Comments

I posted a comment on Different Ideas' blog about the bad reputation tattoos are given.

Early Draft

Romance novels are known for being predictable and cheesy, yet women are buying them by the boat load. Some women are spending as much as $100 monthly, solely on romance novels. One of the best-selling fiction categories on the market right now, third best in fact, is romance fiction. Publishers are scavenging, trying to find new material to put on the shelves of the “Romance” section of book stores. Many readers are being newly introduced to other books through romance novels. Yet critics have made clear that they believe romance novels do not provide the same intellectual benefits as other forms of literature. Some of these critics point out that reading rates have declined, and those who read romance do not venture into other genres. Others argue that the genre of Romance, compared to other literature, is neither thought provoking nor serious about moral issues. However, recent research and statistics will disprove and silence such critics. Romance novels do indeed provide the same benefits as reading other literature. 

Over the past couple of centuries, various reports such as the National Endowment for the Arts’ “To Read or Not to Read” were issued about the decline of reading in America. However this is no longer the case, and in fact, reading is on the rise in America. According to the NEA’s 2008 report “Reading on the Rise,” reading rates have increased significantly among all races and ages. The report states, “After decades of declining trends, there has been a decisive and unambiguous increase among virtually every group measured in this comprehensive national survey.” But more specifically, reading is on the rise among fiction genres. Research shows that 28.5% of novel and short story readers prefer to read romance books. Thus, illustrating that reading is on the rise among romance readers. 

Yet though more people may be reading romance, this does not necessarily mean they are reading other literature as well. Critics argue that unlike other genres, romance does not serve as a gateway into other literature. But on the contrary, authors often quote Jane Austen and William Shakespeare as influential story-tellers of romance that encouraged them to read and write. Stephanie Meyer, author of the Twilight series, makes a similar statement when she reveals her list of most significant authors. She confesses, “My favorite authors/biggest influences are (in no particular order) Orson Scott Card, Jane Austen, William Shakespeare, Maeve Binchy, Charlotte Bronte, Daphne DuMaurier, L.M. Montgomery, Louisa May Alcott, Eva Ibbotson, William Goldman, Douglas Adams, Janet Evanovich...” The listed authors vary in style from romance to science fiction to poetry and non-fiction. Thus, not only did romance authors such as Maeve Binchy and Shakespeare inspire her, but authors of other genres did as well. Further, such literature inspired Meyer to become an author herself, showing that romance can act as a gateway into other genres of literature. 

Comments

I recently commented on Paris Hilton's blog about the amount of texting people do now. 

Outdated Advisors

My friend from another school called me last night, very frustrated and upset. When I asked her what was wrong, she proceeded to rant endlessly about how useless college academic advisors are. She explained to me that her academic advisor told her to sign up for two classes that were prerequisites for her major. It tuns out that those classes will not count toward her major, and she is now 6 credits behind schedule for graduation. 

To be honest, she is not the first person I have heard of having this problem. Many of my friends here at SMU have had problems with their advisors. It seems to me that the system for academic counselors is outdated, especially for undecided majors. As an undeclared first year student, I look to my advisor for advice and guidance. Yet every time I have been to my advisor’s office, she seems unorganized and clueless. Her answer to most all of my questions is, “I’m not sure, let’s look in the course book.” Or she has to call someone else for help. 

I do the majority of class scheduling by myself because it is all online now. The only reason to see my advisor is for her to tell me which classes I still need to take. But couldn’t I do that online too? It only seems obvious to me that if most of our scheduling is online now, our advising should be too. It would be much more efficient than having every student signing up for appointments with their advisors. 

Online programs such as Access could then show each student their completed and required credits for graduation on time in a more user-friendly manner. Thus allowing students to determine which classes they need to take whenever they want, and eliminating simple mistakes. There would be far less errors in scheduling, such as my friend’s. 

I’m not proposing that we eliminate academic advisors completely however. Advisors for specific majors can be useful because they are well informed on which classes a student needs to take. However, I believe that advisors for undeclared majors need to either be better informed or given less responsibility. In addition, programs such as the Hegi Career Center at SMU are able to assist students who have trouble determining a major much more effectively than academic advisors. 

I honestly believe that academic advisors for undeclared majors at Universities are out of date. A more effective and efficient program needs to be put in their place soon so that students, such as my friend, aren’t stuck taking unnecessary classes due to simple mistakes. Have you had a similar experience? What changes do you propose

“I’m lucky I know, but I wanna go home...” -Michael Buble

Coming to college, I felt like this would be the time in my life when I become more independent from my parents. I have always been very close to my parents, so this was a tough concept for me to grasp. However, I found when I got to college that I have not lost my bond with parents in the slightest. I speak to them on the phone on a daily basis to tell them about my daily occurrences and to seek advice. 

My friends and I were talking about this topic the other day and they all had similar experiences. We all expected ourselves to become less homesick as the year went on. However, we find ourselves counting down the days until we get to go home again. Don’t get me wrong, I love SMU. But there’s nothing like home. I miss home cooked meals, my dog, my bed, and my family. It got me thinking as to when I will begin to feel that separation from my parents. 

I’m sure that this feeling varies person to person based on their relationship with their parents. However, I have found homesickness to be a common theme on campus recently. Has anyone else had the same experience?

The Dumbest Generation: Screen Time Response

While reading a chapter called "Screen Time" of the book The Dumbest Generation by Mark Bauerlein, I came across an interesting point. In the chapter the author discusses how "The Millennials," or the Generation born between 1980- 2000, are especially gifted with technology. On page 73 Bauerline writes, "Young (technology) users don't just possess good skills- they have 'innate ability.' They don't just tinker online; they 'construct knowledge.'" 

While I do agree that “The Millennials” have great depth of knowledge and skill with technology, I do not agree that it is an “innate ability.” I believe that they achieve their knowledge of technology from using it on a daily basis for years of their lives. When I was in elementary school, it was required for students to take computer classes to be familiar with the programs and layouts. These classes continued throughout by high school education. In addition to that, I was using technology on a daily basis for recreation. Thus, why I am so familiar with technology. 

Although Bauerline may have been exaggerating when he said that young people have an “innate ability,” I think that he could have found a better way to express their familiarity with technology. Perhaps he could have called their understanding of technology a “second nature” because it is such a major part of their lives now, and it feel almost natural to them. 

Comments

I just posted a comment to KEE's blog about the popularity of Frozen Yogurt (or as I like to call it, FroYo).

Comments

I just commented on Paris Hilton's blog about the debate between living on campus or off. 

Bumper Stickers Anonymous

Hello, my name is Thyrston and I am a bumper sticker addict. I will sit on Facebook for hours on end, looking through pages upon pages of bumper stickers. Even if I have a test the next day and a paper to write, I always have to urge to look at just a few more. I often can’t exit the screen because I feel like the funniest, most perfect bumper sticker will be on the next page. If I quit then I’ll never know about it. I am saddened to announce that my number is 143. Yes, I have gone through 143 pages of bumper stickers in one sitting. It’s sickening, I know. I need help! 

My friend and I sit through Electrical Engineering class every Monday, Wednesday and Friday looking through endless amounts of bumper stickers and sending them to friends. They typically consist of one of the following groups: LOL Catz, FAILs, Twilight, Jizz in My Pants, Nom Nom Nom, Pokemon puns, True Life, or That’s what she said. If you use bumper stickers, you know what I’m talking about. There is always one that represents an inside joke you have with someone, and you HAVE to send it to them. There are others that are hilarious, disturbing, and offensive all at once. They are a true representation of our sense of humor as a society. Yet I can’t figure out what keeps me coming back for more. What makes bumper stickers so addicting? In addition to that, how are they able to keep a person’s attention for such a long period of time?

After reading Lee Siegel’s book “Against the Machine” I can’t help but wonder, are bumper stickers making our generation stupid? I think there is a possibility that they are making us stupid. We are seeking instant gratification from the humor of a bumper sticker, gaining little knowledge in the process. It is also contributing to our generation’s issue of a short attention span. However, since the bumper stickers are so small in size and information, they are able to keep our attention. What do you think?

Aim for the Stars

Last fall I wrote a blog called “Reach for the Stars” about choosing a major and a parent’s role in deciding one for their child. I argued that college students should be able to choose a major based on passion rather then salary. However, over the winter break I  came to understand and empathize with the other side of the argument thanks to my brother. He is a chemical engineer who graduated from the University of Rochester, and has been working on oil rigs for the past year. I discussed with him the fact that I have been having a difficult time deciding on a major. He told me that he has seen many of his friends go through college to find both success and failure based on what they have studied. With all of his wisdom, he decided to make a powerpoint presentation for me to help me decide on a major. 

In the presentation, my brother used a metaphor that helped me to understand the importance of a major. He said that the college you choose is like the bow of a bow and arrow. You cannot shoot very well without a good bow (and SMU is a very nice bow). Now, many people choose an excellent bow, but they shoot their arrow straight into the ground in front of their feet by choosing a bad major. Yet others are able to shoot far into the distance with that very same bow. He continued to make several good points. 

Firstly, he made the point that not all professions require a college education (although we are often told that they do). For example, one of his friends invested in a pizza parlor right out of high school and is now making a six figure salary. Yet another one of his friends got a masters in English, couldn’t find a job, and is not back at school trying to get a Law degree. Thus, I need to choose a major that can get me a decent job, and some majors are better than others.

Which leads me to his second point, some majors are indeed better than others in the eyes of an employer. He told me that one of the best majors you can have coming out of college in an Engineering degree. This is not necessarily to become an engineer, but to train your mind to think like an engineer. Similar to a law degree, it is challenging and requires your mind to think in new and analytical ways. It sets you apart from other slacker students who weren’t willing to put the study time in. It shows the employer that you’re determined. If you don’t believe me read the article by Forbes. 

Third and finally, major in something difficult and minor in something you love. This way you can challenge yourself and still enjoy your education. 

My brother told me that since I probably won’t go for an engineering degree, I should look to Cox Business School because of it’s great reputation. He steered me towards either Finance or Accounting for their wide uses and tough curriculum. I agreed that Finance was probably the best fit for me because I could still apply that to many different job fields. Especially considering I still don’t have a great idea of what I want to do with my life, which I’m sure many of you can empathize with! 

While I may not be getting an education for the sake of an education, I will still be getting an education. I seem to be able to sympathize with my parents about choosing a major more easily due to these tough economic times. If they are willing to fork over thousands of dollars for me to get an education, I owe it to them to make the most of it. If that means not becoming a starving artist, I think I’m okay with that.