Blog Post: Have you ever been in a group with a bad apple? How might you deal with a bad apple? Is there another kind of bad apple that the podcast did not mention.
I have never been in a group with a bad apple before. I don't think anyone can be a bad apple, because no one wants to ruin the his or her own team or group initially. The only way to have a bad apple in a team is to make a bad apple by other teammates. If some other guys or the group leader respect every others in the team, it will be a great team. Here I mentioned respect which is to be honestly listening to others and to be honestly communicating. Therefore, in my opinion, the most important thing for a team or group to avoid making a bad apple is to be honest to each other and respect each other. If there's no bad apples in a team, then there will be no problems made by them.
However, sometimes, there are invisible bad apples that they are not so obvious to be bad apples. That is because any behavior from an individual could be a negative action to the team. For example, a team leader could not only be the motivation of the group but also be the bad apple. If he or she does not sense others emotions and behaviors, it might be potential danger for the team. And also, the team leader might be arbitrary or aggressive that could make the teammates frustrated as well.
Additionally, to be focusing on details is not always the good thing. Some group member might be too careful on details that could slow down the entire team's process. In my opinion, during a group work, the first thing people should do is to figure out the outline and the process they will follow. The details are the later things.
As a conclusion, I believe that it is definitely possible to avoid making a bad apple in the team or group. The best way to cure a disease is to prevent it happening. However, if a bad apple dose come up, to be respected and honest to him or here will be the most effective way to get him or her back on the right track.
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Friday, June 25, 2010
cons and pros for group project
pros:
1. brand storm is going to be easier than a single person. People can come up with various ideas.
2. group mates are always supervising you when they make large contribution or when they solve an essential problem.
Cons:
1. Lack of efficiency until group members get mission assigned.
2. Thoughts conflicts. Though most time it is not a big problem, it is still be a hard time for the team.
1. brand storm is going to be easier than a single person. People can come up with various ideas.
2. group mates are always supervising you when they make large contribution or when they solve an essential problem.
Cons:
1. Lack of efficiency until group members get mission assigned.
2. Thoughts conflicts. Though most time it is not a big problem, it is still be a hard time for the team.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
"Fecundity" by Annie Dillard.
The aretical Fecundity is talking about small things that didn't take much attention from people. It starts with the fecundity of plants and animals. The writer basically tells readers that people are more willing to control the birth of plants and animals. And it seems that people are hating to see the reproduction of animals a bit more. This brings me a thought that whether every creature has an equal right to live. The answer is an obvious no. People are killing insects, animals and plants everyday but they rarely recognize it. Similar things are happening everywhere. In my hometown, Dalian China, people can see fewer animals and plants in the city even the government is trying to make the situation better.
People say, it is never too late.
I would say, it will be late until you notice.
When I was a child,
Birds are singings all around the sky of the city.
Now, you can only see doves,
Which are feeding for tourists,
Walking on the squares.
Then I start to ask,
Where are those birds in the sky,
People say, they have gone with groves.
Then the government knows to plant more trees in the city.
It is too late,
Because these new trees are too small to hold nets for birds.
Before the trees grow up,
Where should the birds settle their kids?
People are smarter,
Because they do things with thinking.
People are fooler,
Because they never think further for others,
For their later generation, for plants, for animals and for the earth.
People say, it is never too late.
I would say, it will be late until you notice.
When I was a child,
Birds are singings all around the sky of the city.
Now, you can only see doves,
Which are feeding for tourists,
Walking on the squares.
Then I start to ask,
Where are those birds in the sky,
People say, they have gone with groves.
Then the government knows to plant more trees in the city.
It is too late,
Because these new trees are too small to hold nets for birds.
Before the trees grow up,
Where should the birds settle their kids?
People are smarter,
Because they do things with thinking.
People are fooler,
Because they never think further for others,
For their later generation, for plants, for animals and for the earth.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
"Manifesto" (AE 505) and "The Making of a Marginal Farm"
-Read "Manifesto" (AE 505) and "The Making of a Marginal Farm" (AE 507) by Wendell Berry. Blog a personal response and an answer to the following question: What is his intent with each piece?
For the Poem Manifesto, I didn't fee much connection between me and the article. However, it did help me recall a movie named food industry which carries similar meaning that the current farmers are not doing things they are willing to do. Just like Wedell said:"When they want you to buy something they will call you. When they want you to die for profit they will let you know." Here, the writer use they to refer those companies who are controlling farmers.
On the artical The making of a marginal farm. I have some ideas similar to Wendell. For example, after he had a farm, he started to do things he would like to grow first. However, after times, he found that he should do something good back to the nature.This idea has exsisted in my mind many years before. I wish some day I can have a farm and I can farm very naturally.
For the Poem Manifesto, I didn't fee much connection between me and the article. However, it did help me recall a movie named food industry which carries similar meaning that the current farmers are not doing things they are willing to do. Just like Wedell said:"When they want you to buy something they will call you. When they want you to die for profit they will let you know." Here, the writer use they to refer those companies who are controlling farmers.
On the artical The making of a marginal farm. I have some ideas similar to Wendell. For example, after he had a farm, he started to do things he would like to grow first. However, after times, he found that he should do something good back to the nature.This idea has exsisted in my mind many years before. I wish some day I can have a farm and I can farm very naturally.
stop wasiting food
http://planetgreen.discovery.com/home-garden/ways-avoid-waste-food.html
http://topnews.us/content/222710-tackling-junk-food-industry-could-save-gov-millions-lives-and-pounds-nice
http://topnews.us/content/222710-tackling-junk-food-industry-could-save-gov-millions-lives-and-pounds-nice
Monday, June 21, 2010
Personal Proposal from Yinfei Liu
Personal Proposal from Yinfei Liu
There is one environmental issue I care deeply about. It is the global warming. The global warming is getting more dangerous to the earth. As the world average temperature goes up, more glaciers melt. There will be less land for human and other creatures to live. The global warming is also bringing other climate disasters like the El Nino. However, even the situation is getting worse, there are still lots of countries allow heavy industrial factories exhausting carbon dioxide without efficient limitations. The more carbon dioxide was released to the atmosphere, the more severe that the global warming will be. To stop this trend, everybody has the inescapable responsibility. Everyone should take his or her step to fight for the environment, to stop or reduce the global warming.
Since a general person will not make large effect on the entire earth’s climate, people should do what they can easily do. The first suggestion is to reduce the using of gasoline. According to different researches, the burning of gasoline will produce large amount of carbon dioxide. To reduce the using of gasoline, people could choose the gasoline which includes ethanol. Additionally, people can choose to use public transportation instead of driving themselves. The burning of gasoline is the major exhausting of carbon dioxide in the US. If people can realize the importance, it will be easier to control it.
To me, I will say a lecture on such issue on campus will be helpful to college students. Additionally, to spread information and fliers is also a good way to make people be aware of it.
`
There is one environmental issue I care deeply about. It is the global warming. The global warming is getting more dangerous to the earth. As the world average temperature goes up, more glaciers melt. There will be less land for human and other creatures to live. The global warming is also bringing other climate disasters like the El Nino. However, even the situation is getting worse, there are still lots of countries allow heavy industrial factories exhausting carbon dioxide without efficient limitations. The more carbon dioxide was released to the atmosphere, the more severe that the global warming will be. To stop this trend, everybody has the inescapable responsibility. Everyone should take his or her step to fight for the environment, to stop or reduce the global warming.
Since a general person will not make large effect on the entire earth’s climate, people should do what they can easily do. The first suggestion is to reduce the using of gasoline. According to different researches, the burning of gasoline will produce large amount of carbon dioxide. To reduce the using of gasoline, people could choose the gasoline which includes ethanol. Additionally, people can choose to use public transportation instead of driving themselves. The burning of gasoline is the major exhausting of carbon dioxide in the US. If people can realize the importance, it will be easier to control it.
To me, I will say a lecture on such issue on campus will be helpful to college students. Additionally, to spread information and fliers is also a good way to make people be aware of it.
`
Friday, June 18, 2010
Personal Affects on change
Change is either a good thing or a bad thing to a same person. It is a good thing when something needs to be developed to be better. It is a bad thing when people are already familiar with what they have. However, most times I prefer to change, because change means new life experience, means to fix my current false.
When I think about new life experience brought by change, there is always an sentance people talking that when a tree changes its living place, it will die; when a person changes his or her living place, he or she will live. The reason the tree will die is the tree will not adapt the new land. However, a person can learn much more from a new place or a new life to develop his personality and characteristics. When a person choose to change, he or she is choosing to challenge to experience new but strange life. It needs courage.
When people think about the negative facts on their current life, people might think to change it better. In this case, change is another good thing two.
When I think about new life experience brought by change, there is always an sentance people talking that when a tree changes its living place, it will die; when a person changes his or her living place, he or she will live. The reason the tree will die is the tree will not adapt the new land. However, a person can learn much more from a new place or a new life to develop his personality and characteristics. When a person choose to change, he or she is choosing to challenge to experience new but strange life. It needs courage.
When people think about the negative facts on their current life, people might think to change it better. In this case, change is another good thing two.
Sunday, June 13, 2010
an imitation poem based on one of your own experiences within a specific environment or place
-Read second half of Blood Dazzler.
-Choose one of Smith's poems--one that stood out to you--and write an imitation poem based on one of your own experiences within a specific environment or place.
I choosed the "Power and Domination" I will use its style to write a poem about my hometown, Dalian, a harbor city in East China.
How far I am from you?
How deep I am missing you.
My strong mind turns weak,
since it has been years I have not see you.
The moon hangs on the sky is not the one before,
but the moon today shined us before.
I wish I could be the moon,
then I can be there with you,
yesterday,
today,
and tomorrow.
-Choose one of Smith's poems--one that stood out to you--and write an imitation poem based on one of your own experiences within a specific environment or place.
I choosed the "Power and Domination" I will use its style to write a poem about my hometown, Dalian, a harbor city in East China.
How far I am from you?
How deep I am missing you.
My strong mind turns weak,
since it has been years I have not see you.
The moon hangs on the sky is not the one before,
but the moon today shined us before.
I wish I could be the moon,
then I can be there with you,
yesterday,
today,
and tomorrow.
"The Summer Day" by Mary Oliver
Are there any moments that seem weak of cliched to you? If so Why? If this were your essay how would you change these moments?
Since this is a poem, the writer uses a specific structure and sentences to impress her feeling. The moments seem weak of cliched to me is she uses too many I and who as the begining of each sentence. Since the word "I＂ can give strong emotional feeling, I am kind of being affected. In my opinion, the writer can reduce the times that "I" comes up. This will makes reader feel less pressure under the writer's emotional effect.
Since this is a poem, the writer uses a specific structure and sentences to impress her feeling. The moments seem weak of cliched to me is she uses too many I and who as the begining of each sentence. Since the word "I＂ can give strong emotional feeling, I am kind of being affected. In my opinion, the writer can reduce the times that "I" comes up. This will makes reader feel less pressure under the writer's emotional effect.
first half of Blood Dazzler by Patricia Smith
What are the major themes in this piece? Are there any minor themes as well? Is there any kind of "subtext" in this essay? What Kind of murmurs run below the surface?
"Only Everything I Own" Page 8
The author introduces her house and what she usually does in her house. She starts it with whom the house comes from and how it was built. This house is important for her and maybe the only thing she still owns. Some minor themes are like they house symbolized like her dream. On the other hand, it also symbolized her life. The writer talks about her life, her house and her dream when the blizzard is coming. In this case, I feel she imply that the life is not that happy as it looks like because there is always bad thing coming.
"Only Everything I Own" Page 8
The author introduces her house and what she usually does in her house. She starts it with whom the house comes from and how it was built. This house is important for her and maybe the only thing she still owns. Some minor themes are like they house symbolized like her dream. On the other hand, it also symbolized her life. The writer talks about her life, her house and her dream when the blizzard is coming. In this case, I feel she imply that the life is not that happy as it looks like because there is always bad thing coming.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
"Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson (AE 366)
This article is much better for me than John's papers, since it is kind of easier to get the idea. One more thing is this article has fewer emotional factors in it. When I read it, all the data, facts and researches persuade me that the DDT has large negative effect on the food chain. Rachel used this Logo method to let readers get her idea instead of pathos. On the other hand, when I think about ethos, I didn't find too much. Maybe Rachel has already been a famous writer so she doesn't need to prove herself professional or credible. However, she used some researches from other professor or doctors. This can be ethos since readers can get the message that she did get materials from others' researches.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
"A Thousand-Mile Walk to the Gulf" by John Muir
This article is mainly talking about the negative thoughts on how human affects the nature world. It begins with John's adventure into florida, when his dog was attacted by an alligator. This thing comes up with more relative thinking on right and wrong, good and evil. What is awesome is the writer could appriximately create a connection between factors and bible spirits. This is really working to me.
"Polemic: Industrial Tourism and the National Parks" by Edward Abbey
Find Specific examples of abstract and concrete language. What are the effects?
When I think about the abstract language, the first feeling I get is from the destroy of beauty of nature. When human build things like roads into or cross the national park, this national park will not be purely nature anymore. The negative effects of human involving.
On the other hand, the author also use concrete language all through the essay indicating facts and examples. He gives examples and facts that the roads are destroying the nature. This is very credible and persuasive method to support one's argument.
When I think about the abstract language, the first feeling I get is from the destroy of beauty of nature. When human build things like roads into or cross the national park, this national park will not be purely nature anymore. The negative effects of human involving.
On the other hand, the author also use concrete language all through the essay indicating facts and examples. He gives examples and facts that the roads are destroying the nature. This is very credible and persuasive method to support one's argument.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
A first American Views His Land
What specific details stay in your mind? Why? How do these small details lead to larger ideas?
A: THe writer stared with two hunter 100 centories ago to introduce the american land scape. The details describing the hunters makes me feel that the hunter is part of the nature and the belongs to the nature. Rather than people who control and damage the nature enviroment today, the ancient people have a great relationship with nature. And because of such kind of replying and respecting on the nature, the people who lived in ancient times could experience the spirits of nature. By using poem between sections, writer has succesfully get transition between the hunters and how he and his family feel about the nature spirits.
A: THe writer stared with two hunter 100 centories ago to introduce the american land scape. The details describing the hunters makes me feel that the hunter is part of the nature and the belongs to the nature. Rather than people who control and damage the nature enviroment today, the ancient people have a great relationship with nature. And because of such kind of replying and respecting on the nature, the people who lived in ancient times could experience the spirits of nature. By using poem between sections, writer has succesfully get transition between the hunters and how he and his family feel about the nature spirits.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Similarities and Differences Between Thoreau and McCandless
The similarities between Thoreau and Mc Candless are that they all like nature and want to be part of nature, pursue a life in nature. They are leaving human society to chasing a piece from being alone. The differences are more obvious to me. If we assume Thoreau and MCCandless has two different majors in college, then Thoreau must be an engineering student and McCanless might be an art student. The reason I said this is because Thoreau has a plan on his trip to nature. Same time, he also has knowlege prepared for his adventure. However, McCanless seems more to look for a peace in his mind because he just went to nature without a clear and brief plan. He wants to go then he goes, just like that.
Friday, May 21, 2010
The Ninemile Wolves by Rick Bass
I would preffer talk about what strategies the writer has used to encourage readers to follow and support him.
Rick is a science background writer though he never emphasize it overly. Instead, he comes up with credible resources and quotes from others to make him reliable. I believe this is a perfect way to persuade readers without letting them dislike a strong argument. For example, he used the sentence like " it's been theorized that". And Also quote from others."wolf biologist diane boyd has documented wolves leaving the.."
Another strategy he used in the beginning of the essay is he tried to be closer to readers "I gave up science badge a long time ago."
Rick is a science background writer though he never emphasize it overly. Instead, he comes up with credible resources and quotes from others to make him reliable. I believe this is a perfect way to persuade readers without letting them dislike a strong argument. For example, he used the sentence like " it's been theorized that". And Also quote from others."wolf biologist diane boyd has documented wolves leaving the.."
Another strategy he used in the beginning of the essay is he tried to be closer to readers "I gave up science badge a long time ago."
50-word "snapshots"
Ames
I have a second hometown,
Where people call it Ames.
While, I prefer to call it
The love city.
It is a dreamful and hopeful place
Where I fall in love,
On my new future.
It is a peaceful and beautiful place
Were I fall in love,
At my first sight.
It is a charming and moving place
Where I fall in love,
With my unique soul mate.
Sea
When I was Young,
Mon told me that
Ocean is my home.
Birth in ocean, grow in ocean.
Ocean is where I live,
Wind blowing and wave streaming.
The follow me knocking about the world.
Ocean is like mom,
Even I am at the edges of the world,
She is always behind me .
Ocean, you are my home.
Yangtse River
You walk from snow mountains,the torrent of spring are your mien.
You go east to the ocean,
raging waves are your spirit.
You use your sweet latex,
feeding sons and daughters from all ethnic groups
You use your strong arms,
pull up mountains and oceans
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Map Assignment
English 250A
Instructor: Brenna Dixon
What aspects of the place does your map capture? What's left out? Why? Would you represent it differently? If so, how?
The map I find is the campus map of Iowa State University printed on the Cyride Bus Route Map. It basically captures the sight aspect which is one of the five major ways to create a map. Rest of them are smell, sound, touch and taste. The map appropriately indicates 6 different bus routes on campus by presenting them by different colors. At the same time all buildings are colored black with a name listed. There are also lake, river and railway on the map.
However, I believe some additional factors could be added to the map. For example, the campus should be divided to different functional areas since most people who read the map are not familiar with the campus. A highlight in dining area and living area will be helpful for new students. Meanwhile, admission departments and major libraries should also be marked smartly because it will help visitors. If I get a chance to represent the map, I would give dining area, living area and public services area various colors instead of drawing them all in black. If the cost can be covered, I would also suggest make the map touchable which means people who can not see a map could use his or her hand to get their ways.
Instructor: Brenna Dixon
Yinfei Liu
May 19th 2010Map Assignment
What aspects of the place does your map capture? What's left out? Why? Would you represent it differently? If so, how?
The map I find is the campus map of Iowa State University printed on the Cyride Bus Route Map. It basically captures the sight aspect which is one of the five major ways to create a map. Rest of them are smell, sound, touch and taste. The map appropriately indicates 6 different bus routes on campus by presenting them by different colors. At the same time all buildings are colored black with a name listed. There are also lake, river and railway on the map.
However, I believe some additional factors could be added to the map. For example, the campus should be divided to different functional areas since most people who read the map are not familiar with the campus. A highlight in dining area and living area will be helpful for new students. Meanwhile, admission departments and major libraries should also be marked smartly because it will help visitors. If I get a chance to represent the map, I would give dining area, living area and public services area various colors instead of drawing them all in black. If the cost can be covered, I would also suggest make the map touchable which means people who can not see a map could use his or her hand to get their ways.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Reading Like A Writer
Q: Look at the transitions between paragraphs or between sections. How does he or she make these transitions? What effect do they have on the forward momentum of the piece?
A: The transitions between paragraphs or between sections are used very well by Terry Williams. Usually, Terry started a new paragraph with a transition sentence which could be appropriately related to the former paragraph. For example. On page 740, the 4th paragraph begun with that " The experiment continued: we let the plate and cup of water stand side by side on the window sill." Similar methods of starting a new paragraphs could be found throughout the entire essay. It is often to see Terry starts a new topic or paragraph with a great starting sentence.
At the same time, we can also see Terry was keeping on using others' voices in the essay to continue the stories. It is a great way to keep readers focusing on the essay without feeling bored. If an author continued saying I I and I, readers will be driven crazy. And those voices from others can perfectly help Terry's essay go on.
A: The transitions between paragraphs or between sections are used very well by Terry Williams. Usually, Terry started a new paragraph with a transition sentence which could be appropriately related to the former paragraph. For example. On page 740, the 4th paragraph begun with that " The experiment continued: we let the plate and cup of water stand side by side on the window sill." Similar methods of starting a new paragraphs could be found throughout the entire essay. It is often to see Terry starts a new topic or paragraph with a great starting sentence.
At the same time, we can also see Terry was keeping on using others' voices in the essay to continue the stories. It is a great way to keep readers focusing on the essay without feeling bored. If an author continued saying I I and I, readers will be driven crazy. And those voices from others can perfectly help Terry's essay go on.
100 word photography
English 250A
Instructor: Brenna Dixon
Yinfei Liu
May 18th 2010
The black and white picture “Buffalo skulls at Michigan Carbon Works” portrayed a miserable and appalling scene of skulls of buffalo, which is in sharp contrast with the people who posed complacently. In the center of the picture, the tremendous amount of buffalo skulls piled up a hill with a height of more than 6 adults. The hill of skulls stretched away into the distance. On the top of it, a worker who carried a skull was looking at somewhere. Another worker facing the camera stood on the ground in front of thousands of skulls. He put his right hand on those skulls and stepped his left foot on a larger skull. He also placed his left hand on his left knee, indicating that he thought himself a victor.
Buffalo skulls at Michigan Carbon Works, a Detroit charcoal and fertilizer factory (c1880), Picutre 14 in American Earth, edted by Bill McKibben 2008.
Instructor: Brenna Dixon
Yinfei Liu
May 18th 2010
100 word photography
The black and white picture “Buffalo skulls at Michigan Carbon Works” portrayed a miserable and appalling scene of skulls of buffalo, which is in sharp contrast with the people who posed complacently. In the center of the picture, the tremendous amount of buffalo skulls piled up a hill with a height of more than 6 adults. The hill of skulls stretched away into the distance. On the top of it, a worker who carried a skull was looking at somewhere. Another worker facing the camera stood on the ground in front of thousands of skulls. He put his right hand on those skulls and stepped his left foot on a larger skull. He also placed his left hand on his left knee, indicating that he thought himself a victor.
Reference
Buffalo skulls at Michigan Carbon Works, a Detroit charcoal and fertilizer factory (c1880), Picutre 14 in American Earth, edted by Bill McKibben 2008.
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