Journal 6 for C&C - Romantic Tech

Sorry I didn't do Journal 5. :(

My tech project is looking to be an extension of some of my research for my undergraduate thesis. So far, I want to look at what the romance novel actually is as compared to what popular culture defines it as and why it is not accepted in more academic circles for the work that goes into making it a piece of fiction. I know that a lot of critics call Romance novels ‘porn in words’ and that it is really just ‘sappy, annoying crap’ but there is a lot more that goes into a novel of the genre than just two characters having sex or confessing their love for one another. Historical novels must be accurate, or have a really good reason why something is portrayed in a not historically accurate way (which is most often frowned upon.) This topic is important to English literature because it is a large field of writers (one which I want to join) that aren’t getting their (although mostly, but not always her) proper credit for all the work that goes into a novel simply because it isn’t part of the ‘dead white guy’ canon. Romantic literature includes drama and poetry too, yet we accept William Blake and Shakespeare. Shakespeare wrote about emotions and romance. However, these were male writers, almost in the same way that Richards is accepted as canonical for his ‘romance’ Pamela, because he was Victorian and male. Romance novels are usually very good prose, written in a way that attracts a reader’s attention with not only what they are saying, but the format and style they say it in. I intend to add links to some of the sites I’ve looked at with information on selling statistics for romance novels and the most popular types of novels. There is a set formula followed by these authors without this formula being enforced or even stated. My thesis will look at this formula and my tech project will highlight some of the basis points and plot devices in romance and briefly explain what they are. Hopefully this will help me to more clearly define my thesis proposal and my thesis itself.

Journal 4 for Comp & Comp - Bolter's Meaning

Please excuse this if it's not coherant. . .The flu medicine is making my system do loops. - Ashli =^.^=

I think Bolter’s book attempts to offer up the idea of an ever changing genre of writing. The writing space he attempts to define is not only the place where you postulate your ideas, but the mind where you form and shape the ideas you put out. In this way, the writing space of the mind is constantly being remediated by the changes our mind makes to the way we think and the way we perceive ideas and information. He outlines that not only is the field in which we write ever changing, but also the words, ideas, and the way we perceive them. As we saw in Chapter four, pictures and graphics are being remediated with text and vice versus. In this way, pictures are used on the web to enhance or even replace text such as a mailbox being used instead of the word Email. There are also places to get talking graphics instead of typing out instructions. Therefore, we remediate text with visual and sound art in order to catch the attention of the audience more readily and remove the need to read from our sites. However, Bolter makes it clear that those opposed to the remediation of print into hypertext often do so because the hypertext form could alter the argument by delineating the logical order of their idea. They also resist the loss of the authorial voice in hypertext that no longer lets the author denote the next step in the process or secquence in the story, but rather lets the reader decide how the story unfolds – in this manner, it is harder to distinguish who the real author is because the plot is no longer formulated by the writer but rather the audience. But, as Bolter makes it clear, there will always be a remediation of what is present because it is within human nature to always try to change things, whether it is for the better or not.

Journal 3 for Computers and Composition: The Problem with Bolter's Logic

Perhaps one of the major problems in Bolter’s explanation of hypertext is that instead of defining what it is, he defines what it does. In this manner, it makes it harder to separate what he considers hypertext from preexisting definitions of hypertext, such as those used in a hypertext markup language (HTML). He also uses the Cartesian method of explaining hypertext by what it is not. For example, hypertext, to Bolter, is non-linear, unlike a book, which follows a linear plot order. He also attempts to argue that the book is becoming less popular as a means of publication because of the accesability of internet publishing, but contradicts himself in stating that “Both as authors and as readers, we still regard books and journals as the place to locate our most prestigious texts” (Bolter 3). However, as we see with the library at this university, it is becoming simplier to find a full print journal as a pdf file or e-book, affectively cutting out the need to host years of printed paper journals on the shelves. Are these e-books hypertext as Bolter means the word? I find it hard to dissemilate what he means from what he says. Perhaps with this seperation of printed word and thought Bolter attempting to redefine what he means by hypertext, but I’m still not quite sure of his meaning. I know what the HTML coding does for building, but is this hypertext of links and pages what he means when he talks about hypertext media? If he means the hypertext language of the internet as a means of remediating the language of the printed book, can’t he just say that? Does he have to bury it in literary metaphors and theory of what it should be? Not everything is a metaphor or theory. I think it’s this abstraction that helps to distract readers from an accurate definition of his point.

The Hypertextuality of Graphics - Journal 2 C&C

For the most part, I am inclined to believe that even as we go to an image and visual based society from a textual, logic based founding we are still more inclined to use visual media arts as a enhancement of textual applications. Even if the text is not completely visible, as a viewer and reader, we are more inclined to pay attention to it and focus our attention on it if there is a visual stimulus accompanying the words. I was searching on friendfinder.net, trying to find a pen pal and updating my profile when they showed a statistic stating that you were three times as more likely to receive a response to your profile if you included a picture with it, and ten times as likely with a video file. There is an old saying that a picture is worth a thousand words, but in this age of hypermediacy, those thousand words may very well be hidden in the picture to start with. One of my favorite examples, which you can see below, is the header graphic for a site that is no longer runnning. Elaine Castillo is the author of the picture, and she incorporates the words into a montage of pictures giving the feel of dispair and loss to an otherwise normal picture of a man and mulitple shots of a woman. It’s the text that lets you understand what is hiding in his eyes and what exactly she’s bracing herself against. Even though the words overlap themselves in a display of color, the words that are discernable say enough about the picture to not need to be able to see every part in its entirety. The fact that you can’t see every part of the text or the graphics also gives a sense of chaos and the unknown between these two people. Perhaps they are lovers. Perhaps it is a tale of unrequited love. Perhaps they love each other and don’t know it. The fact that there are so many different ways the picture can be interpreted with the texts given, or judging from the text missing, leads us to realize the hypertextuality of the graphic in regards to the user’s definition of the outcome of the picture based on what they see of it.

The Computers and Composition example from Elaine Castillo's "The World." Created in Printshop Pro. 

Computers and Composition

Okay, for the next few months, this will become my Computers and Composition journal for class so that I don't have another blog added onto my account. It doesn't really matter who reads it, cause I don't have anything to hide. So, if you're interested in my Tech class, go ahead and read until April. After that, it will go back to being my personal blog where I just post anything that I feel like rambling about. . .or flaming. . .I might do a little of that, but only about things, not about people's work cause that's just rude. People work hard to write their stories, and they don't need to be flamed at. . .a little constructive criticism works just fine. . .Okay. . .Back to my four papers before Friday. Take care!

Neku-chan,
Ashli

Mardi Gras

Once again it's that time of year that makes me glad to be in Louisiana. It's Mardi Gras. That time of year where people from all over flock to Houma and New Orleans to get drunk and yell for little plastic trinkets that really don't mean anything unless you know some one who is going to ride the next year, or you're going to sell them to one of the many companies that sells them for more to some first time rider the next year. Of course you could get doubloons, but are you actually going to do something with that? And you could get blow ups, but they just pop and end up all over the house. Stuffed animals are almost like that too, and they're one of the most sought after things on the floats, well minus the underwear and the long thick beads. (known to most as pearls cause of the white ones that vaguely resemble the real thing.) I personally like to play with the stuffed animals, but unfortunately for my parents and happily for me, they end up piling up in my room. . .lots and lots of variations of teddies and such. My favorite are the pandas, but they're pretty rare. I did get a funny little dancing reindeer tonight though. It sings "rocking robin." Kinda cute, but not really. Maybe he'll grow on me, and maybe I'll just throw him in the hammock with the rest of my stuffed toys. . .There are quite a few of them up there now, and I keep getting more. Maybe I'll give them as throws one year, or I'll pass them on to my kids. . . something. . .

Okay, Ghost in the Shell is coming on, later.

Kat

Procrastination

You know, paper writing time is the perfect time to remember that you haven't done a personal blog in quite a long time and so instead of doing your paper on media studies and ideas in analytical writing you convince yourself that you are justified because you wrote a sentence and therefore you can write a full blog and maybe play with the color and text and edit it several times before going back to your paper.

Maybe.

Maybe I just want to feel justified.

Maybe.

Maybe I lie too.

Actually I've done a full page and a half and that's a lot of work on a three page paper. ..half you know. That justifies me reading comics and blogging. After all, I haven't blogged in this one in forever, even if I keep updating Cowboy's Song in the other.

I made it in Argus. Who knows if I won. ..well, Angelin does, but she's the editor. I'm in and that's good enough. . .it's publication and publicity and us writers for all of our solitary lives, love praise. It's a blessing and a curse: The one time we crawl out of our fun little worlds and into the one of harsh reality. Great, huh?

I really must finish now so I can edit while Rico's in class and then print it for tomorrow's rough draft peer-editting session.

Ta Ta For Now!
ME in all my weyrdness.

My Stories Blog

Hey, go check out my new blog with all my story pieces in it. Hope you read Mission. Take care!

Ashli

WEYRDKAT**TEASES

Guilty Guilty Guilty

*Does a great big happy dance* Okay. I'll try to calm down now. Deep breaths.

Okay, so today, on November 12, 2004, the Final verdict for the Laci Peterson murder case was announced. Scott Peterson was convicted on one count of 1st degree murder of Laci Rocha Peterson and one count of 2nd degree murder of Conner Peterson, Laci's unborn son. I've been following this trial for the last 5 1/2 months, and while I have to give props to Mark Geragos' team for their attempt to cause doubt and get an accuital, it wasn't going to happen. Plus, it really looks bad if you 'have other business' to attend to on the day the verdict is being handed out. I mean, he knew that was happening, it's been happening for 5 months!

Anyway, I'm glad they got him, and I'm glad he's getting charged with Connor's murder too. I mean, he wasn't even remorseful at her funeral or when they were looking for her, instead he was on the phone with Amber Frey. And then, that sob story on 20/20 or whatever. . .he hated that Laci was so happy. Bastard. I mean, he even tried to sell her stuff before they found Laci's body. That right there tells you that he knew she wasn't coming back. . .not to mention the blood in the truck and the boat, the boat not being known to anyone but him, the hair on the pliers, the neighbor seeing him carry away a large object covered in a tarp. . .you don't mistake large body shaped things, esp the size it would have to be to be Laci's body for umbrellas. He took a shower and had a snack before he realized her car was there, but she was gone, and he did lots of cleaning that afternoon after he returned. . .Laci was supposed to be cooking, not cleaning.


I'll stop now. He did it. They caught him, and I'm glad.

Later

Week Two

Okay, half way through week two and I'm trying not to go crazy. Actually, I'm probably crazy already, but I'm going to deny it while I get this done. I finished a 10 page Science seminar paper in like 3 days, and I sent it already so that I don't fret over it until Thursday. I thought I had a H.E.L. test due on Friday, but it's not due until next Friday, so I have a bit of time to finish and I can quit stressing about finishing it in two days. My word count is climbing little by little, and I'm not passed the half way mark in the time or words yet, but I'm barrelling toward it. I'm a day behind on my writing and posting because of my paper, but I will catch up this weekend, and then double time it through week four when I'll be at home for most of it, right until the deadline on that Tuesday after I'm back. I have a full week off for Thanksgiving when I just have to start DV and work on my HEL paper, which won't be too bad, and my Tech Project for AdvComp, and finish my Creative Non Fiction piece for the first. . .so I do have to write that one over the break. . .maybe I have more to do over break than I thought. . .I better get going. . .class starts soon and I have lots to do!

*kisses*
Ashli

P.S. Woohoo fun with color!

Day Two

Nanowrimo has officially been going on for two days, and I have posted my allotment for those days (roughly 1,667 words a day). So, for the next month, don't expect too many posts here. I have too much to do to run both blogs, so unless I get a couple of free minutes, to see my progress go HERE Take care and See you on the Flip-side of November!

Wish me luck!
Ashli

P.S. - Two and a half papers for Thursday down, one and lots of printing left!

Just under 9 hours and counting. . .

That means I have to finish my cultural codes essay today so that I can get my book back from Cassi and start on my DV paper so that I don't have to worry about those and I can get SciSem out of the way so that I can write on my novel. Whew! That's a lot on my plate, but if I work really hard I can take an hour off for good behavior and work on my novel for Nanowrimo tomorrow. . .plus it will help not having Adv. Comp on Tuesday because of election day (GO Bush!) So far, I have 9 characters that are major and two or three minor (at least everyone has names, unlike the story that went in Argus last year where my two characters only had nicknames). . .I also have to decide what piece I want to send to Argus this year. That's coming up soon too. . .I think I have a piece I like, and I want to expand on my elven piece, but that will have to wait until at least January so I have at least a month to edit, but I'll probably need two, so February it is. :) So, I'm going now. . .papers need to get done sometime. . .and blogging won't get them done any time soon.

*MWAH* *huggles*

Ashli

2 full days left . . .

Well, I finally got to talk to John about Nanowrimo. . .He's participating. It's going to be a really busy month, but I think I'm up to the challenge. . .Granted, I've already got characters and a plot, but I don't have an ending, and some plot points are still pretty shaky. . .Plus, I have about a million and a half other things to write. Here's what's left of my list:

1. Cultural Codes Full Rough Draft for Advanced Composition. Due: 11-4
2. Democratic Vistas Position Paper 2 on Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee. Due 11-4
3. Cultural Codes Final Paper due 11-6 at 5pm
4. Physics Test #3 - 11-8
5. Proposal for "History of the English Language" (ENGL 4000) research paper - maybe this wouldn't be too bad if I had a topic. :) Due: 11-8
6. Science Seminar Paper: I finally narrowed it down to two topics and I'm going to the library tomorrow. The paper must be at least 10 pages with 3 outside sources. Due: 11-11
7. receiving another Take Home Exam for H.E.L on 11-12 Due 11-19
8. H.E.L. Research Paper. Due 11-29
9. Creative nonfiction Final due on 12-1
10. Democratic Vistas Final Long Paper Due 12-8
11. Creative nonfiction Book Review Due 12-10
12. Physics Final 12-13

That will see me through till the end of the semester. It seems like so much in a list, but I know I can handle it. At least I don't really have to study for Physics, I just have to do the Lab Papers and Pre-Labs once a week. I really don't want to have to take Physics 2, but I don't have any other choice because Writing as a Profession (the capstone of my curricula) and Ecology 2, the other science I took, are only offered every other year, so they wouldn't be offered again until after my projected graduation date. Therefore, I can't take a science this Spring, and I have to wait until next Spring when I'm writing my thesis and trying to graduate to finish my sciences for this retard school. So, I'll have all writing classes next semester, except for Thesis Research Methods. Here's my classes that I plan to take:

Intro to Analytical Writing - MWF - 10am-10:50am - 3

Advanced Grammar - MWF - 1pm-1:50pm - 3

Computers and Composition - M - 5pm-8pm - 3

Writing as a profession - TR - 9:30am-10:45am - 3

Fundamentals of Linguistics - TR - 11am-12:15pm - 3

Technical Composition - W - 6pm-9pm - 3

Thesis Research Methods - F - 2pm-2:50pm - 1

That's 19 credit hours, which means I only have to take 14 for one of my semesters in my final year, which might help with that lab I'm supposed to take, and thesis, but I have to reorganize my schedule to show what I've already taken and what I'm projected to take.

Well, I better get going, I have to see about working on my proposal and getting some sleep since I didn't go see Rocky Horror Picture Show tonight. . .And it's not playing tomorrow. . .And that's sad. I wanted to go see it, but Aaron didn't, and well. . .We watched History of the World Part one instead. . .He says he thought it was tomorrow night, but I kept saying tonight, so I guess he just misheard or misunderstood me. . .It doesn't matter. I might go cry now. . .I need a god cry to get all the stress and frustration out of my system. . .At least I'm going back on my regular birth control pills now so I won't be as hormonally imbalanced. Sometimes I wonder if Aaron and I will stay together forever. I mean, I love him, but sometimes I get so frustrated that it seems like it might be over any day. . .And others, I can't wait to see him again. I guess that's just part of relationships and being so young. I mean, I'm 20 years old now and my hormones haven't balanced yet. . .But that could just be because I'm a late bloomer. It doesn't matter, really. . .And I have to go now.

Later!

Journal 5 (AdvComp) Cultural Codes

After all this discussion concerning "cultural codes," what have you seen on TV most recently that has caused you to think about them?

“Cultural codes” on television seems like too broad of a spectrum to discuss. I don’t watch TV much, I don’t even have a TV in my dorm room, and the little TV I do watch plays the same set of commercials over and over because it is so late that they just program the server on repeat (those of you who watch Inuyasha and Wolf’s Rain on Adult Swim know what I mean). The one commercial that really sticks in my head, (besides the freaky one for “The Grudge” that made me not want to use the dorm showers) is the one for the Chocolate Factory.

Now I know that that’s cheesy, but I really want one. I am a chocoholic and I can’t help it. It appeals to the cook in me because I know how hard it is to melt chocolate without burning it and keep it melted smoothly. I’ve burnt many a chocolate bunny. Plus, I love making gifts. I could make chocolate gifts for all my chocoholic friends and then we could go to “lose weight/help I’m addicted” meetings together, wouldn’t that be fun? I suppose it says that “The ideal dessert should be/do/have chocolate, but I didn’t need a commercial to tell me that, I’m already an addict. Perhaps on a deeper level it discusses that “the ideal woman should make better desserts her whole family will not be bored with,” but that may be reaching.

Count down to NanoWriMo

Okay, there are 6 days until NaNoWriMo actually begins, and I'm already kicking myself for signing up. I have to write 1,667 words every day to reach 50K, but I have so much to do for my classes. I have a:

1. Cultural Codes Rough Draft and Final Paper due (10-28, 11-4)
2. HEL Take Home Exam (10-29)
3. Lead Seminar on Bury my Heart at Wounded Knee (11-4)
4. 1 Paragraph proposal for HEL Research Paper (11-8)
5. Physics Test #3 (11-8)
6. SciSem Term Paper Due (11-11)
7. Recieve another Take Home Exam for HEL (11-12, due 11-19)

That's a whole lot of stuff to cram all before Thanksgiving. . .I hope I can handle it. . .Wait, I know I can. . .better get started! Plus, I want to be relaxed enough to work on my figures over Thanksgiving, and I have to start bringing stuff home because i can't leave it up here during the holidays. . .:( I sure hope they don't condem the building over break. . there's no fricking way I'm living in Sabine with Aaron living in Rapides. . .they can't do that to the Scholars.

NaNoWriMo Challenge

I've started another blog for NaNoWriMo. For those of you who don't know what NaNoWriMo is, it's short for National Novel Writing Month. That's November, in case you didn't realize it. I'm going to try to finally finish Mission Complete, since I've been working on it forever and have never even come close to finishing it, maybe this will give me the incintive I need. You can read what I have so far HERE. Wish me luck, 50,000 words is a lot of letters!

The Blame of Advertising?

Perhaps “society” is the wrong “person” to blame for the effects of advertising on people. For the most part, I believe that it is the result of the individual’s self-control that causes downfalls such as eating disorders and gambling addictions, but one must remember that these are like diseases in many ways. The ‘user’ feels helpless to stop once they have started and at that point, perhaps they need someone else to step in take part of the responsibility from them until they have learned to control their problem. A lot of the times, these things get out of hand not because of the constant advertising, but because of the inability of the person to admit there is a problem. It is not the responsibility of the company to change their advertisements because someone believes this caused their problem. The point of advertising is to create a need for people to buy their product. As a consumer, a person should be able to discern what is good for them and what is a need, versus what is a want that could in the long run do damage to their mental and or physical being. In this manner, I do not think “society” should be blamed for the effects, they are only PART of the cause. The other part of the cause is the weakness of the person, and in this manner they should seek help for these weaknesses instead of seeking to exploit the companies because of personal downfalls.

I agree that there are many temptations in the media, but there are temptations everywhere, not just media advertising, but store advertising and visual perseptions. The media will not tell you not to buy it simply because that would be the opposite of what they want. It is up to the consumer to put a limit on the things they buy. Just because I like McDonalds French Fries doesn't mean I need to SuperSize them and eat the whole box when I'm not that hungry. No one can tell you your limits, you must discern them for yourself.

One day at a time . . .

Okay, so the week is almost over and I've only got a few more things to do and then I can play Nintendo and poker and read what I want all weekend. Well, I do have to start on my project for CNF and possibly start on my paper for SciSem because they're both due at the same time, but that will be about all. . .Maybe I won't have any homework in Physics. . .Maybe, but I doubt it. We're starting centrifical force or some bullshit like that.

Oh well. . . anyway, I guess I better go work on my Physics PreLab or something useful so I can get it all done before I crash tomorrow. . . Whew, October has come early. ..this year is FLYING past.

The Cute Kitty.

P.S. - Check out my webpage!

Journal 3 for Advanced Composition Choose or Lose: VOTE

First of all, I have made no secret of my personal views on this coming election and the fact that I believe the current President, George W. Bush has done the job he set out to do in office and deserves reelection. But, if I were not so biased, i.e. if Bush had not already served 4 years where I was allowed to view the actions he takes in office, I believe I would still vote for Bush on the following basis:

1. He has not personally put out ads defaming his opponents and has publicly asked for any ads on the air that do, to come to an end. Hence the reason the “Swift Boat Captains for Truth” ad is no longer played. Kerry, on the other hand attacked Bush for not personally calling out the creators of that ad. If Bush would have, it could have cost him support and caused an embarrassment issue with the creators. The fact that Bush called for the ad to be removed at all is very diplomatic of him, because he did not pay for the ad to be made and was not required to do anything about it.

2. Bush did not receive a purple heart in the Vietnam incident for shooting himself in the foot. Kerry advocates will argue that at least Kerry served in the military, but Bush did serve in the military, just in the National Guard. In times of war, even when the conflict is not on our home territory, military personnel is still needed to maintain security at home and be on call incase more troops should be needed in what ever country we are fighting. Bush did not dodge the draft like Clinton, but just because he was not in the middle of the conflict does not mean he does not know what was going on. Those who were the guard with Bush have given testimony to the fact that he was a great leader and a trustworthy person, but several of the men who served with Kerry have stated that he can not be trusted. Furthermore, his one kill in Vietnam was a crippled child that was running away from him.

3. Bush has taken a standpoint on each of the issues and sticks to his beliefs, while considering the beliefs of others. Perhaps maintaining a steadfast position in light of new details is not always a good thing, but at least he hears the issues and judges accordingly. Bush’s faith may not think gay marriages are appropriate, but Bush himself understood that marriages should be between people who love each other, not for the government or an overall church to decide. This nation was founded on many different beliefs, and should continue to be that way. Kerry, on the other hand, decides his viewpoint on the people he is talking to. While it is good to consider your audience, the goal of the speaker should be to persuade those who do not agree to their side of thinking, not to lie to them and say you feel the same way, only to turn around and tell their opposition the same thing.

4. Bush does not speak down to his audience, even though he graduated from Yale. Bush’s speeches, although probably not written by him, seem to speak directly into the heart of American people. He does not gloss over the facts with words the average American would have to look up, nor does he use technical jargon that is hard to follow. He continues to rally people to his cause, rather than watch them pass out in their seats from boredom. I ask you this, would you rather have someone who you don’t understand giving a speech of something that is important to your future, or someone who will tell you the important things in terms easy to understand?

It is not for me to decide who people should vote for, but when you do vote, I ask that you consider the facts as they are presented. Be sure you discern the truth between all the propaganda and lies.