Extra Credit Blog Mumford and Sons the Cave

To truly understand the brilliance behind the lyrics of the Cave by the folk band Mumford and Son’s, the listener must be familiar with Plato’s Allegory of the Cave. In Plato’s allegory there are a group of prisoners bound by their legs and are forced to be chained to the ground as they face a wall. As the prisoners face the wall they see shadows projected by a flame burning behind them. These shadows (being the only thing the prisoners have seen) becomes their reality. They are forced day and night for their entire lives to stare at these shadows and they become their only glimpse of the world. They are essentially unaware; naïve to the world that truly surrounds them. One day one of the prisoners are released and allowed to stand up and leave the cave. The prisoner emerges from the cave and sees the sun and the surrounding world. Out of excitement he returns to the other prisoners and tells them about the world outside the cave. Yet, when he tells them about the world outside the other prisoners do not believe him and ignore his discovery as they are stubborn, naïve, and unwilling to accept anything beyond what they already know.

         Mumford is well-known for incorporating their knowledge of literature into their music to help convey their themes they present. In the Cave the story being told is describing the difficulties and faults of two lovers trapped in their relationship due to one partner’s unwillingness to abandon her pride for the sake of their relationship. The opener describes one lover that continually avoids the sun as it rises behind her. The sun is a representation of knowledge in both the son and Plato’s writing and the lover is avoiding this knowledge. The speaking lover states later on in the song that he finds strength in pain and that he will not let his lover choke on a noose that she is hanging from. This provides a metaphor for the relationship between the two of them. The speaker’s lover is prideful and unwilling to accept the mistakes that she has made in the relationship with him. Yet, the speaker has seen beyond the problems and the “reality” that the two of them have had in their relationship and wants to make progress. He wants to leave behind their old ways and attempt to fix their issues. Yet, unless she is willing to put her pride aside and admit her mistakes, nothing can be done to fix their relationship. The song is about searching for truth and putting aside pride in order to truly understand love.

It's empty in the valley of your heart

The sun, it rises slowly as you walk

Away from all the fears

And all the faults you've left behind

The harvest left no food for you to eat

You cannibal, you meat-eater, you see

But I have seen the same

I know the shame in your defeat

But I will hold on hope

And I won't let you choke

On the noose around your neck

And I'll find strength in pain

And I will change my ways

I'll know my name as it's called again

Cause I have other things to fill my time

You take what is yours and I'll take mine

Now let me at the truth

Which will refresh my broken mind

So tie me to a post and block my ears

I can see widows and orphans through my tears

I know my call despite my faults

And despite my growing fears

But I will hold on hope

And I won't let you choke

On the noose around your neck

And I'll find strength in pain

And I will change my ways

I'll know my name as it's called again

So come out of your cave walking on your hands

And see the world hanging upside down

You can understand dependence

When you know the maker's land

So make your siren's call

And sing all you want

I will not hear what you have to say

Cause I need freedom now

And I need to know how

To live my life as it's meant to be

And I will hold on hope

And I won't let you choke

On the noose around your neck

And I'll find strength in pain

And I will change my ways

I'll know my name as it's called again

Blog 13

(sound of lighter being lit)

Arizona State has recently announced to students, it's plans to become a smoking free campus. Arizona has decided to join several campuses around the United States in becoming a smoking free environment and promoting a healthier lifestyle and becoming more academically focused. Staff and Health Services have their own views concerning the issue and truly feel that banning smoking on campus will help to better engage students on campus. Students are both supportive of and against the decision. Some students believe that the school has some sort of agenda that they are trying to satisfy by not allowing students to smoke on campus. 

"The school is trying to take away our rights, as adults we should be respected enough that they can allow us the responsibility to decide whether or not to smoke and considering that we live on campus we should be allowed to do what we like in our homes, argues one student.

Other students see this as an opportunity for the school and students alike. 

"I don't like walking around campus and having people puffing smoke into my face, it's gross, rude, and students can find other hobbies to avoid stress and be engaged on campus", says Tory Howell

First year student Jan Chen had similar input-

"With smoking banned on campus students can find better things to do with their time. I hate when I go on my runs on campus and someone randomly blows smoke into my face. It throws me off and it's just gross. Included, we have a daycare center on campus and that's so unhealthy and impressionable if kids are running around and students are just smoking in front of them and stuff."

Many students agree that smoking on campus is only detrimental to the college experience as it promotes an unhealthy environment for students as they go about their everyday activities. "While smoking is a privilege its one that we can definitely live without on campus", adds Chen.

A concern for students against the act is that they need  chance to smoke during the day in order to handle stress that comes from being a regular college student. In response to that concern ASU is providing students with a Tobacco Cessation program in order to help students drop their habit. The program offers students visits with tobacco cessation specialists, over the counter prescriptions, and online resources. The campus is giving students a lot of opportunities to help choose a healthier lifestyle.

Overall the decision to make ASU a tobacco free environment is a smart one that will help every student's experience and overall wellness at ASU.

Blog 12

Recently rumors have emerged that ASU plans on banning smoking campus. Some students are disconcerted, but a large portion of students are outraged. For some students smoking is an escape from the everyday stresses that the highly demanding college provides, for some it's just a habitual practice, and for others it is a way to assert their individuality as an adult making their way into the adult world (basically a trend or way to make themselves look cool). Despite anybody's preference, the school is planning on banning smoking on campus. While to some this may seem to some as just another way for ASU to strip students of their free will it isn't all just a negative change. Smoking in and of itself is not a healthy practice and banning it on campus could be a good way to help promote a healthier and all around more productive lifestyle. Without the legal ability to smoke on campus students can be encouraged to drop an otherwise unhealthy addiction and find much more productive ways to spend their free time and get more involved in practices that will improve their life quality. It seems like a stupid rule to enforce on campus but other schools already have no smoking laws and their quality of life has not been diminished in any way. ASU is trying to keep itself as a quality institution and truly help improve the quality of experience for its students. My argument may not be popular but it sounds like a good idea to me.

Sources

• Ask students around campus about their opinion
• Schools that have no smoking on campus check their statistics about students' quality of life
• Talk to the school Administrators 
• Ask professors their opinions on the change
• Statistics on how smoking affects students' health
• Ask around about how cigarettes affect littering on campus
• Read about why ASU is banning smoking on campus

Blog 11

I feel that the second writing project was a much more engaging and explorative. I liked the project because we were given the flexibility to do virtually whatever we wanted within the confines of the criteria. My Topic was really fun to do mainly because I got to really have fun with it and sort of be creative with the food places that I chose and that my friends helped me to choose. Personally I am much better with creative and reflective writing since I get to have more of a voice rather than just observing something. It was still a challenging project although I found it to be much more possible than writing project 1. I didn’t find any criteria for the project too hard to understand, or too difficult to formulate.

Personally what I didn’t like about the project was formulating the blogging elements. It was just a very tedious process. Also I think it bothered me because I was trying to be lazy. When I pulled it altogether I found that really organizing and forming the blog made the project really nice and crisp. Plus, the formatting made it a lot more engaging and attractive. I also have been considering starting my own personal blog aside from this class so having this project show me different ways to format and organize information in my blog proved very helpful.

Overall I liked the second project. Especially in comparison to the first project which I was not very fond of at all. Formatting blogs is an especially good skill to have and the subject was very engaging and easy  as long as you put sufficient effort into it.

Blog # 10

In any kind of research based paper quotation, paraphrasing, and summary can be very important tools to use. Not only do they make your observations and opinion more valid they also add content to your subject. As stated in the reading, "visual sources can lend support to an assertion"(574). Sometimes simply being able to state an opinion isn't enough to convince people of your argument. If anybody could just make an assertion without any proof, or if people were simply naive enough to accept any argument somebody tossed into their paper, then we would not very knowledgable or reliable people. Readers are much more inclined to read and truly delve into the content from a writer that shows they are knowledgable and has done their research. Using summary to give the reader a basic knowledge and understanding of what you are discussing, paraphrasing to help establish a thought or idea, and quotations to bring attention to important details, opinions, or theories all help to make your writing much more credible and appropriate. Everybody has bias but it is important to have evidence to make your assertions much more credible otherwise you are just ranting. Ranting doesn't necessarily make you un-knowlegable but it does take away from your content. Having a physical quote and source to back up your argument shows you know what you are talking about. In my paper it is is especially important to have sources so that when I say a place is good for going on a first date, they can see other sources agree with me and I am not just randomly saying it.
Mood and tone are also very important tools in writing. A boring essay can throw a reader off and make them averted to really accepting your opinion. When discussing an argument the reader needs to be interested and have their curiosity sparked. They must genuinely be drawn to the discuss and it's up to the writer to establish a mood and incorporate visuals and quotations to help. This is important for my paper since I'm discussing good eating places to go to on a first date. Somebody that is considering visiting one of these place may want a clear visual of the place they are visiting for that special date and may want some trustworthy sources to gather information about the restaurant they are going to be visiting. Readers don't just want to hear about a place they are visiting. Readers want to be able to identify with the writer and understand why the restaurant is worth visiting which makes visuals an important part.

Project 2 Rough Draft

Chipotle 

Chipotle is a Mexican food restaurant based originally from Denver, Colorado. Chipotle offers healthy Mexican food choices at reasonably low prices. Customers are served in a buffet style and are able to create their own kid of burrito, taco, or taco salad which is assembled for the customer by the staff in a sort of Subway fashion. Customers are greeted with a full experience from a very helpful and personable staff and the relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. 

Popularity/ Appeal

• Tends to be an extremely popular food choice and gathering place especially for college students
• Family oriented restaurant 
• Customers generally between the age 15-28

Calories/ Healthy Options

• Average 1015 calories for a meal serving
• Menu option can accommodate vegan and vegetarian diets
• Specifically made to help accommodate any healthy lifestyle
• All food products are organic
• Burritos
• Salads
• Tacos

Cost

• Meals generally cost between $5-$12
• Good option for college students on a low budget trying to keep that luck girl/ guy happy 

Atmosphere

• Buffet style eatery
• Workers tend to be very personable and accommodating
• Mexican style restaurant 
• Very "hip"and laid back feel perfect for any date

Zoyo

Zoyo Neighborhood Yogurt is a frozen yogurt self-service restaurant. Customers walk in and are greeted by the friendly staff and are able to choose from a variety of flavors of frozen yogurt such as Apple Pie, Blueberry Blast, Chocolate, Hawaiian Pineapple, Vanilla etc. Then, customers can choose from a variety of delicious toppings to toss onto their yogurt. Zoyo is specifically intended to be a community oriented establishment and provide a safe and comfortable hangout for young people and families.

Popularity/Appeal

• Self service frozen yogurt restaurants have become very popular in the last decade
• Customers generally between the ages of 12-22

Calories/ Healthy Options

• Serving of frozen yogurt generally are 100 calories
• Frozen yogurt
• Fruit toppings

Cost

• Servings are weighed out and prices vary depending on the amount of frozen yogurt
• Generally $5-$10
• Low cost tasty treat

Atmosphere

• Frozen Yogurt is a healthy and nice treat after a night of hanging out
• A relaxed and comfortable environment to hang out with your date
• Friendly Staff

Rita's Italian Ice

Rita's is a Ice Cream parlor style establishment similar to Cold Stone Creamery. Rita's specializes in flavored ice and their popular Ice custard which is similar to ice cream but with egg based product giving a richer consistency. The establishment is presented in a ice cream parlor style with a ready and able staff cheerfully serving costumers in an orderly and helpful manner.

Popularity/ Appeal

• Italian Ice/ Ice Cream (Custard)
• Dessert
• Popular Establishment along Mill Ave.
• Generally customers around 18-28

Calories/ Healthy Options

• Servings are generally around 400 Calories 
• Ice Cream
• Custard
• Italian Flavored Ice

Cost

• Generally around $4-$10

Atmosphere

• Fun and Active environment
• Hip dessert stop along Mill Ave. after a fun night on the strip
• Ice Cream is always a great treat and an excellent element to a fun night

Green

Green also self named "The New American Vegetarian", is an all vegan- vegetarian restaurant offering choices without meat or diary products. Most of the menu is organic unless the choice absolutely makes it necessary to provide non-organic ingredients. The establishment has a very hip vibe and youthful vibe to it and the food is delicious. A must go for any college student to pull of a fun filled date.

Popularity/ Appeal

• All vegan-vegetarian restaurant
• Popular among the young scene
• Customers range from ages 18-32

Calories/ Healthy Options

• Mainly organic choices
• All vegan menu 
• Food ranges in calories to about 950 calories per meal

Cost

• On average costs about $10-$20 for a meal
• A little pricey but affordable date

Atmosphere

• Hip youthful atmoshere
• Popular among the "hipster scene

Fun First Date Spots Near Campus

Every man wants to pull off the perfect first date. Behind the canisters of axe, the Gucci bags, those $200 pairs of pants, one of the most important parts of the date is the setting and what better thing to do than get food? Everybody loves to eat! The scenery can always make a great date even better. You want a place that is familiar and comfortable for your date and service should be complementary and and personable. It can be hard to choose a place that for both daters provides a nice comfortable atmosphere and choices that cater to different preferences and diets. I'm here to provide some fun and healthy choices for anyone trying to pull off that awesome first date.

Blog 8 Great Places to Get Food for a First Date Near Campus

  . Places: Zoyo(frozen yogurt), Green, Chipotle, Rita's Italian Ice and Custard

Evaluative Criteria and Research Ideas
  . Popularity 
    -Yelp.com
    -facebook.com (page likes and people's reviews)
    -Interviews(primary/secondary sources)
  . Serving Sizes/ Calories/ Options
    -Zoyogurt.com/yougurt
    -http://www.chipotle.com/en-US/menu/nutrition_calculator/nutrition_calculator.aspx
    -http://www.ritasice.com
    -http://greenvegetarian.com
  . Demographic/ General Feel
    -Primary Sources
    -Interviews
    -Personal Visits
  . Appeal
    -http://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/bestof/2009/award/best-vegan-restaurant-1454135/ (Green was rated Phoenix's best vegan restaurant)
    -Interviews opinions
    -http://www.fastcompany.com/most-innovative-companies/2012/chipotle (top 50 most innovative companies)

Blog 7 Evaluating Opinions

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/2e/Chipotle_Mexican_Grill.jpg

I had been discussing with some friends different places that they enjoy eating or hanging out at. So, after discussing I went on to Yelp's website and looked up reviews for the Chipotle in Tempe since it seems to be a very popular place to eat. At the top the eatery got four star, which was of no surprise to me because people generally peak highly of its food and service so generally I would expect to see a positive response. When reading over reviews i did see a general trend in responses from reviewers. Mainly people spoke highly of the fast service, good quality, atmosphere, and the quick staff. But, their were people that would provide their own differing views. For example, a Caitlin C. who humorously described her idea of Chipotle as "...a love affair since I bit into my first burrito", had a rather unpleasant experience concerning the staff at Chipotle. Caitlin felt that the staff was not personable, and was more concerned with quick service that with actually helping and being friendly with customers looking for a comfortable and friendly atmosphere. Where as some may see quick delivery as a very important part to the experience it is understandable why she would think this way. Some people may like quick service but others may also place importance on factors such as customer service or being made to feel welcome while being served. Her observation did show that while there is a general consensus, there is still personal preference for people and what they like or don't like about certain things. Another girl Christine T. said that she did not like that she was charged $1.80 for guacamole and the portions that customers were served even though she liked the food. There are different factors to how people observe different things. Everybody has a bias and it is important in my opinion, to be able to know that these different views exist so that you can make your own logical and educated decisions about things without simply taking other peoples thoughts and ideas. Chipotle is definitely a very popular eatery and it is important for people to really know about it and try it so they can develop their own opinion about the quality of service and taste of the food. People develop their own opinions through personal experience, values, and somewhat from other people's perceptions. I think this will definitely help me to find some popular places people like to go on dates at.

Brick (Blog 6)

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/7/73/Brickmovieposter.jpg

This week I had the pleasure of viewing the film Brick starring rising young actor Joseph Gordon Levitt well known for his role as Thomas Hanson in the quarky, hipster hit (500) Days of Summer. The film centers around the troubled, angsty, and brilliant-minded Brendan Fyre and his involvement in a dangerous drug deal involving his ex-girlfriend Emily. Brendan tries to help Emily and protect her from the dangerous dealings; realizing she is in over her head. Yet, Emily shuns Brendan and meets her fate at the hands of an unknown culprit. Happening upon the dead body of his lover, an angry and devastated Brendan sets on a quest to find the people responsible for Emily's death and, "break a couple teeth" along the way.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/9/96/BrickScreenshot.jpg

The film takes on a gritty neo-noir style and takes place in a suburban, high school setting. Director Rian Johnson takes on an interesting scene by throwing high schoolers into a dark and gritty underworld filled with sex, drugs, violence, and greed. The main character is staged as the stage detective film hero. He is smart, cunning, charming, confident, and always is one step ahead. Yet there is a vulnerability and even relatable weakness to Brendan that gives a certain twist to the character and and some of the events of the movie. Brendan's character is definitely the most likable and gives alot of edge to the film but the supporting cast is also very interesting and every character is always throwing a new twist into the plot. Most characters are fillers but Brendan and the main cast do go through a lot of development and keep the viewer posted. At times characters seem one dimensional or unnecessary but at times the viewer has to ask themselves what different characters motives are or what they'll do next. The plot is very engaging as well. Mainly the plot is character driven since it is a detective story but the viewer is always asking what will happen next. There are lots of twists and turns, and in an somewhat ironic manner the movie tends to make fun of itself. The setting of course is in a suburban high school which in many ways helps to fuel the irony and provide a subtle sort of comic relief amongst the otherwise dark and high intensity plot.
Altogether the film highly succeeds where it needs to and then some. The main characters are very interesting and engaging especially considering the neo-noir setting. Any lover of old cheesy detective films will appreciate the clever twist on the memorable genre. Cinematography and filming style are great and really establish the tone and familiar feel that the film presents. Plus the plot is engaging and all the twists and turns ultimately leave you with a satisfying ending that leave your mind rattling with questions. Brick is definitely a must see for any movie goer.

Writing Project 1 Summary

For my space I observed one of my friend’s room’s. I chose the space since it was familiar to me and I could make a lot of in depth observations. For my applied lens I used Frank Vanclay’s Making Sense of Place. I figured that a lens would be interesting if the person I was observing the space through actually owned it. For observation of the space I asked my friend a couple questions about the space and what she felt about it. Vanclay asserts in his passage that some who invests in their space goes through a process of place making and establishes a biophysical connection with their space. I wanted to explore this assertion and see how place making works. I also explored Vanclay’s ideas on pluralities of space. He argues that different people can have different feeling about a space based of their experiences and how they relate to the space. I felt that since she personally lives their and I only visit from time to time we may have vastly different views of the space which would be a very interesting idea to explore and see how our views differ from one another. Through my observations I have come to really respect Vanclays ideas and observations and now have a much more developed and broader perspective.