Mary Roach’s book Bonk is a riveting and engaging book that shows new light on the hush hush topic of sex. She brings the questions that everyone wants to know about the dirty deed out in the open to researchers, who sometimes themselves don’t ask the questions that she does. She brings topics about masturbation, orgasm, sexual arousal, and the structure and function of the private parts, to a whole different light. Not only to learn more about them, but to also find what science is doing to make this bedroom secret a more pleasurable and satisfying place. She does this not only in a scientific way but uses humor throughout to keep the reader engaged, and to keep it less awkward about the material mentioned in the book.
This book sparked interest for our group because sex has always been a quiet topic that not very many people talk about or feel comfortable talking about. We believe it was something that we have never read before and also something we could learn from and make us feel more comfortable and knowledgeable about this subject. Also, being that this book was about sex not in a sick and perverted way, but in a scientific way also caught our attention. We all have our questions about the topic and we all thought that maybe some of those questions could be answered. But, to also be able to bring new questions and answers to us that we have never thought of before. Sex being a touchy subject, and having a whole book covering the subject interested us too because you don’t see many books being published in a scientific, yet humorous way about that kind of subject. Being that the book is written openly and doesn’t leave details out made our interest of the book and subject also more appealing.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Vocab Builder #2: Bonk
1. Esoteric. (264) Def- understood by or meant for only the select few who have special knowledge or interest; recondite
2. Sequestered. (267) Def-to remove or withdraw into solitude or retirement; seclude.
3. Factotum. (268) Def-any employee or official having many different responsibilities.
4. Cremasteric. (273) Def-the suspensory muscle of the testis.
5. Libido. (280) Def-Psychoanalysis. All of the instinctual energies and desires that are derived from the id. {Sexual instinct or sexual drive.}
6. Coyness. (282) Def-artfully or affectedly shy or reserved; slyly hesitant; coquettish.
7. Latency. (286) Def-present but not visible, apparent, or actualized; existing as potential
8. Pheromones. (288) Def-any chemical substance released by an animal that serves to influence the physiology or behavior of other members of the same species.
9. Supposition. (290) Def-something that is supposed; assumption; hypothesis.
10. Olfactory. (293) Def-of or pertaining to the sense of smell.
2. Sequestered. (267) Def-to remove or withdraw into solitude or retirement; seclude.
3. Factotum. (268) Def-any employee or official having many different responsibilities.
4. Cremasteric. (273) Def-the suspensory muscle of the testis.
5. Libido. (280) Def-Psychoanalysis. All of the instinctual energies and desires that are derived from the id. {Sexual instinct or sexual drive.}
6. Coyness. (282) Def-artfully or affectedly shy or reserved; slyly hesitant; coquettish.
7. Latency. (286) Def-present but not visible, apparent, or actualized; existing as potential
8. Pheromones. (288) Def-any chemical substance released by an animal that serves to influence the physiology or behavior of other members of the same species.
9. Supposition. (290) Def-something that is supposed; assumption; hypothesis.
10. Olfactory. (293) Def-of or pertaining to the sense of smell.
Quizzer #2: Bonk
1. Why do you think Roach only chose to write about people with spinal injuries having orgasms, instead of people with other disabilities?
I think the main reason she chose to write about people with spinal cord injuries is because with those people how do you know what they feel and if they can even maintain a healthy sexual life. I think she was interested in that subject and wanted to bring it to the general public. People with spinal cord injuries are usually paralyzed, and aren’t suppose to feel anything, but often can feel an orgasm, it just may be in a different place and a different way. I also think if she wrote about people with other disabilities it would be less effective because you think “oh those people should be able to have sex”, but with spinal cord injuries you think “oh they are paralyzed from the waist down so they must not be able to have sexual intercourse. I think it was great that instead of just writing about normal healthy people, she also took the time to research how people with disabilities do it. That helps the general public understand more and also people with spinal injuries that they can have an effective orgasm they just need to be directed in the right way.
2. How do you think the people with spinal injuries benefited from having Roach write about how they deal with sexual encounters?
I think it was a great idea for Roach to write about them, because as she mentioned in the book is that many couples that have a disability like that don’t know where to go, don’t know who to look toward for help in that subject. I think personally I would be embarrassed to talk with people and I think by her including them in her book that people with these disabilities can come forward for help so that they can experience sex like they should be able to in a healthy and positive manner. I think they also benefited because not only is more research being done for them, but they are learning new stuff for people with sexual dysfunction in every kind of manner. It was brave of her to write about such a touchy subject in the first place, but to also include the research being done on people with disabilities is an even greater step that was probably help the general population that do have disabilities.
3. Why do you think Roach mentions in the chapter title of 12, that women are complicated?
I think first off, through her whole research she found women are complicated, but she directs they are complicated in the areas of sex. One reason I believe she says they are complicated is that you can’t tell when a woman is aroused. Men they have physical proof that they are aroused because you can see the obvious erection of the male. In females you can’t see that they are the most likely have to voice it if they are and many women either say they are when they aren’t or just pretend to be. That makes the whole sexual experience complicated. Another thing that Roach mentions about women being complicated is that women can’t focus on just sex. When they are having sex they can be thinking about numerous things like work, kids, problems in their life. While the men just focus on how good they want the sex to be and just about the sex. I also think maybe she says this in her book because of the men readers so that they are more apt to please their partner during sex because of how complicated they can be.
4. Do you think that erectile dysfunction and female sex dysfunction are physical or psychological?
For me I think it is more psychological than physical. Often men and women are so apt about pleasing their partner and how they look that they don’t just go and enjoy the sex. They have so much anxiety built up that they aren’t focused on the deed itself but other things and often this leads to low self esteem and not a whole lot happening in bed. This also brings the issue of drugs saying they can make things better and get rid of the sexual dysfunction. They have Viagra for a man, which is proven to work, but not a whole lot for women to use. This is a reason to think it is also physical too because your body ages and of course things don’t work like they should, but I think people over analyze things and assume things too quickly. I know the book mentions that often it is more of a physical reason in men and then psychological reason in women to have sexual dysfunction maybe that is how it works, but I do think a majority of it is psychological.
I think the main reason she chose to write about people with spinal cord injuries is because with those people how do you know what they feel and if they can even maintain a healthy sexual life. I think she was interested in that subject and wanted to bring it to the general public. People with spinal cord injuries are usually paralyzed, and aren’t suppose to feel anything, but often can feel an orgasm, it just may be in a different place and a different way. I also think if she wrote about people with other disabilities it would be less effective because you think “oh those people should be able to have sex”, but with spinal cord injuries you think “oh they are paralyzed from the waist down so they must not be able to have sexual intercourse. I think it was great that instead of just writing about normal healthy people, she also took the time to research how people with disabilities do it. That helps the general public understand more and also people with spinal injuries that they can have an effective orgasm they just need to be directed in the right way.
2. How do you think the people with spinal injuries benefited from having Roach write about how they deal with sexual encounters?
I think it was a great idea for Roach to write about them, because as she mentioned in the book is that many couples that have a disability like that don’t know where to go, don’t know who to look toward for help in that subject. I think personally I would be embarrassed to talk with people and I think by her including them in her book that people with these disabilities can come forward for help so that they can experience sex like they should be able to in a healthy and positive manner. I think they also benefited because not only is more research being done for them, but they are learning new stuff for people with sexual dysfunction in every kind of manner. It was brave of her to write about such a touchy subject in the first place, but to also include the research being done on people with disabilities is an even greater step that was probably help the general population that do have disabilities.
3. Why do you think Roach mentions in the chapter title of 12, that women are complicated?
I think first off, through her whole research she found women are complicated, but she directs they are complicated in the areas of sex. One reason I believe she says they are complicated is that you can’t tell when a woman is aroused. Men they have physical proof that they are aroused because you can see the obvious erection of the male. In females you can’t see that they are the most likely have to voice it if they are and many women either say they are when they aren’t or just pretend to be. That makes the whole sexual experience complicated. Another thing that Roach mentions about women being complicated is that women can’t focus on just sex. When they are having sex they can be thinking about numerous things like work, kids, problems in their life. While the men just focus on how good they want the sex to be and just about the sex. I also think maybe she says this in her book because of the men readers so that they are more apt to please their partner during sex because of how complicated they can be.
4. Do you think that erectile dysfunction and female sex dysfunction are physical or psychological?
For me I think it is more psychological than physical. Often men and women are so apt about pleasing their partner and how they look that they don’t just go and enjoy the sex. They have so much anxiety built up that they aren’t focused on the deed itself but other things and often this leads to low self esteem and not a whole lot happening in bed. This also brings the issue of drugs saying they can make things better and get rid of the sexual dysfunction. They have Viagra for a man, which is proven to work, but not a whole lot for women to use. This is a reason to think it is also physical too because your body ages and of course things don’t work like they should, but I think people over analyze things and assume things too quickly. I know the book mentions that often it is more of a physical reason in men and then psychological reason in women to have sexual dysfunction maybe that is how it works, but I do think a majority of it is psychological.
Summarizer: Bonk
In chapters 9 and 10 of Mary Roach’s book Bonk, Mary talks about the structure of the vagina and also what you can do to keep it healthy also how to avoid and also get rid of the FSD or otherwise known as Female Sexual Dysfunction.
In chapter 9, Roach talks about a very interesting topic, and that is the lady’s boner. This may not be known to very many, but the female’s clitoris is known as the lady’s penis. The thing that is different from men’s is mainly just the look, the men’s is outside while the women’s lies on the inside. What is the same is that both organs have ends that are sensitive and nerve-dense, that have a pleasure bulb of tissue that is called the glans. Both also have a shaft and contain expandable chambers called corpora cavernosa, which is also covered with prepuce, or foreskin. She became intrigued by this through the research of Ken Maravilla who is a radiology professor. He uses MRI’s to take a look at not only outside structure of the vagina, but also the internal side of it to see just what happens when woman are aroused. He was measuring the amount of blood flow in the tissues of the woman’s clitoris, to figure out mounting readiness. Also to see if, these affect women with or without FSD.
In chapter 10, Roach takes her knowledge of FSD, wants to see what is out there to help prevent it and see what can help control it. What she finds is a company called NuGyn that is located in Minnesota, which is a small business run by a man called Curt Olson. His company makes products for ED and FSD. His company came up with the Eros Clitoral Therapy Device. This is what people may call a penis pump, but for women. This chapter covers methods and products that are used both by men and women so that they can get the most out of their sexual experience. Also, it covers masturbating for your health, so you can achieve the best orgasm and maybe be able to prevent ED and also FSD. It also briefly mentions orgasms and the effect they have on the body for health people and also people with disabilities and how it might temporarily help the disorder they have.
This section is a breakdown of the whole book by itself. Each section of the book talks about different aspects of sex. In other parts it talks about the penis and its role and functions, this one referred to the female genitalia. I think it takes the broad topic of sex and breaks it down into different parts that make up sex like the organs used and the materials we use to improve it. The sections were split into parts about the women’s boner and also talked about masturbating for your health. So it is just covering a more specific topic of, the broad topic about sex.
In chapter 9, Roach talks about a very interesting topic, and that is the lady’s boner. This may not be known to very many, but the female’s clitoris is known as the lady’s penis. The thing that is different from men’s is mainly just the look, the men’s is outside while the women’s lies on the inside. What is the same is that both organs have ends that are sensitive and nerve-dense, that have a pleasure bulb of tissue that is called the glans. Both also have a shaft and contain expandable chambers called corpora cavernosa, which is also covered with prepuce, or foreskin. She became intrigued by this through the research of Ken Maravilla who is a radiology professor. He uses MRI’s to take a look at not only outside structure of the vagina, but also the internal side of it to see just what happens when woman are aroused. He was measuring the amount of blood flow in the tissues of the woman’s clitoris, to figure out mounting readiness. Also to see if, these affect women with or without FSD.
In chapter 10, Roach takes her knowledge of FSD, wants to see what is out there to help prevent it and see what can help control it. What she finds is a company called NuGyn that is located in Minnesota, which is a small business run by a man called Curt Olson. His company makes products for ED and FSD. His company came up with the Eros Clitoral Therapy Device. This is what people may call a penis pump, but for women. This chapter covers methods and products that are used both by men and women so that they can get the most out of their sexual experience. Also, it covers masturbating for your health, so you can achieve the best orgasm and maybe be able to prevent ED and also FSD. It also briefly mentions orgasms and the effect they have on the body for health people and also people with disabilities and how it might temporarily help the disorder they have.
This section is a breakdown of the whole book by itself. Each section of the book talks about different aspects of sex. In other parts it talks about the penis and its role and functions, this one referred to the female genitalia. I think it takes the broad topic of sex and breaks it down into different parts that make up sex like the organs used and the materials we use to improve it. The sections were split into parts about the women’s boner and also talked about masturbating for your health. So it is just covering a more specific topic of, the broad topic about sex.
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Vocab Builder #1: Bonk
1. Coitus, pg. 74, Def. Sexual Intercourse, esp. between a man and women.
2. Purulent, pg. 75, Def. full of, containing, forming, or discharging pus; suppurating.
3. Chaste, pg. 76, Def. refraining from sexual intercourse that is regarded as a contrary to mortality or religion; virtuous.
4. Cunnilingus, pg. 77, Def. the act of practicing of orally stimulating the female genitals.
5. Harrumphed, pg. 78, Def. To offer usually brief critical comments.
6. Hymens, pg. 79, Def. A membranous fold of tissue that partly or completely occludes the external vaginal orifice.
7. Fecundate, pg. 94, Def. to impregnate or fertilize.
8. Flummoxed, pg. 95, Def. to confuse; perplex
9. Chagrin, pg. 98, Def. a feeling of vexation, marked by disappointment or humiliation.
10. Prolapsed, pg. 102, Def. a falling down of an organ or part, as the uterus, from its normal position.
2. Purulent, pg. 75, Def. full of, containing, forming, or discharging pus; suppurating.
3. Chaste, pg. 76, Def. refraining from sexual intercourse that is regarded as a contrary to mortality or religion; virtuous.
4. Cunnilingus, pg. 77, Def. the act of practicing of orally stimulating the female genitals.
5. Harrumphed, pg. 78, Def. To offer usually brief critical comments.
6. Hymens, pg. 79, Def. A membranous fold of tissue that partly or completely occludes the external vaginal orifice.
7. Fecundate, pg. 94, Def. to impregnate or fertilize.
8. Flummoxed, pg. 95, Def. to confuse; perplex
9. Chagrin, pg. 98, Def. a feeling of vexation, marked by disappointment or humiliation.
10. Prolapsed, pg. 102, Def. a falling down of an organ or part, as the uterus, from its normal position.
Quizzer #1:Bonk
1. Do you think it is socially acceptable for the researchers to masturbate and have sex with the research participants?
I think personally it would be awkward if I were either the participant or the researcher. Because, like the book brought up I would think the researchers are mixing work with play and not really finding the information they intended to do. But as long as the participants gave their consent and their names and information would be kept confidential I think it would be ok. Also if the researchers are truly in to find the information that they intended about sex I think it is acceptable. If we didn’t have people doing this we wouldn’t know as much as we know today.
2. How do you think the times have changed from the late 1800’s to now dealing with sex as a public topic?
Back in the 1800’s I think people though sex was “always done but it was never talked about.” It was socially unacceptable and was looked at as being bad and something that wasn’t discussed openly. The book brought up the points that they studied animals to find out how humans copulate. That just wouldn’t work, because we are different in lots of ways. I think as we learned more and more about it; it became easier and more comfortable to talk about. Today, I know it still isn’t polite to talk openly about it with everyone but a lot of people do with friends and in school and at random times. It has come a long way since the late 1800’s till now.
3. If you were Mary Roach and were presented with some of the situations she put herself in, how would you feel?
I would feel so awkward, I think it would take time for me to openly ask the things she does and have a hard time doing it. I would feel ashamed or embarrassed to do so. Also, the seminar that she attended, I think I would just have been freaked out and be like what the hell am I doing here. So, I give her credit for being brave enough to go out and do the research and the interviews she did.
4. After reading a little into the book what do you think Mary Roach was trying to do for her audience by having such an open and graphic book?
I think Mary Roach herself was interested in the mysteries of sex and though her audience might be as well. So, she wrote a very thorough and detailed book. I also think she wanted people to feel more comfortable talking about it because the subject is becoming more open and she wants people to see that. Also, with this book, it shows the history of sex and what we did and didn’t know about it. It brought all that up in the book so the general public could have more knowledge of it and be comfortable around it because they know more about it and are more comfortable with it today.
I think personally it would be awkward if I were either the participant or the researcher. Because, like the book brought up I would think the researchers are mixing work with play and not really finding the information they intended to do. But as long as the participants gave their consent and their names and information would be kept confidential I think it would be ok. Also if the researchers are truly in to find the information that they intended about sex I think it is acceptable. If we didn’t have people doing this we wouldn’t know as much as we know today.
2. How do you think the times have changed from the late 1800’s to now dealing with sex as a public topic?
Back in the 1800’s I think people though sex was “always done but it was never talked about.” It was socially unacceptable and was looked at as being bad and something that wasn’t discussed openly. The book brought up the points that they studied animals to find out how humans copulate. That just wouldn’t work, because we are different in lots of ways. I think as we learned more and more about it; it became easier and more comfortable to talk about. Today, I know it still isn’t polite to talk openly about it with everyone but a lot of people do with friends and in school and at random times. It has come a long way since the late 1800’s till now.
3. If you were Mary Roach and were presented with some of the situations she put herself in, how would you feel?
I would feel so awkward, I think it would take time for me to openly ask the things she does and have a hard time doing it. I would feel ashamed or embarrassed to do so. Also, the seminar that she attended, I think I would just have been freaked out and be like what the hell am I doing here. So, I give her credit for being brave enough to go out and do the research and the interviews she did.
4. After reading a little into the book what do you think Mary Roach was trying to do for her audience by having such an open and graphic book?
I think Mary Roach herself was interested in the mysteries of sex and though her audience might be as well. So, she wrote a very thorough and detailed book. I also think she wanted people to feel more comfortable talking about it because the subject is becoming more open and she wants people to see that. Also, with this book, it shows the history of sex and what we did and didn’t know about it. It brought all that up in the book so the general public could have more knowledge of it and be comfortable around it because they know more about it and are more comfortable with it today.
Death:Jamie Lynn Mckillip
Having been alive for 19 years, I have unfortunately had the chance to experience what death is about. I have experienced the feelings, the emotions, what funerals and wakes are like, and everything that happens when a loved one dies. It is an awful thing that happens and something you don’t want to happen, but you know it does and it will eventually happen to everyone, people just don’t know when. I have had 4 family members die that I can remember. Three of them were uncles, and I had one great aunt pass away. My great uncles’ passing was probably the most recent which happened in January. These did have an effect on me, but not as much to make me cry. I was sad for my whole family, but it just didn’t hit me in the way it did with others. My mom and dad were extremely upset when my great uncle died. It was like my mom’s second dad to her because her dad died when she was 11 and he was always there for my dad too. These impacted my family and me, but it didn’t hit me like it did my mom and dad. I did experience a death though, which was probably the hardest for me.
This last August right before school was about to start, I had a friend get into a bad car accident; she passed away at the scene. I remember exactly what I was doing at the time I found out. I had just moved into the dorms and had stayed a couple days there. I was just getting back to my room from lower campus and was going on the computer when I got a phone call from my brother. He told me that he heard this girl (her name was Jamie) was dead. Then there were 4 others from my high school that were involved in the accident. He said two were in intensive care and might not make it. The other one they thought might have to get his arm amputated. Then the other kid that was involved was fine. When he said the girl was dead I didn’t believe him. I kept asking him if he was lying. He said that is what he heard and he wasn’t sure if it really happened. He said that maybe she isn’t dead. I had to find out if she was or wasn’t, I called my cousin who was really good friends with her. She didn’t answer her phone for awhile but then her dad picked up. Once he picked up I knew it was true because my cousin couldn’t explain it to me because she was crying so she had handed the phone to her dad. I asked if it was true what happened, and he said yes it was. I was so shocked and didn’t know what to think, I just kind of stood there quietly. My roommate asked me what happened and I told him that I just found out a friend of mine had died in a car accident. I spent the next half an hour calling my other friends that were at college in case they didn’t know because we were all away from our home town at college. We all knew this girl, were I come from it is a small town and everyone knows everyone or just about. Some people had heard it and a lot of my other friends hadn’t heard it yet. We were all shocked, and we still didn’t believe it no matter what people said. I was thinking the whole time she is only 17 she can’t be dead.
This was a bad week for the community of Mondovi because the students were just about to start school, summer was ending and everyone was getting into the swing of things. This put a damper on it all, and the whole town of Mondovi was shocked, other towns were even shocked. It probably didn’t hit me until I attended her wake that she was actually dead. I went into the building and there were a lot of people there and they were all in tears. It wasn’t a good thing to walk into. I scene my cousin and she came running to me, and gave me a big hug with tears streaming down her face, and that is when I started to cry. I was so sad for Jamie and for her family. She didn’t get to experience a full life like my uncles had or many other people had. She was only 17! She didn’t get to experience her senior year, her graduating, going to college, getting married, or living a fulfilling life. It made me mad that she wasn’t going to be able to do all that. When I went and saw her in the casket it was so unreal she looked so beautiful and peaceful just like she was sleeping. She was in her basketball jacket, because she loved to play sports and there were flowers all around her. I didn’t go very close because her parents were standing by there talking with people. I couldn’t even imagine being them, having to experience that with their daughter. All the other people involved came out fine and had no lasting effects.
I think this was probably the hardest death experience I have had yet because I knew this girl, I hung out with her and talked with her and she wasn’t that much younger than me and she was gone. She won’t ever get to have a life like we get to, because it was cut short from an accident involving reckless drivers and for not wearing seatbelts. I still can’t believe she is gone sometimes, I will see pictures of her somewhere and I will still think she is alive, but really know deep down she isn’t coming back. I am so glad I had the chance to meet her, to hang out with her, and to talk with her. She was an amazing person and didn’t deserve to go so soon, but that was God’s way saying time for her to come to heaven. I will always remember her, and remember the great times I did get to have with her. R.I.P. Jamie Lynn McKillip.
As a side note, a few months later a group of her friends had went bowling and had their cameras with and having a good time. One of the girls had dropped their camera and it had gone off with a flash. When they had picked it up, on the screen, barely visible, was a picture of Jamie, smiling that smile she does. They were all shocked and it brought tears and they couldn’t believe it and didn’t think people would believe them, but they saved the picture and posted it on facebook. They see this stuff on TV all the time, but didn’t think it could happen but it did. Everyone that looks at it believes it was her that day showing that she is alright and is safe and not to worry about her.
This last August right before school was about to start, I had a friend get into a bad car accident; she passed away at the scene. I remember exactly what I was doing at the time I found out. I had just moved into the dorms and had stayed a couple days there. I was just getting back to my room from lower campus and was going on the computer when I got a phone call from my brother. He told me that he heard this girl (her name was Jamie) was dead. Then there were 4 others from my high school that were involved in the accident. He said two were in intensive care and might not make it. The other one they thought might have to get his arm amputated. Then the other kid that was involved was fine. When he said the girl was dead I didn’t believe him. I kept asking him if he was lying. He said that is what he heard and he wasn’t sure if it really happened. He said that maybe she isn’t dead. I had to find out if she was or wasn’t, I called my cousin who was really good friends with her. She didn’t answer her phone for awhile but then her dad picked up. Once he picked up I knew it was true because my cousin couldn’t explain it to me because she was crying so she had handed the phone to her dad. I asked if it was true what happened, and he said yes it was. I was so shocked and didn’t know what to think, I just kind of stood there quietly. My roommate asked me what happened and I told him that I just found out a friend of mine had died in a car accident. I spent the next half an hour calling my other friends that were at college in case they didn’t know because we were all away from our home town at college. We all knew this girl, were I come from it is a small town and everyone knows everyone or just about. Some people had heard it and a lot of my other friends hadn’t heard it yet. We were all shocked, and we still didn’t believe it no matter what people said. I was thinking the whole time she is only 17 she can’t be dead.
This was a bad week for the community of Mondovi because the students were just about to start school, summer was ending and everyone was getting into the swing of things. This put a damper on it all, and the whole town of Mondovi was shocked, other towns were even shocked. It probably didn’t hit me until I attended her wake that she was actually dead. I went into the building and there were a lot of people there and they were all in tears. It wasn’t a good thing to walk into. I scene my cousin and she came running to me, and gave me a big hug with tears streaming down her face, and that is when I started to cry. I was so sad for Jamie and for her family. She didn’t get to experience a full life like my uncles had or many other people had. She was only 17! She didn’t get to experience her senior year, her graduating, going to college, getting married, or living a fulfilling life. It made me mad that she wasn’t going to be able to do all that. When I went and saw her in the casket it was so unreal she looked so beautiful and peaceful just like she was sleeping. She was in her basketball jacket, because she loved to play sports and there were flowers all around her. I didn’t go very close because her parents were standing by there talking with people. I couldn’t even imagine being them, having to experience that with their daughter. All the other people involved came out fine and had no lasting effects.
I think this was probably the hardest death experience I have had yet because I knew this girl, I hung out with her and talked with her and she wasn’t that much younger than me and she was gone. She won’t ever get to have a life like we get to, because it was cut short from an accident involving reckless drivers and for not wearing seatbelts. I still can’t believe she is gone sometimes, I will see pictures of her somewhere and I will still think she is alive, but really know deep down she isn’t coming back. I am so glad I had the chance to meet her, to hang out with her, and to talk with her. She was an amazing person and didn’t deserve to go so soon, but that was God’s way saying time for her to come to heaven. I will always remember her, and remember the great times I did get to have with her. R.I.P. Jamie Lynn McKillip.
As a side note, a few months later a group of her friends had went bowling and had their cameras with and having a good time. One of the girls had dropped their camera and it had gone off with a flash. When they had picked it up, on the screen, barely visible, was a picture of Jamie, smiling that smile she does. They were all shocked and it brought tears and they couldn’t believe it and didn’t think people would believe them, but they saved the picture and posted it on facebook. They see this stuff on TV all the time, but didn’t think it could happen but it did. Everyone that looks at it believes it was her that day showing that she is alright and is safe and not to worry about her.
Rabbit Hole #3: Lyrics of Life
My Playlist:
1. “I Don’t Care” by Fall Out Boy
2. “Three Little Birds” by Bob Marley
3. “The World’s Greatest” by R. Kelly
4. “Just Dance” by Lady Gaga
5. “Dirty Little Secrets” by All American Rejects
6. “Life is a Highway” by Rascall Flatts
7. “Get Free” by The Vines
8. “You Found Me” by The Fray
9. “Remember When” Alan Jackson
10. “Live Your Life” by T.I. ft. Rihanna
Responses from Classmate:
2. “Three Little Birds” by Bob Marley
3. “The World’s Greatest” by R. Kelly
4. “Just Dance” by Lady Gaga
5. “Dirty Little Secrets” by All American Rejects
6. “Life is a Highway” by Rascall Flatts
7. “Get Free” by The Vines
8. “You Found Me” by The Fray
9. “Remember When” Alan Jackson
10. “Live Your Life” by T.I. ft. Rihanna
Responses from Classmate:
1. A woman because it has songs by Lady Gaga and the Fray and I don’t think many men like them.
2. Introvert.
3. Probably hanging out with their friends.
4. Simple Jeans and a nicer top.
5. Playing Sports. I don’t really know.
6. I like a few of the same songs so maybe we do like some of the same music.
7. I think they may belong to a church.
8. I think they own a dog.
9. No, I think they are happy being single.
10. I would be friends with this person.
2. Introvert.
3. Probably hanging out with their friends.
4. Simple Jeans and a nicer top.
5. Playing Sports. I don’t really know.
6. I like a few of the same songs so maybe we do like some of the same music.
7. I think they may belong to a church.
8. I think they own a dog.
9. No, I think they are happy being single.
10. I would be friends with this person.
My Response:
· I don’t think my classmate did very well interpreting who I am from my playlist. For me personally, I was a little angry because I don’t think they looked at it closely. They said I was a woman instead of a man, which I do have some songs that more girls like then guys, but I was trying to say I was more outgoing and that I like to have fun by using those songs. Otherwise, some of the things they said did represent me like playing sports and owning a dog, but most didn’t.
· These songs are important to me because they best represent what I think of me. I like to have fun, be active, goof around, but I also like to just relax. Also they are important to me because they mean something that has happened in my life to me, either if it was good or bad. That is why I chose a mixture of songs, because I like to do all these things and I thought the songs I picked best represented that in me. The songs I heard from all over, some I got from friends and others I heard from the radio or on the computer or even on the TV.
· I think my mix says that I like to have fun, and party and have a good time. I wanted it to also say that I am outgoing, but not always outgoing, because I also like to listen to slower songs and just relax too. I think they represent that I like who I am and am proud of it. Like the song “Get Free” by the Vines and “Just Dance” by Lady Gaga. I wanted these songs to show that I like to just have fun and be crazy sometimes. Then with “Remember When” by Alan Jackson and “You Found Me” by The Fray. I wanted these to represent the good times I have had and that I can just take it easy once and awhile too. I think people need to do that too. I am not sure if they represented the subcultures I belong to very well, I like to play sports and be active so I am hoping they got that much from the songs I picked. Otherwise, I think that would be hard to get from songs.
· I think people would learn that I like to have fun, and that I like a variety of music. This would show that I make friends easily and get along with everyone. What they wouldn’t learn is that I am a nice guy and caring also. I am more sensitive than most and I don’t think they would be able to tell that from the songs that I choose.
· I don’t really know how my mix connects to something larger, other than that I usually like what’s popular in today’s world. I would say there is nothing unique about what I like, unless you that I tend to like a really broad range of music, it just has to sound good to me and I will enjoy that song.
· The playlist I interpreted was a girls', and I did guess that she was a girl. I am not sure about the other stuff that I guessed about her, I am hoping I did a fairly accurate job on guessing, but I didn’t get the chance to speak with her and find out exactly what I got right or wrong about her playlist.
Friday, March 13, 2009
Music Review: The Bennett Valley Gray Band
Starting off with a cover of “Life is a Highway” by Rascal Flatts, it’s like you are taking Highway 37 down to a little town of Gilmanton where The Bennett Valley Gray Band is from. They may be from the small town of Gilmanton, but you can sure hear their big cities voices come out in the songs they sing. Having been part of the band ever since their teen years, you can hear Candyce Gray on vocals, guitar, and tambourine, Kristi Gray Hurlburt on vocals and keyboard, and their brother Darrin Gray on vocals and lead guitar. Not leaving the other band members out, they have Kevin Frederickson on Drums, Mike Elbertson on lead guitar and harmonica, and also their sound man Matt.
This band is not your average band, they started off playing with just their neighbors and friends and working hard to become well known, then eventually getting booked for weddings, then came fairs and summer festivals, then even being able to perform at Country Jam right here in Eau Claire, Wisconsin with the other big shots of the country scene. “I’m having a party/ A party for two/ Inviting nobody/ nobody but you.” Even with the cover of “Party for Two” originally done by Shania Twain, this was definitely not a party for two; it was a party for a crowd. The Bennett Valley Gray Band really likes to get into the music and make sure that everyone is having a good time. If not they will make sure to have songs for everyone, they play everything from country’s top 40, older country, to even classic and newer rock. One of the lead vocalists Candyce Gray made the comment “ We try to get a big mix in our songs, we don’t want to just play for the country fans, but have a broader range and play for everyone in the audience.” With their gifted voices and engaging instrumentation I would have to agree with her. They really appealed to everyone in the audience. They played songs from Taylor Swift, Chris Daughtry, too even the great Johnny Cash. This gave each audience member a taste of some of their favorite songs. Just with a little bit of the Gray Family Twist on it.
With every band there is a story of how they came to get together, I had the chance to talk with Candyce Gray one of the vocalists and who also fills in playing different instruments like tambourine and guitar. She told me the story of how the band came to be. The Gray family has always had music involved in their lives. Candyce, Darrin, and Kristi’s parents both came from musical families. Candyce said “When we were really young, I remember my dad always singing no matter where he was, he sang in the barn, in the house, and always while he was working.” Since music was such a big part of their family both parents said that they should begin music lessons because they never got the chance to learn to play different instruments and they wanted that chance for their children. They happened on some money from the passing of a grandparent, which is when they bought their first drum set, and they started practicing in basement of their home. While neighbors were visiting they often heard the kids practicing and soon started having weekend get-togethers of singing and playing music. Soon, the word spread and bars owners became interested and started asking them to play for them. They took that chance and began playing at local bars. Candyce, while laughing stated “We were horrible, we got out there and did our best, but we were nervous and things just didn’t go right that night.” Though many others disagree, because on a night where they were playing they got asked by a man name Chris Hill who was getting married and didn’t have the money to get some entertainment for the night. He asked them if they would play at his wedding and they agreed. They played for them and that is when Candyce said “This is when we truly became a band because we had to think of a name for ourselves, my father came up with The Bennett Valley Grey Band.” The name the father gave them was because they lived in the Bennett Valley and their last name was Gray so the name was a good choice and the locals would recognize them. After that, people kept asking them to perform at their wedding and local events and it took off from there.
After a little intermission, they soon took off into a full swing. Singing some “Picture to Burn” by Taylor Swift and “Chicken Fried” by Zac Brown Band. With Kristi’s amazing vocals for “Picture to Burn” you knew you had to stay for the whole concert. She has a voice which is a cross between Carrie Underwood and Martina McBride. You can tell each and everyone one of them gave their all throughout each song and performance. There was even a special treat while I was there that they said might happen every once and awhile. Their father who has always been part of the band and has sang and played throughout the years recently retired last year at the age of 71. Candyce said “He enjoys it, but it was just getting too hard on him because we would be out so late and he would want to drive home by himself.” She said “We just can’t risk him driving home alone by himself.” But on this special night we all got to see him come out and sing some Jonny Cash with some of the songs including “Burning Ring of Fire” and also “Walk the Line” both by the great Johnny Cash. The crowd roared as he came up on the stage. An audience member said “He sings Johnny Cash so well, why he even looks a little like him.” I would have to agree with her he did a fantastic job and was on point with the music. While he was singing he was bouncing away and you could see in his kids’ eyes that they were glad he was up there singing “his” songs.
After the show, I got the chance to ask Candyce about different aspects of music and her ideas of what she thinks of it.
Jake: What are your opinions about music today?
Candyce: “Well, music is up to the individual. Music does different things for people including different types of music. For example sometimes I like to listen to classical because I have a headache or just need to relax and that helps me. So it should ultimately be the individuals’ choice, but people should check out things that they don’t typically listen to so they can broaden their horizons.”
Jake: Do you have any encouraging words for upcoming musicians?
Candyce: “Yes, Do what you like. Don’t always look for what the crowd wants. You have to be comfortable but also have a balance. You don’t want to do what others want to hear, but they should hear what comes from the inside of you.”
Jake: Ok, one last question for you, what or who inspired you to become a musician?
Candyce: “My family, especially my parents and grandparents. They were always singing and getting us kids to sing along so I just started loving it.”
So now that you got a feel for the music they play and know a little more about them. You have to get out there and go to one of there shows. You are sure to hear something that you like with the variety they play and the energy and enthusiasm that they put in each performance, it will be a show that you won’t forget. There last number was a cover of “Little Willie” by Sweet. It went “Cause little Willy, Willy won’t/ go home/ but you can’t push Willy ‘round, / Willy won’t go.” One thing for sure that night was that I was like “Little Willy”; I didn’t want to go home because The Bennett Valley Gray Band put on an amazing show, and I wanted to be there all night. So if you haven’t heard this band yet, you need to get out there and experience some good music from some good people!
This band is not your average band, they started off playing with just their neighbors and friends and working hard to become well known, then eventually getting booked for weddings, then came fairs and summer festivals, then even being able to perform at Country Jam right here in Eau Claire, Wisconsin with the other big shots of the country scene. “I’m having a party/ A party for two/ Inviting nobody/ nobody but you.” Even with the cover of “Party for Two” originally done by Shania Twain, this was definitely not a party for two; it was a party for a crowd. The Bennett Valley Gray Band really likes to get into the music and make sure that everyone is having a good time. If not they will make sure to have songs for everyone, they play everything from country’s top 40, older country, to even classic and newer rock. One of the lead vocalists Candyce Gray made the comment “ We try to get a big mix in our songs, we don’t want to just play for the country fans, but have a broader range and play for everyone in the audience.” With their gifted voices and engaging instrumentation I would have to agree with her. They really appealed to everyone in the audience. They played songs from Taylor Swift, Chris Daughtry, too even the great Johnny Cash. This gave each audience member a taste of some of their favorite songs. Just with a little bit of the Gray Family Twist on it.
With every band there is a story of how they came to get together, I had the chance to talk with Candyce Gray one of the vocalists and who also fills in playing different instruments like tambourine and guitar. She told me the story of how the band came to be. The Gray family has always had music involved in their lives. Candyce, Darrin, and Kristi’s parents both came from musical families. Candyce said “When we were really young, I remember my dad always singing no matter where he was, he sang in the barn, in the house, and always while he was working.” Since music was such a big part of their family both parents said that they should begin music lessons because they never got the chance to learn to play different instruments and they wanted that chance for their children. They happened on some money from the passing of a grandparent, which is when they bought their first drum set, and they started practicing in basement of their home. While neighbors were visiting they often heard the kids practicing and soon started having weekend get-togethers of singing and playing music. Soon, the word spread and bars owners became interested and started asking them to play for them. They took that chance and began playing at local bars. Candyce, while laughing stated “We were horrible, we got out there and did our best, but we were nervous and things just didn’t go right that night.” Though many others disagree, because on a night where they were playing they got asked by a man name Chris Hill who was getting married and didn’t have the money to get some entertainment for the night. He asked them if they would play at his wedding and they agreed. They played for them and that is when Candyce said “This is when we truly became a band because we had to think of a name for ourselves, my father came up with The Bennett Valley Grey Band.” The name the father gave them was because they lived in the Bennett Valley and their last name was Gray so the name was a good choice and the locals would recognize them. After that, people kept asking them to perform at their wedding and local events and it took off from there.
After a little intermission, they soon took off into a full swing. Singing some “Picture to Burn” by Taylor Swift and “Chicken Fried” by Zac Brown Band. With Kristi’s amazing vocals for “Picture to Burn” you knew you had to stay for the whole concert. She has a voice which is a cross between Carrie Underwood and Martina McBride. You can tell each and everyone one of them gave their all throughout each song and performance. There was even a special treat while I was there that they said might happen every once and awhile. Their father who has always been part of the band and has sang and played throughout the years recently retired last year at the age of 71. Candyce said “He enjoys it, but it was just getting too hard on him because we would be out so late and he would want to drive home by himself.” She said “We just can’t risk him driving home alone by himself.” But on this special night we all got to see him come out and sing some Jonny Cash with some of the songs including “Burning Ring of Fire” and also “Walk the Line” both by the great Johnny Cash. The crowd roared as he came up on the stage. An audience member said “He sings Johnny Cash so well, why he even looks a little like him.” I would have to agree with her he did a fantastic job and was on point with the music. While he was singing he was bouncing away and you could see in his kids’ eyes that they were glad he was up there singing “his” songs.
After the show, I got the chance to ask Candyce about different aspects of music and her ideas of what she thinks of it.
Jake: What are your opinions about music today?
Candyce: “Well, music is up to the individual. Music does different things for people including different types of music. For example sometimes I like to listen to classical because I have a headache or just need to relax and that helps me. So it should ultimately be the individuals’ choice, but people should check out things that they don’t typically listen to so they can broaden their horizons.”
Jake: Do you have any encouraging words for upcoming musicians?
Candyce: “Yes, Do what you like. Don’t always look for what the crowd wants. You have to be comfortable but also have a balance. You don’t want to do what others want to hear, but they should hear what comes from the inside of you.”
Jake: Ok, one last question for you, what or who inspired you to become a musician?
Candyce: “My family, especially my parents and grandparents. They were always singing and getting us kids to sing along so I just started loving it.”
So now that you got a feel for the music they play and know a little more about them. You have to get out there and go to one of there shows. You are sure to hear something that you like with the variety they play and the energy and enthusiasm that they put in each performance, it will be a show that you won’t forget. There last number was a cover of “Little Willie” by Sweet. It went “Cause little Willy, Willy won’t/ go home/ but you can’t push Willy ‘round, / Willy won’t go.” One thing for sure that night was that I was like “Little Willy”; I didn’t want to go home because The Bennett Valley Gray Band put on an amazing show, and I wanted to be there all night. So if you haven’t heard this band yet, you need to get out there and experience some good music from some good people!
Sunday, March 8, 2009
University Culture
The sub-cultures of Eau Claire, what are they? Who do they involve? How do they affect community as a whole? These may be things you have never thought about before, but can be important to understand and get a better understanding of your community and what all is involved with it.
I had the chance to go do some “field research” with some fellow classmates and find a little more information about the different sub-cultures that may affect, and be involved with Eau Claire. At random we interviewed five different people about where they’d prefer to study and what their study habits are? There were a variety of different answers. I few of them said “I would prefer to study in the library”, but if those were unavailable they said they would next prefer either their dorm rooms or the study lounges. Another person mentioned “I study anywhere I am able to, because I have kids it is hard for me to find a special place so I study where and when I can!” When asked about what their study habits are a few replied they enjoyed having some type of background noise, like music or T.V. Others said they like it quiet, else they can’t concentrate. Most people I found, like to study days in advance of their tests and make note cards which help them study. So as you can tell there is such a diverse way of how people study for things and how they like the environment around them to be, when they are studying.
We also had the chance to interview a couple of international exchange students about their country’s educational system compared to the new (UWEC) educational system? One student who was from Taiwan said that probably the biggest different with the educational systems is the way that the professors teach. “The professors here use additional sources to help the students out, in my home country we don’t get power points or notes, we get the material from the books and take our own notes.” He also mentioned that in his country’s educational system they don’t get quizzes, it is mostly based on tests. It is also a lot cheaper compared to his home country and he feels like he gets a better education from America System. Another student who was from Brazil had much of the same answers as the other student. She said “In Brazil we rarely get assignments and our grades are based on tests, also we only take classes involved with our major. We take a couple humanities classes, but that is it.” She also stated that she really likes it here in Eau Claire.
Another activity we had to look into was what does an “XF” stand for or mean? To find this out, we looked under the UWEC website and typed in XF. What came up was an XF is an unofficial F. This usually stands for someone that has skipped class or is missing stuff. It looks bad on your transcript and usually brings your GPA down. So I wouldn’t ever recommend getting one of these because it would be hard to make up for it in the future.
What do you think some differences are in student behaviors back in 1970’s or 80’s or even the 90’s compared with today’s students? We had the chance to find some of that information out. We interviewed a couple older professors who have been teaching for awhile and got their points of view on the matter. Most of what the professors said was the same and gave a great realization in the difference of the student’s behaviors back then and till now. Both professor agreed that back when they started which was early 1980’s even late 1970’s said that back then students believed in working harder and partying less than they do now. They believe this because back then a majority of the people couldn’t afford to attend college or they could get good jobs without having to go to college so they took that route. The people that did attend college worked hard to get their degree because they knew they were paying for it and needed to get it done. They also wanted to state that they don’t think that student’s now don’t work hard, they do, but there is more partying today and also they don’t believe they work as hard because most of the kids get college paid for by parents or some other and don’t care like the students did back then. They also think that education isn’t as looked on as seriously as it once was.
Have you ever noticed the sculptures around campus, there a variety of them and they all have their own meaning in their own way and it is the person who is looking at it job to interpret its meaning in their own way of how they feel it is. There is always one sculpture that always stood out to me, which is the one on lower campus that when you are walking towards Hibbard, I notice all the time. It is a sculpture of 3 people all touching hands or feet and connected kind of in a ball like structure. I think the meaning of this structure is the sense of unity and also determination. I get unity from the structure because all three people are working together to hold each other up in that formation. They are relying on one another to be able to keep it up. I also get determination from this piece because they are doing a complex thing, and you have to have determination to be able to finish something like that. So I think the message that it is trying to get out is that you need to work hard, and work together so that you can achieve the impossible.
The UWEC College has gone without a school mascot for a long time. Finally a year or two ago a student eventually came up with one. It is called the Blugold of course and it is a depiction of a mystical bird. We were asked what we thought a blugold was? Some ideas that my group came up with is that a bluegold is a dragon because a dragon represents strength and power. Otherwise, we came up with an golden eagle because the eagle has pride and power and never gives up. In my eyes, I believe a blugold should have power, strength, pride, determination, and excellence. The animal I think that does this or represents this would have to be the eagle. An eagle flies around with such precision and strength. When you see it flying you can tell the power of it because it is so big and it has the power to fly. You can also see the pride in it because it just soars over everything like it has power over everything. It also shows excellence and determination because it never gives up on its prey and it fights for its young. I think all those make and stand for a good mascot and would be a good representation of what a blugold is and does.
The UWEC College has gone without a school mascot for a long time. Finally a year or two ago a student eventually came up with one. It is called the Blugold of course and it is a depiction of a mystical bird. We were asked what we thought a blugold was? Some ideas that my group came up with is that a bluegold is a dragon because a dragon represents strength and power. Otherwise, we came up with an golden eagle because the eagle has pride and power and never gives up. In my eyes, I believe a blugold should have power, strength, pride, determination, and excellence. The animal I think that does this or represents this would have to be the eagle. An eagle flies around with such precision and strength. When you see it flying you can tell the power of it because it is so big and it has the power to fly. You can also see the pride in it because it just soars over everything like it has power over everything. It also shows excellence and determination because it never gives up on its prey and it fights for its young. I think all those make and stand for a good mascot and would be a good representation of what a blugold is and does.
From having to do this exercise I have found that UWEC campus culture helps people work hard and strive to do the best they can. For students I think that the students are very competitive and want to be the best at what they do. They want to be good at sports, be good in school, and be good at everything. Which give UWEC students a lot of determination and strive to be the best. Which I think is why the students of UWEC really strive for excellence in their education and in their life. I think the professors also do the same; they really want to help the students out with their education they will go out of their way to help you and make sure that you understand what is needed. For the most part me and my group agreed on what we thought made up the UWEC culture. If we did have differences we were able to see what those differences were and accept why they thought otherwise.
Monday, March 2, 2009
Food Review: El Patio
As you travel to down town Eau Claire you notice the smaller streets, the stores all crowded and packed together, and more of an abundance of college age kids all around. As you turn down the ever so infamous Water Street, a little ways down the block you come to this small little restaurant called “El Patio.” With its convenient location and Mexican theme you’re sure to experience a different culture fiesta right here in Eau Claire.
As the name suggests, you get the Mexican feel right from the start. With its open atmosphere, wrap around store front windows and the antique wooden furniture, make the indoors feel like the outdoors as well. Ever since this tiny place has opened on Water St., it has given college students and the after work crowds a chance to experience a new culture right in the heart of Eau Claire. As you walk in you notice the mosaic tiled floors, and the textured and exuberant peach colored walls, making you feel like you have just walked into a restaurant in Mexico. The wait staff is very enthusiastic, greeting you in Spanish and joking with you, giving you a welcoming feeling. As you are seated you hear the Mexican music playing in the background, making images of “fiestas y bailes” pop into your head. Before you even begin to look at menus you are offered the best tortilla chips with salsa that you will ever have! Just to get an idea of what I am talking about, a few of my table mates mentioned “These are so addicting!!!” Having to get 6 baskets of the chips I would have to agree with them. If you are not quite sure what you want or what something is, the waiters may offer some of their favorite dishes and give a good explanation of how the food comes prepared. So, no worries about language difficulties here, though with the Spanish accents you do seem to get lost in the culture shock of it all.
Having arrived at 5:30 p.m. we were able to beat the 6 o’ clock rush. The place soon became bustling with people of different ethnicities including some Spanish speakers which I thought was nice because it is a place where all people can go and feel welcomed and even give a sense of home for some people. As we took our order, I felt like trying something I have never had before, so I got the Enchiladas El Patio. This simple yet flavorful dish is a Mexican favorite. It is three enchiladas, one beef, one chicken and one with cheese, served with a side dish of rice and also comes with lettuce, chopped tomatoes, and sour cream.
Even with the 6 o’ clock rush the wait staff still remained fast and efficient, even though they only had two people waiting on tables. With about a twenty minute wait, we soon had our Mexican home-style dishes. The smell of spicy flavors soon hit our noses and we were ready to dig in. My enchiladas were drizzled with a mild spicy red sauce that gave them a little bit of a kick, and then on top, they were covered with melted cheeses. Just looking at this made my mouth water. The Mexican rice was placed neatly to the side of the enchiladas with the lettuce, tomatoes, and sour cream all placed next to that in a pile. As I was digging in, I tried each of the three enchiladas each one with its own unique flavor. The beef and the cheese enchiladas were by far the best, especially when mixed with the lettuce, tomato, and sour cream. The chicken was a little sketchy; having a sense it was the leftover chicken parts didn’t really satisfy my tastes. The Mexican rice was probably some of the best rice I have had in a long time; it wasn’t hard like most places have. It was soft chewy and you could tell it was cooked at the right temp. Having had a few chips first, along with my filled plate full of food, I finished my meal with a satisfied stomach.
Overall, this small Mexican restaurant gives you a warm greeting with a full stomach in the end. The service was good, but it was a little bit chilly in the restaurant throughout the meal, which surprised me because you’re suppose to get the whole Mexican adventure, which I thought it was warm in Mexico, but since we were in the single digits that evening that probably didn’t help the fact. The pricing I thought was very reasonable for getting a good version of a Mexican home-style dish in the Mid-West area. So in all, I would rate the restaurant with three stars. Being able to get an authentic Mexican dish for a reasonable price with good service is hard to find in the Midwest. But the El Patio of Eau Claire does just that for those of you who like to try new things and also experience what a different culture is like. So I would highly recommend stopping in some time to experience a new culture and try out some great Mexican food.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Response: Rocky Horror Movie/Theatre Performance
Have any of you guys ever seen the Rocky Horror Picture show? Well if you have and you really liked it then you should go to the on campus showing that they have every year of the show. At this showing usually located in the upper Davies’s center, is where the show takes place. It is totally not what you expect at first, when you hear show you think ok this is going to be either a movie on a screen, or a play that students put on. Well no, not exactly, with this you get both!
When you first arrive at the show, you expect to see normal people dressed up waiting in line buying tickets holding their purses or wallets. Well, when you arrive at this show you see people dressed up in stilettos, and tights with corsets and not just girls but guys also. Many of the girls were wearing bras and panties and the guys were wearing either their underwear or the same exact thing as the girls. I was like whoa! I totally felt out of place and so awkward because I wasn’t dressed up at all. I was dressed in a pair of jeans and shirts and I got looks at me like “he should have dressed up.” Also, people had newspapers and rice and toast and also toilet paper rolls and I was like what are they going to be doing with that stuff. Leading me to believe this could be really interesting.
As the movie was starting, you could hear people shouting and yelling. They weren’t just yelling anything either they were yelling very sexual, derogatory comments throughout the entire movie. Seriously these comments, you would never hear in public because they could get in big trouble or they would be looked at as very immature and probably even sick. Some of the things that were said numerous times were “SLUT”, “ASSHOLE”, “DUMBASS”, and also there was sexual comments made when necessary which was unnecessary. When I first heard this, I was like how can they just be yelling this out loud so everyone can hear them. I was looking around and I seen my classmates have the same look as me on their faces. I thought it was funny, because some statement tied in with the movie and others I found just sick.
Another, part of the whole show experience was having the rice thrown all over, the toast thrown, and also toilet paper thrown about. When these were being thrown they were at special times during the movie when it was necessary to throw these things. For example; the rice was thrown during a wedding scene when the other people in the movie were throwing rice. I thought this was a cool part of the movie/show because you didn’t expect it. Also seeing so many people getting nailed in the head with toilet paper rolls was worth it. Another neat aspect was that they had about 5 or so people that dressed up like the characters in the movie and acted out the same scene on the stage while the movie was playing in the background. I thought this was cool and added to the whole experience of it all.
Probably the most disturbing part of the show was not actually the show itself but the audience members. I had the great joy of having a group of over sexual people sitting in front of me and some classmates. They were dressed like the others, but during the movie I noticed they were a little too close. First off, is this guy started making out with the girl next to him on the left. Then all of a sudden he turns to the right and starts making out with that girl. Then the two girls next to him start making out and I was like “Wow, go get a room or something.” They continued throughout the movie groping each other and making out with everything and everyone around them continuing like the other people weren’t even there. I think if the movie was even longer they would have been naked having sex right in front of us. I was kind of disgusted with this and it ruined much of my night because I didn’t expect that at all.
While the show had its perks and also its “sexual downfalls”, I thought it was a different experience then just watching a regular theatre performance or a movie on a screen. It was worth the four dollars I spent on my ticket to go see it, because I have never experienced something like that before in my life. I think everyone needs to experience something like that, and see what they think of it. It opens a lot of opportunities and it is something new that you would never expect. Although the people in front of me, kind of ruined my night, I might take a chance and go to another one of these shows just because it was so different then what you normally see. I will try to make sure that the people in front of me aren’t so sexually involved in a show so as not to ruin it again. So, I do recommend seeing a show like this one because you have to at least try it once in your life, you may not like it, but you will never know until you try.
When you first arrive at the show, you expect to see normal people dressed up waiting in line buying tickets holding their purses or wallets. Well, when you arrive at this show you see people dressed up in stilettos, and tights with corsets and not just girls but guys also. Many of the girls were wearing bras and panties and the guys were wearing either their underwear or the same exact thing as the girls. I was like whoa! I totally felt out of place and so awkward because I wasn’t dressed up at all. I was dressed in a pair of jeans and shirts and I got looks at me like “he should have dressed up.” Also, people had newspapers and rice and toast and also toilet paper rolls and I was like what are they going to be doing with that stuff. Leading me to believe this could be really interesting.
As the movie was starting, you could hear people shouting and yelling. They weren’t just yelling anything either they were yelling very sexual, derogatory comments throughout the entire movie. Seriously these comments, you would never hear in public because they could get in big trouble or they would be looked at as very immature and probably even sick. Some of the things that were said numerous times were “SLUT”, “ASSHOLE”, “DUMBASS”, and also there was sexual comments made when necessary which was unnecessary. When I first heard this, I was like how can they just be yelling this out loud so everyone can hear them. I was looking around and I seen my classmates have the same look as me on their faces. I thought it was funny, because some statement tied in with the movie and others I found just sick.
Another, part of the whole show experience was having the rice thrown all over, the toast thrown, and also toilet paper thrown about. When these were being thrown they were at special times during the movie when it was necessary to throw these things. For example; the rice was thrown during a wedding scene when the other people in the movie were throwing rice. I thought this was a cool part of the movie/show because you didn’t expect it. Also seeing so many people getting nailed in the head with toilet paper rolls was worth it. Another neat aspect was that they had about 5 or so people that dressed up like the characters in the movie and acted out the same scene on the stage while the movie was playing in the background. I thought this was cool and added to the whole experience of it all.
Probably the most disturbing part of the show was not actually the show itself but the audience members. I had the great joy of having a group of over sexual people sitting in front of me and some classmates. They were dressed like the others, but during the movie I noticed they were a little too close. First off, is this guy started making out with the girl next to him on the left. Then all of a sudden he turns to the right and starts making out with that girl. Then the two girls next to him start making out and I was like “Wow, go get a room or something.” They continued throughout the movie groping each other and making out with everything and everyone around them continuing like the other people weren’t even there. I think if the movie was even longer they would have been naked having sex right in front of us. I was kind of disgusted with this and it ruined much of my night because I didn’t expect that at all.
While the show had its perks and also its “sexual downfalls”, I thought it was a different experience then just watching a regular theatre performance or a movie on a screen. It was worth the four dollars I spent on my ticket to go see it, because I have never experienced something like that before in my life. I think everyone needs to experience something like that, and see what they think of it. It opens a lot of opportunities and it is something new that you would never expect. Although the people in front of me, kind of ruined my night, I might take a chance and go to another one of these shows just because it was so different then what you normally see. I will try to make sure that the people in front of me aren’t so sexually involved in a show so as not to ruin it again. So, I do recommend seeing a show like this one because you have to at least try it once in your life, you may not like it, but you will never know until you try.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Response: What not to wear?
Have you ever been stared at for wearing something that you would never wear before, or even laughed at? Well I got to experience that first hand. For a class assignment in our English 110 class, everyone had to go to Savers and buy something that they feel they would never be caught dead wearing. For me, this was a neon blue hat, not just a regular baseball cap, but one of those big oversized trucker hats that you see all the hip hop artists and rap people wearing in today’s world. Really, if you ask anyone that knows me they would tell you that I would never wear that. Else they would just make fun of me for actually wearing it. Probably one of my top 5 worries is having people talk about me behind my back or making fun of me. It’s always on my mind and I really try to ignore it most times, but it usually ends up getting the better of me. So right of the bat I could tell this would be a difficult assignment.
As I was walking to my class, wearing the big blue hat, I noticed some looks like “He isn’t black, he shouldn’t be wearing that” or “Oh, he is just acting gangster.” At least I thought that is what kind of looks I was getting. Usually with me I over analyze everything and make it a bigger deal then it really is. As I was walking, I could feel the heat radiating off my face, letting people know that I was embarrassed. Also, being the hat was a size too small for me probably didn’t help the fact either. I tried pushing through it though, I just said why do they care that I am wearing this, I can wear what I want to. This, being a really hard thing to do, because you have that little voice in your head that says “They are looking at you” or “They are talking about you”. I think it was hard because I never try to go out of the so called “norm” and be different. I am so worried what people will think of me that I just try to make everyone happy, which can be a real setback some times.
Even though this assignment was a difficult one I think it is a really good one. It really gets you out of your comfort level and makes you try different things. I always heard that you enjoy life so much better when you don’t care about what people think about you. I am glad we had a chance to do this because this made me more conscious about what I am doing with my life and that doing this little activity was a starting point for me to keep improving and being less worried of what people think about me.
As I was walking to my class, wearing the big blue hat, I noticed some looks like “He isn’t black, he shouldn’t be wearing that” or “Oh, he is just acting gangster.” At least I thought that is what kind of looks I was getting. Usually with me I over analyze everything and make it a bigger deal then it really is. As I was walking, I could feel the heat radiating off my face, letting people know that I was embarrassed. Also, being the hat was a size too small for me probably didn’t help the fact either. I tried pushing through it though, I just said why do they care that I am wearing this, I can wear what I want to. This, being a really hard thing to do, because you have that little voice in your head that says “They are looking at you” or “They are talking about you”. I think it was hard because I never try to go out of the so called “norm” and be different. I am so worried what people will think of me that I just try to make everyone happy, which can be a real setback some times.
Even though this assignment was a difficult one I think it is a really good one. It really gets you out of your comfort level and makes you try different things. I always heard that you enjoy life so much better when you don’t care about what people think about you. I am glad we had a chance to do this because this made me more conscious about what I am doing with my life and that doing this little activity was a starting point for me to keep improving and being less worried of what people think about me.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Food Review: Buzz’s Bar and Grill
As you are leaving the busy city of Eau Claire, and heading South down Highway 37 you come across a small town with a population of about 2,500, called Mondovi. This is a town where everyone knows almost everybody, which includes some personal businesses, which is beside the point. But, in this small town you have a variety of places that can capture the eye of many people, but also quite certainly their stomachs too. Some of these places include the China Buffet, Mondovi Inn, KD’s, McT’s and lastly Buzz’s Bar and Grill.
Buzz’s Bar and Grill, which is a unique place, is where people go to BS, have some drinks, and also have some good food. As you walk into this place located on 152 S Eau Claire St., you notice right off the bat the comfortable atmosphere, sports pictures hanging everywhere, televisions with a variety of stuff on, and some great country music playing to carry on the full sports bar feel. To start off, you are welcomed to get a bowl of popcorn from next to the bar and enjoy the slightly salty but sweet popcorn while you can choose from a variety of drinks that they offer. You can tell it is a welcoming place, because the waitress’s are always happy to see people and will often find time to catch up with you. The menu choice is simple, but with the end result it includes a variety of complex flavors. They have pizzas, burgers and fries, chicken, and every now and then you will get something extra with the specials at a not to bad of price.
Early Saturday afternoon me and my cousin stopped in to have some of the known favorites. I enjoyed a club sandwich, that with the different meats and cheeses all put together offers a vivid explosion of flavors in your mouth. Along with a side of fries that were made just right. Not to crispy and yet not undercooked. My cousin, who has some good tastes for food also, enjoyed the cheese burger with hashbrowns with cheese on top. When asked to describe her food she said “My burger is delicious it isn’t too dry like the other places or burnt like others.” She also said “The hashbrowns was crispy, yet just right.”
Overall, Buzz’s still remains the place to go, if you want to enjoy a good burger or one of the amazing pizzas. The wait staff always seems to be fast and efficient, even if the place is bustling. So I definitely would recommend stopping in some time to enjoy some great food and drinks or just to BS with the neighbors down at Buzz’s.
Buzz’s Bar and Grill, which is a unique place, is where people go to BS, have some drinks, and also have some good food. As you walk into this place located on 152 S Eau Claire St., you notice right off the bat the comfortable atmosphere, sports pictures hanging everywhere, televisions with a variety of stuff on, and some great country music playing to carry on the full sports bar feel. To start off, you are welcomed to get a bowl of popcorn from next to the bar and enjoy the slightly salty but sweet popcorn while you can choose from a variety of drinks that they offer. You can tell it is a welcoming place, because the waitress’s are always happy to see people and will often find time to catch up with you. The menu choice is simple, but with the end result it includes a variety of complex flavors. They have pizzas, burgers and fries, chicken, and every now and then you will get something extra with the specials at a not to bad of price.
Early Saturday afternoon me and my cousin stopped in to have some of the known favorites. I enjoyed a club sandwich, that with the different meats and cheeses all put together offers a vivid explosion of flavors in your mouth. Along with a side of fries that were made just right. Not to crispy and yet not undercooked. My cousin, who has some good tastes for food also, enjoyed the cheese burger with hashbrowns with cheese on top. When asked to describe her food she said “My burger is delicious it isn’t too dry like the other places or burnt like others.” She also said “The hashbrowns was crispy, yet just right.”
Overall, Buzz’s still remains the place to go, if you want to enjoy a good burger or one of the amazing pizzas. The wait staff always seems to be fast and efficient, even if the place is bustling. So I definitely would recommend stopping in some time to enjoy some great food and drinks or just to BS with the neighbors down at Buzz’s.
The Business King
It all started in a bustling place called New York City. In the towering city you can find many different cultures and different people you would never expect to see! You have the click-clackers, the average Joes, the homeless, and many more. This story begins with two brothers, who both fresh out of college decided to start a company with each other dealing with pro-green solutions. They called it Scar & Mufasa Green Company and as time went on the company prospered. Things were going really well for the company which soon took off into a large corporation and was making millions, but not so much for Scar and Mufasa, who soon became rivals. One day, Scar wanted to add some innovations that may potentially benefit, but also hurt the company. Mufasa didn’t like the idea and wanted to stick with the original eco-friendly theme. They got into a huge fight and soon the company split and the disgruntled Scar started his own company his way although it didn’t do as well as Mufasa’s. On the other hand, Mufasa’s company was becoming the largest corporation in New York, helping and distributing products to many other businesses.
Mufasa soon had an adorable little daredevil of a son named Simba. He knew he needed to raise Simba the right way to be a great person and also bring him up doing well for the family and also for the company. As Simba was getting older and growing wiser with each day, Mufasa would often take Simba on business trips to teach him the ropes of the company. One day Simba was late and Mufasa decided he would go pick up his son. On the way there, there was a dreadful fatal accident and Mufasa was killed. As the investigators were searching for what may have caused the accident, they found that the break line may have been tampered with.
Simba was devastated and partly blamed himself because he was so late. He sold his shares that he had received back to the company and needed to get away from all of his pain and guilt. He then decided to move to Africa and joined the Peace Corps. While working there he met two other energetic and lively Peace Corps workers, Timon and Pumba. They became really close and would work side by side singing and making the world a better place.
While on break visiting a nearby city, Simba ran into an old friend, Nala. Simba noticed how Nala had grown into a beautiful young woman and wanted to see her again. Later that week they spent an entire day catching up, when Nala told Simba the devastating news that Scar had taken over Simba’s shares of his father’s company. Also, he discovered that the once thriving plant that had produced their eco-friendly products has been polluting a nearby river. Simba, completely stunned by the news, agreed to return home with Nala to try and fix the situation. After returning to New York, Simba and Nala worked together to gather evidence to bring forth to the CEO’s of the company with the help of Timon and Pumba. They set up a meeting and showed evidence that Scar had been polluting the river and hasn’t been implementing the new policies set by the board. The board decided to fire Scar and Simba was able to regain control of the company. Outraged, Scar yelled at Simba saying that he was supposed to be in the car along with Mufasa. Security was called and Scar was escorted to jail. Soon after he posted bail, his body was found lying along the riverbank. No one knew exactly what had happened to Scar, but they all assumed that his payee’s became upset when they never received their money.
Shortly after Simba regained control, the company was soon restored to its former prosperous eco-friendly condition and the new policies were immediately implemented. Nala, who had been by Simba’s side throughout the entire ordeal could feel the love one night and decided to tell Simba how she felt about him. Simba, who felt the same and decided to propose to Nala a few weeks later.
The next summer they married and lived happily ever after.
THE END
Mufasa soon had an adorable little daredevil of a son named Simba. He knew he needed to raise Simba the right way to be a great person and also bring him up doing well for the family and also for the company. As Simba was getting older and growing wiser with each day, Mufasa would often take Simba on business trips to teach him the ropes of the company. One day Simba was late and Mufasa decided he would go pick up his son. On the way there, there was a dreadful fatal accident and Mufasa was killed. As the investigators were searching for what may have caused the accident, they found that the break line may have been tampered with.
Simba was devastated and partly blamed himself because he was so late. He sold his shares that he had received back to the company and needed to get away from all of his pain and guilt. He then decided to move to Africa and joined the Peace Corps. While working there he met two other energetic and lively Peace Corps workers, Timon and Pumba. They became really close and would work side by side singing and making the world a better place.
While on break visiting a nearby city, Simba ran into an old friend, Nala. Simba noticed how Nala had grown into a beautiful young woman and wanted to see her again. Later that week they spent an entire day catching up, when Nala told Simba the devastating news that Scar had taken over Simba’s shares of his father’s company. Also, he discovered that the once thriving plant that had produced their eco-friendly products has been polluting a nearby river. Simba, completely stunned by the news, agreed to return home with Nala to try and fix the situation. After returning to New York, Simba and Nala worked together to gather evidence to bring forth to the CEO’s of the company with the help of Timon and Pumba. They set up a meeting and showed evidence that Scar had been polluting the river and hasn’t been implementing the new policies set by the board. The board decided to fire Scar and Simba was able to regain control of the company. Outraged, Scar yelled at Simba saying that he was supposed to be in the car along with Mufasa. Security was called and Scar was escorted to jail. Soon after he posted bail, his body was found lying along the riverbank. No one knew exactly what had happened to Scar, but they all assumed that his payee’s became upset when they never received their money.
Shortly after Simba regained control, the company was soon restored to its former prosperous eco-friendly condition and the new policies were immediately implemented. Nala, who had been by Simba’s side throughout the entire ordeal could feel the love one night and decided to tell Simba how she felt about him. Simba, who felt the same and decided to propose to Nala a few weeks later.
The next summer they married and lived happily ever after.
THE END
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Journal: CQ + PQ > IQ?
CQ + PQ > IQ, what is it you might ask? What does it mean? Why would I need it? These may be questions you may ask when you see this equation. Well according to Thomas Friedman, it is an equation that means curiosity quotient plus passion quotient is more important than intelligence quotient. In other words your passion and curiosity for something should be greater than your I.Q. This would allow you to be a better rounded person and achieve a lot more in life.
This I believe to be so true, because if you are going to be curious about something and have the passions to pursue it, you are going to do so much better than the person that has the smarts but is lacking the passion or curiosity to achieve it. College gives you so many opportunities to pursue your passions and curiosities. With my passions I have always wanted to help Autistic kids and this has lead me to be curious about the human brain and how it works. Having this passion, and being curious about it, I have focused my attention on a major in which I am able to help them, by either going into the medical field dealing with children that have Autism and behavioral disorder, or be involved with them in the educational field. The reason this is something I am passionate about is because my twin brothers both have Autism and I have always been curious to learn about it and what could I do to help them out.
To find a class dealing just specifically with Autism is hard to find, but right now I find the Psychology courses to be very interesting. Also, being that they have a lot to do with how the human brain works and different kinds of behavioral disorders in today’s society. Probably the biggest problem people come across, and something that I came across is that we have to take classes that have nothing to do with what our passions are or things that we are curious about. I think just sticking to it, knowing that it is going to benefit you in the end by keeping with it will benefit you in the long run. Even though it is something that you aren’t passionate about, it is going to make you that much more passionate about it when you get through it.
For me, finding my strengths last semester and also taking my strengths test helped me and could also help me in the future overcome this problem if it does arise. The strength test that I probably use the most and is the one that was second on the strengths list was industry, diligence, and perseverance. I think this is probably a great strength to have and use because if you are going to have a class that you aren’t passionate about you are going to have to have the diligence to make it through the class and get the work done and also the perseverance to stick with it and just knowing what your goal is in the end. This will truly benefit you now and in the future, knowing that with this kind of strength you could achieve anything.
This I believe to be so true, because if you are going to be curious about something and have the passions to pursue it, you are going to do so much better than the person that has the smarts but is lacking the passion or curiosity to achieve it. College gives you so many opportunities to pursue your passions and curiosities. With my passions I have always wanted to help Autistic kids and this has lead me to be curious about the human brain and how it works. Having this passion, and being curious about it, I have focused my attention on a major in which I am able to help them, by either going into the medical field dealing with children that have Autism and behavioral disorder, or be involved with them in the educational field. The reason this is something I am passionate about is because my twin brothers both have Autism and I have always been curious to learn about it and what could I do to help them out.
To find a class dealing just specifically with Autism is hard to find, but right now I find the Psychology courses to be very interesting. Also, being that they have a lot to do with how the human brain works and different kinds of behavioral disorders in today’s society. Probably the biggest problem people come across, and something that I came across is that we have to take classes that have nothing to do with what our passions are or things that we are curious about. I think just sticking to it, knowing that it is going to benefit you in the end by keeping with it will benefit you in the long run. Even though it is something that you aren’t passionate about, it is going to make you that much more passionate about it when you get through it.
For me, finding my strengths last semester and also taking my strengths test helped me and could also help me in the future overcome this problem if it does arise. The strength test that I probably use the most and is the one that was second on the strengths list was industry, diligence, and perseverance. I think this is probably a great strength to have and use because if you are going to have a class that you aren’t passionate about you are going to have to have the diligence to make it through the class and get the work done and also the perseverance to stick with it and just knowing what your goal is in the end. This will truly benefit you now and in the future, knowing that with this kind of strength you could achieve anything.
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