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

John Mcphee's "The Pines"

Please read McPhee's essay and write a commentary on the essay in the comments section below.

Henrietta Lacks Chapter 4-9

Please read the required chapters and post a response in the comments section. Most students received a strong grade on the last Henrietta Lacks post, so keep up the good work. Feel free to post on whatever strikes you as interesting, relevant, or even unclear. Have a nice weekend.

Henrietta Lacks Chapters 1-3

Please read the first three chapters of Henrietta Lacks and post a response to the material in the comments section below. Feel free to comment on any chapter or section of a chapter that you found particularly interesting, relatable, or relevant to the essay topic.

Issue Resolved

The My Writing Lab is correcting the lock out issue the class encountered. You should be able to take the diagnostic/path builder test at this time.

My Writing Lab Plus Issue

I have heard from several students that there appears to be a glitch in the path builder program needed to be completed by Monday. If this error happens to you, please know that an extension will be granted, and we will clear up the issue on Monday. I suggest that you use this weekend to read the first three chapters of Henrietta Lacks or you will have an extra heavy work load next week and could easily fall behind. Sorry for the confusion, but there is nothing that can be done until Monday.

Scott Sanders' "The Men We Carry in Our Minds"

Please read Sanders' essay and write a commentary in the comments section below.

Joan Didion's "Georgia O'Keeffe"

Please post in the comments section after reading the Joan Didion essay. Sttempt to incorporate the elements of good writing we discussed in class today.

Welcome

Dear Students,

I am looking forward to spending the next ten weeks with all of you, but I understand that the feeling may not be mutual. That's okay. All I ask is that you apply yourself diligently to assigned work and remain open. I feel confident that we will all be more careful readers and competent writers by the end of the quarter, and, if we remain open, who knows where the readings and discussions will lead us. I expect great things.

Today's reminder: Do not miss class in the first two weeks or more than three times throughout the quarter. I will have no choice but to fail you regardless of the work you make up for the days you were absent.

Before class on Wednesday: Please listen to the following short Youtube clip and respond in the comments section. Stephen Fry Kinetic Typography