Here's the quote:
"I think the real problem lies in the apathy of the students. When so many students are concerned only with their appearance, their iPods, and their cellphones, it doesn't matter how good the teacher is."
Monday, December 13, 2010
Who is to Blame?
Here's the quote:
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Power Corrupts?
Dear English Answer Man:
You're always telling students to defend their opinions. I think it's high time for you to stick your neck out. That's an idiom, if you didn't catch it. So, what are your thoughts on power? Does it screw up the world like every one says? Or do you actually have something new to say on the topic?
-Anonymous
Dear Anonymous:
Your arrogance is stunning. However, I will not be outdone. OF COURSE I have something brilliant and innovative to add to the discussion of power and corruption. I used to believe that absolute power corrupts, and power corrupts absolutely--you may have heard the old cliche.
But does it really? Researchers have found that when people consider themselves to be more powerful, they are actually more productive and effective. They point out that it's not really that shocking--if people feel worthless and powerless, why should we be surprised that they don't perform well? (Go read the article--it's a bit brainy, but interesting.)
This is only one example in one setting, but the study definitely adds a new wrinkle to discussions about power and corruption. HOWEVER--Even if people are more effective when they have more power, that doesn't mean that they are not corrupt. Plenty of corrupt individuals are effective at what they do. That's what makes them so dangerous. Therefore, I must retain my believe that power corrupts, even if it does increase effectiveness.
You're always telling students to defend their opinions. I think it's high time for you to stick your neck out. That's an idiom, if you didn't catch it. So, what are your thoughts on power? Does it screw up the world like every one says? Or do you actually have something new to say on the topic?
-Anonymous
Dear Anonymous:
Your arrogance is stunning. However, I will not be outdone. OF COURSE I have something brilliant and innovative to add to the discussion of power and corruption. I used to believe that absolute power corrupts, and power corrupts absolutely--you may have heard the old cliche.
But does it really? Researchers have found that when people consider themselves to be more powerful, they are actually more productive and effective. They point out that it's not really that shocking--if people feel worthless and powerless, why should we be surprised that they don't perform well? (Go read the article--it's a bit brainy, but interesting.)
This is only one example in one setting, but the study definitely adds a new wrinkle to discussions about power and corruption. HOWEVER--Even if people are more effective when they have more power, that doesn't mean that they are not corrupt. Plenty of corrupt individuals are effective at what they do. That's what makes them so dangerous. Therefore, I must retain my believe that power corrupts, even if it does increase effectiveness.
Tough Topics
Attention student bloggers:
This week, we begin reading House of the Scorpion. To help us think critically about some of the issues in this book, I'd like you to consider one of the following topics, and create one post about the topic. Find at least one piece of outside support, and embed a hyperlink within your post.
I'll post an example shortly. For now, here is a list of the topics:
This week, we begin reading House of the Scorpion. To help us think critically about some of the issues in this book, I'd like you to consider one of the following topics, and create one post about the topic. Find at least one piece of outside support, and embed a hyperlink within your post.
I'll post an example shortly. For now, here is a list of the topics:
- Is there a connection between scientific advancement and moral issues? Is it possible for science to go too far, to the point where it's "immoral?"
- It's been said that power corrupts those who have it. To what extent do you think this is true?
- Are there difficulties in defining what makes a human being? Do all human beings need or deserve the same level of legal protection?
- Who is more important: the individual, or the group? Does it change depending on the circumstances?
- Some say your actions determine what kind of person you are. Others say that you should not judge a person by mistakes they make.What are your thoughts?
- Consider the following statement: "Everyone has different roles to play in life, and we should accept the role we are given."
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Concert Review: Unwritten Law at the Galaxy Theater in Santa Ana
When I first saw pop-punk band Unwritten Law 11 years ago in Pomona, it was like tasting a chicken nugget for the first time. They played loud and fast, the crowd was insane, and the singer's voice was one of the best I'd heard on a punk rock outfit. They played the intro to the song "Harmonic," and I was sold. I'd had a taste. But as any nugget-lover knows, I needed more.
A year late I saw them again, same place. This time I knew almost every song, and I was one of the sweaty kids thrashing around in the mosh pit. Later that same year, I saw them at the what is now The Grove in Anaheim, and they showed no signs of slowing down. Neither did the crowd, and some enthusiastic fan caught me in the upper lip with an elbow, a forehead, a bucktooth...something. I needed 5 stitches and a trip to the ER after the show. Then the drummer hit me in the back of the head with the drumstick on the way out. My blood-soaked shirt scared away the competition, however, and I snatched up the drumstick for my first concert souvenir.
I would see Unwritten Law three or four more times, and unfortunately, they did not get better with age. The singer forgot lyrics, band members fought on stage--Unwritten Law did not seem to care. They were going through the motions, and the magic that shaped my musical education was dying.
Still, I felt I'd give them another shot last Friday at the Galaxy Theater. I'll give it to Unwritten Law --it was their best effort in the last five years, at least that I've been a part of. The three of four hundred old-timers in attendance (average age had to be about 27-30) were reasonably enthusiastic, but let's face it: we are all getting old. Gone were the circle pits that would send you to the ER with a severed face. Gone were the wild-eyed adolescents freeing months of aggression in a swirling circle of madness. Yes, there was a pit, but most of the crowd stared at the 15 or so slam dancers as if they were an exotic species of wild chipmunk. Most fans didn't bother, despite lead singer Scott Russo's gestures implying he needed a little more crowd participation beyond bouncing heads and swaying feet.
As usual, however, there were few unforgettable Unwritten Law moments: Russo brought his daughter up on stage, and sang "Cailin." I think she was about five when he wrote it, and she must be 16 or 17 now. (It sounds like a love song, but it's for and about his daughter). An emotional moment for a punk rock show.
The rest was typical chaos--a strange looking, long-haired fellow lost his temper for some unknown reason, and security promptly ejected him. Minutes earlier security placed a chokehold on a hefty lad and escorted him and his friend off the floor--they were back in moments...apparently a misunderstanding. On the way out, the drummer tossed the drumsticks into the crowd, thankfully missing my head and smacking the guy next to me. I smiled and scooped up my SECOND Unwritten Law drumstick!
The venue itself was above average--small pit, and three or four tiered semi-circles where folks could order food or drinks, or simply observe from safety. Apparently one had to be "VIP" in order to occupy these tables. Who knew punk rock had VIP? Times are changing.
It was not a bad show; Unwritten Law brought more energy than I expected. They still play the melodic pop punk/rock and roll that hooked me back in 1999. Yes, they've slowed down. Yes, the price of tickets has skyrocketed. (around 10 bucks 10 years ago, and 28 today). And, yes, most of their fans are turning into old-fogeys who are to cool to mix it up in a circle pit. But you can dance if you want to dance, and you can pit if you want to pit. Or, if you have the cash and connections, you can sit in a fancy booth with a cardboard VIP cut-out and sing along while sipping a soda.
They probably won't change your life, but it might be too early to write-off Unwritten Law.
 |
| The Beginning |
 |
| The Drumstick Show |
I would see Unwritten Law three or four more times, and unfortunately, they did not get better with age. The singer forgot lyrics, band members fought on stage--Unwritten Law did not seem to care. They were going through the motions, and the magic that shaped my musical education was dying.
 |
| Still Good |
 |
Still, I felt I'd give them another shot last Friday at the Galaxy Theater. I'll give it to Unwritten Law --it was their best effort in the last five years, at least that I've been a part of. The three of four hundred old-timers in attendance (average age had to be about 27-30) were reasonably enthusiastic, but let's face it: we are all getting old. Gone were the circle pits that would send you to the ER with a severed face. Gone were the wild-eyed adolescents freeing months of aggression in a swirling circle of madness. Yes, there was a pit, but most of the crowd stared at the 15 or so slam dancers as if they were an exotic species of wild chipmunk. Most fans didn't bother, despite lead singer Scott Russo's gestures implying he needed a little more crowd participation beyond bouncing heads and swaying feet.
 |
| Times are changing. |
As usual, however, there were few unforgettable Unwritten Law moments: Russo brought his daughter up on stage, and sang "Cailin." I think she was about five when he wrote it, and she must be 16 or 17 now. (It sounds like a love song, but it's for and about his daughter). An emotional moment for a punk rock show.
The rest was typical chaos--a strange looking, long-haired fellow lost his temper for some unknown reason, and security promptly ejected him. Minutes earlier security placed a chokehold on a hefty lad and escorted him and his friend off the floor--they were back in moments...apparently a misunderstanding. On the way out, the drummer tossed the drumsticks into the crowd, thankfully missing my head and smacking the guy next to me. I smiled and scooped up my SECOND Unwritten Law drumstick!
The venue itself was above average--small pit, and three or four tiered semi-circles where folks could order food or drinks, or simply observe from safety. Apparently one had to be "VIP" in order to occupy these tables. Who knew punk rock had VIP? Times are changing.
It was not a bad show; Unwritten Law brought more energy than I expected. They still play the melodic pop punk/rock and roll that hooked me back in 1999. Yes, they've slowed down. Yes, the price of tickets has skyrocketed. (around 10 bucks 10 years ago, and 28 today). And, yes, most of their fans are turning into old-fogeys who are to cool to mix it up in a circle pit. But you can dance if you want to dance, and you can pit if you want to pit. Or, if you have the cash and connections, you can sit in a fancy booth with a cardboard VIP cut-out and sing along while sipping a soda.
They probably won't change your life, but it might be too early to write-off Unwritten Law.
Friday, November 19, 2010
The Answer Man Attends a Punk Rock Show
Today marks the beginning of a week-long holiday, and in my relentless pursuit of intellect and education, I kick off the weekend with one of the finest displays of art and culture Southern California has to offer: Yes, I am referring to the punk rock show.
I've been to most small venues in Southern California, but tonight's show featuring Unwritten Law at Orange County's Galaxy Theater will be a first. In my "youth," I had the privilege (or lack thereof) of seeing this band, and the experiences have varied. But they have never been boring. Drumsticks to the head, band members throwing punches, ragged chunks of bloody lip--"educational" to say the least.
Now they're all grown up (as has the price of tickets. Less than 15 bucks the first time, almost thirty today!), so hopefully I'll get a fresh dose of Southern California's innovative music scene.
Check back for a full review.
I've been to most small venues in Southern California, but tonight's show featuring Unwritten Law at Orange County's Galaxy Theater will be a first. In my "youth," I had the privilege (or lack thereof) of seeing this band, and the experiences have varied. But they have never been boring. Drumsticks to the head, band members throwing punches, ragged chunks of bloody lip--"educational" to say the least.
Now they're all grown up (as has the price of tickets. Less than 15 bucks the first time, almost thirty today!), so hopefully I'll get a fresh dose of Southern California's innovative music scene.
Check back for a full review.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
House of the Scorpion Book Trailers
Disclaimer: I don't endorse any of these. These student-made videos just might pique your interest regarding our upcoming reading assignment. If you want to know more, start reading the book!
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Your Illiterate. Your illiterate what?
Der English Answerman:
Wy r u you so up tite about english?
-sum kid
Dear Sum Kid:
First of all, cool name! Are you really into math? It's nice to see kids these days starting to enjoy math.
Second of all, the reason I am "up tite" is because I am not "down" with making a fool of myself using the written word. I make mistakes on this blog more often than I should, and when I catch myself, I force myself to eat nothing but bread crumbs and water for three days.
Third of all, thanks for spelling my name correctly.
Fourth of all, check out this post about COLLEGE students who are FUNCTIONALLY ILLITERATE.
Fifth of all, say hi to your sister "Minus Girl." Best of luck to you, Sum Kid.
Wy r u you so up tite about english?
-sum kid
Dear Sum Kid:
First of all, cool name! Are you really into math? It's nice to see kids these days starting to enjoy math.
Second of all, the reason I am "up tite" is because I am not "down" with making a fool of myself using the written word. I make mistakes on this blog more often than I should, and when I catch myself, I force myself to eat nothing but bread crumbs and water for three days.
Third of all, thanks for spelling my name correctly.
Fourth of all, check out this post about COLLEGE students who are FUNCTIONALLY ILLITERATE.
Fifth of all, say hi to your sister "Minus Girl." Best of luck to you, Sum Kid.
Saturday, November 6, 2010
I Sense a Connection
Attention Student Bloggers:
This week I would like you to pay special attention to connecting with one of your fellow student bloggers.
Here's what you need to do: Browse through some of your peers' blogs, and find a post you find particularly interesting, compelling, humorous, etc. On your own blog, give a brief description of the post, what you thought about it, and why you enjoyed it. Make sure you link to that other post somewhere in the body of your post. You are basically making a recommendation AND directing traffic to another student blog.
I hope this will help deepen our collective blogging bonds, and further broaden the horizons of our heads.
I suddenly feel warm and emotional.
Here's an example:
This week I would like you to pay special attention to connecting with one of your fellow student bloggers.
Here's what you need to do: Browse through some of your peers' blogs, and find a post you find particularly interesting, compelling, humorous, etc. On your own blog, give a brief description of the post, what you thought about it, and why you enjoyed it. Make sure you link to that other post somewhere in the body of your post. You are basically making a recommendation AND directing traffic to another student blog.
I hope this will help deepen our collective blogging bonds, and further broaden the horizons of our heads.
I suddenly feel warm and emotional.
Here's an example:
Ever find yourself caught up in a debate about which sports are more "manly" or require more skill, athleticism, or talent? Yeah, me neither. Nevertheless, head on over to Drink the Kool-Aid, and see what you think about their discussion involving baseball and soccer. Nick starts the discussion with a post about soccer, and Trevor gives the opposite view in his defense of baseball. Check it out.
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Interview with a Mystery Coffee Girl
If I could interview anyone in the world, I would interview a coffee maker. Not like the machine—I mean an actual, live creator of coffee and coffee-based beverages. Lucky for me, I spied a talented young lady—a “Mystery Coffee Girl” at a local coffee shop (actually she was spraying glass cleaner on the front door, much of which was hitting me in the face. I couldn’t help but notice her). I figured at the very least, she owed me an interview. So I asked.
She sort of agreed, but not before volunteering her Justin Bieber-loving coworker for a few questions. Bieber-Fever, as she will be known to readers of this interview was scheduled to see him in concert later that week. I was thrilled--I love anything having to do with that bowl-cutted boy wonder.
English Answer Man: So do I still get to interview you?
Mystery Coffee Girl: Crap. I don’t know anything about anything!
English Answer Man: Hmmm. That’s going to make this difficult. I’ll make some stuff up to ask you about.
10 minutes or so pass while I catch up on some paper work. She thinks I’ve forgotten, until I look over my shoulder and see her sitting at a table. I walk over, and the interview is on!
English Answer Man: So why don’t you like Justin Bieber?
Mystery Coffee Girl: Um because he’s like twelve. I like Justin Timberlake.
English Answer Man: You know he was going to be on the same label right? You’re coworker (Bieber-Fever) here told me all about it.
Mystery Coffee Girl: Um no. But it doesn’t matter. Shouldn’t you be writing this down?
English Answer Man: I’ve got a phenomenal memory.
Bieber Fever: I love JB. I went to his concert, but I couldn’t see him. He’s got such good moves.
English Answer Man: Good moves?
Bieber Fever: Yeah, he’s such a good dancer.
Mystery Coffee Girl: Whatever.
Bieber Fever: If you’ve got a problem, with JB, you’ve got a problem with me.
English Answer Man: How many Justin Biebers do you think you could take in a fight?
Mystery Coffee Girl: I don't know. Probably like, two or three.
Bieber-Fever: No way. Well, maybe. He's kind of sensitive. Someone threw a shoe at him at a concert, and he started crying.
English Answer Man: I'm sorry--did you say he started crying?
Bieber-Fever: Yes. It was at a concert. He's sensitive.
(An intelligent-looking, coffee-sipping smart guy listens in)
Coffee-Sipping Smart Guy: You went to Justin Bieber? What are you 8?
(Bieber-Fever storms off and starts banging dishes and containers in the back.)
English Answer Man: So do you have many awkward social encounters, besides people randomly asking you questions and typing your answers?
Mystery Coffee Girl: Let me think. Yeah, this one guy came in with some miracle glass cleaner stuff, and one of us wiped our fingerprints on the glass so he could show how it worked. His stuff just smeared it everywhere. We all laughed at him and he left. It was sad.
Coffee-Sipping Smart Guy: Yeah, when the whole shop is laughing at you, you don’t really have a leg to stand on.
English Answer Man: You guys are not very nice. Any other pet peeves?
Mystery Coffee Girl Oh. So many. The worst is when people come up to the counter and start making out. There’s this one couple…you know the one I’m talking about?
English Answer Man: No. Sounds like I’m really missing out.
(Bieber Fever is back.)
English Answer Man: What’s so good about Justin Bieber?
Bieber Fever: Have you ever heard of Young Money? Drizzy Drake Rogers?
Mystery Coffee Girl: What grade are you in? Did you graduate?
Bieber Fever: Yeah! I like their music ok?
(Random celebrity gossip follows. I’m having a tough time following.)
Bieber Fever: Please tell me you know who Lil’ Wayne is.
Mystery Coffee Girl: Yes. He’s like Romeo’s Lil’ Bow Wow.
Bieber Fever: No. Like his understudy.
English Answer Man: So what are you an expert on?
Mystery Coffee Girl: Expert is such a big word. How about interests? Traveling, missions…
I’ve been to 23 countries. You want me to list them all?
English Answer Man: How about 10 coolest places you’ve been?
Mystery Coffee Girl: New Zealand, Israel, Greece, Peru, Greece, Turkey, Argentina, England.
English Answer Man: Wow.
Mystery Coffee Girl: You’ve never traveled? How many kids do you have?
English Answer Man: Two. And I’m doing the interviewing here.
Mystery Coffee Girl: Sorry.
English Answer Man: Oh yeah, I’ve been to Canada!
(Bieber-Fever is back.)
Bieber Fever: Justin Bieber’s from Canada!
Mystery Coffee Girl: I don’t like Canada.
English Answer Man: Where would you live, out of all of those?
Mystery Coffee Girl: New Zealand.
English Answer Man: You’d set up shop permanently?
Mystery Coffee Girl: It’s gorgeous. I’ve created relationships. Not fast paced. I guess you could go live in the midwest
Bieber-Fever: Hey, this candy is free, right?
Mystery Coffee Girl: No, it’s five cents. We’re trying to make extra cash.
English Answer Man: You’re selling candy 5 cents to make extra cash?
Mystery Coffee Girl: Yes. We’re hurting right now.
English Answer Man: So you’re not an expert on anything?
Mystery Coffee Girl: I don’t play sports. I taught myself guitar. My job is coffee…And I hate school.
English Answer Man: What do you play?
Mystery Coffee Girl: G G C and E. and one strum.
English Answer Man: You’re not in a band, I take it.
Mystery Coffee Girl:I was in a Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen fan club.
English Answer Man: So you don’t like Justin Bieber, but it’s ok to be in a Mary Kate and Ashley fan club?
Mystery Coffee Girl: I was 12! I had all their books and everything.
More customers trickle in. Mystery Coffee Girl stands up. I type on my laptop.
Mystery Coffee Girl: You’re changing what I say to make me seem more interesting, aren’t you?
English Answer Man: Yes, I am. And thanks for cooperating with me.
Thanks for reading!
And, FYI:
She sort of agreed, but not before volunteering her Justin Bieber-loving coworker for a few questions. Bieber-Fever, as she will be known to readers of this interview was scheduled to see him in concert later that week. I was thrilled--I love anything having to do with that bowl-cutted boy wonder.
English Answer Man: So do I still get to interview you?
Mystery Coffee Girl: Crap. I don’t know anything about anything!
English Answer Man: Hmmm. That’s going to make this difficult. I’ll make some stuff up to ask you about.
10 minutes or so pass while I catch up on some paper work. She thinks I’ve forgotten, until I look over my shoulder and see her sitting at a table. I walk over, and the interview is on!
English Answer Man: So why don’t you like Justin Bieber?
Mystery Coffee Girl: Um because he’s like twelve. I like Justin Timberlake.
English Answer Man: You know he was going to be on the same label right? You’re coworker (Bieber-Fever) here told me all about it.
Mystery Coffee Girl: Um no. But it doesn’t matter. Shouldn’t you be writing this down?
English Answer Man: I’ve got a phenomenal memory.
Bieber Fever: I love JB. I went to his concert, but I couldn’t see him. He’s got such good moves.
English Answer Man: Good moves?
Bieber Fever: Yeah, he’s such a good dancer.
Mystery Coffee Girl: Whatever.
Bieber Fever: If you’ve got a problem, with JB, you’ve got a problem with me.
English Answer Man: How many Justin Biebers do you think you could take in a fight?
Mystery Coffee Girl: I don't know. Probably like, two or three.
Bieber-Fever: No way. Well, maybe. He's kind of sensitive. Someone threw a shoe at him at a concert, and he started crying.
English Answer Man: I'm sorry--did you say he started crying?
Bieber-Fever: Yes. It was at a concert. He's sensitive.
(An intelligent-looking, coffee-sipping smart guy listens in)
Coffee-Sipping Smart Guy: You went to Justin Bieber? What are you 8?
(Bieber-Fever storms off and starts banging dishes and containers in the back.)
English Answer Man: So do you have many awkward social encounters, besides people randomly asking you questions and typing your answers?
Mystery Coffee Girl: Let me think. Yeah, this one guy came in with some miracle glass cleaner stuff, and one of us wiped our fingerprints on the glass so he could show how it worked. His stuff just smeared it everywhere. We all laughed at him and he left. It was sad.
Coffee-Sipping Smart Guy: Yeah, when the whole shop is laughing at you, you don’t really have a leg to stand on.
English Answer Man: You guys are not very nice. Any other pet peeves?
Mystery Coffee Girl Oh. So many. The worst is when people come up to the counter and start making out. There’s this one couple…you know the one I’m talking about?
English Answer Man: No. Sounds like I’m really missing out.
(Bieber Fever is back.)
English Answer Man: What’s so good about Justin Bieber?
Bieber Fever: Have you ever heard of Young Money? Drizzy Drake Rogers?
Mystery Coffee Girl: What grade are you in? Did you graduate?
Bieber Fever: Yeah! I like their music ok?
(Random celebrity gossip follows. I’m having a tough time following.)
Bieber Fever: Please tell me you know who Lil’ Wayne is.
Mystery Coffee Girl: Yes. He’s like Romeo’s Lil’ Bow Wow.
Bieber Fever: No. Like his understudy.
English Answer Man: So what are you an expert on?
Mystery Coffee Girl: Expert is such a big word. How about interests? Traveling, missions…
I’ve been to 23 countries. You want me to list them all?
English Answer Man: How about 10 coolest places you’ve been?
Mystery Coffee Girl: New Zealand, Israel, Greece, Peru, Greece, Turkey, Argentina, England.
English Answer Man: Wow.
Mystery Coffee Girl: You’ve never traveled? How many kids do you have?
English Answer Man: Two. And I’m doing the interviewing here.
Mystery Coffee Girl: Sorry.
English Answer Man: Oh yeah, I’ve been to Canada!
(Bieber-Fever is back.)
Bieber Fever: Justin Bieber’s from Canada!
Mystery Coffee Girl: I don’t like Canada.
English Answer Man: Where would you live, out of all of those?
Mystery Coffee Girl: New Zealand.
English Answer Man: You’d set up shop permanently?
Mystery Coffee Girl: It’s gorgeous. I’ve created relationships. Not fast paced. I guess you could go live in the midwest
Bieber-Fever: Hey, this candy is free, right?
Mystery Coffee Girl: No, it’s five cents. We’re trying to make extra cash.
English Answer Man: You’re selling candy 5 cents to make extra cash?
Mystery Coffee Girl: Yes. We’re hurting right now.
English Answer Man: So you’re not an expert on anything?
Mystery Coffee Girl: I don’t play sports. I taught myself guitar. My job is coffee…And I hate school.
English Answer Man: What do you play?
Mystery Coffee Girl: G G C and E. and one strum.
English Answer Man: You’re not in a band, I take it.
Mystery Coffee Girl:I was in a Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen fan club.
English Answer Man: So you don’t like Justin Bieber, but it’s ok to be in a Mary Kate and Ashley fan club?
Mystery Coffee Girl: I was 12! I had all their books and everything.
More customers trickle in. Mystery Coffee Girl stands up. I type on my laptop.
Mystery Coffee Girl: You’re changing what I say to make me seem more interesting, aren’t you?
English Answer Man: Yes, I am. And thanks for cooperating with me.
Thanks for reading!
And, FYI:
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Eat, Think, Blog
Dear English Answer Man:
I just ate at the worst restaurant of my life! I've been there three times, and every time it's been the same. How do I deal with my frustration?
-a disgruntled food eater
I just ate at the worst restaurant of my life! I've been there three times, and every time it's been the same. How do I deal with my frustration?
-a disgruntled food eater
Dear Disgruntled Food Eater:
First of all, you deserve that lousy meal. If it's your third time eating at a crummy place, I have no sympathy for you.
Second of all, write a review of your restaurant, and post it on your blog AND an online site where you can post reviews. I think yelp.com is one such site. Here are some tips for reviewing a restaurant:
- Type of food and price range.
- Is this fast food, buffet-style, restaurant, fine dining, etc.? Also, be sure to inform readers about what type of food is served. Is it Chinese? Mexican? Sushi? BBQ? A combination?
- Food quality.
- How does the food measure up to what you would reasonably expect? For example, don’t slam a fast food place for not providing a high-quality chicken salad.
- Service.
- Consider helpfulness, attitude, promptness, wait-time, etc.
- Décor (furniture, design, layout).
- Also be sure to mention level of cleanliness.
- Ambience and atmosphere(vibe).
- What kind of music is playing? Include a discussion on what the clientele is like. How are people dressed? Is the crowd young and single, families, business folks, college kids, etc? Is it crowded or empty? Is there a rush hour?
Some of these tips were inspired by information retrieved from http://www.epinions.com/content_5187936388
Writing a Concert Review
Not all of us have been to a live show, but those of us who have know it can be an incredible experience, or an incredible waste of money. Either way, a concert provides a perfect opportunity to reflect on music, culture, and personal interests. Here are a few tips for writing a concert review:
- Start with a hook. Get the reader interested in your topic.
- Give the date, time, and place. Describe the venue itself, and also the section of the city in which it lies.
- Consider parking, security, safety, transportation, etc.
- What makes the concert worth writing about? What was “special” about this particular show?
- Review the band. How did they perform? What was their stage presence like? Were they energetic, lazy, funny, etc?
- Take some time to discuss the crowd. What ages were represented? What styles? Were they enthusiastic, psychotic, bored, etc? What was the size of the crowd, and what effect did this have on the audience?
- Focus on the effect of the entire experience. Think about your emotions before, after, and during the show.
Source:
http://www.ehow.com/how_4514634_review-concert.html
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Blog about WHAT??!!
Dear English Answer Man:
Help! What do I blog about?
Heck if I know.
But check out these links--they might help you out. Keep in mind, not all of these will apply to you. Take what you can use.
After checking out these links, maybe you can write your own "20 Blog Post Ideas" article. Do my job for me.
Help! What do I blog about?
Heck if I know.
But check out these links--they might help you out. Keep in mind, not all of these will apply to you. Take what you can use.
After checking out these links, maybe you can write your own "20 Blog Post Ideas" article. Do my job for me.
Monday, October 11, 2010
Sick, Twisted, or Totally Normal?
Get a Voki now!
Dear English Answer Man:
Why is it that you have your students read such sick and twisted writers? I mean, in order to come up with this stuff, you would have to be out of your mind. Not you English Answer Man, but the writers. Take Edgar Allan Poe for example--a true psycho.
So what is your problem?
-Anonymous
Dear Anonymous:
Your question has been asked throughout the ages (or at least the last seven years of my teaching career). Some people believe that if a writer writes a disturbing story, the writer must therefore be disturbed. Only disturbed minds create disturbed content. Others, however, would argue that a perfectly normal, well-adjusted person could easily write something disturbing. Maybe a disturbing story is a way of letting off steam.
So I ask you, adolescent readers of this blog:
How much can you judge the personality of a writer from what he/she writes? Does a psychotic story come from a psychotic author? Or is it unfair to judge an author by the content of his/her stories? Post your thoughts to your blog, and also comment here if you would like. Be sure to give examples from personal experience, authors you may be familiar with, and especially from your new-found knowledge of Edgar Allan Poe.
I look forward to reading your thoughts.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
The Answer Man Asks a Question (or two)
Ok ladies and gentlemen--
I know many of you have little idea what to expect from our excursion into the blogosphere, but I have to ask:
What do you envision yourselves posting about for the next eight months? What are you most excited about when it comes to this assignment? What are you dreading? And for those of you who don't care one way or the other, why don't you? What do all of you (personally) hope to get out of this experience?
So many questions....Now go get cracking on your first post!
I know many of you have little idea what to expect from our excursion into the blogosphere, but I have to ask:
What do you envision yourselves posting about for the next eight months? What are you most excited about when it comes to this assignment? What are you dreading? And for those of you who don't care one way or the other, why don't you? What do all of you (personally) hope to get out of this experience?
So many questions....Now go get cracking on your first post!
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Edgar Allan Poe
Dear English Answer Man:
I saw a bald guy wearing a shirt that said: "Poe is my homeboy." What does this mean?
The guy bought the shirt online. The rest you can figure out for yourself, but get started by watching the clip below:
I saw a bald guy wearing a shirt that said: "Poe is my homeboy." What does this mean?
The guy bought the shirt online. The rest you can figure out for yourself, but get started by watching the clip below:
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Priceless Pointers
UPDATE
Here is the essay prompt for those who need it:
Explain why John Adams made the decision to defend the soldiers. Did he make the right decision?
Use quotes from the novel to support your argument.
Dear English Answer Man:
Do you have any golden nuggets of wisdom to offer for those of us writing essays on The Fifth of March?
Of course. See the pricelss pointers below.
- Introduction:
- TAG sentence and a BRIEF summary of the situation in the story.
- Thesis statement. (Example: Given the circumstances,
- Body Paragraph #1:
- Discuss why
- Body Paragraph #2:
- Your first reason for why he made a good/bad decision
- (include key quotations and commentary).
- Body Paragraph #3
- Your SECOND reason for why he made a good/bad decision
- Body Paragraph #4
- Your THIRD reason for why he made a good/bad decision
- Conclusion
- Remind the reader of why
- Briefly review your reasons for why he made a good/bad choice.
- DO NOT PRESENT ANY NEW INFORMATION IN YOUR CONCLUSION!
Sunday, September 26, 2010
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