In the End

Experience, Experiment, and Expand! This is what Lit 110 was about. The story's that we read,the independent novels, the poems, other's flash fiction works, and not to mention the research that we had to do for the salons all contributed to our experience. We stepped for a moment, out of the box and into worlds that were new to us and thoughts that were unfamiliar. While doing this we were able to Experiment by preforming our own works and trying out new styles of writing. We were able to make our thoughts come alive and produce creativity that some of us didn't know existed. We also were able to Expand on our knowledge by not only sharing our thoughts and interpretations of what we read and learned, but taking in the opinions and ideas of others. For the most part I think you got more out of the story or poem but considering the way other's viewed it. We learned so much in this class, and not in the normal teaching sense. We got a better understanding of Literature by Experiencing it, Experimenting with it, and Expanding on it. Thank you.

Wonder Boys

This movie was very interesting. There is so much happening to this man and he is trying to take care of so many things I can understand why he is facing a mid-life crisis. He's a well known author and professor who has writers block, who is trying to avoid his editor however he manages to become part of the party. He has this student who is brilliant but yet a little mixed up. His wife left him and he has managed to get the chancellor of the school pregnant, Oh did I mention she is married also. Crazy movie. It was a great movie. I never thought it was going to be this good just by looking at the box,, a bit on the boring side was the impression I got. Check it out!

Third Hand

On Thursday July 16th, I ventured to the heart of Illinois fair in hopes of seeing Trapt. Unfortunately I didn't make it to the entertainment tent, but got side tracked to the beer garden. After a few beverages the band started. The music at first was slow and unfamiliar, but after about an hour they were rocking. They played a mix of oldies and new age grunge music.. which I happen to absolutely love. The songs were fast paced and even though the singer was out of tune occasionally, the lyrics screamed with life in the fast lane, and fame and fortune. I had a great time. It's always nice to kick back with a brew and take in the wonderful rhythm and remarkable consistency of a song.

The Black Arts

Reading the poems produced by these authors were very touching. The world was changed because of these people. Racism is not a thing of the past but lives lively still. Most people today are more familiar with the difference of color. Yet you still have hate for reasons that to me are useless. I admire these authors for taking the steps toward a more civil union. I truly enjoyed the video of Amiri Baraka and his reading.

The discovery

The journey I am taking through this book is astounding. The description of the observations that they have made is in such clear detail that you can see them for yourself. It is so much different than the movie. I love the little details that the film makers forget to add or simply delete. These are the parts that let your imagination take hold. The book is almost finished and yet I think I may partake in another journey written by Verne. I love the escape and it is nice, especially in my life, not a whole lot of time to read for enjoyment.

SLAM

The poetry slam was an incredible opportunity. I felt some real emotion behind most of the poems that were delivered. It is always a challenge to step out of the box, and do something that you normally would never do. I know I was nervous and I could see some others shaking up there as well. I think that everyone did an amazing job and the creativeness of some poems went above and beyond. I must say that there was one poem that particularly moved me. It takes real dedication and courage to lay troubles out there at the feet of total strangers. I applaud you.

AVE MARIA

This poem really touched me. It was written by the late Frank O'Hara and to me it is about raising children. I took it to heart feeling as if he had some underlying reasons to hate his parents. I believe his statements are saying let your kids be kids.. let them enjoy life and live it to it's fullest everyday. Don't let your kids grow up hating you because of little things that don't really matter. Like he says the ironic part is that in the end they end up doing it anyways with or without you. I personally would rather enjoy activities spent with my child now and reflect about them in the future with a positive attitude, then to push him to the side, always lecturing and punishing, and be hated. I enjoyed this poem as well as other works written by him. His work is serious, ironic, and about real life. Truly a remarkable writer.