1. One option I may consider for my next paper is to take opposite position and argue that marijuana should not be legalized. I’m sure I would find just as much information I found while supporting the legalization of the drug. This is a really hot topic right now. California just tried to pass a law that would make marijuana legal for recreational use called proposition 19. The proposition was turned down. There is most likely a ton of information about proposition 19 as well.
-http://www.cnbc.com/id/36267223/Why_We_Should_Not_Legalize_Marijuana
2. Another option I may consider for my next paper is to talk about insider trading in the stock market. I am planning on majoring in Finance, so this topic is pretty interesting to me. Insider trading is the trading of stock by people who have knowledge of non-public information about a company. This gives people an unfair advantage and allows them to cheat the market. Martha Stewart actually went to jail a couple of years ago for insider trading.
http://library.cqpress.com.ezaccess.libraries.psu.edu/cqresearcher/document.php?id=cqresrre1987121800&type=hitlist&num=0
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Revisions
Original:
One of the most controversial issues in today’s society is the debate about whether or not Marijuana should be legalized. Marijuana has been mainly viewed as a negative drug throughout its existence. People usually associate the drug with crime, violence, and drug dealers, as millions of arrests are made every year for marijuana related offenses. But many people fail to see the true potential that lies within Marijuana. A common belief about marijuana is that it is much more dangerous than cigarettes. Many people also believe that legalizing marijuana is morally wrong. But fourteen states have already legalized the drug, for medical purposes only. California recently tried to legalize marijuana for recreational use through Proposition 19. Under the proposition, marijuana would be legal for use only by those 21 and over. The proposition also limited the amount of marijuana someone could carry to one ounce. Unfortunately, the proposition did not pass. If marijuana was legalized on a federal level, police would be able to focus on more serious crimes, a safer alternative to cigarettes would be created, and a tremendous amount of revenue would result from the taxation of the drug.
Revision:
People usually associate marijuana with crime, violence, and drug dealers, and millions of arrests are made every year for marijuana related offenses. Many people fail to see the true potential that lies within Marijuana. They view marijuana as being much more dangerous than cigarettes. Many people also believe that legalizing marijuana is morally wrong. Fourteen states have already legalized the drug for medical purposes only. California recently tried to legalize marijuana for recreational use through Proposition 19. Under the proposition, marijuana would be legal for use only by those 21 and over. The proposition also limited the amount of marijuana someone could carry to one ounce. Unfortunately, the proposition did not pass. The legalization of marijuana on a federal level would allow police to focus on more serious crimes, provide a safer alternative to cigarettes and generate a tremendous amount of revenue from through taxation of the drug.
One of the most controversial issues in today’s society is the debate about whether or not Marijuana should be legalized. Marijuana has been mainly viewed as a negative drug throughout its existence. People usually associate the drug with crime, violence, and drug dealers, as millions of arrests are made every year for marijuana related offenses. But many people fail to see the true potential that lies within Marijuana. A common belief about marijuana is that it is much more dangerous than cigarettes. Many people also believe that legalizing marijuana is morally wrong. But fourteen states have already legalized the drug, for medical purposes only. California recently tried to legalize marijuana for recreational use through Proposition 19. Under the proposition, marijuana would be legal for use only by those 21 and over. The proposition also limited the amount of marijuana someone could carry to one ounce. Unfortunately, the proposition did not pass. If marijuana was legalized on a federal level, police would be able to focus on more serious crimes, a safer alternative to cigarettes would be created, and a tremendous amount of revenue would result from the taxation of the drug.
Revision:
People usually associate marijuana with crime, violence, and drug dealers, and millions of arrests are made every year for marijuana related offenses. Many people fail to see the true potential that lies within Marijuana. They view marijuana as being much more dangerous than cigarettes. Many people also believe that legalizing marijuana is morally wrong. Fourteen states have already legalized the drug for medical purposes only. California recently tried to legalize marijuana for recreational use through Proposition 19. Under the proposition, marijuana would be legal for use only by those 21 and over. The proposition also limited the amount of marijuana someone could carry to one ounce. Unfortunately, the proposition did not pass. The legalization of marijuana on a federal level would allow police to focus on more serious crimes, provide a safer alternative to cigarettes and generate a tremendous amount of revenue from through taxation of the drug.
Friday, November 5, 2010
Blog 10
The article I found related to the legalization of marijuana is located on the CQ researcher. The title of the article is called Legalizing Marijuana- should pot be treated like alcohol and taxed? The article covers a lot of topics related to the legalization of marijuana, but mainly talks about how legalization would affect tax revenues and the legal system. These are two of the main arguments overall that support the legalization of the drug. The article talks about how much tax revenue the country could be taking advantage of and also about how California is one of the main states for Marijuana production- “California tax chief Yee's $1.4 billion tax revenue estimate was itself derived from an estimate of a California crop worth $14 billion, a figure that traces back to a nationwide cannabis crop estimate of 10 million metric tons — worth $35.8 billion — by the White House drug-policy office in 2003”. This is a ridiculous amount of revenue that we are desperately in need of. This money could help spur the economy and help the overall well being of United States citizens. But some experts say that the figures are over blown. The other main argument of this article is related to the decriminalization of marijuana. The article states that “marijuana arrests figure prominently in the nation's overall crime statistics. Roughly 14 million people a year are arrested nationwide on all charges”. This is an absurd number of arrests for harmless possession or distribution of marijuana. The police need to be focusing on other, more serious criminals. We are wasting out money on the enforcement of the drug and low-level marijuana busts. The article states that “700,000 Americans are being arrested every year for nothing more than marijuana possession,” says Piper of the Drug Policy Alliance. If this is the case, why not just decriminalize the drug? Many states have taken steps to decriminalize marijuana, most recently Massachusetts. Massachusetts recently implemented a $100 fine for a first offense of marijuana possession and didn’t talk about smoking in public. But the fine for drinking in public in Massachusetts is $300. This is basically saying to everyone that you should smoke pot in public instead of drink, because you’re only going to be fined $100 opposed to $300. Overall, I thought this argument was pretty convincing. The quotes and figures really proved the point that there is an overwhelming amount of tax revenues that the United States could be taking advantage of. They also showed that there is a ridiculous amount of marijuana related arrests every year that cost the country money to enforce. I will most likely use all of these quotes I found for my paper. They will support my arguments that legalizing marijuana would help increase revenues for the country and decrease the amount of money the country is spending on housing and arresting people for marijuana related offenses.
citation: Katel, P. (2009, June 12). Legalizing marijuana. CQ Researcher, 19, 525-548. Retrieved November 3, 2010, from CQ Researcher Online, http://library.cqpress.com.ezaccess.libraries.psu.edu/cqresearcher/cqresrre2009061200.
citation: Katel, P. (2009, June 12). Legalizing marijuana. CQ Researcher, 19, 525-548. Retrieved November 3, 2010, from CQ Researcher Online, http://library.cqpress.com.ezaccess.libraries.psu.edu/cqresearcher/cqresrre2009061200.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Journal 9
http://www.collegian.psu.edu/archive/2010/10/12/greeks_sami.aspx
- This article comes from the PSU daily collegian. It is about the fraternity, Sigma Alpha Mu, being investigated for hazing. Hazing is a major problem on campus here at Penn State, not to mention the fact that it is illegal in the state of Pennsylvania. I believe the fraternity should be kicked off campus if they are found guilty of hazing students. It is not right to force students to do certain things against their will, especially when they have other things to worry about such as their grades.
http://www.cnn.com/2010/HEALTH/10/27/energy.drink.ingredients/index.html
- This article is from cnn and talks about the four loko energy drink. The article describes the harmful effects of mixing alcohol and caffeine, and event talks about how one college banned the drink on campus after a few students, who were underage, became sick. The article also talks about how “caffeine seems to partially cancel out the feeling of being drunk, not the actual impairment”. I disagree with this article. They are making this drink seem like it is the worst possible alcoholic beverage out there. It’s the same thing as drinking a few red bull and vodkas or rum and cokes. People just have to learn to enjoy the beverage in moderation. That way, no more problems will arise with the beverage.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/28/opinion/28kristof.html?_r=1&src=me&ref=general
- The last article I found is from the New York Times and is about the legalization of marijuana is California. The article talks about how marijuana is on the brink of being totally legalized in the state of California. It also talks about the ridiculously large amounts of money the state of California spends on enforcing marijuana laws and housing criminals prosecuted for marijuana related offenses. Another thing the article talks about is the potential amount of revenue the state and country could generate through taxation of marijuana. Overall, I agree with this article. I don’t think it’s necessarily morally correct to legalize marijuana, but for the sake of the state of California and the country, I think it is in our best interest. The revenue generated from tax dollars could help build better schools, roads and many other essential things.
Monday, October 18, 2010
Black and White Boards
The chalkboard has been a staple of American education for many years. The design is quite simple; a long black board spanning almost an entire classroom and a ledge for the chalk and erasers. The surface of the chalkboard is rough. There is almost always a dusty coat of chalk on the chalkboard at all times. Chalk and erasers line the ledge in front of the board at all times. The dust the chalkboard creates can cause one to wheeze or cough, and the squeaking of the chalk can cause one to cringe. When somebody sees a chalkboard in a classroom, there first question is usually, “Why don’t we have a white board?” Although times have changed, the chalkboard will remain a classic symbol of American education.
The white board is very sleek and clean looking. Its white dry-erase board and sleek chrome ledge give it a very contemporary look. Instead of chalk, the white boards are lined with dry erase expo markers and erasers. There is usually never any residue left behind from the expo markers. The surface of the white board is smooth; it is easy for one to write on without cringing or making their hands messy. White boards are rapidly replacing chalkboards within classrooms. It is pretty rare to see a chalkboard in a new classroom or building. The white board represents the future of American education.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Evaluation
I am going to be evaluating the book The Catcher in the Rye by JD Salinger. The Catcher in the Rye is one of the most popular novels of all time; it is the second most taught book in American High schools. It is also one of the most banned books of all time. The novel’s risqué themes and harsh language have made it very controversial. Also, the fact that The Catcher in the Rye has been blamed for influencing Mark David Chapman to kill John Lennon makes it very controversial.
The criteria I will be using to evaluate the novel will be the usage of harsh language throughout the novel, themes, symbols, motifs, and the novel as a mind control mechanism.
There is a ton of harsh language throughout the novel. Words such as “fuck”, “shit”, and “goddam” are continually used. There are also many adult situations that Holden Caulfield, the novels main character, encounters. Some of these include an encounter with a prostitute, underage drinking, and smoking.
Some themes that are prevalent throughout the novel include Alienation and innocence. Holden is alone for the majority of the novel. He feels as if he doesn’t belong in society, so he tries to keep mostly to himself. Eventually, we start to see that Holden’s main reason for isolating himself from society is because he feels it is the only way he can protect himself. If he doesn’t interact with others, he feels like he is better then them. But in reality, Holden is usually overwhelmed and scared when interacting with people. Overall, Holden’s alienation is the main cause of his pain.
Innocence is another theme that is prevalent throughout the novel. Holden is fixated on saving the children from the dirtiness and phonies he sees in the real world. The main focus of innocence in the novel is sexual. Holden feels that he has to protect children from sex because he sees it as dirty. Holden is also “The Catcher in the Rye.” In this metaphor, he envisions a field of rye right next to a dangerous cliff. Children run around and play in the abandoned field. But if they come too close to the edge of the cliff, however, Holden is there to catch them.
There is plenty of symbolism throughout the novel, including Holden’s red hunting hat and the museum. Throughout the novel, Holden wears a red hunting hat. The hat represents his true originality and identity. He only wears the hat when he is alone though. When he is in public, he takes it off, showing his true vulnerability. But at the end of the novel, Phoebe put the hat on his head, showing that she loves him for who he truly is. The museum is another important symbol in the novel. Holden likes that fact that the art in the museum never changes. Change in the real world makes him depressed. Growing up is a major change that Holden wishes would never occur. He wants people to stay young, innocent, and pure and not have to grow up and become a “Phony”.
The novel has also been classified as a mind control mechanism. Many murders have been associated with the novel. Mark David Chapman claimed that The Catcher in the Rye influenced him to kill John Lennon. When he was arrested, he was found with a copy of the book. Ironically, John Lennon was reading the book when he was killed. John Hinckley Jr.’s assassination attempt on Ronald Reagan was also claimed to be influenced by the novel.
The criteria I will be using to evaluate the novel will be the usage of harsh language throughout the novel, themes, symbols, motifs, and the novel as a mind control mechanism.
There is a ton of harsh language throughout the novel. Words such as “fuck”, “shit”, and “goddam” are continually used. There are also many adult situations that Holden Caulfield, the novels main character, encounters. Some of these include an encounter with a prostitute, underage drinking, and smoking.
Some themes that are prevalent throughout the novel include Alienation and innocence. Holden is alone for the majority of the novel. He feels as if he doesn’t belong in society, so he tries to keep mostly to himself. Eventually, we start to see that Holden’s main reason for isolating himself from society is because he feels it is the only way he can protect himself. If he doesn’t interact with others, he feels like he is better then them. But in reality, Holden is usually overwhelmed and scared when interacting with people. Overall, Holden’s alienation is the main cause of his pain.
Innocence is another theme that is prevalent throughout the novel. Holden is fixated on saving the children from the dirtiness and phonies he sees in the real world. The main focus of innocence in the novel is sexual. Holden feels that he has to protect children from sex because he sees it as dirty. Holden is also “The Catcher in the Rye.” In this metaphor, he envisions a field of rye right next to a dangerous cliff. Children run around and play in the abandoned field. But if they come too close to the edge of the cliff, however, Holden is there to catch them.
There is plenty of symbolism throughout the novel, including Holden’s red hunting hat and the museum. Throughout the novel, Holden wears a red hunting hat. The hat represents his true originality and identity. He only wears the hat when he is alone though. When he is in public, he takes it off, showing his true vulnerability. But at the end of the novel, Phoebe put the hat on his head, showing that she loves him for who he truly is. The museum is another important symbol in the novel. Holden likes that fact that the art in the museum never changes. Change in the real world makes him depressed. Growing up is a major change that Holden wishes would never occur. He wants people to stay young, innocent, and pure and not have to grow up and become a “Phony”.
The novel has also been classified as a mind control mechanism. Many murders have been associated with the novel. Mark David Chapman claimed that The Catcher in the Rye influenced him to kill John Lennon. When he was arrested, he was found with a copy of the book. Ironically, John Lennon was reading the book when he was killed. John Hinckley Jr.’s assassination attempt on Ronald Reagan was also claimed to be influenced by the novel.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Detailed Outline
1. “Knock Knock!” Must be one of my friends in my hall just stopping by. “Come in!” I yelled. But to my surprise, it was a cute brown haired, brown eyed girl dressed like she was ready to party. I couldn’t help but notice how revealing her top was and how short her skirt was. “Uhh hi?” I mumbled to her awkwardly. “Hi, I’m Christina; do you need me to get you any alcohol? I’m going on a beer run.” I was so confused at the whole situation that I just stared at her blankly. Why was this girl asking me, of all people, if I needed alcohol?
2. “Nah I’m good, thanks though.”
3. I am writing about underage drinking in East Halls here at Penn State University. I want to find out how many freshmen actually partake in this and to what extent. I also want to obtain more insight into what the university is doing to stop drinking in east halls.
4. Freshmen have always drank in their dorm rooms before going out to parties; many call it “pregaming”. Not only is this illegal, it can also be very dangerous; even deadly. Freshman drink in their dorms before going out to parties because it is so difficult to obtain alcohol when at a crowded party.
5. “Over summer session, my roommate was smoking a black and mild, and the RA thought it was weed. The cops showed up at our door along with the RA and searched our room. They ended up finding our alcohol hidden under the bed.” This quote is from Ron Hainy, 18 year old freshman DUS major. This quote shows that people do in fact get caught with alcohol in their dorms. Even if you weren’t drinking it, you could still get in trouble just for having it in your dorm.
6. “She’s the shit! I get a bottle of Vladdy from her every weekend!” This quote is from Joe Downy, 18 year old freshman engineering major. This quote is about Christina, the Brumbaugh alcohol runner, and highlights how excited people are at the ease of obtaining alcohol at Penn State.
7. “Drinking is a part of the undergraduate culture for many students, and culture is something that is notoriously difficult and slow to change.” This is a quote from Betty Harper, director of student affairs research and assessment. This quote shows that the university knows it is going to take time to combat alcohol issues here at Penn State. But in time they feel as if they will be able to contain many alcohol issues on campus.
8. Overall, drinking is apart of the culture here at Penn State; especially in East Halls. Students usually obtain their alcohol from an upper classmen they went to high school with. There is really no need to hide the alcohol in your room because the only way your RA will come in your room is if he or she is suspicious. But if necessary, most students choose the closet or under their beds. Students drink in their dorms before they go to frat parties because it is very hard to get alcohol there; especially if you’re a guy. According to my survey, over 80% of students admitted to pregaming in their dorms on a daily basis. The university has implemented different educational programs and stricter penalties to help combat underage drinking in the dorms. The harsh fines have persuaded some students to refrain from drinking in the dorms, but for the most part students still do it. The university knows that the drinking problem on campus and in East Halls will take a lot of time before it is brought under control. It’s hard to combat drinking in the dorms at a “drinking school with a football problem”
2. “Nah I’m good, thanks though.”
3. I am writing about underage drinking in East Halls here at Penn State University. I want to find out how many freshmen actually partake in this and to what extent. I also want to obtain more insight into what the university is doing to stop drinking in east halls.
4. Freshmen have always drank in their dorm rooms before going out to parties; many call it “pregaming”. Not only is this illegal, it can also be very dangerous; even deadly. Freshman drink in their dorms before going out to parties because it is so difficult to obtain alcohol when at a crowded party.
5. “Over summer session, my roommate was smoking a black and mild, and the RA thought it was weed. The cops showed up at our door along with the RA and searched our room. They ended up finding our alcohol hidden under the bed.” This quote is from Ron Hainy, 18 year old freshman DUS major. This quote shows that people do in fact get caught with alcohol in their dorms. Even if you weren’t drinking it, you could still get in trouble just for having it in your dorm.
6. “She’s the shit! I get a bottle of Vladdy from her every weekend!” This quote is from Joe Downy, 18 year old freshman engineering major. This quote is about Christina, the Brumbaugh alcohol runner, and highlights how excited people are at the ease of obtaining alcohol at Penn State.
7. “Drinking is a part of the undergraduate culture for many students, and culture is something that is notoriously difficult and slow to change.” This is a quote from Betty Harper, director of student affairs research and assessment. This quote shows that the university knows it is going to take time to combat alcohol issues here at Penn State. But in time they feel as if they will be able to contain many alcohol issues on campus.
8. Overall, drinking is apart of the culture here at Penn State; especially in East Halls. Students usually obtain their alcohol from an upper classmen they went to high school with. There is really no need to hide the alcohol in your room because the only way your RA will come in your room is if he or she is suspicious. But if necessary, most students choose the closet or under their beds. Students drink in their dorms before they go to frat parties because it is very hard to get alcohol there; especially if you’re a guy. According to my survey, over 80% of students admitted to pregaming in their dorms on a daily basis. The university has implemented different educational programs and stricter penalties to help combat underage drinking in the dorms. The harsh fines have persuaded some students to refrain from drinking in the dorms, but for the most part students still do it. The university knows that the drinking problem on campus and in East Halls will take a lot of time before it is brought under control. It’s hard to combat drinking in the dorms at a “drinking school with a football problem”
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Investigative Report
Good old East halls, the place where most freshmen here at Penn State University call home. I am conducting my investigative report on underage drinking in East halls. East halls are made up of almost twenty dorm buildings of various sizes. I live on tenth floor of Brumbaugh hall. Although it is pretty cool to be on the “penthouse” floor as we call it, taking the steps is no fun when the elevators break. My room is at the end of the hallway; room 1012. Being at the end of the hallway is nice because it is a little quieter, but not many visitors stop by since I am kind of secluded.
As you enter room 1012, you immediately get a whiff of True Religion cologne. The next thing you will see is a breathtaking view of the mountains off to the west; the sunset is quite amazing. After you are done gazing at the view, you will see a small 19 inch LCD TV on top of the microwave and fridge. If you turn to the right you will see my roommate’s disheveled bed and desk. You will also see a poster that barely takes up any wall space and a small black fan. But when you look left, you will see a perfectly made bed and organized desk. Everything has to be in order on my side or I will become stressed. OCD maybe? Anyway, my cork board is full of the syllabi from all of my classes. My wall is decorated with an array of vibrant posters and flags; my favorite being the Flyers flag. Many pictures of family and friends line the ledge next to my bed. I am reminded every day of the support of my family and friends have for me. There is definitely a home-like feeling to my room.
As you enter room 1012, you immediately get a whiff of True Religion cologne. The next thing you will see is a breathtaking view of the mountains off to the west; the sunset is quite amazing. After you are done gazing at the view, you will see a small 19 inch LCD TV on top of the microwave and fridge. If you turn to the right you will see my roommate’s disheveled bed and desk. You will also see a poster that barely takes up any wall space and a small black fan. But when you look left, you will see a perfectly made bed and organized desk. Everything has to be in order on my side or I will become stressed. OCD maybe? Anyway, my cork board is full of the syllabi from all of my classes. My wall is decorated with an array of vibrant posters and flags; my favorite being the Flyers flag. Many pictures of family and friends line the ledge next to my bed. I am reminded every day of the support of my family and friends have for me. There is definitely a home-like feeling to my room.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
What it means to be number one
I really enjoyed this radio broadcast. Although it was painfully long, I thought it was pretty cool. It was almost like reading, but a lot easier. I was able to picture the different scenes in my head as they were unfolding. Some of the quotes were funny, although one sounded a little awkward to me. When the kid said “I’m just trying to get her drunk so I can take advantage of her” I was sort of taken aback. I didn’t know if he was serious or just playing around, but that is definitely something you do not mess around with. I would’ve liked to hear more about how the students felt about the number one party school ranking, but overall I thought this was very interesting.
The author is very direct about the issue of problems that come with a number one party school ranking. Ira does a great job putting us in the moment and painting a descriptive picture of the different situations he experiences.
The issue needs to be further investigated because the university has accepted the problems that come with the ranking. They’re not doing much to stop the drinking; they just want the students to be more responsible drinkers. Binge drinking at Penn State has even led to the death of a student, Joe Dado. I think the university needs to step up a little and make sure nothing like this ever happens again.
In the beginning, Ira gives us insight into how the residents of State College are affected by the students partying. As he is sitting on the porch with Sarah Koenig at her home, they see many groups of loud drunk students walking the streets. Ira and Sarah also see two kids dragging a stop sign down the street and a group of girls peeing on her lawn. Although the noise is a nuisance for the residents, there is a greater issue. Once in a while, a drunken student will enter a resident’s home and sleep in their bed. I didn’t believe that this actually happened up here. I had heard about it before, but thought it was just a myth. I was shocked when the mother told the story of how her daughter found a student passed out in her bed. Creepy.
The writer quotes mostly students, although he does obtain some quotes from President Graham Spanier, a police officer, and other residents of State College. Ira is able to show the students motivation for acting certain ways. When the writer asks a freshman girl “Did you guys always dress like that in High School?” the girl replied, “No, we just got slutty after we got into college”. Really? Come on, I thought people that went to this school had more class than that. Another student gives his perspective on drinking by saying “If there was a drunk button, I would buy one”. One State College resident seemed to have been through a lot. He talked about how he installed motion sensors on his lawn in order to monitor students walking on his property. The man also talked about how he saw some fraternity kids throw furniture off the roof, then set it on fire.
The writer wants readers to see exactly what goes on at the country’s number one party school. He also wants the readers to come to the conclusion that heavy binge drinking can be contained, but the school and the town have to work together like at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. The writer reveals to us through his talks with Spanier that banning drinking at Penn State would only cause more problems. Alumni would no longer come to games or donate money and the drinking would just be driven more underground.
The author is very direct about the issue of problems that come with a number one party school ranking. Ira does a great job putting us in the moment and painting a descriptive picture of the different situations he experiences.
The issue needs to be further investigated because the university has accepted the problems that come with the ranking. They’re not doing much to stop the drinking; they just want the students to be more responsible drinkers. Binge drinking at Penn State has even led to the death of a student, Joe Dado. I think the university needs to step up a little and make sure nothing like this ever happens again.
In the beginning, Ira gives us insight into how the residents of State College are affected by the students partying. As he is sitting on the porch with Sarah Koenig at her home, they see many groups of loud drunk students walking the streets. Ira and Sarah also see two kids dragging a stop sign down the street and a group of girls peeing on her lawn. Although the noise is a nuisance for the residents, there is a greater issue. Once in a while, a drunken student will enter a resident’s home and sleep in their bed. I didn’t believe that this actually happened up here. I had heard about it before, but thought it was just a myth. I was shocked when the mother told the story of how her daughter found a student passed out in her bed. Creepy.
The writer quotes mostly students, although he does obtain some quotes from President Graham Spanier, a police officer, and other residents of State College. Ira is able to show the students motivation for acting certain ways. When the writer asks a freshman girl “Did you guys always dress like that in High School?” the girl replied, “No, we just got slutty after we got into college”. Really? Come on, I thought people that went to this school had more class than that. Another student gives his perspective on drinking by saying “If there was a drunk button, I would buy one”. One State College resident seemed to have been through a lot. He talked about how he installed motion sensors on his lawn in order to monitor students walking on his property. The man also talked about how he saw some fraternity kids throw furniture off the roof, then set it on fire.
The writer wants readers to see exactly what goes on at the country’s number one party school. He also wants the readers to come to the conclusion that heavy binge drinking can be contained, but the school and the town have to work together like at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. The writer reveals to us through his talks with Spanier that banning drinking at Penn State would only cause more problems. Alumni would no longer come to games or donate money and the drinking would just be driven more underground.
Thursday, September 9, 2010
"Shitty first drafts"
“Shitty first drafts” by Anne Lamott gives us insight into her very own writing process. Anne takes us through all of the things she does to turn a first draft into a final paper. She tells us that it is okay to have a “shitty” first draft, because eventually you will tweak it to perfection. Lamott also gives us a little background about the type of writing she does. She tells us that she used to write for California magazine as a food critic before it folded. As she would sit in restaurants surveying different types of foods with her friends, she would write every little thing down. Everything from the way the food looks, tastes, smells, all the way to the things she and her friends would discuss. This goes hand in hand with writing a first draft; the only important thing is getting all of your ideas down on paper. Lamott emphasizes the fact that the first draft is all about the process, not the product. Through the process, you will reach the product. I agree with her position one hundred percent. When I write a first draft, I am not really concerned with the quality of my writing; I just want to have all of my ideas down on paper. She even talks about how it is okay to have ridiculous lines in your first draft, such as “Well, so what, Mr. Poopy Pants?". Later on when you are on your second draft, you may find some inspiration from a ridiculous quote like that. Anne’s story really illuminated the fact that I am not the only one who struggles to begin writing a first draft. She even talks about how a lot of famous authors often struggle to begin a first draft. A writer that Anne knows tells her every morning that he says to himself, “It's not like you don't have a choice, because you do -- you can either type, or kill yourself.” Lamott’s process is very easy to relate to. She talks about how getting started is the hardest part and sometimes you feel as if you’re going to kill yourself if you don’t come up with a good story. Personally, getting started is the hardest part of the writing process for me. I usually sit alone, in silence, for thirty or so minutes before the writing starts to flow. And like Anne, I may go grab something to eat to sort of calm myself down and achieve a feeling of satisfaction from being full. But once I start writing, it’s just as hard for me to stop as it was for me to begin. I write all of my drafts on paper, and then I go back and type them. I like to do this because it is almost as if I am writing my second draft when I type; I am able to make corrections and eliminate different ideas as I type. Overall, I thought “Shitty First Drafts” by Anne Lammott did a wonderful job of outlining what the writing process is all about.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Journal 2
David Giffels informs us about what it was like to own a Ramone’s t-shirt in the past and today in his memoir “Shirt Worthy”. The main point of the story is to provide insight into how times and the meaning of wearing a Ramone’s t-shirt have changed. This story also has a surprising amount of relevance as well. At one point in the story, David says to himself “Could it be, that my children will never have to struggle?” He is trying to say that back when he was growing up, things had to be earned. But today, things are given and available to you with no effort on your own behalf. The subject of “Shirt Worthy” is about David’s journey to finally become a proud owner of a Ramone’s t-shirt. The intended audience of “Shirt Worthy” could be an avid rock and roll fan, a parent, or anybody who is curious about how different some things are today from the past. David reveals to us in the beginning that one could not just wear a Ramone’s t-shirt when he was a kid, it had to be earned. One would go about earning the right to wear a Ramone’s t-shirt by attending one of their concerts. But today, anybody can just stroll into Hot Topic and find any band t-shirt they desire. This is exactly what David did when his son asked for a Ramone’s t-shirt for his birthday. David was not naïve about where he could go about finding the shirt, he even felt like he could slightly relate to the idea of “Hot Topic”. When David’s son wears the shirt for the first time, he rips it while climbing a fence. David’s kid thinks the shirt is ruined, but David tells his son that he has actually made the shirt “better”. This is another example of how times have changed. In the past, a ripped up, grungy rock n roll t-shirt was an ideal item to have. It showed your true passion and dedication for a particular band. Today, you go out and buy a new shirt, which is exactly what David did. Now being a proud owner of a slightly ripped Ramone’s t-shirt, David feels as if he has finally earned it through being a true fan all of his life and also by being a great father. David uses dialogue and strong details to help provide the reader with a pathos or emotional feeling. We feel bad for his son who is about to cry because he ripped his new shirt. We also feel a sense of happiness for David when he finally obtains his very own Ramone’s t-shirt. This is one element that I believe would help my writing tremendously.
Journal 1
I never really stopped to think about how much writing and rhetoric is apart of every day life. Everywhere you go, you experience both in one way or another. Whether it’s the anchor on sports center telling you the latest sports news, the text message you received a few minutes ago, or the pre game speech your coach gave you before the big game, writing and rhetoric is all around us. Being captain of the football and ice hockey team in high school, I have used my fair share of rhetoric to help motivate my team. It helps to inject morale into your team and persuades you to believe that you will be victorious. In the movie Any Given Sunday, Al Pacino uses rhetoric to deliver an extremely motivational speech that drives his team to victory. Throughout my life, I never really enjoyed writing papers. I always dreaded the long hours researching and citing endless amounts of information. But once I started to play the guitar, I began to gain an appreciation for different types of writing. I would occasionally express the way I was feeling through a poem. Then that poem would then turn into a song. There is no greater feeling then being able to express your feelings through music. A lot of popular artists are great at conveying different messages through their song lyrics. I personally am a big fan of John Mayer. In his song Daughters , he tells the story of what it is like for a girl to be abandoned by her father and the trouble she has reconnecting with people when she is an adult. The song represents how somebody’s past can shape who they are as an individual today. Personally, my strengths as a writer have always been my ability to convey a clear message to my audience as well as my attention to detail. But sometimes, I find myself writing too many unnecessary details to help pad the length of my paper. Another thing I could improve upon is mistakes. Whether it is a misspelled word, too many commas, or an incorrect citation, all of the mistakes I usually make are easily fixable. Too many times, I neglect to go back and re read my work. I believe that if I can fix these mistakes, I will be able to keep my audience engaged. I would like to be able to write a paper that nobody wants to stop reading. Many famous authors are very good at this, such as J.D. Salinger. When I read the novel The Catcher in the Rye, I did not want to put it down. I read all 277 pages in a few hours. This is the only book I have ever read in one sitting. The story is easy for any teenager that is struggling to find out who they are and what their purpose in this world is to relate to. I hope that this course will help me become a better write through strengthening my ability to captivate my audience, proofreading, and constructive criticism.
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