Friday, April 29, 2005

Do Not Go Gentle . . .

A villanelle is a poem of rigid form which originated in Italy and was popularized in Medieval France. Wikipedia gives a good definition:
The standard villanelle consists of five stanzas of three lines each rhyming a-b-a and a sixth stanza of four lines rhyming a-b-a-a, giving a total of nineteen lines. The first line of the first stanza is reused as the third line of stanzas two, four, and six. The third line of the first stanza is reused as the third line of stanzas three and five and as the fourth line of the sixth stanza.
Dylan Thomas's "Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night" is one of the most famous English villanelles. It begins,
Do not go gentle into that good night,
Old age should burn and rave at close of day;
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
(Click here for the rest of the poem.)

One of the great things about literature is that there's a parody for just about everything. Here's a nice parody of Thomas's villanelle. It's entitled
"Do Not Go Gentle When You Merge From The Right!" and starts like this:
Do not go gentle when you merge from the right!
Cars should accelerate as they make the turn;
Merge, surge into traffic -- do it right!
Here's the complete poem.

Thursday, April 28, 2005

Visualize Verbalize Unveiling

The 2005 edition of Visualize Verbalize, NWC’s Literary/Art magazine, will be unveiled at a reception for contributors on Monday, May 2, 2005, at 7 p.m. in the upper lounge of the DeWitt Student Center.

Each contributor will receive a free copy of the magazine. Contributors and other students may purchase additional copies for $7 at the reception; the price is $10 for non-student

Tuesday, April 26, 2005

Glossary of Poetic Terms

Good link :: A comprehensive, easy to use Glossary of Poetic Terms, put together by Ian Lancashire of the University of Toronto.

Trebuchet of the day

You've seen them in Peter Jackson's filming of The Lord of the Rings, but long before the movie fantasy they were grim instruments of medieval warfare. The Trebuchet was a catapult/slingshot affair used to breech fortifications. (Strategy and Tactics in Medieval Warfare gives a nice overview of its uses, and NOVA has a fine web site on the machine.)

For a more recent demonstration of how these machines can hurl very large objects never meant to be hurled, check out the Oxford Stunt Factory's Trebuchet page. You can view the sensible mode, the slightly thoughtless mode, or the totally irresponsible and not in good taste mode.

Whichever one you choose, you'll get an enlightening demonstration of the raw power of these machines.

Good Food!

Two students in the Field Studies: Ecuador class are selling homemade meals to raise funds. Tomorrow, April 27th, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (or until the food runs out) in the main entryway of the ORB Building, they will serve a plate of Japanese Curry for $4. Saki of Japan will be making her delicious recipe.
The next meal, on May 11, will be a plate of Super Nachos with homemade beans and meat served with lettuce, cheese, tomatoes.
Please come and support these students.

--
Mary Ellen Ibarra-Robinson

Thursday, April 21, 2005

2005 Student Recognition Awards

On April 21st, as part of the campus wide Student Recognition Reception, the Humanities Division recognized three students for outstanding work in humanities courses. The student-scholars are as follows:

Amanda Patterson
Amanda is a Communication major, but she has made significant contributions to two programs in the Humanities Division. She has been a willing tutor for English classes this semester, particularly for Critical Reading and Writing, and she has also spent much energy on Spanish classes and activities. Mary Ellen Ibarra-Robinson says that when something needs doing in regard to Spanish activities, it is always Amanda who volunteers and who can be counted on to follow through. She is truly an outstanding student.

Dana Rinne
Dana is a true scholar. Rob Stothart says that the notes Dana takes in class could serve as the study guide for everyone else. It is Dana's writing that particularly sets him apart. He had a paper on the poetry of Li-Young Lee published in last year's issue of Writing in the Academic World, the college's online academic magazine, and, this year, he will have four of his own poems (more than any other single individual) published in Visualize/Verbalize, the college's literary magazine. In addition, Dana often reads his poems at the division's First Friday poetry readings, and he is a member of Another Genre, the division's literary club.

Jeff Bryan
As a freshman, under the "gentle" encouragment of Kathy Bieke, Jeff became an English major, and he took to it like Shakespeare took to the theatre, like Melville took to whales, and like Thoreau took to the woods. His own writing has progressed to the point that Renee Dechert says that his capstone project could be the "first chapter of his dissertation." He has also turned out to be a terrific teacher, tutoring in the Writing Center several hours a week. He is the tutor that students ask for more than any other. Through a program that Carol Zawacki offers, he is now also a nationally certified tutor. As if that weren't enough, Jeff also tutors or has tutored in math, biology, history, Spanish, and public speaking. Additionally, he's a member of the Student Senate, and he's a husband and the father of two girls. We don't know how he does it, but we will miss him a lot.

What's your brand . . .

of American English, that is.

Check out this entry on Epiphyte for a link to a nice little quiz which diagnoses regional differences in English usage.

Tuesday, April 19, 2005

Cinco de Mayo

Cinco de Mayo -- what does it celebrate?
It isn't Mexican Independence Day!




Come celebrate and learn about Cinco de Mayo on Thursday, May 5, in the ORB Lounge at 12:00 noon. The activities are sponsored by students in Spanish 2220, Intermediate Composition and Conversation. The students will present the history of Cinco de Mayo and aspects of Mexican culture.

A Mexican meal of enchiladas, rice and beans will be sold for $5 a plate in the ORB Entryway. Mexican dessert samples will be available at no cost. Everyone is invited to this cultural event.

Viva Mexico!

Sunday, April 17, 2005

Scenes from the 2005 Multicultural Showcase

And a fine time was had by one and all.

















Friday, April 15, 2005

Multicultural Showcase

Saturday, 16Apr05 , 2:00pm-5:00pm, DeWitt Student Center
The Multicultural Showcase features cultural displays, including a tipi display, entertainment, and food from around the world in the DeWitt Student Center Lounge.

This annual event is co-sponsored by the Multicultural Events Series, the International Club, the Spanish Club, the French Club, Native Ways, and the Block & Bridle Club. Admission is free and all are welcome.

Dictionary of the English Language

On this day--April 15--in 1755, Dr. Samuel Johnson published his Dictionary of the English Language.

According to Today in Literature, the dictionary was "the first significant work of its kind in English, most notable for the precision of its definitions and the inclusion of exemplary quotations . . .."

It is also a famous exemplum of Johnson's ascerbic wit:
He defined "oats" as "a grain which in England is generally given to horses, but in Scotland supports the people"; being a Tory, he defined "Whig" as "the name of a faction"; having been snubbed in his effort to obtain financial backing for his Dictionary from Lord Chesterfield, he defined "patron" as "commonly a wretch who supports with insolence, and is paid with flattery." (Today in Literature)
You can read more of his colorful entries at a web site sponsored by the libraries of Stanford University.

You might also enjoy The Samuel Johnson Sound Bite Page which contains over 1,800 of Dr. Johnson's quotes and quips. He was arguably the most quoted man of the 18th c.
"Sir, I have found you an argument; but I am not obliged to find you an understanding." --from Boswell's Life of Johnson

Wednesday, April 13, 2005

The Rock & Roll Capstone Presentations

Mike Masterson and I would like to invite you to attend the presentations for the Rock and Roll Capstone course.

Students were asked to respond to the following question: “If you were going to a deserted island and could only take one album with you, what would you choose and why based on the album’s music, history, and culture?”

As you’ll notice from the schedule listed below, we’ve got a wide range of subjects this year. All presentations will take place in NPA 27.

BTW, we’d also welcome your responses to this question – the students have expressed an interest in the choices others would make.

FWIW, Mike’s decided to take Bob Dylan’s Live 65 while I’ve settled on the Drive-by Truckers’ Southern Rock Opera. Burt Bradley’s taking the Moody Blues’ For Our Children’s Children’s Children (“It’s a complete concept album that brought together all kind of elements that I love.”); Terri Timmons will be packing Josh Groban’s Closer (“His music speaks to my soul.”); Rob Koelling has decided on Sting’s Brand New Day (“This album has a variety of styles that mimics everything from country to rap.”); and Rob Stothart will be bringing along Jefferson Airplane’s Bless Its Pointed Little Head (“This album captures the live aspect of Jefferson Airplane, shows individual performances and influences – plus, it recognizes King Kong.”)

Hope to see you there –
Renee

HUMN/MUSC 2360 – “Rock & Roll: Its History and Culture”
Capstone Presentations

Monday, May 2, 2005, NPA 27

  • 6:30-6:45 Lynsey Larisch -- The Beatles’ Sgt. Pepper’s
  • 6:45-7:00 Celyn Flory -- Live’s Throwing Copper
  • 7:00-7:15 Angela Richardson -- Donny Osmond’s What I Meant to Say
  • 7:15-7:30 Carla Niederhauser -- Pet Shop Boys’ Please
  • 7:30-7:45 Jill Richardson -- The Eagles’ Hell Freezes Over
  • 7:45-8:00 Jon Cates -- Aina’s Days of Rising Doom
  • 8:00-8:15 Susan Sanders -- Fleetwood Mac’s The Dance
  • 8:15:-8:30 Christa Genger -- Incubus’ Morning View


Monday, May 9, 2005, NPA 27

  • 6:30-6:45 Bryce Fauskee -- Delbert McClinton
  • 6:45-7:00 Katie Baker -- The Bay City Rollers
  • 7:00-7:15 Jeff Bryan -- Tool’s AEnima
  • 7:15-7:30 Robin Young -- Billy Joel’s River of Dreams
  • 7:30-7:45 Kathleen Barrett -- Bob Dylan’s Blonde on Blonde
  • 7:45-8:00 Gregg Stocchetti -- Metallica
  • 8:00-8:15 Emi Maezawa -- Queen
  • 8:15:-8:30 Marie Koike -- Road of Major’s Road of Major
  • 8:30-8:45 Cory Akin -- Tool’s Lateralus

Friday, April 08, 2005

2000 Level Courses for Fall '05

The Humanities Division will be offering the following 2000 level courses in Fall of 2005.
  • ENGL 2410 (01) Literary Genres: Screenwriting (3cr.)
  • HUMN 2420 (01) Introduction to Cross-Cultural Study
  • ENGL 2080 (01) Creative Writing: Poetry I (3 cr.)
  • ENGL 2230 (1V) American Literature I (3 cr.)
  • HUMN 2455 (01) Television and American Culture (3 cr.)
  • HUMN 2440 (01) Dialogues in the Humanities (3 cr. Capstone) From Propaganda to Spin: Public Persuasion in Modern Society
Click here for full descriptions of these classes.

Harriet Hits the Road: Messages from Abroad

Harriet Bloom-WilsonWhile on sabbatical this semester, Harriet Bloom-Wilson, Assistant Professor of French and International Student Academic Advisor, continued her international recruiting travels for Northwest. Here are a few email excerpts from her travels abroad.


Wed 3/2/2005 -- California dreamin'

Hello at last from sunny California! Now we're in Modesto, visiting with some old Northwest College friends, Julie and Geoff Mulder. It's wonderful seeing them again and taking a day off between drives. The community college international recruiting workshop in San Diego was excellent and allowed us to meet some of the people with whom we'll be traveling to Asia. It was also nice to be interacting with only community college people for a change, very supportive and generous and interested in the special challenges and advantages we face in Wyoming (where's that??!!) And San Diego is such a beautiful city!

From LA, we went to Santa Barbara, another very beautiful city where we gave a presentation to yet another ESL school. At the very least, we know we're helping tourism in Wyoming because none of these international students has ever heard of the place and by the time we're finished they all want to go for a visit. No one can believe there really is such a place with so few people.

Mon 3/7/2005 -- Sleepless in . . .

Hello one and all. . . . So, while it's not exactly "The Motorcycle Diaries," we have covered a significant distance in our aptly named "Odyssey," from Wyoming to San Diego to Seattle.And the weather has cooperated enough to give us glorious views of Mount Shasta in CA and Mount Rainier in WA; unfortunately, Mount Hood remained hidden. Did I mention the Wyoming connections thus far? The three young guys on the LA freeway at 70 miles an hour pulling up next to us to yell "We're from Cody" or the older man and wife at a gas station wanting to know if we knew their friends in Lusk, or the guy who lives downstairs from Joanna and Peter who graduated from Northwest College (I'll get his name later, but he's from Newcastle) and now goes to medical school at UW (in this case, the Univ. of Washington) along with many other Wyomingites in this complex, apparently. . . . Tomorrow Jo and Peter will take us to the airport for a 7 PM flight to San Francisco. At midnight we'll fly to Seoul. . . . Will keep you posted from Asia where we hope to recruit some new students and reveal the secret of a place called "Wyoming."


Fri 3/11/2005 -- A little bit of Seoul. . .

Hello out there! Writing from an internet cafe in the largest underground mall in Korea, maybe even Asia. Surrounded by adolescents playing video games and listening to music. Got here yesterday after 36+ hours of traveling. Left Seattle on March 8 and arrived here on March 10, What happened to the 9th????? The hotel is really nice but the weather is freezing! . . . I went with the group to a meeting at the Fulbright Commission, very useful. Tomorrow afternoon is the five hour fair. The group we're traveling with is wonderful and we're already enjoying each other's company. It will be interesting to see how many students show up tomorrow. The fair is in this mall, under two hotels. Should be interesting. Tonight we all went out together, underground again because it's so cold, for Korean barbecue. Delicious!


Mon 3/21/2005 -- Rendezvous in Bangkok

Greetings from the Bangkok airport! . . . Been a while since we wrote so I'll try to sum up. Main thing is that it's been wonderful having Richard here to recruit with me in Seoul, Hong Kong, Jakarta, and Singapore. He's a natural. We'll see what the results are but the fairs in the first three cities were well attended and we're hoping to bring some students to Northwest. The fair in Singapore was pretty skimpy which was disappointing. Nice that in several of the cities students commented on seeing me before and a man in Seoul remembered meeting me several years ago. I knew he wasn't mistaken because he said I had a daughter who went to school in Washington, DC and a husband who was also a teacher. So connections are made; it's just still a tough sell to persuade people that a place they've never heard of, like Wyoming, might be worth the risk.

Great visit and dinner in Singapore with Iris Lim and her husband, YS Teh, parents of our student, Yunnie, and a wonderful overnight excursion to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia where we stayed with Grace Peterson, mother of former student, Jennifer Peterson. Took the overnight train to Malaysia from Singapore, quite the adventure, but not too rough since we had a "deluxe" sleeping car. Also, on the fun side, have been speaking a lot of French, including with some terrific African musicians who were performing in Singapore and staying at our hotel. . . . Weather is very hot but we're prepared, I think.


Sun 3/27/2005 -- Easter in Bangkok. . .

. . . is probably like any other Sunday, but it still crossed our minds and made us think of many Easters past with children and friends, decorating eggs, hiding baskets, and eating good food. . . . Hard to imagine the snow everyone is describing in WY and the east coast. Here it is so hot and humid but less so than when I was here in the past. Makes it easier to explore. Tomorrow we leave for Taipei already where I'll meet with a couple of agents about Northwest College. Hope this will help us break into that market. Then it's home, at least to Seattle, on March 30.


Fri 4/1/2005 -- Sabai Sabai

"Sabai sabai" means "happy, happy" in Thai and that's what our taxi driver in Bangkok, Mr. Ali, kept saying to us, "Madame happy? Papa (meaning Richard!) happy? Then Mr. Ali happy; sabai sabai." And we are happily back in the U.S. after a wonderful 3-weeks in Asia. Amazingly, with all the traveling, 7 countries in all, never a delayed flight, always our bags were there, free luggage trolleys whenever we needed them, hot meals on flights of even one hour (unlike United from San Francisco to Seattle, over two hours and not even trail mix!) and no significant illnesses. Sabai, sabai.

We spent the last two nights (1 1/2 days) in Taipei where we met with two agents who, hopefully, will promote Northwest College to prospective students. They were very nice, one even took us to the night market and a beautiful temple in the rain where we ate a variety of fishy things in a paper cup and chased it down with the fish broth it was cooked in. It was delicious!

Some memories: elephant riding in Chiang Mai, Thailand, with Joanna and me holding on for dear life as our senior pachyderm went her own way in search of bamboo to nibble on well off the side of the approved "path," Joanna's fresh legal training calling into question the safety standards in place in the hills of Thailand. Hordes of well-dressed and appointed teenagers in malls in all the major cities we visited with what appeared to be no lack of money to spend and an abundance of stores catering specifically to their interests. Maybe it's selective attention, but in the U.S. malls seem to have more of an age spread when it comes to consumers. Actually, the young and the old came together in Buddhist temples praying for everything from good health to good grades. And the night train from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur. We got into our sleeping compartment at 10:10 PM; I immediately took my sleeping pill, changed into a night shirt and climbed into the lower bunk. 20 minutes later, at the border to Malaysia, the announcement came on to get off the train, leave our luggage, and proceed through immigration. With Richard's help, I was able to get my clothes back on, rally from my stupor, and make it off the train before the drug sniffing dogs entered the compartments. And Richard's adventure through the back alleys and waterways of Jakarta, Indonesia make for an interesting story, both in photos and words.

Finally, like you, we heard the sad news of the latest earthquake on TV when we were in Taipei the night after it struck. We consider ourselves so fortunate that we were never in harm's way.

Tuesday, April 05, 2005

Spanish Club presents panel

Wednesday, April 6th at 12:05 in the Hinckley Library, the Spanish Club will present a panel of students who will share their experiences from living in Latin American countries. Everyone is welcome.