Photographs

In class we briefly discussed a photograph and attempted to attach meaning to it while having no background knowledge as to what was going on. This interested me and I began thinking about how famous photograhs' purpose are based on the meaning we place with them. If we have no previous knowledge on a photograph it could be completely pointless. For example, the photo above may just be another picture of the flag if the viewers were unaware of the history associated with it.

Imitating Sentences

I wanted to post a few links that give more information on imitating sentences. As I mentioned in class, we'll likely do this a few more times over the course of the semester. I realize it's difficult at first, but I think it can definitely benefit your writing and get you thinking about different ways to construct a sentence.

Remember, the idea here is not to imitate the meaning of the sentence or to substitute synonyms in place of the original words. Rather, you should attempt to copy the structure or rhythm of the sentence, using some of the same grammar rules (whether you know the rules or not).

Some links:
Creating Sentences with Commas
Paragraph Imitation
Great Sentences

On Rick Smolan

Class,

Kara posted this in the comments to the Barber video, but it belongs in a post all its own. Remember to make new posts rather than continuing the comments of an older one when you have something new to discuss. Anyway, here's Kara:

I really enjoyed wayching the TED video on the little girl from Korea. What I noticed most about his story was how passionately he told it. I think speaking or writing about something that means something to you or that you care about makes your story that much more interesting. He kept referrencing how the story was unscripted. And how things like a fire or confrontation with uncle over adoption were things that just happened and he didn't see them coming. Watching the video I had no idea a fire was going to come either, but that was great. The video taught me that being passionate in my writing and telling my story for what it is makes an interesting combination.

More on the old man and the car

Because of those pesky computer issues, I didn't get a chance to share with you the essay (of sorts) written about the second photo I showed you in class. That photo of the old man standing next to his car is the basis for a song by the band Megafaun, embedded below. I love how the song works; it takes this photo of an unknown man and gives it perspective by making it something that many of us can relate to.

Benjamin Barber on The Colbert Report

The Colbert Report	Mon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c
Benjamin Barber
www.colbertnation.com
Colbert Report Full Episodes Political Humor Economy

Here's Benjamin Barber on the Colbert Report in 2007. Stephen does his typical über-capitalist shtick, but in doing so he makes some pointed commentary on the ridiculousness of consumer culture. Specifically, Colbert questions what's wrong with marketing to children...using cartoon geckos to sell insurance, cartoon frogs to sell beer, and cartoon camels to sell cigarettes. Comments?