Frances Power Cobbe's essay on the property of married women under the British Common Law was very striking. She criticizes the movement through lengthy, detailed paragraphs but also offers realistic scenarios (for the time), poetry and a very thought provoking allegory at the beginning. The last quote of the allegorical sequence managed to encapsulate what we have discussed in class and through our readings:
"Pardon me; I muse seem to you so stupid! Why is the property of the woman who commits Murder, and the property of the woman who commits Matrimony, dealt with alike by your law?"
Women were not given any ownership over their home, children or themselves and this comment addresses that with blunt irony and truth. Like criminals, married women are stripped of their property. This comment strings together a seemingly positive thing (marriage) with an obviously heinous act (murder) to describe the sacrifice of women who marry.
The phrase "commits Matrimony" strips any flowery connotations one may have with the marriage. Sure, it is an allegory and by definition is supposed to have hidden meaning but it introduces Cobbe's attack on Common Law very nicely. Later in the essay, she goes on to compare the marital union to tarantulas who "gobbles" their companion once put together. Together, the examples helped me unscramble the lengthy paragraphs and find meaning to the author's argument.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Spartans in Candyland
The week before finals, many students seek escape and sometimes that escape is in the form of food, more specifically, sweets.
Residents at Brody Complex were treated to something sweet on Tuesday night when five Human Nutrition and Foods seniors prepared a Candyland themed dinner for their final exam. Entrees for the dinner include: a fluffy fruit salad, sushi with dyed rice, Thai peanut soup, cherry-glazed chicken, candied yams, rainbow pesto pasta and a chocolate fountain. Hungry yet?
Dietetics senior Anne Maynard said a lot of preparation went into the dinner and she worked closely with the chefs and Brody staff. Her group member, Matthew Grunewald, shared the sentiment. "(The chefs) were very helpful, we were encouraged to think of all our ideas, (the) creative process and figuring out the menu. They were very helpful in teaching us different things, it was nurturing and low-stress," he said.
Chef Joe Murphy said he is more of a guide, "I make them do everything."
Maynard and Grunewald agreed that the chocolate fountain would be a popular item for the dinner. "In terms of enjoyment, people always like that."
The seniors said a lot of prep has gone into making this dinner a success, their HNF 445 instructor will be in attendance along with a project 1,600-1,700 guests.
Residents at Brody Complex were treated to something sweet on Tuesday night when five Human Nutrition and Foods seniors prepared a Candyland themed dinner for their final exam. Entrees for the dinner include: a fluffy fruit salad, sushi with dyed rice, Thai peanut soup, cherry-glazed chicken, candied yams, rainbow pesto pasta and a chocolate fountain. Hungry yet?
Dietetics senior Anne Maynard said a lot of preparation went into the dinner and she worked closely with the chefs and Brody staff. Her group member, Matthew Grunewald, shared the sentiment. "(The chefs) were very helpful, we were encouraged to think of all our ideas, (the) creative process and figuring out the menu. They were very helpful in teaching us different things, it was nurturing and low-stress," he said.
Chef Joe Murphy said he is more of a guide, "I make them do everything."
Maynard and Grunewald agreed that the chocolate fountain would be a popular item for the dinner. "In terms of enjoyment, people always like that."
The seniors said a lot of prep has gone into making this dinner a success, their HNF 445 instructor will be in attendance along with a project 1,600-1,700 guests.
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Future Educators agree: Students > Money
For three Michigan State University education majors, the answer to the school budget debate is simple: focus on the children. A major point of discussion during the East Lansing school board meeting on April 11, the school budget (and possible deficit) sparked lively conversation between the board and community members but the topic hits home for Spartans as well.
Elementary education senior Tatianna Johnson said money problems aren't specialized for East Lansing alone and that it is a national concern but suggested if focus is on the children "we'll be better off." Johnson said she wants to teach in urban areas because of her educational background and hopes to be a role-model for students like herself.
Johnson is a native-Detroiter, a city where the functional illiteracy rate is 47 percent and the high school graduation rate is 67 percent.
Amy Tenbrink, an elementary education sophomore, said classroom cuts for products such as hands-on tools deters learning, especially for young students. "Most teachers have to take out of their personal budget to buy supplies and I think that to have a good functioning classroom you need to have basic supplies."
Danielle Wesolowski said students need good teachers to ensure they receive an adequate education. Wesolowski is a elementary education junior. Wesolowski said she has experienced having a bad teacher and wants to do better by her future students.
Elementary education senior Tatianna Johnson said money problems aren't specialized for East Lansing alone and that it is a national concern but suggested if focus is on the children "we'll be better off." Johnson said she wants to teach in urban areas because of her educational background and hopes to be a role-model for students like herself.
Johnson is a native-Detroiter, a city where the functional illiteracy rate is 47 percent and the high school graduation rate is 67 percent.
Amy Tenbrink, an elementary education sophomore, said classroom cuts for products such as hands-on tools deters learning, especially for young students. "Most teachers have to take out of their personal budget to buy supplies and I think that to have a good functioning classroom you need to have basic supplies."
Danielle Wesolowski said students need good teachers to ensure they receive an adequate education. Wesolowski is a elementary education junior. Wesolowski said she has experienced having a bad teacher and wants to do better by her future students.
Thursday, April 14, 2011
East Lansing School Board discusses Deficit
On Monday April 11, the East Lansing School Board of Education exchanged a variety of topics from public schools going green to East Lansing High School's upcoming senior graduation. But, the topic that Superintendent Dr. David Chapin called a "priority" and one on everyone's mind was the budget deficit. Chapin announced in an earlier school board meeting that the projected deficit is $2.7 million.
This news follows the proposed cuts made by Governor Rick Snyder which has sparked rallies and protests from teachers, students, and parents around the state. Many would agree that money is important, but community members like Allyse Anderson wants school board members to remember the children.
“I would like for (the board) to retain focus on the fact that each student that comes through our school district has but one opportunity to move through our grades, K-12, and we owe every student an opportunity to optimize their experience,” Anderson said.
This news follows the proposed cuts made by Governor Rick Snyder which has sparked rallies and protests from teachers, students, and parents around the state. Many would agree that money is important, but community members like Allyse Anderson wants school board members to remember the children.
“I would like for (the board) to retain focus on the fact that each student that comes through our school district has but one opportunity to move through our grades, K-12, and we owe every student an opportunity to optimize their experience,” Anderson said.
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Omar: Blogger, Tweeter, Teacher
Michigan State University journalism instructor and State News adviser Omar Sofradzija is no newbie to the writing world. He was a award-winning columnist for the Las Vegas Review-Journal in Nevada. Omar is a blogger, twitter user, and self-proclaimed ESPN news junkie. The role he said he most enjoys is that of mentor.
But, don't take his word for it. (If your mother says she loves you...)
David Cobb, a former student, said Omar is a "fantastic teacher and great resource," and managing editor at The State News Kate Jacobson said he offers a nice perspective to the journalism world.
As a current student of Omar's JRN 200 course, I can say without a doubt that I have learned more about journalism in the last four months than I had as editor of my high school publication. Not only has my writing improved but the way I consume and analyze my work has grown. At times, class with Omar was intimidating and frustrating but through using the tools learned, it became gratifying and (almost) worth the fatals.
But, don't take his word for it. (If your mother says she loves you...)
David Cobb, a former student, said Omar is a "fantastic teacher and great resource," and managing editor at The State News Kate Jacobson said he offers a nice perspective to the journalism world.
As a current student of Omar's JRN 200 course, I can say without a doubt that I have learned more about journalism in the last four months than I had as editor of my high school publication. Not only has my writing improved but the way I consume and analyze my work has grown. At times, class with Omar was intimidating and frustrating but through using the tools learned, it became gratifying and (almost) worth the fatals.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Paperback > iPad
For two MSU students, paperback beats out iPads.
Sociology junior Erin Simmons and English junior Siobahn Jones both love books. Simmons said her favorite book is the Persepolis series. For Jones, her favorite is The Time Traveler's Wife. Jones said she visits Barnes and Noble once at least once a week even if she doesn't buy anything. Simmons said smart readers such as the iPad (which has various book applications) would be "distracting" and sticks to paperback.
“I like the smaller chain because there are a lot of books there that the larger stores may not have,” Simmons said.
Curious Book Shop manager Mark Vojcik said they receive a lot of student customers when they realize the store's existence.
Big Store Selection with Independent Attention!
The tug-of-war between personalized small store customer attention and big chain store glamor is fittingly exemplified in the 1998 film You've Got Mail. Besides being another Tom Hanks-Meg Ryan rom-com, this film puts independent store attention at ends with the then booming popularity of large chain book stores. (In the film, Ryan's small shop The Shop Around the Corner is at ends with Hanks' Fox Books). Fast forward 13 years and swap mega-stores for smart e-Readers and the fight remains the same.
In the fight between technological advancements and small independent bookstores, will hardcover classics beat out touch screen display?
Curious Book Shop and Archives Book Shop--both located on East Grand River Ave.--have been a staple in East Lansing since they opened in 1973 and 1987, respectively. Store owner Ray Walsh began selling books in 1969 as a student at Michigan State University and said his stores offer customers "odd things" that the bigger book store chains don't have. Things such as vintage magazines, original edition comics, and old maps.
In a time when big chain bookstores such as Barnes and Noble are struggling to maintain customer interest and Borders locations are closing around the country, these small stores have stood the test of time.
Promotions Coordinator at Schuler Books, Whitney Spotts, said the store lives by their motto "Big Store Selection with Independent Attention." She said the store is keeping their eye on technology and is trying to get their foot in the door.
Digital Lead at Barnes and Noble, Joe Schmidt, said electronic selections are cheaper than regular books and products like the Nook offer customers convenience.
In the fight between technological advancements and small independent bookstores, will hardcover classics beat out touch screen display?
Curious Book Shop and Archives Book Shop--both located on East Grand River Ave.--have been a staple in East Lansing since they opened in 1973 and 1987, respectively. Store owner Ray Walsh began selling books in 1969 as a student at Michigan State University and said his stores offer customers "odd things" that the bigger book store chains don't have. Things such as vintage magazines, original edition comics, and old maps.
In a time when big chain bookstores such as Barnes and Noble are struggling to maintain customer interest and Borders locations are closing around the country, these small stores have stood the test of time.
Promotions Coordinator at Schuler Books, Whitney Spotts, said the store lives by their motto "Big Store Selection with Independent Attention." She said the store is keeping their eye on technology and is trying to get their foot in the door.
Digital Lead at Barnes and Noble, Joe Schmidt, said electronic selections are cheaper than regular books and products like the Nook offer customers convenience.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Making the Move
Transitioning from one place to another can be as easy as walking from the kitchen to the bathroom, or as complex as going from high school graduate to college freshman. For finance sophomore Tiana Vinson, making the move from on-campus living to life at Chandler's Crossing is one she looks forward to because of the amenities offered.
She said life at Brody Complex was convenient because of its nearness to campus, prepared meals at Brody Dining Services, and easier time management. The renovations at Brody Complex, which includes the construction of new dorms and multi-million dollar cafeteria which opened in August. The question is, will these costly projects keep students coming back? Sure, freshman are required to live on-campus but what about students like Vinson who've already signed apartment leases and are ready to pack up their U-Haul and go?
Residential Life Director Paul Goldblatt said on-campus living is essential to the college experience. Pam Davis, the manager at Cedar Village said they have received 1,000 applications in the last four months alone. In the tug-of-war between student residence halls and off-campus leasing offices, a vast majority of students are choosing to leave. However, 14,500 students remain on-campus.
Vinson said she has lived on-campus in Brody Complex (Butterfield Hall) for the past two years and added that she's moving off-campus because it's cheaper. Vinson is from the windy city of Chicago which means she is an out-of-state student and must abide by out-of-state tuition regulations. After tallying up the prices and comparing her expenses of on vs. off-campus living, Vinson decided to go with Chandler's Crossing.
She said life at Brody Complex was convenient because of its nearness to campus, prepared meals at Brody Dining Services, and easier time management. The renovations at Brody Complex, which includes the construction of new dorms and multi-million dollar cafeteria which opened in August. The question is, will these costly projects keep students coming back? Sure, freshman are required to live on-campus but what about students like Vinson who've already signed apartment leases and are ready to pack up their U-Haul and go?
Residential Life Director Paul Goldblatt said on-campus living is essential to the college experience. Pam Davis, the manager at Cedar Village said they have received 1,000 applications in the last four months alone. In the tug-of-war between student residence halls and off-campus leasing offices, a vast majority of students are choosing to leave. However, 14,500 students remain on-campus.
Vinson said she has lived on-campus in Brody Complex (Butterfield Hall) for the past two years and added that she's moving off-campus because it's cheaper. Vinson is from the windy city of Chicago which means she is an out-of-state student and must abide by out-of-state tuition regulations. After tallying up the prices and comparing her expenses of on vs. off-campus living, Vinson decided to go with Chandler's Crossing.
Life Off-Campus
Where do Spartans choose to lay their helmets after a hard day's work? For about 12,000 MSU students that place is off-campus apartments or homes.
Advertising junior Will Harrell said he moved off-campus last May because the cost of living was cheaper. Aspects such as bigger space, a kitchen area, and a personal bathroom allow him to have a space of his own for less. Harrell said he lived in the residence halls his freshman and sophomore year (Bailey Hall and West McDonel Hall). This trend of students flocking off-campus after their freshman year provides business for the East Lansing Community. There is the Apartment Store located inside of SBS Bookstore, housing fairs in which students decide whether or not they want to move and business such as DTN Management (who owns a good portion of off-campus housing).
Another perk of off-campus living? Pets! Upon interviewing, Harrell showed off his pet snake D-Bo, a Royal Python. He said residence halls only allow pet fish inside the dorms and Chandler's Crossing allows him to have his cold-blooded companion.
In January, shootings were reported by The State News in an apartment complex near where Harrell lives. Being a native-Detroiter, Harrell said he wasn't phased by the shootings and shrugged them off as less prominent than in his hometown.
Whether prompted by the idea of pet snakes or the allure of having a space free from dorm chatter, MSU students such as Will Harrell are making the move from cafeteria food to home-cooked meals.
Advertising junior Will Harrell said he moved off-campus last May because the cost of living was cheaper. Aspects such as bigger space, a kitchen area, and a personal bathroom allow him to have a space of his own for less. Harrell said he lived in the residence halls his freshman and sophomore year (Bailey Hall and West McDonel Hall). This trend of students flocking off-campus after their freshman year provides business for the East Lansing Community. There is the Apartment Store located inside of SBS Bookstore, housing fairs in which students decide whether or not they want to move and business such as DTN Management (who owns a good portion of off-campus housing).
Another perk of off-campus living? Pets! Upon interviewing, Harrell showed off his pet snake D-Bo, a Royal Python. He said residence halls only allow pet fish inside the dorms and Chandler's Crossing allows him to have his cold-blooded companion.
In January, shootings were reported by The State News in an apartment complex near where Harrell lives. Being a native-Detroiter, Harrell said he wasn't phased by the shootings and shrugged them off as less prominent than in his hometown.
Whether prompted by the idea of pet snakes or the allure of having a space free from dorm chatter, MSU students such as Will Harrell are making the move from cafeteria food to home-cooked meals.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Original Song ~ Glee - 2
Creator Ryan Murphy has been commended for continuing to push the envelope and challenge the common beliefs of homosexuality, bisexuality and high school. The stand out moment in the Wednesday night episode (besides the song and dance) was the kiss between Kurt and Blaine. Twitter went wild with all caps hashtags such as THEY KISSED and shared sentiments over what this action meant not only for the two boys, but what it meant for audiences to be watching it.
Past television shows such as Will & Grace and My So-Called Life have touched on homosexuality but the climactic moment in Glee's "Original Song" was the cushioning to Kurt's long emotional rollercoaster ride that he's experienced all season. His dad had a heart attack and landed in the hospital. A school bully threatened his life. He was forced to leave his friends and transfer schools. Most of the aforementioned things are not glamorized fanfare meant to boost ratings and grab attention, they happen to real kids in real life.
The relationship between Santana and Brittany has also escalated this season. The girls went from best friends to confused lovers in all but five or six episodes. While this may seem like a contrived plot devise to contrast Kurt and Blaine's budding romance, Murphy and the Glee team gave these girls heart and realistic character growth.
Original Song ~ Glee
Wednesday night's episode of Glee once again proved why the show is so widely popular. Sure, there were the predictable angry rants from Sue. But there was also emotion, creative storytelling, and the belief that these 20-something actors could actually be mistaken for high school students. Over the years, countless TV shows have depicted teenage life through the lens of adult actors. Adult actors that look as if they should be college alumni. Glee, however, has been awarded with both Emmys and Golden Globes for breaking this cycle. Yes, the actors are adults but they transform themselves into believable teenagers. From love triangles to high school bullying to the geeky Glee club, this show doesn't just create a mirror of high school life...it reflects the taboos often left silent in real high school hallways.
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