Well That Was Interesting...

IMAGES OF THE WRITING PROCESS
-Heart Pounding
-Eating Cookies
-Driving to a cliff


Heart Pounding
I feel like this is how I feel as I begin to start a paper. I never have a slightest clue of what I want to write, so I sit in silence frustrated with my heart pounding because I need to get this done by tomorrow.
Eating Cookies
This is basically what I do when writing a paper, PROCRASTINATE. I want to be doing other activities but I'm stuck writing this paper, like eating cookies nom nom nom.
Driving to a cliff
Usually by this time I feel like giving up on this paper and just think about taking a zero rather than suffer. But just as I am about to give in is when something comes to me.

A Sentence Starts Out Like...

A sentence starts out like a lost boy in an amusement park.
Afraid, wondering where the rest of his family is.
Starring into the vast amount of ideas of where they could be.
Confused as he starts to walk around searching,
Going to back where here started hoping they're there.
So many people around him, except his family.

He screams for help but no one hears him
Crying alone, as finally someone comes to aid the young boy.
Searching with a partner another group of people come to help.
Soon the whole crowd is helping him search.
The boy feels almost complete as he is no longer alone.
And finally a smile comes to his face as he sees his family.

Phones Are Meant For Speaking....Nottttttt anymore

Well this is true, but texting makes life easier sometimes. I feel like it's easier to stay in contact with friends through text rather than calling. I text all day talking to my friends about life. I don't have time to make phone calls to all the people I text in one day. I can be talking to multiple people at once which makes it convenient but maybe sometimes confusing. Also if what I need to know isn't super important than you just shoot a text to someone and wait for a response rather than taking time out of your day to make a call for something that isn't very important. Also it's quick and simple, if I want to meet up with a friend in the student center I just send them a text saying "meet me in the student center" while I'm in class since i can't make a phone call. whoooops did i just admit to texting while in class?

6 Things That Un-Move Me

Sample H:
1. The paper talks about how our country is consumed by this iPod, what ever happened to going outside and riding a bike?
2. Why does having an iPod make you cool? If everyone was doing cocaine because it was "cool" would you do it?
3. It mentions that storage space will not be a factor in the future, what is meant by this? There will be no hard drive in the iPod just constant internet access of media been imported and exported?

Sample G:
1. It is mentioned that the Red Bull is used for athletes on the website, all my life I have been told that Red Bull is absolutely terrible for athletes. I've tried it before when playing sports and the main effects are usually the muscles cramp, and the body crashes.
2. The paper mentions that Red Bull can "supposedly give you the feeling of superhuman abilities."How is this true? Since when does an energy drink give you THAT much energy to do something like that
3. The paper doesn't mention how long the energy will last, and how bad of a crash occurs after word.
4. Why should we drink Red Bull, I feel like I might as well just eat a package of sugar.
5. I am not a fan of Red Bull, and this paper hasn't really moved me to want to use it to gain energy. If i need energy I'm going to eat the right foods and get the proper amount of sleep.
6. It mentions that Red Bull is not for "couch potatoes"and it is for people increasing activity and watching calories, I feel like someone who is a exercising and watching calories will use Red Bull as a last resort of energy.

6 Things That Moved Me

Sample H:
1. The main reason I enjoyed reading this is because I also wrote about the iPod as a small object, but we used different large subjects. Now I have a different view on the iPods large subject.
2. The argument was very strong in details about media within the iPod, on my paper I didn't go into as much details that they did.
3. I agree with when Sample H argues that people feel more comfortable buying an Apple product rather than a different type of Mp3 player that does the same things
4. This was a great title choice for Sample H because within the paper there are endless amounts of media used within an iPod.
5. The phrase "cultural icon"is perfect for this icon because within this argument the writer mentions the culture is completely mesmerized by this small object.
6. It's hard to say that this paper moved me into thinking new ways of the object because I wrote about the same object, so mostly the reason I was moved was from number 1.


Sample G:
1. This paper helps me realize why others use Red Bull and how it helps them with their lives
2. There are a lot of statements mentioned with information I did not know
3. The statement about the "Door Close" button being worn out is a great example about Americans because we are always in a rush.
4. I can see now that Red Bull is a good source for quick energy when needing to focus on certain objectives

iPods are so wonderful

I. My Very Own iPod!

            I was in tenth grade when I got my first iPod. I wanted one for so long but never got it because it was so expensive and I couldn’t pay for one myself. But then Christmas came along! I remember being so happy; tearing that shiny green wrapping paper off of that tiny box it came in. The smile on my face lit up the room as I screamed in joy about my new iPod. I ran up those stairs like I was in a race to get to my computer and plug it in for the first time. Then it happened, the screen lit and that little white apple popped up. I could finally say I have my own iPod! I took all my old CD’s and uploaded them onto my iPod. They were useless to me now so they went back into their cases and to the bottom of my drawer, along with a bunch of other stuff I did not use anymore. My iPod never left my side after that day. I was either listening to it, or it was in my pocket waiting for me to use it whenever possible. I am positive this is exactly how everyone acted that Christmas getting his or her first iPod. Some of my friends had an iPod before that Christmas break but once school started again, everyone walking around the hallways had those white headphones in their ears. The iPod was different than all other mp3 players, and way cooler than CD players or Walkman. The iPod had the capability to hold so much more music compared to all the other music players. In American society the iPod can be seen as a small object, but it has a large subject that is carried along with it.

II. I want one, I want one!

            An iPod is something that came out, and everyone wanted one. As I mentioned before practically everyone in my school had one. The iPod can be seen here as what is known as a fad. A fad is an enthusiasm, which follows a three-part cycle, emerging, surging in popularity, and then collapsing. (Udel) These fads can last for different amounts of time, some last long, and some end quickly. Some of the fads that have come and gone throughout the past couple years are Razor Scooters, Bratz Dolls, Gel Pens, Dance Dance Revolution, and LiveSTRONG yellow wristbands. Other fads that have lasted or are lasting longer than others are things like energy drinks, YouTube, Facebook, blogging, and American Idol. (Crazyfads) Some fads can even make a comeback after dying out. These fads consist of skinny jeans, tomagotchis, leggings, and oversized glasses. When all of these fads came out everyone had them. Which is why Adam Guha asks this question, “Have we become iPod-obsessed?” (lowendmac) Since the iPod has not hit the stage of collapsing, it will continue to surge in popularity. There is no way of telling when the iPod will die out because during the emerging step, a fad and a true innovation look the same, and we all convince ourselves that what we’re seeing is going to stick around. (Udel) But why is the iPod surging in popularity and turning into what we know as a fad? “The iPod also became something that you wanted people to see you with, and perhaps one reason for the popularity of the iPod mini is the fact that it’s available in more than one color. Who cares that it only holds 4 GB of music as long as it matches your clothes.” (lowendmac) Until the next best thing makes it way onto the market, the iPod will continue to remain the supreme music trend.

III. It’s my iPod and I want it now!

            What is the reason that we all need that instant gratification which compels us to go through the perils of buying this “revolutionary new device?” (Lowendmac) These fads are made up purposely to catch the consumer’s eye and draw them in to buy the product. iPods can cost from $49 up to $399. (Apple) Although it is expensive, it offers a lot. iPods can hold up to 160GB of music, video, photos,  podcasts, audio books, TV shows, games, and even applications. Battery life on some of the iPods can last up to 40 hours without being charged. What is probably most appealing about the iPod is that they are small and weight very little, so it can go with you anywhere. (Apple) We spend our hard earned money on this great technology, but to only spend even more money buying songs and applications from iTunes to fill up our iPods. The worst part is that we spend all this money for that instant gratification, but really what we are paying for are those long-term damaging effects. It has been tested that “more than 25% of iPod users are damaging their ears.” (Famewatcher) This can lead to loss of hearing and the need for hearing aids. Not only does it damage our body, but also it damages our society. ”Interaction between individuals is slowly diminishing as people turn to their iPods instead of attempting to make new acquaintances.” Walking through campus I can see a friend of mine and yell to them and get no response, to only realize they have an iPod on. They effect conversation as it slowly becomes acceptable to talk to one another while still listening to an iPod. Personally I have no idea how people do that. Then the theft cases come into play as well. “New York City students have been victimized in an increasing number of iPod muggings and in school larcenies.” (Berkeley) If I can’t buy an iPod, I will just steal one to get that instant gratification. Where is the joy in paying all this money for this fad, for it to damage you physically, and socially? Especially if a newer and better invention is made that will put the iPod out of the market and into the past like every other fad.

IV. Why do I want this iPod?

            The iPod has swept across the nation and onto many others, but why do the Americans desire this product? Why do all Americans fall for fads in general? Joel Best can answer that question with no problem. “Nothing ever seems like a fad while its popularity is growing. It’s seen as the way of the future a genuine innovation that will solve a problem.” (Udel) When something is released and catches the eyes of Americans they see it as the answer to their desires, when really something new will be released after, then they will go for that instead. When Razor Scooters were the “in” fad in the past my friends and I all got them. Then one of my friends got and electrical scooter, and we all got them. Then after that someone got a motorized scooter, which we all ended up getting. It happens everyday when something new is released to the public. The main reason why Americans fall for fads continually is because “American Society has a strong belief in progress and perfectibility, and that makes us vulnerable to any idea that promises us these two qualities.” (Udel) Americans can see when it first came out, “many cheaper mp3 players held 128 MB of music, when the iPod held 5 GB, which was almost unheard of in 2001.” (Lowendmac)They can see this new advancement in technology, which catches their eye and their natural reaction for progress. Which is why such a small object, actually has a large subject to go with it. This small iPod has a huge effect on American cultural values, the large subject being a fad, has to do with the way Americans live. We are constantly looking for the advancements in technology so we can progress and reach perfectibility.

Ohhhh the weather outside is weather....

Today it is 48 degrees and its friday! What a perfect day to be so nice out. I only have one class and its only 55 minutes then im free to my weekend with beautiful weather. I'm going to meet up with some guys on the team and have a nice kick around at 3 because we've been stuck in the gym doing sprints all semester. These are the days where everyone just seems to generally be in a better mood. I am always in a good mood when the weather is beautiful! Whenever its nice out I always say this one quote from "Forgetting Sarah Marshall," "Ohhhhh the weather outside is weather." It makes me think of the summer time and surfing at the beach. It's that time to go outside people! Time to put those winter jackets away and slowly bring out those spring clothes! 

What Are The Right Questions?

So Billy...
1. Were the metaphors meant to not make sense?
2. Was the poem supposed to be a joke making fun of other love poems?
3. Why did you re-make this poem?
4. Do you have something against love poems?
5. Why did you make more metaphors about yourself rather than for another person?
6. Do you make all your poems metaphorically weird?

Proving MY P-o-i-n-t->

 Well I've never been really good with writing essays or papers. They always seem to drag on and I feel like I struggle to write them. I have to get all the information, quote, cite, works cited page, all of that is just not fun to me. I would rather present an argument and prove my point through a video. Videos, to me, seem much more intriguing and get the point across without having to write 5 pages. I feel like people would rather listen and watch, than read an argument. You can truly see my side of the argument. Plus I am much more interested in shooting and editing a video than writing and fixing a paper.

Caw Caw!

   I've never been interested in reading about birds, but Don Stap helps make it easier. In "Flight of The Kuaka," his use of imagery makes the reading appealing to the reader. The descriptive language helped me visualize his bird watching when the Kuaka's would fly south. "Hundreds of godwits—large, long-legged, cinnamon-breasted sandpipers with upturned bills—flew to this roosting site when high tide submerged the mud flats of the Firth, where they spent the day feeding and preening." Here Stap makes the readers visualize his own experience for the reader to see how the birds behaved.
   Not only does his descriptive language appeal to the reader, it also helps learning about the material being read. He talks about the birds migration courses and their tendencies. The birds would "usually follow coastlines as they travel, stopping at shoreline mud flats along the way to rest and feed." It's almost as I am actually Stap observing the birds myself. "These “quartering” tailwinds (midway between a tailwind and a crosswind) push the birds along, but if they do not compensate for the westward wind flow, they will be blown far off course." Not only is he stating facts but he is doing so in a way that the reader can picture the bird flying as they read.

I'm the kind of reader who has to re-read things several thousand times

What kind of a reader are you?

1.  Note each time the text seems to move into a new claim or phase of Lehrer’s argument.   At each significant change, subdivide the text.  Label each subdivision by the claim or sub-claim presented.

2.  Go through the text deliberately and highlight every instance of dialogue.  What do you theorize its role in Lehrer’s argument?

“It went against the way we’d been thinking about personality since the four humors and the ancient Greeks,” he says.

“I’ve always believed there are consistencies in a person that can be looked at,” he says. “We just have to look in the right way.

“Young kids are pure id,” Mischel says. “They start off unable to wait for anything—whatever they want they need. But then, as I watched my own kids, I marvelled at how they gradually learned how to delay and how that made so many other things possible.”

“We recently tried to do a version of it, and the kids were very excited about having food in the game room,” she says. “There are so many allergies and peculiar diets today that we don’t do many things with food.”

“When you’re investigating will power in a four-year-old, little things make a big difference,” he says. “How big should the marshmallows be? What kind of cookies work best?”

“I knew we’d designed it well when a few kids wanted to quit as soon as we explained the conditions to them,” he says. “They knew this was going to be very difficult.”

“If you’re thinking about the marshmallow and how delicious it is, then you’re going to eat it,” Mischel says. “The key is to avoid thinking about it in the first place.

“What’s interesting about four-year-olds is that they’re just figuring out the rules of thinking,” Mischel says. “The kids who couldn’t delay would often have the rules backwards. They would think that the best way to resist the marshmallow is to stare right at it, to keep a close eye on the goal. But that’s a terrible idea. If you do that, you’re going to ring the bell before I leave the room.”

“If you can deal with hot emotions, then you can study for the S.A.T. instead of watching television,” Mischel says. “And you can save more money for retirement. It’s not just about marshmallows.”

“In general, trying to separate nature and nurture makes about as much sense as trying to separate personality and situation,” he says. “The two influences are completely interrelated.”

“When you grow up poor, you might not practice delay as much,” he says. “And if you don’t practice then you’ll never figure out how to distract yourself. You won’t develop the best delay strategies, and those strategies won’t become second nature.”

“All I’ve done is given them some tips from their mental user manual,” Mischel says. “Once you realize that will power is just a matter of learning how to control your attention and thoughts, you can really begin to increase it.”

“We can’t give these people marshmallows,” Berman says. “They know they’re part of a long-term study that looks at delay of gratification, so if you give them an obvious delay task they’ll do their best to resist. You’ll get a bunch of people who refuse to touch their marshmallow.

“These tasks have been studied so many times that we pretty much know where to look and what we’re going to find,” Jonides says

“These are powerful instincts telling us to reach for the marshmallow or press the space bar,” Jonides says. “The only way to defeat them is to avoid them, and that means paying attention to something else. We call that will power, but it’s got nothing to do with the will.” 

“We’re incredibly complicated creatures,” Shoda says. “Even the simplest aspects of personality are driven by dozens and dozens of different genes.”

“They turned my kitchen into a lab,” Carolyn told me. “They set up a little tent where they tested my oldest daughter on the delay task with some cookies. I remember thinking, I really hope she can wait.”

“I’m not interested in looking at the brain just so we can use a fancy machine,” he says. “The real question is what can we do with this fMRI data that we couldn’t do before?” 


Mischel “This is the group I’m most interested in,” he says. “They have substantially improved their lives.”


Mischel “For the most part, it was an incredibly frustrating experience,” she says. “I gradually became convinced that trying to teach a teen-ager algebra when they don’t have self-control is a pretty futile exercise.” 


Duckworth “intelligence is really important, but it’s still not as important as self-control.”

“The core feature of the KIPP approach is that character matters for success,” Levin says. “Educators like to talk about character skills when kids are in kindergarten—we send young kids home with a report card about ‘working well with others’ or ‘not talking out of turn.’ But then, just when these skills start to matter, we stop trying to improve them. We just throw up our hands and complain.”


“When you do these large-scale educational studies, there are ninety-nine uninteresting reasons the study could fail,” Duckworth says. “Maybe a teacher doesn’t show the video, or maybe there’s a field trip on the day of the testing. This is what keeps me up at night.” 

“This is where your parents are important,” Mischel says. “Have they established rituals that force you to delay on a daily basis? Do they encourage you to wait? And do they make waiting worthwhile?” 

“We should give marshmallows to every kindergartner,” he says. “We should say, ‘You see this marshmallow? You don’t have to eat it. You can wait. Here’s how.’ ” 

These quotes help the writing more interesting and also help see the point of view from others.

3.  Note every introduction and/or biographical background for the “characters” in Lehrer’s text.  How do these function in the text? 

Marc Berman, a lanky graduate student with an easy grin, speaks about his research with the infectious enthusiasm of a freshman taking his first philosophy class. Berman works in the lab of John Jonides, a psychologist and neuroscientist at the University of Michigan, who is in charge of the brain-scanning experiments on the original Bing subjects

-This helps us understand who the people he uses in his argument are, and how they can fit in with his argument. The introductions also help the story become more readable, instead of just facts people are introduced to help support his thesis.

4.  Mark each time Lehrer offers a definition.   How elaborate is each definition?  What does the sequence of these mean in aggregate?

5.  Have you found any metaphors in this text?  Did you expect to find metaphors or metaphoric language in a scientific text?

I want some marshmellows

This put me in the mood for marshmellowssss...


"Don't" by Jonah Lehrer


Observing: narrative, simplified, descriptive, comparison, dialogue, locators.


"The kids who couldn't delay would often have the rules backwards"
    Instead of only eating one they would eat two right away when i left the room. so not only could they not wait to eat one, but they had to eat more than one. The rules of the experiment are to either eat one marshmallow right away or wait for a few minutes and then have two.
   The children who couldn't control their desire to eat the marshmallows showed that they didn't have stron self-control. They just enjoyed the treat. Self control is often directly related to one's ability to follow the rules. If the children have little restraint when it comes to something as insignificant as a marshmallow, how are they supposed to have restraint when, for instance, they see a cute sweater or something else they can't afford. 
  The rules that dictate this interaction are fairly simple, but fundamentally different. Children are not able to see the redeemable worth of the marshmallows, only their immediate value, and that affects their ability to follow the rules. Many products part of American consumerism demonstrate this...

Class Makes You Think

Things chefs DO:
chop
fry
wash
boil
grill
burn
sprinkle                  
sauté                      
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"Many different people use many different kinds of drugs for many different reasons."

iPods, who doesn't have one?

Ipods can be seen on almost everyone now a days. An ipod can be considered entertainment in the palm of your hand. People use them to play games, take and look at pictures, watch videos, and of course listen to music. The ipod helps bring people together by others playing games against each other, showing off pictures, watching videos and listening to music together. If someone has an ipod all of their friends have to get one as well.

Pantene Butterfly

   This is one of the longest commercials I have seen. Not only was this a very long commercial but barely ANY of it actually had to do with hair products. One thing that i did notice was the butterfly in the commercial. What was the purpose honestly? It's so obvious that the cocoon represents the girl coming out of her shell and becoming this beautiful butterfly. Although it seems cliché there is also a hidden meaning behind the butterfly. The logo of pantene used to be of a butterfly. Many people may not have known this, so the butterfly kind of has a double meaning! So now the butterfly actually has a meaning in the commercial.