Blog 1 (My Interests)

David is a sad and pathetic individual who turns to science, or at least is trying to, to find solace in this uneasy world. He is an avid fan of the television and could sit in front of it for hours. He mostly watches the discovery channel, the science channel, and the travel channel programs. He also likes to read novels when he has the time. He does not have good study skills and time management skills which impede his search for scientific knowledge. He is also a certified procrastinator which does not help his cause. However, he believes he has potential to succeed on his goals and he is capable of doing and finishing a task when he puts his head into it.

David sees himself as a rough diamond--worthless, raw, and without any luster at first. But when the right time comes, and the right cut, he will shine like a true gem and become a part of something worthwhile to society.

Blog 2 (Literary Journalism pp. 3-19)

What is "literary journalism"? For this first blog, I would like you to read Literary Journalism pages 3-19 and define "literary journalism" in your own words. Then, supply specific examples (direct quotes) from the reading selection where the author is particularly "literary"--or, in other words "writing really really well." What makes the selection a piece of "good writing"?

Literary journalism is a style of writing that makes everyday, real life, human experience somehow interesting and bearable. Let’s be honest, reality sucks, and watching or reading about it on today's hyped up and glitzy media doesn't do us any good. When real life turns artificial, such examples are the so called reality TV shows or famous people/celebrities writing their so called biography, it becomes cheap, empty, and used solely for entertainment--bad entertainment. Literary journalism puts the real life in broad view and somehow guides, inspires, and truly entertains its readers through complex, multi-layered, and accurate writing. According to Norman Sims, "At a time when journalism seems crowded with celebrities, literary jounalism pays respect to ordinary lives. Literary journalists write narratives focused on everyday events that bring out the hidden patterns of community life as tellingly as the spectacular stories that make newspaper headlines." His essay "The Art of Literary Journalism" also talks about the common characteristics of literary journalism and how and what literary journalists, such as himself, go through the actual writing process. It includes "immersion reporting, high standards of accuracy, symbolic representation, complicated structures, and voice."

Literary journalism truly is an interesting style of writing and a good piece of literature or a template to follow for students who are learning to write their first scholarly papers. It’s not that literary journalism is a walk in the park (it takes some serious amount of talent and creativity to write this style of literature--at least that's what I think), but it just goes well with a college student’s real life or inner thoughts that it may seem easy for the student to emulate the writing. A college student is a real person after all.