This is the phenomenon that I was trying to identify in our last discussion. I think it has implications for the success of storytelling events and for the "storytelling effect" whereby some people arrive with confusion about or slight prejudice against the idea of "storytelling" and walk away as enthusiastic converts.
This is from an online Psychology Glossary:
Group Polarization: When people are placed into a group and these people have to deal with some situation, the group as a whole typically has some overriding attitude toward the situation. Over time and with group discussion, the group's attitude toward that situation may change. When it changes in such a way that the group attitude is enhanced and strengthened, then group polarization has occurred. For example, let's say a group of Republicans gather to discuss welfare reform and some new policy proposed by a democratic politician. The welfare policy calls for more money to be taken from private sector businesses and given to welfare centers. In the beginning of the discussion, the group as a whole may be somewhat against the welfare reform policy (thus having an initial group attitude). After discussing the policy, the group indicates that they are now more against the policy than ever. What has happened is that the initial attitude has been bolstered and the group is more polarized against the policy.
Here are links to more information:
Health & Wellness article
Wickipedia
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
on synchrony
Scientific American, April 21, 2009
Come Together: Our Need to Cooperate
What conga lines at dance parties and chanting soccer fanatics reveal about our deep need to coordinate with others
By Piercarlo Valdesolo
The natural world seems intent on synchronizing. Schools of fish, flocks of birds, herds of wildebeest, and swarms of fireflies all effortlessly coordinate their actions with one another. A recent study published by Scott Wiltermuth and Chip Heath of Stanford University in the journal Psychological Science, suggests that humans are no different. In fact, our ability to synchronize might be one of the most important developments in our evolution as a
social species, a skill we need to successfully choreograph our dance moves at parties—and also, perhaps, to live together in stable, cooperative societies.
Examples of the power of human synchrony abound—from the awe-inspiring opening ceremony of the 2008 Summer Olympics to the fear-inspiring Nazi military march, to the ridiculous communal dances in which we find ourselves at weddings. Who hasn’t bad-mouthed the chicken dance in the buffet line and then been drawn in by that insufferable staccato? Like a Siren, the allure of synchrony pulls you into the group.
We can see evidence of this proclivity to move together in time across many cultures, from depictions of group dances on cave walls to the enraptured chants of soccer fanatics. But why? What is it about communal dance that should render it so appealing to so many? European explorers, including Charles Darwin, wondered these same questions as they observed the peculiar rhythmic rituals of the “savages” and “primitives” that they encountered. Indeed, they may have been mulling over this conundrum as they donned their own costumes in preparation for the local carnivals where they would engage in the very same type of frenzied motion.
Neuroscience has already provided us with one clue to this mystery. Synchrony seems to be built into the brain. Mirror neurons, neurons that fire when performing an action as well as when the subject is seeing that action performed, are found in significantly larger numbers in human brains relative to primate brains. The same neurons responsible for perceiving and understanding an action (say, seeing someone clap his or her hands) are responsible for generating that action (clapping your own hands). We are natural born imitators.
But although these mirror neurons explain how we can synchronize, what has remained unclear is why we synchronize. Researchers have long speculated about the social function of moving together in time. Synchronous action, they have proposed, may play a role in forming and strengthening alliances among group members, affording protection to individuals by enabling collective responses to danger. Surely, any predator would rather face off against an individual than a group—and if you’re part of a swarm or school then the chances of being the unlucky lunch special significantly decrease. So an affinity for synchrony promotes the very activities that will keep you safe. Individuals that move together, survive together.
The Stanford researchers put this theory to a clever test. One of the main problems that groups face is known as the free-rider problem—when some individuals mooch off the rest, taking from the common pot but not giving anything back. You know the type: never chipping in for gas, in the bathroom when the bill comes, empty-handed at potlucks. Free riders benefit in the short term, but they ultimately hurt the group by sapping resources.
The researchers wondered if collective movement might somehow trigger a more cooperative spirit, preventing the emergence of potential free riders. So they asked college students to march around campus together, or to sing the Canadian national anthem in unison.
Relative to students in a control condition, who had simply ambled about, the students who had walked in lockstep around campus were more cooperative in subsequent economic games, felt more connected to each other and trusted each other more.
Students who sang in unison showed the same effects relative to a control group of asynchronous singers. This effect even extended into games that pitted the good of the group against self-interest. Participants were willing to incur direct costs to themselves to cooperate with the students with whom they had synchronized.
Interestingly, it has already been shown that motor coordination of other sorts can serve “pro-social behavior,” behavior that contributes to the well-being of another person. For example, the tendency to unconsciously mimic nonverbal cues is related to altruism. In one study conducted by psychologist Rick van Baaren at the University of Nijmegen in The Netherlands, participants who had unknowingly been mimicked by an experimenter (in body
orientation and arm and leg position) were more helpful to experimenters as well as unrelated others, on a subsequent task.
But these types of processes were thought to exclusively operate on a non-conscious level. The second someone becomes aware of the mimicking, these effects disappear. After all, who likes a copycat? Turns out, as long as we’re moving synchronously, we all do.
These new findings open the door to fascinating questions regarding what else synchronization can do for us. The ability to coordinate our own bodies in time and space with other entities has broad applications. For example, the ability to judge the motion of another entity (such as an individual or a ball) and coordinate the action of our own body to converge on a point where we can catch, kick or hit it has obvious implications for athletic performance and most likely factored into our ancestor’s success in hunting prey. Any opportunity to practice the coordination of our bodies with others—a waltz, a jam session with friends, a tribal chant around the fire—might translate into future success at such tasks. Engaging in rituals involving rhythmic synchrony might not only have bound us together in cooperative groups: they might have brought us together to practice the very skills essential to survival.
Come Together: Our Need to Cooperate
What conga lines at dance parties and chanting soccer fanatics reveal about our deep need to coordinate with others
By Piercarlo Valdesolo
The natural world seems intent on synchronizing. Schools of fish, flocks of birds, herds of wildebeest, and swarms of fireflies all effortlessly coordinate their actions with one another. A recent study published by Scott Wiltermuth and Chip Heath of Stanford University in the journal Psychological Science, suggests that humans are no different. In fact, our ability to synchronize might be one of the most important developments in our evolution as a
social species, a skill we need to successfully choreograph our dance moves at parties—and also, perhaps, to live together in stable, cooperative societies.
Examples of the power of human synchrony abound—from the awe-inspiring opening ceremony of the 2008 Summer Olympics to the fear-inspiring Nazi military march, to the ridiculous communal dances in which we find ourselves at weddings. Who hasn’t bad-mouthed the chicken dance in the buffet line and then been drawn in by that insufferable staccato? Like a Siren, the allure of synchrony pulls you into the group.
We can see evidence of this proclivity to move together in time across many cultures, from depictions of group dances on cave walls to the enraptured chants of soccer fanatics. But why? What is it about communal dance that should render it so appealing to so many? European explorers, including Charles Darwin, wondered these same questions as they observed the peculiar rhythmic rituals of the “savages” and “primitives” that they encountered. Indeed, they may have been mulling over this conundrum as they donned their own costumes in preparation for the local carnivals where they would engage in the very same type of frenzied motion.
Neuroscience has already provided us with one clue to this mystery. Synchrony seems to be built into the brain. Mirror neurons, neurons that fire when performing an action as well as when the subject is seeing that action performed, are found in significantly larger numbers in human brains relative to primate brains. The same neurons responsible for perceiving and understanding an action (say, seeing someone clap his or her hands) are responsible for generating that action (clapping your own hands). We are natural born imitators.
But although these mirror neurons explain how we can synchronize, what has remained unclear is why we synchronize. Researchers have long speculated about the social function of moving together in time. Synchronous action, they have proposed, may play a role in forming and strengthening alliances among group members, affording protection to individuals by enabling collective responses to danger. Surely, any predator would rather face off against an individual than a group—and if you’re part of a swarm or school then the chances of being the unlucky lunch special significantly decrease. So an affinity for synchrony promotes the very activities that will keep you safe. Individuals that move together, survive together.
The Stanford researchers put this theory to a clever test. One of the main problems that groups face is known as the free-rider problem—when some individuals mooch off the rest, taking from the common pot but not giving anything back. You know the type: never chipping in for gas, in the bathroom when the bill comes, empty-handed at potlucks. Free riders benefit in the short term, but they ultimately hurt the group by sapping resources.
The researchers wondered if collective movement might somehow trigger a more cooperative spirit, preventing the emergence of potential free riders. So they asked college students to march around campus together, or to sing the Canadian national anthem in unison.
Relative to students in a control condition, who had simply ambled about, the students who had walked in lockstep around campus were more cooperative in subsequent economic games, felt more connected to each other and trusted each other more.
Students who sang in unison showed the same effects relative to a control group of asynchronous singers. This effect even extended into games that pitted the good of the group against self-interest. Participants were willing to incur direct costs to themselves to cooperate with the students with whom they had synchronized.
Interestingly, it has already been shown that motor coordination of other sorts can serve “pro-social behavior,” behavior that contributes to the well-being of another person. For example, the tendency to unconsciously mimic nonverbal cues is related to altruism. In one study conducted by psychologist Rick van Baaren at the University of Nijmegen in The Netherlands, participants who had unknowingly been mimicked by an experimenter (in body
orientation and arm and leg position) were more helpful to experimenters as well as unrelated others, on a subsequent task.
But these types of processes were thought to exclusively operate on a non-conscious level. The second someone becomes aware of the mimicking, these effects disappear. After all, who likes a copycat? Turns out, as long as we’re moving synchronously, we all do.
These new findings open the door to fascinating questions regarding what else synchronization can do for us. The ability to coordinate our own bodies in time and space with other entities has broad applications. For example, the ability to judge the motion of another entity (such as an individual or a ball) and coordinate the action of our own body to converge on a point where we can catch, kick or hit it has obvious implications for athletic performance and most likely factored into our ancestor’s success in hunting prey. Any opportunity to practice the coordination of our bodies with others—a waltz, a jam session with friends, a tribal chant around the fire—might translate into future success at such tasks. Engaging in rituals involving rhythmic synchrony might not only have bound us together in cooperative groups: they might have brought us together to practice the very skills essential to survival.
Etymology 5: Captivate
To fascinate, as by excellence, eloquence or beauty... This word has been around since the 1520s. Originally, it came from the Latin word "captivatus," pp. of "captivare" meaning, "to take, capture." The literal meaning of the word became rare or obsolete. The Latin "captare" also had a transferred sense of meaning, and now means "to entice, entrap, or allure."
Neologism - Sarcastrophy
Have you ever been around little kids that know just enough about sarcasm that they know it can be funny, but not enough to know that there are unspoken rules to sarcasm? For the most part kids just don't get, they haven't quite figured it out yet. Being around these kids is really funny cause all you want to do is laugh as they flounder in their attempts to be sarcastic.
I found a new word on a blog online the other day to describe the scenario when a child fails to use sarcasm correctly and causes an inverse reaction to what they had intended to create. The new word is sarcastrophe. Sarcastrophe is the combination of the word sarcasm and the word catastrophe. So literally the word means a catastrophe of sarcasm. When a sarcastrophe occurs it is appropriate to laugh hysterically until tear come and your belly aches, so enjoy.
I found a new word on a blog online the other day to describe the scenario when a child fails to use sarcasm correctly and causes an inverse reaction to what they had intended to create. The new word is sarcastrophe. Sarcastrophe is the combination of the word sarcasm and the word catastrophe. So literally the word means a catastrophe of sarcasm. When a sarcastrophe occurs it is appropriate to laugh hysterically until tear come and your belly aches, so enjoy.
Neologism - Decevious
For those of us who never grew up April Fools Day remains one of our favorite days of the year. I love the pranks and gags that people pull and I love the great stories that they produce for later. But there has never been one single word to encapsulate the spirit of the April Fools prankster until I found the new word I share with you now.
The new word is decevious. Decevious is a clever combination of the words deceptive and devious forming and uber word that perfectly describes the April Fools prankster. The word means that whatever is being described is misleading, underhanded, and shifty. A perfect word for those of us who still enjoy the fake-plastic-vomit-in-the-shoe gag.
The new word is decevious. Decevious is a clever combination of the words deceptive and devious forming and uber word that perfectly describes the April Fools prankster. The word means that whatever is being described is misleading, underhanded, and shifty. A perfect word for those of us who still enjoy the fake-plastic-vomit-in-the-shoe gag.
Neologism - Irritainment
There are many different forms of entertainment available to all of us from our computers. Some of these are wonderfully enjoyable and virtually carefree, while some are very cumbersome and often annoying, almost losing any entertainment value they once had. When this happens there is a crossover that occurs from something being entertainment to something being irritainment.
The new word irritainment is formed from the two words, irritating and entertainment. Irritainment is not limited to only one category of media expression, irritainment can come from any source. Irritainment has the extremely annoying quality of being somewhat addictive in nature and yet totally irritating. One current example in my opinion is the TV show LOST. While I am hopelessly addicted to the show the closer we get to the series finale the more irritating the show becomes.
The new word irritainment is formed from the two words, irritating and entertainment. Irritainment is not limited to only one category of media expression, irritainment can come from any source. Irritainment has the extremely annoying quality of being somewhat addictive in nature and yet totally irritating. One current example in my opinion is the TV show LOST. While I am hopelessly addicted to the show the closer we get to the series finale the more irritating the show becomes.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Neologism - Prepostrophe
I am terrible with grammatical rules. I write the way that I speak and I almost always make dozens of errors on my papers. I use incorrect punctuation marks and I never place a comma in the right place, and apostrophes... don't even get me started.
The new word I found to help describe part of my predicament is the word prepostrophe. The word prepostrophe comes from the two words preposterous (absurd, ridiculous, etc.) and the word apostrophe (the punctuation mark used to signify the exclusion of one or more letters from a word, it also is used to signify possessives). The word literally means an absurd use of apostrophes. Be sure you don't use any prepostrophes on your linguistics paper.
The new word I found to help describe part of my predicament is the word prepostrophe. The word prepostrophe comes from the two words preposterous (absurd, ridiculous, etc.) and the word apostrophe (the punctuation mark used to signify the exclusion of one or more letters from a word, it also is used to signify possessives). The word literally means an absurd use of apostrophes. Be sure you don't use any prepostrophes on your linguistics paper.
Neologism - Kindloid
I love my Kindle. It makes life easier and reading more enjoyable. It takes up less space and allows me to travel with my entire library, not to mention it saves me some money especially if my book is only available as a hardback otherwise. The Kindle has many different amazing functions and one of them is the ability to connect to Whispernet and download books, feeds, magazines, and newspapers on the go.
One Kindle user made a Neologism from the Kindle and Tabloid forming the new word I am sharing with you now. The new word is Kindloid. A Kindloid is a tabloid available for download on the Kindle. It is usually filled with gossip, rumors of aliens, crazy famous people, and the newest diet craze. Just beware which Kindloids you read, some are pretty sketchy.
One Kindle user made a Neologism from the Kindle and Tabloid forming the new word I am sharing with you now. The new word is Kindloid. A Kindloid is a tabloid available for download on the Kindle. It is usually filled with gossip, rumors of aliens, crazy famous people, and the newest diet craze. Just beware which Kindloids you read, some are pretty sketchy.
Neologism - Chronogypsy
I was reading online today and came across this word which I thought was very creative. The new word is Chronogypsy. The word is a combination of Chrono (from Kronos) and gypsy (nomad). The word literally means a traveler of time.
A Chronogypsy is a time traveler. He or she wanders time as a traveler wonders the highways. A chronogypsy is not limited by space or time and can effortlessly step from one time to another as easily as we mere mortals step from one room into another. Chronogypsies are highly prevalent in Science Fiction of all kinds and seem to be a necessary part of any Star Trek series. Chronogypsies are the subject of much debate as their occupation and the science behind their methods of travel are always in dispute by the comic book wielding crowd.
A Chronogypsy is a time traveler. He or she wanders time as a traveler wonders the highways. A chronogypsy is not limited by space or time and can effortlessly step from one time to another as easily as we mere mortals step from one room into another. Chronogypsies are highly prevalent in Science Fiction of all kinds and seem to be a necessary part of any Star Trek series. Chronogypsies are the subject of much debate as their occupation and the science behind their methods of travel are always in dispute by the comic book wielding crowd.
Neologism - Infoganda
In every work of literature or drama there is always something that is desired to be communicated by the author or creator. This information is often generic or universal information but more and more often we are seeing people use these art forms as their way of expressing opinions or speaking on certain issues. This is something that can be very good and has allowed society to connect and overcome certain obstacles.
However these medias can also be used in a negative way to express information that is deviant and untrue. Examples of this can be seen in propaganda posters from any major regime that has been built on human suffering or racism.
Infoganda is a combination of the word information and propaganda and refers to works of literature, drama, and art in which information is communicated which by it's slanted nature is propaganda. Infoganda often seeks to forward and agenda held by the maker. The agenda is usually not very well hidden or masked and lacks the quality of subtle influence that is attributed to other forms of propaganda.
However these medias can also be used in a negative way to express information that is deviant and untrue. Examples of this can be seen in propaganda posters from any major regime that has been built on human suffering or racism.
Infoganda is a combination of the word information and propaganda and refers to works of literature, drama, and art in which information is communicated which by it's slanted nature is propaganda. Infoganda often seeks to forward and agenda held by the maker. The agenda is usually not very well hidden or masked and lacks the quality of subtle influence that is attributed to other forms of propaganda.
Neologism - Thumbo
In texting there are often spelling errors, even in text language. When wires get crossed and words get misspelled miscommunication follows and confusion sets in. Clarification of meaning becomes necessary as does an explanation of what went wrong. Rather than using long words and wasting texts to explain a simple mistyped word or conversation the new word Thumbo is often used as a quick one word explanation.
Thumbo is a combination of the words thumb and typo, literally meaning a thumb created typo. A thumbo is not strictly limited to thumbs but has become a sort of catchall explanation for a mistyping of any kind. It makes communication of a mistyped word much faster and easier for texters while conserving valuable text message space.
Thumbo is a combination of the words thumb and typo, literally meaning a thumb created typo. A thumbo is not strictly limited to thumbs but has become a sort of catchall explanation for a mistyping of any kind. It makes communication of a mistyped word much faster and easier for texters while conserving valuable text message space.
Neologism - Emoticon
Texting and instant messaging have become a staple of our culture. Words have been created to describe different elements and phenomenons of texting. One such word is the new word Emoticon. The word Emoticon comes from the two words emotion and icon.
Emoticons are small icons, usually different facial expressions, used by the typist to express what he or she is feeling and thinking. Emoticons enhance the overall texting experience by communicating information that is otherwise difficult or impossible to communicate such as sarcasm.
To see examples of emoticons you can Google them or you can open up AIM's instant messenger.
Emoticons are small icons, usually different facial expressions, used by the typist to express what he or she is feeling and thinking. Emoticons enhance the overall texting experience by communicating information that is otherwise difficult or impossible to communicate such as sarcasm.
To see examples of emoticons you can Google them or you can open up AIM's instant messenger.
Neologism - Edutainment
When I was growing up I loved to watch Saturday morning cartoons. All the good ones came on about mid-morning but for those of us who woke up early there were really strange ones that had an "Educational and Informational" box at the top. The narrator would say "this program was designed to meet the educational and informational needs of children." The concept was good, the content was somewhat lacking though.
Edutainment is a new word that describes the concept that is addressed above. The word is a combination of Education and Entertainment. Edutainment has the potential of being a very valuable teaching tool but the content and quality must be improved.
Edutainment is a new word that describes the concept that is addressed above. The word is a combination of Education and Entertainment. Edutainment has the potential of being a very valuable teaching tool but the content and quality must be improved.
Neologism - E-Linquent
Saw this one while looking at some info about young people committing online crimes. Cybercrime has increased exponentially over the last couple of years and is being committed by younger and younger children. These children normally referred to by the authorities as juvenile delinquents.
The new word E-linquents is a combination of E short for electronic and delinquents meaning those who fail to uphold lawful behaviors considered normal by society. E-linquents have superb computer skills that rival most adults skills. These young hackers are often sprung from jail, getting recruited by major organizations and governments because of their impressive abilities to manipulate the cyber universe.
The new word E-linquents is a combination of E short for electronic and delinquents meaning those who fail to uphold lawful behaviors considered normal by society. E-linquents have superb computer skills that rival most adults skills. These young hackers are often sprung from jail, getting recruited by major organizations and governments because of their impressive abilities to manipulate the cyber universe.
Neologism - Hackspace
I'm convinced my cousin is a genius, maybe an evil one, but still a genius. He knows more info about more stuff than most of us will ever learn. My cousin started helping develop what he called a hackspace awhile back.
I had no idea what a hackspace was so naturally I asked... then I Googled. A hackspace is a physical place where people with similar interests in science, math, architecture, engineering, and many other things come together to share resources and help one another to build different projects.
Hackspaces often have workshops, gardens, labs, computers, and lots of various junk. These hackspaces often have peer-led teaching and group learning.
The word is a combination of hacker - a person into modification both of hardware and software and the word space - meaning area or place.
I don't know of any hackspaces close to here but my cousin's is in Atlanta.
I had no idea what a hackspace was so naturally I asked... then I Googled. A hackspace is a physical place where people with similar interests in science, math, architecture, engineering, and many other things come together to share resources and help one another to build different projects.
Hackspaces often have workshops, gardens, labs, computers, and lots of various junk. These hackspaces often have peer-led teaching and group learning.
The word is a combination of hacker - a person into modification both of hardware and software and the word space - meaning area or place.
I don't know of any hackspaces close to here but my cousin's is in Atlanta.
Neologism - Crunkle
In college I had a very dear friend named Craig. Craig was older than most students and had been in school longer than most doctors. Craig had the blessing of becoming an uncle early on in life and had a wonderful relationship with his nieces and nephews.
One of Craig's nephews called Craig Crunkle. Now we're not entirely sure why he originally called him this but this is what we decided later was the reason. First because Craig and Uncle combine to make Crunkle. Granted this is and inverse combination but it was funny and the name kinda stuck so.... history was made. Second we decided that since Craig loved crazy ghetto fabulous rap music that it was a perfect way to combine Crunk and Uncle. Crunk has various meanings according to urban dictionary, usually involving getting drunk or high or both. Not knowing this at the time I thought it made sense at the time (I'm not into rap music or hip-hop culture, can you tell?).
So there you have it... Crunkle.
One of Craig's nephews called Craig Crunkle. Now we're not entirely sure why he originally called him this but this is what we decided later was the reason. First because Craig and Uncle combine to make Crunkle. Granted this is and inverse combination but it was funny and the name kinda stuck so.... history was made. Second we decided that since Craig loved crazy ghetto fabulous rap music that it was a perfect way to combine Crunk and Uncle. Crunk has various meanings according to urban dictionary, usually involving getting drunk or high or both. Not knowing this at the time I thought it made sense at the time (I'm not into rap music or hip-hop culture, can you tell?).
So there you have it... Crunkle.
Neologism - Bromance
So while I was in college a couple of my friends were very into chick flicks. They loved romantic movies and would often have chick flick night and order pizza. It was really funny because both of these guys were hyper masculine. They did not fit the picture of chick flick loving type guys.
One day I was walking down the hall in the dorm and I heard singing coming from their room. I wondered what was going on so I opened their door only to find them both singing along to the movie Moulin Rouge at the top of their lungs. I started laughing hysterically and they just kept singing. It was great.
The next day I was giving them a hard time at lunch and I somehow blurted out the word bromance. I don't know that I had ever heard the word before but it just seemed right when making fun of them. Everyone got a kick out of it especially the guys. Who as a side note are both happily married to very loving wives who love chick flick night and pizza.
Anyway bromance is a combination of the words brother and romance to form a new word entirely. Bromance is that special bond of brotherly love that two guys who have struggled through life together have. Bromance is displayed especially between guys who have played sports together or have worked together on a difficult project. Bromance can be displayed in lots of different ways such as eating together, singing together, watching movies together, saying "love you bro," and on the very extremely rare occasion crying together.
Bromance is not homosexual in nature, it is simply a bond of friendship and brotherly love between two heterosexual males.
Bromance is a very rare thing though since some guys apparently have a fear of sharing thoughts and feelings so don't expect it to catch on any time soon.
One day I was walking down the hall in the dorm and I heard singing coming from their room. I wondered what was going on so I opened their door only to find them both singing along to the movie Moulin Rouge at the top of their lungs. I started laughing hysterically and they just kept singing. It was great.
The next day I was giving them a hard time at lunch and I somehow blurted out the word bromance. I don't know that I had ever heard the word before but it just seemed right when making fun of them. Everyone got a kick out of it especially the guys. Who as a side note are both happily married to very loving wives who love chick flick night and pizza.
Anyway bromance is a combination of the words brother and romance to form a new word entirely. Bromance is that special bond of brotherly love that two guys who have struggled through life together have. Bromance is displayed especially between guys who have played sports together or have worked together on a difficult project. Bromance can be displayed in lots of different ways such as eating together, singing together, watching movies together, saying "love you bro," and on the very extremely rare occasion crying together.
Bromance is not homosexual in nature, it is simply a bond of friendship and brotherly love between two heterosexual males.
Bromance is a very rare thing though since some guys apparently have a fear of sharing thoughts and feelings so don't expect it to catch on any time soon.
Etymology - Appear
I love appearances on stage when the Magician or the Storyteller know what they are doing. The person comes forward and is recognized by the audience. He or she commands the attention of the audience, not necessarily through flashiness or showy props but merely through their presence. They hold themselves with dignity and power. It impressive and it makes me want to listen.
The word appear comes from the Latin word 'apparere' which comes from 'ad' meaning "to" and 'perere' meaning "come forth, be visible." So literally to appear is "to come forth, be visible." Its almost like in the house of representatives when someone is asked to stand and be recognized. In appearing a person is being recognized and given attention above everyone else in the room. In the same way when a storyteller appears on stage he or she is being elevated above everyone in the room. The teller becomes the center of attention.
For storytellers this is very important because if we do not make a good appearance then the attention is not on us. We need our style, our look, our presence to be something that makes our station and position as the center of attention known. We need everything in our appearance to contribute to our coming forth and being visible.
So go, make an appearance...
The word appear comes from the Latin word 'apparere' which comes from 'ad' meaning "to" and 'perere' meaning "come forth, be visible." So literally to appear is "to come forth, be visible." Its almost like in the house of representatives when someone is asked to stand and be recognized. In appearing a person is being recognized and given attention above everyone else in the room. In the same way when a storyteller appears on stage he or she is being elevated above everyone in the room. The teller becomes the center of attention.
For storytellers this is very important because if we do not make a good appearance then the attention is not on us. We need our style, our look, our presence to be something that makes our station and position as the center of attention known. We need everything in our appearance to contribute to our coming forth and being visible.
So go, make an appearance...
Etymology - Discover
Every journey includes a discovery, whether it is physical, emotional, or psychological. There is always something discovered. In storytelling whenever our characters journey forth into the world they make discoveries and it often changes them in some way.
The word discover comes from the Late Latin word "discooperire." This word comes from 'dis' meaning "opposite of" and 'cooperire' meaning "to cover up." So literally to discover something is to uncover it. This process of uncovering is transformative and plays a huge role in storytelling.
As storytellers we need to make good use of moments of discovery. Our characters have an opportunity to be more than archetypes or flat unchanging shadows of reality. Our characters can connect to our audiences in a powerful way through the moment of discovery.
Go forth and discover!
The word discover comes from the Late Latin word "discooperire." This word comes from 'dis' meaning "opposite of" and 'cooperire' meaning "to cover up." So literally to discover something is to uncover it. This process of uncovering is transformative and plays a huge role in storytelling.
As storytellers we need to make good use of moments of discovery. Our characters have an opportunity to be more than archetypes or flat unchanging shadows of reality. Our characters can connect to our audiences in a powerful way through the moment of discovery.
Go forth and discover!
Monday, April 26, 2010
Etymology - Silence
The silence is deafening. I heard this phrase whenever I was in trouble growing up. I would get yelled at for whatever wrong thing I had done and then would be asked why I had done something so stupid. My mother would then say this phrase while I struggled with a good story, an alibi for my 'crimes.'
Silence is something that is often underused or misused in storytelling. I'm not entirely sure of the reason why but my hypothesis is that silence causes some level of discomfort in people. People seem to be uneasy in silence and always seek to end silence by interjecting sounds of any kind to break a perceived tension. But silence maybe very valuable for this same reason.
The word silence comes from the Latin word silere meaning to "be quiet or still." When we there is silence on stage we are quiet and still and there is a reaction in the audience. The reaction is different depending on the context of the silence but it always generates a reaction of some kind. We should make sure we are aware of this and use it when appropriate for various powerful effects.
Silence is something that is often underused or misused in storytelling. I'm not entirely sure of the reason why but my hypothesis is that silence causes some level of discomfort in people. People seem to be uneasy in silence and always seek to end silence by interjecting sounds of any kind to break a perceived tension. But silence maybe very valuable for this same reason.
The word silence comes from the Latin word silere meaning to "be quiet or still." When we there is silence on stage we are quiet and still and there is a reaction in the audience. The reaction is different depending on the context of the silence but it always generates a reaction of some kind. We should make sure we are aware of this and use it when appropriate for various powerful effects.
Etymology - Convince
One of the more difficult elements of performance whether it be magic or storytelling is convincing the audience of some thought, perception, or feeling that is not necessarily true. In some cases convincing audience members is not difficult but in many cases it has the potential to be.
The word convince comes from the Latin word 'convincere' meaning "to overcome decisively" The word comes from 'com' which is an intensive prefix and 'vincere' meaning "to conquer." In convincing our audience of what is desired for them to believe is a victory, a conquest of sorts. We duel back and forth with whatever mindset the audience comes to the performance with and whatever mindset we are trying to impart to them. We parry and thrust, we dodge and block, doing a sort of dance like fight in a purely cerebral way. If we are successful we accomplish our goal, we teach, we entertain, we distract, etc. But if not then we lose our battle and often our audience.
As storytellers we must convince our audiences of many different things in many different scenarios. We must arm ourselves with words and ideas, with phrases and parables, with quips and jokes, with emotions and expressions and numerous other tools. We are trying to win a victory, to convince our audience and we must be prepared.
The word convince comes from the Latin word 'convincere' meaning "to overcome decisively" The word comes from 'com' which is an intensive prefix and 'vincere' meaning "to conquer." In convincing our audience of what is desired for them to believe is a victory, a conquest of sorts. We duel back and forth with whatever mindset the audience comes to the performance with and whatever mindset we are trying to impart to them. We parry and thrust, we dodge and block, doing a sort of dance like fight in a purely cerebral way. If we are successful we accomplish our goal, we teach, we entertain, we distract, etc. But if not then we lose our battle and often our audience.
As storytellers we must convince our audiences of many different things in many different scenarios. We must arm ourselves with words and ideas, with phrases and parables, with quips and jokes, with emotions and expressions and numerous other tools. We are trying to win a victory, to convince our audience and we must be prepared.
Etymology - Vanish
In 50-70% of all magic tricks I know and have seen something vanishes. The magician with a skilled hand and a magic word seemingly makes an object vanish from the physical universe leaving not a trace. There is an unwritten rule among many magicians that whatever vanishes must come back... in one form or another. But I was never a big fan of this rule. I always thought the trick was kinda easy to figure out when you made an object come back. The real mystery was when something vanished without a trace never to be seen again.
In the same way I always loved stories that end like that, ghost stories that ended with "and she vanished without a trace, never to be seen or heard from again..." I loved the open ended, uncomfortable, mysterious ending that always sent chills down my spine. I loved the vanish in the stories almost as much as the magic trick.
The word vanish comes from the Latin word "evanescere" meaning to 'disappear, die out.' The word comes from 'ex' meaning "out" and 'vanescere' which comes from the word 'vanus' meaning "empty." Vanish literally can mean that something is emptied out of. Something has been removed from view, emptied out of the theater, vanished entirely.
For storytelling it may be appropriate on occasion (especially in ghost stories) for something to vanish, to be emptied out of this world entirely. This should not become a regular occurrence as it is not well played in every scenario but on occasion it has its uses and can be very unnerving and mysterious.
In the same way I always loved stories that end like that, ghost stories that ended with "and she vanished without a trace, never to be seen or heard from again..." I loved the open ended, uncomfortable, mysterious ending that always sent chills down my spine. I loved the vanish in the stories almost as much as the magic trick.
The word vanish comes from the Latin word "evanescere" meaning to 'disappear, die out.' The word comes from 'ex' meaning "out" and 'vanescere' which comes from the word 'vanus' meaning "empty." Vanish literally can mean that something is emptied out of. Something has been removed from view, emptied out of the theater, vanished entirely.
For storytelling it may be appropriate on occasion (especially in ghost stories) for something to vanish, to be emptied out of this world entirely. This should not become a regular occurrence as it is not well played in every scenario but on occasion it has its uses and can be very unnerving and mysterious.
Etymology 4: Expression
Although there are many different forms and definitions for the term expression, its origins trace back to the middle of the 15th century. This French word "expression" dates even further back to the Latin "expressionem," a noun of action from "exprimere" which means, "an action or creation that expresses feelings." Occasionally the word also was used literally, for "the action of squeezing out." I suppose the storytellers that use the most animated, vivid, and humorous facial, body-movement, and linguistic expressions could be seen as "squeezing them out. Something about expressions seems to indicate a certain type of genuineness and depth that are derived from deep within an individuals imagination and personality.
Etymology - Pretend
In magic there is a lot of pretending, just like there is in storytelling. A famous magician once said that he was "a man pretending to be a magician who was pretending to be a wizard." Pretending is one of those things that many children gradually grow out of as they become older especially in our own country as TV, video games, and the internet replace the imagination and the need for pretending with numerous time wasters. Pretending was one of my favorite things to do as a child. I would often get dragged to parties or to my parents work where there were no other children. I would be left on my own for hours, so I just naturally developed a strong imagination. I would pretend I was all kinds of things (most often a Jedi Knight with a lightsaber, as I said I'm a huge geek).
The word pretend comes from the Latin "prætendere" meaning to 'stretch in front, put forward, allege.' Prætendere comes from prae meaning "before" and tendere meaning "to stretch." So literally when we pretend we stretch something before our minds, we put something forward in our thoughts.
In storytelling we pretend quite frequently taking on personas and making ourselves into our characters. When we do this we are in essence placing the characteristics we wish to communicate, the traits we wish to display, and the emotions we wish to emit forward in our minds. These things become what we think about and try to exude. Pretending really is not just another part of storytelling, it is an essential part of storytelling and we cannot function as effective storytellers without it.
The word pretend comes from the Latin "prætendere" meaning to 'stretch in front, put forward, allege.' Prætendere comes from prae meaning "before" and tendere meaning "to stretch." So literally when we pretend we stretch something before our minds, we put something forward in our thoughts.
In storytelling we pretend quite frequently taking on personas and making ourselves into our characters. When we do this we are in essence placing the characteristics we wish to communicate, the traits we wish to display, and the emotions we wish to emit forward in our minds. These things become what we think about and try to exude. Pretending really is not just another part of storytelling, it is an essential part of storytelling and we cannot function as effective storytellers without it.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Etymology 3: Propitiation
This word comes from the late 14th century. Its origins are from the Latin
“propitiationem” (nom. “propitiation”) which basically means "an atonement." It also stems from the Latin “propitiare” which means, "render favorable," and from “propitious” meaning "favorable, gracious, kind." Its roots are pro- "forward" + petere "go to.” The earliest recorded form of the word is “propitiatorium,” or "the mercy seat, place of atonement" (c.1200), translating the Greek “hilasterion.”
“propitiationem” (nom. “propitiation”) which basically means "an atonement." It also stems from the Latin “propitiare” which means, "render favorable," and from “propitious” meaning "favorable, gracious, kind." Its roots are pro- "forward" + petere "go to.” The earliest recorded form of the word is “propitiatorium,” or "the mercy seat, place of atonement" (c.1200), translating the Greek “hilasterion.”
Etymology 2: Catharsis
According to Aristotle, there is a purging of the feelings of pity and fear occur in the audience of tragic drama. He postulated that audiences experience catharsis following the catastrophe, at the end of the play. The term catharsis comes from the Greek “katharsis” meaning, "purging, or cleansing," from “kathairein” meaning, "to purify, or to purge," and from “katharos” meaning, "pure, clear of dirt, clean, spotless; open, free; clear of shame or guilt; purified." Most of the extended senses are now seen in modern English; “clear,” “clean,” “pure,” and “of unknown origin.” The was originally a medical term in English that had to do with emotions. This reference dates from 1872 in Brill's translation of Freud.
Etymology 1: Protagonist
The main character of a narrative; its central character who engages the reader’s interest and empathy. In some literature today it may be difficult to decide who is playing the role of the protagonist. For instance, in Othello,we could say that Iago is the protagonist because he was at the center of all of the play's controversy. But even if he was a main character, was he the lead character? This ambiguity can lead to multiple interpretations of the same work and different ways of appreciating a single piece of literature. So the 1671 definition would read,"principal character in a story, drama, etc.,but its origins go back to the Greek language, specifically from the Greek "protagonistes" which means,"actor who plays the chief or first part." This interpretation comes from protos "first" + agonistes "actor, competitor," from agon "contest," meaning "leading person in any cause or contest" from 1889.
Neologism 13: Jockstar
A jockstar is a word that is used to indicate an athlete that has reached rockstar status as a celebrity. For instance, one could argue that Lebron James and Venus Williams have reached this point in their media attention as athletes. Perhaps the best example is Shaquille O'Neill who recently came out with the show Shaq vs. The term jockstar arguably has a secondary meaning that would be described as a person who is a natural at constantly flirting with a multitude of people.
Neologism 12: Brodeo
The term brodeo refers to a gathering that is mostly consisting of men. I cannot imagine this word almost ever being used in a positive way by a heterosexual. Some examples would include. "I'm getting out of this brodeo. There must be some kind of lame bachelor's party going on up in here!" or "Dude, I can't believe there are no chicks in here tonight. At least I hope that none of those masculine folks in that brodeo were gals!"
Neologism 11: Screenager
This noun refers to teenagers that are addicted to the internet. This may particularly relate to the addiction that many teens have to social networking cites such as twitter, facebook, myspace, and perhaps stretching even back to xanga. I am not sure exactly when this term surfaced, but I do know that it is very new to my vocabulary.
Neologism 10: Friddle
Friddle has been described to me as, "The hair that so often is found growing on the back sides of a person’s neck. It is particularly unattractive when it is left uncut in a haircut. This often leads people to have an upside-down "U" grown on their neck.
Neologism 9: Rabbit (verb)
Obviously, the word rabbit is not a new one, but its growing use as an adjective is a phenomena that is certainly new to me. This use would define the action of talking endlessly about something that is totally unimportant. I'm sure that we are all guilty of rabbiting at times. I suppose that one could argue that the woman in Cathy's post that had volume difficulties also struggled with rabbiting.
Neologism 8: Substantialicious
Substantialicious is a word that means abundantly or extremely substantial. An example would be, "The number of marketing reps that Guy has recruited is so substantialicious that he is one of the top recruiters in the Tennessee, Kentucky, and Ohio division of the Vector Marketing Co." Another example might be, "The number of dollars that one must turn-over in order to attend the National Storytelling Festival is so substantialicious that almost no college students are willing to attend."
Neologism 7: Staycation
A staycation is a result of the economic recession that has been tormenting our nation. As one might infer from the linguistic-makeup of he word, a staycation is a finance-friendly vacation in which families stay in their home town; enjoying the local attractions of the area in which they live. Not only are these vacations cost-effective, but they also create memories that may cause their children not to move off to foreign states or countries. Although this last idea is probably true, I have not heard of any parents that have used staycations to manipulate their children's memories for selfish reasons.
Friday's Father
I thought that the mixed use of personal story and myth was well done. I wasn't a huge fan of the telling, but I think there were three main factors that played into the distaste that had little to do with the stories, or the story arc. (1. I have listened to so many stories lately that I need to stick to reading for a little while, 2. Her voice/tone was just too Thistle-ish, and 3. I listened to both of the CD's in pretty much one straight session.)
There was a lot of vivid and emotional language involved in her stories, and I noticed that her personal accounts were accompanied by the use of some "fairytale language." She also included some bits of meta-narrative in her fairytale stories, which seemed, to me, to be an effective way of tying them together better.
It seemed as if there were a couple of maxims of relevance that could be heard in the segment in which she was recounting her feelings about her father moving in with her and her new immediate family. I could also hear maxims of relevance coming from the her African American friend. He was a man of few words, and it seems like those are the people that most often send to more carefully monitor the quality of their statements.
I thought that Gwenda did a nice job of telling about her mischievous visitors use of the opposite of the maxim of quality. She warned that if they did not do what she said, that she would tell the adults about the scene at the well. Finally, I thought that a maxim of manner appeared in the last story about the King that struggled to see the "love" between meat and salt. I'm curious as to whether some of y'all saw some of these same maxims, or if you would disagree with my assessments.
There was a lot of vivid and emotional language involved in her stories, and I noticed that her personal accounts were accompanied by the use of some "fairytale language." She also included some bits of meta-narrative in her fairytale stories, which seemed, to me, to be an effective way of tying them together better.
It seemed as if there were a couple of maxims of relevance that could be heard in the segment in which she was recounting her feelings about her father moving in with her and her new immediate family. I could also hear maxims of relevance coming from the her African American friend. He was a man of few words, and it seems like those are the people that most often send to more carefully monitor the quality of their statements.
I thought that Gwenda did a nice job of telling about her mischievous visitors use of the opposite of the maxim of quality. She warned that if they did not do what she said, that she would tell the adults about the scene at the well. Finally, I thought that a maxim of manner appeared in the last story about the King that struggled to see the "love" between meat and salt. I'm curious as to whether some of y'all saw some of these same maxims, or if you would disagree with my assessments.
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Telling Use of Language --- Cerca Trova
A common phrase that is popular among magicians and the clothing they wear is the phrase "Cerca Trova." This is an Italian phrase meaning "seek and you shall find."
This phrase is popular because in magic there is always a lie and there is always a truth. The lie covers up the truth in a very artistic way and can be beautiful, but for a magicians mind seeing the illusion is not enough. The magician wants to know what lies beneath, what really is happening, and how he can do it as well.
But in case you didn't know it is bad etiquette for a magician to ask another magician how a trick is done. It is disrespectful and and is the sign of an immature magician. The phrase is a way of telling other magicians "if you really wanna know, go find out for yourself." The same goes for other non-magician laymen, if you really wanna know how the trick is done go pick up a book on magic and start reading, don't ask how it's done cause I'm not gonna tell you.
This use on language shows a level of frustration that the magician feels for the audience having missed the magic and enjoyed the moment. Often audiences are so focused on the operation of the trick that they miss the magic of the illusion, the beauty of it. This is frustrating for magicians because they do consider themselves artists and when someone doesn't a work of art its meaning and value are lost.
It also is a challenge set forth by the magician for people to use their minds and not be lazy. A magician puts many hours into his art practicing it and hopefully perfecting it, when someone wants to instantly know everything the magician knows without putting all the work into it that the magician has it is somewhat offensive. The magician does not discourage curiosity but does discourage laziness. The magician will not give answers that have not been sought wholeheartedly, earnestly, and dutifully.
Cerca Trova...
This phrase is popular because in magic there is always a lie and there is always a truth. The lie covers up the truth in a very artistic way and can be beautiful, but for a magicians mind seeing the illusion is not enough. The magician wants to know what lies beneath, what really is happening, and how he can do it as well.
But in case you didn't know it is bad etiquette for a magician to ask another magician how a trick is done. It is disrespectful and and is the sign of an immature magician. The phrase is a way of telling other magicians "if you really wanna know, go find out for yourself." The same goes for other non-magician laymen, if you really wanna know how the trick is done go pick up a book on magic and start reading, don't ask how it's done cause I'm not gonna tell you.
This use on language shows a level of frustration that the magician feels for the audience having missed the magic and enjoyed the moment. Often audiences are so focused on the operation of the trick that they miss the magic of the illusion, the beauty of it. This is frustrating for magicians because they do consider themselves artists and when someone doesn't a work of art its meaning and value are lost.
It also is a challenge set forth by the magician for people to use their minds and not be lazy. A magician puts many hours into his art practicing it and hopefully perfecting it, when someone wants to instantly know everything the magician knows without putting all the work into it that the magician has it is somewhat offensive. The magician does not discourage curiosity but does discourage laziness. The magician will not give answers that have not been sought wholeheartedly, earnestly, and dutifully.
Cerca Trova...
Neologism - Steampunk
I don't think anyone has done this word yet, forgive me if it is a repeat though.
Steampunk is an aesthetic style and sometimes a lifestyle that combines elements of science fiction and fantasy with 19th century, steam-power era garments, furniture, and architecture. It could almost be described as Neo-Victorian. Steampunk as a style and lifestyle is very diverse and has many sub-genres and derivatives that are often self identified and defined but they all share the common themes above.
If you Google steampunk you will find all kinds of examples of what the steampunk style looks like. It's one of my favorite styles. The word itself is a combination of the word steam, which is a reference to the steam-power age from which much of the style is taken, and punk which refers to entire style and subculture of it's own. I won't even attempt to define punk style since it has a very diverse range of fashions and ideologies.
Google steampunk and see what interesting things you can find.
Steampunk is an aesthetic style and sometimes a lifestyle that combines elements of science fiction and fantasy with 19th century, steam-power era garments, furniture, and architecture. It could almost be described as Neo-Victorian. Steampunk as a style and lifestyle is very diverse and has many sub-genres and derivatives that are often self identified and defined but they all share the common themes above.
If you Google steampunk you will find all kinds of examples of what the steampunk style looks like. It's one of my favorite styles. The word itself is a combination of the word steam, which is a reference to the steam-power age from which much of the style is taken, and punk which refers to entire style and subculture of it's own. I won't even attempt to define punk style since it has a very diverse range of fashions and ideologies.
Google steampunk and see what interesting things you can find.
Friday, April 23, 2010
Telling Phrase: "Don't Delay Joy"
If you enter campus from State of Franklin you most likely pass by Pal's. The drive-thru, like other fast-food restaurants, has a tall sign with a changeable letter board. This past Spring Break I noticed that Pal's, unlike other fast-food restaurants, wasn't using it's board to advertise new foods or special deals (like the nearby Wendy's with it's perpetual 10% student discount); instead, the board said, "Don't Delay Joy."
Reading this, I began to laugh. It seemed so ridiculous that a burger joint would be espousing a Carpe Diem approach to life, or any life direction for that matter. But then I realized that from the owner's perspective, this sign was saying much more - something to the effect of "we're doing so much business that I have no need to advertise." And if you've ever waited in line at Pal's during lunch time, you'll likely agree with this.
Reading this, I began to laugh. It seemed so ridiculous that a burger joint would be espousing a Carpe Diem approach to life, or any life direction for that matter. But then I realized that from the owner's perspective, this sign was saying much more - something to the effect of "we're doing so much business that I have no need to advertise." And if you've ever waited in line at Pal's during lunch time, you'll likely agree with this.
Telling Phrase: from the Panera loud-talker
All right, so I like to ease the pain of writing papers by getting hopped up on Iced Mochas. This tendency has led to long hours at Panera with my laptop. During three of my last five visits I have been subjected to young, female loud-talker. In case you're unfamiliar with the loud-talker, he or she is someone who refuses to adopt a cafe-level voice and prefers to pronounce his or her innermost thoughts, opinions, and dreams at a volume that is impossible for nearby folks to ignore.
This particular loud-talker recently professed that she "doesn't understand why there has to be an article about gay people in the paper, like, every week, cause like, you could never write an article about how great heterosexuality is like that." She also wondered "why do black people get their own channel, you know BET, that's so not fair."
I'll not be going into the extent to which I disagree with the loud-talker. But let's talk about the assumptions she's making by speaking those opinions so loudly in a public place. Is it possible that she didn't realize that everyone within ten feet of her could hear her every word? Yes. But what if she did realize it? Would that suggest she's assuming that no one within earshot (which is quite the radius) is gay or loves BET?
This particular loud-talker recently professed that she "doesn't understand why there has to be an article about gay people in the paper, like, every week, cause like, you could never write an article about how great heterosexuality is like that." She also wondered "why do black people get their own channel, you know BET, that's so not fair."
I'll not be going into the extent to which I disagree with the loud-talker. But let's talk about the assumptions she's making by speaking those opinions so loudly in a public place. Is it possible that she didn't realize that everyone within ten feet of her could hear her every word? Yes. But what if she did realize it? Would that suggest she's assuming that no one within earshot (which is quite the radius) is gay or loves BET?
Neologism: "miz"
"Miz" is syllabic shortening of the adjective "miserable." I first encountered the word in a text message and have only recently (3 weeks ago) heard it used in spoken conversation. It's arguable whether or not this is a new word. Whilst pondering that reduction in syllables, I began to wonder if contractions, another form of reduction, are separate from the words from which they are derived. Could the movement from formal to casual be a greater cause of difference than the absence of a few letters?
Telling Prase: trauma troll
Medical professionals often use code to refer to their patients when speaking to one another. I recently learned one of these codes when speaking to a student who has been shadowing an ER doctor on his rounds. During those rotations, the doctor referred to several "trauma trolls." The student learned that a "trauma troll" is a patient who frequents the ER due to self-inflicted wounds. "Cutters" are one sub-group of the "trauma troll" category.
Using the term "troll" in reference to patients implies a badness, due to the the evil connotation of the monster. This suggests that doctors dislike, or are perhaps repulsed by, such patients.
I wonder if the term drama troll pre-dates the trauma troll, and if it is the young generation of blogging doctors that have coined the term.
Using the term "troll" in reference to patients implies a badness, due to the the evil connotation of the monster. This suggests that doctors dislike, or are perhaps repulsed by, such patients.
I wonder if the term drama troll pre-dates the trauma troll, and if it is the young generation of blogging doctors that have coined the term.
Etymology: Glamazon
Glamazon: (noun) "a tall beautiful woman, often a runway model", according to Urban Dictionary.
The term "Glamazon" is derived from the combination of "Glamorous" and "Amazon", thereby carrying the implication of style chic-ery as well as the legendary height of the mythical Amazon woman. However, whereas some historians will claim that the amazon warriors would remove a breast in order to better handle a bow, the modern glamazon generally retains a pair.
Glamazon may be said to a woman's face in a congratulatory tone, as is often the case of the TV series "Next Top Model" (I cannot say for certain, but my assumption is that the popularity of this program instigated the term's place in pop vernacular). Or, people may use the term to refer to a woman in a derogatory manner, but generally not to her face.
The term "Glamazon" is derived from the combination of "Glamorous" and "Amazon", thereby carrying the implication of style chic-ery as well as the legendary height of the mythical Amazon woman. However, whereas some historians will claim that the amazon warriors would remove a breast in order to better handle a bow, the modern glamazon generally retains a pair.
Glamazon may be said to a woman's face in a congratulatory tone, as is often the case of the TV series "Next Top Model" (I cannot say for certain, but my assumption is that the popularity of this program instigated the term's place in pop vernacular). Or, people may use the term to refer to a woman in a derogatory manner, but generally not to her face.
Neologism: "turboskank"
When I first encountered the term "turboskank" I didn't hear it, I saw it. It popped up in a Facebook remark this April. A guy, who shall remain nameless, went to his local Whole Foods and discovered the place overrun by what he referred to as "turboskanks" whom he supposed were wannabe models, given their great hieght, low weight, and lack of clothing.
Just as "turbo" sport drinks promise to take you to the next level of electrolyte- and vitamin-enhanced performance, the "turbo" skank takes her lack of dress to the next level of innappropriate.
Just as "turbo" sport drinks promise to take you to the next level of electrolyte- and vitamin-enhanced performance, the "turbo" skank takes her lack of dress to the next level of innappropriate.
Neologism: "zombie levels"
"Where," might you ask "can one find the creepiest basement on campus?"
Easy, the Campus Center Building. Although it currently houses offices for Theater, Women's Studies, and various campus groups, the lowest level of this building once held the campus cadavre lab. Much to my dismay, I was sent there with some classmates on an anthropology assignment. The only non-Anthropos student in the group, I was also the only person not referring to the old cadavre lab as "the zombie levels."
Zombie lore generally doesn't place the undead in underground chambers that no longer contain any yummy people. And depending on your personal zombie movie preferences, you may be convinced that zombies munch on dead people or that they prefer to snack on the living. Conveniently, the cadavre lab would have had both varieties available when it was still in use.
Easy, the Campus Center Building. Although it currently houses offices for Theater, Women's Studies, and various campus groups, the lowest level of this building once held the campus cadavre lab. Much to my dismay, I was sent there with some classmates on an anthropology assignment. The only non-Anthropos student in the group, I was also the only person not referring to the old cadavre lab as "the zombie levels."
Zombie lore generally doesn't place the undead in underground chambers that no longer contain any yummy people. And depending on your personal zombie movie preferences, you may be convinced that zombies munch on dead people or that they prefer to snack on the living. Conveniently, the cadavre lab would have had both varieties available when it was still in use.
Neologism: "vampire shift"
The term "vampire shift" is synonymous with "late shift." I first heard this used when some fellow classmates were discussing the ETSU library and the pros and cons of working at there. One student claimed that he would not want to work at the libe because he would likely be put on the "vampire shift."
According to these students, this is not a reference to the indie group also called "Vampire Shift." You can hear of few samples of their music on their MySpace Page:
http://www.myspace.com/vampireshifts
Rather, both the work term and the name of the group are conjuring up images of "the things that go bump in the night." For the library, this means the so-called "weirdos" who come in after dark. For the group, the title advertises their dark sound. (Listen to "creepy crawlies" to catch that sound.) In both cases, "vampire" is acting as an adjective instead of it's traditional role as a noun.
According to these students, this is not a reference to the indie group also called "Vampire Shift." You can hear of few samples of their music on their MySpace Page:
http://www.myspace.com/vampireshifts
Rather, both the work term and the name of the group are conjuring up images of "the things that go bump in the night." For the library, this means the so-called "weirdos" who come in after dark. For the group, the title advertises their dark sound. (Listen to "creepy crawlies" to catch that sound.) In both cases, "vampire" is acting as an adjective instead of it's traditional role as a noun.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Friday's Father
Difficult piece for me to comment on. Rafe Martin suggests (in his essay on in Who Says? Pivotal Essays in Contemporary Storytelling) that to view stories critically, we need to set aside personal preferences of taste. I agree with him. But if we are disengaged from something because we don't like its content, then it can be difficult to see how it operates.
Nevertheless, I shall try.
I think that the first thing that is interesting is using the folktales and myths to interrogate a personal narrative, rather than elements of personal narrative to highlight the resonance of a folktale. (I've seen the latter done more frequently, and tend to prefer it - unsurprising given my interest in the mythic).
Cathy has commented on the small references and how they are used as description within the personal narrative world - I liked the walnut -spinning wheel one particularly as it is a reference from a less common and well known tale type.
I also note that the parallels between Hans and Gwenda's relationships with the father are accentuated because they both climb trees. But it seemed more of a neat trick than any kind of deep resonance. There were no moments during the performance for me where I felt that "oh yes" click of things fitting together which is one of the things I tend to look for when stories were woven together - maybe partly the fact it was audio only, but it was something I expected to feel a lot more.
It was interesting that we moved from folktale, to myth, to biblical story in terms of the non personal narratives that were actually told at any kind of length (although the Israelites were only referenced, and the African story is somewhat different to Babel). Follows the Ladder of the Moon type pattern - although we come back full circle to the folktale with Meat Loves Salt.
The questions of forgiveness raised by Hans and the Hedgehog, and of destructiveness raised by Saturn had greater resonance with the events of the stories for me than Meat Loves Salt (there is something about the father that rejects one of several children for a specific event that is energetically different to the father that is incapable of engaging at all). Additionally Meat Loves Salt allows a resolution which is clearly the narrative that Gwenda wanted to tell about her relationship with her father - so it helps her achieve her ends - but perhaps at the price of artistic truth?
I also felt that the folktales, myth etc which were clearly working to tighten structure and make sure the narrative kept moving couldn't combat the main pattern of the delivery style, which included charming description and created speech suggesting character, but which didn't necessarily always seem relevant. I appreciate that this may be something Gwenda's audiences enjoy - her eye for local colour (but if so the mikes were too low to pick up the appreciative buzz that that tends to create). I found that each personal narrative, missed out on my maxim of relevance and quantity levels, and thus I was just desperate to get back to a folktale for movement to occur.
Also, like Kathryn Windham's narratives it has all the problematic issues of what you do about touching some of the dark secrets of America's past and using them in a story which has for essential arc something that is seperate to those issues, in this case "A daughter reconciles with her father". Two examples of those questions that Cathy and I discussed would include the very probably genuine kinship with Sam (at a greater or lesser level of generational remove) and the question of why alcohol can poision a family. The Meat Loves Salt ending focuses our attention on the positives - and I object to that, though I can see it is probably successful in its aims.
One final thing is that I find that there are some early elements of metanarrative towards the beginning and they return again in Meat Loves Salt, but in between they fade. Perhaps because the more serious elements of personal narrative need to stand without it? I wasn't sure what that was intended to achieve, but from a place where I was disengaged from the main storyline, it left me just puzzled, rather than certain what it meant.
Nevertheless, I shall try.
I think that the first thing that is interesting is using the folktales and myths to interrogate a personal narrative, rather than elements of personal narrative to highlight the resonance of a folktale. (I've seen the latter done more frequently, and tend to prefer it - unsurprising given my interest in the mythic).
Cathy has commented on the small references and how they are used as description within the personal narrative world - I liked the walnut -spinning wheel one particularly as it is a reference from a less common and well known tale type.
I also note that the parallels between Hans and Gwenda's relationships with the father are accentuated because they both climb trees. But it seemed more of a neat trick than any kind of deep resonance. There were no moments during the performance for me where I felt that "oh yes" click of things fitting together which is one of the things I tend to look for when stories were woven together - maybe partly the fact it was audio only, but it was something I expected to feel a lot more.
It was interesting that we moved from folktale, to myth, to biblical story in terms of the non personal narratives that were actually told at any kind of length (although the Israelites were only referenced, and the African story is somewhat different to Babel). Follows the Ladder of the Moon type pattern - although we come back full circle to the folktale with Meat Loves Salt.
The questions of forgiveness raised by Hans and the Hedgehog, and of destructiveness raised by Saturn had greater resonance with the events of the stories for me than Meat Loves Salt (there is something about the father that rejects one of several children for a specific event that is energetically different to the father that is incapable of engaging at all). Additionally Meat Loves Salt allows a resolution which is clearly the narrative that Gwenda wanted to tell about her relationship with her father - so it helps her achieve her ends - but perhaps at the price of artistic truth?
I also felt that the folktales, myth etc which were clearly working to tighten structure and make sure the narrative kept moving couldn't combat the main pattern of the delivery style, which included charming description and created speech suggesting character, but which didn't necessarily always seem relevant. I appreciate that this may be something Gwenda's audiences enjoy - her eye for local colour (but if so the mikes were too low to pick up the appreciative buzz that that tends to create). I found that each personal narrative, missed out on my maxim of relevance and quantity levels, and thus I was just desperate to get back to a folktale for movement to occur.
Also, like Kathryn Windham's narratives it has all the problematic issues of what you do about touching some of the dark secrets of America's past and using them in a story which has for essential arc something that is seperate to those issues, in this case "A daughter reconciles with her father". Two examples of those questions that Cathy and I discussed would include the very probably genuine kinship with Sam (at a greater or lesser level of generational remove) and the question of why alcohol can poision a family. The Meat Loves Salt ending focuses our attention on the positives - and I object to that, though I can see it is probably successful in its aims.
One final thing is that I find that there are some early elements of metanarrative towards the beginning and they return again in Meat Loves Salt, but in between they fade. Perhaps because the more serious elements of personal narrative need to stand without it? I wasn't sure what that was intended to achieve, but from a place where I was disengaged from the main storyline, it left me just puzzled, rather than certain what it meant.
Thoughts on Gwenda Ledbetter
Thoughts on "Friday's Father"
Since we all listened to this piece I'm not going to map out all of the places that Ledbetter takes us during Friday's Father.
That said, I will comment on her use of fairytale images to describe people and things. Here are a few:
-"fairy godmother" with "walnut holding a tiny golden spinning wheel" to describe Miss Sterling, seamstress
-"the giant's hand" (3x's), describing that perfect climbing tree
-"Snow White", describing the dead woman on display at the funeral
-"some great cyclops", her father yelling at her
-"bruised up old Lion", her elderly father sleeping
When I listened to this piece I was struck by the fact that she used such a matter-of-fact tone to deliver the stories of her drunk father. It seemed strange when spoken as the impressions of a child. But looking back, I wonder if those fairy tale elements are Ledbetter's way of expressing what a child could not yet understand. Maybe, maybe not. Either way, they did carry over throughout the entire piece which was consistent if not connective (neologism).
Since we all listened to this piece I'm not going to map out all of the places that Ledbetter takes us during Friday's Father.
That said, I will comment on her use of fairytale images to describe people and things. Here are a few:
-"fairy godmother" with "walnut holding a tiny golden spinning wheel" to describe Miss Sterling, seamstress
-"the giant's hand" (3x's), describing that perfect climbing tree
-"Snow White", describing the dead woman on display at the funeral
-"some great cyclops", her father yelling at her
-"bruised up old Lion", her elderly father sleeping
When I listened to this piece I was struck by the fact that she used such a matter-of-fact tone to deliver the stories of her drunk father. It seemed strange when spoken as the impressions of a child. But looking back, I wonder if those fairy tale elements are Ledbetter's way of expressing what a child could not yet understand. Maybe, maybe not. Either way, they did carry over throughout the entire piece which was consistent if not connective (neologism).
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Etymology - Journey
Since I speak French I should have guessed but I didn't. Before a journey is a journey, it is a day. Then it is a day when something is set to happen, like a battle. Then it emerges as a distance travelled in a day (or number of days). And finally becomes a spell of travel to a place (a usage which took a while to embed) As usual OED is the source. Interesting, that once, it applied more usually to travel by land than by sea (where voyage applied) - I don't think we are that specific and careful with it any more. (But then I call the ground, floor, even when it is covered in grass)
Also interesting, that it had a phase of also meaning a days work (perhaps because military used to talk about a days journey for their march, and this was a military mans work?) - from here I think we get journeyman (like an apprentice) whereas I had assumed it was a metaphoric connection to "life journey".
From my perspective telling Phaeton as I do at present, it is interesting to think of the sun's journey - was once a non figurative description (pre Gallileo) and is now a metaphoric one.
Interestingly no references to journey as crossing into death, or journey as metaphor for life. Particularly in comparison with Fire where so many metaphoric usages were listed.
Also interesting, that it had a phase of also meaning a days work (perhaps because military used to talk about a days journey for their march, and this was a military mans work?) - from here I think we get journeyman (like an apprentice) whereas I had assumed it was a metaphoric connection to "life journey".
From my perspective telling Phaeton as I do at present, it is interesting to think of the sun's journey - was once a non figurative description (pre Gallileo) and is now a metaphoric one.
Interestingly no references to journey as crossing into death, or journey as metaphor for life. Particularly in comparison with Fire where so many metaphoric usages were listed.
Neologism - Thread
Old word, new meaning this time. But interesting. A thread is the string/chain/list of comments on a blog or update on a social networking site. Can also refer to tweets sharing the same hashtag. String has some currency too, and because of its prevalence in computer programming terminology, it might have been expected to dominate.
The fact that thread does, fascinates me, as it goes back to that place where text and weave intersect. Also because it is very satisfactory as a metaphor as these new threads can unravel into multiple strands. And finally because it makes me think of throwing the ball between the horses ears and seeing where it ends up.
The fact that thread does, fascinates me, as it goes back to that place where text and weave intersect. Also because it is very satisfactory as a metaphor as these new threads can unravel into multiple strands. And finally because it makes me think of throwing the ball between the horses ears and seeing where it ends up.
Neologism - Clippable
a real one! My friend Ed is an escapologist who happens to work for BBC Parliament by day. He was going to be presenting live yesterday - which is not his usual role - so he noted it in his facebook update. This ran into a long thread where people pretended to misunderstand what he was up to and he launched his "manifesto". It related to public regulation of polite behaviour. He decided that people who cut in lines were the first culprits, and the punishment would be a "clip round the earhole" from any bystander who wished to intervene. Soon the thread evolved, and people were chipping in with other crimes that could be considered "clippable", following his initial use of the phrase.
(Ed's escapologist persona is a Victorian Era gentleman adventurer - hence both the obsession with politeness and the nature of the punishment chosen.
(Ed's escapologist persona is a Victorian Era gentleman adventurer - hence both the obsession with politeness and the nature of the punishment chosen.
Neologism - Dreamfire
cheating again. Because no one ever really started using it. But in my early twenties I had a definition for it. Or multiple. cyclic.
Dreamfire - the light in someone's eyes when they are truly commited to a project
Dreamfired - a pair of those eyes, or a project which has been shaped with the kind of enthusiasm that shows in the eyes
In my dead local government years my nethandle was ashenkat. No dreamfire. Or dreamfire that burnt out too easily.
Dreamfire - the light in someone's eyes when they are truly commited to a project
Dreamfired - a pair of those eyes, or a project which has been shaped with the kind of enthusiasm that shows in the eyes
In my dead local government years my nethandle was ashenkat. No dreamfire. Or dreamfire that burnt out too easily.
Etymology - Fire
Vast and varied word - and I love the OED's tortuous phrasing of its first definition:
"The natural agency or active principle operative in combustion; popularly conceived as a substance visible in the form of flame or of ruddy glow or incandescence."
Many similar words in old english/germanic languages. Range of more prosaic meanings - from the flame itself, to the engulfing blaze across and entire city. Also lots of figurative meanings listed and evolving relatively early on. Including "Luminosity or glowing appearance resembling that of fire" particularly of the eyes, and from Shakespeare forward.
As well as the fire of illness or disease, and love or hate (both also often termed illness - here are links to two examples for love: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G11gwgji8Dc Tim Minchin and http://www.william-shakespeare.info/william-shakespeare-sonnet-147.htm
But I'm getting rather of the topic. I adore a 17th century usage of the word - a town of fifteen thousand fires. With storytelling we - especially in the UK where porches do not have a role in our world except as awkward little things by the front door where you stick your umbrella, milk bottle and the gas meter cupboard - evoke the hearth as both a human centre and a story centre. So I like a description of homes counted by fires...
"The natural agency or active principle operative in combustion; popularly conceived as a substance visible in the form of flame or of ruddy glow or incandescence."
Many similar words in old english/germanic languages. Range of more prosaic meanings - from the flame itself, to the engulfing blaze across and entire city. Also lots of figurative meanings listed and evolving relatively early on. Including "Luminosity or glowing appearance resembling that of fire" particularly of the eyes, and from Shakespeare forward.
As well as the fire of illness or disease, and love or hate (both also often termed illness - here are links to two examples for love: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G11gwgji8Dc Tim Minchin and http://www.william-shakespeare.info/william-shakespeare-sonnet-147.htm
But I'm getting rather of the topic. I adore a 17th century usage of the word - a town of fifteen thousand fires. With storytelling we - especially in the UK where porches do not have a role in our world except as awkward little things by the front door where you stick your umbrella, milk bottle and the gas meter cupboard - evoke the hearth as both a human centre and a story centre. So I like a description of homes counted by fires...
Etymology - Dream
Interestingly, two seperate nouns listed, thought to be different to each other because of different roots. But not unrelated - the obsolete form refers to joy,pleasure, mirth or music - in old english or middle english.
The usage retained today appears in middle english only (and the OED scholars are puzzled to why it was not in old english) but also links to germanic of similar period.
Significantly, the usage starts earliest with the classic idea of dreaming - thoughts while sleeping, moves into day dreaming, and only later takes on the meanings at one step remove - like ambition or aspiration - appearing only in the twentieth century.
I also find it interesting that there is a tentative etymological connection to draum/draug in early german - words which have meanings relating to deception and to ghosts.
I feel like dreams linger like ghosts do, and have similar energetic qualities in the way we relate to them (I am not a believer in ectoplasm, but I am a believer that people can put themselves in a state where they have to all intents and purposes "seen" a ghost, and this state has connections to a dream state)
The usage retained today appears in middle english only (and the OED scholars are puzzled to why it was not in old english) but also links to germanic of similar period.
Significantly, the usage starts earliest with the classic idea of dreaming - thoughts while sleeping, moves into day dreaming, and only later takes on the meanings at one step remove - like ambition or aspiration - appearing only in the twentieth century.
I also find it interesting that there is a tentative etymological connection to draum/draug in early german - words which have meanings relating to deception and to ghosts.
I feel like dreams linger like ghosts do, and have similar energetic qualities in the way we relate to them (I am not a believer in ectoplasm, but I am a believer that people can put themselves in a state where they have to all intents and purposes "seen" a ghost, and this state has connections to a dream state)
Telling Phrases - "You have me at a disadvantage ma'am"
Glanced in a text book, this might be a telling phrase giving away a certain class of britishness. In a Skype chat message from my bloke, it takes on another context entirely. It covers mild embarrassment in a jokey fashion, and apologises for something that we both know doesn't need apology. It also places him in a particular conversational idiom, which he and his father and brothers and friends often use when they are at home - a sort of play at being victorian gentlemen - which makes me smile.
The occassion - I sent him a song for Valentine's Day - very out of character for me - I normally scorn it as a commercial nonsense - but had happened to be listening to a new Stereofidelics CD the day before and heard something exactly right. We've never discussed it, but he knows me well enough to know I don't usually bother, and so he hadn't bothered, since his natural instincts about the day are similar to my usual ones - hence the half apology...
The occassion - I sent him a song for Valentine's Day - very out of character for me - I normally scorn it as a commercial nonsense - but had happened to be listening to a new Stereofidelics CD the day before and heard something exactly right. We've never discussed it, but he knows me well enough to know I don't usually bother, and so he hadn't bothered, since his natural instincts about the day are similar to my usual ones - hence the half apology...
Telling Phrases - "Zed's Dead Baby, Zed's Dead"
And if you don't know that I'm talking about Pulp Fiction, then I think it must be a generational thing. It was the movie playing on AMC (see previous post)and is a masterpiece in non linear storytelling. It is also stuffed to the gills with memorable phrases - both those that it generates and stealing left right and center from the bible to pop culture (Samuel L Jackson's character is talking about being cool and Fonz and uses correctomundo shortly after).
It is also fascinating as the actors are so synonymous with the characters - that I can't remember the names of Uma, John, Samuel, Bruce, Bjork, Roth, or the Arquette Girl (which is interesting in relation to blending theory - but not relevant here)
So telling phrase - why this one? Because of the rhyme. It means actually very little at this point in the movie - its just a closer. Get on the bike and stop asking questions. Lets go.
It is also fascinating as the actors are so synonymous with the characters - that I can't remember the names of Uma, John, Samuel, Bruce, Bjork, Roth, or the Arquette Girl (which is interesting in relation to blending theory - but not relevant here)
So telling phrase - why this one? Because of the rhyme. It means actually very little at this point in the movie - its just a closer. Get on the bike and stop asking questions. Lets go.
Telling Phrases - "Story Matters Here"
What can I say? It is the brand marker of TV channel AMC. No wonder people find it frustrating when we try and suggest that storytelling is a word particular to the oral telling of tales...
Also interesting, as I think about how that is very different to a lot of other channel brands (for example the news channels that focus on facts)), and how I am in the middle of writing an Independent Study paper which is winding up suggesting that for all the rhetoric about the importance of story within the storytelling revival, the experience that audiences at most of the festivals are seeking is not actually the journey of the story - that is often just a convenient frame for other types of entertainment. Sometimes this is intentional on the part of the teller, sometimes it isn't.
I'm afraid I haven't had the time to review AMC's programming and see whether I think they are justified in their claim
Also interesting, as I think about how that is very different to a lot of other channel brands (for example the news channels that focus on facts)), and how I am in the middle of writing an Independent Study paper which is winding up suggesting that for all the rhetoric about the importance of story within the storytelling revival, the experience that audiences at most of the festivals are seeking is not actually the journey of the story - that is often just a convenient frame for other types of entertainment. Sometimes this is intentional on the part of the teller, sometimes it isn't.
I'm afraid I haven't had the time to review AMC's programming and see whether I think they are justified in their claim
Neologism - Vidiot
A person who is completly inept at all things dealing with electronics including computers, televisions, video game systems, etc. is a vidiot. My mother is a great lady, but she can do nothing with electronics. It really is comical that she has a hard time even talking on a cell phone because she cannot figure out how to answer it or make a call or get it to stop ringing. then when she does get it to answer she cant hear it she says, it is quite amusing. Mom, you are a vidiot.
Neologism - Slickery
A new word meaning slippery. Watch out that deck is slickery. According to Webster it means to have a surface that is wet and icy. The roads in winter are slickery.
Neologism - ESPNonage
Special thanks to my man Kenny Mayne for this one. Guys, sorry to sell you out and give away our secrets here, but ESPNonage is when you have a really important game that you want to watch but your wife or girlfriend wants to watch dancing with the stars...or E! You go along with it because you want a peaceful home. But whenever she gets to leave the room or at commercial breaks to flip the channel to catch up on the score.
Neologism - Pregreening
You know those time when you are in a hurry to get somewhere and you are the first car in line a t a red light? Don't we all tend to creep up and up in our car trying to anticipate the light turning green? This is called pregreening. Trying to jump the gun on the greenlight before it turns.
Neologism - Smushables
Don't you hate it when you come home from the grocery store and your bread has been smashed by the milk, or the bananas are mushy from being at the bottom of a bag? Well these items that require extra care are "smushables." you need to bag your smuchables separately from your other groceries and transport them carefully.
Neologism - Seagan
Apparently this is becoming a pretty popular trend. A seagan is a vegetarian who also eats seafood. You get many of the benefits of being vegetarian and the enormous health benefits of seafood.
Neologism - ShanghaIM
I have never heard this one used, but a friend said it was a new words used a lot by teenagers. Apparently it is what they call it when you are texting, skyping, or Im'ing several people at the same time and you accidentally send the wrong message to the wrong person.
Neologism - Manscape
Kathy had her bedazzling of the female body, here is the new term for men cleaning themselves up a little bit. If a guy trims or shaves his chest hair, waxes his back or cleans up various other body parts this is manscaping. Obviously taken from the term landscaping it is taking our of control growths of hair and taming them down a bit.
Neologism - Grill
No we are not talking about the tool for outdoor cooking or the cooking itself. In recent years "grill" has taken on many new meanings including your teeth. "I got hit in my grill" would be saying you were punched in the mouth. Or, "check out my new grill" could be said after getting your braces off.
Neologism - Yogalates
Like Yoga? Like Pilates? why not combine the two into a hot new fitness craze that is sweeping the nation, yogalates. By combining the exercise of pilates with the breathing techniques of Yoga you come up with a very effective and relaxing form of excersising. And you do it enough you might even aerobicize.
Neologism - 3G
just like the term wifi has become a part of normal conversation so has the term 3G referring to accessing the internet through your cell phone towers. Sitting in starbucks you might ask someone, are you on wifi or 3G? 3G will soon be replaced by the new neologism 4G.
Neologism - Hardscape
I heard this one on DIY network, finally some manly TV! It is a new term used in landscaping for the permanent fixtures in your lawn like sidewalks or patios.
Neologism - Aerobicized
I also hears this one watching E! with my wife. I know it is sad, but our options were limited in the condo on vacation. In the same show they talked about how these women had been aerobicized. It simply means that they have gotten their bodies in great shape through aerobics.
Neologism - Celebutante
This word has actually been around since the 1930's but I had never heard of it until a few days ago when I heard it used on TMZ or E! network. The words means a celebrity who is well known for their fashion sense. It is a combination of the words celebrity and debutante. Paris Hilton is not celebutante.
Neologism - Sprog
I run on the treadmill to one of those Nike + workouts where Lance Armstrong shouts orders in my ear to try and motivate and encourage me to be a leaner, stronger, faster version of me. During this 40 minute interval training workout he tells me to settle into a pace about 80% of my maximum intensity, not quite a sprint, but faster than a light job...the sprog.
Neologism - Onionate
The only type of onions I like are the kind that are breaded and deep fried in a ring form or put in a loaf form and served with that amazing sauce at Outback. I am not one to put onions on my hamburger or sandwich, but you sure can tell who those people are. When you are having a conversation with someone at dinner who is eating onions, the odor they emit from their mouths during conversation is called onionating. Now, this is not only limited to onions, but any unpleasant odor that is a result of what you have eaten. Breath mints are a great way to attack onionation.
Neologism - Dringle
Don't you just hate it when you have a guest over and they don't use the drink coasters? When they leave and you are cleaning up after everyone their cup has left a wet ring stain on your end table or coffee table. Well that little ring stain is now known as a dringle.
Neologism - Precuperate
This one is in the same family as CT's Prehab. Precuperate is when you feel like you might have a sickness coming on so you take the necessary measures to try and prevent yourself from becoming ill. Taking a long nap and several shots of vitamin C when you wake up a little "off" would be precuperating.
Neologism - Wibble
We use this one often with our kids. When they wibble, their bottom lip protrudes and begins to quiver. It usually happens a few moments before tears begin when they are trying to decide if they are going to cry or not.
Neologism - Fumb
I have used this one most of my life, but does not seem to be common. The fumb is the large toe. It really suck to stub your fumb.
Neologism - Spinter
Much like summer, this is the period between winter and spring. I am fairly certain that we do not have four seasons here in East Tennessee, but six. Have to throw in spinter and sprummer.
Neologism - Sprummer
We have really lived through sprummer this year in E. Tennessee. Sprummer is the term sometimes used for that awkward period between spring and summer where the weather cannot decide what it wants to do. Windy and rainy one day, beautiful the next. Or, sometimes both within hours of each other.
Neologism - Phonecrastinate
I am a big phonecrastinator. It is the act of putting off answering the phone until you can verify via caller id who is calling you. If you do not recognize the number it goes to voicmail and I will call you back after I find out who you are and what you want. Any other Phonecrastinators out there?
Neologism - Whinese
I missed class last week because we were on family vacation while my oldest daughter was on Johnson city school spring break. We went to Williamsburg, VA and had a blast. Having three children all under age 7 and two under age 3 makes for a long car ride. After turning what should have been a 6 hour trip into a 9 hour trip my wife and I became very fluent at whinese. It is the language we heard constantly coming from the back of the mini van that is usually not understandable but very load and very annoying.
Neologism - Lingweenie
I am afraid I am in much the same place as Kat. I have thought and thought about new words, and just as I come up with one that I think might work, ie bromance, CT comes along and uses it! So I have a few of my own, but I also turned to doing some internet research. My favorite that I came up with from research was this word. Lingweenie literaly means "a person incapable of producing neologisms." Dont believe me, look it up!
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
neologism: tree book
Hey all,
We have all heard the term "snail mail" I'm sure. The term tree book is becoming a popular term because of items like the Kimble. It is an electronic "book" that stores several hundred books. Therefore, because these e-book forms are becoming more popular, using the term tree book helps to identify what form of book is being talk about. Tree book is the popular, common book found in libraries and what our textbook is made of.
We have all heard the term "snail mail" I'm sure. The term tree book is becoming a popular term because of items like the Kimble. It is an electronic "book" that stores several hundred books. Therefore, because these e-book forms are becoming more popular, using the term tree book helps to identify what form of book is being talk about. Tree book is the popular, common book found in libraries and what our textbook is made of.
neologism: soap grafting
Hey all,
Before Old Spice and other companies created body wash, everyone used bars of soap to clean themselves. Because of use, the bar of soap would soon be next to nothing and not enough for cleaning. Therefore, people will graft the remains of the old bar to the new bar of soap so as not to waste the old bar. When this occurs, people are soap grafting.
Before Old Spice and other companies created body wash, everyone used bars of soap to clean themselves. Because of use, the bar of soap would soon be next to nothing and not enough for cleaning. Therefore, people will graft the remains of the old bar to the new bar of soap so as not to waste the old bar. When this occurs, people are soap grafting.
neologism: drum driving
Hey all,
Many people admit to singing in their car when traveling alone. However, there are those drivers who get particulary excited when driving and take it a step further. Their steering wheel becomes a drum set, and they drum along to the beat of whatever song happens to be playing. When this happens, "drum driving" occurs.
Many people admit to singing in their car when traveling alone. However, there are those drivers who get particulary excited when driving and take it a step further. Their steering wheel becomes a drum set, and they drum along to the beat of whatever song happens to be playing. When this happens, "drum driving" occurs.
neologism: bromance
Hey all,
Yes, I sure am going there. The world of bromance. It has actually been popular for a long time (classic example is the movie Top Gun), yet the term bromance is new to our culture. The term is also known as homosocialism. Editor David Carnie is given credit for coining the term using it in the 1990s in reference to relationships that develop among skaters who spend a vast amount of time together.
Yes, I sure am going there. The world of bromance. It has actually been popular for a long time (classic example is the movie Top Gun), yet the term bromance is new to our culture. The term is also known as homosocialism. Editor David Carnie is given credit for coining the term using it in the 1990s in reference to relationships that develop among skaters who spend a vast amount of time together.
Monday, April 19, 2010
neologism: prehab
Hey all,
Because so many famous people are getting into trouble and having to go to rehab, a popular term is coming up: prehab. This is where celebrities, especially young ones, attend a camp or take private classes on how to behave, what activities to partake in and which ones to ignore etc. so they are set up for the future to not make the mistakes that require rehab.
Because so many famous people are getting into trouble and having to go to rehab, a popular term is coming up: prehab. This is where celebrities, especially young ones, attend a camp or take private classes on how to behave, what activities to partake in and which ones to ignore etc. so they are set up for the future to not make the mistakes that require rehab.
neologism: swipeout
Hey all,
The term swipe out refers to debit and credit cards. After a while, because of the continued use they begin to wear down and have trouble swiping when being used (perhaps you have experienced this, I know I have). Thus, when you swipe your card and it doesn't read because of wear on the card, the unsuccesful swipe is called a swipe out.
The term swipe out refers to debit and credit cards. After a while, because of the continued use they begin to wear down and have trouble swiping when being used (perhaps you have experienced this, I know I have). Thus, when you swipe your card and it doesn't read because of wear on the card, the unsuccesful swipe is called a swipe out.
neologism: kiteboarding
A man named Bruno Legaignoux and his brother began the journey of creating kiteboards in 1984. They crafted a final product after a year of work, but could find no one interesting in their product. For the next ten years, they persisted. They started selling their kites in July of 1997. Before they knew it, companies in Asia and Hawaii were interested in their product. Business took off and they applied for patents to protect their work.
neologism: zip line
Hey all,
The zip line originated in the 19th century in the Tirolian Alps. In the Himalayas, many different tribes are high in elevation and highly inaccessable. Also, at about the same time the British were using a similar system to transport lumber. The original system was a rope and pulley system, yet has grown to become a form of entertainment today. Zip lines are common among youth camps.
The zip line originated in the 19th century in the Tirolian Alps. In the Himalayas, many different tribes are high in elevation and highly inaccessable. Also, at about the same time the British were using a similar system to transport lumber. The original system was a rope and pulley system, yet has grown to become a form of entertainment today. Zip lines are common among youth camps.
neologism: webisode
Hey all,
A webisode is a short episode which airs as a part of internet television instead of broadcast TV. 1998 was the first public use of the word, referring to promoting an online superhero TV series. It was used by Stan Lee Media. A webisode can be a part of a television series, show deleted scenes from a TV show or be entirely original material.
A webisode is a short episode which airs as a part of internet television instead of broadcast TV. 1998 was the first public use of the word, referring to promoting an online superhero TV series. It was used by Stan Lee Media. A webisode can be a part of a television series, show deleted scenes from a TV show or be entirely original material.
telling phrase: Vanity
Hey all,
At the mall, they have advertisements for a new store coming in, Vanity. Yet, to describe their style, they talk about how people are "style starved." It is interesting to relate clothing to hunger. It's an anology we all understand, so it's easily understood. But, starving for food and starving for clothes are two different things. While both are essential, obviously in this case the desire for stylish clothes is not a necessity, it's a want. However because of the ad, the viewer feels a sense of, "I need that."
At the mall, they have advertisements for a new store coming in, Vanity. Yet, to describe their style, they talk about how people are "style starved." It is interesting to relate clothing to hunger. It's an anology we all understand, so it's easily understood. But, starving for food and starving for clothes are two different things. While both are essential, obviously in this case the desire for stylish clothes is not a necessity, it's a want. However because of the ad, the viewer feels a sense of, "I need that."
telling phrase: Don Arnold
Hey all,
Don Arnold has signs all over town for his upcoming election. He is trying to became mayor. However, on all his signs, they are half blue and half red. Although no words are stated, this is definitely a telling phrase. It signifies that he relates and wants votes from both democrats and republicans. It says he is neither one nor the other, but at the same time, both of them. He blends them together and can unite them under his office. A clever form of advertising for his upcoming campaign.
Don Arnold has signs all over town for his upcoming election. He is trying to became mayor. However, on all his signs, they are half blue and half red. Although no words are stated, this is definitely a telling phrase. It signifies that he relates and wants votes from both democrats and republicans. It says he is neither one nor the other, but at the same time, both of them. He blends them together and can unite them under his office. A clever form of advertising for his upcoming campaign.
Sunday, April 18, 2010
neologism: frenemy
Hey all,
The term is used to describe a friend who is disguised as an enemy or an enemy pretending to be a friend. The word appeared in print as early as 1953 and is commonly used to describe personal, political and business relationships. A Businessweek article states the frenemies are common in the workplace due to increasingly informal relationships.
The term is used to describe a friend who is disguised as an enemy or an enemy pretending to be a friend. The word appeared in print as early as 1953 and is commonly used to describe personal, political and business relationships. A Businessweek article states the frenemies are common in the workplace due to increasingly informal relationships.
neologism: carbon footprint
Hey all,
The term refers to total greenhouse gases emitted into the environment. It is often expressed in terms of how much carbon dioxide . It originates from the ecological footprint discussions generated as a part of the life cycle assesment. An individual's carbon footprint can be measured by taking a GHG emissions assesment.
The term refers to total greenhouse gases emitted into the environment. It is often expressed in terms of how much carbon dioxide . It originates from the ecological footprint discussions generated as a part of the life cycle assesment. An individual's carbon footprint can be measured by taking a GHG emissions assesment.
telling ad
Hey all,
I was at the mall food court the other day and picked up another interesting ad. The mall and a couple other organizations are sponsoring a charity drive. All you have to do is buy things from certain stores and part of your purchase money will go the charity of your choice. However, wouldn't it make more sense to give all your money to the charity and not have to buy anything? Also, wouldn't a person get more satisfaction by simply giving all the money to the charity instead of buying something for themselves? Lastly, the charities would gain much more money by a donation instead of a small portion of a purchase.
I was at the mall food court the other day and picked up another interesting ad. The mall and a couple other organizations are sponsoring a charity drive. All you have to do is buy things from certain stores and part of your purchase money will go the charity of your choice. However, wouldn't it make more sense to give all your money to the charity and not have to buy anything? Also, wouldn't a person get more satisfaction by simply giving all the money to the charity instead of buying something for themselves? Lastly, the charities would gain much more money by a donation instead of a small portion of a purchase.
etymology: Cinderella
Hey all,
There are a reported 340-1,500 versions of Cinderella. The earliest recorded version comes from China recorded by Tuan Ch'eng Shih. The heroine Yeh-Shen. Charles Perrault wrote his version in 1697 and included the pumpkin carriage, animal helpers and glass slippers found in today's modern tale. His version includes Cinderella finding husbands for her sisters. However, there are several different versions that don't have a fairytale ending. Many times, the sisters are left poor, blind, maimed or even dead at the end of the tale.
There are a reported 340-1,500 versions of Cinderella. The earliest recorded version comes from China recorded by Tuan Ch'eng Shih. The heroine Yeh-Shen. Charles Perrault wrote his version in 1697 and included the pumpkin carriage, animal helpers and glass slippers found in today's modern tale. His version includes Cinderella finding husbands for her sisters. However, there are several different versions that don't have a fairytale ending. Many times, the sisters are left poor, blind, maimed or even dead at the end of the tale.
Etymology: flip flop
Hey all,
Flip flops have been around for at least 6,000 years. The oldest surviving form was made from papyrus leaves about 1,500 BC and are on display in the British Museum. Other sources of flip flops have been wood, yucca plant, palm leaves and and rice straw. They were first introduced to the United States by soldiers coming back from Japan after WWII. However, it wasn't until after the Korean war they became a popular item. They became the symbol for the California lifestyle and a part of surfing culture everywhere. Slowly over time, they grew to the popular and modern flip flop we know today.
Flip flops have been around for at least 6,000 years. The oldest surviving form was made from papyrus leaves about 1,500 BC and are on display in the British Museum. Other sources of flip flops have been wood, yucca plant, palm leaves and and rice straw. They were first introduced to the United States by soldiers coming back from Japan after WWII. However, it wasn't until after the Korean war they became a popular item. They became the symbol for the California lifestyle and a part of surfing culture everywhere. Slowly over time, they grew to the popular and modern flip flop we know today.
etymology: skimboard
Hey all,
Skimboards began in the 1950's in California. A group of lifeguards at Laguna Beach used to use pieces of wood to slide into the water at the beach. Soon the activity became a sport and gained popularity. During the next twenty years, the sport took off and developed into a world-wide phenomenon. Today, professionals earn their living at skimboarding tournaments. Cabo San Lucas, Mexico and Laguna beach are widely recognized as the best skimboarding spots in the world.
Skimboards began in the 1950's in California. A group of lifeguards at Laguna Beach used to use pieces of wood to slide into the water at the beach. Soon the activity became a sport and gained popularity. During the next twenty years, the sport took off and developed into a world-wide phenomenon. Today, professionals earn their living at skimboarding tournaments. Cabo San Lucas, Mexico and Laguna beach are widely recognized as the best skimboarding spots in the world.
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Friday's Father
In class last week we explored a combinatorial process by which a number of stories might be arranged into a "constellation" creating a singular discourse from the synergy of stories.
You each have the 2CD audio recording of Gwenda LedBetter's performance: Friday's Father. Please listen to it and comment on the blog for next week's class. (Full Disclosure: I helped Gwenda shape this work and directed it for performance.) The intent was to create a longer discourse using her personal stories and stories from her vast repertoire of myth, folk and fairy tales. Listen for ways stories are used to frame questions, establish themes, and create synthesis. Listen also for the involvement strategies we have studied. Note especially the repetitive use of key images. (Such as giants, trees, etc.)
You each have the 2CD audio recording of Gwenda LedBetter's performance: Friday's Father. Please listen to it and comment on the blog for next week's class. (Full Disclosure: I helped Gwenda shape this work and directed it for performance.) The intent was to create a longer discourse using her personal stories and stories from her vast repertoire of myth, folk and fairy tales. Listen for ways stories are used to frame questions, establish themes, and create synthesis. Listen also for the involvement strategies we have studied. Note especially the repetitive use of key images. (Such as giants, trees, etc.)
Volcanic travel
I believe Kat was planning a trip to London in the coming week, but perhaps the volcanic ash from Iceland has delayed that trip. In any case, I notice that MSNBC did some curious punning on its news report of the situation with banners reading "Euro Ash" and "An Inconvenient Plume"
Final schedules
We will meet Thursday, April 29, for our regularly scheduled class. At this point I am unable to schedule the following Thursday, May 6, as well.
Neologisms, etc..
I have been highly satisfied by the entries for neologisms, etymologies and telling expressions. To reply to Kat's query: let's stop at 15 rather than plow ahead to 25. I think you got the task and hopefully the benefits.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Neologism - Corplaining
I don't find that I hear or see that many neologisms (as evidenced by the fact that so many of my neologism posts include reference to the fact that a phrase has often been around for a while) so I headed over to Word Spy to check out a few of theirs. Corplaining I like very much. I spent the last few years indulging in it, although strictly it would be some longer phrase like municiplaining, which is not close enough to the original complaining to be funny or effective. Nevertheless I like there being a word for the type of carping that can become ubiquitous in corporations.
Quick question for David
I meant to ask this in class today and completely forgot! Are you still looking for 25 each of Neologism, Telling Phrase and Etymology from each of us?
I feel like I've been posting quite a lot of them, and am still only at 12 of each. I'm sure I could find the rest before the end of the semester, but it'll be a bit forced. And since you've changed some of the details of the other assignments along the way, I thought I'd check at this point before trying to crank out a lot more.
I feel like I've been posting quite a lot of them, and am still only at 12 of each. I'm sure I could find the rest before the end of the semester, but it'll be a bit forced. And since you've changed some of the details of the other assignments along the way, I thought I'd check at this point before trying to crank out a lot more.
Telling Phrases - "Look up and lengthen"
Yoga Class is patterned around known phrases which guide us through the exercises. They are more or less detailed as to how much they actually describe about the relevant pose. Instead they connect to the pose through association. Here I think the alliteration and the two part patterning are crucial in the shaping of the phrase. Interestingly I have had classes with four different yoga tutors in Johnson City who all use this patterning, although it is not the formal title of a posture. I wonder if there is a patient zero teacher somewhere or whether it is simply a rhytmic description of a movement which it is easy to land upon.
Neologism - Cran
Actually a prefix, not a word. From Cranberry. Gets attached to all sorts of words. Cranapple juice, Cranraisin cookies, cranraspberry smoothy.
The interesting thing is that if you to try it with other berries, it doesn't work try it... raspapple Juice? Blackraisin cookies? strawraspberry smoothy?
So why do we do this with cranberries?
Something to do with the sound pattern of the word? Or the fact that the flavour is distinctive and dominates? Or perhaps because (in the UK at least) cranberry is a relatively recently available fruit with which we have a love affair for its supposed antioxidant properties and benefits to health - it therefore lends itself to marketing led usages?
I have no answers, only questions.
The interesting thing is that if you to try it with other berries, it doesn't work try it... raspapple Juice? Blackraisin cookies? strawraspberry smoothy?
So why do we do this with cranberries?
Something to do with the sound pattern of the word? Or the fact that the flavour is distinctive and dominates? Or perhaps because (in the UK at least) cranberry is a relatively recently available fruit with which we have a love affair for its supposed antioxidant properties and benefits to health - it therefore lends itself to marketing led usages?
I have no answers, only questions.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Goodman discourse
Notice the framing of the event by the introductory speaker and the initial story by David Goodman. As we discussed, these folks are poor public speakers. I can't help but think that the folksy, self-conscious, informal mannerism signal sincerity and believability to the audience. Consider the ways we affect informality to create belief. At the National Sotrytleling Festival and many other venues, storytellers tend to "dress down"; the space is generally lit with little or not theatrical styling. In fact the anti-theatrical treatment has become a style. Like with cinema verite, there is a formal intention to affect informal discourse. Is this also the case with venues such as The Moth where the speakers are expected to tell real and true stories and they are rarely identified as "storytellers" by profession?
Amy and David Goodman discuss their book: "Standing up to the madness"
Amy and David Goodman discuss their book: "Standing up to the madness"
Etymology - Epic
The OED hasn't caught up with teenagers who call a day out at the funfair "epic" yet. But actually thinking about it - at a deep narrative level - the metaphor is potent.
So of course it starts with or before Aristotle, classifying a poetic genre as exemplified by the Iliad and the Odyssey. And then the usage just grows. It becomes any poem which deals with successive events in the life of a hero or a period of history. After that, other forms are possible, provided the material is of the right sort. Films, we know, are often epic. It has almost come to mean "big budget" in that context. Finally, in the 19th century, we see a figurative listing for "a series of events worthy of an epic" initially I think intended only at one metaphoric remove... now, in the funfair example, the metaphor is not with the nature of the event, but with the rollercoaster path between them - different function I think.
as an aside, the OED seems a bit confused about Epic theatre (or I'm a little bit confused about Brecht) - characterizing it as Brechtian - but also saying that it equates to realism and lack of theatrical devices. I always thought Stanislavski was the realist, Brecht all about the distance and theatrics... Not sure which Epic best fits - realism - because original epics were "life events" or a more theatrical style which would perhaps equate to the poetic form?
So of course it starts with or before Aristotle, classifying a poetic genre as exemplified by the Iliad and the Odyssey. And then the usage just grows. It becomes any poem which deals with successive events in the life of a hero or a period of history. After that, other forms are possible, provided the material is of the right sort. Films, we know, are often epic. It has almost come to mean "big budget" in that context. Finally, in the 19th century, we see a figurative listing for "a series of events worthy of an epic" initially I think intended only at one metaphoric remove... now, in the funfair example, the metaphor is not with the nature of the event, but with the rollercoaster path between them - different function I think.
as an aside, the OED seems a bit confused about Epic theatre (or I'm a little bit confused about Brecht) - characterizing it as Brechtian - but also saying that it equates to realism and lack of theatrical devices. I always thought Stanislavski was the realist, Brecht all about the distance and theatrics... Not sure which Epic best fits - realism - because original epics were "life events" or a more theatrical style which would perhaps equate to the poetic form?
Neologism: adorkable
"Oh my god! He is so adorkable!"
Adorkable (adjective): used to describe a male or female who considered both dorky and adorable.
I most recently heard this word used to describe actor Jessie Eisenberg of "Zombieland" and "Adventureland" fame.
Note: I'm told that this word is "very American", as "adorable" is meant for puppies and not for guys. Thanks Kat.
Adorkable (adjective): used to describe a male or female who considered both dorky and adorable.
I most recently heard this word used to describe actor Jessie Eisenberg of "Zombieland" and "Adventureland" fame.
Note: I'm told that this word is "very American", as "adorable" is meant for puppies and not for guys. Thanks Kat.
Neologism: Gleek (noun)
You may have heard the word "gleek" used as a verb. In it's verb form, this word refers to the accidental projection of saliva from the back of the throat at innocent bystanders during a yawn.
Now, "Gleek" has a new, noun form. Born from the combination of the words "glee" and "geek", a "Gleek" is a fan of the television program "Glee", which chronicles the adventures of a high school glee club. These fans have reportedly taken their devotion to the program to a level that may be considered geeky.
Now, "Gleek" has a new, noun form. Born from the combination of the words "glee" and "geek", a "Gleek" is a fan of the television program "Glee", which chronicles the adventures of a high school glee club. These fans have reportedly taken their devotion to the program to a level that may be considered geeky.
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Neologism - Lizarding
Quite possibly not that much of a neologism, but a relatively new entry into my vocabulary.
A noun verbified, or a verbified noun, to lizard is not to flick ones tongue, to crawl on all fours or up walls, but to enjoy basking in the sun.
It was introduced to me by my friend Chelle who lives in Cornwall, and who has also lived in Botswana. Last week was one of my first opportunities to indulge in this important human art.
A noun verbified, or a verbified noun, to lizard is not to flick ones tongue, to crawl on all fours or up walls, but to enjoy basking in the sun.
It was introduced to me by my friend Chelle who lives in Cornwall, and who has also lived in Botswana. Last week was one of my first opportunities to indulge in this important human art.
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
etymology: Easter
Hey All,
Since we just celebrated Easter, I thought it would be appropriate. I found two possibilities:
1. Eostre was the goddess of the sunrise and spring. The eastern direction is named for her and in Norse mythology the name is spelled Eostare. Throughout time, it became known as Easter.
2. In the 5ht Century a Roman church celebrated Christ's death by using the term alba, meaning white for the color of the robes worn during the resurrection festival. When that term was translated into German, the Germans used the term ostem in error, which means sunrise. Ostem became the originator of the term Easter as we know it.
CT
Since we just celebrated Easter, I thought it would be appropriate. I found two possibilities:
1. Eostre was the goddess of the sunrise and spring. The eastern direction is named for her and in Norse mythology the name is spelled Eostare. Throughout time, it became known as Easter.
2. In the 5ht Century a Roman church celebrated Christ's death by using the term alba, meaning white for the color of the robes worn during the resurrection festival. When that term was translated into German, the Germans used the term ostem in error, which means sunrise. Ostem became the originator of the term Easter as we know it.
CT
telling advertisement: facebook
Hey all,
So every time I check my facebook, I get all kinds of ads, usually online sites promising girls who want to instantly date me. The desire to find one's counterpart in a relationship is a desire everyone has. Knowing this, many companies exploit this feeling for profit. They may truly care about who they match you with, but they are making a profit selling love. Yet, they assume I need a girlfriend all the time. Or that I would automatically go straight to an online source rather than interact with the people I already know. I'm not advocating any direct points either way, yet find it interesting and want to see what others think.
CT
So every time I check my facebook, I get all kinds of ads, usually online sites promising girls who want to instantly date me. The desire to find one's counterpart in a relationship is a desire everyone has. Knowing this, many companies exploit this feeling for profit. They may truly care about who they match you with, but they are making a profit selling love. Yet, they assume I need a girlfriend all the time. Or that I would automatically go straight to an online source rather than interact with the people I already know. I'm not advocating any direct points either way, yet find it interesting and want to see what others think.
CT
telling phrase
I saw an ad in the Mall for models. It wanted females of all ages, but only boys up to age three. What does this say about our culture? There are many conclusions one could draw, but obviously females are much more sought out for modeling. The ad reflects how our culture views men and women. Women typically are the ones who do the shopping. Thus, they probably see more advertisements of things to purchase which means more female models to showcase such items. There is much more that could be said, but this is one point I drew from the ad.
etymology: Opening Day
Hey all,
The Cincinnatti Reds were recognized as baseball's first franchise and were awarded the priviledge of "opening the openers"and hosted baseball's first game from 1876-1989. Twice during this period they played away from their ballpark due to rain. In 1990, tradition was broken and the Reds were an away team for the first time. In 1910, President Taft attended the opening day in Washington D.C. of the local team. Since then, 11 president's have tossed out the ceremional first pitch, including Harry Truman showing off ambidextrious talent, throwing out the first pitches with both his left and right arms in 1950.
CT
The Cincinnatti Reds were recognized as baseball's first franchise and were awarded the priviledge of "opening the openers"and hosted baseball's first game from 1876-1989. Twice during this period they played away from their ballpark due to rain. In 1990, tradition was broken and the Reds were an away team for the first time. In 1910, President Taft attended the opening day in Washington D.C. of the local team. Since then, 11 president's have tossed out the ceremional first pitch, including Harry Truman showing off ambidextrious talent, throwing out the first pitches with both his left and right arms in 1950.
CT
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Telling Phrase: from a billboard
"Dear Mommy,
I know you were pressured. But God still loves you.
Love,
The Unborn"
I saw these words on a billboard along highway 40E while driving back from Illinois after Easter. I was about 20 minutes east of Knoxville at the time. When I saw the sign, I had already seen three other anti-abortion billboards during my drive. All of them working a religious angle and all of them directed at women who had already chosen abortion.
The signs struck me as bizarre, but not entirely unexpected. My experience in Tennessee thus far has taught me that this is a majorly Christian area and that the Christians here are vocal and political. So the sign didn't surprise me. It was the fact that there were so many similar signs - speaking to women about God and guilt and the unborn - but I have yet to see one offering help. None of these signs said anything about WIC, or Planned Parenthood, or adoption, or any other means of cheap and available health or child care.
The abundant guilt messages and unseen messages of aid strike me as bizarre, contradictory really. As a collection of telling phrases, these signs gave me the impression that the groups funding these signs don't acknowledge a connection between helping "mommies" and "saving the babies."
I know you were pressured. But God still loves you.
Love,
The Unborn"
I saw these words on a billboard along highway 40E while driving back from Illinois after Easter. I was about 20 minutes east of Knoxville at the time. When I saw the sign, I had already seen three other anti-abortion billboards during my drive. All of them working a religious angle and all of them directed at women who had already chosen abortion.
The signs struck me as bizarre, but not entirely unexpected. My experience in Tennessee thus far has taught me that this is a majorly Christian area and that the Christians here are vocal and political. So the sign didn't surprise me. It was the fact that there were so many similar signs - speaking to women about God and guilt and the unborn - but I have yet to see one offering help. None of these signs said anything about WIC, or Planned Parenthood, or adoption, or any other means of cheap and available health or child care.
The abundant guilt messages and unseen messages of aid strike me as bizarre, contradictory really. As a collection of telling phrases, these signs gave me the impression that the groups funding these signs don't acknowledge a connection between helping "mommies" and "saving the babies."
Etymology: Vajazzle
Vajazzle (v.) to bedazzle one's vagina with crystals.
I first came across this word early this March during an episode of the Bob and Tom Show - a morning radio show known for its visiting comedians and unusal guests. That morning, the producers had invited a salon professional to the show. Over the course of the program, one of her usual clients received her bi-weekly services. This included the gluing of several small crystals to the peripheral area of the clients vagina. Her response? "I'm vajazzling her."
If this term reminds you of the classic 80s and early 90s toy known as "The Bedazzler", congratulations - you were probably one of the lucky kids who had one. For those of you who didn't, "The Bedazzler" was a craft tool that could somewhat-permanently affix rhinestones and other glittery objects of girlie joy to whatever material you could get your hands on. (Sorry about those curtains mom.)
Evidently, generation Bedazzler has grown up and is still looking to add a little sparkle to its life. But as "vajazzle" implies, generation B has started moving the glitz from their backpacks to their vaginas. Let's just hope that process doensn't still involve that stapler-like contraption.
I first came across this word early this March during an episode of the Bob and Tom Show - a morning radio show known for its visiting comedians and unusal guests. That morning, the producers had invited a salon professional to the show. Over the course of the program, one of her usual clients received her bi-weekly services. This included the gluing of several small crystals to the peripheral area of the clients vagina. Her response? "I'm vajazzling her."
If this term reminds you of the classic 80s and early 90s toy known as "The Bedazzler", congratulations - you were probably one of the lucky kids who had one. For those of you who didn't, "The Bedazzler" was a craft tool that could somewhat-permanently affix rhinestones and other glittery objects of girlie joy to whatever material you could get your hands on. (Sorry about those curtains mom.)
Evidently, generation Bedazzler has grown up and is still looking to add a little sparkle to its life. But as "vajazzle" implies, generation B has started moving the glitz from their backpacks to their vaginas. Let's just hope that process doensn't still involve that stapler-like contraption.
Telling Phrase: "saying things"
Imagine an 80-year-old woman looking up from her kitchen table at her granddaughter. The grandmother's eyes are very big and the granddaughter's dress is very short. Two uncles and two other granddaughters listen while the matriarch tells the girl, in no uncertain terms, that "she better go home and put some pants on."
The girl obeys. Once she's out the door, the grandmother looks around the room. She explains her motive. "I don't want people saying things about my granddaughter." The subject is closed.
When I heard this, there was no doubt in my mind what my grandmother meant by "saying things." My guess is that all of you are equally aware of her meaning. Looking back, I'm struck by the contrast between her explicit directions and the implicit language of her explanation.
She never had to say what those "things" were that she didn't want said. We all knew.
Looking back on the warnings you've heard in your own lives, do any of you recall similar incidents of implied meaning?
The girl obeys. Once she's out the door, the grandmother looks around the room. She explains her motive. "I don't want people saying things about my granddaughter." The subject is closed.
When I heard this, there was no doubt in my mind what my grandmother meant by "saying things." My guess is that all of you are equally aware of her meaning. Looking back, I'm struck by the contrast between her explicit directions and the implicit language of her explanation.
She never had to say what those "things" were that she didn't want said. We all knew.
Looking back on the warnings you've heard in your own lives, do any of you recall similar incidents of implied meaning?
Telling Phrase 6: "Step Ya' Nictionary Up!"
"Step Your Nictionary Up!" Is a phrase-like sentence that goes back to Nicki Minaj who I mentioned in an earlier post. This phrase doesn't appear to mean anything at first, but understanding that Nictionary is a term that refers to Nicki Minaj's list of definitions that she uses on her album, we can see that this is a telling phrase. Not only could it mean, "If you want to be cool, up to date, and 'in' (exclusive), than you need to know what my lyrics mean," but it could also mean, "You must be ignorant if you don't have the same vocabulary that I do." Overall, it indicates that there is some level of importance in learning the terms that are in the culture that Nicki is representing. In truth, there isn't much anyone would gain from Nicki's vocabulary considering some of the crass things that she includes in her music (which I wouldn't recommend for anyone to listen to her whole CD... some of it I might). This phrase also points back to the status value that Nicki has for herself and her own creativity. Since pride is often seen positively in rap culture (Swagga'), it makes sense for her to use this ridiculous statement.
Telling Phrase 5: "I'm dunking on you."
"I'm dunking on you" is similar to "Chef cookin' for me" except it is more pointed and it is more of a goofy insult than a prideful exclamation. "I'm dunking on you" could of course mean, "I am scoring against you in basketball by pushing the ball through the hoop." Of course what makes this a telling phrase is that it means more than what would obviously be recognized in the first read. This phrase first indicates, "I am above you." It then indicates, "I'm scoring on you" which also implies, "I'm winning, and you are losing." This phrase could also be a marketing slogan for Dunkin Donuts, a motto for athletic gear, and a cheesy statement by a youth minister after a baptismal service. Obviously the last use would be my personal favorite.
Telling Phrase 4: "Chef cookin' for me"
"Chef cookin' for me" is one of my personal favorite lines. When asked to define the phrase, I have told people that it means "I am VIP." They usually look at me with a dazed and confused look that says either, "Huh?" or "Wait. Why would you say something so arrogant?" The phrase says a lot in a few words. Basically, it is saying, "The chef is in the kitchen cooking something for me because I am a very important person that is in sitting at the head of the table being served." I like it because it is usually used in a humorous way to say something similar to, "I'm on a roll." or "You can't touch this." The meaning of this phrase could also be seen to mean that I'm excited because something great is about to come to me.
Telling Phrase 3: "Shut the front door!"
The exclamatory phrase "Shut the front door!" can be used in a couple of different ways. Obviously, it could be taken literally to mean, "Hey you left the door open as you walked in. Close it." This phrase could also mean, "I'm shocked and you left my mouth hanging open. Are you being serious so that I can close my mouth now?" This second meaning is the one that motivated me to select this phrase as a telling phrase. Obviously, this phrase would not immediately be thought to mean the second of the two meanings. This implication makes me believe that this is a bit of a loaded statement. It could also indicate the statement, "Are you freaking kidding me!?" or "Wow, that's great." On the other hand, it could also mean, "Holy cow, that's not good." Even though this phrase has implications that could imply many things, it could also be seen as a very non-telling phrase because there is so much meaning that is left for tone, pitch, volume, and movement.
Telling Phrase 2: "My Haters are my motivators"
"My haters are my motivators." Is a phrase-like sentence that I have heard used in more than one rap song. I believe that this phrase has quite a bit to say. One of the things that it infers are that the speaker will not be put down by insults, discouragement, or negativity. It also indicates that attacks against the speaker actually increase the speaker's motivation to do what they are doing. This phrase has a certain level of invincibility associated with it. Essentially, it is saying, "If you resist me, than I will become more forceful." In a more negative light, the phrase can be seen as kind of annoying. Maybe you can relate to my thoughts by thinking of someone that is constantly trying to prove something. It is one thing to make a case, and try to persuade someone, it is another thing to continually try to make your point after the case has been closed. This phrase makes me think of people that are constantly trying to make a case for themselves even when everyone has already heard and disagreed with them. At the same time, it can be good to be motivated by opposition. Although I have heard this phrase used in rap music, its meaning could be true for many people and many walks of life.
Telling Phrase 1: Like Frosty Da' Snowman
"Like Frosty Da’ Snowman" is a phrase that indicates that someone who is trying to appear classy, posh, or gangster is wearing diamonds that lack clarity. When I was researching rings before I proposed to Anita, I learned a lot about different diamond cuts, clarity levels, and so forth. I didn't know how much more people are willing to pay for very small clarity differences. I always thought that the size of the diamonds was the most important part. Obviously, I had a lot to learn. The phrase "Like Frosty Da' Snowman" is an insulting phrase that is used against people that are "putting up a front" that they have excessive amounts of money or "swagger." This phrase also appears in Nikki Minaj's rap music. A command that is often associated with this phrase is, "Step up your clarity!"
Neologism 6: Hammer-faced
I'll let you figure out which two term meanings this word captures, but essentially it means very, very drunk. Hopefully it seems strange for me to use this word, but I still decided to include it since it is, to my knowledge, a fairly new term. One of my friends was explaining this word to me. It is amazing how many words have been created to express the concept of being drunk. My suspicion would be that people are drunk when they create these new terms for being drunk. Otherwise, they would probably choose one of the existing terms that means the same thing, but then again, creating new words can be fun. At least now I know that it doesn't have anything to do with grotesque murder.
Neologism 5: Swicked
Swicked: This word is often included in the phrase "swicked weet." The word swicked is used to mean the same thing as the words wicked sweet. The original phrase is quite a strange combination of adjectives in and of itself. The new word indicates that something stands out as phenomenal, while also having an aura of shock and surprise.
Neologism 4: Zoo
Zoo :\ˈzü\: adjective
1: when exciting, crazy, and fetch need to be combined to describe a noun.
*can only be said with extreme intensity.
This word was taken from a popular rapper named Nicki Minaj who has a whole list of words that she has compiled into her "Nictionary." She defines "Nictionary" as, "The dictionary created by Nicki Minaj to walk pedestrians through her vocab and terminologies… As anexample, she included the sentence, "STEP YA NICTIONARY UP!!!" This phrase will also appear in my list of telling phrases.
1: when exciting, crazy, and fetch need to be combined to describe a noun.
*can only be said with extreme intensity.
This word was taken from a popular rapper named Nicki Minaj who has a whole list of words that she has compiled into her "Nictionary." She defines "Nictionary" as, "The dictionary created by Nicki Minaj to walk pedestrians through her vocab and terminologies… As anexample, she included the sentence, "STEP YA NICTIONARY UP!!!" This phrase will also appear in my list of telling phrases.
Neologism 3: Smib
Smib is a word that indicates that a small meeting will be held. Typically, there is a level of immediacy that is recognized in the words usage. The word is semi-synonymous with “pow-wow.” The main difference is that a smib indicates that the meeting will be held in private. Typically it refers to a business meeting that would take place “out back.”
Neologism 2: Fleep
Fleep
This word is a word that I have heard used across many states. Although it originated in a youth group in Maryland, it spread to upstate New York, North Carolina, and even Tennessee. It may also be used in Pennsylvania and Virginia, but I am unsure if it is that widespread. The word is typically accompanied by a thumb gesture that involves a bent thumb. “Fleep” has been dubbed the “church group flip off.” Although the hand gesture is used in a similar way to flipping someone off,the rules to using the word are that it can mean anything, but it must mean something positive. If someone is “fleeped,” than they have been given the thumb and received positive words in a negative situation. The word “fleep” is often used in the exclamatory statement “Fleep You!”
This word is a word that I have heard used across many states. Although it originated in a youth group in Maryland, it spread to upstate New York, North Carolina, and even Tennessee. It may also be used in Pennsylvania and Virginia, but I am unsure if it is that widespread. The word is typically accompanied by a thumb gesture that involves a bent thumb. “Fleep” has been dubbed the “church group flip off.” Although the hand gesture is used in a similar way to flipping someone off,the rules to using the word are that it can mean anything, but it must mean something positive. If someone is “fleeped,” than they have been given the thumb and received positive words in a negative situation. The word “fleep” is often used in the exclamatory statement “Fleep You!”
Neologism 1: Blogiversary
As I searched for a link in my Mentoring in Early Childhood Education class, I came across a website announcement for a "Blogiversary." I thought that this was an interesting word. I'm not sure how new it is, but I had never heard it before. The meaning is probably already evident, but a blogiversary is the anniversary of someone's blog creation. This word subtly demonstrates the idea of technological attachment. The word symbolizes the commitment, energy, time, and emotion that are often poured into people's blogs. People often see their blogs as a reflection of themselves. Sometimes it gets creepy.
Monday, April 5, 2010
Listening Assignments - Catching Up
Listening Assignments - since we've discussed in class now, just a few of my thoughts about each style, rather than summarising what we covered - since I don't tend to take notes.
Story Corp
“There was this hole that I had all of my life.” MJ Seide and Genna Alperin
a grandaughter learns how her grandmothers met and fell in love.
“I wasn't afraid. I thought, 'I'm going to be cool about it.'”
A fan seeks out J.D. Salinger
“I didn't know if I was ever going to see you again.”
a mum and daughter share feelings about what it was like when the mother was fighting in Iraq
storytelling for the benefit of the participants, but in a style that makes them accessible to a wider audience.
value to audience is in the whole as an archive, not in each individual entry as entertainment
rules are fairly flexible in terms of whether it is narrative based or interview based - with emotion being foregrounded and narrative only implied. (in the Iraq story above participants have almost equal speech, and though there are anecdotes, the narrative of "the family experience of the Iraq war" is mostly to be inferred)
2nd Story
(Not-So) Still Life by David Blatt
Brutus and Portia by Khanisha Foster
Push, Kick, Coast by Ric Walker
stylised, sophisticated, claim authenticity as written by those presenting them, but not stated as "truth". Range of delivery styles permissable (Ric Walker sounds like Donald Davis for 2/3rds of his story, whilst Khanisha Foster is performing a complex monologue cut in with Shakespeare, and David Blatt sounds like a weekend newspaper columnist (a style which I've also noted in Moth episodes) it is like a more measured version of stand up). 2nd story excites me as a performing art form in a way the others do not, and not just because the material is more provocative, in fact, perhaps despite that, which is a bit of a cheap trick.
The Moth
Jon Levin
Elevator ER
Cindy Chupack
'Til Death or Homosexuality Do Us Part
James Braly
Pink Bicycle
I was expecting a distinct change of style between mainstage and slam - didn't get it. A storyslam is not improvised in the way a poetry slam is. Or maybe the "impromptu" was not part of the original meaning of slam, and is just something we think of it as in the UK.
Moth tellers are required to entertain an audience. However they have a much more limited means of doing so than 2nd Story tellers (I think) as they do not seem to be encouraged to show craft. They can have craft, but they should not be displaying evident performance skill (oh, except comic timing). Instead they have to rely on observational humor combined with emotional honesty, and interesting events to relate.
I know, I'm bitter, I'm all about the craft, about heightened delivery, about the magic. Some of this is great entertainment, some largely dull. But it isn't a place I'd chose to spend an evening.
This American Life
my biggest listening failure. I don't like talk radio in general and every time I tried to listen to an American Life episode I would find my attention had wandered. We talked about formality, and I accept that the production values mean that it is formally constructed. But the delivery styles of the participants are in a conversational realm that strikes me as closer to Story Corps than either 2nd Story or The Moth. And when they're long... they really drag.
268: My Experimental Phase (all parts but not very focused listening)
339: Break Up - Prologue (actual listening)
I think part of my dislike is the English thing. British reserve does exist - this kind of public sharing - well it does happen - and often on radio, but in careful formulaic "letter and song selection" shows which are easily avoided. Not in a strange combination of confessional and documentary. Although to be fair we are just as blighted with the reality tv syndrom that is just that as America is.
Story Corp
“There was this hole that I had all of my life.” MJ Seide and Genna Alperin
a grandaughter learns how her grandmothers met and fell in love.
“I wasn't afraid. I thought, 'I'm going to be cool about it.'”
A fan seeks out J.D. Salinger
“I didn't know if I was ever going to see you again.”
a mum and daughter share feelings about what it was like when the mother was fighting in Iraq
storytelling for the benefit of the participants, but in a style that makes them accessible to a wider audience.
value to audience is in the whole as an archive, not in each individual entry as entertainment
rules are fairly flexible in terms of whether it is narrative based or interview based - with emotion being foregrounded and narrative only implied. (in the Iraq story above participants have almost equal speech, and though there are anecdotes, the narrative of "the family experience of the Iraq war" is mostly to be inferred)
2nd Story
(Not-So) Still Life by David Blatt
Brutus and Portia by Khanisha Foster
Push, Kick, Coast by Ric Walker
stylised, sophisticated, claim authenticity as written by those presenting them, but not stated as "truth". Range of delivery styles permissable (Ric Walker sounds like Donald Davis for 2/3rds of his story, whilst Khanisha Foster is performing a complex monologue cut in with Shakespeare, and David Blatt sounds like a weekend newspaper columnist (a style which I've also noted in Moth episodes) it is like a more measured version of stand up). 2nd story excites me as a performing art form in a way the others do not, and not just because the material is more provocative, in fact, perhaps despite that, which is a bit of a cheap trick.
The Moth
Jon Levin
Elevator ER
Cindy Chupack
'Til Death or Homosexuality Do Us Part
James Braly
Pink Bicycle
I was expecting a distinct change of style between mainstage and slam - didn't get it. A storyslam is not improvised in the way a poetry slam is. Or maybe the "impromptu" was not part of the original meaning of slam, and is just something we think of it as in the UK.
Moth tellers are required to entertain an audience. However they have a much more limited means of doing so than 2nd Story tellers (I think) as they do not seem to be encouraged to show craft. They can have craft, but they should not be displaying evident performance skill (oh, except comic timing). Instead they have to rely on observational humor combined with emotional honesty, and interesting events to relate.
I know, I'm bitter, I'm all about the craft, about heightened delivery, about the magic. Some of this is great entertainment, some largely dull. But it isn't a place I'd chose to spend an evening.
This American Life
my biggest listening failure. I don't like talk radio in general and every time I tried to listen to an American Life episode I would find my attention had wandered. We talked about formality, and I accept that the production values mean that it is formally constructed. But the delivery styles of the participants are in a conversational realm that strikes me as closer to Story Corps than either 2nd Story or The Moth. And when they're long... they really drag.
268: My Experimental Phase (all parts but not very focused listening)
339: Break Up - Prologue (actual listening)
I think part of my dislike is the English thing. British reserve does exist - this kind of public sharing - well it does happen - and often on radio, but in careful formulaic "letter and song selection" shows which are easily avoided. Not in a strange combination of confessional and documentary. Although to be fair we are just as blighted with the reality tv syndrom that is just that as America is.
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