03
May 14

E-Portfolio

Nathan Daniel Walborn’s E-Portfolio 


15
Jan 14

Post #1

This I Believe Ideas

  • The overuse of cell phones in teens (social media)
  •  The need for education reform in the United States

Civic Issues Blog

  •  Ethics within the Medical Field
  •  The causes and effects of the widening wealth gap in America

Passion Blog

  •  Nature Blog
  •  Unique Animals Blog

 

This semester I will try to focus more greatly on commenting on others’ blogs and fueling debates. I liked the overall framework and makeup of my Nature Blog from last semester which is why I will most likely stay with this blog.

 


02
Dec 13

RCL #7

Vimeo’s videos of how to shoot, edit, and prepare any type of multimedia creation is very helpful in constructing our Public Controversy Videos. Vimeo suggests many different techniques to help make our videos more aesthetically and rhetorically pleasing.

Specifically during the shooting process, Vimeo argues that it is rhetorically applicable to use pans, transitions, tilts, and controlled movements to produce a fluid transition signifying a change of scenes and/or mood. They say that by varying the movement of the camera, and therefore the scene itself, it can help in portraying a significant mood or theme relevant to either a character, a climactic scene in the story, or just to aid in keeping the camera shots novel and interesting.

Vimeo also gives tips in editing that can help give your story a more thematic feel. They state that after importing the video clips into any post-production software, you should use cutting and trimming tools to help give the transitions more relevance in telling the overall story. Rhetorically, by cutting/trimming clips throughout the video, you can stimulate any emotional response necessary for that point in the video (cliff-hanger, dramatic pauses, musical accompaniment, etc.) Trimming is definitely a significant tool in helping to portray the overall up-and-down flow of emotion throughout the entirety of the story.

Both of Vimeo’s techniques are crucial in the shooting and editing processes. They can aid in giving your story more gripping transitions that keep the audience intriguingly vigilant throughout the video.


20
Nov 13

THON!

THON. The prime example of civic engagement. If you attend Penn State and have never heard of February’s Panhellenic Dance Marathon, then you must be living under a rock. THON has a rich history at Penn State dating back to 1973 and has since changed the face of Penn State University. You cannot apply to Penn State without hearing about the largest student-run philanthropic organization in the country. It’s easy to join, for a great cause, and brings together the entire student body throughout the whole year, leading up to the weekend of February 21st through February 23rd.

THON is the best example of civic engagement and rhetoric that Penn State uses to help not only bring the student population together, but the state of Pennsylvania in general. There are various organized committees within THON including Merchandise committee, Rules and Regulation committee, Morale committee and many more. There are over 15,000 students (just at University Park) volunteering to help raise money for pediatric cancer research, and individual funding for families. THON and all the work that students do to help raise money, awareness, and morale comes out of the goodwill of all Penn State’s students.

Rhetorically, THON’s name is displayed all over campus (and the state for that matter) on posters, shirts, sweatshirts, stickers, and by word of mouth. It is impossible to not hear about this large philanthropy that is THON. Students, alumni, parents, family, and those affected by pediatric cancer all come together and dance for one weekend out of the year to raise money and awareness in the fight against childhood cancer. It is a great cause that encompasses all of civic engagement. This student-run organization is the backbone of Penn State’s civically engaging population. Since its induction in 1973, THON has raised over $101 million and is sharply inclining each year. FTK.


15
Nov 13

TED Talk Review

https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B47LHYXa7I5QUWFpZXVNclVhTUU/edit
The preparation for the TED Talk was not out of the ordinary. What was difficult was taking such a broad topic as the changing of the English language and creating a comprehensive, succinct aim of approach. When preparing to give a speech I found it helpful to focus the talking points on information that I found interesting and new to me, as I assumed this would be the most compelling for others to listen to. I also constructed my ideas and practiced my speech around these but then waited to choose the powerpoint pictures. This was challenging because I had already mentally prepared my ideas but then had to reconstruct them to fit around the visual aids I chose, thus virtually creating a new speech.
One thing I would have changed during the preparation process was to create my talking points and then choose fitting visuals before actually starting to practice the speech itself. Also it would have been wise to practice in front of an audience, like a roommate or friend, not only to help me practice my speech but to get feedback as well on things like posture, placement of hands, or on the format of the speech itself. In general, I think my speech was well prepared and researched but nerves are always inevitable when speaking publicly. One thing that I did not account for when practicing my speech was standing in one place for the entire duration. I would usually pace back and forth involuntarily when trying to think back to what I should say next. Yet, the TED Talks we watched on body language and memory were helpful in the preparation stages as well. The chapters we read on rhetorical devices like pathos, ethos, and logos was also in the back of my mind when constructing this speech.
After watching my speech again, I realized that I was more worried about thinking what I was going to say next instead of focusing on what I should be currently articulating. When not having notes in front of you to reference when speaking publicly, I tend to spend too much time on elaborating on what I just said rather then just moving on to the next topic. This also could have helped cut my time back by a significant amount. When speaking from memory, I think that it could have been helpful to not memorize as many lines verbatim but rather to just speak about what I knew well. One thing that I did enjoy about this project was that TED Talks allow you to be a little more informal than usual formal speeches. I found this very helpful and in fact calmed my nerves (a little) when comparing to other speeches we had this semester. I thought the varying tone in my voice helped the overall message of my speech, which was one thing I tried to be cognizant of when practicing.
Overall I thought the format of my speech was well outlined as I discussed the evolution of the English language from its beginnings and tracing its progression to its current state. Yet, nerves usually get the best of me when speaking publicly which always affects my thought process during, and hinders me from staying on topic when elaborating.

31
Oct 13

Things to Consider

Another entry from Stall Stories has inspired me to think in a rhetorically civic fashion. The new issue had come out this week (which I anticipate greatly) and I was quick to sit and read the new issue with eager. This week’s issue’s main topic included the title “What does it mean to live an INCLUSIVE community?” which obviously caught my CAS137H eye.

The article consists of various “Things to Consider” in which they offer ways to become involved with your fellow Penn State community. In a bulleted fashion, the article states many ways in which you can become involved with your neighbors, hall mates, and students all around campus. Firstly, the article states, “Have you met your neighbor?” as it proclaims that your neighbors and floor mates may have characteristics in common with yourself. Talking to your floor mates is the best way to easily meet new people as you constantly see them on a daily basis–so why not converse, get to know each other, and make a new friend (who doesn’t live on the opposite side of campus).

Secondly the article states, “Be sure to invite a variety of people along to dinner the next time you go.” They state that by unintentionally excluding people, they will feel unwanted and hurt, even if you did not intend on hurting someone. They stress the importance of making the effort to get to know your peers and by inviting a group to go to dinner. It is the simplest way to offer a hand of friendship to others in your community. Thirdly, the article states, “Use inclusive language” where they proclaim that some phrases or descriptors may be harmful to a certain group or minority. Using derogatory words are an easy way to offend others, even if you mean no harm by what you are accustomed to saying.

This article is a great example of how Penn State uses rhetorical devices to help persuade the student population into cooperating with their fellow students. This article is a good way to civically engage and integrate those of varying ethnic or cultural backgrounds.


30
Oct 13

TED Talk Thesis

For my TED talk I will discuss the rise of early contractions and the resulting form of “ain’t” that came from this movement of the Modern to Late Modern English language.

Rhetorically, I can talk about the logos of this revolution and how contractions made speech simpler–which inevitably led writing to adapt to spoken word. The simplistic form of this speech and writing although did take a turn for the worst when it emigrated to the United States from England. For ethos, I can discuss the large amounts of authors, poets, and essayists who adapted contractions, and specifically “aint'”, and how this word went through a metamorphosis throughout English and American literature. Then relating to literature, I will talk about how contractions can be used to emphasize the certain emotions of characters when reading text, and how “ain’t” can be used to characterize certain types of characters, possibly appealing to the pathos of the reader.


23
Oct 13

State College Farmers Market

From June through November State College hosts a weekly farmers market where the local farmers can come and sell their products to the neighboring community. The farmers market is every Tuesday and Friday from 11:30 to 5:30. What makes this semiweekly event so intriguing for the people of State College is the products sold by the neighboring Amish communities.

The State College Farmers Market is a time where the neighboring adjacent communities (the majority of which are Amish) can come and sell their locally grown vegetable, fruits, breads, spices, flowers, and other various food products. Since the Amish people are so accustomed to a life of seclusion and private community living, this two-time per week event is a good way of joining two distinctly different populations for a common goal. The Amish are able to sell their seasonal crops while we are able to buy these locally grown products at a reasonably lower price.

This event is a good example of civic engagement as it blends the two differentiating communities. This can also be seen as a form of rhetoric as the town constantly advertises for this semiweekly event. It supports local Amish farms’ businesses as it strengthens the economy of State College and its neighboring communities all around central Pennsylvania. This is also a good way to promote a healthy diet as it is more beneficial to consume locally grown products, rather than some genetically modified store-bought foods. One thing you can trust about the Amish is that they are not going to sell genetically modified organisms (GMO’s) because they are so customary to a simple and traditional fashion of agriculture.

The Farmers Market is a prime example of both rhetoric and civic engagement. The town advertises for this event throughout all of downtown, which helps promote the Amish’s business. It also is a good way for two vastly different cultures to come together to support each other’s economic growth–a textbook example of consumerism, which benefits both communities. And the food is healthy for you!


16
Oct 13

Penn St vs. Michigan

If you were not at the Penn State vs. Michigan homecoming game last Saturday, I sincerely apologize for your loss. This was one of the best football games I’ve witnessed in person in my whole lifetime. I’ve attended peewee football games, high school games, college games, and professional games all in person. And without a doubt this was one of the most exciting and riveting rollercoaster rides of a game I’ve ever seen live.

It was a beautiful day for football, tailgates were around every corner, everyone sporting their white shirts for the stadium white out…and oh right, it was homecoming. Homecoming means that all supporting alumni come back to the school that they had attended years ago to help cheer on their team to victory. It’s a time a to both give back to the university that helped educate them into the person they are today, as well as seeing their beloved football team beat one of our biggest Big Ten rivals, Michigan.

Michigan came into Beaver Stadium with a 5-0 record, and more importantly 1-0 against Big Ten teams. They were the 16th best team in the nation with one of the best offenses in the country. We were clearly the underdogs with a slim chance of victory.

The stadium was packed with over 107,000 fans, most of which were wearing white in support of homecoming weekend. The game was filled with up-and-down moments, some where you couldn’t look away, some where you wish you could look away, and all of which you had to be on your feet to witness (especially throughout the four overtimes). Yet, sometimes it doesn’t matter who the more talented team is, the team with more heart will always prevail, and on this day, that was us.

This game was a prime example of how everyone in the student section, and the rest of the 107,000 fans, helped to actively engage in a civic manner to ensure our team would be victorious. Each home game, the students come together in a civic fashion to help cheer on our team, as we know we are going to win despite who we are playing. Home football games are a great way to support your school, community, town, and friends in a civically engaging fashion.


16
Oct 13

Paradigm Shift Essay

I will discuss the etymology of the word ain’t and how it evolved from the early 1600’s of upper-class England, to its more commonly known usages in modern times among the illiterate/uneducated.

Facts:

  • Who was the first group to start using this vernacular?
  • Where was it first documented?
  • Who now uses this term in modern times?
  • Is it still used in the same context as its modern usage?

Definitions:

  • What did it mean initially?
  • And how was it initially used?
  • What does the word mean nowadays?
  • And how is it used in modern context?

Causes:

  • How did this word first come about?
  • How was it first used in literary devices/spoken word, and how is it now used in literary devices/spoken word?
  • Did the word have any significance? Does it now?

Consequences:

  • How did the word spread from England to the United States?
  • How did it transcend economic classes?
  • How did the usage of the word entail an educated background?
  • And how does the usage of the word now entail an uneducated background?

Value/Quality

  • How does the etymology of this word allow us to see how language is as easily perceptible to change throughout centuries just as culture is?

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