Response to Sharon Mazer

I'm not sure how I feel about this article: muscular men putting on spectacles to convert people? Hmm. When did religion turn into a ticket-buying-come-see-something-crazy kind of deal? The Power Team call themselves "fishers of men", or perhaps the circus would be interested in their show as well.
Now I'm not saying that what they're doing is wrong, but I don't think this is the way God would want his word passed along. Then again I have to take into account the way society has changed, through technology and various forms of entertainment; but, is this the right way?
The Power Team's performances are said to be sometimes breathtaking, showing the power of the human body. But with enough practice couldn't anyone do these things? Couldn't anyone put on a spectacle such as this, without the preaching? If so, wouldn't those that only came to the spectacle to see these crazy things done, feel more comfortable not listening to someone preaching their own beliefs?
I think I've actually seen this. In my high school we had a program one day when these really big guys came in and ripped phone books, blew-up and popped hot water bottles, and talked to us about drugs and alcohol. I didn't know it at the time that I was being exposed to something with an underlying message, but I do remember being drawn in by these crazy feats that these men were putting on.

Response to Sedaris

This was quite an interesting read. Drawing me in from the very first line, making me laugh, think, and feel. The author's way of writing is realistic, while reading the story I didn't feel like someone was talking about something or describing a way of life for someone, but that the author was talking to me, down-to-earth, face-to-face, just good writing. This is the kind of writing I enjoy the most, as if the audience is there with the author and the author acknowledges that instead of talking or trying to impress some invisible force.
For my own writing I've always thought I incorporated this in some way. Even in my less structure, journal-like, story-like writing I've always felt the presence of my audience. When I feel passion, hate, annoyance etc., about a topic I like to get that feeling across. (Take my last blog for example, I was getting worked up.)
Sedaris's writing is funny and sarcastically witty, taking on tones of "so-what?" and "ha, oookk??", all the while making a point, showing a feeling, a thought, a fear, and irony. I truly enjoyed this read.

Blog 5...dum dum dum...no not dumb

My research topic has become more specific; instead of just focusing on foreign language programs being cut from schools, I’m focusing on all programs being cut from schools. While doing some research I was amazed to find how many schools are cutting programs, necessary programs (at least in my opinion). Not only are foreign languages being cut, but so are art programs, music programs, nursing programs, and even some after school programs. Why? Because these things are deemed “unessential” to a full education.

What will happen to these children if they grow up without these programs? This is not my specific question, although I will try my best to answer it in my research paper. My specific question is: how will the lack of these programs effect students’ educations? What will the consequences be? Will students continue to fall into the craze of technology; locking themselves indoors, hunched over iPods, computers, and Call of Duty (also known as C.O.D., hmm…c-o-d…cause of death? Boys do seem to disappear into this game. Coincidence? I think not.) But I’m getting ahead of myself.

Thesis statement (this will most likely change!), but I’ve been playing around with the same versions of one sentence that I just can’t phrase in a way I like. Ahem. Schools across the country have been affected by budget cuts, while some have managed to work within these budgets and keep programs, other schools have had to cut classes, cut jobs, cut into students’ educations.

Not going to lie, if it was up to me I’d say something more about how the country is sacrificing the minds of our students, selling their souls to save some dollars, freezing teachers’ salaries because they’re bastards, and then complain about how bullshit like it is. But that my friends does not a research paper make…at least not a civilized one.

Here’s what I know about this issue: it’s a big one! I know that some schools are getting desperate, that students majoring in education programs in college are actually changing their majors, and that there are new updates all the time on this topic. Watch the news, there will probably be some guy on there (most likely a republican) saying some crap about how teachers don’t have real jobs because they get summers, weekends, and holidays off. Seriously, if I find the clip I’m using it in my paper. There are schools and students protesting against budget cuts and certain programs being dropped, and there are schools that don’t have a choice. I’m not sure I like what the country is saying, to me it’s like the middle finger, but I’m just getting worked up.

What I need to find are more specific details; who’s behind the budget cuts, how it’s taking away jobs and influencing the job market for teachers, there’s a lot. I thought I had research done, just hit the tip of the iceberg.

Opposing arguments…are there any? Who would agree that children don’t need music, art, Spanish, French, after school programs? Who has the balls to say that students will be fine without discovering passions and strengths that these programs can answer. If you want to fight me on this then please, step up to the plate. However I know I have to argue against myself…so difficult in this case. That’ll be interesting. Enjoy reading that one Justus J.

List of sources: mostly internet, which includes peer reviewed articles, some book entries, and some news clips. I feel as though I’ve been lazy with this paper, and then I feel like I get pissed every time I find something else out about it.

Well…I’m over 500 words. Have a happy day J

The Greatly (be-lated) Research Paper Topic

So, after much (and I mean muuuuuch) debate, I've decided to stick with my original idea and write about the horrors facing foreign language programs in schools, this including of course: budget cuts, jobs lost, programs ended, students sadly left in the realm of one language. However, the foreign language programs aren't the only school education programs facing extinction. Music programs, art classes, theater classes, and other ones I can't think of are also losing the financial and enthusiasm support required to keep going.
While my primary focus will be foreign language programs, because it's what I'm most interested in and it involves a piece of my major, I would really like to touch upon these other fine arts subjects as well.
Perhaps I'll find some schools that have to cut even the most basic of subjects?

Response to Chuck Klosterman

I found myself agreeing on some points with Chuck throughout this article, and then on others I found myself insulted and found him to be cynical. While he finds laugh tracks annoying, I think they're a part of the show - yes, a part that sometimes cues laughter when jokes aren't funny - but still a part. I'm not one of the mindless people that laughs when cued, I prefer sincere laughter for good humor and an eye roll for bad humor. (Although sometimes if the humor/joke is bad enough I will crack the hell up...silly writers...)
I do agree however that laugh tracks have made many people incorporate laughter when it's unnecessary, such as in awkward moments, or when we're at a loss of words and reflexively fill in the blank with laughter. If I think back over even the last month I know I've done that, and that I've been witness to that.
He picked on the show Friends, I love that show. I will forever be a fan, no matter how many repeats I've seen. Still, I don't find myself laughing if I'm not amused. Good old Chuck should watch the bloopers from that show... Now those are funny! <- Legit exclamation point.

Annotated Bibliography; numero uno

"2010 Annual Report: Cooperative Reseach Program." National Research Center for College and University Admissions. 2010. Web. 2011.

      This annual report shows the importance of Foreign Language teaching by providing statistics and facts. It also shows and reports on budget cuts and other problems currently facing foreign language problems. Not only do most schools require their students to take a foreign language, but 60% of students indicate that this is not the only reason; and because of this many are fighting to save their school's program.

      There are many facts and statistics in here that support the promotion of foreign language education, and therefore would be very useful in my research paper.

 

 

 

Response to "Attached to Technology and Paying a Price" article by Matt Richtel

"Attached to Technology and Paying a Price" ...is it ironic that we, as a class, were told to respond to this via blog? While many of us have up other browsers, tabs, itunes, and cell phones close at hand?

"This is your brain on computers." - LOL, yes, ironic.

In this article it says that technology is rewiring our brains, and as we said in class, I think that can be aimed at the general population but also individualized. For every person that becomes obsessed, over-stressed, and overly dependent on technology there is a person that isn't. Where in this article do we hear about those people? The ones that know how to walk away from technology and focus? Or even in that case, the ones that need technology, such as music or tv noise, to focus?

"The bottom line is, the brain is wired to adapt," said Steven Yantis. This is something I have to agree with. We, as humans, were made to adapt, so why wouldn't our brains - the control system to the rest of us - have that same ability.

Also, there was something I picked up on while reading this: Kord Campbell and Eyal Ophir, both people who are over-stressed by technology, notice that they were there for the beginning of it. Hence they saw it come about, and saw everything being added on and all the new changes. Unlike younger people of today who have grown up with technology. My niece, for instance, first book she got read itself.

I think that there is still a balance, and just because people fear what may come along with technological progression doesn't mean we should stop the brains of technologists.