…my nose in a bookFood, research, yoga and music. . . is there anything else?

I was sitting with my mother today, reading through children’s books (for early learning of the alphabet). As we flipped through the pages of The Walt Disney book “Learning the Alphabet A through Z – Learn to Read” we came across many great Disney characters.

We got through letters, A, B, C, and D, on the first 2 pages, and thought the book was quite quaint and innocent. Until we got to the Letter F.

Just thought it was necessary to post this amusing children’s book. Though I wonder what a elementary classroom these days would do if they got their hands on this book. . . Free reign to say “F” words?

Cheers,
Deanna

A continuation of my reading on Plato’s Republic (a few more thoughts):

Within Plato’s “just” city, he is set in believing this utopia can be achieved through specific educational curriculum and societal laws.  I am skeptical this could be accomplished, yet when considering many research studies within modern psychology, I feel that his belief of an ideal city could potentially be warranted.

Plato’s ideal city will have educated its’ citizens from childhood, to conform and believe in their harmonious society.  A majority of the citizens will be kept in the dark about the actual truth of the world (the allegory of the cave), as according to Plato’s educational regimen, only the best of the best will be able to go forward into learning the truth.    At times, it seems reminiscent of many isolationist cults or even the systematic censorship within the former USSR.  One of the issues the Soviet Union suffered from was not taking into account the concept of self-serving human nature and the abuse of power.  The guardians may be taught and bred to believe that dying for the greater good would be noble, yet human psychology dictates that self-preservation is an innate factor.

I propose an interesting question: if Plato designed this complex and almost life long educational curriculum, to shape and mold the guardians of this ideal society, how can Plato consider himself competent enough to develop this curriculum and how would he deal with the unpredictability of the human condition?

Cheers,

Deanna

As I mentioned yesterday, I have been on the hunt for a comfortable and good quality pair of noise canceling headphones.  I have always enjoyed sitting at a coffee shop or restaurant (typically sitting on a cushy couch) and spending several hours on my laptop, studying or reading.  Sitting at a cafe means that headphones are pretty much essential for blocking out the horrible pop music incessantly playing, or to block out the unwanted chit chat from fellow cafe visitors.  Since I have decided not to buy the Bose Quiet Comfort 15 headphones (as they are sold out in store anyhow), I have narrowed down my search to two slightly cheaper but comparable options.

The Audio-Technica ANT-ANC7 Quiet Point Noise Cancelling Headphones

or

The Panasonic RP-HC500 Noise Cancelling Headphones

After looking at the reviews of both pairs of headphones it seems that they are both comparable in quality and comfort.  It looks like the Panasonic headphones may be a bit more comfortable around the ears though, since they supposedly have a roomier ear-cup.  According to their manufacturer’s websites the Audio-Technica’s are 7.4 ounces and the Panasonic’s are only 6 ounces, though I am not sure if this is including the AAA battery that goes in the right headphone to power noise cancellation.  Either way, my original choice in a headphone was the Bose Quiet Comfort 15’s that weigh in at 7.3 ounces, so the Panasonic headphones seem to be the big winner out of all three at a whole ounce lighter.

I have decided to get the Panasonic RP-HC500 headphones, with a pricetag of $209.99 over at Best Buy.   I know I could just order them online for about $150 USD plus shipping, but then again I really am needing the headphones for this week, and I don’t want to wait a week or two for the shipment to show up.

Once I get my hands on my new shiny fun headphones, I will be sure to write about the difference between them and the Bose QC15 headphones.

Ciao for now,

Deanna

Going back to school after being away for a couple years is a daunting thing. You worry about if you will be able to keep up with the rest of your class. You worry about if your writing skills are up to snuff. Most of all, you worry if you are going to be able to keep up with the excessive reading that is expected of you.

I started my Ph.D. this week, and was extremely excited to go to my first class.  It is only one class per week, which with my migraines, vertigo and stomach problems, I figured would be up to my speed.  I have seven other colleagues in my class, and of course all older than me, which I always find intellectually invigorating (since they typically have more life and work experience to rely on – instead of people who have never had a real job in their life).

I have taken a variety of courses over the past decade, and haven’t been what you might call overly enthused about the reading lists and discussions I have had. . . Until now!

My first task is to read Plato’s “The Republic”.  It is not an easy read by any stretch of the imagination, nor is it a boring book.  It is known as one of the most influential works of philosophical and political theory.   I am reading the book as a part of an educational history course, that is looking at The Republic in the context of being an influential part of the evolution of education.  Interesting, yes. . . The fact that I have to read this book in depth in under a week. . . ? Well, I am wondering how that is going to be realistically done. Baffled actually.

Over the years I have read numerous texts from the Academy, and have always been fascinated with the ingenuity and complexities of the Greek philosophers.  I am only a few pages into The Republic, and I think I have either been out of academia a little too long, or that this book is quite a dense read that needs tender love and thought (not to mention, I think it is more a text that I could write my dissertation about, rather than read it in a week).  Has anyone else read Plato’s “The Republic”? If so, what are your thoughts? (Please!)

I have been worried that maybe I am just behind on my reading, and that I am not reading at the same level I used to.  It is funny how one can second guess themselves.  Though when I consider it, I think I am just not in the same mindset I used to be.  The material is interesting, I can relate it to my research, yet I can think of numerous other texts that would be more beneficial to my line of study than this book.  I’m not sure.  I think I am going to go back to reading and reconsider my opinion of this text in the context of academia, once I have gotten through the first book.

I will keep you all posted on my progress through my academic pursuits, since it is always nice to know that even someone who has been in school for a decade, still wonders if they can read fast enough.

Ciao,

~Deanna