Creative writer- one considered to be a strange being that draws material and manages to arouse in us emotions which were not thought of.
Phantasy / phantasising- it is the fulfillment of a wish, a correction of unsatisfying reality. One might do this by using an occasion in the present to construct, on the pattern of the past, a picture of the future where all dreams hopefully come true.
Day-dream- could be explained as building castles in the air and linking real objects to make meaning to the individual.
Freud introduces the passage by saying that “altogether, the paper, however casual its tone, is a serious contribution to the psychology of creativity and hence part of his effort at constructing a general psychology” (Freud 436). He explained how phantasies and day-dreams are used by the creative writer to produce great stories that effectively catches the attention of the ordinary person. In the ending paragraph, he state that “in my fore-pleasure of this kind, and our actual enjoyment of an imaginative work proceeds from a liberation of tensions in our minds . . . enabling us thenceforward to enjoy our own day-dreams without self-approach or shame” (Freud 443).
Discussion: if phantasising is all about wishes and dreams coming true, then does the successful individual stop day-dreaming? Are wishes limited to the unsuccessful?
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Kelly: "Toys" from Mythologies
1. The most important word in Barthes' "Toys" is obviously 'toys'.
some other words in the essay are coenaesthesis and microcosm, which is the Middle Engkish for a little world.
2. The main idea is that the new plastic toys are not as good as the wooden toys because the plastic toys cause individuals to show less creativity.
One quote sums this idea up pretty well. "However, faced with this world of faithful and complicated objects, the child can only identify himself as owner, as user, never as creator; he does not invent the world, he uses it: there are, prepared for him, actions without adventure, without wonder, without joy."
3. Do new toys really inhibit imagination and creativity?
Do the new toys of today, such as ipods and game systems also cause individuals to identify themselves as only a user? Does decrease in creativity and individuality occur due to the use of these items?
(all of the questions are based on the quote from question #2)
some other words in the essay are coenaesthesis and microcosm, which is the Middle Engkish for a little world.
2. The main idea is that the new plastic toys are not as good as the wooden toys because the plastic toys cause individuals to show less creativity.
One quote sums this idea up pretty well. "However, faced with this world of faithful and complicated objects, the child can only identify himself as owner, as user, never as creator; he does not invent the world, he uses it: there are, prepared for him, actions without adventure, without wonder, without joy."
3. Do new toys really inhibit imagination and creativity?
Do the new toys of today, such as ipods and game systems also cause individuals to identify themselves as only a user? Does decrease in creativity and individuality occur due to the use of these items?
(all of the questions are based on the quote from question #2)
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Avalon: Inside Every Teenage Superhero
1. I think an important term to discuss in the article of “Inside Every Teenage Superhero Lurks a Nerd” by Neal Gable would be the word Superhero. Spider-Man is a comic book legend that gained even more popularity when it came to the big screen starring Toby Maguire. Peter Parker is a nerdy teenager with the everyday troubles of a teen. He is constantly dismissed by the popular kids, labeled as a “bookworm,” and ignored by the girl of his dreams. One day, his fate turns around when he happens to get bitten by a spider which suddenly gives him superhero powers that include spider-like reflexes, such as climbing up walls. Parker was then able to stand up against bullies that had constantly harassed him, and was able to find confidence within himself. Kids wanted to be just like Peter Parker, and could only imagine the advantages of having these powers. Having these powers leads to another key term discussed in the reading: responsibility. Peter Parker began as a self-involved teenager who only wanted to use his new-found powers to benefit himself. He tried to get money to buy a new car to impress the girl of his dreams by entering a wrestling match. But as it turns out, he runs into bad luck which claims his Uncle Ben's life. Before his tragic death, Uncle Ben tells Parker that “with power comes responsibility.” That is when Parker realizes he has to use his powers not only to benefit himself, but to help the rest of his community. He accepts this responsibility and enters a world fighting evil, and helping the world around him.
2. The main idea of the reading is that heroism is more than what everyone would think it to be. You may start off as an unpopular kid in high school, where popularity is everything, and suddenly find yourself with powers that put you ahead of the rest--as in the case of Peter Parker. He had to put everything into perspective, and to become a selfless superhero. “With power comes responsibility” is a very powerful quote. This quote means that whoever you are, if you gain something, you have to become a responsible individual. If we become irresponsible with the power given, we become the villain, only wanting to help ourselves therefore becoming selfish and unthoughtful. Heroism is more than being the underdog who suddenly rises to the top. It takes time as well as experience to understand the rights and wrongs. Some have to find out what it means to be a true hero in harder ways than others. Peter Parker, also known as Spider-man, had to witness his Uncle Ben's murder because he was only thinking of himself, and allowed the criminal to escape with not only the money, but inadvertently his Uncle's life as well. It was then that he had realized he does not only possess these powers for himself, but for his family and the rest of his community. This also plays into his adolescence. He had to grow up, and realize that he was a superhero, and no longer a nerd--even though that part of him still lived inside of him. This sends a great message to all kids who are a fan of the comic book, as well as the movie. With power comes responsibility, the lack of this elements will only create grave consequences in the end.
3. Throughout your experiences, how would you define a Superhero?
2. The main idea of the reading is that heroism is more than what everyone would think it to be. You may start off as an unpopular kid in high school, where popularity is everything, and suddenly find yourself with powers that put you ahead of the rest--as in the case of Peter Parker. He had to put everything into perspective, and to become a selfless superhero. “With power comes responsibility” is a very powerful quote. This quote means that whoever you are, if you gain something, you have to become a responsible individual. If we become irresponsible with the power given, we become the villain, only wanting to help ourselves therefore becoming selfish and unthoughtful. Heroism is more than being the underdog who suddenly rises to the top. It takes time as well as experience to understand the rights and wrongs. Some have to find out what it means to be a true hero in harder ways than others. Peter Parker, also known as Spider-man, had to witness his Uncle Ben's murder because he was only thinking of himself, and allowed the criminal to escape with not only the money, but inadvertently his Uncle's life as well. It was then that he had realized he does not only possess these powers for himself, but for his family and the rest of his community. This also plays into his adolescence. He had to grow up, and realize that he was a superhero, and no longer a nerd--even though that part of him still lived inside of him. This sends a great message to all kids who are a fan of the comic book, as well as the movie. With power comes responsibility, the lack of this elements will only create grave consequences in the end.
3. Throughout your experiences, how would you define a Superhero?
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Richard: 1408
1. Identify and briefly define important words, terms, concepts, or characters.
Mike Enslin- Ghost story writer and author of books such as “Ten Nights in Haunted Houses” as well as other “Ten Nights” books. In addition to being a skeptic of ghosts and hauntings, Enslin also claims to be an atheist.
Mr. Olin- Hotel Manager of the Dolphin since 1979. Tries to warn Mike about Room 1408 and is genuinely afraid of the room.
Room 1408- A supposedly haunted room in the Dolphin hotel. 42 deaths have occurred directly in the room, with 12 being suicides.
2. Summarize the main idea, theme, action, or event of the reading. Be sure to include quotation that best captures the overall feeling or mood of the reading.
A skeptic (Enslin) is forced to believe in something supernatural. At first thinking his paranormal visions are due to Mr. Olin, the hotel manager filling him with scary tales, Enslin eventually succumbs to the room’s odd behavior and begins believing in an inhuman being. The room almost “wins” though, and Mike sets himself on fire, gaining enough of a clear head to escape the room.
“It was never human” he (Enslin) told the incoming waves in a choked, halting voice. “Ghost…at least ghosts were once human. The thing in the wall, though…that thing…”
The mood can be defined as “creepy”, with walls melting and pictures changing right before Enslin’s eyes.
“No, not here yet…but coming…it’s hungry, and you’re dinner.”
3. Formulate a question for discussion. The question should be relatively based upon a specified passage or scene from the text, and capable of sustaining a thoughtful discussion.
What kinds of imagery does King use to add to the “creepiness” of 1408 and how does that play into the reader’s fears? Does certain used keep the reader wondering as to what is behind the room’s “evil” nature?
Mike Enslin- Ghost story writer and author of books such as “Ten Nights in Haunted Houses” as well as other “Ten Nights” books. In addition to being a skeptic of ghosts and hauntings, Enslin also claims to be an atheist.
Mr. Olin- Hotel Manager of the Dolphin since 1979. Tries to warn Mike about Room 1408 and is genuinely afraid of the room.
Room 1408- A supposedly haunted room in the Dolphin hotel. 42 deaths have occurred directly in the room, with 12 being suicides.
2. Summarize the main idea, theme, action, or event of the reading. Be sure to include quotation that best captures the overall feeling or mood of the reading.
A skeptic (Enslin) is forced to believe in something supernatural. At first thinking his paranormal visions are due to Mr. Olin, the hotel manager filling him with scary tales, Enslin eventually succumbs to the room’s odd behavior and begins believing in an inhuman being. The room almost “wins” though, and Mike sets himself on fire, gaining enough of a clear head to escape the room.
“It was never human” he (Enslin) told the incoming waves in a choked, halting voice. “Ghost…at least ghosts were once human. The thing in the wall, though…that thing…”
The mood can be defined as “creepy”, with walls melting and pictures changing right before Enslin’s eyes.
“No, not here yet…but coming…it’s hungry, and you’re dinner.”
3. Formulate a question for discussion. The question should be relatively based upon a specified passage or scene from the text, and capable of sustaining a thoughtful discussion.
What kinds of imagery does King use to add to the “creepiness” of 1408 and how does that play into the reader’s fears? Does certain used keep the reader wondering as to what is behind the room’s “evil” nature?
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Vanessa: “Lamb to the slaughter”
1. Identify and briefly define important words, terms, concepts, or characters.
There were many important characters in the short story. Sam who was the grocery owner and her alibi played a key role in her walk to freedom, Patrick Maloney who was the victim in the story, Sergeant Jack Noonan who is a good friend of the victim and suspect, and detective in the case, and most importantly Mrs. Mary Maloney who was the murderer. The important word in the story to me was lamb. Lamb is important because it is the murder weapon and supper.
2. Summarize the main idea, theme, action, or event of the reading. Be sure to include quotation that best captures the overall feeling or mood of the reading.
The short story “Lamb of the Slaughter” by Ronald Dahl was about a detective named Patrick Maloney who told his wife, Mary Maloney that he wanted a divorce from her and didn’t want to make it a big deal for the sake of his job. Mary then went about her night and decided to go into the kitchen, and reach in the freezer, and choose a meat to serve for dinner that night. However we didn’t know that Mary was planning on striking her husband with the meat, in this case the leg of lamb and instantly killing him with one blow. Mary realized what she did and went to clear her name. Mrs. Maloney went to the grocery store and use the owner Sam as her alibi, and pretended like she left her husband alive at home and wanted to cook him supper. Then she convinced herself he was alive and well, and was shocked to find him on the floor. Mary then called the police to report that she found her husband lying on the floor and believes he is dead. They jump to conclusions that Mary could not be a suspect after examining the evidence. As a jester and a smart move to get rid of the weapon Mary offered the policemen whiskey and the leg of lamp as hospitality. “Please, she begged. ‘Please eat it. Personally I couldn’t tough a thing, certainly not what’s been in the house when he was here. But it’s all right for you. It’d be a favor to me if you’d eat it up. Then you can go on with your work again afterwards.” Mary Maloney was very persistent to get the policemen to eat the weapon to clear her chances. “Probably right under our very noses. What you think, Jack?” They had no clue that they were eating away the weapon as Mary Maloney began to giggle in the other room.
3. Formulate a question for discussion. The question should be relatively substantial, based upon a specified passage or scene from the text, and capable of sustaining a thoughtful discussion.
The policemen just canceled Mrs. Maloney out as a suspect because she was crying and seemed happy earlier that day. They did not perform their jobs and therefore ruined their chances of ever finding the killer of Patrick; they let friendship get in the way. Why do you think that happened? Why do you think we put friendship before looking at what really happened or at what could have happened? Are we programmed to think like that or not?
There were many important characters in the short story. Sam who was the grocery owner and her alibi played a key role in her walk to freedom, Patrick Maloney who was the victim in the story, Sergeant Jack Noonan who is a good friend of the victim and suspect, and detective in the case, and most importantly Mrs. Mary Maloney who was the murderer. The important word in the story to me was lamb. Lamb is important because it is the murder weapon and supper.
2. Summarize the main idea, theme, action, or event of the reading. Be sure to include quotation that best captures the overall feeling or mood of the reading.
The short story “Lamb of the Slaughter” by Ronald Dahl was about a detective named Patrick Maloney who told his wife, Mary Maloney that he wanted a divorce from her and didn’t want to make it a big deal for the sake of his job. Mary then went about her night and decided to go into the kitchen, and reach in the freezer, and choose a meat to serve for dinner that night. However we didn’t know that Mary was planning on striking her husband with the meat, in this case the leg of lamb and instantly killing him with one blow. Mary realized what she did and went to clear her name. Mrs. Maloney went to the grocery store and use the owner Sam as her alibi, and pretended like she left her husband alive at home and wanted to cook him supper. Then she convinced herself he was alive and well, and was shocked to find him on the floor. Mary then called the police to report that she found her husband lying on the floor and believes he is dead. They jump to conclusions that Mary could not be a suspect after examining the evidence. As a jester and a smart move to get rid of the weapon Mary offered the policemen whiskey and the leg of lamp as hospitality. “Please, she begged. ‘Please eat it. Personally I couldn’t tough a thing, certainly not what’s been in the house when he was here. But it’s all right for you. It’d be a favor to me if you’d eat it up. Then you can go on with your work again afterwards.” Mary Maloney was very persistent to get the policemen to eat the weapon to clear her chances. “Probably right under our very noses. What you think, Jack?” They had no clue that they were eating away the weapon as Mary Maloney began to giggle in the other room.
3. Formulate a question for discussion. The question should be relatively substantial, based upon a specified passage or scene from the text, and capable of sustaining a thoughtful discussion.
The policemen just canceled Mrs. Maloney out as a suspect because she was crying and seemed happy earlier that day. They did not perform their jobs and therefore ruined their chances of ever finding the killer of Patrick; they let friendship get in the way. Why do you think that happened? Why do you think we put friendship before looking at what really happened or at what could have happened? Are we programmed to think like that or not?
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Kwong: “Logos, Flags, and Escutcheons”
1. The author, Paul Rand, of the article, “Logos, Flags, and Escutcheons”, defined that, “A logo is a flag, a signature, an escutcheon” (McQuade, 564). It has nothing to do with its look or the relation between the logo and the product it signifies. What it means and what does it reminds you of is more important. As the author wrote, a well design logo should be distinctive, visible, useable, memorable, universal, durable, and timeless.
2. Logo is a symbol of a product. It get the meaning from the product, not the other way around, so, it can be anything; it does not need to be related to the product, as a signature does not have to be the person’s name. As long as the logo is distinctive, visible, useable, memorable, universal, durable, and timeless, it is well designed. Sometime, a well designed logo can still be irrelevant, however, that is not the logo’s problem; it is the quality of the product itself. The author used some examples to prove his argument. He first introduces the Mercedes-Benz symbol. He wrote, “The Mercedes symbol, for example, has nothing to do with automobiles; yet it is a great symbol, not because its design is great, but because it stands for a great product” (McQuade, 565). He then introduces the Lacoste symbol. He wrote “Lacoste sportswear, for example, has nothing to do with alligators (or crocodiles), and yet the little green reptile is a memorable and profitable symbol” (McQuade, 565). From the example he gave, he concluded that the quality of the product is far more important than its logo. Yet, a well designed logo is a plus, but it is useless for bad quality product.
3. When you buy a product, do you focus on the quality of the product or just base on the beauty of its logo? Tell us about you experiments.
2. Logo is a symbol of a product. It get the meaning from the product, not the other way around, so, it can be anything; it does not need to be related to the product, as a signature does not have to be the person’s name. As long as the logo is distinctive, visible, useable, memorable, universal, durable, and timeless, it is well designed. Sometime, a well designed logo can still be irrelevant, however, that is not the logo’s problem; it is the quality of the product itself. The author used some examples to prove his argument. He first introduces the Mercedes-Benz symbol. He wrote, “The Mercedes symbol, for example, has nothing to do with automobiles; yet it is a great symbol, not because its design is great, but because it stands for a great product” (McQuade, 565). He then introduces the Lacoste symbol. He wrote “Lacoste sportswear, for example, has nothing to do with alligators (or crocodiles), and yet the little green reptile is a memorable and profitable symbol” (McQuade, 565). From the example he gave, he concluded that the quality of the product is far more important than its logo. Yet, a well designed logo is a plus, but it is useless for bad quality product.
3. When you buy a product, do you focus on the quality of the product or just base on the beauty of its logo? Tell us about you experiments.
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Yuan: Homeplace
1. Identify and briefly define important words, terms, concepts, or characters.
Character:
Millers - A farm family in Ohio , who suffered from three tornadoes. After the first tornado, they rebuilt their house on the same spot where they got hoisted. According to the author, they were neither stupid nor crazy, but they refused to move.
Word:
Land – There are many people who move from land to land in order to search a better life. The meaning of land includes geography, population, environment and benefits. If you don’t know the land, or you are not familiar with the land, you are not going to live well in your new life.
2. Summarize the main idea, theme, action, or event of the reading. Be sure to include quotation that best captures the overall feeling or mood of the reading.
In “Homeplace” by Scott Russell Sanders, the author begins his essay by introducing the Millers family from his childhood. Sanders writes, they don’t like to move because they are stubborn. According to this reason, we learn, the Millers believed that a better life creates on a land that you are familiar with. This also has pointed out in Gary Snyder’s poem that author writes later in his essay, “The reconstruction of a people and of a life in the United States depends in part on people, neighborhood by neighborhood, county by county, deciding to stick it out and make it work where they are, rather than flee”. In this essay, author also indicates the reasons for people to move from one place to another are advertising, movies, magazines, speeches and their inner voice about to search a better life. Even though the author was one of these people, he writes, “I cannot have a spiritual center without having a geographical one: I cannot live a grounded life without being grounded in a place.” This means without knowing the land, there is no better life.
3. Formulate a question for discussion. The question should be relatively substantial, based upon a specified passage or scene from the text, and capable of sustaining a thoughtful discussion.
I am not sure that I can agree with the author because my personal experience. Do you agree with the author?
Character:
Millers - A farm family in Ohio , who suffered from three tornadoes. After the first tornado, they rebuilt their house on the same spot where they got hoisted. According to the author, they were neither stupid nor crazy, but they refused to move.
Word:
Land – There are many people who move from land to land in order to search a better life. The meaning of land includes geography, population, environment and benefits. If you don’t know the land, or you are not familiar with the land, you are not going to live well in your new life.
2. Summarize the main idea, theme, action, or event of the reading. Be sure to include quotation that best captures the overall feeling or mood of the reading.
In “Homeplace” by Scott Russell Sanders, the author begins his essay by introducing the Millers family from his childhood. Sanders writes, they don’t like to move because they are stubborn. According to this reason, we learn, the Millers believed that a better life creates on a land that you are familiar with. This also has pointed out in Gary Snyder’s poem that author writes later in his essay, “The reconstruction of a people and of a life in the United States depends in part on people, neighborhood by neighborhood, county by county, deciding to stick it out and make it work where they are, rather than flee”. In this essay, author also indicates the reasons for people to move from one place to another are advertising, movies, magazines, speeches and their inner voice about to search a better life. Even though the author was one of these people, he writes, “I cannot have a spiritual center without having a geographical one: I cannot live a grounded life without being grounded in a place.” This means without knowing the land, there is no better life.
3. Formulate a question for discussion. The question should be relatively substantial, based upon a specified passage or scene from the text, and capable of sustaining a thoughtful discussion.
I am not sure that I can agree with the author because my personal experience. Do you agree with the author?
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