31 Days of Harry Potter

One More for the Road

Wed, 15 Dec 2010 21:56:41 -0500

It was a blast!

The class was wonderful and would not have been the same without some key people. No offense to everyone else, but Isaac has to be the most wonderful person in the universe. I will never forget the “semicolons are cute” talk. Rebecca, having something to say no matter what the topic was, and never afraid to express her opinion. Madeline’s ability to piss of Foley with her random stories of who got drunk and passed out in the middle of the street and somehow an iphone ended up in her purse. Quiet Club sitting farthest from the door… and so much more.

Of course, there is always Foley. She brought a main course of cynicism to the table with a side of rowdy. My favorite line upon entering class was the good old “who doesn’t want to be here… yeah, me neither.” The class would not have been quite the same without her. Only Foley would be able to put up with the madness of a bunch of Harry Potter enthused crazies that just want to talk about the books. It was amazing she managed to fit in so much rhetoric with us turning on her.

Thank you everyone for making it a lovely semester, you all brought your own personality to the class and it made for a unique and fun time.

Stay Awesome!!!

I Love Fallacies!

Wed, 15 Dec 2010 14:46:30 -0500

Once again… looking back on other posts because I am looking for more things to write about… I found some stuff on fallacies. I am absolutely in love with them!!

Before, you read the paper/whatever and come across something where you just have to say “that is ridiculous” but you could never justify it. As we read over all the different kind of fallacies and they were given names, I slowly began to see what ridiculous could equal!

(I feel super nerdy but I will continue)

It was magnificent, seeing how the writers could play on your emotions, ethics, morals… simply fabulous. Upon entering the paper after we had argued against someone addressing their facts as actual fallacies, I was so afraid of using fallacies that I threw my unclearness out the window and turned to pure proof. Definitely the wrong way to go. I had none of my own thoughts in there just the proof from other people. But, I found that happy medium with some good advice from Foley. She said, “use fallacies all you want as long as I don’t pick up on them.”

Well hot dog! Who knew there was a good middle ground between ridiculous fallacies and just fallacies… apparently I did not.

Yet another good lesson learned in writing through Foley.

Clarity... Again

Wed, 15 Dec 2010 14:24:41 -0500

I was looking back on older posts and read mine about clarity…

Yup, it was definitely not my forte there in the beginning. I tested out of the basic English and rhetoric classes in high school, so I never got to experience a college writing class before HP. It was an awakening that I was not so fond of but overall helped out quite a bit.

Before, in high school that is, I tried to sound smart and it was working for me (when you get an A on a paper, you don’t really question it, ya know). I never realized that I could write more clearly and still managed to sound smart with an understanding of what I was writing about. It was really frustrating when I kept getting “you suck at life” on my papers, “good start but keep working on simplifying.” I would like to think that I have come a long way since that first paper we wrote because it was most definitely poop, but you never know. I got to the point where I felt confident about what I was turning in rather than grinding my teeth in contemplation about what mediocre grade I would get next.

Anyway, long story short, I enjoyed the class for helping my writing and getting me to convey a point without making life complicated. Even if I am still not clear enough for Foley, I am happy with how my writing has turned out lately.

FYI

Wed, 15 Dec 2010 00:26:36 -0500

For Your Information… I hate revisions. They are poop.

By the time I get the paper back, I have stared at it so much that I want to punch it in the face and never think about it again. Especially when it is the final paper in HP and I have looked at this argument for countless hours. It was the very last thing I had to do, minus finishing these blogs, and I am just done. It took me twice as long as it should have because I couldn’t focus to save my life. I am happy to say I never have to officially take a side on a HP controversy, form an argument, prove that argument, and to add a cherry on top, find someone that opposes me and argue against them by pointing out their fallacies.

See what I mean, too much to handle right now. Or should I say, I don’t want to handle right now. I had some problems with my transitions in this last one, and couldn’t get it to flow. It was so choppy, bouncing from idea to idea. I knew it was when I turned it in but I had 2 other papers due that day and was unsuccessful at fixing them in a timely manor. Needless to say, with the revision due today. I think I made some good changes but you will never know until you get the grade from Foley.

Whenever I think my writing is a suckfest, it turns out I get a good grade. When ever I think I do fabulous, long story short, I should think again.

A Gift for Future HP

Tue, 14 Dec 2010 23:56:23 -0500

Let’s start off with the fact that Foley will not put up with any bologna. If you are expecting, like Madeline, to be put into houses upon entering the class, think again. It is definitely safe to say first and foremost that Foley considers HP a rhetoric class. Yes, you get to argue about Harry Potter in your papers, but that is the extent.

In class, you will discuss clarity, your standard ethos, logos, and pathos as well as fallacies in other people’s arguments. Funness is what you are thinking… I can tell. But really not too bad.

To be honest, I liked most of the discussions. While Foley thought I was too quiet, and would force me to talk. I really rather enjoyed hearing what my classmates had to offer. She assigned challenging papers and expected a lot from us, but I think it was for the best.

I learned that I do way better in literary analysis rather than rhetoric classes because I am able to make things sound “complicated” and unclear. It was a slight struggle to come out of the 20 year slump of confusing writing, but Foley helped me with that (like I said no bologna) and wouldn’t let scoot by.

Overall, I learned a lot about my writing and how to fix my problem areas. Who doesn’t love golden oreos… you will soon understand. By the way, totally my new favorite cookie thanks to Foley!

For Taylor

Thu, 09 Dec 2010 00:02:07 -0500

A translation… turkeys= unlucky people, losers if you will

For all You other Turkeys...

Wed, 08 Dec 2010 23:54:10 -0500

I am done, with tests that is… So for all you other turkeys still having to study, I am dreadfully sorry.

I have spent a total of 23 hours in the past 3 days in the J west lobby, I know how did I get so lucky but I am sure you don’t have 2 dozen cupcakes with you either.

Chocolate cake with cherry filling and a toasted meringue topping, chocolate on chocolate, black and white, red velvet, cookies and cream, banana chocolate… and so much more!

Of course, along with studying comes procrastination. I made a discoveries, with the help of some friends that I thought would be fun to share and it is rather controversial as well.

chatroulette. According to the wikipedia definition (I know reliable), “is a Russian based website that pairs random strangers with others from around the world together for webcam-based conversations.” Good or Bad?! While yes, it is a fun 15 minute study break, or 30 minutes, that allows you to say “yes, I am not on facebook,” it is rather risk-ay. Definitely not appropriate for a younger crowd. Many times a person pops up that you find “enjoying themselves” a little too much for anyone else to join in on. Articles in the New York Times have discussed the controversy about the website containing too much adult content for it to be so easily accessible but nothing has been done to put a stop to it. When the site has its own skit on SNL and is displayed on Tosh.O, you know you have a winner on your hands.

Favorites

Sun, 05 Dec 2010 14:53:50 -0500

It is official, I hate blogging. Therefore, it is obvious that I need to whip out some blog postings and I am sorry for the randomness of it all. I thought I would throw out my favorite assignements for the semester… I loved the last two mini papers and the final paper. From hearing in class, not too many were jazzed about the formal, journal, mini paper. I must say that I rather enjoyed. My clarity was poop, I will be the first to admit it, so I could finally use my mumbo jumbo and not get lectured by Foley for it. I think the thing I liked about the assignments was that I could mirror someone else’s writing. The hardest part for me is getting started, where do I want to go and how will I organize the paper. It is way easier when you have a distinct style to follow and are allowed to have fun with it. I learned that I am more attracted to emotional appeals than anything else, and really dislike ready things with big words, acememic articles are not my friend. Boredom sets in quickly and mindless reading sets in soon after, you know the kind where you are reading and then say what the hell did I just read kind. I loved the blogs mostly because of the emotionalness of it. Pulling on heartstrings of the past and current event jokes. Although not what I expected, it was fun and I learned a lot.

Hitler's Speech...

Sun, 05 Dec 2010 14:29:39 -0500

I cannot get the day that we discussed his speech in class out of my mind.

I thought yes! This guy had some amazing speeches working on his side. The confidence, and hope he provided for a lost and struggling nation was astounding. He not only addressed all the poeple’s grievances but gave them solutions. Of course he was wanted power and judging by his speech he knew what to do to get it.

Of course, he was terrible for what he did once he gained the power and no one should be excused for the crimes he committed.

In class, hearig Rebecca get rowdy about this speach and the rediculousness of the man behind it; I couldn’t help but think Hitler is still influential. He wanted to evoke emotion through his speech and yes, although he wanted positive followers rather than hotile oppoents, he has won. He brought about those emotions in Rebecca and influenced her outbursts (although they were negative).

The point is Hitler was on a mission, he wasn’t worried if random people didn’t like him because he had the support of the nation. I believe he has gotten what he wants and more. He has become immortal. Hitler will never truly die until he is forgotten… but how when history is staring us in the face. He has yet to stop stirring up emotions whether it be in Rebecca as hatred or a man with a Swastika tattoo supporting white supremecy and idolizig Hitler.

Photo

Wed, 17 Nov 2010 14:46:07 -0500

Photo

Wed, 17 Nov 2010 14:45:24 -0500

Photo

Mon, 15 Nov 2010 14:39:16 -0500

I likes/I hates

Wed, 10 Nov 2010 14:42:08 -0500

Like:

http://www2.swgc.mun.ca/animus/Articles/Volume%209/jacobsen.pdf

http://web.ebscohost.com/ehost/detail?vid=1&hid=110&sid=59230bf2-2729-4712-aa50-4650df7898e6%40sessionmgr111&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ%3d%3d#db=phl&AN=PHL2067289

http://web.ebscohost.com/ehost/detail?vid=1&hid=110&sid=36adedfa-fac2-41d5-bd24-22a2777a9495%40sessionmgr104&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ%3d%3d#db=phl&AN=PHL2067288

Hates:

http://www.jstor.org/stable/40041446?seq=1&Search=yes&term=Potter&term=politics&term=Harry&list=hide&searchUri=%2Faction%2FdoAdvancedSearch%3Fq0%3DHarry%2BPotter%26f0%3Dti%26c1%3DAND%26q1%3Dpolitics%26f1%3Dall%26acc%3Don%26wc%3Don%26Search%3DSearch%26sd%3D%26ed%3D%26la%3D%26jo%3D&item=1&ttl=4&returnArticleService=showFullText&resultsServiceName=null

http://www.jstor.org/stable/20708833

Worksheet for class Find a partner. Tell your partner what you want to write about. If you don’t...

Mon, 08 Nov 2010 14:45:50 -0500

Worksheet for class

Find a partner.

Tell your partner what you want to write about. If you don’t know, write down 2-3 topics that interest you.

The HP novels promote Christianity rather than discourage it

Should be taught in schools to promote equality, fairness, and morals

Dumbledore: good or bad role model for kids

Tell your partner how you want to write what you want to write—do you want to be informative, snarky, funny, serious?

Would rather be funny or snarky, but we will see how things shake out

Together—

Look at blogs. You don’t have to agree with each other, but find a variety of blogs that you think are worthy or not worthy of imitation based on how you want to sound.

Find 5 blogs whose style you would like to imitate.

http://stuffwhitepeoplelike.com/2010/10/18/whiter-shades-of-pale-44-roller-derby/

http://gawker.com/

http://www.lifehacker.com/

http://www.tmz.com/

Explain what you like about each one.

stuffwhitepeoplelike: love it. always grabs my attention from the start. funny in truth.

gawker: it caught my attention right away, they are not afraid to say anything

lifehacker: funny in real life, addresses those random things that everyone is aware of but looks past on a day to day basis. funny anecdotes.

tmz: who doesn’t love hearing about the random stupid stuff celebrity’s do, that could never be boring

Find 5 blogs whose style you do not want to imitate.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/11/08/what-in-the-world-is-goin_n_780310.html

http://www.businessinsider.com/

Explain what you do not like about each one.

huffingtonpost: no thanks. a little too boring for my taste. not catchy just informative.

businessinsider: too formal, i am not engaged in the topic

Put an account of your work on tumblr.

It's a work in progress

Mon, 25 Oct 2010 14:44:00 -0400

1. What are the different “sides” of your controversy? Why do they disagree? what’s the big deal? (wikipedia or similar.)

Support Surveillance: it protects society from terrorists and criminals; if you are not doing anything illegal, there should not be any problems; even if you did something illegal in the past, they cannot punish you now; people will become self-policing because they feel as though they are being watched.

Oppose Surveillance: Surveillance is a piece of totalitarianism, the government and state have complete control over aspects of society. A bad example of surveillance is COINTELPRO, implemented by the FBI between 1956 and 1971 to investigate American activists group.

The issue is important to society because surveillance has an effect on everyone. It has the possibility of being taken too far such as in COUINELPRO and it has the potential to invade privacy, but surveillance also can also contribute to citizen’s safety.

2. Find three articles on your topic using CrossSearch, JSTOR, and/or Academic Search Complete. List them here. How will they help you provide evidence for your argument? What specific words, phrases, numbers, etc., would you like to use in your paper?

http://metalib.lib.utexas.edu:80/V/I931CY8VXNFIKEN3CJLNJCJM11E7PDRE1NN4GB61PA5C3INDBC-00429?func=meta-3&short-format=002&set_number=002067&set_entry=000004&format=999

http://metalib.lib.utexas.edu:80/V/I931CY8VXNFIKEN3CJLNJCJM11E7PDRE1NN4GB61PA5C3INDBC-00457?func=meta-3&short-format=002&set_number=002067&set_entry=000007&format=999

http://www.jstor.org.ezproxy.lib.utexas.edu/stable/4146129?&Search=yes&term=surveillance&term=video&list=hide&searchUri=/action/doBasicSearch%3FQuery%3Dvideo%2Bsurveillance%26gw%3Djtx%26acc%3Don%26prq%3Dsurveillance%26hp%3D25%26wc%3Don&item=20&ttl=3460&returnArticleService=showFullText

3. Find at least one article on your topic in Google Scholar. Record the link to it here. How/why will this article help you make your argument to your audience?

http://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=ifEuzbEnlB4C&oi=fnd&pg=PR9&dq=video+surveillance+issues&ots=8JhRyoHbjn&sig=dGzj61_dDaeS-BvGEZ8-ZTSV0kA#v=onepage&q&f=false

4. Find a book in Google Books that argues for or against your topic. Record the link here. How can you make use of this book as evidence?

http://books.google.com/books?id=R2OcQPj86KUC&printsec=frontcover&dq=surveillance+society&hl=en&ei=RRbKTLyEDIyt8AbFmeCBAg&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=1&ved=0CC8Q6AEwAA

5. Polling the Nations is the best tool ever. Find as many questions as you can that relate to your topic. What do these numbers tell you? How will you use them as evidence?

http://poll.orspub.com.ezproxy.lib.utexas.edu/document.php?id=quest07.out_24360&type=hitlist&num=1

6. What images could you use to back up your argument? How will they help you? Record the links here.

http://piava.wordpress.com/2008/05/01/surveillance-cameras-dc-5000-nyc-3000-chicago-6000/

7. Do you plan to interview anyone or use expert testimony from any of these sources? If so, record your thoughts on who you are going to interview or whose testimony you are going to use. If not, brainstorm ideas for who you could interview.

8. Who is your audience? Where will this be published? Use an advertising pack, Census Fact Finder, or similar tool to describe your audience. Which of the above sources of information will they be most likely to believe? Why?

Epiphany

Tue, 05 Oct 2010 21:57:08 -0400

Well, who knew I was terrible at clarity?

Yup. It is official I have come to realize that I suck at clarity. It makes me wonder if this has been an issue all along. As I read through my paper, it makes sense. The real problem is not if I understand, but if my audience understands. I think the situation is that I like the sound of prepositional phrases and complex sentences.

On the other hand, I don’t appreciate simple sentences. I feel like I am back in first grade writing about my puppy. I know all I have to do is find that happy medium, but it is easier said than done.

Goal for next paper: complexity with clarity.

Hope for success.

Who's to say I made a mistake?

Wed, 08 Sep 2010 02:32:25 -0400

I found the read we were assigned quite catchy. The arguments made were not only well thought out but funny as well. My favorite part of the whole thing was the way he judged all the “grammartarians” that created the rules yet broke them in their own writings.

The science connection was rather delightful when he presented the variables of response in a Punnett Square. The visual aid helped get the rules and responses across. I love the argument that it is only a mistake if someone catches you in the wrong, other than that what does it matter. He makes a valid point in that if we read to find mistakes, you will potentially succeed in finding more mistakes, but if you read purely for pleasure, you will not discover as many problems.

So, if nobody picks up on a tiny error what is the real problem. The comprehension is their and that is all that truly matters. Sure, the blunder is present in reality but if no one realizes the mistake, is it present in theory?

Coincidence? The world may never know…

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 23:20:21 -0400

Coincidence? The world may never know…

Up Your Ziggy with a Wa-wa Brush

Mon, 30 Aug 2010 22:43:33 -0400

Many make the argument that Harry Potter contains Wiccan, occultism, and satanic undertones. Frankly, I say to all the Negative Nancy’s out there… Up your ziggy with a wa-wa brush.

It is impossible to say that the books promote witchcraft, and/or any type of evil. It is a fantasy world. Nothing more. Harry Potter is a piece of fiction built upon morals, values, family, friendship, good vs. evil, love, courage and doing what is right. Christians cannot say that Harry Potter teaches them the wrong values because those of the novels are the same as what christians try to teach their children. But, people will believe what they want to believe. If they go into it with a negative outlook, searching for highlights of what they think the book is based on, they will find them. The same people will search for things to find upsetting or wrong such as when they took the satirical works of The Onion and National Post and sent them as chain mail to be truthful just to get votes for their cause.

In reality, all the “charges” against Harry Potter are untruthful. The evidence cited that claims Harry Potter promotes Wicca such as black magic, demon possession, communing with dead and/or spirit world is not even part of WIccan belief. As for the complaints of secularism, you can read the books either way. I believe that if you are a religious person you will find themes that parallel your personal religion, but if you choose to read it without any religious point of views, the themes could be found to be based on the Nazis regime.

Comparing Harry Potter to the works of J.R.R. Tolkein and C.S. Lewis is reasonable. Many fight that Tolkein and Lewis are purely fantastical and cannot be reproduced in any way, while Harry Potter is telling children potions and spells are okay and can potentially be reproduced in real life. The 3 works are all simply fantasy, magic is not real and therefore can’t be recreated.

The most interesting thing I have found through the Wikipedia readings is the connection with the Nazis party and Holocaust. Jessica Mitford’s family compared to that of the Black family in HP is astounding. I have never taken the information in that manor. The other shocking find was that of the lightening bolt scar on Harry’s head having a comparison to Sir Oswald Mosley’s British Union Fascists. These comments were quite fascinating. Coming from a religious background, I found the more God-centered side of things to be prevalent and never saw the more secular, war themes of the books.

As far as closing statements go… I wonder if those that are fighting Harry Potter ever realized how much publicity the books are getting and therefore the increasing number of people that are reading them because they are simply wondering what all the fuss is about.