Reading Diary A: Alice in Wonderland

(Picture by Charles Robinson)

Alice in Wonderland: Link to table of contents

I found the first half of the Alice in Wonderland unit extremely fascinating. The reason I find it so intriguing is because how bizarre the story is, yet it relates to our lives. 

This story offers questions we all ask ourselves throughout our entire lives. Who are we? Where do we want to go? Do we fight for what we want or back down? Do we walk aimlessly through life or live it to the fullest? Alice experienced all of these questions already in the first unit!

First, she goes down a hole and in a matter of hours has already switched sizes physically multiple times. Alice changes physically and I think it signifies human change as well over time. She gets frustrated and does not understand why all of these things are happening to her. Does that sound familiar? 

Here are a couple of examples of some life lessons Alice teaches us. The caterpillar asks Alice who she is. She says she doesn't know because how many times she's changed that day. The caterpillar says explain yourself. Alice replies I can't because I am not myself. The caterpillar would continue to badger her to where Alice brought up how the caterpillar would turn into a butterfly and might understand one day. I say all this to make a point that I believe the story might be making. When going through life we experience a ton of change, but the only reason we experience stress and hardship is because we allow that feeling to live in us. The only person that can take control and save us is ourselves. So, like Alice when she doesn't know how to react with so much fast change, we can either move on or stay immobile. 

A very short note I would like to add is when Alice gets a very long neck. A bird calls her a serpent and argues with her about her identity. Alice refutes being a serpent. All I'd like to say for this life lesson is that things are not always what they seem. Do not judge people so quickly by their appearance and in general. 

The last life lesson I believe in the story is about decisions we make. The cat asks Alice where she wants to go at the end of this unit. Alice replies anywhere but here. The cat says then that it doesn't matter which place you go. Alice insists on ending up somewhere. The cat then says walk long enough and you'll definitely end up in a location. So, the point in this piece of the story is how you live your life. Do you live it with purpose and make decisions on your own to get where you want to be? Is it the other way around and you aimlessly walk through life taking the easy way out when given a chance? I believe this is what the writer could have meant to be pondered. 

Now, understand that I am just guessing at what the writer may have wanted. However, even if it wasn't, I think my points have value and may make whoever is reading this think critically. 

Week 1 Curation

When it comes to curation, there are many different avenues one can take. You could simply make a folder on your desktop to stay organized or you could use a system already in place like dropbox.

For years I was not very tech savvy on a computer when it came to curation. I literally would save all of my work as a document in word and that would be it. Each time I would have to spend an abundance of time just looking for my desired document. Now, things have changed.

I use a plethora of bookmarks that have storage systems within them. Now, on my computer I just go to settings and then click bookmark this page. It should not be terribly difficult to figure out. If you have trouble google it.

One of my bookmark storage bins contains the system dropbox.com. I love drop box because it is free, extremely easy to navigate, and you can instantly share your work with other by clicking share. I keep videos, papers, powerpoints, etc. on there. Typically, I keep everything on a hard drive. If the hard drive breaks though, you are done. So, dropbox acts as a safety net for all of my work.

Another system I use is icloud storage. Now, it costs to use this system. I use it often though because I edit videos quite frequently and can use much of the software that they offer. So, if you want something a little more advanced than dropbox that literally allows more curation, check it out. There are people on the icloud system constantly sharing new tips with each other.

The best way to pass the word along in this class about systems like these are social media that most of us use. There is nothing I like more than to be looking through Twitter or Facebook and find a helpful video or link that someone else posted. Also, the people who post this stuff tend to make the information more fun. I believe wholeheartedly that most people our age would rather watch a video about a topic than read about it. So, my only suggestion for us as a class would be to not be afraid to get social. Leave your Twiiter name on one of these posts or look up people you might know in the class roster and start messaging them about these systems. This will create great communication.

Here is my dropbox site with all of its labels if you are interested to see what its like. Dropbox

Growth Mindset

The growth mind set is and should be one of the tools most used by people internationally everyday of our lives. As a kid growing up, I struggled in school.I was never the most popular. I was never the brightest either and switched schools nine times before I got to high school. My parents were just trying to do what was best to help me. What we didn't know was other life experiences were hindering my development and this did not come to fruition until my senior year in high school. However, this struggle I had in school taught me to have great resiliency and just recently helped me discover my dream profession.

My parents faith and teachings taught me to work hard and never give up. So, I listened and have had their support every day of my life. I first went to Friends University to study religion and philosophy, but I didn't like it. I felt further from God than I ever had before and life just wasn't making sense. So, I transferred to OSU. While I was there I took statistics. There were five exams, but I'll only tell about a few. My first exam I got an 80 and my second one I got a 33. My mindset right then was, "my worth is not found in the approval of my peers or grades." I was content because I knew I was not stupid. I just was not at the level I needed to be YET. So, I studied hard and that third exam I got another 80! I had gotten back up and received my first C in college, but I didn't care! I have performed higher academically every single year in college. Lastly, I transferred here to OU. I just got my first 4.0 last semester and keep improving. My bit of advice for a growth mindset is do what you need to do and realize no one or thing defines us except ourselves. Now, I will talk about one of my two jobs.

Where I work is probably where the growth mindset exists the least. Everyday I go to work and I perform at a high level when filming. I kid you not; I have never heard a positive comment (praise) from my bosses ever. All they do is complain and are mad at the world all of the time. This does not make me want to do a good job. My old mentor shared something I hope all who read this take to heart. He said, "Praise motivates and not needed or destructive criticism kills." It is 100% true. If you praise someone in the little things they will perform better than being torn down. It sounds obvious, but how many times have you received praise today? Our culture is one that is fueled by results, not the process of development.

This is my 6th and final year in college and I plan to become a professional actor on camera. I feel I have embraced the growth mindset all my life and I hope this was inspiring to whoever reads this. Let it be known, that I would not be where I am today without the guidance and love of my family. Most importantly, I would not be where I am today without God's help. Push the boundaries people and embrace challenge.

Here is a pic of some experience I would not have had if I did not follow my passions and backed down from challenges.

(Image Information:Pic by Roberta Luton, first OU game 2014)

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Storybook Favorites: Then There Were Three

(image information: Chief Black Hawk)

Live On, University Legends

I loved the home page of this storybook. The first thing you see are pictures on campus late at night that have an ominous tone to them. My initial reaction was that this had to do with some horror story no one had ever been told. So, it caught my attention immediately with the home page.

Next, it intrigued me even more too when it started talking about the history of Native Americans in first person. It felt as though the person writing the introduction was actually there in time historically. The person I am speaking of is Chief Black Hawk who was born in 1767 in what we know as today New York. He told of how the Europeans came and took their land and how no one sees today what had to be sacrificed for this Norman campus to exist.

Lastly, Chief black Hawk talked about the spirits roaming the campus. One he mentioned is in the bottom of Cate. Did I mention I was sitting in Cate as I wrote this? So, overall I enjoyed this storybook. The writer caught my attention visually, made the story clear historically, and made me think about our culture in a national sense spiritually.

(image information: storybook introduction classroom)

The Gospels: Tales from Our Dads

I am familiar with the topics speaking in front of class and Christianity. I feel the title did well to give me a general idea of what would be covered.

The introduction made me want to read more for sure because it told a relatable story. Elias, a ten year old, had to get up in front of his whole class and tell a story about his dad. The thing is that someone else told the exact same story. This has happened to me before at that age so I definitely had to keep reading! It turned out that many others in his class told the same story too! Why is this do you ask? They were the gospels in the Bible. The gospels are the same stories told from four different people. The writer allowed the reader to make this connection. He or she did not simply give you the answer as you read. 

Lastly, the structure was great. The backdrop is yellow with a red top for the title of the site. It was not fancy, but kept your attention with such bright and vibrant colors. The site was extremely easy to navigate. 

(image information: Hercules introduction)

The Tales of Hercules as Told by Hera

The best introductory paragraph and topic yet! The storybook has Hera, Hercule's stepmother, tell tales from her perspective to defend herself. Literally that is what is explained and there is no confusion about what is to follow. The storybook has a great title too which is listed above this paragraph. The title set up the story to where you felt like you knew what might happen, but still were left dangling since Hera would be telling the stories. I like that because it made me want to read more. 

So, now not only do I learn that this storybook has to do with Hercules, my favorite hero ever, but this tale will be told from his evil step-mother's view? That is a great twist! Hera's goal was to defend herself and show that the labors she put Hercules through were out of love. It all sounded believable until I heard she sent two serpents into Hercules room. He of course just played with them like they were twizzlers.  

I like the title, topic, and content. I also like the physical layout though. The text has a white backdrop space and then is outlined in red. It made it extremely easy to read. Secondly, the pictures used in the blog are so old and historic that it gave me a good sense of how people were back then. It assimilated me for a moment if you will into their culture. Again, I cannot state enough how much I love this topic and how it was executed. This storybook was very well done. 

UnTextbook Search

Unit 1: Adam and Eve

I am extremely intrigued by this unit because I am a Christian and like seeing diverse beliefs come together. I like the fact that other people have written stories and believe that maybe something else happened that we do not know about. I believe that imagination coupled with tradition can sprout healthy and needed expansion in critical thinking.

Unit 2: Myths of the Cherokee

The Cherokee tradition caught my attention because I have taken Native American Music and the Cherokee language academically. I have heard stories of Eagle Boy and snakes prayers being sent out, but I want to know more. Also, I find their reasoning for music and storytelling intriguing. Their music used in storytelling is not for it to be pleasing to the ear, but to worship their deity when telling a story. I am interested to see what this looks like in these stories.

Unit 3: Saints and Animals

I initially chose this unit because I have a large interest in animals and this unit will tell stories of saints where animals play a central role. Next, I have run into stories I studied a long time ago like Saint Francis of Assisi and the birds he would encounter. So, I would like to brush up on some old stories so that I can delve deeper into them. Lastly, I have always thought that life is interesting spiritually between animals and people. I wonder if there is a connection. I mean we use animals for different kinds of therapy today and I do not think that is a coincidence. These stories will allow me to think critically and grow as an individual.

Unit 4: Twenty-Two Goblins

I chose this unit because it seemed the most ridiculous to me and it seemed it would push me out of my comfort zone. These tales are about a supernatural goblin that inhabits human corpses. This goblin interacts with a King that tries to capture a goblin. I know it is gross right? Who knows though, I might learn something new.

Unit 5: Ballads of Robin Hood

I chose this unit because I really enjoyed Robin Hood tales as a child. I read the summary though and it seems some details were left out when I was younger. I see that there are more adult versions that I believe with their distinct differences will make them fun to read.

(ROBIN HOOD a First Edition Ladybird Book from the Classics Series 740. Gloss Hardback 1985.)

Robin Hood

I chose this image above because it fit my view of Robin Hood I had as a child. I thought of Robin Hood as one of the greatest heroes and I believe that this picture portrays him in a friendly light. He is a man of the people. 

Week 1 Storytelling: Got Off On The Wrong Horn

(Edited by Andrew Lang and illustrated by L. Leslie Brooke)

Nursery Rhyme Book 

There once was a lion and a unicorn that did not get along. There was an election in their home town Clantersbee five years ago. So, they were both running for mayor at the time and happy together without a thought about time. Election day came though and ended in an odd way. 

In front of a crowd of their peers, the lion and unicorn began to debate with each other. The lion told the unicorn to prance back to Black Beauty. The unicorn told the lion to go back to ruling Narnia. All of a sudden, a fight broke out between them. Their were undecided voters watching, and then everyone heard a giant roar! It turned out that the unicorn's horn got stuck in the lion's hindquarters. Thus, voters gave their allegiance to the lion after seeing the unicorn act in such a manner. 

One year later when the lion was still mayor, he ran into the unicorn. They both stared each other down in the town square and neither forgot their last meeting. The lion just laughed at the unicorn, turned around, and kept walking. The crowd watched and when the lion thought all was well, he let out a roar that shook the ground! The unicorn had ran and again stuck his horn where the sun did not shine. A lovely walk about the town turned into an all out brawl. 

The lion jumped at the unicorn and threw him into the apple stand. The unicorn chewed up an apple and spat it in the lion's face while stamping him into the dirt. Both had caused so much damage to the town square that residents soon made a decision to stop the fight by getting rid of the lion and unicorn completely. One man offered the lion and unicorn white bread, but it did not get there attention as they ripped through the arts and crafts tent. One woman offered the lion and unicorn brown bread, but it still had no effect on them. Right when the lion and unicorn almost ran into a bakery, the baker, trying to save his shop, offered them plum-cake. The lion and unicorn were entranced by its smell.

Both the lion and unicorn asked where more of this plum-cake was. The baker said he ran out, but the town baker in Cliptonsville a mile away has some. So, the lion and unicorn left together to get the plum-cake, were unknowingly kicked out of town, and became friends again over dessert. Who knows if they lived happily ever after with their ongoing quarrels. 

Author's Note. This story was based on the nursery rhyme "The Lion and The Unicorn."  It reads:

The lion and the unicorn 

Were fighting for the crown;

The lion beat the unicorn 

All around about the town.

Some gave them white bread,

And some gave them brown;

Some gave them plum-cake,

And sent them out of town. 

You can find this rhyme in a book edited by Andrew Lang (1897) called The Nursery Rhyme Book.

My initial thought when writing this story was the book "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe" by C.S. Lewis (1950). I made the lion and and unicorn fight each other like the White Witch and Aslan (the lion) do in Narnia. They both wanted to rule a kingdom. The major difference I created at the end. I once had to lure out a possum from my garage with some bread and apples. It took the bait so I figured I'd implement that as a way to get the lion and unicorn out of town in a comic way. Serious fighting was diminished in seconds because of plum-cake. So, the lion and unicorn became friends through mutual love of plum-cake and were outwitted by the townspeople. It was a bittersweet and fun ending. 

Introduction

 

(image information: personal picture taken by Roberta Luton)

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Hello, I am Ben Luton and am looking forward to be working with all of you in this class. I am a sixth year undergraduate student and a senior this year. I am majoring in Broadcast and Electronic Media with emphasis in video production. I have discovered what I truly want to do over my six years in college though, acting. 

I have loved movies all of my life and it has been a dream of mine to be a professional actor for camera. Currently, I have been taking classes with Daryl Cox at the Actor Factory and have loved them. My favorite actor is Denzel Washington. Denzel absolutely performed at his peak in his movie Training Day. He played a crooked cop that got what he had coming to him by a rookie that he intended to weed out that day. If you have not seen it, I highly recommend it. Outside of acting, I am doing what I have to so I can head to LA in May.

Currently, I work for the OU football team and am a student videographer. I film every single practice and game then edit all the footage together so it can be distributed to coaches and players. I love my job and it pays the bills. So, this allows me to hone my video production and acting skills simultaneously throughout the year. I have worked hard to get where I am today.

Before I came to OU I was first a freshmen at Friends University in Wichita, KS. I majored in Religion and Philosophy and decided after a while that it was not for me. Next, I transferred to OSU. I know that must be hard to believe, but trust me I was only doing what I thought I needed to! OSU has the number two school in the nation for marriage and family therapy school and that is what I thought I wanted to do. After two internships, I knew I did not want to do that the rest of my life. So, I finally found my college-resting place. I will graduate from the one and only University of Oklahoma.

Favorite Place = Home Muskogee, OK

My favorite place is definitely home in Muskogee, Oklahoma. I grew up there and it shaped me into who I am today. There are countless memories within my house and soon my family will be leaving it.

It is time now to look back on the good memories though. Many of the great memories are due to family gatherings, OU football, and most importantly our dogs. If nothing else is remembered from this post, understand that the Lutons are dog people. I have a favorite, and thankfully he is still around today.

Dodger is  a 6'1" 125 pound half Labrador half Husky. He has really pretty eyes and does not know his own strength. We found Dodger on the side of the road in a box at Honor Heights Park in Muskogee. The guy next to the box said the pups were going to the pound where they would surely be put down. So, we picked one out, Dodger. Dodger has been a wonderful pet over the last couple of years and always looks after me. He has a great personality, and I hope he has many years left in him. I hope all people get a chance to have a pet this great. 

                                   

 (Image Information: Personal Photo taken by John David Luton)

                                                       

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Hey!

Ben here again! Here is a pic just to give you a taste of what my personality is like. I'm full of life! Did I mention my dad and I can dance?

Kickoff

Heyyyyyyyyy!!!!!

This is Ben Luton kicking off my senior year with this blog. Enjoy!

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