How to write or read Comments

Folks:

You can write or read comments on individual blog posts by clicking on the "timestamp" (the specific time) that is highlighted at the bottom of the each post: click on "2:05pm", for example, and a new window opens for writing or reading comments.

Feel free to respond to my or others' comments there.

Link to a handy timeline of Irish history (see R-hand "Links" menu)

See header. Handy timeline of Irish history here (and in Links menu below). If you find an interesting link which might be useful to others in our class, please feel free to forward it to the blog and I'll add to the menu as well.

Editing an existing post

Remember that you can edit your own posts--just click on the small "pencil" icon at the lower right of the post.

follow-up and reminder on "pre-first" assignment

Folks:

Just a reminder.

Preliminary responses to the “pre-first” assignment look very good, but I would be glad to have even more detail—and if you haven’t yet completed that assignment, now is by no means too early to start.

In either case, don’t forget the *second and third* part of the assignment: to wit:

Part 2:

Writing excerpt

In the university library, from your own library, or via the World Wide Web, find one (1) piece of writing—prose, poetry, a dramatic monolog, or other writing—which helps you illustrate what you know, think, feel, or hope to find out about Ireland and Irish culture through this class (try http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irish_poetry for a good list of links). Transcribe (e.g., re-type) the piece of writing. In addition, describe the source of the writing excerpt in one paragraph of at least 25 words. In a third paragraph, explain why you chose the excerpt: because you did feel you understood it? Because you didn’t? Because you would like to write in the same way? Because it articulates things you think/feel about Ireland, better than you could yourself?

Part 3:

Personal reflection

What brings you to this class? Provide at least one paragraph (75 words or more) to respond to this question; you may interpret the question as broadly or narrowly as you wish.

The following are examples, but please come up with your own reasons and your own description. And, by all means feel free to be original or challenging in your description.

• Prior experience: (for example) I visited Ireland when I was a small child and ever since I have wanted to know more and/or to go back again

• Genealogical: (for example) “One of my ancestors (my aunt, my grandfather, my second cousin-twice-removed) was from Ireland and I want to understand more about her/his/their experience

• Musical: (for example) I love Irish traditional dance music/harp music/songs and want to learn more about the culture it comes from

• Poetic: (for example) I love Irish poetry, especially by the authors A, B, and C, and I would like to learn more, understand its contexts, and become familiar with its writers and readers

• Theatrical: (for example) I love Irish drama, especially by the playwrights A, B, and C, and I would like to know more about the contexts, individuals, and audiences involved

• Visual: (for example) I have always been struck by the visual beauty I have seen in photographs of Ireland. I am curious about what it must have been like for rural people to live in such beautiful places, in such poverty, and to have to leave their home country in order to find work in exile

• Curiosity/self-development: (for example) I don’t know anything about Ireland or Irish culture--have not ever really thought about it--but I was curious about the description of the course and I like the challenge of learning about a topic I-ve never encountered before

Harmony Realized Amidst Tribulation

Oh, the hills of Ireland! I am truly captivated by this landscape of trees, hills, and the old stone church. I feel that this scene exposes the harsh realities faced by Ireland. Yet, perseverance dazzles its way through the most terrible storm and stands strong! Look at the old church for a moment. It is evident that relentless time and weather have beaten its sides; however, though moss grows atop the ancient structure, the solid foundation it is built on allows for the sanctuary to testify the faith, honor, and love that has enabled several generations to prevail!

adding images to a blog post

Login with your username and password at http://www.blogger.com. Click on “HONS3304 – New Post”. This will open up a “What You See is What You Get” (WYSIWYG)” editing window. Make sue the “Compose” tab (not the “Edit HTML” tab) is selected. Write your post.

To add an image found on the WWW:

Have 1 window open with your blog post.

Open a second window with the picture you want to use.

Click-and-hold-and-drag the picture from its original spot to the blog post.

Click “Publish Post”.

You will then need to click “Republish Entire Blog” for the addition to take effect.

Once you’ve done this, click on “View Blog.” From the HONS3304 homepage, click on the small pencil icon under your post: this will let you edit the post, drag or re-size the image, and so on.

Feel free to experiment with writing, saving, publishing, and editing your post until it appears as you want it to.

Link: Calendar for Caprock Celtic Association

Folks:

Link Added: Calendar for Caprock Celtic Association. Local concerts, classes, pub sessions, lessons, etc. Most are free or cheap.

Interesting blog by Canadian exchange student in Ulster

Interesting blog by Canadian exchange student in Ulster

Nice photos, good commentary on cultural adaptation and what it's like to be a foreign student there. Good familiarization exercise!

Slan.