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October 31, 2005
Glass Menagerie 2
Williams, The Glass Menagerie (Finish) -- Drama as Literature (EL 250)
The Glass Menagerie by Tennessee Williams
“AMANDA: Don’t think about us, a mother deserted, an unmarried sister who’s crippled and has no job!”
Tom may have left, but he can’t rid himself of feelings of guilt. The memory of his family seems to haunt him.
Jim only likes Laura because she, like Tom, remembers his high school successes. She hero-worships him and he loves admiration. Jim has a lot in common with Amanda. They both have pasts that didn’t turn out as they expected, but they treasure nonetheless.
He thinks an easy cure for Laura’s insecurity would be for her to just start considering her positive qualities. He thinks public speaking courses will solve Tom’s wandering mind. In the end, Jim breaks Laura’s favorite glass figurine, just as he breaks whatever progress she was making.
After Jim leaves, Amanda doesn’t seem as disillusioned as she was throughout the play. She seems to realize that Tom is really going to leave, and she finally refers to Laura as being crippled.
Posted by Kayla Sawyer at 10:17 PM | Comments (1)
October 30, 2005
The Glass Menagerie
Williams, The Glass Menagerie (Scenes 1-5) -- Drama as Literature (EL 250)
The Glass Menagerie by Tennessee Williams
“AMANDA: My callers were gentlemen – all! Among my callers were some of the most prominent young planters of the Mississippi Delta – planters and sons of planters!”
Amanda wants both Tom and Laura to have bright futures. She wants Tom’s future to include her and for him not to leave like his father did. She wants Laura’s to be independent but to also mirror her own. Both Tom and Laura are growing up, and have futures that are motivated by their mother’s guilt trips. Tom wants a future that separates himself from his family. Amanda feels that Tom has a duty to the family because his father didn’t fulfill his.
Amanda cares about Laura’s future and wants her to have gentlemen callers. She is also lonely. Her husband is gone and her old friends are dead. She wants gentlemen callers because it will remind her of her own past. She wants to live through Laura. All three characters escape reality in their own way. Laura has her own world of glass and records, Amanda has her vibrant past, and Tom has alcohol and going to the movies.
Posted by Kayla Sawyer at 2:36 PM | Comments (2)
October 27, 2005
Sure Thing
Ives, "Sure Thing" -- Drama as Literature (EL 250)
Sure Thing by David Ives
BILL: I was just so excited after ten pages that I went out and bought everything else he wrote. One of the greatest reading experiences of my life…What do you think?BETTY: I think it’s pretty boring.
It’s a how-to guide on what to say and what not to say. It’s a bit like replaying a scene over and over again in your head, and wishing you would have said something clever. Only they actually get to re-do it until they get it right. Timing is very important and getting it right is never a “sure thing.” It’s interesting to see how a single wrong word can affect your interest in a person.
Is the bell ringing in the background just to show that they’ve started over, or is one of the characters ringing the bell? Betty, because she doesn’t like what Bill said, or Bill because he can tell he’s said the wrong thing and wants to start over?
Betty is certainly inconsistent in their opinions when she wants to be left alone. I can understand why she wouldn’t want to be bothered when reading The Sound and the Fury, it’s a confusing book.
Posted by Kayla Sawyer at 9:38 PM | Comments (3)
October 26, 2005
Shakespeare in Bush
Bohannon, "Shakespeare in the Bush" -- Drama as Literature (EL 250)
"Why was he no longer their chief?" "He was dead," I explained. "That is why they were troubled and afraid when they saw him." "Impossible," began one of the elders, handing his pipe to his neighbor who interrupted. "Of course it wasn't the dead chief. It was an omen sent by a witch. Go on!"
Although the Tiv cannot relate to the character of Hamlet (because he wants to kill his uncle – “for a man to raise his hand against his father's brother…that is a terrible thing”), they are genuinely interested in the story. I don’t think they came up with any new way of looking at Hamlet since the witch theory doesn’t really fit. Their own cultural prejudices got in the way of their identification with characters, but not in their appreciation.
An appreciation of literature is universal, but because different cultures will have different interpretations, not everyone will have the same response. In fact, I think that if the Tiv were to rewrite Hamlet, we wouldn’t even recognize it.
They have an understanding of the text. It may be skewed because of their way of life, but they do understand and enjoy it. Maybe understanding literature is a personal thing, and specific or correct interpretation doesn’t matter as much.
It’s interesting because like Bohannon’s British friend said there is only one true interpretation of Hamlet, the Tiv also believe that human nature is universal. They believe that witchcraft is the reasoning behind most strange occurrences, and that’s how it works worldwide.
Shakespeare is universal in the sense that everyone can appreciate it, but not that everyone will produce the same interpretation. I suppose if you can’t make heads or tails of Shakespeare, you could certainly sympathize with the Tiv. I mean, I appreciate the cultural differences, but I can’t help but feel that this was slightly exaggerated. Would they really not be familiar with the term “king”?
Posted by Kayla Sawyer at 6:37 PM | Comments (2)
October 24, 2005
Ophelia's End
Shakespeare, Hamlet (continued) -- Drama as Literature (EL 250)
Hamlet by Shakespeare
QUEEN GERTRUDE: One woe doth tread upon another's heel, So fast they follow; your sister's drown'd, Laertes.LAERTES: Drown'd! O, where?
I can understand why some folks believe Gertrude murdered Ophelia. Gertrude does know a lot of details about what happened to her. It does seem suspicious that Gertrude is able to go into so much detail about something that seemed to have happened over a significant amount of time, yet she did nothing to help Ophelia.
However, it is also possible to suspect that Ophelia didn’t kill herself. Maybe she was crazy and playing by a stream; it doesn't seem terribly unlikely that she fell in and just didn't save herself because she either couldn't or was just so out of her mind she didn't realize what was happening.
Though there is more evidence to support her suicide. Through the whole play, Ophelia is used by her father to get back at Hamlet, and used by the King to trap Hamlet, and ordered around by just about everyone. She's treated as a child, and probably has been her whole life, and I think that when you take away all the older men she has looked up to for so many years, like her father and Laertes – something snaps. She doesn’t know how to defend herself, and is so stricken with grief that she goes mad. Its like her little child mind has to grow up so quickly and she can't take it.
I definitely don’t think that Gertrude killed her. I imagine she was just unable to help her. She knew the story because Shakespeare couldn't really have someone drown on stage and the scene had to be described somehow. It also gave a dramatic effect. At the graveyard scene that follows, she seems to be the only one decently mourning Ophelia, while everyone else is caught up in some extraneous conflict.
Posted by Kayla Sawyer at 8:12 PM | Comments (1)
Ex 2-3b: Mock Crime Report
Ex 2-3b: Mock Crime Report
Local Houses Burn, Suspect Arrested
Three neighboring homes caught fire on Greasy Bacon Street Thursday night. Police arrested Romulus Lupus on three accounts of property damage and arson. The victims were three brothers, Pavel Cerdo, 42, Sebastian Cerdo, 47, and Bartholomew Cerdo, 54. The men had lived next-door to each other for years and are reported to have had similar experiences with Lupus in the past.
“He’d circle our house, waving his tire iron around, screaming at us,” said Bartholomew Cerdo. “At least, that’s how it started. He began by ripping out lawn ornaments, now it’s arson.”
“Last year he hurtled my mailbox through my dining room window, and if that’s not bad enough, he completely ruined my azaleas,” said Pavel Cerdo. “There’s just no excuse for this kind of behavior.”
Police estimate that each robbery was committed within the same hour. Reports indicate the cause of the fires were a series of Molotov cocktails that were thrown through the windows. An estimated damage of $30,000 affected the three homes.
“I don’t know what his problem is. He’s always had an unholy grudge against us,” said Sebastian Cerdo. “I mean, sure, I dated his sister a few years back and things didn’t exactly end on the best of terms. And yes, the kid looks a lot like me, but I’m just not interested.”
Neighbors reported having seen Lupus outside the homes of the three men for several hours before the arsons were reported. Several neighbors recall witnessing the harassment incidents made by Lupus, but decline coming forward to testify. A trial date has been set for Nov. 16.
“We can’t force people to testify. It’s their civic duty and if they want to ignore it, so be it,” said Police Chief William Silver. “Nevertheless, we are proceeding with the evidence we have.”
Posted by Kayla Sawyer at 8:05 PM | Comments (2)
P2: Feature Article Pitch
P2: Feature Article Pitch
P2: Feature Article Pitch
An article about CRAFT: For such a new club, it’s surprisingly well structured. I had expected to find a few people sitting around making hemp necklaces. I couldn’t believe how goal-oriented they all were. For example, they’ve only had three meetings but they’re already working on making 200 bracelets to give away at the Night on Haunted Hill. They’re also contributing to Haunted Hill by doing face painting. I’m sure they’ll have some Christmas project as well.
Moira Richardson is in charge of the group and is genuinely interested in using the club to improve SHU and the community. They’d like to sponsor other SHU activities. They’re interesting in providing donations to organizations like Campus Ministry, holding auctions of their own products to raise money for specific causes, and beautifying the campus.
I’ve only attended one meeting. Although my name is on the mailing list, I have no plans of attending future meetings (except to get quotes from other members). I also have no intention of becoming a member of the club; I have no talent in such areas and only cause destruction with anything involving yarn, beads, and especially needles.
Posted by Kayla Sawyer at 8:03 PM | Comments (0)
October 23, 2005
We the Media (Intro, Ch. 1, 2)
We the Media by Dan Gillmor (Intro, Ch. 1, 2)
We the Media by Dan Gillmor (Intro, Ch. 1, 2)
“Our worst enemy may be ourselves. Corporate journalism, which dominates today, is squeezing quality to boost profits in the short term. Perversely, such tactics are ultimately likely to undermine us.”
I appreciate how this book views the idea of journalism being a corporation as a negative thing. It seemed as though The Elements of Journalism didn’t mind the idea. My interpretation from Elements of Journalism was that the corporation was just how it is, and there wasn’t anything to do about it. This book is much more inspiring.
Posted by Kayla Sawyer at 5:38 PM | Comments (2)
Best Practices (23-35)
Best Practices for Newspaper Journalists by Robert Haiman (23-35)
Best Practices for Newspaper Journalists by Robert Haiman (23-35)
If reading back quotes is a way to keep things fair and accurate, and making sure children aren’t exploited is important, then maybe reading back the quotes of children to their parents would be fair. They’d be less like to try to doctor their quotes. Since they’ve never encountered the press before and are experiencing tragedy, I think it might be the right opportunity to read back quotes.
Posted by Kayla Sawyer at 2:54 PM | Comments (0)
October 22, 2005
Best Practices (13-23)
Best Practices for Newspaper Journalists by Robert Haiman (13-23)
Best Practices for Newspaper Journalists by Robert Haiman (13-23)
There’s not much of a point in making corrections if the people you’re making them for don’t even understand them.
I really wouldn’t mind having my faults publicly displayed, but only if I got the $50 bonus when I was actually doing well. I think that's the key – finding a happy medium between the public wants and what the newspaper staff has time for. A way of making corrections that is honest and unpretentious, but also effective and not so time-consuming.
Posted by Kayla Sawyer at 7:16 PM | Comments (0)
October 21, 2005
Lab
Friday's Lab
There were several angles to choose from. I went with whatever one I had the most facts for. In the first reading I was simply gathering facts. I was able to understand the story better during the second reading.
There were two pairs of inmates and I kept confusing what facts went with which ones. The information about the hostage seemed random since it didn't go into any detail about what exactly happened to her. I didn't understand if the same town had been suffering from prison breaks or if they occurred in separate towns in Oklahoma. I assumed it was the same town, since it mentioned how residents were questioning the competence of the prison. If it was the same town that has been suffering from escaped prisoners, I think that's just as important as the inmate that was apprehended.
Posted by Kayla Sawyer at 11:47 PM | Comments (0)
Love
Shakespeare, Hamlet (Acts 3-5) -- Drama as Literature (EL 250)
“Polonius: It shall do well. But ye do I believe The origin and commencement of his grief Sprung from neglected love.”
Hamlet is terribly disillusioned by love. Act III scene I (where Hamlet is arguing with Ophelia) is a perfect example. He rejects her and tells her to go to a nunnery, as in no more conjugal love. He also says that there will be no more marriages. He’s mainly disillusioned with the female fickleness of love, as the only person he seems to really trust is Horatio. He loses faith in Ophelia and Gertrude.
In Act III scene II, he remarks on the prologue of the play, "Is this a prologue, or the posy of a ring?" Ophelia responds "'Tis brief, my lord." To which Hamlet has the bitter response of, "As woman's love."
Also – the play within the play (“The Mousetrap”) is all about an unfaithful spouse who immediately remarries after her husband dies.
In general, just look in Act III scenes I and II. Those scenes are loaded with Hamlet-Ophelia fights.
Note: Although you could argue that Hamlet seems unaffected by almost everything in Act V, except Ophelia's funeral.
Posted by Kayla Sawyer at 8:43 PM | Comments (2)
October 20, 2005
The AP Stylebook
The AP Stylebook (p. 338-368)
The AP Stylebook (p. 338-368)
Wow. So happy I’m not majoring in law. “The Summary of First Amendment Rules” on page 354 was the most helpful.
“The definition of slander is thus more narrow than that of libel in California – so the speaker you quote may not be guilty of slander, but your written publication of the same matter may constitute a libel.”
I thought that was part of a quote being a human voice. Quotes are not allowed to have bias? I had thought they could say as many outrageous things they’d like, because the quotations made it all right.
It gives examples what is allowed in certain states and how things are defined differently. I had thought the rules of journalism were universal, not different in some states.
Posted by Kayla Sawyer at 6:04 PM | Comments (1)
Words
Shakespeare, Hamlet (Acts 1 & 2) -- Drama as Literature (EL 250)
Hamlet has a relationship to words.
In Act II, scene II in which Polonius asks Hamlet what he's reading and Hamlet responds "Words, words, words." Polonius asks him what the words are about, and Hamlet just basically insults Polonius and acts crazy. In the line described, Hamlet shows his disconnection to communication, and instead focuses on his love of words. Hamlet has big issues with communicating things to other people.
If you go back to the parts of the play in which Hamlet organizes the players, Hamlet chooses a play using very flowery, ornate language. No one watching the play likes it, except Hamlet. They all think it's too much. Hamlet must love the words because there are certainly easier, more relatable ways to tell a play.
Hamlet quotes from memory part of a speech, about the Greeks, in order to demonstrate to the player which play he's referring to. Hamlet seems to hold the play and the players in very high regard. Really, the Greek stories themselves are an old style. Polonius says afterwards, "This is too long," about the speech made by the player.
The play itself really is where the language starts to show its verbosity. If you look at Act III, scene II, you'll see the player King say, "Full thirty times hath Phoebus' cart gone round, Neptune's salt wash and Tellus' orbed ground…" etc. Essentially, all the player is saying is "thirty days ago..." but the play is evoking this high style, with Phoebus and Neptune, the gods. Hamlet asks how Gertrude likes the play and she says, "The lady doth protest too much, methinks." You can see that in the way of the player Queen being too wordy, in addition to the most obvious parallel between Gertrude and the player queen. It's not really an example of Hamlet's wordiness, per se, but it's his love of words.
Hamlet thinks about afterlife and suicide. He's in love with ideas, even if he can't relate to them yet, such as death. In the beginning of Act III, he goes on and on about death, yet he doesn't understand anything about it until the graveyard scene.
Posted by Kayla Sawyer at 4:14 PM | Comments (0)
October 13, 2005
B1-2: Blogging Portfolio
B1-2: Blogging Portfolio
Text:
Coverage, Timeliness: AP Guide to News Writing (Ch 5 to 7): I mentioned the power of language and commented on the danger of loaded words in Lorin Schumacher's blog.
Discussion: The Elements of Journalism (Ch 6 - 8): I talked about investigative reporting in television news, and the drama involved. In Lorin Schumacher blog, I mentioned that the text is useful in that it shows what mistakes are often made and what not to do.
Coverage, Timeliness: The Elements of Journalism (Ch 9 & 10): I talked about how newspapers evolve as a country does, and questioned the declining popularity of news in relation to the declining structure of the family. I also posted my question in Jason Pugh's blog. In Jenna OBrocto's blog, I mentioned pictures of the deceased in relation to conscious journalism.
Articles:
P1: Homecoming Article: For my homecoming article, I covered the Silent Auction.
Ex 2-1b: Morgan Spurlock article: In my article “Morgan Spurlock initiates “Inspiring Perspective,” my angle was why he was chosen to speak at SHU and the solutions he proposed.
Timeliness: Ex 0-1: Entertainment/Sports Writing: I chose to cover SHU Theatre’s performance of “Fuddy Meers.” I gave a summary as well as quoted student’s reactions.
Depth, Discussion, Timeliness: Ex. 2-2: Editorial: In “New Position in Abortion Debate,” I chose to cover the new and alternative position of pro-both.
Xenoblogging
The Comment Primo:
- Jason Pugh's blog entry on The Elements of Journalism (Ch 9 & 10).
My Wildcard are the very few ideas I have for the summer issue of the Setonian for Media Lab.
Posted by Kayla Sawyer at 12:14 AM | Comments (0)
October 12, 2005
Wildcard
Wildcard.
I’ve finally come up with a few article ideas for the Summer Orientation issue of the Setonian. They’re rather simple and I’m not sure I’d be able to come up with 1200-words. I tried to think about my own experiences, but I really haven’t any.
It’s very late, but this is what I’ve got:
An article for parents about how to adapt now that their kid has left home and moved away to college. Something about the hobbies they could pick up. I’m not sure if it’s all right to use examples from my own life in the article. If so, I could talk about how my parents have bought Tivo and adopted it as if it were a member of the family. I’ve had to listen to hours of descriptions of all its neat tricks and talents. They’ve also had to rely on each other more. They’re working more and cooking less. They’ve discovered an interest in recreational biking and have started reconnecting with old friends.
My only other idea is: Roommate Horror Stories – You can’t go wrong with roommate horror stories. Everybody loves them, and I think the general rule is: the more terrifying, the better. I would like to write about how to resolve any situation, no matter how unpleasant, without poison or physical violence.
This is something I actually have experience in.
I live in a world of headphones. Just like all you need to hitchhike the galaxy is a towel, one can survive any roommate situation with headphones. Soulless, mechanical pop music 24/7 and every night from ten to two – the boyfriend calls. Every day she gives me more and more material to work with, so I can see this as being easily updated. Would I be allowed to refer to my own situation? Perhaps if I used a different name or referred to her as “The Roommate”? If not, I still wouldn’t mind writing about roommate problems. I could give a general overview on how to actually tolerate your roommate on a regular basis, without giving into the temptation to assassinate them Trotsky-style.
Posted by Kayla Sawyer at 9:50 PM | Comments (3)
Morgan Spurlock initiates “Inspiring Perspective”
Ex 2-1b: Morgan Spurlock article
Morgan Spurlock initiates “Inspiring Perspective”
Seton Hill University (SHU) hosted a lecture by Morgan Spurlock in Cecilian Hall Thursday. The lecture was part of their “Inspiring Perspective” series, which features well-known speakers and performers.
“He was chosen because his presentation is both entertaining and informational. It appeals to students as well as faculty,” said Dr. Daniel Bernstein of the hospitality and tourism department. “That’s what Seton Hill looks for – someone who will appeal to everyone.”
A writer, director, and producer, Spurlock has completed 60 projects over the past 12 years. His film Super Size Me, which gave a dark look into the fast food industry, won the Best Director Award at the Sundance Film Festival. Six weeks after the movie premiered, McDonalds’s sales plummeted 75%.
“I think he’s a positive role model for Seton Hill students because he was rejected from film school five times but still persevered and went on to be nominated for an Academy Award,” said Bernstein.
“He’s the intellectual version of “Jackass.” He asks us to examine ourselves,” said introductory speaker Dr. Frank Klapack of the communication department.
During the lecture, topics ranged from food, McDonalds statistics, post-movie changes, and corporate as well as personal responsibility.
“Obviously it’s not a shock to find out that eating at McDonalds three times a day is going to be bad for you. I mean, what’s another word for fast food? Junk food! It’s called junk for a reason,” said Bernstein.
After the movie, Spurlock had gained 25 pounds in 30 days and had to work hard to regain his health. After eight weeks of being on a detox diet, he had lost 10 pounds and his cholesterol dropped significantly. It took 14 months to lose all 25 pounds.
“It’s made me a conscious consumer. Suddenly I became aware of what I was putting in my mouth,” said Spurlock. “Time and money are most important to us. Health is last. We need to make health a habit. Every time I use my fork I make a choice,” said Spurlock.
When asked what changes he would like to see McDonalds take, Spurlock said, “Stop manipulating kids, stop targeting kids, stop targeting kid’s movies. Then maybe we’ll have a level playing field. Get fast food back to being a rarity, a treat.”
”The information he presents is very interesting and very scary. Definitely should give us pause to think about how we are living our lives, what we are doing to ourselves, our children, etc,” said Dr. Charmaine Strong of student services.
Posted by Kayla Sawyer at 2:10 PM | Comments (0)
Silent Auction: a Soundless Success
Silent Auction: a Soundless Success
Seton Hill University (SHU) held its Silent Auction Sunday. Proceeds benefited the SHU Parents Association, which uses the money for student-related services like lounge chairs or games. Kathy Fajt and Charmaine Strong of the department of student services led the auction and mailed information to families explaining how the funds would be used.
”It’s a fun event, parents like to get involved, the bidding adds some excitement,” said Strong.
Items were located in the McKenna Center the following weekend. Among the items displayed were baked goods, gift baskets, lamps, blankets, jewelry, candles, and Steelers tickets.
“It was the biggest selection I’ve seen so far, and parents brought more in as they came. It’s great that the money goes back to Seton Hill. Now that we’ve got the football team, the donations should grow even bigger,” said Margaret Dominick, student services administrative assistant.
The Silent Auction has received many different items in the past.
“There are always a lot of unique handcrafted items. I remember someone once donated a hand-made Seton Hill quilt. We also had a family that would always donate zucchini bread. Every year people would look for that zucchini bread,” said Fajt.
Bids closed at 5 p.m. and winners were announced at dinner in Lowe Dining Hall. Although $1,000 was raised this year, more items than cash donations were received.
“It made things more interesting for the bidding war,” said Fajt. “There was more parent participation this year and people were really interested in the items up for auction. Everything had at least one bid.”
Posted by Kayla Sawyer at 2:08 PM | Comments (0)
October 11, 2005
Doctor Faustus by Christopher Marlowe
Doctor Faustus by Christopher Marlowe
Doctor Faustus by Christopher Marlowe
“Shall I make spirits fetch me what I please, Resolve me of all ambiguities, Perform what desperate enterprise I will? I’ll have them fly to India for gold, Ransack the ocean for orient pearl, And search all corners of the new-found world For pleasant fruits and princely delicates. I’ll have them read me strange philosophy And tell the secrets of all foreign kings. I’ll have them…” (you get the idea)
Faustus uses knowledge as a form of control. He doesn’t see it as a way to better himself, only to make himself better than others. He said he wants to be like a god – who has more control than a god? He might have a lot of knowledge, but he doesn’t have the position of a king to make full use of his knowledge.
He also seems to want more servants. He has Wagner, who seems pretty intellectual and could probably do a bit of mental sparing with Faustus if he only asked. Faustus was in such a hurry to have Mephistopheles to order around when all this time he had Wagner. Mephistopheles wouldn’t even give Faustus everything he asked for while Wagner served Faustus out of love:
“WAGNER. Sir, so wondrous well As in all humble duty I do yield My life and lasting service for your love.”
Posted by Kayla Sawyer at 7:45 PM | Comments (0)
AP Guide to Newswriting (Ch. 9 + 10)
The AP Guide to Newswriting (Ch. 9 + 10)
The AP Guide to Newswriting (Ch. 9 + 10) by Rene Cappon
“Somewhere in almost every story on Adm. Poindexter testifying at the Iran-Contra hearings, the adjective “pipe-puffing” surfaced, without ever achieving relevance.A story on a woman desperately telephoning police for help notes – in the lead, no less – that her phone was “cream-colored.” What’s the difference?
In stories on court procedures, writers seem to feel compelled to describe the principals’ clothes.”
Is this the same for editorials and features? Are the specific details allowed for those? I know that straight news is about the facts and editorials are about informing, persuading, and entertaining. I'm confused about features - the structure, in particular. Are they suppose to be written in the same concise manner?
Posted by Kayla Sawyer at 7:09 PM | Comments (0)
Elements of Journalism (Ch. 9 + 10)
The Elements of Journalism (Ch. 9 + 10)
The Elements of Journalism (Ch. 9 + 10) by Bill Kovach and Tom Rosenstiel
“As the immigrants of the 1880s and 1890s became more Americanized, the papers changed with them, becoming more middle class and more literary. The New York World of 1910 was a far more sober paper than the World of twenty years before.”
I like the idea that the paper evolves as people change. The style was simple for immigrants and the editorials taught them how to be citizens. Long after that they were complicated and required a college degree to understand them. What stays the same is the fact that the paper involved people: “…would gather nights after work to talk about what was in the papers, or to read to each other and discuss the highlights of the day.”
“Today, young people have demonstrably less interest in or need for the news than earlier generations.” Is news less popular because the family structure is more strained and complicated now?
Posted by Kayla Sawyer at 7:06 PM | Comments (0)
Elements of Journalism (Ch. 6 - 8)
The Elements of Journalism (Ch. 6 - 8)
The Elements of Journalism (Ch. 6 - 8) by Bill Kovach and Tom Rosenstiel
“On television, the primary medium for news, the prime-time magazine and I-team segment have effectively replaced the documentary or any other long-form investigative reportage.”
There seems to be more investigative reporting in television news. There are I-teams, which basically consist of clips of people shouting at reporters and slamming doors in their face. It’s as if they want us to know all the hard work they had to do. In print journalism - it’s subtler. They just expose, and never say, “I investigated…” They just put it out there without pointing out their involvement.
Posted by Kayla Sawyer at 7:04 PM | Comments (2)
October 10, 2005
New Position in Abortion Debate
New Position in Abortion Debate
Out of the deadlock of the abortion debate has risen a new, less narrow, and less popular view. It’s called “pro-both” and it is the idea of being against abortion, but also against criminalizing it.
It’s about working to eliminate abortion through social changes like better sex education with a combination of both abstinence education and contraceptives education. Also on the agenda is better housing for women at risk of domestic violence, better provision of childcare centers and adoption agencies, better access to healthcare to encourage women to continue with pregnancies, as opposed to legislative rulings against abortion.
Jan Wolter of Pro-Both.org recently developed a position paper on the subject and started it’s website in April. The pro-both position has been slowly growing on forums and blogs on both ends of the spectrum.
“Pro-both suggests an active, coordinated program aimed at reducing abortions. To undertake that is to send a very clear message that our society expects us to act like responsible, reasoning adults, even in the emotionally charged domain of sex,” said Wolter. “It asks people to use their brains, to have foresight, and expresses faith that a society of free people can solve hard problems if they do that, without resorting to the tactics of oppression.”
To believers of either side, such a position is almost more offensive than the polar opposite. There is a deep distrust between pro-life and pro-choice supporters. If you are in complete agreement with one argument, the very idea of yielding to another can seem unacceptable.
“The problem with this "pro-both" concept is that what they describe as "pro-both" is actually the pro-choice stance. The choice movement is about all kinds of education and access issues, family, and self-esteem,” said Sander Bellman on Blog for Democracy.org.
“I think one of the good things about it is that it challenges pro-choice people as well as pro-life people. It suggests a change in emphasis for progressives that are quite profound,” said Wolter. “I strongly suspect that any new frame that doesn't upset the way that we think about the world is too tame to upset the way your opponents look at the world. If it doesn't shake us up, then it is just a new word for an old idea, and isn't likely to displace an established word for the same idea.”
“What is suggested is an ideal world with responsible individual and community behavior on all levels, which would all but eliminate the need for abortions and would be much more effectively focused on social justice and compassion issues, to celebrate and protect life after birth,” said Scott Logan, moderator at the Rockridge Institute forum. “It is an idealism that speaks to a process, a commitment to establishing a comprehensive change in behavior.”
There has been a series of legislative plans known as the “Prevention First Act of 2005,” which are similar to the pro-both agenda. They would provide funding for family planning services, funds for teenage pregnancy prevention programs, require that hospitals provide information about emergency contraceptives to rape victims, and allow states to expand Medicaid coverage of family planning services to people with incomes up to double the poverty level.
Pro-both has no campaign, no advertisements, and no organizations to donate money to. It challenges both parties in the abortion debate, and offers hope to break from the deadlock and move forward. To support pro-both, write to your senators and congressmen in support of these bills.
Posted by Kayla Sawyer at 11:43 PM | Comments (4)
SHU Theatre Performs “Fuddy Meers”
Ex 0-1: Entertainment/Sports Writing
SHU Theatre Performs “Fuddy Meers”
Production of Seton Hill University’s Fuddy Meers by David Lindsey-Abaire begun on Friday and will continue through the 15th of October. Exact dates and time vary but all performances are held in Reeves Theatre. Denise Pullen, assistant professor of theatre, directs the play.
Fuddy Meers is a dark comedy that centers around Claire, a mentally traumatized woman whose memory erases itself every night. One typical morning, a man in a ski mask emerges from underneath her bed with a message that she’s in danger.
From then on Claire’s journeys to discover the memories she’s forgotten and the cause of her amnesia. Other characters include her good-natured husband with a shady past, her stroke-victim mother who speaks in a jumbled language, a druggie teenaged son, a criminal cop, and a strange man who carries a foul-mouthed puppet.
“I thought the play was funny and energetic. There were a lot of good scenes and great lines. I thought the actors did a really great job portraying their characters,” said freshmen Sarah Slates. “The guy with the puppet was hilarious and he did such a good job with the voice.”
The student cast list is as follows: Steven Clemens as Richard; Adrian Concha as Kenny; Miquel Doby as Heidi; Adrienne Fischer as Claire; Jeffrey Gettemy as Limping Man; Jonathan P. Stewart as Millet; and Jamie Lynn Williams as Gertie.
“The cast was perfect. They couldn’t have cast it better,” said freshmen Nicole Vaccaro, who was part of the production’s costume crew. “It was choreographed really well too. Even in the scenes where everyone was running into each other, nobody actually ran into each other.”
“My favorite scene is the one when everyone is running around the kitchen shouting at each other, threatening each other, and stabbing things and pointing guns at people. It doesn't sound like it would be very funny, but when you are trying to take all that is going on on-stage, the pure pandemonium is delightful to watch,” said freshmen Lorin Schumacher.
“I’d definitely recommend the play to other SHU students. Even after you watch it, you think about it and laugh,” said Vaccaro.
Posted by Kayla Sawyer at 11:41 PM | Comments (0)
October 9, 2005
Faustus and Everyman
Marlowe, Faustus (to end of Act II) -- Drama as Literature (EL 250)
Doctor Faustus by Christopher Marlowe
“These metaphysics of magicians And necromantic books are heavenly; Lines, circles, letters, characters – Ay, these are those that Faustus most desires. O, what a world of profit and delight, Of power, of honor, and omnipotence Is promised to the studious artisan!”
As Katie Aikins said in her blog: “This play is sort of reminiscent of Everyman, except Faustus seems more power hungry than the character Everyman because he is the one who wants to gain power, and he chooses the means through which he will gain it.”
Everyman and Doctor Faustus are also alike in conflict. There’s a sort of struggle going on throughout the play, and the struggle is for their soul.
It’s easier to identify with Everyman that it is Faustus. Everyman’s name is universal and his sins are nonspecific. Not everyone can relate to Faustus because not everyone has such an unhealthy desire for knowledge.
Faustus is a more pro-active character as well. Everyman was just going about his day, while Faustus goes out of his way to find the devil.
Posted by Kayla Sawyer at 7:14 PM | Comments (1)
October 6, 2005
York Corpus Christi Plays
Anonymous, York Corpus Christi Plays -- Drama as Literature (EL 250)
York Corpus Christi Plays
Creation and the Fall of Lucifer, The Crucifixion, and A Christ Taken Prisoner
"Thereupon the Judge proclaimed: sententia, Firstly, Judas to be given the birch for a scoffer of God. Secondly, the Alguazil to have himself physicked at his own cost. Thirdly, St. Peter to be set free, as a pious and faithful apostle, and the Lord likewise. The merchant to forfeit that which the Lord owes unto him and to make no further claims upon him for all eternity."
All three focus on pain and suffering as punishment. Lucifer is punished for choosing vanity over praising God in Creation and the Fall of Lucifer, and Jesus is punished for speaking out against the Romans in The Crucifixion. The actors playing Alguazil and Judas are punished for fighting during the play in A Christ Taken Prisoner.
Jesus forgives the people who crucify him just as the Judge in A Christ Taken Prisoner forgives the actors playing St. Peter and the Lord.
Posted by Kayla Sawyer at 2:31 PM | Comments (2)
October 4, 2005
Limping Man and Richard
Lindsay-Abaire, Fuddy Meers -- Drama as Literature (EL 250)
Fuddy Meers by David Lindsay-Abaire
“LIMPING MAN. Well whoopty-doo. There you have it, all wrapped up in a big red bow. (To Kenny.) You done, kid?CLAIRE. You shouldn’t be so flip.
LIMPING MAN. But Claire, the whole point ith I’m not that perthon anymore.”
I think it’s interesting that the person Limping Man swears he’s transformed into – is Richard. Richard has reformed in every way that Limping Man thinks he has. Their difference lies in the fact that Richard prefers to confront his past and his problems, while Limping Man would rather never speak of them and promise that they’re all in the past. He needs to honestly acknowledge the terrible things he’s done before he can improve.
Posted by Kayla Sawyer at 8:17 PM | Comments (2)
October 3, 2005
AP Guide to News Writing (Ch. 5 - 7)
AP Guide to News Writing (Ch. 5 - 7)
AP Guide to News Writing (Ch. 5 - 7)
There's a certain power in language. You can see it in the many different connotations a word can have, and how it can show emotional overtones even when used innocently. I never realized how careful you had to be. From the examples given in chapter seven, loaded words can be very dangerous.
I think journalese can often be found in weather reports. They’re rarely stoic and often say things like “pelted with hail,” especially during storms when they want to sound urgent. They also typically mention how the weather will affect our mood.
Posted by Kayla Sawyer at 10:59 PM | Comments (1)
October 1, 2005
Good Deeds is stuck...why?
Anonymous, ''Everyman'' -- Drama as Literature (EL 250)
Everyman by Anonymous
"Good-Deeds: Here I lie cold in the ground; Thy sins hath me sore bound, That I cannot stir."
Question: Good Deeds was trapped in the ground because Everyman was perfectly able to do good deeds, but chose to ignore them in favor of money, “fleshy lust,” etc.? And now Good Deeds is buried under all those sins? Or was it stuck in the ground because Everyman never did any good deeds in the first place? The first makes more sense to me, but I’m not sure if it's right…
"Death: I am Death, that no man dreadeth.
For every man I rest and no man spareth;
For it is God’s commandment
That all to me should be obedient."
I can imagine this play being very good at scaring people into going to church and behaving themselves (back in the fifteenth century). What do you think?
Posted by Kayla Sawyer at 10:47 PM | Comments (5)
Wildcard
Wildcard
So wild.
Everyone must go see the movie Serenity.
You might know it as Firefly on the SciFi channel (Fridays at 7:00p.m.). Fox used to carry the show a few years ago, but like it does with all its decent shows, it was cancelled. (The first season can still be purchased/picked up at your local library.)
If you like action and perfectly witty dialogue - you'll love Serenity. My only complaint is that two hours aren't enough! I want 22 episodes. And another 22 after that. But I'll settle for seeing this movie a couple more times, and hopefully a sequel in two years.
Some links to some Serenity reviews (all positive):
NY Times
Salon
Entertainment Weekly
The Daily News
Posted by Kayla Sawyer at 5:33 PM | Comments (0)
Oral Presentation Paper Reflection
Oral Presentation Paper Reflection
Post-Peer Changes
Oral Presentation Paper Reflection
Post-Peer Changes
It was said that I went off-topic and started comparing the level of comfort of Poncelet and Young Woman’s prison stay. The people in my group noted that neither of them had a pleasurable prison stay, so there wasn’t much point in including the tiny differences. That was deleted. I also changed the voice of that paper from past tense to present tense.
Although the people in my group appreciated my handout that used quotes to specifically compare Poncelet and Young Woman’s last words and execution, I wasn’t able to include it in the paper. It would have been too long and would have been way too many quotes. Instead, I decided to paraphrase the differences without textual evidence. This enabled me to maintain the specific details and save space.
Posted by Kayla Sawyer at 5:01 PM | Comments (0)
Blogging Portfolio 1
Blogging Portfolio 1
Blogging Portfolio 1
Coverage, Timeliness: Heart in the Ground by Douglas Hill: Lee’s mysterious past and Bill’s history.
Coverage, Depth, Discussion, Interaction, Timeliness: Trifles by Susan Glaspell: Mrs. Wright’s instantaneous guilty verdict and the superior investigative skills of Mrs. Peter and Mrs. Hale.
Coverage: Catholic Social Teaching by Sister Dorothy Jacko: principles applied to Heart in the Ground by Douglas Hill, Trifles by Susan Glaspell, and Traction by Erik Ramsey.
Discussion, Interaction, Timeliness: Traction by Erik Ramsey: questioned the images in the Wheel.
Coverage, Interaction, Timeliness: Part 1 of A Doll’s House by Henrik Ibsen: explored the danger of Nora’s interest in money. I talked about Nora’s sneakiness in David Denninger’s blog. I questioned the dialogue between Nora and Helmer in Katie Aikins’s blog entry “A Doll House.”
Coverage, Timeliness: How to Read Literature like a Professor by Thomas Foster (Into. – pg. 22): applied it to Ch. 2 of A Doll’s House and compared Krogstad to a vampire. In David Denninger’s blog I brought up how Krogstad is a desperate man.
Coverage: Part 2 of A Doll’s House by Henrik Ibsen: took a closer look at Dr. Rank’s character. I also gave my opinion on Dr. Rank in Rachel Prichard’s blog and mentioned Nora’s dramatic change in attitude in David Denninger’s blog.
Interaction, Timeliness: The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde: Algernon’s clever perceptiveness. I gained some knowledge about the unique title in Katie Aikins’s blog entry “The Importance of Being Earnest”.
Interaction, Timeliness: Part 1 of Machinal by Sophie Treadwell: what was happening at the other tables in the bar. In Lorin Schumacher’s blog I compared Young Woman to Karen from Heart in the Ground.
Interaction, Timeliness: Part 2 of Machinal by Sophie Treadwell: Young Woman’s name change. In Lorin Schumacher’s blog I mentioned the song that may have inspired her to kill her husband. In David Denninger’s blog I disagreed with the idea that Young Woman was sacrificing herself for love. I made some comments about the headlines in Katie Aikins’s blog entry “Machinal (Finish).” In Denamarie Ercolani’s blog I gave my opinion on the themes of the play. I noted the differences in Young Woman and Mrs. Wright (of Trifles) in Gina Burgese’s blog entry “Same Ending; Different Story.”
Timeliness: The Jeweller's Shop by Karol Wojtyla: my annoyance with the Jeweller. In David Denninger’s blog I mentioned how I enjoyed that the characters gave their different points-of-view.
Coverage, Depth, Timeliness: Dead Man Walking by Tim Robbins, Sister Helen Prejean: supportive characters. In Lorin Schumacher’s blog, we discussed the use of the word “victim”. I brought up the usefulness of killing characters in David Denninger’s blog.
Coverage, Depth: Informal Oral Presentation: comparing Poncelet and Young Woman’s team of support and how it impacted their choices before death. The lovely folks in my group gave fantastic presentations (reflection) and gave excellent advice about my own (reflection).
Coverage, Interaction, Timeliness: Part 1 of Oedipus the King by Sophocles: irony and its importance in the play. In Kevin Hinton’s blog I mentioned the element of self-defense in Oedipus’s killing of the king. I mentioned the role of the audience in David Denninger’s blog.
Coverage: Part 2 of Oedipus the King by Sophocles: the nice side of Oedipus. I defended Oedipus and his quest for truth in Katie Aikins’s blog entry “Oedipus Rex Finish.”
Timeliness: Was Oedipus Framed? By Robert W. Rex: scapegoat for the god’s amusement. I disagreed with the idea that Creon and Teiresias were behind the king’s death in Andrew LoNigro’s blog.
Timeliness, Discussion, Interaction: Everyman by Anonymous: questioned why Good Deeds was stuck in the ground. I commented in Lorin Schumacher's blog about the characters and the play's humor. I also contributed to the idea that Everyman is a universal name in Lorin Schumacher's blog.
Xenoblogging:
A Doll’s House by Henrik Ibsen
- talked about Nora’s sneakiness in David Denninger’s blog.
- questioned the dialogue between Nora and Helmer in Katie Aikins’s blog entry “A Doll House.”
- gave my opinion on Dr. Rank in Rachel Prichard’s blog.
- mentioned Nora’s dramatic change in attitude in David Denninger’s blog.
How to Read Literature like a Professor by Thomas Foster (Into. – pg. 22)
- in David Denninger’s blog I brought up how Krogstad is a desperate man.
The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde
- gained some knowledge about the unique title in Katie Aikins’s blog entry “The Importance of Being Earnest”.
Machinal by Sophie Treadwell
- in Lorin Schumacher’s blog I compared Young Woman to Karen from Heart in the Ground.
- in Lorin Schumacher’s blog I mentioned the song that may have inspired her to kill her husband.
- in David Denninger’s blog I disagreed with the idea that Young Woman was sacrificing herself for love.
- made some comments about the headlines in ">Katie Aikins’s blog entry “Machinal (Finish).”
- in Denamarie Ercolani’s blog I gave my opinion on the themes of the play.
- noted the differences in Young Woman and Mrs. Wright (Trifles) in Gina Burgese’s blog entry “Same Ending; Different Story.”
The Jeweller's Shop by Karol Wojtyla
- in David Denninger’s blog I mentioned how I enjoyed that the characters gave their different points-of-view.
Dead Man Walking by Tim Robbins
- in Lorin Schumacher’s blog, we discussed the use of the word “victim”.
- brought up the usefulness in killing characters in David Denninger’s blog.
Oedipus the King by Sophocles
- in Kevin Hinton’s blog I mentioned the element of self-defense in Oedipus’s killing of the king.
- mentioned the role of the audience in David Denninger’s blog.
- defended Oedipus and his quest for truth in Katie Aikins’s blog entry “Oedipus Rex Finish.”
Was Oedipus Framed? By Robert W. Rex
- disagreed with the idea that Creon and Teiresias were behind the king’s death in Andrew LoNigro’s blog.
Everyman by Anonymous
- commented in Lorin Schumacher's blog about the characters and the play's humor.
- contributed to the idea that Everyman is a universal name in Lorin Schumacher's blog.
The Comment Primo:
Katie Aikins “Oedipus Rex Finish”
Katie Aikins “Machinal (Finish)”
Katie Aikins “A Doll House”
David Denninger “Ibsen, A Doll House (Act 1)”
David Denninger “Feminism vs. Dishonest Women”
David Denninger “Ode to Oedipus”
Denamarie Ercolani “Machinal Reflection Paper”
Rachel Prichard “act 2 The Dollhouse”
LorinSchumacher “A Good King with a Fatal Flaw”
Lorin Schumacher "Personification and Play Presentation"
Lorin Schumacher "Everyman = Every Man"
Wildcard:
My frighteningly wild Wildcard is my pimping of the Serenity movie.
Posted by Kayla Sawyer at 4:25 PM | Comments (0)
A Doll’s House by Henrik Ibsen 2
A Doll’s House by Henrik Ibsen
Part 2
A Doll’s House by Henrik Ibsen
Part 2
“Mrs Linde. One must live, Doctor Rank.Rank. Yes, the general opinion seems to be that it is necessary.
Nora. Look here, Doctor Rank--you know you want to live.”
I originally thought that Dr. Rank seemed haughty and self-righteous because of his comments about diseased moral characters, how society is becoming a sick house, and the way he was so quick to judge Krogstad. After having read the third act I can see that he was just thinking of his father:
“Rank. Oh, it's a mere laughing matter, the whole thing. My poor innocent spine has to suffer for my father's youthful amusements.”
I hadn’t looked very closely at Dr. Rank until the third act. Now, upon further reflection, I see that he’s actually rather sarcastic and has a self-deprecating sense of humor. He’s even cynical about his patients: “Rank. That is the sentiment that is turning Society into a sick-house.”
“Nora. I wanted you so much to be in a really good humour.Rank. With death stalking beside me?“
He may continually bring up his death, but he does so in a dry, caustic way that makes it clear he isn’t fishing for sympathy. The manner that he speaks of death makes the other characters around him not take it too seriously or respond with tears and pity. Neither of which I think he’d appreciate.
Posted by Kayla Sawyer at 12:36 AM | Comments (0)
Catholic Social Teaching by Sister Dorothy Jacko
Catholic Social Teaching by Sister Dorothy Jacko
Catholic Social Teaching by Sister Dorothy Jacko
In Trifles, Mrs. Peters and Mrs. Hale also take the law in their hands by withholding evidence and playing the jury for Mrs. Wright. They also show “the principle of solidarity” when they protect Mrs. Wright from her murder conviction. Mr. Hale and the county attorney do not show “human equality” to Mrs. Hale, Mrs. Peters, and Mrs. Wright.
In Traction, Brandon advocates the “principle of participation” in his efforts to unite all the workers. Even his use of the wheel is a symbol of the unity he hopes to inspire. Brandon also uses the “principle of subsidiarity” with his own odd agenda:
“BRANDON: A great task has been befallen upon me, and you, Elmore, are to be the tool of my trans-form-u-lation.”
Helmer shows a “preferential option for the poor” when he immediately gives Mrs. Linde a job at the bank without question in A Doll’s House. Nora is also quite generous to the porter when she pays him.
In Heart in the Ground, Karen uses the “dignity of a human person” and “respect for human life” in her desire to keep her deceased daughter close to her home. Although her daughter is not longer living, she still values her body. Karen also deeply advocates the “principle of subsidiarity” with her statements about the law and it’s unwelcome involvement:
“KAREN: Then the law is wrong. So throw the law in jail. But stay out of my way.”
Posted by Kayla Sawyer at 12:29 AM | Comments (0)