1. Description
2. Process Analysis
3. Compare/Contrast
4. I meant for this to be a narrative, even though it was based around an example. The tree basically inspired me to use awe as my word.
5. Definition
6. This one was meant to be my example, but since you guys guessed I'd already done an example it makes sense that you would get this wrong.
Monday, November 28, 2011
Saturday, November 26, 2011
Awe
1. The massive pillar of stone towered above the surrounding plains. The rock was streaked with deep, wide lines running that ran up it. Around the pillar, giant boulders lay piled upon each other, the remnants of an ancient volcano. This amazing natural woder, Devil's Tower, stood outlined by a clear blue sky. Every aspect of it inspired awe in the onlookers, from its impressive form to its auspicious name. There is nothing like it on Earth.
2. There are many factors that contribute to making something awe-inspiring. First, it needs to be so strange, good looking, or well made that it can lead to feelings of near disbelief. Also, it must be unique, whether it is an object, experience, or idea. And finally, it needs to provoke further and deeper thought. Something's uniqueness and quality must come together to create the strange mix of disbelief and near meditative thought that is awe.
3. While wonderment and awe are often paired together, they are not completely synonymous terms. Perople can wonder without feeling the sense of greater importantce that is associated with awe. A person can wonder where they left there car keys, but that doesn't mean they are in awe of the mystery of their dissapearing keys. When people wonder about complex, important thoughts and marvel at strange happenings, they begin to feel awe. A sense of wonderment is simply a component of awe.
4. This morning I had to return my grandpa's car. I use it when he doesn't need it for work. On the drive to my grandparent's house, on a route that I take all the time, I noticed a tree for the first time. It stood directly acriss the street from my neighborhood. It was massive, and its leafless branches twisted and spiraled out. It seemed so simple, yet it was incredibly complex. I was in awe of it for the rest of the drive.
5. Awe is defined by Robert Pluchik as a combination of fear and suprise. While this may work as a basic definition, I don't think it comes close to truly capturing what awe is. While awe in itself feels like a combination of the feelings of suprise and fear, it, is not felt when a person is both suprised and scared. I believe a more accurate definition of awe would be to consider it as a feeling a genuine admiration for something that is uniquely meaningful.
6. Great works of art often fill people with awe. What needs to be discovered about this, is why? What is so compelling about a few strokes of paint? It is the way that artists are able to somehow completely convey their feelings at the time they were painting. The great amout of talent and intellect required to do this astounds most people, if they spend time thinking about it. It is the realization that making a piece of are is such a complex task, and that each piece of art is somehow able to convey different emotions that creates the sensation of awe.
2. There are many factors that contribute to making something awe-inspiring. First, it needs to be so strange, good looking, or well made that it can lead to feelings of near disbelief. Also, it must be unique, whether it is an object, experience, or idea. And finally, it needs to provoke further and deeper thought. Something's uniqueness and quality must come together to create the strange mix of disbelief and near meditative thought that is awe.
3. While wonderment and awe are often paired together, they are not completely synonymous terms. Perople can wonder without feeling the sense of greater importantce that is associated with awe. A person can wonder where they left there car keys, but that doesn't mean they are in awe of the mystery of their dissapearing keys. When people wonder about complex, important thoughts and marvel at strange happenings, they begin to feel awe. A sense of wonderment is simply a component of awe.
4. This morning I had to return my grandpa's car. I use it when he doesn't need it for work. On the drive to my grandparent's house, on a route that I take all the time, I noticed a tree for the first time. It stood directly acriss the street from my neighborhood. It was massive, and its leafless branches twisted and spiraled out. It seemed so simple, yet it was incredibly complex. I was in awe of it for the rest of the drive.
5. Awe is defined by Robert Pluchik as a combination of fear and suprise. While this may work as a basic definition, I don't think it comes close to truly capturing what awe is. While awe in itself feels like a combination of the feelings of suprise and fear, it, is not felt when a person is both suprised and scared. I believe a more accurate definition of awe would be to consider it as a feeling a genuine admiration for something that is uniquely meaningful.
6. Great works of art often fill people with awe. What needs to be discovered about this, is why? What is so compelling about a few strokes of paint? It is the way that artists are able to somehow completely convey their feelings at the time they were painting. The great amout of talent and intellect required to do this astounds most people, if they spend time thinking about it. It is the realization that making a piece of are is such a complex task, and that each piece of art is somehow able to convey different emotions that creates the sensation of awe.
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Wet Cats.
So, I just caught the last blog post, and realized I had fifteen minutes left to get my post out. It usually takes me about half and hour to write a post, even open topic, so this is going to be a bit of a challenge.
I have learned some random facts today while procrastinating finishing my narrative. I guess I'll share those for this post. First, a lot of cats actually really like water. Cats often swim to play and cool off, especially in warm climates. In colder areas, cats aren't any less likely to get wet than most animals. Domestic cats probably only dislike water because squirt bottles are sometimes used as punishment. Some cats in Turkey have even developed water-proof coats and are nick-named "swimming-cats."
Why was I researching cats? I have not idea. I'm really more of a dog person. Still, it's always fun to disprove conventional wisdom.
I have learned some random facts today while procrastinating finishing my narrative. I guess I'll share those for this post. First, a lot of cats actually really like water. Cats often swim to play and cool off, especially in warm climates. In colder areas, cats aren't any less likely to get wet than most animals. Domestic cats probably only dislike water because squirt bottles are sometimes used as punishment. Some cats in Turkey have even developed water-proof coats and are nick-named "swimming-cats."
Why was I researching cats? I have not idea. I'm really more of a dog person. Still, it's always fun to disprove conventional wisdom.
Friday, November 11, 2011
Computers are Evil
Everyone knows that computers will someday achieve superhuman capabilities and take over the Earth. I mean, the Internet is already destroying cultures, language, and the economy. Right? Honestly, a lot of people completely overreact when it comes to technology.
But first, lets get this out of the way. I am not saying that we should allow technological research to go on without government regulation. I am not saying I want all print media to die (I read the newspaper semi-daily). I am not saying that the Internet should be completely uncensored. And I am not saying that people should not be wary of "Big Brother." However, people cannot allow fear of technology to stop them from realizing its benefits.
According to Time Magazine, only forty-five percent of people over sixty-six believe that the Internet was a change for the better. Forty-five percent of senior citizens would rather live without the Internet. I try to understand their opinions, but it is very difficult. Just think of the medical benefits of having the Internet. Collaboration between doctors and biologists has skyrocketed with the Internet. With this collaboration, cures for diseases will come much sooner, and save many lives.
Computers and the Internet, like most technologies, come with many risks. I believe that these risks can be tamed through just and thoughtful legislation and should never become too problematic. The advantages of technologies should not and cannot be ignored simply because of fear.
(X2 126)
But first, lets get this out of the way. I am not saying that we should allow technological research to go on without government regulation. I am not saying I want all print media to die (I read the newspaper semi-daily). I am not saying that the Internet should be completely uncensored. And I am not saying that people should not be wary of "Big Brother." However, people cannot allow fear of technology to stop them from realizing its benefits.
According to Time Magazine, only forty-five percent of people over sixty-six believe that the Internet was a change for the better. Forty-five percent of senior citizens would rather live without the Internet. I try to understand their opinions, but it is very difficult. Just think of the medical benefits of having the Internet. Collaboration between doctors and biologists has skyrocketed with the Internet. With this collaboration, cures for diseases will come much sooner, and save many lives.
Computers and the Internet, like most technologies, come with many risks. I believe that these risks can be tamed through just and thoughtful legislation and should never become too problematic. The advantages of technologies should not and cannot be ignored simply because of fear.
(X2 126)
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Volleyball
So, last night was the Marching Band party. The culmination of the entire season. And the chance to find out what section is best. The volleyball tournament. What does volleyball have to do with how good of musicians we are? Absolutely nothing. That doesn't people from making it into a big deal.
For most of history, the dreaded Drum Line Dynasty had ruled the volleyball tourney with cruelty and intimidation. Then, last year, a small group of trombonist dueled the drum line in an epic three game series that went down to the wire. Through mockery and utter randomness they prevailed. The entire band rejoiced as the drum line fell apart.
Yesterday was the anniversary of this glorious event. Even with the success last year, we trombonists knew we faced a great challenge. The drum line still craved the title of champions. They had not lost twice in a row any time in recent memory. Yet this year the band was prepared for them. We trombonists donned their crime scene tape, fake beards, and ponchos and went to do battle.
However, a rematch was not destined, as the drum line fell in the second round to the mellophones. It was a glorious moment and cemented the end of the Drum Line Dynasty. We then took the championship with ease. Although we now have won two years in a row, we trombonists swear we will never allow ourselves to become like the drum line.
For most of history, the dreaded Drum Line Dynasty had ruled the volleyball tourney with cruelty and intimidation. Then, last year, a small group of trombonist dueled the drum line in an epic three game series that went down to the wire. Through mockery and utter randomness they prevailed. The entire band rejoiced as the drum line fell apart.
Yesterday was the anniversary of this glorious event. Even with the success last year, we trombonists knew we faced a great challenge. The drum line still craved the title of champions. They had not lost twice in a row any time in recent memory. Yet this year the band was prepared for them. We trombonists donned their crime scene tape, fake beards, and ponchos and went to do battle.
However, a rematch was not destined, as the drum line fell in the second round to the mellophones. It was a glorious moment and cemented the end of the Drum Line Dynasty. We then took the championship with ease. Although we now have won two years in a row, we trombonists swear we will never allow ourselves to become like the drum line.
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