1-6-14
Today I learned or had affirmed that what I'm learning in graduate school is IMMEDIATELY applicable to the real world.
Today I sat in a history conference at the General Conference (yes, that General Conference, those of you who might be wondering) and listened to great papers and interesting ideas from historians and teachers and theologians, all the while getting ideas on how I could apply what I have already learned in one semester to the current situations and try to improve what already exists.
Today I saw displays and immediately thought about light levels affecting the items and the books, asked questions about the climate around the White family library (it's ambient because they have so many daily tours) and learned about the fire suppression system. I saw the backlog in the archives and learned that the powers-that-were didn't listen to the first appointed archivist who requested a vault twice the size of the one that was built--and I saw the tiny scanners that they're using to digitize material with. I learned that the first Adventist to gain a Phd. in English (in literature, to boot) did so at the University of Michigan, the university at which I'm currently studying.
I had a discussion with a current archivist about the overwhelming fact that born-digital materials (like early emails) are already disappearing because the creators didn't think they were important, and how not many people know what to do to keep and preserves records before they reach an archives.
I'm finally in the right field and it's a great feeling.
Showing posts with label English nerd. Show all posts
Showing posts with label English nerd. Show all posts
Monday, January 6, 2014
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Brock Bowl
12-8-11
English was once again victorious. We beat History, 215 to 100.
Also, I'm apparently a good guesser. We threw out a random answer of "Trees" and we were right. Also, I threw out the answer of "Grover Cleveland" and was right. It was the strangest thing ever to guess things right.
It was fun, though there was only like five English majors at the beginning of the convocation. Maybe seven total by the end--and four of us were playing! History was much better represented. We definitely need to get more freshmen, sophomores, and juniors playing.
More later.
Ashlee
English was once again victorious. We beat History, 215 to 100.
Also, I'm apparently a good guesser. We threw out a random answer of "Trees" and we were right. Also, I threw out the answer of "Grover Cleveland" and was right. It was the strangest thing ever to guess things right.
It was fun, though there was only like five English majors at the beginning of the convocation. Maybe seven total by the end--and four of us were playing! History was much better represented. We definitely need to get more freshmen, sophomores, and juniors playing.
More later.
Ashlee
Friday, December 2, 2011
Competition?
12-2-11
Okay, so I guess I should feel honored that they want me to organize some English majors for the Brock Bowl next week. But, apparently the head of my department was "trash-talking" to the leader of the opponents. Before my class with him, he told me about their conversation with his excited face on, the one where his eyes twinkle mischievously.
What was said:
"I told [that professor] that they're going down. And you know what she said?"
"No, what?"
I shouldn't have asked. Teachers apparently discuss students between them, and I guess I should take it as a compliment that the other professor pointed out that I was on my department's team. I'm sure that's what he meant it as.
Anyway, then he looks at me and says, "I want us to win this year."
To which I replied, "We won last year."
"We did?"
"Yep. By a lot, too. I remember. I was there."
"Well, I was there and I don't remember, but I believe you." And he basically summed up by saying we should strive to win anyway.
It's a fun rivalry. I like playing. But it's a team effort, in my opinion. It's the teams that make it fun. It's also just for fun, at least in my mind. I'm pretty sure the teachers involved just want the bragging rights of having won. Besides, I've never gone back on what I told Thurber all those years ago: I'm an English major, so I play on the English team, even with my history minor.
It's somewhat exciting, although a little geeky, but I know I will have a little difficulty in getting people to play. English majors are fickle about being up front, I've noticed. So I hope that the people I hope will be there will be there. (I'm looking at at least two of my blog-readers. Yes, I went there. Please play next week. And do you know someone who's still a student who's got skills in 20th Century? Maybe one of you?)
Okay, so I guess I should feel honored that they want me to organize some English majors for the Brock Bowl next week. But, apparently the head of my department was "trash-talking" to the leader of the opponents. Before my class with him, he told me about their conversation with his excited face on, the one where his eyes twinkle mischievously.
What was said:
"I told [that professor] that they're going down. And you know what she said?"
"No, what?"
I shouldn't have asked. Teachers apparently discuss students between them, and I guess I should take it as a compliment that the other professor pointed out that I was on my department's team. I'm sure that's what he meant it as.
Anyway, then he looks at me and says, "I want us to win this year."
To which I replied, "We won last year."
"We did?"
"Yep. By a lot, too. I remember. I was there."
"Well, I was there and I don't remember, but I believe you." And he basically summed up by saying we should strive to win anyway.
It's a fun rivalry. I like playing. But it's a team effort, in my opinion. It's the teams that make it fun. It's also just for fun, at least in my mind. I'm pretty sure the teachers involved just want the bragging rights of having won. Besides, I've never gone back on what I told Thurber all those years ago: I'm an English major, so I play on the English team, even with my history minor.
It's somewhat exciting, although a little geeky, but I know I will have a little difficulty in getting people to play. English majors are fickle about being up front, I've noticed. So I hope that the people I hope will be there will be there. (I'm looking at at least two of my blog-readers. Yes, I went there. Please play next week. And do you know someone who's still a student who's got skills in 20th Century? Maybe one of you?)
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Grungy Danes in Leather Vests
2-20-11
That's the version of Hamlet we went to today, for the Sigma Tau Delta induction. It was at the Chattanooga Theatre Centre, and I enjoyed it. I've never seen Hamlet before, though I have read it. The guy playing Hamlet actually slammed the girl playing Ophelia into the "Road Closed" sign and dented it during the "Get thee to a nunnery" speech. Also, I have no sympathy for Rosencranz and Guildestern (frankly, they got what was coming to them for attempting to betray a friend to his death)--though I did like how the cast handled the parts. The whole ensemble played those two, using masks for whoever was speaking the lines at the time.
Actually, the guy playing Hamlet reminded me of my friend Chase, who would probably do well in theatre. He already can do ninja dives and pop up running, etc., At least, that's what he does when we're playing zombie. Or whenever.
Then we took the scenic route to Las Margaritas (since the GPS told us to turn left onto a road that doesn't have a legal left turn onto it and we had to cross the river and turn around to go properly down the road). We ate, we had the ceremony, and we left. Sure, I missed a day of work, but I got to see my second-ever Shakespeare live play. It was awesome.
That's the version of Hamlet we went to today, for the Sigma Tau Delta induction. It was at the Chattanooga Theatre Centre, and I enjoyed it. I've never seen Hamlet before, though I have read it. The guy playing Hamlet actually slammed the girl playing Ophelia into the "Road Closed" sign and dented it during the "Get thee to a nunnery" speech. Also, I have no sympathy for Rosencranz and Guildestern (frankly, they got what was coming to them for attempting to betray a friend to his death)--though I did like how the cast handled the parts. The whole ensemble played those two, using masks for whoever was speaking the lines at the time.
Actually, the guy playing Hamlet reminded me of my friend Chase, who would probably do well in theatre. He already can do ninja dives and pop up running, etc., At least, that's what he does when we're playing zombie. Or whenever.
Then we took the scenic route to Las Margaritas (since the GPS told us to turn left onto a road that doesn't have a legal left turn onto it and we had to cross the river and turn around to go properly down the road). We ate, we had the ceremony, and we left. Sure, I missed a day of work, but I got to see my second-ever Shakespeare live play. It was awesome.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Brock Bowl
12-9-10
Today we had the annual Brock Bowl, that geeky convocation where English majors and minors face off with History majors and minors in a trivia contest of English and history questions. I always play on the English team, despite the fact that I am also a history minor. For years, one of my now-graduated history major friends tried to get me to play on the history team, but I had to show major loyalty. Right? (Right.)
For years, the history team has won, partially due to the efforts of the aforementioned friend of mine. But today? Today English trounced History for the first time in years. YEARS. And I played a decently large role in that (and I'm probably being modest, but whatever.) I answered a lot of questions (got some right, got some wrong; that happens), and I say "trounced" because that's the only way one can explain a score of 300 to 100. Just sayin'.
One of my teachers told me that I should try out for Jeopardy!, and another teacher told me I should study law and specialize in First Amendment rights. I say, graduation is two years off, and I haven't decided what I'm going to do after I graduate. We'll see where God takes me in the next two years and beyond.
Today we had the annual Brock Bowl, that geeky convocation where English majors and minors face off with History majors and minors in a trivia contest of English and history questions. I always play on the English team, despite the fact that I am also a history minor. For years, one of my now-graduated history major friends tried to get me to play on the history team, but I had to show major loyalty. Right? (Right.)
For years, the history team has won, partially due to the efforts of the aforementioned friend of mine. But today? Today English trounced History for the first time in years. YEARS. And I played a decently large role in that (and I'm probably being modest, but whatever.) I answered a lot of questions (got some right, got some wrong; that happens), and I say "trounced" because that's the only way one can explain a score of 300 to 100. Just sayin'.
One of my teachers told me that I should try out for Jeopardy!, and another teacher told me I should study law and specialize in First Amendment rights. I say, graduation is two years off, and I haven't decided what I'm going to do after I graduate. We'll see where God takes me in the next two years and beyond.
Monday, March 29, 2010
Sigma Tau Delta (and other thoughts)
3-29-10
Last night I was inducted into the English honors society, Sigma Tau Delta. We went to a production of Romeo and Juliet on the campus of UTC, and then we ate dinner at El Meson. I had burritos and rice and beans--very filling, and I didn't have to pay for it. Yay!
There was a little ceremony, and four of us were inducted. Then six of the group (including two who had been inducted) were recognized for being graduating seniors. So basically, the group next year will consist of like four of us, but whatever. The motto is "Sincerity, Truth, Design," but I don't really know what the last one is actually referring to. Perhaps creativity? I'm not sure...
I am considering some changes in my academic plans--namely, I don't want to take biology next semester. If I didn't, I could take some other class that I need and be less stressed. One of my friends who took it for the same purpose that I'm planning to says that the class is "hellish." I do not want to take such a class just because I'm an honors student. I'd rather not be an honors student. Seriously, all I really want to do is take the two honors seminars (which are free and interesting), and taking biology out of my schedule reduces the time spent in school (and probably reduces the amount of time spent paying back my school loans). So I'm going to do some asking and thinking and praying.
More later.
Last night I was inducted into the English honors society, Sigma Tau Delta. We went to a production of Romeo and Juliet on the campus of UTC, and then we ate dinner at El Meson. I had burritos and rice and beans--very filling, and I didn't have to pay for it. Yay!
There was a little ceremony, and four of us were inducted. Then six of the group (including two who had been inducted) were recognized for being graduating seniors. So basically, the group next year will consist of like four of us, but whatever. The motto is "Sincerity, Truth, Design," but I don't really know what the last one is actually referring to. Perhaps creativity? I'm not sure...
I am considering some changes in my academic plans--namely, I don't want to take biology next semester. If I didn't, I could take some other class that I need and be less stressed. One of my friends who took it for the same purpose that I'm planning to says that the class is "hellish." I do not want to take such a class just because I'm an honors student. I'd rather not be an honors student. Seriously, all I really want to do is take the two honors seminars (which are free and interesting), and taking biology out of my schedule reduces the time spent in school (and probably reduces the amount of time spent paying back my school loans). So I'm going to do some asking and thinking and praying.
More later.
Friday, January 15, 2010
Words
1-15-10
Words are powerful things. In the hands of people, they can be either dangerous or wonderful.
A long time ago, I read a book about the five love languages (quality time, words of affirmation, giving gifts, acts of service, and touch). Everybody has all of them, but everyone has one or two that dominate how they receive and give love. The two that I think affect me the most are words of affirmation and quality time. One of the best things in the world to me is a good lengthy meaningful conversation with someone I love.
Anyway, there are many things that I am not gifted with, but I have at least a small gift with words. Ever since I changed on Ebeye, I have tried to make it my practice to use my words to lift others up (also since we tend to give love the way we receive it best). That involves me dropping by people I know and telling them what I honestly think, especially if it's a good thing. (Mostly if it's a good thing.) Pretty much, I want to share the joy of life that I now feel.
Today I was having a really good day (though I do say nice, true things on days I don't feel so well), and so, I stopped by a professor's office this morning before I ate lunch, just to say hello, ask how they were, and for them to have a great day. Well, I really respect this professor (one of my favorite teachers in my department), and I was babbling on about the fact that I'm really enjoying reading Milton's Paradise Lost for fun and how I was planning to read Chaucer's Canterbury Tales next and how I'm enjoying the class that the particular teacher is teaching and how I'm seeing all these connections between the Romantic writers and one of my favorite authors (C.S. Lewis) and what not. Well, the teacher told me that I was "an asset to [the] department." I don't even really remember what else the teacher said, but that statement really made me feel EVEN more awesome. It's been difficult to quit smiling, not that I want to quit smiling.
More later.
Words are powerful things. In the hands of people, they can be either dangerous or wonderful.
A long time ago, I read a book about the five love languages (quality time, words of affirmation, giving gifts, acts of service, and touch). Everybody has all of them, but everyone has one or two that dominate how they receive and give love. The two that I think affect me the most are words of affirmation and quality time. One of the best things in the world to me is a good lengthy meaningful conversation with someone I love.
Anyway, there are many things that I am not gifted with, but I have at least a small gift with words. Ever since I changed on Ebeye, I have tried to make it my practice to use my words to lift others up (also since we tend to give love the way we receive it best). That involves me dropping by people I know and telling them what I honestly think, especially if it's a good thing. (Mostly if it's a good thing.) Pretty much, I want to share the joy of life that I now feel.
Today I was having a really good day (though I do say nice, true things on days I don't feel so well), and so, I stopped by a professor's office this morning before I ate lunch, just to say hello, ask how they were, and for them to have a great day. Well, I really respect this professor (one of my favorite teachers in my department), and I was babbling on about the fact that I'm really enjoying reading Milton's Paradise Lost for fun and how I was planning to read Chaucer's Canterbury Tales next and how I'm enjoying the class that the particular teacher is teaching and how I'm seeing all these connections between the Romantic writers and one of my favorite authors (C.S. Lewis) and what not. Well, the teacher told me that I was "an asset to [the] department." I don't even really remember what else the teacher said, but that statement really made me feel EVEN more awesome. It's been difficult to quit smiling, not that I want to quit smiling.
More later.
Monday, January 11, 2010
Sockdolager
1-11-10
That is my new favorite word, at the moment. It was discovered in the Oxford English Dictionary by my suitemate Caitlin. It means "a decisive blow," and this word was being used as an adjective right before John Wilkes Booth shot Abraham Lincoln. This word is amazing, and real. Whoda thunk? Jessica, my roommate, has dared me to use it tomorrow. I was already planning to use it tomorrow. So there.
Also, the three of us are doing a project on "English in America" and we already have some pretty good ideas. We're also the last presenters in class. We have to make it really good. :D
I need to work on my short stories. Stupid homework gets in the way. Also, sleep. Which I need RIGHT NOW. I am going to bed. More later.
That is my new favorite word, at the moment. It was discovered in the Oxford English Dictionary by my suitemate Caitlin. It means "a decisive blow," and this word was being used as an adjective right before John Wilkes Booth shot Abraham Lincoln. This word is amazing, and real. Whoda thunk? Jessica, my roommate, has dared me to use it tomorrow. I was already planning to use it tomorrow. So there.
Also, the three of us are doing a project on "English in America" and we already have some pretty good ideas. We're also the last presenters in class. We have to make it really good. :D
I need to work on my short stories. Stupid homework gets in the way. Also, sleep. Which I need RIGHT NOW. I am going to bed. More later.
Sunday, January 10, 2010
The Office and Grammar
1-10-10
All of my reading for linguistics has made me think of an awesome clip from The Office. Unfortunately, I could not find the clip in its entirety with the actors and such--but I did find a video that used the audio from the clip and used kinetic typography to illustrate. I find it ironic in a clip about grammar that there is incorrect grammar in the kinetic typography, but it's still a cool clip. Go here: Whoever vs. Whomever.
Also, I am trying to find a word for my etymology essay, and I think I have found that. Now I need to write up a proposal about it (but that's not due until Tuesday).
More later.
PS. My roommate and I got a crowntail betta fish last night. He is blue, very handsome, and named Frodo. I don't think he'll be taking a ring to Mount Doom any time soon, seeing as he lives in a little tank on my roommate's shelf.
All of my reading for linguistics has made me think of an awesome clip from The Office. Unfortunately, I could not find the clip in its entirety with the actors and such--but I did find a video that used the audio from the clip and used kinetic typography to illustrate. I find it ironic in a clip about grammar that there is incorrect grammar in the kinetic typography, but it's still a cool clip. Go here: Whoever vs. Whomever.
Also, I am trying to find a word for my etymology essay, and I think I have found that. Now I need to write up a proposal about it (but that's not due until Tuesday).
More later.
PS. My roommate and I got a crowntail betta fish last night. He is blue, very handsome, and named Frodo. I don't think he'll be taking a ring to Mount Doom any time soon, seeing as he lives in a little tank on my roommate's shelf.
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Oh.My. (There are No Words)
12-13-09
I have just seen a most amazing, wonderfully fantastic, utterly hilarious video. Please watch it. Robby and Tyler, you rock. I have weird friends. My roommate heard me say that and said, "No, really? Look at you!"
More later.
I have just seen a most amazing, wonderfully fantastic, utterly hilarious video. Please watch it. Robby and Tyler, you rock. I have weird friends. My roommate heard me say that and said, "No, really? Look at you!"
More later.
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