Study #1

Wati's Study
Stephanie's Study

Shannon's Study
Otha's Study
Molly's Study
Jawanza's Study


Jack's Study

Danielle's Study

Charmaine's Study
Casey's Study



Brittany's Study
Aby's Study

Chris' Study

Pictograph 1944 By Adolph Gottlieb

In the painting it looks like a bunch of different objects. But the object that stood out was a pair of eyes. When I saw the eyes it seemed like the eyes are what saw all of these objects. which relates to the self portrait a little bit. The eyes are looking at the surroundings and that is what the eyes see, and since the objects are a bit distorted that is how the eyes sees it. So basically to me it seems like what the objet sees they judge, just like people are judged everyday be people. i think that the reason this piece of art stood out to me is mainly because of how everything was drawn. The eyes remind me of someone who is judgmental about everything, because they have kind of like a sly look to them as if the person is talking about someone. Another reason is because I like the way everything was laid out in the painting. It had sort of a organized but unorganized look to it. I also like it because to me it shows what another person sees.

Defense of Northern VA Local Metal Scene

Sean Hemingway

New Millennium Studies

Chet

February 8, 2010

In Defense of Virginia’s Local Music Scene

Although it is “off the radar” to patrons of music outside of the state, Virginia has a very developed and wonderful music scene, that is very unique compared to the local music scene in Chicago. There is one musical genre that I will be talking about in particular, and that is metal music. In Chicago, there seems to be a problem giving local metal bands little, to no exposure in a competitive music circuit.

Currently in Chicago, there are quite a few talented music bands that would be considered to be on a “local” level of popularity. Of course there are some bands in the area, as in any genre or area that are not talented, or are just plain bad. Part of the problem that I see, is that there is that local metal bands really don’t get the time of day in Chicago, and even a lot bands who have a vast international popularity in the metal scene do not come to Chicago, and skip over it. Historically, Chicago is a blues town, and there is a vested interest in Jazz among a majority of the blues audience in the area. Also, there is a significant R&B and Hip-Hop community, along with a popularity of House music, and other electronic genres. In the Chicago area, and in the City itself, there is a lot of promotion for local the genres above, but not for metal. This is not to say that there is no one promoting the music, but it is much more limited and restrained than in Virginia.

An example of this: Through research and time to observe show listings, and going to metal shows in the area, there are very few venues that support the genre. A lot of the local metal bands play at bars or clubs that have little reputation in the area. Along with that, there are no medium sized venues (to my knowledge or I have seen through my experience) that house popular metal bands and local metal bands together on the same stage. This is not to say that there are not places that display local metal talent, but there are no steps that are taken or incentives to draw large crowds to the local metal shows.

There is a venue in Northern Virginia called Jaxx Nightclub. It is a local hot stop for metal bands, and they have a reputation of showing not only local musicians, but also touring bands, and internationally famous bands there. Instantly by looking at the list of bands that have played there, one who is familiar with the genre that has never been to Jaxx might assume the venue is huge, but in reality, it is not a massive venue. It is actually located in a strip mall. When I first showed up there, this surprised me, but when I got inside I realized they had a really good thing going. On top of this, they always up local bands on the same stage as the touring bands. Even the biggest tours will start a little earlier than normal so local talent can have a chance to play on the same stage about an hour before the big bands start playing. Along with that, the majority of venues in the area are all 21 and over shows, giving young musicians a very difficult obstacle to get into shows and play themselves. At Jaxx however, they have a system so that allows all ages in the show, even though they serve alcohol. A black “x” on the back of each hand warns bartenders not to serve minors alcohol, and it is as easy as that.

I am not trying to say Chicago has no respect for metal musicians, and that they are being oppressed and they never see any spotlight, but what I am saying is that there are some very good metal musicians, and I feel that the local venues in Northern Virginia do a very good job, especially Jaxx Nightclub, does an excellent job promoting local metal bands better than almost every other local music scene I have had experience with.

Three art works

I chose this steal painting Two Sisters (On the Terrace), 1881 by Pierre-Auguste Renoir because it relates to self AS I can reflect with this painting. My mother used to take a picture of me and my sister when we were together. We always dressed up and had fun with costumes like these girls. She was always the tall one where I was the short one. I always was at my sister’s knee when she was sitting. I always wanted to be near my sister in a picture. When I was a child I always lived near beautiful areas of the country. My mother always wanted to take a picture everywhere we went.

This picture to the community would be looked as two sisters having a good time, posing for a family painting. I see beauty and innocence. It was back in the day of horse and carriage.

This painting Woman Descending the Staircase, 1965 by Gerhard Richter makes me feel like I’m that beautiful woman running down the staircase. I really like how this painter made a glow to the picture. I can picture myself just like that woman free and happy. That’s me during the Grammy's coming down the stairs. I like the colors in this painting the colors make it stand out in some way.

This painting Young Mother, 1888 by Mary Cassatt reflects to me when i was a child my mother always held me and kissed my cheek. I love how the mother shows love to her daughter. I wish I knew my mother more when I was younger. When I was a child I always had my hands in my mouth always wanted to be on my mother’s lap.

When the community looks at this painting they probably see how much the mother loves her child. They would see how the mother is kissing her child’s face and holding her so tight. I hope some of the viewers at least had an experience like this with their mother. The mother has her eyes closed so it’s more meaningful. Its very important as a young child to have a connection with their mothers

Art Institute

The first painting I thought was interesting was a painting by Giovanni Battista Tiepolo. It was called "Rinaldo and Armida in her garden". It showed Rinaldo gazing into Armida eyes with his shield and sword cast aside, he forgotall about his mission to liberate Jerusalem. She looked into her magic mirror as Carlo and Ubaldo (Rinaldo's fellow warriors) look upon them from beyond the garden's gate. I think the artist reflect self and other in this painting because Rinaldo ignores himself and his true desires to free Jerusalem and let the other which is Armida to influence him to do the oppisite. He wasn't strong enough to resist her and that's how real life is the people you are around and exposed to side track you into doing other things that wasn't in your plans. The artist did an incredible job with this painting and I honestly enjoyed it.



The second painting that I thought had a message that was worth writing about was by Giovanni Battista Piazzetta. It was intitled "The beggar boy (The young pilgrim)", it was a little boy in ragged clothes holding a loaf of bread and a rosary. I chose this painting because I figured it related to self and other because the boy was poor and had to beg to get by, he might have thought that it wasn't so bad being poor since he was young. But other's might have viewed him as disgusting or worthless and it's just different how you think of yourself from how ohters do. Although the painting has also been thought to be the artist's son dressed in a pilgrim costume posing for the painting but if someone didnt know that info they might have said horrible things about the boy for not having much.



The last painting I looked at was by John Philip Simpson and it was called "The captive Slave" it was of a black man with shackles around his wrists and ankles. The slave trade was the inspiration behind this incredible painting. Because it ws a controversial and politiacl issue the man in the painting decided to pose as a symbol of wanting freedom. This conflicted with self because the artist and the man posing in the painting put themselves on the line and took a risk of being caught and killed. This expressed how strong they were and how they would of done anything for their freedom. Other is expressed here also being the slave owner or other angry anti black organizations. Even though they are methaphoric and intangable they still represent the other half or the story.

art

The first piece that caught my eye was Edgar Degas’ the tub. Edgar Degas was a French artist who lived from 1834 to 1917 and this bronze statue was molded in 1889 then finally cast in-between 1919 and 1921. What drew me in was the water in the tub. It just seemed like a very difficult thing to translate into bronze. When I think of baths I think of relaxing by yourself and just having some alone time. This is contrasted with the fact that we the viewers (or others) are not supposed to be there viewing this intimate bath. We get a candid look at what she looks like when there’s no one around. If I were to walk in on her taking a bath, no matter what our relationship is, it would change her demeanor and body language. That is what I think this piece is all about, a candid view of a woman enjoying a nice bath.

I found it so fascinating that in-between all these pictures of old, fat, ugly, rich people Edouard Manet ( a French painter born 1832 died 1883) would have not one but two paintings of beggars. What drew me in was the out stretched hand. This is a situation we have all encountered before, some one asking for change. The other depicted in the painting is the person he’s trying to pan handle or us in the audience. Society doesn’t consider the homeless as people so we avert our eyes and turn up our ipods. So in some ways the beggar himself doesn’t have a self. Most likely the change he gets goes to self medicate himself and since alcohol is a depressant more than likely he doesn’t consider himself a person either. As I read more about the artist it described that Manet had done a whole string of pictures of beggars and debuted them at the same time and called them the ‘Philosopher’ series. I like how just by looking at one painting you could get led to others and a whole story unfolds. The piece is so radical it makes you want to learn more.

I decided to choose one piece of art that I already knew by one of my favorite artists, Venus de Milo by Salvador Dali. I wanted to do this to experience what it's like to see a piece of art you're familiar with in person. The piece is a sculpture of the greek goddess Venus with drawers and pom-poms. I like this piece because it's a familiar statue but then you look at it again and see Dali's 'improvements'. I like Dali because like him I consider my art and self to be post-modern. Post-modern being weird for the sake of weird. When I saw Venus in person it was bigger than I imagined and I was struck at how much attention to detail there was in this plaster sculpture. It looked like a 3/4 replica a little smaller than an average woman (I believe the original was larger than a female) and it reminded me of the mannequins my mother and sister had around the house when I was growing up (they're both artists and fans of Dali) and I could totally see Venus in my room now filled with socks, tools and guitar strings. I like that you can use the art and I had a very hard time not touching it and opening the drawers although I

3 anaylses of art

Molly Strom
2-21-09




A painting from 1881 by Pierre-Auguste Renoir titled “Two Sisters on the Terrace” brings out part of self. From the moment I saw this picture I had a flash back of one of my childhood memories. A replica of this painting use to hand on the wall of my living room. When I look at the painting, I see my older sister and myself playing in the same living room where the painting once hung. I was the younger sister that mocked her every move and went everywhere she did. This piece of art deals with self because it allows me to have a personal relationship to the painting. My concept of this piece is similar to what Renoir was visioning, but it allowed me to make it more personal. Even the girls in the paintings are not related it allows me to have a connection with the painting.

Since the two girls in the painting are not related it made me feel that a painting can make two strangers connect and appreciate one another. After knowing that the girls were not related, it changed the way I felt Renoir wanted people as a whole to look at it. I feel Renoir is trying to make a statement to the other, the community, to not just walk past one another in life. People should make an effort to more intellectual with one another. We should be grateful to have so many people to build relationships with and to grow with. Renoir wants us to learn from one another and build the idea of a sisterly or brotherly relationship from unknown individuals.




As I glare at the painting “Women at her toilette” by Berthe Morisot, I made a connection between the other and the art. The woman in the painting is beautifying herself, glancing in the mirror. She gently touches her up-do. Since this painting was drawn in 1875, I believe the “other” is depicted by beauty and class. During that time period, women of a high social class needed to look a specific way. They would spend hours getting ready for any occasion. This is what women’s lives we like during that time. Morisot is saying that women were expected, or pressured, to look a specific way, and I believe that idea is still seen in today’s society. Women are put under this pressure (the mirror) to have certain qualities even if some women are not born with them. Everywhere people go there is pressure, like there are mirrors, reminding women what their roles are in society, and even today women’s goals are to be appealing as possible. I have felt this way when meeting people for the first time. I am acknowledged more by men when I look more “presentable.”

For the self portion, the foggy, open background allows me to create my personal “self” about getting ready for a large performance. This woman is full of grace and beauty as she prepares herself for an evening out. I feel the same when I am preparing for a performance trying calmly to make the finishing touches when deep down I am shaken. I look in the mirror to perfect as much as possible. I believe the self in this portrait is saying to me to look beyond my imperfections. Since the painting is so fragile and pure, I believe Morisot wants me to look at myself, my natural beauty in the same way. I am who I am and that is final. I also believe the reason the background is smeared and unclear is because in a way it also represents the other in that those opinions should not matter. I should be able to feel beautiful no matter what.



The final painting I examined “The girl by the Window” made in 1893 by Edvard Munch, gave me the impression that others, the community, see this girl searching for something. The girl glances below to a lightened window where she is curiously observing another, hoping she will get a response. Her body half hiding behind the curtain also shows of her shy, curiosity to find someone or something. As a whole, everyone wants something or someone reliable for those times of need. This separates the individual because everyone has different aspects and characteristics they are looking for in his or her search. That is why I believe the artist left the view out of the window with no specific objects or people because it is left for the individual to fill in.

Like the idea of the other, I see the self as a dream, which people do at night similar to the setting of the painting. I dream to achieve goals, and for happiness. Stars, seen at night, are what people wish upon to make dreams come true. I experience a lot of visions during dark, personal, quiet moments so that is why I think Munch made the scene at night. In this situation, self merges with other because both are want, hope, and wish for something that may not happen. Both also cannot be hidden behind emotion or cause because these wants and needs will not occur without desire to fulfill them. Munch does not have the girl star up towards the sky wishing on a shooting star because it is not reality. Dreams happen at the places we are closest to as she looks downward closer to the earth.

Aby's analysis.... oh boy!!

Aby Gutierrez

3 art work analysis

Claude Monet

Arrival of the Normandy train

1877

Arrival of the Normandy train by Claude Monet is an excellent piece of artwork. It is an oil painting that was created in 1877. Monet used cool and neutral colors to depict a train arriving in a station hence the name “Arrival of the Normandy Train.” What really grabs me about this painting though, is the way the colors blend together. The cool colors give the painting a clam feeling, which relaxes the viewer’s eyes. The picture also shows a group of people waiting for the trains’ arrival. This means the train was important and a lot of people probably depended on it. This train may have brought peoples relatives in or out, or it could have taken people to and from work, or it could have also carried goods that the town needed. Whatever the reason, I think that Claude realizes the importance of the train. I also believe that he uses cool color because of the suddleness of it. Monet might realize something that many people take for granted, and I think he captures that very well in this picture. I really like this painting because I believe some of the most important things in life are small and suddle but we still take them for granted sometimes.

Barnett Newman

Title N/A

1905-1970

Barnett Newman is a very well known American abstract artist. His work is very well done and really grabbed me. One of his pieces that really caught my eye in the art institute was a painting. The painting consisted of a background that was different shades of teal, with 3 strips making there way through the canvas. One strip was brown, one orange, and another white which all stood out nicely against the teal. Since the painting is abstract it can be taken many different ways. But I think the colors actually set the tone. There's a little bit of everything in this picture. The base is a cool color, brown and white are neutral, and orange is a warm color. The cool and neutral colors make the painting really easy on the eyes and the orange really sticks out. But what I really like the most about the painting is its simplicity. The painting is basic. There is not a certain skill or reason that made this art what it was, it was just simple and seemed very basic, but that was my favorite part. I think I liked this painting because it could relate to all the simple people. And although it didn’t look like much, it was my favorite piece in the institute.

Judith Turner

Framing the Modern

Year N/A

Framing the modern is a display of multiple photos taken by Judith Turner of buildings and architecture. The element of the pictures that drew me in was my interest architecture. Before coming to Columbia I was an Ironworker so I like to try and figure out how things are made. As I started to look deeper into the pictures I started to let my mind wander and tired to find the meaning of these photos. All of the pictures were printed in black and white. And most of them were of key supports of buildings. This made me think that maybe the artist was trying to portray strength. By putting the pictures in black and white turner took these everyday objects and put them in what seemed to be a whole different setting. She made the structure real, and showed a side of them that people don’t usually see. I believe that she captures the raw strength of the structures, and show the true strength of them with out even saying one word.

3 Art Analysis

The first piece of art that I selected is entitled "Lunch at the Restaurant Fournaise (The Rowers Lunch),” by Pierre Auguste Renoir. This painting, done in 1875, portrays three men on the terrace of a restaurant on an island in the river, a place where rowers often met up. The artist, Renoir, was very well acquainted with the owners of the restaurant, and was probably a frequent customer. There are three men, seemingly engaging in some intellectual conversation, despite their causal appearance and demeanor. The setting seems to be very upscale and serene, and it makes me believe that Renoir must’ve have a very good impression of the place, and that he must be apart of this prestigious society.

The second piece I selected is by Vincent Van Gogh from 1890, entitled "The Drinkers." The painting is of the four ages, or stages, of man. Surrounding a table that has a pitcher sitting atop of it are four beings, a baby drinking from a bottle, and teenage boy drinking from a cup, and middle aged man with a cup in his hand, and an older man, also drinking from his cup. Excluding the baby, who is dressed in a pure white cloth-type material, they all seem somewhat green in appearance, literally. The middle aged man and the old man look sick and very aged, which lead me to believe that the drink they are all taking part in swallowing is alcohol The fact that Van Gogh would paint a picture depicting this leads me to believe that either he was an alcoholic or that alcohol may have been a popular theme during this time in his community that needed to be addressed.

The third and final painting I chose was created in 1943. It is called “Solitaire” and was created by a French painter named Balthus. There is a girl kneeling on a footstool and leaning on a table playing a game of solitaire by herself. Her posture indicates that she is having some personal issues. She looks lost, tired, and worn out. Maybe she is lonely, as solitaire is a one person game. This allows me to think of the Balthus as a person who maybe used to art as a way to vent, and the girl uses solitaire to make herself feel better.

Three Art Analysis: Look and You Will Find

Raquel Barney
February 19, 2010
Three Art Analysis



One of the first pieces of art in The Art Institute that caught my eye was a Pierre-Auguste Renoir piece called Two Sisters. This French 1881 work of art took me back to my childhood. It reminded me of my two sisters and myself as we also had a similar photo taken. Just as the two young girls I the painting, we had a beautiful background with lots of color and we were all dressed in beautiful floral dresses, almost identical to one another. We looked like little sweet innocent porcelain dolls. As in this extraordinary painting of the two girls, who in fact are not related, the artist shows us beauty in the lives of children, in youth and in the spring time as well. The children in this piece possess a peaceful and relaxed mind as they sit along side the river. People for the most part are empathetic. The girls in the painting however, are elevated by their surroundings but at the same time, less involved with them. As I viewed this piece, I am informed of self and its unintentional acts of nature. I can feel the presence of joy not gestured or shown from self.

The woman in this next painting was sympathetically drawn away from the tunes she played with composure. As I often say, she is in her own world. During the mid-19th century, the piano was a popular instrument for domestic music making. The Woman at The Piano, displays an informal yet elegant and extravagant lady possessed by music. Comfortably, Renoirs young Parisinne is playing for an individual, herself and for a community, her family, who are not shown in the painting. She does not play for a formal audience. This 1875 piece shows the various personalities of self. It shows the calm and submissive side of self as well as the outgoing and aggressive side. The artist brings out a unique style of womanhood, as he plays in her casual robe d’interieur, with a confection of white diaphanous fabric over a bluish under-dress. The artist bluntly without words, reveals to us part of who the woman at the piano really is. He introduces us to her self, as shown through this one particular characteristic of her identity. She is without a doubt everything but cruel, unfriendly, vindictive, selfish, hideous or vengeful. She possesses an extreme amount of unexplainable cultural beauty.

When I seen this next piece, I almost wanted to have kept on walking, but the more I looked at it the more it made sense of something to me. Henri Fantin- Latour’s Still Life: Corner of a Table was very intriguing. I actually looked at this piece longer than any other one, because at first I did not notice anything intense about it. This elegant canvas of 1873 was the largest and most famous painting by the decade. As the delicate rhododendron blooms it reflects the influence of the Japanese Prints. With time, I clearly see self with the possession of independence, maturity and adulthood. From the formal place setting to the wine and glasses to the crisp white tablecloth, it reveals elegance, maturity, excitement, romance, responsibility as well as a social life. In which, self is portrayed through these fine characteristics, introducing an identity. The artist of this unique and questioned piece welcomes the emptiness of the mind to openly explore the various aspects within this piece. Because there is a vast openness for the viewers of this piece to expand on their imagination and what they see, the other in this piece is definitely that of whom you are not.

Defending the suburbs

   I have never come to appreciate my hometown of Arlington Heights more than I have after living in the city. Don’t get me wrong, Chicago is great, full of culture and diversity, art and music, and of course, the shopping, but when I feel overwhelmed, I can take a 40 minute train ride home and find peace and quiet. I can find nature and clear night skies filled with stars. Many of my high schools friends have moved on from suburbia and find it boring when they return, but I am a firm believer that there is no place like home.

            Many times, I have thought, “I gotta get out of the suburbs”, but despite that occasional attitude, it’s my favorite place to return to. Arlington Heights is where my family is. It’s home to most of my fondest memories. Granted, there are many things missing, the mall that I hung out with friends at is gone, best friends have moved away, and apartment complex’s have replaced other favorite spots, but my house will always be there. You can find many beautiful spots including lakes and forest preserves filled with deer and other wild life.

            One of my favorite places to go is Woodfield mall. It’s one of the largest malls in the Midwest and people come from far away just to shop there. There is a great deal of amazing restaurants near by including a delicious Brazilian steakhouse and Shaw’s Crabhouse. I love to go there and just walk around the mall and window shop. I feel content just driving around neighborhoods on nice days listening to music in my car.

            Arlington Heights is the place I rely on when I am feeling the pressure of life. I will forever hold a place in my heart for the suburbs no matter where life takes me, because it is my home. 

Capturing The Artist Within The Painting

The first painting I picked was one done by Alfred Sisley, the painting is titled "The Seine at Port-Marly, Piles of Sand" and it was done in 1875. I thought that this painting was interesting because I felt that it explored themes outside of the artist himself. First off the actual picture consist of two boats on the river both holding two men and the area around it looks as if it's some kind of village or town that is still being developed. I found this interesting because I felt that it reflected how things were back then in that century. The world was still being developed I would presume, and it was because of workers like the men on the boats that allowed for such progress to be made. I feel that the picture shows the characteristics of hard work and how it ultimately leads to great rewards.

The second painting I chose is titled "Untitled 3" and it was done in 1950 by Barnett Newman. While the piece is not neccesarily a painting itself-it consist of a wooden rectangle covered on the face with two columns of different colors-I felt that it showed the artist personality in it with the two colored stripes going down the projected rectangle. To me I see two different sides of the artist's personality, hence the two stripes. If I could take a guess I would say that the left side, which is colored like an orange-red type of shade, represents his passion for something but I really can't say, they say that red is a very emotionally intense color and that orange is associated with joy and happiness so maybe he's so happy that it's intense. And maybe, I'm just spit balling here for pardon me if I offend anyone, he's gay and maybe that's what the intense happiness is. The other column is just gray which I interpret as him being dull or unwavering in some instances. Which would really conflict with the other side don't you think? So maybe he's a gay whom happens to be conflicted on the inside? IDK.....

The third and last one that I picked was a painting by Cy Twombly which was done in 1961 and is titled "The First Part of the Return from Parnassus". Now this particular picture I didn't find to appealing but I figured that it would be fun to analyze. First off the piece is mixed media so it's not technically a painting and actually there's more pencil on the picture than there is actual paint. But to get to the point, the picture looks like something that a hyper active pre-schooler did. It's like they didn't exactly know what direction they wanted to take the picture in so they just added anything to it. Like they started on it one day then over the next few days they came back and added random stuff here with a paint spot there and a line over the hills and far away. I mean I didn't find any structure in it at all, this painting was way beyond the confines of abstract art. But it got me to thinking that maybe that's what that person is like in real life. Maybe they've come to terms with the fact that life is random and they completely embrace that fact, which would explain the lack of order to it because what's the sense of planning for a series of unknown events right? Or maybe the artist had a special condition, and I hope that's not pushing it to far. But overall I feel that the picture is "unique" and I use that word very loosely. And honestly, I've been to that muesem like maybe 3 or 4 times and everyone of those times there's always about 3 handfulls of paintings that I wonder why they were allowed to be put on display here. But I guess it works for them so, I guess that's the end of that.

Defending My Home (I Think I Messed Up When I Was Posting It....)

If I had to choose one place in the whole world to defend I would have to pick my home. Not my country, not my state, not my city or the neighborhood that I stay in, just my house. It is the most important place to me. Even though I hate it with almost all of my guts, I couldn’t imagine me living anywhere else in the world.

I’ve always hated being stuck at home. I think this came about when I had my first sleepover at a friend’s house. Everything always looks better from the other side. And for me that was an absolute truth. I found that I could do almost everything that I couldn’t do at home I could do freely at other family members’ houses and my close friends. My parents didn’t allow us to watch television much, nor did they like use playing video games. Two things that any boy who’s coming of age needs and I hated it. No amount of pleading in the world could convince my parents to get me a game console or cable television. My later attempts at purchasing my own video games only ended in them taken away from me for undisclosed periods of time.

Aside from that I really didn’t get along much with the people in the house, specifically my rude, loud, and obnoxious little sister. She got me into more trouble than I can count on all the hands in a regular sized elementary school classroom. And ever since 2008 my cousins have been staying here as well. Each of them is either just as bad as or worse than my little sister. I and my father have been going at it with each other since I started high school and things with me and my mom have gotten a bit unstable at times.

But regardless of all of the unnecessary bashing that I’ve been doing on my house, I would have to agree when people say that “Home is where the heart is”. This is the place where I created nearly all of my most cherished memories; from my best birthdays to my worst. It’s where I learned the hard facts of life from my mother, who I can easily nominate for the mom of the century award. This is where I spent my summer vacations planning what I was going to do for my next one. This is where I celebrated my first and last Christmas, Easter and Halloween. Where I learned that playing with fire is not a smart thing and neither is sticking foreign objects inside of wall sockets. And this is the place where I can find shelter in my personal sanctuary that doubles as my bedroom.

My home is my safe-house from all of the nasty ills that this world has waiting around the corner. It’s the place where I grew up and it is my only home for the time being. There is nothing that can bring us apart no matter how far away I go. I will always find warm and friendly smiles whenever I walk through the front door.

Self Portrait

Jack sat at the bar drinking amber ale out of an imperial glass slowly and smoothly. The place was inhabited with enough people to keep it lively but not saturated as he hated overly crowded pubs. The people were young and old, lager groups to pairs and the Jack - sitting on a stool with patrons on his right and left both facing away from him.
Some didn't even notice the silent, solitary guy in simple dark clothes and the ones who did figured him for lonely or strange, shy or just another alcoholic. Few could see his face which didn't support any of their assumptions as it was calm and content which was exactly how he felt. As the mahogany colored beer depleted, the bartender came over and asked him if he would like another. "Yes, please." He replied with a confident smile accompanied with direct eye contact.
His focus, constantly shifting back and forth from around the bar that surrounded him to deep inside his own head, was at that moment on the class discussion that took place earlier that day. The annoyingly heated political argument that had everyone in class all worked up except for himself who was simply fed up with the banter.
He then thought of the girl who put had originally set the class aflame for reasons he could not remember. What he did recall, however, was the tight, twisted look on her face as people called her out on her invalid arguments and the soon to follow open-mouthed look of absolute surprise when the entire class turned to her in realization that she was actually ignorant to the fact that the earth was not the center of the solar system.
Just picturing her face with wide shell-shocked eyes, reddened skin and mild perspiration caused Jack to chuckle just loud enough for the people at the bar to hear. Some looked at him like he was a mental defective but he didn't care. He was blissfully engaged in the company of himself.

Defending Waukegan

People tend to call it a shit hole and, for the most part, it is. The town is a shadow of what it used to be. Upon first entering the village, you’ll notice pawnshops, off track gambling facilities, empty store fronts and pimpy cars. Unless you’re can’t afford to live anywhere else, chances are you only come to Waukegan to for court, the mental asylum or cocaine but if you actually slow down and focus on being in the city instead of leaving it, you’ll find that it has much more to offer. It’s not just a shit hole, it’s my shit hole!
It may be the only market around that will support a Ponderosa Steakhouse but, if you can shift your line of sight over to the building adjacent, you’ll also see that the market also supports a used car lot loaded with old, eclectic gems – where else can you find a working taxi cab from 1975? Waukegan is my Logan Square – it’s where you go when you want something a little different. It’s also home to some of the best independent restaurants around. Authentic Mexican joints and outstanding pizza parlors dating back to the 50’s are everywhere.
However, I wouldn’t step foot into any of the bars, especially with a hat on, since gangs are the city’s biggest drawback. In fact, it’s best to stay off Washington St entirely. It’s not uncommon for white people to be attacked or pulled over on Washington after the sun goes down. When in doubt be respectful.
The downtown section was at one point booming but is now more or less the loneliest part of town. Every other store front is vacant as the big business that was once dominant has moved elsewhere. Still, the Genesee Theater still hosts amazing show the view of Lake Michigan is most decent. Sure it’s lonely but, at least for me, it’s the good kind of lonely – the kind that draws me in instead of pushing me away.

Defending The Neon

Defending The Inside of My Neon

It’s totaled now but when I had it people would make fun of it. But they would always want a ride. Sometimes I would even talk about it myself. But I would attack anyone who talked about it. The inside of it was small but somehow everyday after school it had about seven people in it. It’s crazy because the people who always would talk stuff were the ones on the bus stop. The ceiling fabric was slightly hanging off and if you were my height it would be irritating to sit in the back seat. I never did take it to a car wash because of the fact that the transmission was screwed, so when it was in neutral it was basically in drive, and it didn’t move at all when it was in reverse. So I had to be careful where I parked, and if I wasn’t I had to push it to a point to where I could drive it. But I did wash it myself a couple of times I was just to lazy to do it when it was really necessary.

I didn’t understand why people would talk about it so much because it was better than many other cars, and they were either walking or on the bus. I drove it to school everyday and never had a problem. But people would still talk about the size since I’m 6’4 in such a small car, but I was comfortable. After a while I started to dislike it but now I wish I had it. There are still people who talk about it, and they get told off still. Anyway I would take the neon and its crappy interior and bogus transmission over the CTA anytime.

Defending South Suburban Area

What i will defend is the south suburban Area,Why! Because there be alot of stuff that be happen in that area and out there.If you are 15 and older you can get your State I.D. or you Driver License. But if you are 17 and older you can get in certain Clubs that are in that area, I Have been to certain area and Clubs out threre and it fun. I have been in that area ever since i was a child,But there is a lot of things that out there that i am interest in. But the sight of been out there is a nice area, it be stuff that happening in that area like going skating,various games room......the Movie Theater is different from other Theater.Then Stuff like fight dont be going on in this theater,it quite up there and not ghetto, like other theate.The Restaurants are very nice and neat, People come from different State like it in the South Suburban area.There are a lot of People that come from the City of Chicago, that move out here for peace and Quite, not a lot of Violence be going on out here,The homes are very nice and beautiful.It don't be Siren or Shooting going on at night it quite in this area. I would recommend anyone who enjoy the people that are out there like this area to be peace and quite.The School is very nice and Quite to.

"Self" and "Other": Displays of the Art Institute Chicago

“Eagle”, 1865/90
Wilhelm Schimmel





This sculpture made out of tulipwood caught my eye shortly after entering the Grainger Folk Art Gallery. I think this piece of art stood out to me due to the American recognition of the eagle and its clear symbolism. The eagle represents freedom, and I think the artist wanted to express the freedom he discovered. Wilhelm Schimmel was originally from Germany, and he made his way to the United States, specifically Carlisle, Pennsylvania, shortly after the Civil War.

I think the eagle definitely conveys an obvious message of “Self” and “Other”. The sculpture shows Wilhelm Schimmel’s passion and appreciation for his then new found freedom discovered in his new home of Pennsylvania. The “Other” is shown by the popular and All-American symbol of the eagle. The “Other”, which is our entire country in this instance, can identify with Schimmel in regards to sharing the land of the free. Then the artist also had his own connection with the meaning of this piece because he was an immigrant from Germany. He viewed his journey and freedom in a distinct way from those who already "belonged" here.

It is thought that Schimmel worked on this piece between 1865 and 1890. He carved with a pocket knife in a saw tooth technique, smoothing out sharp and rugged areas. The wood was then painted with colors such as green, red, yellow, and black. The choice of color intrigued me considering the German flag is red, yellow, and black. Could this be coincidence, or did the artist want to represent his homeland in one way as well?

It was nice to have my appreciation of my freedom reinforced. I think we all need to be reminded from time to time to stop, think, and value what we have for ourselves, our families, and our country. Maybe I will even explore the theme of freedom within some of my artwork in the near future.



“Allegory of Peace and War”, 1776
Pompeo Batoni



I absolutely loved this oil painting in the Albert A. Munger Gallery! It was so innovative, yet it sent out an obvious and powerful message. The painting contains a warrior dressed in armor with an angelic looking woman almost in his arms, preventing him from fighting. The peaceful look she is giving him along with the softness and radiance of her body just screams “peace, love, and happiness”. It looks as if the warrior is entranced by her, rethinking his mission to fight. The olive branch she is holding out for him only reaffirms her purpose to make peace within the war zone.

Pompeo Batoni (1708-1787) was Italian. He created mostly historical and religious works, but this specific painting was a mix between various elements. I think the painting symbolized Batoni's desire for peace in this world, perhaps his own country even. Maybe he felt powerful enough to make a difference in his community, his nation...the world. Maybe he believed that one person can make a difference. That is what this painting makes it seem to be. It makes it seem that Batoni wanted to send a message to the world, and he wanted that message to be heard and followed.

I'm sure Batoni was not the only Italian or human being to have felt that way in the late 18th century. Others must have identified with his self want, but then again, others must have also been opposed to his opinions, views, and suggestions. As most subjects are candidates for debate, this fact seems to reveal that "Self" and "Other" will always have similarities and differences.

"Allegory of Peace and War" undoubtedly conveys a message to end war with peace. This simple message has been explored by other artists, philosophers, Generals, and nearly all of humankind in fact. I as well have dabbled with the idea of war and love/peace in my artwork. It is something that surrounds us, and we can not escape it. Of course this idea would be utilized so much...We are trying to make sense of our world.



"The Ancestors of Tehamana, or Tehamana Has Many Parents (Merahi Metsa no Tehamana)”, 1893
Paul Gauguin



This oil painting on canvas, displayed in The Maurice and Muriel Fulton Gallery, revealed a Tahitian girl and a background of the life she lives in. The girl is wearing a basic Tahitian garment, nothing of modern works or upper class. The setting in the background seems to be of a less fortunate area. Perhaps the girl was a child laborer or just of low class? To her left, a small sculpture of Hina is shown. Hina is associated with cycles in the Tahitian culture.

That is what I had gathered from the painting and description at the Art Institute myself. I decided I wanted to further research this painting for more clarification, and what I found was very shocking. The 13-year-ol girl in the painting was Gauguin's young lover. They were arranged to be married at the time. He wanted to capture her in Tahitian culture and show her off to the world.

I guess this is an example of how one can interpret art completely different than the story behind it. Gauguin obviously surprised his audience with his young wife within Tahiti, but I think he wanted to show others another side of not only himSELF, but his other part as well, his wife. Self does not stand alone, it is influenced and actually enveloped by the Other.

Defending My House

Raquel Barney
Chet Gresham
February 8, 2010



Defending my . . .



It seemed to be a common thought for most people to think that my household was not a regular one. Why? Well because I grew up with divorced parents. It happened in the year 1998, when I was just eleven years old. I was old enough to understand that something was going on but not old enough to fully identify with the how, the why and every valuable detail that was secretly there. My family was different from those families having both parents in the lives of the children. I guess it was part of that whole American Dream.
Being the youngest of four, it wasn’t customary but it eventually evolved into being normal for me, as I grew older. I do not defend divorce, but I defend my household. I defend my household. Having both parents or one each sibling of mine grew to their own unique personality, some setting goals and successfully achieving them. I defend my household. Fortunately, my parent’s divorce was a motivator for me. Motivating me to a desire to obtain a beautiful, loving family. Motivating me to acquire motherhood and being a wife as a rewarding obligation. I defend my household. Alarmingly, my siblings and myself had no detestation or remorse towards neither parent nor each other. So I defend my household.
Uncommonly, my dad was still around. Not as much as we may have liked him to be, but the effort was there, as much as he sought. I do believe that because of this unfortunate and in some manner prosperous event, my family became stronger and created closer bonds between one another. Fortunately, my brother, two sisters and myself included, all looked to one another for help sometimes more than we did our parents circulating excessive amounts of love and respect. With all due respect, I will continue to defend my household.

Fuzzy's

Defending Fuzzys

By Casey Clougherty

There are 1500 liquor license in Atlanta proper. For every music club that goes under a sports bar or chain bar goes up because they're the only ones who can afford the corrupt prices of these coveted pieces of paper. This came about indirectly from Georgia's blue (religious) laws restricting how many bars there are. Unfortunately the laws backfired and turned a once golden land of talent and opportunity into a wasteland of sports and trivia. I would defend Fuzzy's Place, a bar that I frequented and played at most eve week. This was the first bar I went to when I moved to Atlanta and I had to wait over a year before I got a chance to play there. I love the pink cadillac behind the stage, the sign above it (so only the musicians could see) that said "No Stairway No Sissy Strut!" I love the audience that is dramatically different from week to week, the free popcorn and the hole in the wall I used to shove my guitar into at the end of the set. Right before I left Atlanta my band 'Godzilla Does Dallas" played there every other week and those are some of the best gigs I had in Atlanta. It was so amazing to see all the famous people and friends' pictures on the walls and to see my bands name on the marque over one of my hero's, Atlanta legend Barry Richmond. They treated me like family from the first time I set foot in there and that's why I would defend Fuzzy's. That and the jambalaya it's amazing.

Defending The Mil

Warithuddin Majeed
New Millennium Studies
Chet Gresham
02/05/2010
“Defending The Mil”
At the young age of nineteen, I have been fortunate enough to have traveled to many great places across the United States of America. I have been as far west as California, and far east as New York and Massachusetts, all the way down to Mississippi and Florida, and even in the middle of the map of Kentucky just to name a few. I have seen the sights and wonders of these places and interacted with the natives of each location. However, no matter where I go, I always seem to get the same responses when I inform my acquaintances of my home and birthplace, Milwaukee, WI. This essay will take a closer look at the place I so affectionately call “The Mil,” in hopes to clear up any myths about my city.
Often when I tell someone I am from Milwaukee, they tend to be very surprised to find out that African Americans live there. In reality, “The Mil” is quite diverse, including people from all ethnic groups. For example, my high school, Riverside University High, consisted of students and staff who were Caucasian, African American, Asian, and Hispanic. People also tend to believe that because I am from Milwaukee, I must live on a farm! Although Wisconsin is a dairy state and does include a large number of farms and agriculture, there are no farms in the city of Milwaukee. It is an up-to-date with the technology of the world, its roads newly paved and streets complete with businesses and homes. Personally, I have never even been to a farm!
Unlike a person from Texas or California, inhabitants of Milwaukee get the pleasure of experiencing all of the four seasons of the year as they were meant to be felt. Milwaukee is has cold, snowy winters, rainy springs, hot summers, and beautiful autumns. Many a time I have spoken with people from other places that have never even seen snow!
Another myth regarding “The Mil” is that there is nothing to do there. This is definitely false, as Milwaukee is filled with interesting activities for people of all ages. “The Mil” has the basic essentials of any city for entertainment, such as shopping malls, movie theaters, bowling alleys, and YMCAs. It is also home of the Milwaukee Bucks and the Milwaukee Brewers. The Pettit National Ice Center, an Olympic training facility, is also located in Milwaukee.
For those looking to find culture and other interesting things, “The Mil” is filled with opportunities to find them. For motorcycle fans, the annual Harley Davidson festival is held in Milwaukee. It is also home to the Harley Davidson Museum, the only museum of its kind in the world. The Milwaukee Art Museum rests on the lake and is one of the city’s main attractions, with the building itself being a work of art, its wings able to unfold like the wings of a bird. The Milwaukee Public Museum is home to the IMAX Theater and includes a beautiful butterfly exhibit. Discovery World, a large hands-on museum, is filled with fun activities for younger children and encourages learning in a fun way. “The Mil” is also a manufacturing powerhouse, the home of Miller Light brewing company and Pabst Beer, and also such Fortune 1000 companies such as Johnson Control, Kohl’s, Master Lock, and Koss Headphones Corporation. There are performing arts venues such as The Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, the Riverside Theater, the Pabst Theater, and the Marcus Amphitheater. Summerfest, the world’s largest music festival is also held in Milwaukee.
Milwaukee has often been the site of many of the United States great television shows, movies, and home to some recording artist of today. Yolanda “LaLa” Brown, an R&B singer most notably known for her work with recording artist Lyfe Jennings who was murdered in 2007, was from Milwaukee. Rico Love, a songwriter and producer who has written songs for huge artist such as Usher, Pleasure P, Mario, Beyonce, Jamie Foxx, and TLC, is also a Milwaukee representer. Lamont Bentley, an actor whom most people know as “Hakeem Campbell” from the television show “Moesha” was also from Milwaukee. “The Mil” was also the setting for television hits such as “Laverne and Shirley” and “Happy Days.” “Wayne’s World,” “BASEketball,” “Mr. 3000,” Public Enemies,” “The Blues Brothers,” and even “Dawn of The Dead” were all movies filmed in Milwaukee.
Milwaukee has a rich history and is a very important place in United States history. I am proud to be a part of such a great city, and hopefully I will soon be another person Milwaukee can add to its list of successful people who were born and raised in “The Mil.”

Defending the Double You Eye!!!!

Aby Gutierrez

Chet Gresham

New millennium studies

Defending Wisconsin

Wisconsin, my home state, is a plain and simple place. It’s pretty low key and rural, but if there were ever another civil war I know whose flag I would wear!!! Wisconsin might look lame at first sight but I would put it up against any other state in the world!

Wisconsin has something to offer for anyone looking for a good time. If you’re into the city life you might want to look into Milwaukee. Milwaukee is one of my favorite places to be in Wisconsin. Compared to other cities, Milwaukee is one of a kind. Being the 22 most populous cities in the United States, according to the 2007 census, Milwaukee knows how to have a good time. It has an array of different festivals every year including Irish fest, Mexican fiesta, Polish fest, Italian fest, Harley fest and Indian summer just to name a few. It is also is host to the Worlds Biggest music festival, Summerfest, Which lasts 11 day has 11 stages and over 800 bands. This fact alone is enough to make a music lover go crazy. But if that's not what your into, you can tour the Harley Davidson museum and see where Harleys were invented. If you're a sporting fan you could check out the Brewers, Bucks, Admirals, or the Milwaukee Wave which all are hometown teams.

But say your looking at Wisconsin for education? Yes we can do that to. Wisconsin is home to some of the world’s greatest school. For example there’s MSOE (Milwaukee school of engineering) one of the worlds best engineering schools, there’s also the University of Wisconsin which is also a good college and has one of the top medical programs in US, and Marquette law school which is also a top school.

But if you’re to old for school and you don't like the city there’s a whole lot more of Wisconsin you need to know about. Wisconsin, though it has cold winters, is home though the Americas’ largest water park, Noah’s ark! It also has hundreds of state parks and wild life preserves that house its over 7000 rivers and steams. If you’re into architecture you can check out the House on the Rock. A house a man made to get back at his boss that’s amazing. If you're a history buff you’ll be glad to know that the first typewriter was design in Wisconsin. The Republican Party was also formed in Ripon Wisconsin were they make Ripon good cookies.

Finally the two things that make me most proud of my state are the Packers and beer! The Packers have been the one of the best teams in the history of football. They might have not one the Super Bowl this year but they won Super Bowl 1 and 2 and a bunch of World Championships even before that. The packers are amazing no matter what anyone say. The only thing better then the Packers is the Wisconsin beer. Wisconsin is known as the dairy state even though California produces more milk then us (but we all know about California milk!) although were know as the dairy state I believe were a little more of a beer state. Wisconsin is home to many beers including Millercoors, Schlitz, Blatz, Pabst Blue Ribbon, Sprecher brewing company, New Glarus, Leinenkugel's, Mickeys and the list goes on. Although I’m not a huge drinker, according to Forbes magazine Milwaukee is the drunkest city in the USA, which in my opinion is worth defending alone.

So in conclusion Wisconsin has a lot of things to defend, and they’re all great. Wisconsin has great people combined with great attractions, which make it a great place. A place that I love, a place that is my home, and a place I would defend any day!

Defending Pecatonica

A small town, a town no bigger than the size of my high school of about two thousand people. This town is so small that if you are not from or do not know anyone from it, then it is nonexistent, and when people hear the name for the first time they usually go “Huh?”, “What?” or “Pecatonica?” But in a small town comes small town morals. If you meet someone from Pecatonica, it is never a person to feel hatred or regret towards. The people I have met from this town have been the most kind and giving people I have ever met. In this small town, where everyone knows everyone, dependability is a given. You can always count on this small town to have your back. They will defend themselves, others, and anyone else that needs a backup man. In addition, Pecatonica is a farming town. A plethora of people outside of town depend on the products and crops from the farms to sell in their town stores or to have in their homes. And in turn, farming is always an extra boost for the economy. For all the dairy lovers, Pecatonica has a Dean’s plant right in town to carry on the tradition that thousands of people love to share. The Dean’s plant sells to stores all over the state to supple people with the extremely delectable dairy products. With that, Eichman’s in town is a meat processing facility that also provides fresh meat to people all over. Furthermore, Pecatonica is the home to one of the summer’s greatest festivals—the Winnebago County Fair. Like many fairs, the Winnebago fair is full of entertainment and good old cooking. What not all fairs have is famous country artists like Riba Mcentire and Brooks and Dunn come to small towns like theirs. The country fair also has a flea market, rides, destruction derby, dirt bike racing, and 4H/FFA or boy scouts that raise farm animals to bring in to get judged. Even more, Pecatonica High School is known for its outstanding football team which has led to many victories, including playoffs, and is a team that preaches about team work and football morals before claiming to victory. The town also has two beautiful forest preserves where nature walks, picnics, and bike riding are very popular. Additionally, there is a prairie path with many scenic spots that goes through Pecatonica and travels all the way to Geneva. All of the businesses in town are family owned and everyone starts and ends their day with smile on their faces. So the next time you hear the name Pecatonica think what this small town really can do to contribute to society and your life.

Defending my Jersey Shore

The nation has recently been swept by an entertaining, yet stereotypical, presentation of those who live on the Jersey Shore. The TV show, “Jersey Shore”, aired on MTV in 2009, automatically grabbing my attention from the simple usage of the word Jersey. I have always considered myself a Jersey girl since I was born in the Eastern state, and I was eager to watch the show and see how where I was from was represented. After watching an episode, many questions ran through my mind. Did people stereotype everyone from Jersey as a “Guido” or “Guidette” now? Would I have turned out more like the people on the show if I grew up there? Do people have any other understanding of New Jersey and those who live there? A mix of emotions overcame me. I was proud to be from New Jersey, yet I was frustrated and saddened by the misunderstanding people had of this wonderful state and what it’s people and land had to offer.

I am not bashing the cast of “Jersey Shore”, but I do not want our entire country to think of them as a representation of New Jersey either. I will not deny that many young people from Jersey like to party, be stubborn, start fights, and live by the newly dubbed phrase, “G.T.L.” (Gym. Tanning. Laundry.). However, there are other demographics in the state, and I think my negative views of the show were due to their absence. Maybe if I shared my life lived on the Jersey Shore, others can expand their knowledge and views of the Jersey Shore.

I was born in Vorhees, a city located in the south of New Jersey. I lived in the neighboring town of Medford Lakes for the first five years of my life. I don’t remember much from my East Coast residence; However, the memories I do have captured are vivid, meaningful, and comforting.

My first memories of Jersey are of the canoe festivals that were held on the oceanfront. Each canoe was privately owned by neighbors, each decorated pertaining to a theme. Flowers, streamers, and lights galore draped over these small, simple boats. The flowers looked so elegant with their reflections swaying back and forth over the moonlit water. The streamers and other basic decorations gave a sense of celebration, comforting in a way. The lights were my favorite though. Their reflections joined the flowers in the water, outshining them with brilliant twinkling gleams. As a child, I was obviously amazed. Such a quaint tradition the canoe festivals were, and that is what I loved about them. The strange comfort, unity of a neighborhood. I felt home.

Another memory I hold is of my father taking me to different parts of town. I’m pretty sure I labeled our day to day activities as adventures, pretending to explore and learn as much as I could. I lived in a fantasy world. For example, the golf course we lived on was like a never-ending forest to me. The deer, frogs, and other amazing creatures added to the magical sense. Walking in the forest with Daddy was indeed an adventure. The adventure was as exciting as the ones you saw children imagining in movies. I was thankful for that, to have my life seem so special and unique. These journeys with my father highlighted the beauty of New Jersey’s nature and wildlife.

Lastly, I remember the friendliness of neighbors. Everyone seemed so close there. The kind of small town behavior where everyone felt like family. You could trust and count on everyone, which is extremely rare. Who knows, maybe I was being a naïve child, but this felt to be true and real. The genuine relationships seemed typical, but they were also real.

So as you can see, the Jersey Shore does not only present those of Italian descent that live day to day by the infamous “G.T.L.” (Gym. Tanning. Laundry.) and refer to themselves as Guidos and Guidettes. New Jersey offers numerous small towns with traditions, history, and families. Although I have not been back to my hometown in five years now, I will defend it forever, with my memories of my childhood, family, and adventures intact. “Jersey Shore” on MTV will continue to entertain me, but I will never allow it to interfere will those fond memories of mine, of my Jersey Shore. I hope others can see my home a little differently after reading this as well. For what is personally close to my heart, I wanted to share with the nation. The Jersey Shore actually does hold an incredible presence other than the party atmosphere.

Who Am I?

We will be listening to some of the Radio Lab episode Who Am I in class, but to hear the whole thing click here.

Welcome All!!

This will be a place to go for all things NMS. I will post events, links, stories and whatever seems relevant to what we are discussing in class.

I may sometimes have assignments here, but will always give you a heads up so it is not your job to check the blog every single day.

This should be a great semester!