Everyone gets so uppity about plagiarism.
I realize the difference is quoting, referencing and plagiarizing has been discussed in many academic circles. However, it continues to elude high school students who honestly thought they were just paraphrasing the article. Why can you set off 4 pages worth in block quotes, but if something remains uncited it is plagiarism?
In my profession we consider research published more than 5 years ago to be "common knowledge." Why should that not be the case for more genres?
This subject is not particularly timely or relevant, I was just thinking back to the time when I considered becoming an english teacher. I would carefully plan out my strategy for encouraging plagiarism from my students. Using the work of others is how new work is eventually created. If the original author does not want his/her work to be used - don't publish. "But then nothing would ever get published." Exactly.
3.05.2008
2.29.2008
My favorite days
September 24:
This day is a stand out for me. A day like no other. For many years I held "September 24" parties. Nothing special happened on this day, as far as I know. It is not my birthday (or my half birthday). I would imagine my love comes from the aesthetic appeal of the word "September" and my fondness for the number 24. Separately they are good things - together, they constitute my favorite day.
I am thoroughly jealous of anyone who has this birthday, and will likely force it to be an important day in my life somehow. (ie, demanding it as a wedding date, holding labor until this day, not pulling the plug on my dad until this day)
February 19:
This one is a bit more obvious. It is my birthday. As I have gone through life, many of the coolest people I have met have February birthdays - so I feel cosmically privileged to be predetermined for this group.
As a result of this special assignment, I have also become a bit obsessed with the number 19 (some might recall my 19th birthday party).
February 29:
This is a truly blessed day...or a completely screwed up concept - however you wish to look at it. The fact that someone along the way said "Hey, instead of making every day longer," or "Let's alter the calendar a bit" said "Every 4 years we will add a day!" is astounding to me. Even more mind-blowing is that others agreed ("Oh yes, brilliant idea!" "Here, Here!").
However, they gave the day to poor, short, slightly self-conscious February - and for that, we are thankful.
This day is a stand out for me. A day like no other. For many years I held "September 24" parties. Nothing special happened on this day, as far as I know. It is not my birthday (or my half birthday). I would imagine my love comes from the aesthetic appeal of the word "September" and my fondness for the number 24. Separately they are good things - together, they constitute my favorite day.
I am thoroughly jealous of anyone who has this birthday, and will likely force it to be an important day in my life somehow. (ie, demanding it as a wedding date, holding labor until this day, not pulling the plug on my dad until this day)
February 19:
This one is a bit more obvious. It is my birthday. As I have gone through life, many of the coolest people I have met have February birthdays - so I feel cosmically privileged to be predetermined for this group.
As a result of this special assignment, I have also become a bit obsessed with the number 19 (some might recall my 19th birthday party).
February 29:
This is a truly blessed day...or a completely screwed up concept - however you wish to look at it. The fact that someone along the way said "Hey, instead of making every day longer," or "Let's alter the calendar a bit" said "Every 4 years we will add a day!" is astounding to me. Even more mind-blowing is that others agreed ("Oh yes, brilliant idea!" "Here, Here!").
However, they gave the day to poor, short, slightly self-conscious February - and for that, we are thankful.
2.25.2008
The obligatory (post) birthday post
On February 19 I turned 25. In my mind this is a stellar age. The last age-related changes (excluding politics) are made this year; I can rent a car (without the outrageous underage fees), my car insurance goes down (or would if I owned a car), and I believe I can run for a house seat (though that is political).
I am not afraid of growing older. I don't dread it. I have very few regrets from my past - and everything is looking good for the future. However, after much contemplation, I have made the decision that this will be my last birthday for approximately five years.
It is not the progression of age I am hesitant to encounter - it is all the Ned Ryersons of the world that make me not want to continue my climb towards 30.
I detest the possibility of this scene:
Ned: "So, how old arya?"
Me: "27"
Ned: [elbow jab + chin chuck] "Almost 30!"
Me: "#@!*"
Grandma: "Ned said he ran into you at Wal-Mart..."
So, in order to avoid hurting my grandmother, I will continue to be 25 until I hit 30 (possibly 31, depending on how bitter I am in 5 years).
Note: This will, in no way, effect the necessity for birthday parties or gifts. I will simply continue to have 25 candles (or another arbitrary number).
I am not afraid of growing older. I don't dread it. I have very few regrets from my past - and everything is looking good for the future. However, after much contemplation, I have made the decision that this will be my last birthday for approximately five years.
It is not the progression of age I am hesitant to encounter - it is all the Ned Ryersons of the world that make me not want to continue my climb towards 30.
I detest the possibility of this scene:
Ned: "So, how old arya?"
Me: "27"
Ned: [elbow jab + chin chuck] "Almost 30!"
Me: "#@!*"
Grandma: "Ned said he ran into you at Wal-Mart..."
So, in order to avoid hurting my grandmother, I will continue to be 25 until I hit 30 (possibly 31, depending on how bitter I am in 5 years).
Note: This will, in no way, effect the necessity for birthday parties or gifts. I will simply continue to have 25 candles (or another arbitrary number).
2.12.2008
So, so, so cold
**This post is not suitable for any reader who might think I am still 12**
I love words. I honestly do. I am not a "word person" per say. I am not good at Scrabble, and crossword puzzles make me feel like an incompetent idiot. However, hearing and occasionally using great words can certainly ameliorate my affect. Words are elegant, they are recherché. An extensive vocabulary is not only impressive, it is worthy of envy.
The English language, for the most part, is capable of conveying an endless supply of feelings, meanings, ideas, actions, items...etc. The vast array of words provided are completely malleable and a bit ductile, more gaseous than solid - they can be manipulated to my whimsy and incorporated at my will.
Which brings me to this morning.
This morning when I left for the gym (545) it was 11 degrees Fahrenheit. I was wearing a t-shirt under a sweatshirt under a hoodie under a hooded overcoat. My face and neck were wrapped in a scarf. Under my pants I wore sweatpants and a pair of shorts. My feet and hands were appropriately encased in fabric.
A whole world of words at my disposal, but all I could say was, "Damn, it is cold. It is damn cold."
Ah. English.
I love words. I honestly do. I am not a "word person" per say. I am not good at Scrabble, and crossword puzzles make me feel like an incompetent idiot. However, hearing and occasionally using great words can certainly ameliorate my affect. Words are elegant, they are recherché. An extensive vocabulary is not only impressive, it is worthy of envy.
The English language, for the most part, is capable of conveying an endless supply of feelings, meanings, ideas, actions, items...etc. The vast array of words provided are completely malleable and a bit ductile, more gaseous than solid - they can be manipulated to my whimsy and incorporated at my will.
Which brings me to this morning.
This morning when I left for the gym (545) it was 11 degrees Fahrenheit. I was wearing a t-shirt under a sweatshirt under a hoodie under a hooded overcoat. My face and neck were wrapped in a scarf. Under my pants I wore sweatpants and a pair of shorts. My feet and hands were appropriately encased in fabric.
A whole world of words at my disposal, but all I could say was, "Damn, it is cold. It is damn cold."
Ah. English.
1.23.2008
Rime time
I would like to add to my list of sayings I abhor, "I'm a poet, and don't even know it." (Or any variation of.)
Sure it was clever in elementary school, but "up your nose with a rubber hose" was also a popular saying at one point and we got through that.
The biggest problem with the 'poet'/'know it' rhyme is the person who typically uses it is quite far from any form of a poet. Dr. Seuss is lost on these people yet they, along with Will Ferrell and the Bros, think it is hilarious to rhyme two bisyllabic words.
I am by no means a connoisseur of poetry, I wouldn't even consider myself a fan. However, I am intellectually capable of independent thought (e.g. I'm a bard, and it's not hard).
It is particularly important to end this silly rhyme as we head in to the new year. I foresee a year packed with "clever" sayings: "Don't Wait in '08," "It's Not Too Late in 2008," etc.
Sure it was clever in elementary school, but "up your nose with a rubber hose" was also a popular saying at one point and we got through that.
The biggest problem with the 'poet'/'know it' rhyme is the person who typically uses it is quite far from any form of a poet. Dr. Seuss is lost on these people yet they, along with Will Ferrell and the Bros, think it is hilarious to rhyme two bisyllabic words.
I am by no means a connoisseur of poetry, I wouldn't even consider myself a fan. However, I am intellectually capable of independent thought (e.g. I'm a bard, and it's not hard).
It is particularly important to end this silly rhyme as we head in to the new year. I foresee a year packed with "clever" sayings: "Don't Wait in '08," "It's Not Too Late in 2008," etc.
1.22.2008
If I ruled the world
I have great plans for this Earth. Big ideas for the economy, clever schemes for the culture and a bit of advice for a few of the current 'world leaders.'
Fair trade and a balanced form of socialism have always had their appeal. Getting 800 bucks from the gov doesn't sound like such a bad idea (actually, it sounds like an awful idea - but I would accept it regardless). I think everyone should see Turandot and some form of Cirque du Soleil, it will just make the world a better place.
I think world leaders should count to 10 before they make big decisions.
However, these things can all be pushed aside if I can implement this one:
Everybody needs a therapist.
This world has a complete lack of understand, of itself. The general population has no idea what is going on in their own head. There is so much that could be uncovered - and likely helped - by the simple implementation of world-wide counseling.
Many people find this stigmatic. Having a therapist/shrink/psychiatrist/psychologist/counselor means they are crazy or having some to hide. Well, most people do.
Having someone who's sole purpose is to listen to you (and help you if required), with no expectation from their end (except potential payment) is the ultimate release. I don't care how much yoga or cardio you do - if you don't have a therapist you are not healthy. (And not a "friend who is really good at listening either," these people are just out to get you.)
When I rule the world (yes, "when") I will require each individual to have a therapist (and a personal stylist, but that is for a later post).
So, why not vote for me?
Fair trade and a balanced form of socialism have always had their appeal. Getting 800 bucks from the gov doesn't sound like such a bad idea (actually, it sounds like an awful idea - but I would accept it regardless). I think everyone should see Turandot and some form of Cirque du Soleil, it will just make the world a better place.
I think world leaders should count to 10 before they make big decisions.
However, these things can all be pushed aside if I can implement this one:
Everybody needs a therapist.
This world has a complete lack of understand, of itself. The general population has no idea what is going on in their own head. There is so much that could be uncovered - and likely helped - by the simple implementation of world-wide counseling.
Many people find this stigmatic. Having a therapist/shrink/psychiatrist/psychologist/counselor means they are crazy or having some to hide. Well, most people do.
Having someone who's sole purpose is to listen to you (and help you if required), with no expectation from their end (except potential payment) is the ultimate release. I don't care how much yoga or cardio you do - if you don't have a therapist you are not healthy. (And not a "friend who is really good at listening either," these people are just out to get you.)
When I rule the world (yes, "when") I will require each individual to have a therapist (and a personal stylist, but that is for a later post).
So, why not vote for me?
1.15.2008
Youth of ages
In perusing the blogs this morning I came across this Gawker article discussing the mid-life crisis. Stein doesn't do a lot to make any points concerning the Times article the post is talking about - but it got me thinking.
I am looking forward to my mid-life crisis. It's true. And I don't think I am alone in this. I consider mid-life just that - half way through my life. Assuming my MLC hits at approximately 50 (50's the new 40), think of all the things I will have done by then. Even more so, think of all the things I can do after that. In the first 40 years you are encumbered with a number of burdens: financial dependency, lack of experience, breastfeeding. Once you have put that behind you, you can skyrocket towards your next goal. The mid-life crisis is a chance at renewal, a left-turn on the road of life.
Richard Friedman drones unendingly about the MLC being the move a narcissistic man trying to "turn back the clock." Big deal. We all try to keep that clock stalled (e.g. eating healthfully, using sunblock, botox) why not go ahead and crank it back a few years. When a man, after 30 years of marriage, suddenly decides to seek a new life is anyone really shocked? Is this really the first sign the wife has seen of his dislike of the situation. (Perhaps it is, but life is life and we can't control it.)
One of the reasons I feel free to do the things I do, take the risks I take - is I know half way through I get a retry. Painful for some, but it gets me through the day.
I am looking forward to my mid-life crisis. It's true. And I don't think I am alone in this. I consider mid-life just that - half way through my life. Assuming my MLC hits at approximately 50 (50's the new 40), think of all the things I will have done by then. Even more so, think of all the things I can do after that. In the first 40 years you are encumbered with a number of burdens: financial dependency, lack of experience, breastfeeding. Once you have put that behind you, you can skyrocket towards your next goal. The mid-life crisis is a chance at renewal, a left-turn on the road of life.
Richard Friedman drones unendingly about the MLC being the move a narcissistic man trying to "turn back the clock." Big deal. We all try to keep that clock stalled (e.g. eating healthfully, using sunblock, botox) why not go ahead and crank it back a few years. When a man, after 30 years of marriage, suddenly decides to seek a new life is anyone really shocked? Is this really the first sign the wife has seen of his dislike of the situation. (Perhaps it is, but life is life and we can't control it.)
One of the reasons I feel free to do the things I do, take the risks I take - is I know half way through I get a retry. Painful for some, but it gets me through the day.
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