Final Extra Credit Opportunity Ted Talk--Micro Sculptor

The following link will take you to an amazing Ted Talk. The video clip isn't particularly academic or scholarly, but Willard Wiggan's feat is so fantastical that I wanted to share it with you. Listen and comment below.

http://www.ted.com/talks/willard_wigan_hold_your_breath_for_micro_sculpture.html

Extra Credit 6 Word Memoir

Ernest Hemingway is said to have created this 6 Word Story/Memoir after being challenged and betting someone that he could write a story in under ten words. The veracity of the story is undetermined, but the story has not been falisified. After reading Heminway's Memoir, write a 6 Word Memoir and post it in the comments section.

For Sale. Baby Shoes. Never Worn.

Extra Credit Spoken Word Poetry

Following are several link to spoken word poetry readings. Listen to two and comment on your favorite poet. Think of spoken word as somewhat analogous to rap music in that both often depict harsh realities existing in the world. Let this comment also serve as a warning that some of the links breach sensitive topics.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QhZU0uEpi5A (Andrea Gibson discusses the conflicting nature of life).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fDzshjFKuYE (Andrea Gibson speaks on the affects of rape. This was the first spoken word poet I ever listened to years ago. I fell in love with her works).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IHaw3SRL-3Q (Alvin Lau recites a beautiful and powerful poem about his sister's marriage; his sister is lesbian).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VjqqZyfpeUQ (Alvin Lau performs an energetic and incredible tribute to breakdancing).

Wallace Speech

Although this is a commencement speech, I still think it shows off Wallace's literary prowess and penetrating insight. Please read the essay and post your response in the comments section below.

The Politics of Muscle

My sincerest apologies for the confusion over the post due date. I mentioned in class that the due date was changed to Monday, but I should have also sent an email.
Please read Gloria Steinem's "Politics of Muscle" and post a response in the blog section below.

Beauty: When the Other Dancer is Self

Please read Alice Walker's essay and post a response in the comments section below.

Sedaris Links

Good morning students. Below are links to two essays written by David Sedaris. The first is titled "Six to Eight Black Men" and the second is titled "Chicken in the Henhouse." Please note that when you go to the cite linked to you will have several options of which version to listen to. With the first essay, listen to the Live at Carnegie Hall version which has three parts. The second essay has five parts, and it is only important that you listen to each segment (the version doesn't matter). Most likely the hyperlinks will not work, and you will need to copy and paste the link into your browser. I am confident that you can figure it out. Once you have listened to the essays, please post a response in the comments section below.

http://grooveshark.com/#!/search?q=six+to+eight+black+men

http://grooveshark.com/#!/search?q=sedaris+chicken+in+the+henhouse