Sarah's blog

Review: You may not know exactly what a “fractal” is, however, I can guarantee that you have seen one. According to the NOVA episode, a fractal is “an odd-looking shape” that is characterized by the endless repetition (iteration) of jigs and jags. Originally studied by Benoit Mandelbrot, a fractal can easily be made by “taking a smooth-looking shape and breaking it into pieces, over and over again.” A fractal is useful when interpreting mathematical systems into everyday life. For instance, fractals can be used to understand a person’s heartbeat, in addition to understanding basic structures of nature, like trees or lightning. Furthermore, Mandelbrot claimed that a key element to understanding fractal geometry is to “think not of what you see, but what it took to produce what you see.” With this in mind, it is easier to understand why the scientists towards the end of the NOVA episode went about their ways.

Response:  In a way, I feel like I just got done watching the season premiere of NUMB3Rs. I mean, I am completely mind-boggled that such a thing exists. Yet, at the same token I see how it makes sense. Every time I read or hear about scientists and mathematicians coming up with equations to define the natural world and how it works I become instantly AMAZED! I cannot imagine ever doing such a thing!!! Now a fractal…WOW! That’s something! Not only can a fractal be used as an element of design and fashion, but it can also be used to determine the amount of carbon dioxide a forest absorbs. In agreement with the NOVA episode, I can only hope that a fractal will help in the future medical field. However, I have just one question to ask out of mere technological frustration: If fractals are being used in my computer for a wireless connection, then why is it so hard to connect to the server?!?!?!

Blog #3: Manly Men

Summary: Both readings served as means for analyzing what a “real” man is, and how the media portrays masculinity in society. According to “The Televised Manhood Sports Formula” there are seven components used by televised sports announcers and proceeding commercials to portray masculinity to boys (ages 8-17 years): 1) White males 2) Women as sexy props or prizes for MEN’S successful sport performances/consumption choices 3) Aggressive winners 4) Humorous/sarcastic discussions of fights or near-fights 5) A sacrificial body 6) References to war,  and 7) Risky behavior. These seven components of televised masculinity become conscious to the viewers of TSN Top 10 Creative Hockey Goals. In regards to ESPN’s writer LZ Granderson, it all depends on how you define “manly”. Granderson uses many examples to demonstrate both sides of the story, however, he truly hits home when he asks, “Is it not hypocritical of us to demand that athletes respect marriage vows and their families, but then not want those athletes to take time off during such an important time?”

Response: While reading both of this weeks readings, I found myself becoming more bitter towards our society’s outlook on masculinity. In my personal opinion, I believe that there should not be an ideal status of how “manly” a man should be. According to the readings, masculinity is a combination of physic/physical appearance and character. However, could there be more to the combination of masculinity, for instance intelligence? Furthermore, I greatly detest the use of a woman’s body as a “sexy prop”, let alone a prize. I mean, in a way, could that be seen as a form of prostitution or even sex trafficking?

However, I must ask: is the emphasis of masculinity in our society more than, less than, or equal to the the emphasis of femininity (not to be confused with beauty) in our society?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eLkZTJczirU

Blog #2: Cicero Reading

Summary: In an attempt to illustrate persuasive speaking as an art form, Cicero describes that there must be certain divisions of rhetoric present in order to captivate an audience. Amongst these divisions are: Invention, Arrangement, Elocution, Memory, and Delivery. Detailed descriptions of these divisions may be found in Part VII. Furthermore, Cicero spends much time on the usage of these rhetorical devices and their effects on an audience. According to Cicero, a negative or a positive effect may be cast upon an audience after interpreting a persuasive speech.

Response: In the words of ABT Principal Ballerina, Starr Darrien, “It’s not what you do, but how you do it.” As a former Orator, I completely agree with such a statement, and may conclude that much of what Cicero said is true. Persuasion is a tool we use to effectively communicate our ideas to receive a desired effect amongst an audience. Generally, the effect is positive, but occasionally, the effect can be negative as well. For instance, many people did not necessarily agree with Adolf Hitler’s beliefs. However, his mastery of delivery and his ability to evoke fear into his audience resulted in many followers–many of which, who could not foretell the negative impact of their support that led to such a dreadful holocaust. On the other hand, Mary Fisher, Founder of Family AIDS Network, was able to generate a league of support from the Republican Party during the 1992 elections. Throughout her speech, “A Whisper of AIDS”,  Mary made many personal references to her family and was able to relate herself to “the lonely gay man sheltering a flickering candle from the cold wind of his family’s rejection.” From watching the Youtube clip, I was able to see what kind of effect Mary was able to draw from her audience; many tears were shed and a standing ovation was given at the end of her speech. With that, Mary was able to raise awareness and funding for HIV and AIDS research. I must credit Mary Fisher for her diction when saying the words “children” and “dying” in the same sentence. Such words cause many emotions to stir.

With that said, I leave you with a clip from my favorite reality show, Dance Moms. (Start clip at 3:40 and end clip at 6:38)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vh6sziU1IWc

Blog #1: “Liking What You See”

Summary:   In the heated debate over callignosia, many perspectives evaluate the pros and cons of its effectiveness in society. Throughout this short documentary, twenty-three people share their ethics, religion, science, and personal experience concerning the use of callignosia and how beauty should be perceived. According to neurologist Joseph Weingartner, “The condition is what we call an associative agnosia, rather than an apperceptive one.” In other words, “It doesn’t interfere with one’s visual perspective, only with the ability to recognize what one sees.” The overlapping of character relationships may be seen, particularly with Tamera Lyons and Maria deSouza. This documentary can be found personable and enlightening; its fluid construction allows readers the opportunity to question their beliefs and doubts about beauty throughout the entire selection.

Response:  Sounds like a Communist plot to me…

According to one of my dearest friend’s younger sister’s Facebook status, “A 15 year old girl holds hands with her 1 year old son. People call her a slut, no one knows she was raped at 13. People call another Guy fat. No one knows he has a serious disease causing him to be overweight. People call an old man ugly. No one knew he had a serious injury to his face while fighting for our country in the war. People call a woman bald but they don’t know she has cancer. “ I kid you not, I read this status two days before I even read the article (talk about déjà vu), and all I can think about is that it is true. As much as I hate to admit it, first impressions do count, and unfortunately, most first impressions are based off of what we see. Honestly, I’m not a huge fan of living in a society that is consumed by its physical appearance, but like many others in agreement I have learned to accept it.  In the article Richard Hamill claims, “The parents were doing their best, but you can’t isolate your kids from the world; they live in an image-obsessed culture.” As a way to “do their best” many parents, such as Tamera Lyons’, referred to callignosia as a means to protect their children, hoping that they would be “better equipped to deal with the issue of personal appearance” at an older age. However, I must ask, how can a child be “better equipped to deal with the issue of personal appearance” when they were never given a prior opportunity to deal with it before? Personally, I am a firm believer in learning from mistakes and life experiences—without them; I would not be the person I am today.

Now, regarding the topic of beauty: I personally believe that most people know that they are not truly “ugly,” but the self knowledge of all their imperfections prevent them from believing that they are truly “beautiful.”  People are always telling us to “live life to the fullest,” but if you never see the good, the bad, the beautiful, and the ugly, then you are not really living life to its full potential. Furthermore, if beauty is in the eye of the beholder, then what happens to beauty when the beholder is blind?

Oh, and here is a lil’ summa-summa I found rather informative— http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PlKk3a1tyY0