A place to host my comments and feedback.

LSD

Personally speaking, I always have and anticipate always saying 'no' to drugs and would like it if people in my close relationships also said 'no' if only to minimize risks often associated with drug use which qualifies as drug abuse. I don't see drugs in themselves as bad but I see that behavior which can be deemed as bad in that it harms the user and those around the user as being bad. Of course, I am not insinuating that a person who uses drugs for recreational purposes (as in non-medical related) will perform negative behaviors, necessarily, but, like with anything, drug use can be abused and is abused by many. I won't go so far as to say that those who experience negative consequences for taking drugs are at fault for having a wrong attitude, necessarily. I will say, though, that if drugs are alright for one, they are not right for everyone. Drugs are not for everyone, and while I have a conservative attitude about drugs and drug use as established in my first statement, I know I am not really in the position to say that drugs are bad for anyone (in particular) and everyone...at least I am not in a position to say that with any real authority whether I feel they are bad for everyone or not.

It's an interesting topic, though, and I personally feel recreational drug use has done some interesting and even beneficial things for our culture in terms of the arts and even in terms of spiritual philosophy.

Oh, Jesse made a point about caffeine.  I will admit that I am an addict, but I avoid, as said, most drugs that I don't need because of likelihood of addiction proneness.  But because of that addiction proneness in some and because of addiction in family backgrounds, it reinforces my point that drugs are not for everyone.

Journaling Our Way To Self-Actualization

While some of my edits have been of a reflective journaling sort, it's not very deep, intense, or honest in the way they can be in less public venues. However, I can say that journaling, even though it at times makes me feel self-absorbed when I look back at some of my writings and thus a bit embarrassed, I do understand the value of journaling as it relates to gaining awareness of not only self but of the world around self. Journaling does enhance critical thinking, at least for me. Pouring out reflections onto a document and looking back at it somehow helps me see some of my inner workings from a different angle, looking at such from a reader standpoint versus containing internal processes and thoughts and feelings and not laying such out for proper examination.

In the end, gaining a better critical understanding of self via awareness and via a degree of objectivity combined with some sense of sympathetic understanding, I feel I can better tolerate and help others when I see things they are experiencing which I believe I have dealt with in my own life and have taken the time prior to understand from a detached point of view despite having personally lived what I have.

But I also see these reflections as being a key part in learning of oneself and empowering oneself to empower others versus to not move from a self-absorbed state and so gaining a reputation of being oblivious and uncaring.

Side note:  I really detest it when auto-correct incorrectly corrects correctly spelled words such as 'journaling.'

National Coming Out Day

"It started waaaaaaaaaaay back in ancient times - 1988.  Gay and lesbian activists marked the occasion every October 11th remembering the second-ever gay rights march on Washington DC.  It's been observed ever since then."  Well, that clears things up as to what GSA was doing on campus today, being one of those students in a rush.  This is the first year I have known about National Coming Out Day through friends coming out to other friends.  I wish I myself could have  come out to my own family and many of my friends (who I know wouldn't be surprised or mind, but still), but I know while being open about my asexuality is one thing, the rest is something I am not ready to talk about to them even if I have realized my  (romantic vs. sexual) preferences for many years, now and even if I know family and friends do have a sneaking suspicion but would rather not seriously consider it.

In any case, I am grateful for the occasion for those who do take advantage of it whether it is to family or friends.  I am grateful for what you, GSA, and people are doing to promote love and awareness versus angry feelings towards either side of the issue.  For me who has yet to be open about these things, I really appreciate your perspectives and writings and experiences on this.  I know too many people who have put up with their fair share of shit because of identifying the way they do and not by choice.  I know those who are repressed because of the desire to not hurt loved ones (as in my case) or who have been told to repress it by loved ones (and this is how some people develop homophobia by repressing so much, or so studies indicate).  But I find it's less abnormal to be that way than mass media and society at large would have you believe.  I don't see why it matters, but it's something which I think is over-dramatized outside of where it concerns the real and painful dramas which people go through because they identify and have to deal with being misunderstood and being seen as different or immoral when there is lack of any substantial reason to think either things.  :shrug: It's the world we live in, but while

I even told myself it was wrong for a long time, I hold a very different viewpoint and reconcile it to my own values and faith, even.  I think that has been what has helped me to be open to a lot of people since the past year and much more so recently due to having so many friends who are the same way or else are all across the LGBTspectrum (transexuals, both MtF, FtM, bisexual, lesbian, gay, etc, etc...very diverse spectrum and most all of them are normal people except for those who are less normal than my normal which is not very normal to begin with, but I am talking about sane, healthy, functioning individuals with various interests, ethical principles, creativity, intellect, etc.).  So to me, it's actually normal and nothing to be ashamed of (well, duh, but I have to deal with my fair share of homophobia at my church ,which while I respect their viewpoints, really grow angry when they go on as to how 'disgusting' it is, especially when it's not necessarily a matter of sex as it is love, but growing up in that environment still does something to you).  But I also know not everyone sees it that way, not that that matters, but again, it comes down to preserving relationships and maybe it is better to be open about it, but I feel the time will come but it's too soon even if there are times where I am so ready to just say it, be done with it, and affirm that I am not in the wrong because of it...because of mere feelings. I hope people will realize it is as meaningless as race. It doesn't make you better or inferior, though there is a certain link with highly creative people and off-beat people and identifying with the community, supposedly.  I believe it.  Being most drawn to those types as friends, I guess it makes sense why most of my close friends are that way.

Rambling out.  I said it already, but you are a real inspiration, Boda.  While you are not in my class, I have been meaning to say something about your writings on the subject for a while now, just could not quite find the words.

Hey Heidi - you laid down some very heartfelt words.  Despite their eloquence, I can read between the lines - pain, frustration, wanting acceptance for who you really are.  I don't really know you or your story, but I'd love it if you'd come to one of the GSA meetings if you can.  They're every Tuesday @ 4:45/5:00pm-ish in the CAC (room 133 - I think - It's a conference room near the main desk.)  I'll be there today.  Sometimes it's kinda boring with student government trivialities.  Other times it's fun and games.  What I've really enjoyed about the group - about being around the LGBT community any time really, is the spectrum of people you see.  There are folks flying their rainbow high and proud and there are the lower key folks, too.  Both are fabulous in my book.  There's no "right" way to be.  I'm somewhere in the middle truth be told.  There's no shame in my game, but I'm not "in your face" about being gay either.  But you'd be very welcome there and I'd love to meet you.  Just look for the bearded guy with a baseball cap or big hair :-)

Thanks for your kind words.  I'm trying my wings here at the writing game.  Feedback is always appreciated.  It's difficult keeping up with your class's writing - you guys create some amazing work.  (big hug) ~ Jay aka Boda

-Thank you so much!  Yeah, I do admit I wake up feeling anxious and sick a lot, and I think growing aware and accepting that this is who I am coupled with a family which isn't extremely homophobic but would not be too happy knowing the full extent of my orientation is a part of the reason.  I was wondering when GSA met, but I definitely plan on attending as it fits perfectly in my schedule.  :hug back:  I appreciate the support.  At this point, I really need it.

jon's page

I plan to give Procol Harum a listen, being an earnest music enthusiast and being interested in Eastern philosophy.  I don't know the genre of this artist, yet, but if you do like slightly off-beat, progressive music with spiritual lyrics, you might like works by Yes such as Close to the Edge which relates to Siddhartha's awakening to enlightenment. 

My Format for ELL

This is a very interesting area of study which I would be interested in seeing what ELL really does.  This is a good outline.  I imagine that you have a lot of first hand experience with this area and it is definitely something I think a lot of people would be interested in learning more about.

I look forward to seeing more of your work, John.  You have a lot of material you can work with.

And I realize I made the mistake of not looking at your portfolio to find your work.  I'll check it out as soon as I can.

Megan Bailey

Sept 21st piece:

Your physical descriptions are superb in that I can gain an accurate image of subtleties in the environment.  Has an interesting atmosphere in that it's surreal (while also grounded via the physical detail), in a way, in that there is a lot of information not yet established as in who Charlotte is, who these people are.  I don't know if you have a clear plan or if this is something which just came to you, but I am interested in seeing how this develops because I think you have a good thing going, Megan.  

My only suggestion is hypothetical in that while being attentive to detail is excellent, don't let it bog you down to the point where you struggle to find direction as you are writing a piece, because I know I do that a lot when I write fiction, because you can always add that in after more or less written your story down and feel a handle on the direction.  Speaking personally, I have to force myself to do that and throw details and even grammar to the wind until I am where I have a sense on how I am going to move (even if the genre is say flash fiction).  Disregard that if it's not relevant to your process, of course, but I definitely know that it's something I struggle with, especially striving for physical detail, myself.  If you don't, then good on you.  Maybe you can show me some pointers, then.  ; )

Also, I thought this description was great:

"This is my last one."  It (the cigarette) bobbed with each syllable, as the open corner of his mouth, wet with saliva, spewed smoke.  She smiled, and he turned to the open window.  The street lamp shone over his shoulder.  It blurred the silhouette of his head into light.  It seemed that, from the light, smeared into the glass, the smoke drifted.

I'll definitely get to commenting some of your other stuff (particular the film profile piece and the non-fiction piece), but I know you specifically mentioned that you wanted feedback on that piece in particular and so I put that as a priority.

Typing while drinking cold coffee, eating a nectarine, and listening to Cat Power

This is a strong piece, like your other pieces, and so is worth digging into.  I don't know whether it is going to be developed further.  For subject matter dealing with psychologically painful experiences, it doesn't seem too heavy.  I don't know if it's bad that I laughed at several instances in the piece, particularly:

    "Any suicide attempts?"

     "No."

     "Any thoughts of suicide?"

     "No."

     "Any suicide?"

     "What?"

I sensed a lot of subtle wry humor thrown about which made this piece really stand out, especially considering the experience.  I would definitely like to see more if you intend on writing more. 

Oh, and this part is good, but it took me a bit to process this until I understood what you meant at this part:

    But all that I heard was "Fuck no, are you crazy?  Well, obviously, you're here."

Maybe it could be worded something like  "Well, that's obviously why you're here"  or else worded, without changing that But all that I heard him say was. To make it clear the first time, in the case some people like me are not entirely with it, that you are commenting on how you are interpreting the man's evasive speech.  Which brings me to also applaud the following observation: It seemed that the word "no" was very dangerous.  It was better to use multiple helping verbs, infinitives, passive voice, anything to avoid direct answers.

This is Megan Bailey - Thank you so much for your input - I intentionally made my writing slightly convoluted in order to emphasize the fact that I was going through an extremely strange psychological process.  The man that spoke to me never actually said any of these things, but I was perceiving things so strangely then that I booted reality out the door - so maybe the genre is a bit convoluted as well?  Anyway, I'm going to be working on this for a very long time, particularly because it is very close to me.  And I did intend for you to laugh at those parts.  Thanks!

-You're very welcome!  If I see room for more constructive feedback as you work on this piece, I will try to voice it.  Looking very forward to reading more.

Dylan K's Assignments etc

5 cm per second

" I think a lot of folks think more deeply than they let on." Definitely. These are great thoughts. Never let go of dreams, of imagination.
"Maybe we have lost the ability to have experiences like that; ones that can change our lives in a second." I think for a lot of us, or speaking for myself, growing older definitely hardens sensitivity in order to appear proper to the outside world. I know I have suppressed my rather dreamy and sensitive and imaginative side in order to emerge as an adult in an adult world. On one hand, it gives me confidence I thought I never would have. In another sense, it makes me think of that line in The Breakfast Club which says that when you become an adult, your heart dies. So, regardless what people say about not being able to know true love until you are like eighteen or so, I think that's BS. I think it's easier to be open to those who will change your life completely before that time of 'selling-out' occurs, or so my own experiences have led me to believe.

The Autumn Sky:

I really like it. It resonates with me, too. I might try and work with this in a prose form or something.

The A-Bomb

I became a pharmacist

Lindsey's Page

Spider Monkey!

Food Blog 1

I am quite frankly impressed with how the article stands now from when I read it just the day before yesterday.  It definitely looks like something that could be published in a food blog or food magazine or even travel magazine.  This article reflects a lot of thought and effort and is something I would be very proud of if I was the one to have written it.

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To Swear or Not to Swear

It's a good point to address.  It depends entirely on context of your purpose for the piece and the audience, to echo ideas expressed last class.  There is nothing wrong with using profanity in a writing piece.  I personally use a lot of strong language when making a point, particular when I am an anonymous online entity whose audience is entirely of anonymous online entities, depending on the venue I am making my ideas known. 

If I was writing for most magazines or for a site like Associated Content, Suite 101, or Helium, I would not use profanity outside of quotations.

There will always be conflicting ideas and opinions on this subject, though.  I know for myself in an earlier composition course where peer review encouraged me to type out "bull shit" in my paper instead of using "BS."  But my professor notated to not use that in the sort of paper I was writing despite chuckling at it, herself.  Though my paper was a more serious paper on groupthink, cohesion, and religious cults or groups utilizing cult cohesion to ensnare people psychologically. 

So it, again, goes down to what sort of paper it is, what your aim is, who the audience is, how comfortable you feel using the language.  And this is why peer review can be a good thing if you get different points of view and weigh them with how you feel.  I don't think there is a right or wrong approach just as I feel that profanity is not a matter of right or wrong when it comes to writing articles, memoirs, or whatever.

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The Paper

I would be redundant to parrot the praise given to this piece, no pun intended, but it was truly well thought out and the time and attention and emotion given to this piece is certainly evident. 

I like how Heidegger was added into the piece to give a very personal and emotional account a big picture context which makes it, to be cliche, epic.  There must be a way to lead up to the exposition about Heidegger so that a smooth and logical transition can be made in a seamless manner.  Same with transitioning back to the narrative account. 

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free falling into total uncertainty

All I could think of when reading this one while in class was that this was Lao Tzu on Wikis.  If there was a Tao Teh Ching for technology, or a Tao Teh Technology, this is the sort of thing I would expect to be in there. 

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On September 11 is International Quran Burning Day

Funny that I was a bit heated, or as heated as I can get over issues, today.  I've been aware of this for a while but today is when it really got to me.  As a Christian (or formerly devout Christian...I'm pretty laid back now), as a Floridian, and as a U.S. American, I am appalled. 

I got into a few, I will admit, debates, or more like being in the midst of a lynching, on the comments page of one Youtube video concerning this where there were so many comments of hate and basically advocating this measure.  It's one thing to have an opinion, but people were basically saying horrible things about ALL Muslims being terrorists and advocating violence, even genocide, against millions of people who are innocent of militant religious extremism of the mass blood-shedding sort. 

I mean, the justifications for this sort of hate are incredible. 

But the point is, I think it is stupid.  What is it supposed to accomplish by burning a religion's holy book?  I would not be too shocked if it just stirred up a hornet's nest of militant Islamic extremists and boost their morale in regards to their anti-U.S. agenda.  And hypothetically, if such did happen and on U.S. soil, it most likely would be cause for a State of Emergency, Martial Law, or a Police State to use terms akin to the Alex Jones crowd (Don't get me wrong, I'm not one as I'm not into over-hyped, sensationalist journaling whether it's on Fox News, CNN, or on some Internet radio show hosted by conspiracy theorists, but I don't ignore the possibility, either.)

It's amazing what the mixture of bias, passion, group think, and cohesion does to people.  It's the mentality which leads to very generalized and hateful propaganda.  This sort of propaganda is how wars start, how genocide comes into being, and how holocausts happen while the executioners and the Pharisees who cry "crucify!" justify their twisted, inhuman ethics of vengeance not on those worthy of the vengeance, but on thousands, even millions of innocent people whose only crime is of being classified under a particular label of a particular faith, ethnicity, sexuality, you name it. 

The fact that a Christian pastor, Terry Jones, is the brains behind this is especially ironic and disturbing at the same time.  I feel that what hate happens to one group, especially religious groups, is sooner or later going to spread to another group.  Though one net user made a good point when he pointed out that Terry Jones is just a troll.  Seeing as he has apparently admitted to wanting to incite a response from the Muslim populace, it fits the definition.  I won't really pass judgment on him personally, but it is incredibly ironic.

But it's funny that I was thinking of using this topic to write on and possibly workshop, and then I find it on the Wiki and I can safely assume this was Adam's piece going by page history and the link back to his page.

In any case, props for bringing it up.  It wouldn't be such a big thing to me if I hadn't seen so many people have such hate while in agreement with the book burning.  And I found that having an anti-hate stance and a stance of caution of not wanting to stir up a hornet's nest of Islamic extremists is akin to being a coward.  I don't quite understand how that works, myself, but I had a good, despairing chuckle at it.  Yeah, my sense of humor is a bit morbid.

Yeah, a bit of a negative spiel, but thought provoking, I guess.  Felt like putting it out there, though.

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I had that thought too, Heidi. Don't burn the books because it is stupid, pointless and mean - not because you're scared! As a soldier's wife, I don't want to add to any of the harm while they are in harm's way, of course, but it just sounded off.  -April