Blog Party

My question is this: With the popularity of video games, Internet, and various smart phones increasing by the hour, is traditional reading on its way to becoming extinct and books becoming an endangered species? If so what can we do as a society to reverse this phenomenon and still foster a culture that embraces technology and advancement?

You probably already know that young people today are watching more telivision, surfing the web, playing video games, and doing all of the above on their cell phones, and doing less reading. Changes in young peoples reading habits are taking place at unpresidented levels and if we are not careful, the simple act of picking up a paper back book and reading it may someday become irrelevant and perhaps not even an option for many people.

A report released by the National Endowment for the Arts in 2007 highlights some scary statistics:

Only 30% of 13-year olds read almost every day.

Almost half of Americans between ages 18 and 24 never read books for pleasure.

The average person between the ages 15 and 24 spends 2 to 2.5 hours a day watching TV and only 7 minutes reading.

Books are simply losing the battle for kids and young adults spare time and it is starting to show at an intelectual level. The same report cited above found that the more books that are in a young persons home, the higher the test scores in science and math. Even more provacitive was the claim that, regardless of income, levels of reading for pleasure correlate closely with level sof social life. Probably the most sobering statistic of all was that only about one-third of high school seniors read at a proficient level. How are we ever going to compete with a world-wide work force if we are actually becoming less intelligent?

So how do we as a society continue to foster an enviroment that embraces technology and still promote the act of reading books for pleasure and eductional purposes, even when it is less convinent or accessible than our laptops and blackberries?

http://www.boston.com/news/education/k_12/articles/2007/11/19/young_people_reading

http://abcnews.go.com

Reading & Happiness By Lawerence Baines

Blog Entry 22

I dropped my absentee ballot in the mailbox yesterday and walked over to a nearby coffee shop afterwards to sit down and read the local paper. One of the articles quickly caught my eye. It was about the increased use of Internet by politicians to berate each other and sling the usual mud back and forth at eachother. The portion of the article that interested me was the part that spoke about the unregulation of facts and truths and that it was a virtual free for all between candidates and that when it came to cyber space, anything goes, regardless of validity. Apparently candidates know if they post a fact or make a claim in an newspaper article or interview that they can be called out on that at anytime, but the Internet is a little more murky. So whats the difference? I consider the Internet a reputable news source today, yes I know that anybody can get on a computer and post anything they want and rant and rave all day long. But what about official websites and personal pages like face book? Should they not be help accountable for the information they contain? With our increased reliance on the Internet and cyberspace growing by the hour we need to do a better job of holding people accountable for the information or misinformation that is contained in their websites and postings.

Blog Entry 21

For the scene response I chose a U-tube clip of Othello directed by Oliver Parker where Othello is played by actor Laurence Fishborn. The video begins just prior to Othello taking his own life where he is speaking to the group of men in the room and pleading his case and this is having a profound emotional effect on a few of the men who appear to have tears in their eyes as they witness the deep pain and sadness that Othello is feeling. Once Othello has said all he is going to say he abruptly stabs himself and crawls on the bed as the men all stand and watch. As we read the story Othello and watch the video clips we knew that the story was building up to a tragic climax and this particular video clip does a good job of showing us that dramatic conclusion. Laurence Fishborn also does a good job of projecting the anger, misery, and sadness that Othello must have been feeling that ultimately caused him to take his own life.

Blog Entry 20

"Had it pleased in heaven to try me with affliction, had they rained all kinds of sores and shames on my bare head, steeped me in poverty to the very lips, given to captivity me and my utmost hopes, I should have found in some place of my soul a drop of patience" (Shakespeare Pg. 987)

I think this moment in the play is important because Othello is reaching his breaking point and confronting Desdemona about his suspicions. The quote really sums up Othellos state of mind and illustrates just how depressed and angry he is at that very moment, and the reader gets a faint glimpse that things are about to get worse...

Blog Entry 19: Freestyle

My favorite reading subject is history. It has not always been that way, in fact I used to read exclusively fiction (King was my favorite) But as I grew older I found that fiction could not hold my attention like non-fiction subjects could. I am particularly fond of military history. I don't consider myself a big military buff, I am just really fascinated by how much war has shaped our world today and the unending extreme sacrifices made by men much younger than myself. It is for this reason that I feel kids should be required to study and read about World Wars I & II when they are in school. I was taught almost nothing in the public schools about those conflicts (and I actually liked history) Why is that? Whole Countries were created and eradicated, tens of millions of people were killed, and the worlds landscape was literally changed overnight from these two conflicts. I think the public schools could do a much better job of teaching history to its students, particularly military history, if for no other reason than perhaps it will help us avoid ever experiencing the horrors of a war like that again.

"I think my wife be honest and think she is not;
I think that though art just and think though art not."
(Shakespeare Pg. 967)

This quote describes the variety of emotions that are tearing Othello apart on Othello. He is now convinced that his wife is cheating on him and is wracked with anger and pain. I think this quote is important because Othello is not only angry with his wife, but he is tremendously embarrassed and feels like his reputation and name have now been tainted along with his wife.

Blog Entry 17

"I might have known she needed help! I know how things can be-for women. I tell you , its queer, Mrs. Peters. We live close together and we live far apart. We all go through the same things-its all just a different kind of the same thing." (Glaspell Pg. 818)

I chose this quote by Mrs. Hale in triffles because this is the point in the story where the reader starts to understand that Mrs. Hale, and for that matter, the rest of the women, are going to watch out for each other and understand each others trials. Obviously the women feel guilty for not spending time with each other and watching out for each other like they use to and each one secretly is unhappy with their married lives and can relate to making your husband "disappear."

Blog Entry 16

The scene in the gym when Oden and Hugo are working out together is pivotal because it really illustrates the conflict between the two and sets the tone for things to come. Oden has an opportunity to stand up to Hugo but Hugos personality and ability to manipulate is to strong for Oden. Had Oden been more confident in his relationship with his girlfriend he would not have let Hugo get into his head, however Hugos plan worked. I think this particular scene is important because you really begin to see Hugo for who he is, a master manipulator who will do anything or take advantage of anybody he thinks he needs to.

Blog Entry 15

Iran the enemy-truth or fiction?

With the exception of North Korea, no other Country is so often referred to as Americas Nemesis's as Iran is. In fact since the fall of Russia and the cold war I can think of no other Country that has been vilified as much as this Country. When most westerners think of Iran they think of fundamentalism, terrorism, and fanaticism. In all fairness this very well may be an accurate picture....but of who, the people or the Government? I know very little about Iran and its history and I certainly could stand to know more before ever making judgement. So what is the real Iran? Do they really hate Americans? Or does their Government just dislike our Government. I tend to think that most Iranians are loving, good natured people who get up and go to work everyday so that their children can have better lives than them. Sadly the political posturning and aggressive rhetoric between their leaders and ours leaves little opportunity for improves relations between our two great Countries.

Blog Entry 14: Quote Response

"Ok, enough of that. The real Islamic invasion has come from our own government." (Satrapi, Pg. 81)

This quote is in response to the comment made by a young Satrapi to her father that the Islamic invasion came from the Arabs while they are in their car driving. This frame is important in the novel because it really summarizes the struggle and cultural differences that are taking place in the story. Of particular interest is the fact that many of the people in Iran today are saying the same types of comments and blaming the Government for oppression, aggressive attitudes towards the West, and the resulting isolationism that has occurred. So my question is this; what has changed politically in the relationship between Government and the people since Persepolis was written? Have things stabilized, improved, or gotten worse? Lastly, is it possible that we will see another Revolution in the near future?

Blog Entry 13

"I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference"

Robert Frost, The Road Not Taken.

I chose this particular quote because it really sums up where he is going with this story and what message that he wants to convey to the reader. "Go out and make your own path in life, and you will be richer for having done so." I like this poem for several reasons and I think the fact that it is so well known and famous speaks for itself. How often do we really choose the more difficult path, the one that is harder to see and does not come with a guarantee?

Blog Entry 12: Poem Paraphrase

Robert Bridges, Triolet. 1890.

How could we possibly have known back then

That our love would change

Beyond common friendliness

When we first met who could have guessed

That things would change between us

That things could possibly be this bad

How could we have possibly known then

That our love would fade and with it our relationship

How could we have known that it would not last forever

Blog Entry 11

"The grey winds, the cold winds are blowing where I go" (Joyce Pg. 541) This short poem titled All Day I Hear and written by James Joyce in 1907 leaves you wondering exactly what it was that the author was trying to tell you. It could be about a fishermen going out on a stormy morning to catch fish, or a lonely sailor who misses his wife, or it could be about a homeless person who is living on the beach next to a busy port. Regardless of where the story takes place you cant help but feel a shiver and a little melancholy after reading the poem, which is what I suspect James Joyce wanted...

Blog Entry 10: Song Quote

The following song quote is from Ballad of Birmingham written by Dudley Randall in 1966.
"And march the streets of Birmingham to make our country free" (kennedy Pg. 526)
This quote really illustrates the passion of the girl and her desire to take part in a demonstration for equality in a difficult time, it also sets the ironic stage for what should be a safer alternative that actually ends in tragedy. I think the author wants the reader to understand the fear that black people were feeling in America during the civil rights movement and just one of the many unjust tragedies that occured during this era.

Blog Entry 9

Haiku is a writing style that appears to equal "short and sweet" in English writing style. I like the fact that the Japanese poets attempt to use more than just words, but imagery and current events like weather, seasons, or their surrounding to help illustrate a story or message. It is also a more bold and confident writing style because it leaves less material open for interpretation and usually only has one meaning. I look forward to the opportunity to learn more about this particular writing style more in this course. Can you think of a similar writing style used in English poetry or story telling?

Blog Entry 8- Poem Paraphrase

Tony Hoagland- Beauty. Page 758.

Any false hope that my sister was holding onto suddenly disappeared the day she suffered facial blemishes from the medications she was taking. She suddenly accepted and realized that the game was over.

But to my amazement the tears never came, in fact what I saw in those eyes was relief. My sister was tired of trying to win a game that could not be won, and now she was just......done.

She had spent her entire life from as far back as I could remember trying desperately to be that girl...you know one of those air-brushed make believe girls on the cover of one of the many magazines that you probably only notice when your waiting in a grocery store checkout line.

She had done her best to keep up with the magazine girls, a valiant effort really, and now she was waving her white flag around for all to see. Game over. She even looked a little amused by it all. Who would have thought?

The relief in her eyes said it all. She was finally happy and I got my sister back.

Post Entry 7

Computer or newspaper? Lately I have noticed that I get the vast majority of my news from the Internet and don't buy as many newspapers or news magazines. In fact the only magazine that I still read religiously is National Geographic. Does this make me a sell-out? My reasons for this conversion are simple, newspapers are not as green & Internet news is about as up to the minute accurate as you can get. I didn't intentionally set out to give up newspapers, it just sort of happened. Obviously I am not the only person who has made this decision, across the US major newspaper companies are going out of business at record levels as people turn to their computer for their primary source of news. Where do you get your news??

Blog Entry 6: Quote Response

" Whatever it was we were looking for, we weren't about to find it at Greasy Lake. Not that night." (Boyle, T. Pg. 115)

This quote from Greasy Lake really sums up the point of the story. Tonight is going to be different than other nights. Events will take place that have lasting physical and psychological effects on all of the players in this story, especially the primary character. They are going to know more about who they are than they ever will again on this night, and it will happen in a matter of minutes. Excitement, fear, rage, lust, fear again, sorrow, guilt, relief, and then ultimately loneliness. It all happens so fast and when the dust settles, Greasy Lake will never look the same.

Blog Entry 5

I just finished reading a book called The Lost City of Z written by David Grann. The read is a non-fiction story based on the legendary British explorer Percy Fawcett who in 1925, along with his son, disappeared deep in the Amazon jungle while searching for a fabled civilization that he referred to as Z. I would highly recommend this book if you like to read about adventure & survival.

Regardless of what I am reading, in order to really enjoy a book, the author has to have the ability to paint a picture so vividly and profoundly that I cant help but imagine myself right there, at that very moment that is being described. It is better than watching a movie (why is that?) and the next best thing than actually being there. Perhaps this is because when watching movies we are experiencing sensory overload and things are always dynamic and fluid. We miss the tiny details that when reading tune up the story. Books=details while movies=the big picture (no pun intended)

I enjoy watching movies but its refreshing to know that despite all of the technological advances and special effects, nothing beats a good book.

Blog Entry 4

"They were all on stage. They weren't only the audience, not only looking on; they were acting."
(Mansfield, Pg. 86)

I feel that this passage in the story is compelling because this revelation helps her cope with her lonely life and gives her daily ritual a purpose. Rather than being just another old and lonely woman she convinces herself that she is an actress in a play and attempts to infuse some excitement and glamour into what otherwise might be interpreted as a lonely old lady sitting on a park bench getting all dressed up for nothing. I wonder if she proceeds through the same emotional process each day or was the day in question ruined by the young couple on the bench? Regardless, this story is a good example of how various people find ways to cope with the feelings that accompany getting older and having your best days behind you, particularly if one does this alone. I don't know for certain if the author intended for this to be a sad short story or not....it certainly left me feeling that way.

Blog Entry 3: Freestyle

It comes as no surprise that Americans are putting down their books and replacing them with blackberries, home PCs, X-Box, and just about everything else you can think of. We have been slowly but surly outsourcing paper docs for electronic docs for years, you can barely survive in the world without a laptop computer. Kids are getting access to cellular phones soon after they speak there first words. Look at just about any formal job description and computer literacy will be at or near the top. Don't get me wrong, I do recognize all of the wonderful gifts that technology has provided us, I just don't want to see my entire life managed by a computer. Imagine a world wear all books, even libraries, are accessed via your home PC or blackberry. I'm sure there are those among us that would consider that technological advancement, I find it a little scary.

Blog Entry 2 Quote Response

"Then everybody's luck begins to run out. Lengel comes in from haggling with a truck full of cabbages on the lot and is about to scuttle into that door marked MANAGER behind he hides all day when the girls touch his eye" (Updike Pg 19)

This passage is important because it is when the story takes a marked turn and the primary change agent, Lengel, is introduced and confronts the three girls whom subsequently leave in earnest and causes the storyteller to abruptly quit on the spot. I think it is interesting because it quickly changes the entire plot and story line. The reader would be hard-presses to predict the final outcome of the story prior to the introduction of lengel. Another interesting aspect of this sentence is that it would seem that this is the straw that broke the camels back for the author, who is bored with the Small town he lives in and obviously already harbors some unhappiness with lengel, who finally pushes him over the edge when he confronts the three girls in the store.

ENGL 104 Blog Entry 1

Good evening,

My name is Jason and this will be my first ever blog post! I must say I was a little intimidated when I first discovered that I would be required to set up a blog account for this course but to my delight it was very simple and straightforward.

I am employed as firefighter in Washington State and am nearing the end of my college journey at EOU as I plan to complete my Degree in Fire Administration in Winter 2010. Like many other Pacific North westerners I enjoy spending time out doors when I am not working or attending to school work. Another hobby of mine is history, especially Egyptian and military history, and I very much enjoy reading about these two topics when I find the time.

I enjoy reading because it relaxes me and helps me unwind at the end of the day. Normally, unless I am on vacation, I only read at night before bed. When I was younger I read a balanced combination of fiction/non-fiction but as I have grown older I find that I only read non-fiction. The world around us is so fascinating and old that I find it difficult to waste my precious little personal reading time to subjects that are make-believe or never happened. I am not so sure this is a good thing but I find it hard to fight.

I took some time the other day to ask some of my co-workers what they read and why and here is what they had to say:

Steve- "I read mainly sports related material like Sports Illustrated and the occasional sports biography" As you can see Steve is a sports nut and when he is not reading about his favorite players in magazines he is following them on the Internet or the ESPN channel. When I inquired as to why Steve reads he replied "So I can have the best fantasy football team next year" Hmmm. Like I mentioned already, Steve is a sports fanatic.

Jeff- Jeff stated that he does not read nearly as much as he used to but when he gets the opportunity he enjoys reading fiction novels with a particular affinity for Steven King novels. Jeff stated that he enjoys reading because it keeps him from watching to much TV.

Grant- Grant enjoys learning about politics and likes to read about current and past political figures. Grant reads because he feels that people today don't have a good pulse on what is happening in the world around them and that it is his duty as a citizen to keep up on current events.

This concludes my first blog entry for ENGL 104 and I look forward to hearing from some of you soon, take care.

Jason