Wednesday, September 24, 2014
My Fabulous Freshman Year- Find the Prize
As part of the blogging committee, I have been assigned to share my experiences as a freshman at Coe every week. Today I sat thinking about what I should write about. I mean I could talk about tests, classes or orientation. There have been so many amazing things that have happened in the month I have been at Coe that the list can go on and on, but I instantly thought of the event that has consumed my life for the past 24 hours, causing me to procrastinate on everything, and basically get nothing accomplished. So I thought, what better way to make something useful out of all the time spent on this activity than by blogging about it?
For anyone that's on campus at Coe, you have probably heard about the Oohlala app, which basically connects you to everything that is happening on campus. On Tuesday, a new aspect of the app was released, an event, or game rather, called Find the Prize. The rules are simple, using your app you search around campus for the "prize", and you tap a button to take it from another person's smartphone when you are within 100 feet of each other. You can't leave campus or you drop the prize, and if you are lucky enough to hold it for the longest amount of time over the three-day period or have it on your phone Thursday at 5:00 pm, you win $200. Not a bad deal for a free smartphone app.
The problem is the game is addicting. It's basically electronic capture the flag. I initially laughed when I saw the poster advertising the game, with students chasing each other across a campus. I mean why would people be running for some stupid game? Well, I was one of those people running yesterday as my two writing center teammates and I chased down the prize for over three hours, including a late-night search which ended with us determining our sleep might be worth more than $200.
We've spent time formulating well thought plans and trying develop the perfect strategy to win the prize money, and in the process have left only a small amount of time to get our homework done. We learned that the fence that goes around the football field is much larger than you might think, and that the Writing Center, although sometimes hidden from the public, is not hidden from people after the beloved prize. We also learned never to underestimate the lengths people will go to to capture the prize back from you, people are obsessed with this game (us included).
Win or lose tomorrow, I will gladly say that Find the Prize has been one of my favorite campus events so far. Were it not for my ever-growing mound of homework and my short-lived cell phone battery, my team and I would be out at all hours in search of that coveted prize. I can't wait to have more fun on campus this year!
- Alexandria, Class of '18
Monday, September 22, 2014
Homecoming, Friendship, and the Writing Center
Hello, everyone!
The academic year is rolling and the writing center is hopping with beginning-of-the-year conferences (and coffee, of course). Despite the mass amount of homework we all have, we make time for fun... because the WC and fun might actually be synonyms.
We especially made time for fun this weekend, since it was Coe's homecoming.
Homecoming is this fabulous time of the year when Coe students remember how awesome Coe is -- and how awesome it's always been. Lots of alumni come back to watch the famous football game, eat juicy burgers, and visit with old friends. There is also a dance where we all go get our groove on. You can feel the school spirit everywhere, and I for one spent the weekend feeling grateful that I made this college decision.
My college experience (and my homecoming experience) wouldn't be the same without my friends -- and I made my closest friends through the writing center. It's amazing to think back to two years ago (yep, two!) when we all met and practiced conferencing together. We were scared, little first-years, but we supported each other and have grown into thriving students: studying abroad, landing the best internships, and starting the process of writing our honors theses.
The writing center is really what gave my friends and I (all 70-something of us, but a few in particular) the chance to bond and develop these lasting friendships. The first time we really got to know each other was in San Diego at a conference for writing centers across the nation. We learned a lot of very helpful tips for more productive conferences, and we also got to explore San Diego together. As the old adage says, "Those who navigate the San Diego trolly system together become close friends." The WC also puts on plenty of social events for consultants through our special committee, Fun and Games. Last year, we went apple picking at an orchard and watched movies together on Friday nights. I know this year, Fun and Games is carefully planning how they will magically transform acquaintances and co-workers into best friends -- because it somehow happens every year.
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| A few of our lovely WC consultants getting ready for Homecoming 2014! |
I'm so thankful to have such a great place to work and to develop myself professionally, socially, and personally.
Happy first day of Autumn!
-Angela, class of '16
Wednesday, August 6, 2014
Ursula Le Guin: Part III
I believe I said that there was a book by Ursula Le Guin I had to find and read at some point. It would appear I was mistaken.
There were two. And one of them finally gave me a name for a collection of Tolkien's literary criticism, which I've found surprisingly hard to find...
From Cheek by Jowl:
-"The mandarins of modernism and some of the pundits of postmodernism were shocked to be told that a fantasy trilogy by a professor of philology is the best-loved English novel of the twentieth century."
-"To throw a book out of serious consideration because it was written for children, or because it is read by children, is in fact a monstrous act of anti-intellectualism. But it happens daily in academia."
-"What fantasy often does that the realistic novel generally cannot do is include the nonhuman as essential."
-"What reality may be, what really happened, we cannot tell; what we can tell is the story, the infinitely flexible, wonderfully rearrangeable, extremely useful story. With it we remake reality."
And from The Language of the Night:
-"I think we have a terrible thing here: a hardworking, upright, responsible citizen, a full-grown, educated person, who is afraid of dragons, and afraid of hobbits, and scared to death of fairies. It's funny, but it's also terrible."
-"Some people can talk on the telephone. They must really believe in the thing. For me the telephone is for making appointments with the doctor with and canceling appointments with the dentist with. It is not a medium of human communication. I can't stand there in the hall with the child and the cat both circling around my legs frisking and purring and demanding cookies and catfood, and explain to a disembodied voice in my ear that the Jungian spectrum of introvert/extrovert can usefully be applied not only to human beings but also to authors. That is, there are some authors who want and need to tell about themselves, you know, like Norman Mailer, and there are others who want and need privacy. Privacy!"
-"The way of art, after all, i neither to cut adrift from the emotions, the senses, the body, etc., and to sail off into the void of pure meaning, nor to blind the mind's eye and wallow in irrational, amoral meaninglessness--but to keep open the tenuous, difficult, essential connections between the two extremes."
-"I invite you to meditate on a pair of sisters. Emily and Charlotte. Their life experience was an isolated vicarage in a small, dreary English village, a couple of bad years at a girls' school, another year or two in Brussels, which is surely the dullest city in all of Europe, and a lot of housework. Out of that seething mass of raw, vital, brutal, gutsy Experience they made two of the greatest novels ever written: Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights."
-"You may have gathered from all this that I am not encouraging people to try to be writers. Well, I can't. You hate to see a nice young person run up to the edge of a cliff and jump off, you know. On the other hand, it is awfully nice to know that some other people are just as nutty and just as determined to jump off the cliff as you are. You just hope they realize what they're in for."
There were two. And one of them finally gave me a name for a collection of Tolkien's literary criticism, which I've found surprisingly hard to find...
From Cheek by Jowl:
-"The mandarins of modernism and some of the pundits of postmodernism were shocked to be told that a fantasy trilogy by a professor of philology is the best-loved English novel of the twentieth century."
-"To throw a book out of serious consideration because it was written for children, or because it is read by children, is in fact a monstrous act of anti-intellectualism. But it happens daily in academia."
-"What fantasy often does that the realistic novel generally cannot do is include the nonhuman as essential."
-"What reality may be, what really happened, we cannot tell; what we can tell is the story, the infinitely flexible, wonderfully rearrangeable, extremely useful story. With it we remake reality."
And from The Language of the Night:
-"I think we have a terrible thing here: a hardworking, upright, responsible citizen, a full-grown, educated person, who is afraid of dragons, and afraid of hobbits, and scared to death of fairies. It's funny, but it's also terrible."
-"Some people can talk on the telephone. They must really believe in the thing. For me the telephone is for making appointments with the doctor with and canceling appointments with the dentist with. It is not a medium of human communication. I can't stand there in the hall with the child and the cat both circling around my legs frisking and purring and demanding cookies and catfood, and explain to a disembodied voice in my ear that the Jungian spectrum of introvert/extrovert can usefully be applied not only to human beings but also to authors. That is, there are some authors who want and need to tell about themselves, you know, like Norman Mailer, and there are others who want and need privacy. Privacy!"
-"The way of art, after all, i neither to cut adrift from the emotions, the senses, the body, etc., and to sail off into the void of pure meaning, nor to blind the mind's eye and wallow in irrational, amoral meaninglessness--but to keep open the tenuous, difficult, essential connections between the two extremes."
-"I invite you to meditate on a pair of sisters. Emily and Charlotte. Their life experience was an isolated vicarage in a small, dreary English village, a couple of bad years at a girls' school, another year or two in Brussels, which is surely the dullest city in all of Europe, and a lot of housework. Out of that seething mass of raw, vital, brutal, gutsy Experience they made two of the greatest novels ever written: Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights."
-"You may have gathered from all this that I am not encouraging people to try to be writers. Well, I can't. You hate to see a nice young person run up to the edge of a cliff and jump off, you know. On the other hand, it is awfully nice to know that some other people are just as nutty and just as determined to jump off the cliff as you are. You just hope they realize what they're in for."
Thursday, July 31, 2014
Quotation Time with Ursula Le Guin: Part II
So, in case it's not apparent at this point, I really like Ursula Le Guin. And she's intelligent. And verbose. And a badass.
Also, the library apparently has a copy of another book on writing by her which I have not read so... there may be another set of Ursula Le Guin quotes popping up later. Fair warning.
Anyway, more quotes (again from The Wave in the Mind: Talks and Essays on the Writer, the Reader, and the Imagination):
-"Children have a seemingly innate passion for justice; they don't have to be taught it. They have to have it beaten out of them, in fact, to end up as properly prejudiced adults."
-"Women have a particular stake in keeping the oral functions of literature alive, since misogyny wants women to be silent, and misogynist critics and academics do not want to hear the woman's voice in literature, in any sense of the word."
-"It is curious that evidence for what looks like an aesthetic sense--a desire for objects because they are perceived as desirable in themselves, a willingness to expend real energy acquiring something that has no practical end at all--seems to turn up only among us [humans], some lowly little rodents, and some rowdy birds."
-"In America the imagination is generally looked on as something that might be useful when the TV is out of order. Poetry and plays have no relation to practical problems."
-"To me the important thing is not to offer any specific hope of betterment [in stories] but, by offering an imagined but persuasive alternative reality, to dislodge my mind, and so the reader's mind, from the lazy, timorous habit of thinking that the way we live now is the only way people can live."
-"These days, no writer can legitimately claim either ignorance or innocence as a defense of prejudice or bigotry in their writing."
-"A dangerous book will always be in danger from those it threatens with the demand that they question their assumptions. They'd rather hang on to the assumptions and ban the book."
-"All human beings are liars; that is true; you must believe me."
Also, the library apparently has a copy of another book on writing by her which I have not read so... there may be another set of Ursula Le Guin quotes popping up later. Fair warning.
Anyway, more quotes (again from The Wave in the Mind: Talks and Essays on the Writer, the Reader, and the Imagination):
-"Children have a seemingly innate passion for justice; they don't have to be taught it. They have to have it beaten out of them, in fact, to end up as properly prejudiced adults."
-"Women have a particular stake in keeping the oral functions of literature alive, since misogyny wants women to be silent, and misogynist critics and academics do not want to hear the woman's voice in literature, in any sense of the word."
-"It is curious that evidence for what looks like an aesthetic sense--a desire for objects because they are perceived as desirable in themselves, a willingness to expend real energy acquiring something that has no practical end at all--seems to turn up only among us [humans], some lowly little rodents, and some rowdy birds."
-"In America the imagination is generally looked on as something that might be useful when the TV is out of order. Poetry and plays have no relation to practical problems."
-"To me the important thing is not to offer any specific hope of betterment [in stories] but, by offering an imagined but persuasive alternative reality, to dislodge my mind, and so the reader's mind, from the lazy, timorous habit of thinking that the way we live now is the only way people can live."
-"These days, no writer can legitimately claim either ignorance or innocence as a defense of prejudice or bigotry in their writing."
-"A dangerous book will always be in danger from those it threatens with the demand that they question their assumptions. They'd rather hang on to the assumptions and ban the book."
-"All human beings are liars; that is true; you must believe me."
Friday, July 25, 2014
Reflections on the Writings of Academics
Mostly, this has been prompted by the fact that I'm reading a number of philosophers, along with several authors/literary critics. Some, such as Umberto Eco, are both. I thought it would be fun to take some of the academic language and change it into more colloquial phrasing, trying as best I can to preserve nuances. Now, since this has been for research regarding the ethical implications and ethical assessment of art, the variety in subject matters is going to be a little low.
Anyway, without further ado:
Umberto Eco: "many modern theories are unable to recognize that symbols are paradigmatically, that is, textually, open only to the indefinite, but by no means infinite, interpretations allowed by the context."
Translation: "modern theories of literature ignore the fact that, while a given written work can say multiple different things, it can't say anything."
Richard W. Miller: "there is always a possible rational dissenter from our moral judgment who would disagree in response to our evidence, indeed all the evidence that there might be."
Translation: "There will always be someone who can disagree with any moral claim you want to make, and be justified in doing so."
Noel Carroll: "inasmuch as the autonomist argues that art is essentially independent of morality and politics, the autonomist goes on to contend that aesthetic value is independent of the sorts of consequentialist considerations that Plato and his followers raise."
Translation: "in arguing that art exists only for its own sake and isn't tied to morality/politics, people seek to avoid arguments (such as those by Plato) that art which causes dangerous effects should be banned/restricted."
And, my personal favorite in this:
Pierre Bourdieu: "all religious theologies and all political theocracies have taken advantage of the fact that the generative capacities of language can surpass the limits of intuition or empirical verification and produce statements that are formally impeccable but semantically empty."
Anyway, without further ado:
Umberto Eco: "many modern theories are unable to recognize that symbols are paradigmatically, that is, textually, open only to the indefinite, but by no means infinite, interpretations allowed by the context."
Translation: "modern theories of literature ignore the fact that, while a given written work can say multiple different things, it can't say anything."
Richard W. Miller: "there is always a possible rational dissenter from our moral judgment who would disagree in response to our evidence, indeed all the evidence that there might be."
Translation: "There will always be someone who can disagree with any moral claim you want to make, and be justified in doing so."
Noel Carroll: "inasmuch as the autonomist argues that art is essentially independent of morality and politics, the autonomist goes on to contend that aesthetic value is independent of the sorts of consequentialist considerations that Plato and his followers raise."
Translation: "in arguing that art exists only for its own sake and isn't tied to morality/politics, people seek to avoid arguments (such as those by Plato) that art which causes dangerous effects should be banned/restricted."
And, my personal favorite in this:
Pierre Bourdieu: "all religious theologies and all political theocracies have taken advantage of the fact that the generative capacities of language can surpass the limits of intuition or empirical verification and produce statements that are formally impeccable but semantically empty."
Translation: "Religious and political organizations like to say things which, while grammatically correct and coherent, mean fuck all."
Patrick
Sunday, July 20, 2014
More Quotation Times!!! (Ursula Le Guin Edition)
Now, in quoting Ursula Le Guin (from a variety of essays compiled in The Wave in the Mind: Talks and Essays on the Writer, the Reader, and the Imagination), I'm running into a problem I didn't have with Margaret Atwood. Namely, that any attempt I make to quote Ursula Le Guin takes her words out of context, and they're inevitably better in context. But, I'm going to do it anyway, because much like a internet picture of the Mona Lisa isn't the Mona Lisa, but is respectable nonetheless, so it is with these quotes. So:
-"Maybe the people who rope themselves together and the huge heavy things resent such adaptable and uncertain footing because it makes them feel insecure. Maybe they fear they might be sucked in and swallowed. But I am not interested in sucking and am not hungry. I am just mud. I yield. I do try to oblige. And so when the people and the huge heavy things walk away they are not changed, except their feet are muddy, but I am changed. I am still here and still mud, but all full of footprints and deep, deep holes and tracks and traces and changes. I have been changed. You change me. Do not take me for granite."
-"Maybe the people who rope themselves together and the huge heavy things resent such adaptable and uncertain footing because it makes them feel insecure. Maybe they fear they might be sucked in and swallowed. But I am not interested in sucking and am not hungry. I am just mud. I yield. I do try to oblige. And so when the people and the huge heavy things walk away they are not changed, except their feet are muddy, but I am changed. I am still here and still mud, but all full of footprints and deep, deep holes and tracks and traces and changes. I have been changed. You change me. Do not take me for granite."
-"I run into the moral problem we storytellers share with you anthropologists: the exploitation of real people. People should not use other people."
-"We [as children] had to be allowed to go into the Adult Side [of the library]. That was hard for the librarians. They felt they were hurling us little kids into a room full of sex, death, and weird grown-ups like Heathcliff and the Joads; and in fact, they were. We were intensely grateful."
-"Coming from another world, they take yours from you, changing it, draining it, shrinking it into a property, a commodity. And as your world is meaningless to them until they change it into theirs, so as you live among them and adopt their meanings, you are in danger of losing your own meaning to yourself."
-"My fantasies explore the use of power as art and its misuse as domination; they play back and forth along the mysterious frontier between what we think is real and what we think is imaginary, exploring the borderlands."
-"Fiction as we currently think of it, the novel and short story as they have existed since the eighteenth century, offers one of the very best means of understanding people different from oneself, short of experience."
Thursday, July 17, 2014
Summer Projects Discussed
As part of my assignments this summer, I've been tasked with mashing together video clips of a number of Writing Center consultants saying why they love the writing center. For example, mine can be found below:
In my personal opinion, I sound really weird. And I feel like I have an accent in this video that I'm not sure if I normally have or not...
What I've noticed in compiling these videos is that a vast chunk of us don't say much of anything related to actually conferencing. Generally, we talk about the Writing Center community: as friends, family, or just a good place to be. With some mentions of coffee, which are far more sparse than I thought they'd be.
Sparser. Should probably use correct grammar. Wouldn't want Weird Al to become cross with me.
In my personal opinion, I sound really weird. And I feel like I have an accent in this video that I'm not sure if I normally have or not...
What I've noticed in compiling these videos is that a vast chunk of us don't say much of anything related to actually conferencing. Generally, we talk about the Writing Center community: as friends, family, or just a good place to be. With some mentions of coffee, which are far more sparse than I thought they'd be.
Sparser. Should probably use correct grammar. Wouldn't want Weird Al to become cross with me.
Saturday, July 12, 2014
Garden Update
Hey all,
Gardens, unlike bloggers, never take breaks from creating new content. Here's a few updates on the garden since Patrick or I last wrote. It's still there even though Dr. Bob officially retired. Dr. Bob, at the moment, is teaching at Coe's Wilderness Field Station.
Penstemon Husker Red was in bloom in late June. Now, its flowers have turned into attractive, waxy red seed pods.
-Peter
Gardens, unlike bloggers, never take breaks from creating new content. Here's a few updates on the garden since Patrick or I last wrote. It's still there even though Dr. Bob officially retired. Dr. Bob, at the moment, is teaching at Coe's Wilderness Field Station.
Penstemon Husker Red was in bloom in late June. Now, its flowers have turned into attractive, waxy red seed pods.
Not sure the name of the plant, but it attracted this butterfly who didn't mind a photoshoot.
This shot is from the bed immediately behind the house.
This bed is to your right, as you leave the house. Recently, Dr. Bob endorsed it as "one of the better-looking parts of the garden."
Felicia and I planted two beds near the back gate. We planted Russian Sage, lilies, bee's balm, bachelor's buttons, balloon plants, and a few other things. This bed and its opposite, at the start of summer, were the most chaotic but now that we've tilled, replanted, and re-mulched parts of them, they look more ordered, for now.
Saturday, June 28, 2014
Summer Deep Clean
On Monday, June 23, the summer WC crew, 5 brave students, gathered to clean our space. We knew not what we would uncover, but uncover we did.
Here's some of the finds.
Here's some of the finds.
We ended up with a lot of things from the cafe. 19 cups (plus a red one from the pub), two mugs, and a few tongs from catering. We took it all back, don't worry.
Another kitchen find: look at all these plates! We have so many plates. This is just one set of plates we have. Patrick and I (Peter) took everything out of the cupboards and cleaned them well.
While Felicia and Nicole were moving furniture and vacuuming the main room. We heard a lot of crunches and tings as the vacuum picked up who knows what.
We have a lot of chairs! Look at them! This isn't even all the chairs we have. One question we had while cleaning: Where did all these chairs come from? Another question: Where do they all go?
One thing is certain: the Writing Center smells cleaner now and looks a lot cleaner. Until next time,
Peter
Sunday, June 22, 2014
Advantages of Summers in Cedar Rapids
Namely, the ability to visit Iowa City once in a while. Well, not so much Iowa City as Prairie Lights and The Haunted Bookshop. Because books.
In particular, I made a point of picking up a copy of Infinite Jest by David Foster Wallace. I already have a copy, but it's an eBook. I thought I'd save money that way. I had forgotten to factor in the fact that trying to read Infinite Jest on an eBook is a horrible life choice because it's so ridiculously dense. I also happened upon a copy of Doctor Faustus. Which, as I am looking the book up on Goodreads to link, I have now realized was not the book I had wanted to buy. Silly me; I had actually been looking for Doctor Faustus. Can't imagine how I'd ever make that sort of mistake. So, instead of an early-17th century English playwright's rendition of the Faust myth I get a mid-20th century German's rendition of the myth which focuses heavily on contemporary (for when the book was published) German social issues... You know, I actually am kind of happy I made that mistake.
Also, while I'm on the subject of my stumbling in book buying, I managed to finally find a copy of Pscyho. And, while I was browsing the horror section for some comfort-reading material (like you do) I saw a copy of Hannibal. As I was already picking up a classic horror book successfully turned into a movie that's probably better remember, I figured I'd pick up the other one. Only to realize that there's also a book called The Silence of the Lambs which comes before Hannibal in the series. Fortunately, I managed to snag a copy of that as well. I did not, however, realize that those were the third and second books respectively, and the first book (Red Dragon) did not happen to magically appear in my possession before I left the store.
So... Reading. Yeah. Gonna have to do some of that.
-Patrick
In particular, I made a point of picking up a copy of Infinite Jest by David Foster Wallace. I already have a copy, but it's an eBook. I thought I'd save money that way. I had forgotten to factor in the fact that trying to read Infinite Jest on an eBook is a horrible life choice because it's so ridiculously dense. I also happened upon a copy of Doctor Faustus. Which, as I am looking the book up on Goodreads to link, I have now realized was not the book I had wanted to buy. Silly me; I had actually been looking for Doctor Faustus. Can't imagine how I'd ever make that sort of mistake. So, instead of an early-17th century English playwright's rendition of the Faust myth I get a mid-20th century German's rendition of the myth which focuses heavily on contemporary (for when the book was published) German social issues... You know, I actually am kind of happy I made that mistake.
Also, while I'm on the subject of my stumbling in book buying, I managed to finally find a copy of Pscyho. And, while I was browsing the horror section for some comfort-reading material (like you do) I saw a copy of Hannibal. As I was already picking up a classic horror book successfully turned into a movie that's probably better remember, I figured I'd pick up the other one. Only to realize that there's also a book called The Silence of the Lambs which comes before Hannibal in the series. Fortunately, I managed to snag a copy of that as well. I did not, however, realize that those were the third and second books respectively, and the first book (Red Dragon) did not happen to magically appear in my possession before I left the store.
So... Reading. Yeah. Gonna have to do some of that.
-Patrick
Tuesday, June 17, 2014
Odd Jobs & Good Books
There is always an element of surprise working in the WC. You never know who will walk in looking for a conference or what subject you might end up talking about. Maybe one of your coworkers makes a batch of flan or mashed potatoes at 10 pm.
But in the summer, the surprise comes from a different source: Dr. Bob. The other day I helped him move some furniture from campus to home, around his house, into his garden house (a small writing hutch at the end of his property), and a few other things.
There were a few benefits to me for helping. Dr. Bob gave me a small pot filled with potting soil for an indoor basil plant and a number of books to borrow. Including (but not limited to) Aldo Leopold's Sand County Almanac, Walden by Thoreau, and The Great American Novel by Philip Roth.
-Peter
But in the summer, the surprise comes from a different source: Dr. Bob. The other day I helped him move some furniture from campus to home, around his house, into his garden house (a small writing hutch at the end of his property), and a few other things.
There were a few benefits to me for helping. Dr. Bob gave me a small pot filled with potting soil for an indoor basil plant and a number of books to borrow. Including (but not limited to) Aldo Leopold's Sand County Almanac, Walden by Thoreau, and The Great American Novel by Philip Roth.
-Peter
Thursday, June 12, 2014
Quotation Time
Today, a few choice quotes from Margaret Atwood, because I can:
From Negotiating With the Dead
-"Normal youths sneered at the artsies, at least at the male ones, and sometimes threw them into snow banks. Girls of an artistic bent were assumed to be more sexually available than the cashmere twin-set ones, but also mouthier, crazier, meaner, and subject to tantrums: getting involved with one was therefore more trouble than the sex might be worth."
-"By two, I mean the person who exists when no writing is going forward--the one who walks the dog, eats bran for regularity, takes the car in to be washed, and so forth--and that other, more shadowy and altogether more equivocal personage who shares the same body, and who, when no one is looking, takes it over and uses it to commit the actual writing."
-"The written word is so much like evidence--like something that can be used against you later."
-"An art of any kind is a discipline; not only a craft--that too--but a discipline in the religious sense, in which the vigil of waiting, the creation of a receptive spiritual emptiness, and the denial of self all play their part."
-"Should the god of the artist be Apollo the Classicist, with his beautiful formality, or Mercury, the mischief-maker, trickster, and thief?"
-"It isn't the writer who decides whether or not his work is relevant."
-"Its [the chapter's] hypothesis is that not just some, but all writing of the narrative kind, and perhaps all writing, is motivated, deep down, by a fear of and a fascination with mortality."
-"I had a boyfriend once who sent me--in a plastic bag, so it wouldn't drip--a real cow's heart with a real arrow stuck through it. As you may divine, he knew I was interested in poetry."
-"A book is another country. You enter it, but then you must leave: like the Underworld, you can't live there."
-Patrick
From Negotiating With the Dead
-"Normal youths sneered at the artsies, at least at the male ones, and sometimes threw them into snow banks. Girls of an artistic bent were assumed to be more sexually available than the cashmere twin-set ones, but also mouthier, crazier, meaner, and subject to tantrums: getting involved with one was therefore more trouble than the sex might be worth."
-"By two, I mean the person who exists when no writing is going forward--the one who walks the dog, eats bran for regularity, takes the car in to be washed, and so forth--and that other, more shadowy and altogether more equivocal personage who shares the same body, and who, when no one is looking, takes it over and uses it to commit the actual writing."
-"The written word is so much like evidence--like something that can be used against you later."
-"An art of any kind is a discipline; not only a craft--that too--but a discipline in the religious sense, in which the vigil of waiting, the creation of a receptive spiritual emptiness, and the denial of self all play their part."
-"Should the god of the artist be Apollo the Classicist, with his beautiful formality, or Mercury, the mischief-maker, trickster, and thief?"
-"It isn't the writer who decides whether or not his work is relevant."
-"Its [the chapter's] hypothesis is that not just some, but all writing of the narrative kind, and perhaps all writing, is motivated, deep down, by a fear of and a fascination with mortality."
-"I had a boyfriend once who sent me--in a plastic bag, so it wouldn't drip--a real cow's heart with a real arrow stuck through it. As you may divine, he knew I was interested in poetry."
-"A book is another country. You enter it, but then you must leave: like the Underworld, you can't live there."
-Patrick
Monday, June 9, 2014
What up in the WC?
Just want to give a feel for what the WC is like right now for all of you out of town and missing the space. Sam Orvis and I (Peter Madsen) are at opposite ends to the room, both at computers with our backs to one another. He's studying for the MCAT; I'm working on the summer newsletter.
Dr. Bob is recently back from his May Term class. They drove all over to watch baseball games. He is packing stuff into boxes, but is not here at the moment. My guess is he's at the Alumni House Garden.
John, the Gage Union custodian, is waxing the kitchen floor sometime soon, so the table is out of the kitchen, as are all the chairs. But, that didn't stop me from making french toast this morning. A group of tour guides being trained by Ryan Rey walked in and commented on the good smells.
It's quiet around here, but there is at least one advantage: I get dibs on the space. I'm at my favorite computer (the touch-screen HP by Dr. Bob's office) sitting in my favorite chair (a rolly chair that leans way back) and I am using the white board on wheels to help me organize my thoughts for the newsletter.
-Peter
Dr. Bob is recently back from his May Term class. They drove all over to watch baseball games. He is packing stuff into boxes, but is not here at the moment. My guess is he's at the Alumni House Garden.
John, the Gage Union custodian, is waxing the kitchen floor sometime soon, so the table is out of the kitchen, as are all the chairs. But, that didn't stop me from making french toast this morning. A group of tour guides being trained by Ryan Rey walked in and commented on the good smells.
It's quiet around here, but there is at least one advantage: I get dibs on the space. I'm at my favorite computer (the touch-screen HP by Dr. Bob's office) sitting in my favorite chair (a rolly chair that leans way back) and I am using the white board on wheels to help me organize my thoughts for the newsletter.
-Peter
Sunday, June 8, 2014
Books and Things
So, this weekend I devoted to moving apartments for the duration of the summer, and trying to make sure I unpack as little as possible because I'm going to need to do this again in a few months. But, more importantly, I went book shopping at two different Half Price Books.
I managed to get three books by Margaret Atwood, whose book on writing (Negotiating With the Dead) I'm currently trying to work my way through in spite of my messed up sleep schedule. I also got The Age of Miracles by Karen Thompson Walker, who visited Coe this past year and seemed to know what she was doing in writing the book. As well as having a fantastically quotable book, with some of said quotes signed and hung around the Writing Center. Somewhere. There were also books by Umberto Eco (wonderful historical fiction). And a book on writing by Jorge Borges, about whom I know little more than that a large amount of the philosophers in my Contemporary Continental Philosophy course liked quoting him. Which, I suppose, is as good a reason as any to pick up a book.
Most importantly though, I grabbed a copy of Tolkien's translation of Beowulf. Which, for whatever reason, was not published until this May. Though that does go a long way towards explaining why I couldn't find the thing no matter how hard I looked, even though every Medievalist who discussed Tolkien mentioned how wonderful his commentary and interpretation of Beowulf was for the study of fantasy literature.
Perhaps I'll get lucky next time I visit Half Price Books and they'll actually have a copy of David Foster Wallace's Infinite Jest.
-Patrick
I managed to get three books by Margaret Atwood, whose book on writing (Negotiating With the Dead) I'm currently trying to work my way through in spite of my messed up sleep schedule. I also got The Age of Miracles by Karen Thompson Walker, who visited Coe this past year and seemed to know what she was doing in writing the book. As well as having a fantastically quotable book, with some of said quotes signed and hung around the Writing Center. Somewhere. There were also books by Umberto Eco (wonderful historical fiction). And a book on writing by Jorge Borges, about whom I know little more than that a large amount of the philosophers in my Contemporary Continental Philosophy course liked quoting him. Which, I suppose, is as good a reason as any to pick up a book.
Most importantly though, I grabbed a copy of Tolkien's translation of Beowulf. Which, for whatever reason, was not published until this May. Though that does go a long way towards explaining why I couldn't find the thing no matter how hard I looked, even though every Medievalist who discussed Tolkien mentioned how wonderful his commentary and interpretation of Beowulf was for the study of fantasy literature.
Perhaps I'll get lucky next time I visit Half Price Books and they'll actually have a copy of David Foster Wallace's Infinite Jest.
-Patrick
Thursday, June 5, 2014
Tutoring
During the spring semester, the Coe Writing Center and the Catherine McAuley Center began working together. The McAuley Center offers tutoring in English to people new to the US, in addition to other services, including transitional housing for women. The McAuley Center offers one-on-one tutoring to people from all over the world who are in Cedar Rapids and trying to learn English. Coe's Writing Center is full of tutors who speak English.
I wasn't on campus in the spring to witness or be a part of the tutoring sessions between Coe students and McAuley students, but I am happy to be tutoring one student this summer. Tutoring is the core of the WC job, and I had missed the chance to work one-on-one with someone over a period of time and to observe their skills and strategies change and improve.
I am working with an adult from the Democratic Republic of Congo who is very eager to learn English. We have fun together and make sure to laugh at ourselves. The other day, I said I was in an argument with someone and he though I said the person was pregnant.
A few numbers from the Migration Policy Institute before I go: There are 40 million foreign born persons currently living in the US. Of that group, about half are Limited English Proficient, a self-reported status that indicates the person doesn't consider that he or she speaks English "very well."
-Peter
I wasn't on campus in the spring to witness or be a part of the tutoring sessions between Coe students and McAuley students, but I am happy to be tutoring one student this summer. Tutoring is the core of the WC job, and I had missed the chance to work one-on-one with someone over a period of time and to observe their skills and strategies change and improve.
I am working with an adult from the Democratic Republic of Congo who is very eager to learn English. We have fun together and make sure to laugh at ourselves. The other day, I said I was in an argument with someone and he though I said the person was pregnant.
A few numbers from the Migration Policy Institute before I go: There are 40 million foreign born persons currently living in the US. Of that group, about half are Limited English Proficient, a self-reported status that indicates the person doesn't consider that he or she speaks English "very well."
-Peter
Sunday, June 1, 2014
While On the Topic of Gardens
The rain means no watering can
Earth black and rich as oil
I might send in an envelope
In lieu of a tuition payment
Weeds love the rain
As do tender shoots of plants
Weeds by virtue of location
Feeling guilty every time I hoe down a flower
For seeking sheltering shade of a rose bush
Wondering if I should have used sunscreen
Worried more about the gnats
Feel like I'm breaking out
Into hives of gnat-bites
Or forgetting an encounter
With a garlic-resistant vampire
Munching tortilla sandwich under a tree
Mulch digging into my pants
Earth black and rich as oil
I might send in an envelope
In lieu of a tuition payment
Weeds love the rain
As do tender shoots of plants
Weeds by virtue of location
Feeling guilty every time I hoe down a flower
For seeking sheltering shade of a rose bush
Wondering if I should have used sunscreen
Worried more about the gnats
Feel like I'm breaking out
Into hives of gnat-bites
Or forgetting an encounter
With a garlic-resistant vampire
Munching tortilla sandwich under a tree
Mulch digging into my pants
Saturday, May 31, 2014
Alumni House Garden
As of now, the aspect of my summer job I'm taking most seriously is the Alumni House Garden. It helps that there are so many wonderful things to look at. Here's a sample. I don't have all the names down, so bear with my ignorance, please.
The above photos represent some of the first blossoms in the garden; bleeding hearts and peonies among them. They started to appear about two weeks ago. The batch of photos below is from Wednesday, the 28th. The Siberian Irises are in bloom and the peonies have opened up. In addition to white roses, there are a number of pink roses. The purple flowers are a member of the mint family, and I'm not quite sure what the last photo is, but it's easy on the eyes.
After pulling thistle from one of the beds, I realized I'd left quite the trail and couldn't pass up the chance to take a photo. A gardener's self portrait, maybe.
-Peter
Thursday, May 29, 2014
Thursday's Ramblings
I'm still not used to the Writing Center being quiet. Granted, it's summer and there's basically no one here to use it. But I'm accustomed to there always being at least 4 people inside it at any given moment (save those rare occasions where my sleep schedule was messed up and I went into the Writing Center at 6 or so in the morning to roast some coffee since I was awake anyway). Still, gives me an alternative to Hickok for places other than my apartment to sit around reading books (currently working through Perdido Street Station and The Savage Detectives). Eventually I might have to look through the Writing Center's collection of books to see if there's anything in there I feel like reading.
I'd try using it for writing, but I have this horrible habit of not starting to write until 11 or so at night when I really should be going to bed and getting some sleep. It makes it a little hard to do it anywhere other than my apartment, since I could end up falling asleep at any moment. Or feel like I'm going to fall asleep, try to go to bed, realize I'm actually not tired, and go back to writing.
Also, my second batch of banana bread turned out well. Unlike the quality of the picture, I'm afraid.
I'd try using it for writing, but I have this horrible habit of not starting to write until 11 or so at night when I really should be going to bed and getting some sleep. It makes it a little hard to do it anywhere other than my apartment, since I could end up falling asleep at any moment. Or feel like I'm going to fall asleep, try to go to bed, realize I'm actually not tired, and go back to writing.
Also, my second batch of banana bread turned out well. Unlike the quality of the picture, I'm afraid.
Wednesday, May 28, 2014
Like a BLT
The WC is infamous for its large kitchen the creativity of bakers and cooks brought upon by having 3/4 of the ingredients the recipe calls for. Some recipes are ways to use all the ingredients you have in the pantry or fridge.
Sometimes, though, inspiration comes in the last moments of the day, before your eyes close and you tumble off to sleep. My breakfast today fits into the second category. Wouldn't it be great, I thought, nearly asleep, to make a BLT, but instead of bacon, asparagus, and instead of lettuce, kale.
I chopped my asparagus, tossed it in a pan with olive oil, salt and pepper, and a touch of lime juice; cut the kale; toasted bread; fried two eggs because I love fried eggs; cut the tomato into slices; and put it all together. It was great.
-Peter
-Peter
Sunday, May 25, 2014
Greetings, Salutations, and Other Words of Similar Meanings Ad Nauseum
Hello everyone who visits the Writing Center blog! I have no idea who is included in that list and what you're interested in hearing about, so I'm going to feel a little bit like I'm writing to myself. And this might result in a great deal of me rambling on about things. Like I'm doing right now. Should probably stop doing that. Mostly because the banana bread I'm trying to cook is starting to smell oddly and is probably burning as I'm typing this...
I suppose I should begin with an introduction: I'm Patrick. I'm a creative writing and philosophy double major with a potential minor in unemployment. I think professionals call it "freelance writing" and it sounds like it would be fun and conform well to my desire to not get out of bed before noon. It also sounds slightly terrifying with all the college debt I'm lugging around. And the fact I have yet to publish anything outside a single poem in my college literary magazine, the Coe Review. Long-term goal, I guess.
Aside from my writing center and gardening duties, I'm currently gainfully employed at the local Hy-Vee, and am trying to finish a book and do research for a research paper on John Stuart Mill's On Liberty that I shall be writing next semester. And making assorted (potentially vain) attempts to not be a hermit. And, eventually, making expeditions to bookstores because I like books, and libraries because I like books and don't have much in the way of disposable income. More on that if and when those trips happen. Possibly with pictures, if I manage to commandeer a camera.
As for my insights for this piece... well, a glance outside my window tells me it's a beautiful day, I've found a new Ed Sheeran song to listen to, my eyes currently hurt from taking too many notes on a library book I'll need to return soon, and I'll need to get working on my book shortly because I've been lazy about working on it and need to fix that. I have banana bread that I hope is edible cooling on the counter, a chicken in the slow cooker I might have put too much steak sauce on, and a poem I wrote last night that has the potential to not be shit after I rewrite it a few times. Seems like it'll be a good day. And I may need to locate some nonfiction to determine how people write about things in an interesting manner without lying profusely.
-Patrick
Friday, May 23, 2014
At the Bix Beiderbecke B&B
Summer is upon the Writing Center: consultants and writers have left, the lights are off, the kitchen doesn't magically get cleaner or dirtier overnight. A few of us are employed over the summer to take care of some tasks. Our first task: attend a faculty retreat at the Bix Beiderbecke Bed and Breakfast in Davenport. Free housing and meals? You got it.
At the two-day event, Patrick and I, the student representatives, listened and took part in conversations about all things writing at Coe. One of my favorite conversations of the day took place over lunch at Greatest Grains. It was about the medium we write on and how that impacts style. Does writing on a computer or on a notepad or in a composition book make a difference? I think it does and so did a few others. From there, we talked about mood at the time of writing and keeping journals.
I especially enjoyed the chance to meet Jenna, the new director of the WC, and Allison, a new Rhetoric professor. I'm looking forward to working with Jenna this summer and next year.
I've also been doing some gardening at the Alumni House and making a few meals in the WC kitchen... more on that later.
-Peter
At the two-day event, Patrick and I, the student representatives, listened and took part in conversations about all things writing at Coe. One of my favorite conversations of the day took place over lunch at Greatest Grains. It was about the medium we write on and how that impacts style. Does writing on a computer or on a notepad or in a composition book make a difference? I think it does and so did a few others. From there, we talked about mood at the time of writing and keeping journals.
I especially enjoyed the chance to meet Jenna, the new director of the WC, and Allison, a new Rhetoric professor. I'm looking forward to working with Jenna this summer and next year.
I've also been doing some gardening at the Alumni House and making a few meals in the WC kitchen... more on that later.
-Peter
Thursday, May 1, 2014
A Very Special Thursday
Not only is today May 1st, aka May Day, aka the best day in the spring, but this is probably also my last blog post of both the semester and as my time as a Writing Center consultant.
While my blogging skills (and regularity) have not been stellar the past couple of weeks, the blog has always been on my mind. I remember coming in as a first-year and being gung-ho about starting it up and keeping it going. I took a break from the blog my sophomore and junior year and renewed my interest my senior year. I still think the blogging concurrent session at the Tampa conference was a huge turning point in how I think about the blog and blogging in general. I hope you as readers have enjoyed our weekly posts t his semester and I hope that they continue this fall.
Before I sign off as a WC blogger, I wanted to direct you to a couple of links. These are two current juniors, soon-to-be seniors who studied abroad this past semester. Dr. Bob recommended to link this particular post of Julia's, who spent the semester in both Florence AND London. And then on Tuesday, we had a small WC homecoming for two of our consultants who had been on Asia Term. I'm including this link to Peter's blog, who did such a nice job of letting us know about this travels.
So it's time for me to buckle down with finals. It's been a fun ride blogging and more generally, being a part of this writing center community. It helped to make my Coe experience one of a kind and this space (with all the great furniture) will be hard to replace.
While my blogging skills (and regularity) have not been stellar the past couple of weeks, the blog has always been on my mind. I remember coming in as a first-year and being gung-ho about starting it up and keeping it going. I took a break from the blog my sophomore and junior year and renewed my interest my senior year. I still think the blogging concurrent session at the Tampa conference was a huge turning point in how I think about the blog and blogging in general. I hope you as readers have enjoyed our weekly posts t his semester and I hope that they continue this fall.
Before I sign off as a WC blogger, I wanted to direct you to a couple of links. These are two current juniors, soon-to-be seniors who studied abroad this past semester. Dr. Bob recommended to link this particular post of Julia's, who spent the semester in both Florence AND London. And then on Tuesday, we had a small WC homecoming for two of our consultants who had been on Asia Term. I'm including this link to Peter's blog, who did such a nice job of letting us know about this travels.
So it's time for me to buckle down with finals. It's been a fun ride blogging and more generally, being a part of this writing center community. It helped to make my Coe experience one of a kind and this space (with all the great furniture) will be hard to replace.
Tuesday, April 29, 2014
Topics Tuesday: TOTAL TACO FIESTA
Hello all!
Welcome to the last Topics Tuesday of the 2013-14 academic year (say whaaaat?). It's been a whirlwind of a semester and it's been so great to share all things Topics in Composition with our awesome readers!
Since I missed last week's post, I figured I would give you some top secret evidence...
That's right, the ever-coveted taco I have obsessed about since I started this weekly feature. Today, it's a delicious hard-shelled taco with the perfect amount of juicy beef, ripe tomatoes, crisp lettuce, yummy cheese, and (probably too much) sour cream.
Other than providing you with evidence that these tacos are, indeed, served by the Coe College cafeteria every single Tuesday, I have a little analogy for you relating to Topics in Composition.
IT'S A TOPICS TUESDAY TACO TUESDAY INCEPTION.
Every student and every conference is different, but in general, I see a paper a lot like a taco. During a conference, we start by browning the beef (or other filling of the taco -- vegetarians welcome), which in this strange analogy is the student's main ideas for the paper. Sometimes, cooking all those ideas can take a while, but eventually, the ideas are ready to be used. Browning the beef might be similar to a brainstorming conference, where we just talk through ideas and make sure they are ready to go. 160 degrees, folks. Then, we try to put the main ideas into a shell -- a format that allows others to partake of the ideas. This is the student's structure for the paper. Hard shell, soft shell, or spinach wrap... any structure is welcome as long as it holds the beef. As consultants, we try to help the writer select the perfect shell for her paper so she creates just the dish she wants. Then, we are ready to add the toppings. These are all the stylistic flairs that make a boring old taco into a premiere taco of wonder. Again, the student writer must be the one to select the toppings she wants. It's her taco-paper thing.
Sometimes this process is harder than it looks. The toppings might fall out or the shell might crack. But never fear! The revision process allows students to fix the taco or even to make a new one. At the Coe Writing Center, we are certified for all your taco-fixing needs.
Now, you know you're hungry -- so go make yourself a taco in both the literal and the figurative sense.
With just the right amount of seasoning,
Angela
Welcome to the last Topics Tuesday of the 2013-14 academic year (say whaaaat?). It's been a whirlwind of a semester and it's been so great to share all things Topics in Composition with our awesome readers!
Since I missed last week's post, I figured I would give you some top secret evidence...
Other than providing you with evidence that these tacos are, indeed, served by the Coe College cafeteria every single Tuesday, I have a little analogy for you relating to Topics in Composition.
IT'S A TOPICS TUESDAY TACO TUESDAY INCEPTION.
Every student and every conference is different, but in general, I see a paper a lot like a taco. During a conference, we start by browning the beef (or other filling of the taco -- vegetarians welcome), which in this strange analogy is the student's main ideas for the paper. Sometimes, cooking all those ideas can take a while, but eventually, the ideas are ready to be used. Browning the beef might be similar to a brainstorming conference, where we just talk through ideas and make sure they are ready to go. 160 degrees, folks. Then, we try to put the main ideas into a shell -- a format that allows others to partake of the ideas. This is the student's structure for the paper. Hard shell, soft shell, or spinach wrap... any structure is welcome as long as it holds the beef. As consultants, we try to help the writer select the perfect shell for her paper so she creates just the dish she wants. Then, we are ready to add the toppings. These are all the stylistic flairs that make a boring old taco into a premiere taco of wonder. Again, the student writer must be the one to select the toppings she wants. It's her taco-paper thing.
Sometimes this process is harder than it looks. The toppings might fall out or the shell might crack. But never fear! The revision process allows students to fix the taco or even to make a new one. At the Coe Writing Center, we are certified for all your taco-fixing needs.
Now, you know you're hungry -- so go make yourself a taco in both the literal and the figurative sense.
With just the right amount of seasoning,
Angela
Friday, April 25, 2014
Photo Friday
Happy Friday!
Don't forget that you still have to make it through today...
Grab some CWC coffee to help you get by until the weekend!
Wednesday, April 23, 2014
Thursday, April 17, 2014
A Long Overdue Thursday Post
Hello!
First, my apologies for my lack of Thursday posts. I've been traveling across the country, looking at graduate schools. The problems (or benefits) of being a senior!
Anywho, the Writing Center is hopping! As the semester starts to wind down (or wind up depending on who you are talking to), we are finding ourselves a busy and productive space to get work done or to destress after a long day.
There seems to be a correlation with the end of the semester and eating lots of food (regardless of how good it is for you). When we are stressed, there's nothing better than walking into the Writing Center and seeing food on the front desk. It brings a smile to our faces and also something we can put into our stomachs before diving into homework.
Today is no exception to that rule. We've got some cookies and crackers and (even better) some Easter candy! Compliments of Alison's mother, our Writing Center now has a hearty supply of Three Musketeers, Peeps, Starbusts, and jelly beans. Not a bad spread, right? See here for photographic evidence:
First, my apologies for my lack of Thursday posts. I've been traveling across the country, looking at graduate schools. The problems (or benefits) of being a senior!
Anywho, the Writing Center is hopping! As the semester starts to wind down (or wind up depending on who you are talking to), we are finding ourselves a busy and productive space to get work done or to destress after a long day.
There seems to be a correlation with the end of the semester and eating lots of food (regardless of how good it is for you). When we are stressed, there's nothing better than walking into the Writing Center and seeing food on the front desk. It brings a smile to our faces and also something we can put into our stomachs before diving into homework.
Today is no exception to that rule. We've got some cookies and crackers and (even better) some Easter candy! Compliments of Alison's mother, our Writing Center now has a hearty supply of Three Musketeers, Peeps, Starbusts, and jelly beans. Not a bad spread, right? See here for photographic evidence:
Not necessarily the furniture story, but I think we can stretch this post to getting at the usefulness and object symbolizing hope in the Writing Center. As we turn the corner, moving from the art gallery to our space, our heart flutters with food on the desk.
Until next week!
Tuesday, April 15, 2014
Topics Tuesday: Conversation with Chris Fink
Hello one and all!
With finals quickly approaching and a pretty full plate (of tacos, of course, because it's Tuesday), I'm going to make this Topics Tuesday blog post short and... well, spicy.
One thing I appreciate about the Writing Center is that we're always having conversations with the coolest people. Yesterday, Chris Fink, author of the work of fiction The Farmer's Almanac came into our staff meeting. Chris is a professor of journalism, creative fiction, and English at Beloit College, and his book was #4 on Amazon for short stories for a while!
Check out The Farmer's Almanac and you'll learn what "hefting" is -- is that enough of an incentive for you?
Here is the link to the Google book.
-Angela
With finals quickly approaching and a pretty full plate (of tacos, of course, because it's Tuesday), I'm going to make this Topics Tuesday blog post short and... well, spicy.
One thing I appreciate about the Writing Center is that we're always having conversations with the coolest people. Yesterday, Chris Fink, author of the work of fiction The Farmer's Almanac came into our staff meeting. Chris is a professor of journalism, creative fiction, and English at Beloit College, and his book was #4 on Amazon for short stories for a while!
Check out The Farmer's Almanac and you'll learn what "hefting" is -- is that enough of an incentive for you?
Here is the link to the Google book.
-Angela
Wednesday, April 9, 2014
Deidre's Doodle #11
Do you remember these days? I don't either. The weather is finally consistently nice, and it's Flunk Day season! I think I can finally stop doodling about the weather.
Tuesday, April 8, 2014
Topics Tuesday: Eureka!
First order of business: I did not eat a taco today. This is the first Tuesday since the beginning of the semester when I have not eaten a taco. I just wasn't in the mood, and sometimes you have to listen to your (forthcoming) heart (disease) with these decisions.
BUT luckily my food choices don't change that it's still Tuesday... which means it's Topics Tuesday. Get pumped.
Today I have a selection from Spilling the Beans, our staff folklore anthology. Basically, Spilling the Beans is this gem of a book where we collect past and present consultants' thoughts about conferencing, the Writing Center, and writing in general.
I am hopeful that Flunk Day is tomorrow -- a greatly-anticipated surprise day on Coe's campus when all classes are cancelled. In wishful thinking, I am including an excerpt from the section "Eureka! Discovery, Inspiration, and Elation" (how I will feel when I am hopefully woken up by excited college students).
Robin Swale, Spring 2001:
All my best,
Angela
BUT luckily my food choices don't change that it's still Tuesday... which means it's Topics Tuesday. Get pumped.
Today I have a selection from Spilling the Beans, our staff folklore anthology. Basically, Spilling the Beans is this gem of a book where we collect past and present consultants' thoughts about conferencing, the Writing Center, and writing in general.
I am hopeful that Flunk Day is tomorrow -- a greatly-anticipated surprise day on Coe's campus when all classes are cancelled. In wishful thinking, I am including an excerpt from the section "Eureka! Discovery, Inspiration, and Elation" (how I will feel when I am hopefully woken up by excited college students).
Robin Swale, Spring 2001:
"'Every interaction we have with people changes the reaction we'll have to the next interaction.'Conferencing itself is full of Eureka moments, but sometimes the moments come long after. Talking to others about writing is a skill, and its development often happens when we're not realizing it. Here at the CWC, we keep on keeping on because practice is key.
Hmmm, Thought provoking, isn't it? And, the reality is that in its simplistic portrayal, it's so true. Each time we conference, we learn something new. We learn more about communication. We realize more about how our peers work. We gain teaching expertise, and perhaps a little more insight on exactly how important a clearly stated, provable thesis is. Every time a person walks in to the writing center, each time we lead them to the tables in the hallway, we learn something from them as they learn from, and bounce ideas off of, us. And then we take what we learn from them and use it in our next interaction.
Example. When I started our here last year, I had absolutely no clue what I was doing. I remember sitting and feeling overwhelmed when my first conference was not only an upperclassman, but an upperclassman that also worked in the WC. I didn't know anything about revising except for grammar changes, sentence structure, and the dumb reader technique. But I learned. With each and every conference I sat down to, I thought of (or borrowed from other consultants) different ways to approach papers. I realized today as I walked back into the writing center after a conference just how much I have learned through the year and a half I have been here, and just how many different skills I have obtained. I am no longer afraid to ask questions, no longer afraid of those hour and a half brainstorming sessions. My conferences have developed from the five-minute slam-bam-thank-you-ma'am variety to the hour long discussions about organization, thought process, thesis statements, and anything else that the writer wishes to bring up. I am not saying that I am the perfect consultant. By all means, no. I am just saying that I've learned, and that the realization of that fact is amazing.
It's true--'every interaction we have with other people changes the reaciton we'll have to the next interaction.'"
All my best,
Angela
Wednesday, April 2, 2014
Deidre's Doodle #10
Tuesday, April 1, 2014
Topics Tuesday: Are More Choices Better?
Hello one and all.
Today we're not having Topics Tuesday.
...April Fool's! I know, such a good joke. OF COURSE we're having Topics Tuesday, where I write about all things Topics in Composition, our writing center staff development course.
This week, my group worked on our research project. That might not be the most thrilling thing for you to read about at this point (though it will be when we are done)! Instead, I want to direct you to a poignant TEDTalk by Barry Schwartz called "The Paradox of Choice."
I remember watching this video last fall in Topics. I still think about it often, especially in relation to conferences.
In short, Schwartz talks about how more options is not always better. Sometimes, having too many choices paralyzes us.
I think this concept can be true for writing as well. A writer has endless possibilities for the content, organization, and style of the paper. Starting a paper can be incredibly daunting.
When I conference, I try to help the writer focus on a few choices at a time. I ask the writer to think hypothetically about what the paper would look like if they chose to take one particular direction. Thinking about one option at a time can help the writer move forward, even if he later decides on a different path.
-Angela
Friday, March 28, 2014
Photo Friday!
Well, a couple of weeks have gone by and you've been deprived from a Photo Friday. My deepest apologies. I'm sure you have been going through withdrawals and just begging to get your next photo fix. Today is the day.
Missing Photo Friday is almost as horrible as missing your daily coffee. Fear not! Grab one of our crazy number of mugs and fill up for the day. You'll need an extra mug or two to kick off your weekend. Enjoy!
Thursday, March 27, 2014
Furniture Feature: Coffee Edition
With Dr. Bob in his office this morning, I knew I was in for a good story for this week's furniture feature.
Dr. Bob came out of his office, looked around and said, "Do you want to know the story behind our coffee grinder?"
I nodded. Of course I wanted to hear the story.
Dr. Bob went on to explain that we got this grinder as a donation from a former Coe student. This Bunn grinder was first used to help grind down animal food.
Say what?
I know, when I first heard, I was a little terrified. The coffee beans that I drink are being put through a grinder first used for animal food? But never fear, Dr. Bob continued his story.
The Coe alum had originally wanted to donate it to the Chemistry department. At the time, the Chemistry department was apparently "hooked on the Writing Center coffee" and instead, passed it onto us.
Before any coffee beans were roasted, it went through an intense cleaning and sanitizing process. Dr. Bob cleaned it all, removing all past grinding experiences, except for the motor. It was difficult (no surprise there) so Dr. Bob walked down the street to Davis Auto. He asked the owner if he could use the air compressor to clean the motor. The owner agreed and apparently a large dust of past grinding flew into the air.
The cleaning process complete, the grinder was deemed safe for use and since then, has found a home in the Writing Center grinding coffee on a daily basis. One of the first things you learn as a new consultant is how to make coffee and how to yell our equivalent of golf's "fore!'
"GRINDING!"
Also, we got a pretty sweet deal. This coffee grinder usually goes for about $850 nowadays. Wow.
And there you have it. See you next week!
Dr. Bob came out of his office, looked around and said, "Do you want to know the story behind our coffee grinder?"
I nodded. Of course I wanted to hear the story.
Dr. Bob went on to explain that we got this grinder as a donation from a former Coe student. This Bunn grinder was first used to help grind down animal food.
Say what?
I know, when I first heard, I was a little terrified. The coffee beans that I drink are being put through a grinder first used for animal food? But never fear, Dr. Bob continued his story.
The Coe alum had originally wanted to donate it to the Chemistry department. At the time, the Chemistry department was apparently "hooked on the Writing Center coffee" and instead, passed it onto us.
Before any coffee beans were roasted, it went through an intense cleaning and sanitizing process. Dr. Bob cleaned it all, removing all past grinding experiences, except for the motor. It was difficult (no surprise there) so Dr. Bob walked down the street to Davis Auto. He asked the owner if he could use the air compressor to clean the motor. The owner agreed and apparently a large dust of past grinding flew into the air.The cleaning process complete, the grinder was deemed safe for use and since then, has found a home in the Writing Center grinding coffee on a daily basis. One of the first things you learn as a new consultant is how to make coffee and how to yell our equivalent of golf's "fore!'
"GRINDING!"
Also, we got a pretty sweet deal. This coffee grinder usually goes for about $850 nowadays. Wow.
And there you have it. See you next week!
Wednesday, March 26, 2014
Deidre's Doodle #9
Tuesday, March 25, 2014
Driver's License? Wrong Side of Road.
Hello. It's Tuesday, which in Spanish is martes. Just for your general knowledge.
Tuesday also means TOPICS TUESDAY, this fantastic time where I get to express excitement about tacos (served in the Coe College cafeteria) and about Topics in Composition, our staff development course.
In our staff meeting last night, one of the groups from the Tybee Island topics group did a workshop for the entire center. (You can read more about our Tybee trip here). This workshop centered around conciseness -- making a million thoughts into a few words.
I'll admit, I've always had a bit of a hard time with brevity. I like my words and thoughts to flow together, and I often would rather risk over-explaining myself than being unclear. I learned through this workshop, as Dr. Bob said, that the first draft is for the writer and the final draft for the reader. The first draft is my time to make everything sound good and flow well; the final draft is what gets the point across in the most interesting, concise way possible.
The workshop leaders had us condense an embarrassing moment into six words. Mine? "Driver's License? Wrong Side of Road."
Yes, it was beyond embarrassing.
After the exercise, our staff discussed the advantages and disadvantages of brevity. An advantage of my own 6-word anecdote is its universality. Most adults know how nerve-wracking taking a driver's license test can be, and most will infer the details of my story while implicitly understanding why it is embarrassing. On the other hand, leaving out these details changes the essence of the story. The reader does not know that I never had an accident before or since or that the old man sitting next to me was being really mean. The reader can infer details, but that doesn't necessarily mean she will get the details right.
We agreed that it is important to strike a balance between conciseness and detail -- that's one of many reasons we revise.
If you want to let us know your own thoughts about brevity while practicing brevity, tweet at @CoeWC! We would love to hear from you.
-Angela
Tuesday also means TOPICS TUESDAY, this fantastic time where I get to express excitement about tacos (served in the Coe College cafeteria) and about Topics in Composition, our staff development course.
In our staff meeting last night, one of the groups from the Tybee Island topics group did a workshop for the entire center. (You can read more about our Tybee trip here). This workshop centered around conciseness -- making a million thoughts into a few words.
I'll admit, I've always had a bit of a hard time with brevity. I like my words and thoughts to flow together, and I often would rather risk over-explaining myself than being unclear. I learned through this workshop, as Dr. Bob said, that the first draft is for the writer and the final draft for the reader. The first draft is my time to make everything sound good and flow well; the final draft is what gets the point across in the most interesting, concise way possible.
The workshop leaders had us condense an embarrassing moment into six words. Mine? "Driver's License? Wrong Side of Road."
Yes, it was beyond embarrassing.
After the exercise, our staff discussed the advantages and disadvantages of brevity. An advantage of my own 6-word anecdote is its universality. Most adults know how nerve-wracking taking a driver's license test can be, and most will infer the details of my story while implicitly understanding why it is embarrassing. On the other hand, leaving out these details changes the essence of the story. The reader does not know that I never had an accident before or since or that the old man sitting next to me was being really mean. The reader can infer details, but that doesn't necessarily mean she will get the details right.
We agreed that it is important to strike a balance between conciseness and detail -- that's one of many reasons we revise.
If you want to let us know your own thoughts about brevity while practicing brevity, tweet at @CoeWC! We would love to hear from you.
-Angela
Thursday, March 20, 2014
Furniture Feature
One of the neatest things (I think) that makes our Writing Center unique is our kitchen.
Yes, we have a kitchen.
Currently, our full-sized (FULL-SIZED) kitchen gives us the space for all sorts of neat things. We like to make goodies when we're not conferencing and every Sunday, we hold meals back there.
The space is also used for conferences. The somewhat more private space allows for a quieter conference when the main space is "popping" (aka loud, noisy, and potentially distracting).
And our kitchen did use to be that big. In our old space in the Peterson Hall Tunnel, we had a couple of breadmakers, a microwave, and a mini oven. We had to be creative but some of my favorite food memories of the WC come from that tiny kitchen (Peter's mash potatoes and prying the bread out of the bread machine).
Of course, we don't miss our small kitchen much now. With our upgraded kitchen space, we realized how important food is to us a collective Writing Center. For us, writing and food go hand-in-hand. Food brings us together and food is an ultimate connector when a writer walks in for a conference. The place takes on a homey feel and hopefully that will lead to an awesome, productive conference.
Yes, we have a kitchen.
Currently, our full-sized (FULL-SIZED) kitchen gives us the space for all sorts of neat things. We like to make goodies when we're not conferencing and every Sunday, we hold meals back there.
And our kitchen did use to be that big. In our old space in the Peterson Hall Tunnel, we had a couple of breadmakers, a microwave, and a mini oven. We had to be creative but some of my favorite food memories of the WC come from that tiny kitchen (Peter's mash potatoes and prying the bread out of the bread machine).
Of course, we don't miss our small kitchen much now. With our upgraded kitchen space, we realized how important food is to us a collective Writing Center. For us, writing and food go hand-in-hand. Food brings us together and food is an ultimate connector when a writer walks in for a conference. The place takes on a homey feel and hopefully that will lead to an awesome, productive conference.
Wednesday, March 19, 2014
Deidre's Doodle #8
Tuesday, March 18, 2014
Topics Tuesday: Consultants over Time
It's a Tuesday. AKA the best day of the week. Monday is over, the week is gaining momentum, the cafeteria is serving tacos, and I get to write another post detailing the top-secret happenings of our Topics in Composition staff development course.
This week is especially top secret. I'm going to give you the low-down on my group's research project. That's right. The writing center does research, and I'm going to tell you about it. Brag to your friends; you know you want to.
Basically, the spring semester of Topics is structured around studying special little forms we fill out after conferences to see if any conclusions can be drawn. We focus mostly on qualitative research, meaning we generally care more about finding patterns in what the consultant says in the form rather than how she responds to check-box style constructs.
My group wants to look at how consultants' commentaries and scores on these forms change over time, specifically from the first year to the fourth year. We predict that consultants will use more confident language over time, but that the self-evaluative scores will not necessarily change. We think the language of the commentaries will change because the consultant should theoretically gain confidence in his conferencing style as he gains experience. Even if a conference does not go stunningly well (though we all know CWC staff is pretty darn close to perfect), he does not have to base his stalk as a consultant in that single conference. We don't think scores will change because as a consultant gains experience, she also gains knowledge of what she can do better and what she has done better in the past. The scale is relative based on the consultant using it. A really good conference might seem totally different in the first year than in the fourth year.
Of course, these are all just speculations. Our group is now working on the logistics to test these predictions. There will be more updates as our group has them!
Remember, you only get one Tuesday per week! Use it to its fullest Tuesday potential!
-Angela
This week is especially top secret. I'm going to give you the low-down on my group's research project. That's right. The writing center does research, and I'm going to tell you about it. Brag to your friends; you know you want to.
Basically, the spring semester of Topics is structured around studying special little forms we fill out after conferences to see if any conclusions can be drawn. We focus mostly on qualitative research, meaning we generally care more about finding patterns in what the consultant says in the form rather than how she responds to check-box style constructs.
My group wants to look at how consultants' commentaries and scores on these forms change over time, specifically from the first year to the fourth year. We predict that consultants will use more confident language over time, but that the self-evaluative scores will not necessarily change. We think the language of the commentaries will change because the consultant should theoretically gain confidence in his conferencing style as he gains experience. Even if a conference does not go stunningly well (though we all know CWC staff is pretty darn close to perfect), he does not have to base his stalk as a consultant in that single conference. We don't think scores will change because as a consultant gains experience, she also gains knowledge of what she can do better and what she has done better in the past. The scale is relative based on the consultant using it. A really good conference might seem totally different in the first year than in the fourth year.
Of course, these are all just speculations. Our group is now working on the logistics to test these predictions. There will be more updates as our group has them!
Remember, you only get one Tuesday per week! Use it to its fullest Tuesday potential!
-Angela
Thursday, March 13, 2014
Furniture Feature: End Tables
Hello! It's Thursday and time for another furniture feature. Today, I decided to look at the various end tables found in the Writing Center.
Because a well-placed end table is key. The Writing Center is place for work and fun. Our end tables can be moved and serve a wide variety of purposes: from a spot to put lunch, or a paper, to someone's feet, or even a chair when the Writing Center is extra busy. We use these tables to study and to relax. They are ideal spots that can change in an instant.
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| Love this table that sits between several couches/chairs. Can easily be moved and a great tabletop to type something up, while still be comfy. |
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| A footrest that loves to move about the Writing Center. Rarely will you find it with its partner chair. |
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| This low table is a favorite. It's located in one of the best sitting and chatting spots in the WC (in my opinion). It's a good footrest, a spot to place my keys, and even to sit on. Most of time something's on this table: magazines, papers, or plates of food. |
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| Sits in between two really comfy chairs. Great spot for a water bottle or some books. |
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| Another foot rest that moves about the Writing Center. It's also a great spot to sit, especially if you are catching up with a friend or having a conference. |
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| A sneaky end table that is underused in the Writing Center. Next to two couches and ideal for that stuff you need but don't need all the time (like water bottles, a cup of coffee, or extra books) |
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| Our newest table. Ample space to hold a lot of stuff. |
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
Doodle #7
Friday, March 7, 2014
Photo Friday: Art Gallery Edition!
I've unintentionally remained a mystery throughout the last couple months of my Photo Friday feature. I just never introduced myself and I never signed my blog posts. So, some of you may be wondering: who is this mysteriously photographer filled with random comments every Friday?
Well, this Friday I have the privilege to introduce myself with a unique post! Though not a part of the Writing Center, our space is adjoined with a Student Art Gallery (See above? That's the gallery right by our front desk!). And presently, my art work is taking over the gallery!
I'm Haley Welby, a senior Art and Public Relations major at Coe as well as a Writing Center Consultant. A part of the Art major requirement is to put up a senior art show, and in preparation for my Senior Art Show opening on April 18th in one of the Sinclair Galleries (reception 5-7 pm - yes, I'm plugging my own show, so come!), I took over the Student Gallery.
I'm Haley Welby, a senior Art and Public Relations major at Coe as well as a Writing Center Consultant. A part of the Art major requirement is to put up a senior art show, and in preparation for my Senior Art Show opening on April 18th in one of the Sinclair Galleries (reception 5-7 pm - yes, I'm plugging my own show, so come!), I took over the Student Gallery.
As I work with both the Writing Center and the Art department, it's been fun to occupy these two spaces and get feedback from my peers. And, as my ideas came to life, it's been even more fun to watch my colleagues approach my show with curiosity as they explore the space.
Currently, the title is still "works in progress", though eventually I'll figure out my actual title, but in the meantime this seems appropriate as that's what it is (and what we are: works in progress). I could ramble on about the photographs and the concepts behind this project, but as it's "Photo Friday", I'll just overwhelm you with photos instead! (And force you to come to my Senior Art Show to find out more about it!)
Thanks for reading this wordier Photo Friday feature and allowing me to share a bit of my work! Though not the Writing Center itself, this gallery influences our space, and I think it's really cool to be a part of both worlds.
My show will be in the Student Gallery through next (Photo) Friday, March 15th, so to really experience this art installation you should make your way over there and come hang out in the Writing Center while you're at it! Have an awesome weekend!
Friday, February 28, 2014
Photo Friday
It's another Photo Friday and what better than to end the month of love on a lovely note?
A little WC magnetic inspiration reminding you to love more!
Thursday, February 27, 2014
No Furniture Feature Today
The Writing Center is abuzz with students preparing for midterms. It was a crazy Thursday shift for me and I was unable to get a story from Dr. Bob. But never fear! More furniture will be coming soon.
Stay warm and check back for more!
Stay warm and check back for more!
Wednesday, February 26, 2014
Deidre's Doodle #6
Here's an absolutely anatomically correct camel (turtle?) to celebrate the Wednesday before spring break. HALF WAY THERE!
Tuesday, February 25, 2014
Topics Tuesday: Power Posing
Hello, one and all, and welcome to the last Tuesday before Spring Break!
Every college student is feeling the pressure to hit the gym and achieve that perfect Spring Break body. At last night's staff meeting, CWC consultants learned how to do just that.
Or, at least, the perfect body language.
Alright, let me explain. In the interest of staff development, Dr. Bob let us watch Amy Cuddy's 20-minute TED talk entitled, "Your Body Language Shapes Who You Are." Since the point of Topics in Composition class (which, if you just started reading our blog, is the subject of this weekly feature) is staff development, I thought it would be good to talk about the video in this post.
If you have 20 minutes, I would highly encourage you to watch the full video. If not, I will give a brief summary. Cuddy, an associate professor at Harvard Business School, discusses the poses we unintentionally perform every day that denote power or denote lack of power. We can often tell who the Alpha Leaders in the room are by how they position their bodies -- spread out, taking lots of space, maybe with arms or legs outstretched. Similarly, we can tell who is feeling uncomfortable -- hunched up, legs crossed, and looking down. Experimental evidence has found that people who perform the low-power poses are less likely to receive a job after a strenuous interview.
Remarkably, Cuddy suggests the pose affects the performance, rather than the performance affecting the pose. We feel more powerful when we look more powerful, and that, in turn, allows us to perform better. Doing a high-power pose for just 2 minutes before a stressful situation (like a job interview) can, according to Cuddy, increase testosterone levels (a power hormone) and decrease cortisol levels (a stress hormone), making us better equipped to perform to the best of our abilities.
What does this mean for CWC consultants? It means that to perform to the best of our abilities, we should monitor our body language. When we are unsure of what to do next in a conference, we should stretch out and make ourselves comfortable. It also means we can gauge our student writers better. We have a visual representation of how confident they are feeling and we can work on increasing confidence if we notice a low-power pose. One way to do this might be as simple as asking the student to stretch.
Hitting the gym won't be necessary -- let's do some power poses instead.
All of Tuesday's best,
Angela
Every college student is feeling the pressure to hit the gym and achieve that perfect Spring Break body. At last night's staff meeting, CWC consultants learned how to do just that.
Or, at least, the perfect body language.
Alright, let me explain. In the interest of staff development, Dr. Bob let us watch Amy Cuddy's 20-minute TED talk entitled, "Your Body Language Shapes Who You Are." Since the point of Topics in Composition class (which, if you just started reading our blog, is the subject of this weekly feature) is staff development, I thought it would be good to talk about the video in this post.
If you have 20 minutes, I would highly encourage you to watch the full video. If not, I will give a brief summary. Cuddy, an associate professor at Harvard Business School, discusses the poses we unintentionally perform every day that denote power or denote lack of power. We can often tell who the Alpha Leaders in the room are by how they position their bodies -- spread out, taking lots of space, maybe with arms or legs outstretched. Similarly, we can tell who is feeling uncomfortable -- hunched up, legs crossed, and looking down. Experimental evidence has found that people who perform the low-power poses are less likely to receive a job after a strenuous interview.
Remarkably, Cuddy suggests the pose affects the performance, rather than the performance affecting the pose. We feel more powerful when we look more powerful, and that, in turn, allows us to perform better. Doing a high-power pose for just 2 minutes before a stressful situation (like a job interview) can, according to Cuddy, increase testosterone levels (a power hormone) and decrease cortisol levels (a stress hormone), making us better equipped to perform to the best of our abilities.
What does this mean for CWC consultants? It means that to perform to the best of our abilities, we should monitor our body language. When we are unsure of what to do next in a conference, we should stretch out and make ourselves comfortable. It also means we can gauge our student writers better. We have a visual representation of how confident they are feeling and we can work on increasing confidence if we notice a low-power pose. One way to do this might be as simple as asking the student to stretch.
Hitting the gym won't be necessary -- let's do some power poses instead.
All of Tuesday's best,
Angela
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