RHET 1101 http://blog.lib.umn.edu/vann0104/courseblog/ en Copyright 2011 Thu, 14 Dec 2006 17:33:58 -0600 http://www.sixapart.com/movabletype/?v=4.31-en http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss letters to a young poet this blog does not relate directly to the rhetoric class but rather a book we had to read for another class. letters to a young poet. This book was a collection of poems written by the poet Rilke to a younger aspiring poet about the creative process. unfortunately for anyone to really know what im talking about they'll have to read this book
my problem with this book comes from the reactions to this book that i saw in class. in general most people seemed to like the book and the advice it gave. however it really just seemed kind of pointless to me. in this book Rilke was offering advice about the creative process, but it really wasn't all that profound, and truth be told it was about as cliche as you can get. he kept advising to take solace in nature, not be afraid of solitude and work only for yourself. This is the kind of advice you can get from any one of thousands of different places. Emerson and thoreau would be fine places to start. yet despite this because of the fact that the students either did not want to contradict the professor or because they simply didnt care nobody said anything about this fact. in addition i did not really feel his advice was all that great because of the fact that as a person i did really respect rilke. the reasons are slightly complicated and deal with rilke's history but the basic problem was that he was afraid of being with people and as such advised the young poet to force himself to be alone for his own sake. personally i agree that solitude is an important part of creating something artistic but rilke advises it too far. he advises solitude as a means to solve problems that could better be solved by actually interacting with people. he advises solitude as a means of escape from his own problems in the past.

]]> http://blog.lib.umn.edu/vann0104/courseblog/2006/12/letters_to_a_young_poet.html http://blog.lib.umn.edu/vann0104/courseblog/2006/12/letters_to_a_young_poet.html Thu, 14 Dec 2006 17:33:58 -0600 Led zeppelin and plagarizing The topic of plagarazing is one that has often come up in class, and it reminded me of something that my father had told me. Zeppelin is by far one of my favorite bands and i asserted that they were also one of the most, if not the most musically talented band ever. To this my father said that indeed they were extremely good musicians but they werent that good. Now, my father has a considerably more expansive knowledge of random rock trivia than me, which is why im willing to take his word on this. according to him zeppelin has in their collection of songs a few that they in fact did not write all of their songs, that in fact several of their songs, all of my love for example, were actually written by old blues and jazz men from decades earlier who were either dead or too old and out of touch to know their songs were being used to either know or care. I personally have no problem with bands doing covers, some of the greatest songs have been covers. my problem with this is that zeppelin apparently did not give credit to these old blues-men for their songs.

]]> http://blog.lib.umn.edu/vann0104/courseblog/2006/12/led_zeppelin_and_plagarizing.html http://blog.lib.umn.edu/vann0104/courseblog/2006/12/led_zeppelin_and_plagarizing.html Thu, 14 Dec 2006 17:25:20 -0600 blogs shouldnt be more broad Purely for the sake of my own entertainment, because at the moment i have nothing else better to do, i am going to refute the argument i posted in my previous blog. in this blog i asserted that our blogs should be allowed to extend far beyond the world of the english classes and should encompass all of our lives. this however is not a logical argument. the blogs obviously must be related to english classes. the fact that the blogs pertain to the rhetoric class makes it so that one must frame an argument. by making it about english classes it forces one to find a problem in the class or the world around them that pertains to the class and make an argument. the fact that it is about english classes makes it more structured. if we were to write about any topic that we choose we would simply write without thinking. the arguments would end up being flawed or lacking, and would thereofore acomplish nothing towards the goals of the class.

]]> http://blog.lib.umn.edu/vann0104/courseblog/2006/12/blogs_shouldnt_be_more_broad.html http://blog.lib.umn.edu/vann0104/courseblog/2006/12/blogs_shouldnt_be_more_broad.html Thu, 14 Dec 2006 17:18:48 -0600 blog topics should be more broad It has been a great deal of time since my last blog. The reason for this however is not because I have no desire to participate, nor is it due to simply apathy. My reasons for not having done so are due to the fact that I never have anything that pertains to the class to talk about. I naturally have a great multitude of random rants and philosophical musings that would fit a blog well, but they do not directly have anything to do with english classes. However, if the topics had been more broad, i would have felt a strong inclincation to blog, and would have kept a farily regular blog schedule. The current restrictions on the blog are not in the spirit of the blog.

]]> http://blog.lib.umn.edu/vann0104/courseblog/2006/12/blog_topics_should_be_more_bro.html http://blog.lib.umn.edu/vann0104/courseblog/2006/12/blog_topics_should_be_more_bro.html Thu, 14 Dec 2006 17:11:12 -0600 The last blog It feels a little bittersweet, I must say, to be typing my last blog for this course. I'm sure it's even more bittersweet for those who post often on a weekly basis. I am not sure who will even read this at this point, but it would be interesting to see if some of the individuals who frequented this blog might continue to use it to share ideas? It seemed like the blog's main purpose was for peers to be able to use one another as a referrence on rhetoric assignments. It also occasionaly seemed to serve as a place for continued discussion, especially since the past few weeks we've been focusing more on the mechanics of our final paper during class rather than having the rhetorical discussions that we had in the beginning of the course. In any case, I hope all did well on your finals, and see some of you in Rhet 1223 Oral Presentations in a Professional Setting.

P.S.- Have a happy holidays!

]]> http://blog.lib.umn.edu/vann0104/courseblog/2006/12/the_last_blog.html http://blog.lib.umn.edu/vann0104/courseblog/2006/12/the_last_blog.html Tue, 12 Dec 2006 23:52:01 -0600 Mollie's Sad Story ;'( So I am the kind of person who will stay in all weekend doing homework.... stay up all night studying... spend hours in the library buried in books... Basically, I am OCD about my grades, I have always been this way. But something that has never happened to me before (as a result of being a psycho-nerd) happened to me today. Of all days, today. Read on if you actually care.

Last Thursday, I realized that the scope of my thesis for my final research paper was far broader than I was capable of addressing in a mere 10 pages. Yes, it was THAT broad. and YES, I REALLY DID FAIL TO NOTICE THIS UNTIL JUST LAST WEEK. (Someone please slap me?!) I discussed with Maggie my genius plan to narrow this thesis on Thursday after class... Went to work, came home, and began burying my face in Harvard Law Review and Supreme Court rulings. (yuck). I don't think I left my apartment for anything except to cross the street and grab a coffee, but even then, I was back to the research within minutes. I even called my sister, had her log on to my Facebook and change the password so that I can't get on it until I'm completely done (Sad, I know... but somewhat clever, no? I'm such a loser) My focus was just THAT INTENSE. I'd forgotten how much research I did for my inital thesis I think because of the amount of time I had to do it. The story continues....

So, yesterday... the day before today... the big day. I sat at a computer for a grand total of 13 hours and spent another 4 in the library devoted to delving into this ridiculous new thesis of mine. PATHETIC. (Are you enjoying this? ... masochists!)

I have a desktop computer. I share a room. My roommate slept on the couch last night (voluntarily) because I was pounding away on these damn keys all night. The sun came up. My paper was on the printer. There was that strong sense of accomplishment--a job well done. My bed looked longingly at me, oh so warm and inviting...BUT I didn't give in to the peer pressure! In fact, I grabbed some froot loops (good idea), skipped the shower (bad idea), and went off to calculus (worse idea).

My tuesdays and thursdays are ridiculously busy. I have class on the East Bank, West Bank, and then in St. Paul with a very limited amount of time in between.

Calculus ends a bit early. I realize that I am completely dysfunctional... and kinda smelly? so I decide to go home and shower (I actually have about 45 minutes to kill). The roommates have left for the day (i find it unfair that im always the first to go and the last to come home)... shower = ohhh yesss waaarrrm watterrr. goodness. yay, im lovin' life.

I swear I'm getting to the point. you've made it this far, haven't you? So I get out of the shower and the apartment is FREEZING. literally. icicles everywhere. That bed... looking warmer and more inviting than ever. So I crawl under the covers (hey! I've still got a half hour!)

Um, no. i pass out. Com-freaking-pletely out. My roommate came home around 1:45 from her class (this is strange to me, I'm not expecting her until 1:45..... because I still think it's 10 am) and asked if I was going to work or not. Um, work? I don't work until 2:30! silly goose! No, I have class AND then work!
OH GOD. You mean..... you're kidding me.... I just slept through biology AND rhetoric????
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

See, normally my body wakes me up... I don't EVER need an alarm clock. My body just knows to get up when it needs to and goes where it needs to. It's completely automatic. BUT, apparently today my body malfunctioned. Today, of all days. ugh.

And now I am REALLY SAD because I didn't get to go to the last of my favorite class!! :,(
ALSO, NOW the paper that I worked so diligently on ALL WEEKEND (and then some) is LATE!!
(here, I'd like to swear in my blood that I did nothing but stare at my computer screen this weekend--my roommate as my witness)
LAATTTEEE. Oh life, how funny you are.... NOT.
So, I apologize for my lack of a personal farewell and good tidings to you all-- I'll be seeing you, I hope.
Please post something if you actually made it through my story. lol. of if something similar has ever happened to you??

Wow. I'm winded. (And not terribly surprised)

]]> http://blog.lib.umn.edu/vann0104/courseblog/2006/12/mollies_sad_story.html http://blog.lib.umn.edu/vann0104/courseblog/2006/12/mollies_sad_story.html Tue, 12 Dec 2006 22:12:31 -0600 Looking Back on 1101 Before I thought about registration for other classes or knew that freshmen writing is a requirement I knew that I was going to sign up for a writing class because writing (papers esp.) has always been a weakness of mine. Now that class is over I can't say that much has changed in that respect. It seems as though my entire life I have always known what I have wanted to say, but for some reason when I try to tell someone what was on my mind or write it down I don't know how to say it. Before this class, I never wrote more than two drafts of any paper I wrote, and now I find my self refining my writings four or five times for things as informal as this blog. As much as that helps, I still don't believe myself to be in the contending for paper-writing-great and I hope that my writing course next semester will further guide me along and make me a better author.

]]> http://blog.lib.umn.edu/vann0104/courseblog/2006/12/looking_back_on_1101.html http://blog.lib.umn.edu/vann0104/courseblog/2006/12/looking_back_on_1101.html Tue, 12 Dec 2006 19:06:21 -0600 Christm..eh, em... Holiday Season Retailer sale advertisements are inescapable, bank accounts are inevitably emptying and decorative lights are strewn from buildings everywhere; and that's been before Thanksgiving. As it's been said, Christmas comes earlier every year, and this year is no exception... except for its name. It seems as though Christmas has gradually taken on a new meaning over the last several years such that, like the character Voldemort in Harry Potter, people must not say its name in order to not offend anyone. Being Christian myself, and perhaps religiously ignorant outside of my own faith, I don't understand why it would be offensive for someone to wish you a "merry Christmas" if you are not Christian. I've never taken it offensively when people have said to me "Happy Hanukkah", and I don't think if anyone from any other religion wished me a happy day in honor of their religion I would take it offensively at all. Acknowledging that I know little about the issue, why is it that people take offense to being wished a merry Christmas?

]]> http://blog.lib.umn.edu/vann0104/courseblog/2006/12/christmeh_em_holiday_season.html http://blog.lib.umn.edu/vann0104/courseblog/2006/12/christmeh_em_holiday_season.html Tue, 12 Dec 2006 13:40:18 -0600 Miracle with my Final Paper This week and the weekend before it has been very tough. I had to spend the weekend in Florida for a funeral, and had to teach a class monday night. As a result, finishing my paper was pushed to the very end. Although I had written about 7 pages before I left town, I still did not have a final finished product. To make matters even worse, I got the flu sunday night, and was still miserable on monday! However, suddenly, the knowledge of knowing that my paper was due struck me at about 10:30. I instantly felt a lot better. My body conquered its ailment with a quick surgical strike, so that I could finish my paper. I finished a final product that I am surprisingly satisfied with.

The rest of this week will be cramming for a calculus final, and then making last minute posts on this blog!

]]> http://blog.lib.umn.edu/vann0104/courseblog/2006/12/miracle_with_my_final_paper.html http://blog.lib.umn.edu/vann0104/courseblog/2006/12/miracle_with_my_final_paper.html Tue, 12 Dec 2006 11:17:51 -0600 Everyone should still post on this! I think everyone in our class should stay in toach and keep posting on our site if we are still capable of doing that. WE then can ask eachother question about HW, paper topics, or even where to get help. Just an idea. good luck to everyone in my class represent the class of 10. hopefully i will see you around.

]]> http://blog.lib.umn.edu/vann0104/courseblog/2006/12/everyone_should_still_post_on.html http://blog.lib.umn.edu/vann0104/courseblog/2006/12/everyone_should_still_post_on.html Tue, 12 Dec 2006 09:56:23 -0600 Christmass Break what are people going to do over christmass break? I plan to work allot and alot and to hope to party and hangout with all my old highschool friends and my aunt is even comiing down to see my mom for here surprise 40th birthday which should be a blast. good luck to everyone. merry christmass, happy hanakas and happy new years

]]> http://blog.lib.umn.edu/vann0104/courseblog/2006/12/christmass_break.html http://blog.lib.umn.edu/vann0104/courseblog/2006/12/christmass_break.html Tue, 12 Dec 2006 09:51:07 -0600 Rain Thank goodness for the rain. everything has been getting so dried out we needed this rain today. i just hope it doesnt snow until after everyone leaves. but knowing our luck here in MN were are going to have a blizzard on Dec. 20th keeping all these students from going home for christmass. I hope it doesnt but i have a feeling it will. lol

]]> http://blog.lib.umn.edu/vann0104/courseblog/2006/12/rain.html http://blog.lib.umn.edu/vann0104/courseblog/2006/12/rain.html Tue, 12 Dec 2006 09:47:11 -0600 Subway, why its the best Subway is the best fastfood out there and i can tell you why. I am an employee at a Subway in Hugo MN aka sandwhich artist. Subway has great prices and even better selection. Subway beats out any other fastfood restraunt with its healthier food and you can see the employee make it infront of you instead of at McDonalds or BK when you dont get what you want or dont know if they are spitting in your sandwhich. Subway is hands down the healthier and better choice. And if you dont like the way subway toasts you bread you can always have them do it before they put anything on it or ask for it to be put in for half the time they should know what to do.
Your welcome from ,
your sandwhich artist

]]> http://blog.lib.umn.edu/vann0104/courseblog/2006/12/subway_why_its_the_best.html http://blog.lib.umn.edu/vann0104/courseblog/2006/12/subway_why_its_the_best.html Tue, 12 Dec 2006 09:39:51 -0600 The Circulators I hate the circulator buses and i know you do too. Everytime you are in a hurry you see the bus pulling away from the buss stop. Then whenever you dont care if you wait or not the buss pulls up right when you get to the buss stop. i Have noticed these buss drivers need to timely spread themselves out a little better especially when i see four busses lined up out side of the St. Paul Student Center at 9:40 in the morning.

]]> http://blog.lib.umn.edu/vann0104/courseblog/2006/12/the_circulators.html http://blog.lib.umn.edu/vann0104/courseblog/2006/12/the_circulators.html Tue, 12 Dec 2006 09:34:37 -0600 What did I have for Breakfast? The way i started my day off was with Strawberry pop-tarts with a giant glass of milk and a side of hashbrowns. this isnt the healthiest of breakfast but it sure does taste good.

]]> http://blog.lib.umn.edu/vann0104/courseblog/2006/12/what_did_i_have_for_breakfast.html http://blog.lib.umn.edu/vann0104/courseblog/2006/12/what_did_i_have_for_breakfast.html Tue, 12 Dec 2006 09:24:44 -0600