the experience of walking across a bog "...slick as lard...", hoping not to end up like the other two poor souls who slipped and fell into the mixture of mud and manure only moments earlier. When one of the researchers realizes that they have grabbed one too many test subjects, he pushes the poor animal into Stap's arms, "A warm bundle with long, kicking legs...[its] heart beating like a trapped moth against my chest." When it comes time to release the godwits, Stap again uses powerful imagery to let the reader see the event through his eyes: "With the birds out of sight, I look up, once again drawn to the starry sky...I'm delighted to recognize a constellation...the Southern Cross...In a few weeks, the godwits will rise into the air and leave behind Crux Australis for the cold northern skies of Ursa Major...the young birds, guided by some deep baueri knowledge of the earth and wind and stars, will set off on a 7,000-mile journey to a place they’ve never seen—the land of the long white cloud." Stap uses well-known constellations as landmarks, the Southern Cross as a symbol of the journey's beginning, and Ursa Major as the cold, hostile destination; in addition to providing a means for the reader to conceptualize the vastness of the journey that these creatures have to endure to ensure their survival.
Another strategy that Stap utilizes is the use of a process analysis, which he then contrasts with the landmark flight of E7. Many species similar to E7's tend to hug the shoreline as they fly to warmer climes in winter, so that they may land, rest, and, most importantly, refuel on shellfish. E7, on the other hand took a drastic turn and flew over open ocean, for eight days straight without any possible rest, ending up 7,250 miles away from her departure point. The author notes that his colleague in charge of the study, as well as several other experts, were stunned, at a loss for how such a feat could be possible by such a creature; this helps emphasize to the reader just how incredible it is that E7 made this journey under such circumstance. After this, Stap notes that human interference and ecological changes are threatening the grounds that these birds migrate to. The interference and "reclamation" of wetlands have already proven to be a threat to this way of life; also, ongoing climate change could very likely lead to changes in wind patterns, which these species depend on to accurately migrate. Through his use of process analysis, Stap shows that, while these birds are capable of amazing feats, humanity's ongoing interference in the natural world could ultimately have horrific circumstances to their natural way of life.
Another strategy that Stap utilizes is the use of a process analysis, which he then contrasts with the landmark flight of E7. Many species similar to E7's tend to hug the shoreline as they fly to warmer climes in winter, so that they may land, rest, and, most importantly, refuel on shellfish. E7, on the other hand took a drastic turn and flew over open ocean, for eight days straight without any possible rest, ending up 7,250 miles away from her departure point. The author notes that his colleague in charge of the study, as well as several other experts, were stunned, at a loss for how such a feat could be possible by such a creature; this helps emphasize to the reader just how incredible it is that E7 made this journey under such circumstance. After this, Stap notes that human interference and ecological changes are threatening the grounds that these birds migrate to. The interference and "reclamation" of wetlands have already proven to be a threat to this way of life; also, ongoing climate change could very likely lead to changes in wind patterns, which these species depend on to accurately migrate. Through his use of process analysis, Stap shows that, while these birds are capable of amazing feats, humanity's ongoing interference in the natural world could ultimately have horrific circumstances to their natural way of life.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Red Bull: It Gives You Wings!!! (and jitters)
College has gained a reputation as four years of long nights, studying or (perhaps more often) partying. With "demands" like that, how is a student supposed to stay awake, or deal with classes before noon? A generation ago, one may have said a strong pot of coffee is just what the doctor ordered. These days, however, it's more likely that a student will reach for a can of a heavily-caffeinated energy drink, such as Red Bull, to cope. A well known slogan for Red Bull states that "Red Bull Gives You Wings!" implying that the product gives the consumer an obscene amount of energy with which to operate. In addition, the company sponsor events such as the Red Bull Flugtag, an impromptu "air show" in which (often young) dare devils compete to construct small, man-powered flying machines, which are then run off a pier into a body of water; more times than not, these "flying machines" are built for comic effect over practicality. This embrace of a brazenly ridiculous image seemingly embodies Red Bull's philosophy: with us, you can have the energy to do the stupid things you wouldn't otherwise have.
My first experience with Red Bull came when I was in sixth grade. While in a little gas station convenience store in Germany, I noticed the unique blue and silver can up on a shelf. For some time I had heard about this drink, which was supposed to be even more potent than Jolt Cola, the soda so caffeinated you needed a parent present to buy it (or so rumor had it!). It being our last day in the country, and with a pocketful of German coins that would shortly be worthless, I quickly grabbed several cans, hiding them in my pockets and backpack. The next morning was a school day, and the long flight had left me severely jet lagged; I groggily remembered the can of seemingly pure caffeine sitting at the bottom of my school bag, and quickly pulled it out, popping the top and taking a long swig of the sour concoction. For the rest of the day, I was more awake than I ever had been in my short life, jittering my way through recess, and practically bouncing home. From then on, I was hooked; whenever the opportunity presented itself, I would drink a can or three. Though it tasted slightly worse than licking a battery, the caffeine buzz was worth it; but like any junky, I built up a tolerance, and it took more and more caffeine to start feeling the effects. Nowadays, a single can is not enough to keep me awake for any longer than a couple of hours; the days of heart-racing, pulse-pounding consumption are far behind me.
Though my own experience with Red Bull has been relatively harmless, many people decry this product, especially in its use as a mixer in bars. Red Bull has gained a reputation as a drink to be mixed with strong alcohol, such as vodka or Jagermeister (in the ominously named Jagerbomb); this mix can be dangerous, as the energy provided by the Red Bull help to mask some of the signs of intoxication, which in turn can lead to increased alcoholic consumption. Though this can be dangerous, it pales in comparison to the possible effects that it may have on the cardiac system. The mixed signals between the alcohol (a depressant) and the energy drink (a stimulant) can cause arrhythmic heart beats, shortness of breath, or, in very drastic cases, even heart attack and death. Red Bull mixed with alcohol is a dangerous combination, and in its own way, a symbol of the times; it is a drink that lets one drink more without realizing how much he or she is really taking in, while also providing the energy to keep the party going indefinitely. Though a ban of the product would be foolish and, frankly, unfair, it is important for us to remember that, as in all things, moderation is key.
The producers of Red Bull seem to make many assumptions about the general public. Firstly, their advertising targets almost exclusively the young demographic, from teens to early adulthood. They almost seem to assume that this audience is more likely to engage in reckless daredevil activities; besides the aforementioned Flugtag, they also sponsor a number of "extreme sport" organizations, including BMX groups, as well as an actual air race organization. It seems as though that the Red Bull owners have also responded to the ever-increasing amount of interconnectivity in the world; with so many opportunities to connect person to person, who has time to sleep any more? By consuming Red Bull, one can stave off that pesky sleep cycle and reclaim an extra eight hours a day! This younger demographic does not necessarily realize the health risks that such behavior modifications may have; however, they never explicitly condone such action. Though it has few redeeming graces, it is a fact that, at least for the time being, Red Bull and other such energy drinks have formed their own niche within youth culture, and it is ultimately up to these youth to make positive decisions about their use.
My first experience with Red Bull came when I was in sixth grade. While in a little gas station convenience store in Germany, I noticed the unique blue and silver can up on a shelf. For some time I had heard about this drink, which was supposed to be even more potent than Jolt Cola, the soda so caffeinated you needed a parent present to buy it (or so rumor had it!). It being our last day in the country, and with a pocketful of German coins that would shortly be worthless, I quickly grabbed several cans, hiding them in my pockets and backpack. The next morning was a school day, and the long flight had left me severely jet lagged; I groggily remembered the can of seemingly pure caffeine sitting at the bottom of my school bag, and quickly pulled it out, popping the top and taking a long swig of the sour concoction. For the rest of the day, I was more awake than I ever had been in my short life, jittering my way through recess, and practically bouncing home. From then on, I was hooked; whenever the opportunity presented itself, I would drink a can or three. Though it tasted slightly worse than licking a battery, the caffeine buzz was worth it; but like any junky, I built up a tolerance, and it took more and more caffeine to start feeling the effects. Nowadays, a single can is not enough to keep me awake for any longer than a couple of hours; the days of heart-racing, pulse-pounding consumption are far behind me.
Though my own experience with Red Bull has been relatively harmless, many people decry this product, especially in its use as a mixer in bars. Red Bull has gained a reputation as a drink to be mixed with strong alcohol, such as vodka or Jagermeister (in the ominously named Jagerbomb); this mix can be dangerous, as the energy provided by the Red Bull help to mask some of the signs of intoxication, which in turn can lead to increased alcoholic consumption. Though this can be dangerous, it pales in comparison to the possible effects that it may have on the cardiac system. The mixed signals between the alcohol (a depressant) and the energy drink (a stimulant) can cause arrhythmic heart beats, shortness of breath, or, in very drastic cases, even heart attack and death. Red Bull mixed with alcohol is a dangerous combination, and in its own way, a symbol of the times; it is a drink that lets one drink more without realizing how much he or she is really taking in, while also providing the energy to keep the party going indefinitely. Though a ban of the product would be foolish and, frankly, unfair, it is important for us to remember that, as in all things, moderation is key.
The producers of Red Bull seem to make many assumptions about the general public. Firstly, their advertising targets almost exclusively the young demographic, from teens to early adulthood. They almost seem to assume that this audience is more likely to engage in reckless daredevil activities; besides the aforementioned Flugtag, they also sponsor a number of "extreme sport" organizations, including BMX groups, as well as an actual air race organization. It seems as though that the Red Bull owners have also responded to the ever-increasing amount of interconnectivity in the world; with so many opportunities to connect person to person, who has time to sleep any more? By consuming Red Bull, one can stave off that pesky sleep cycle and reclaim an extra eight hours a day! This younger demographic does not necessarily realize the health risks that such behavior modifications may have; however, they never explicitly condone such action. Though it has few redeeming graces, it is a fact that, at least for the time being, Red Bull and other such energy drinks have formed their own niche within youth culture, and it is ultimately up to these youth to make positive decisions about their use.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
"Footage of these experiments, which were conducted over several years, is poignant, as the kids struggle to delay gratification for just a little bit longer."
Watching the footage of the young children attempting to delay gratification is an experience that touches the user in a strange way. It's something that almost anyone can relate to: the experience of being young and eager to enjoy a treat, like opening presents on Christmas morning, only to be told by one's parents that he or she can't do so until the parents say it's ok. When one views the footage in a setting outside of academia, it is very easy to relate to, and elicits an emotional response. The children are seen using a variety of coping mechanisms to deal with the temptation, from the classic "If I can't see it, I can't have it," to such extremes as stroking it like one may pet a dog. Such behavior is endearing, and gives this footage a secondary reason to watch outside of its scientific significance.
Watching the footage of the young children attempting to delay gratification is an experience that touches the user in a strange way. It's something that almost anyone can relate to: the experience of being young and eager to enjoy a treat, like opening presents on Christmas morning, only to be told by one's parents that he or she can't do so until the parents say it's ok. When one views the footage in a setting outside of academia, it is very easy to relate to, and elicits an emotional response. The children are seen using a variety of coping mechanisms to deal with the temptation, from the classic "If I can't see it, I can't have it," to such extremes as stroking it like one may pet a dog. Such behavior is endearing, and gives this footage a secondary reason to watch outside of its scientific significance.
Friday, February 4, 2011
While reading Metaphors We Live By, I had mixed feelings about the authors' proposal that comparison is the only way that the human mind can make sense of data. I feel like the author's argument overlooks one crucial detail: if it weren't for the concept of object permanence, humanity would not be able to make such comparisons. How can one draw connections like this, if we have no concrete perception to begin with? While metaphor does make language more accessible and understandable, I do not believe that it is as integral to cognition as the authors believe it to be.
The authors first posit the idea of "argument as war" as an example of the dual nature of metaphor; though we speak of argument in terms of battle, they argue, it obviously is not. Argument does, however, share many characteristics, which the authors freely admit. At its very base, argument is conflict, and to try to remove it from such is impossible, and in my opinion, foolish. One does not need to understand war to understand argument - a young child disobeying his parents probably has no concept of his actions in relation to armed conflict. While argument is in many ways similar to war, and we may refer to it in such terms, we can also recognize them independent of one another; the metaphor does not define the concept.
It is an indisputable fact that metaphor plays in important part in the English language; however, the idea that metaphor itself is what makes cognition possible is a thought that I have difficulty accepting. Metaphor becomes prevalent because of its way of easing understanding, and simplifying ideas; however, these ideas or objects would exist as tangible entities, regardless of humanity's creation of metaphor. One learns easier when complex ideas can be simplified and related to one's prior knowledge; however, this still relies on the learner having some knowledge of a tangible subject to begin with. Without this concrete basis, the idea that metaphor is the sole source of the human mind's ability to glean knowledge falls apart.
The authors first posit the idea of "argument as war" as an example of the dual nature of metaphor; though we speak of argument in terms of battle, they argue, it obviously is not. Argument does, however, share many characteristics, which the authors freely admit. At its very base, argument is conflict, and to try to remove it from such is impossible, and in my opinion, foolish. One does not need to understand war to understand argument - a young child disobeying his parents probably has no concept of his actions in relation to armed conflict. While argument is in many ways similar to war, and we may refer to it in such terms, we can also recognize them independent of one another; the metaphor does not define the concept.
It is an indisputable fact that metaphor plays in important part in the English language; however, the idea that metaphor itself is what makes cognition possible is a thought that I have difficulty accepting. Metaphor becomes prevalent because of its way of easing understanding, and simplifying ideas; however, these ideas or objects would exist as tangible entities, regardless of humanity's creation of metaphor. One learns easier when complex ideas can be simplified and related to one's prior knowledge; however, this still relies on the learner having some knowledge of a tangible subject to begin with. Without this concrete basis, the idea that metaphor is the sole source of the human mind's ability to glean knowledge falls apart.
Sunday, January 30, 2011
A culture where crayons had evolved to be the only writing implements would be distinctly different from our own. For example, many renowned works of literature were developed almost as physical as well as intellectual works of art; one need only see the likes of a hand-copied manuscript, like the countless Bibles made by monks in the Middle Ages to understand this fact. It is very unlikely that one could reach the artistry of one of these works if the only tool at ones disposal was a 64 pack of Crayolas. One could argue that limiting the writing tools to crayons would possibly inspire more decorative embellishments, as crayons themselves are primarily associated with doodling; this leads to an interesting debate: if crayons are now a writing tool, are do we still see them as a means of absentminded doodling? Or would their new intellectual status make such an action strange and unfamiliar? At the same time, handwriting would by necessity have to be superior for all; personally, that may have been the most difficult part of this assignment, especially as the crayon grew more and more dull.
History has moved forward (and backwards) with the advent of new writing technologies; for example, Gutenberg's printing press ushered in a new era of increased learning, aiding in the start of the Scientific Revolution and the Renaissance. A similar revolution is happening today: the birth of the blog and social networking has given anyone with an internet connection the power to publish their ideas and share them with anyone who may stumble upon them. At the same time, this has led to a "dumbing down" of the written word. For several years, professors have decried the increasing prominence of slang and shorthand in intellectual works. In the early days of the written word, one had to seriously consider what he or she was going to put to paper (or parchment, or hide). Now, any asinine thought can be shared with all of ones contacts in the blink of an eye. In this activity, we were made to force ourselves into that mindset; there was no eraser, no backspace to cleanly wipe away any errors of spelling or grammar. Perhaps it would benefit our writing as a whole if we tried to maintain this mindset; too often assignments become an issue of word count over substance. By consciously thinking about what we are writing, we can construct something of more value and insight than we would otherwise.
History has moved forward (and backwards) with the advent of new writing technologies; for example, Gutenberg's printing press ushered in a new era of increased learning, aiding in the start of the Scientific Revolution and the Renaissance. A similar revolution is happening today: the birth of the blog and social networking has given anyone with an internet connection the power to publish their ideas and share them with anyone who may stumble upon them. At the same time, this has led to a "dumbing down" of the written word. For several years, professors have decried the increasing prominence of slang and shorthand in intellectual works. In the early days of the written word, one had to seriously consider what he or she was going to put to paper (or parchment, or hide). Now, any asinine thought can be shared with all of ones contacts in the blink of an eye. In this activity, we were made to force ourselves into that mindset; there was no eraser, no backspace to cleanly wipe away any errors of spelling or grammar. Perhaps it would benefit our writing as a whole if we tried to maintain this mindset; too often assignments become an issue of word count over substance. By consciously thinking about what we are writing, we can construct something of more value and insight than we would otherwise.
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