My name is Wayne W. Smith and this blog contains my musings related to higher education, tourism and anything else that comes to mind. I invite you to scroll down and laugh where appropriate, cry when necessary but always remember to consider the source.
Thanks to Brenda for hosting Pondering with a Purpose. This weeks theme is:
"Stretch"
This week I watched a TED Talk about education (see below). This got me thinking, what are the ingredients to good education? While many talk about fundamentals and the need to have wrote abilities others express the need to foster creativity and work to student strengths. In my mind, I find my job in high education is to stretch their minds. It is one thing to learn a theoretical frame but if the student has no context on how the model affects life on this planet then, it becomes useless information. Further, students have to stretch to see how understanding and applying certain theoretical frames can lead to increased skill development. Even better, if the students can then stretch their minds a little more to see how the theoretical frame could be modified and improved upon that would lead them to think in an innovative mind-frame. This is where students really need to be in the new economy and if we can get them there, we have done our job.
Welcome to Thirsty for Comments Get comfy, grab your favorite hot or cold beverage, link up a great post from this week (or even earlier) and visit some other great blogs to comment!
This is a blog hop dedicated to giving good comment - please, when you are visiting, actually READ the post that is linked and make a thoughtful comment!
This is NOT a hop for "I'm here from the hop, follow me back" comments!
Link up your own SPECIFIC POST that you'd like comments on - remember - no giveaways!
*****************************************
The rules are simple -
1. Link up a SPECIFIC POST (NOT just your blog URL) that you'd like to have more comments on - NO GIVEAWAYS or OTHER BLOG HOPS - they will be deleted
2. Visit AT LEAST THREE other blogs and READ the posts and then comment thoughtfully on the post.
Extras (nice but not required):
Add the Thirsty for Comments button to your post
Blog about Thirsty for Comments
Add Thirsty for Comments to your Meme List!
Leave a comment here on how we can improve Thirsty for Comments :)
Thanks to Joyce for hosting the Wednesday Hodgepodge...
1. When were you last facing an ocean? Using just ONE word, describe how you felt as you faced that ocean.
Today (I see the ocean everyday) - Nice.
2. What are three sounds you hate to hear?
Knock, knock, knock
3. This question comes to you courtesy of some real life friends. Hi real life friends! When you shop for yourself, do you try everything on in the store before buying or do you buy, try on at home, and then return what you don't like or what doesn't fit?
I am a guy - I do not try anything except suits (and that is for tailoring purposes)...
4. February 26th is National Pistachio Day...are you a fan of the little green nut? Do you use them in cooking and baking or prefer to eat them right out of the shell?
Nope, I am quite allergic to them.
5. When did you last have to compromise with someone? Were you happy to reach the compromise or slightly irritated it was necessary?
I was a nice to a student who was five minutes late handing in their take home exam today. I did however, make them explain why they were late and sweat it out first.
6. Have you ever written a letter to an elected official? Did you get a response?
I worked in politics, so yes, I have done this a lot and yes, I get my correspondence (even to this day) responded to.
7. We 'March' into a new month at the end of this week...what's something on your March calendar guaranteed to make you smile?
My birthday I guess.
8. Insert your own random thought here.
Why do students who had a take home exam for a week, choose fifteen minutes before class to print their work? Oh,yeah, they did it at the last moment and they expect me to then have sympathy for them when things don't work out so well. Here is a hint. If you do not want to have a problem: 1) Get it done well ahead of time; 2) Have it printed and ready the day before; and 3) Come to class early.
Here are FOUR QUESTIONS that everyone can answer and then you have the option to add a fifth question of your own for those who are visiting your blog to answer in the comment section, along with commenting on the four standard questions you answered! Grab the badge for your post if you like:
Our Questions:
1. If you could go to any festival or event in the world; which one would you choose?
2. What is the first sign you see that tells you spring is near?
3. When you were in school did you do your projects as soon as they were assigned or as close to the last minute as possible?
4. Would you rather have the power to be invisible or the power to read minds?
My Answers:
1. If you could go to any festival or event in the world; which one would you choose?
2. What is the first sign you see that tells you spring is near?
The azalea's are starting to bloom around here...
3. When you were in school did you do your projects as soon as they were assigned or as close to the last minute as possible?
I was last minute until I hit University then I changed to being more diligent.
4. Would you rather have the power to be invisible or the power to read minds?
I will go with invisible...
And here is my 5th question
Define the word xeric? Or otherwise known as my listicles below...(keep scrolling down way to the bottom).
Now it is Xmas Dolly's et al. Music Monday - this week's theme is...
A Song that Brings Back a Good Memory
Now it is Stasha and the Listicles turn. This week's challenge is recalling my....
My Five DUMBEST PURCHASES
First off, I would like to mention that I am extremely cheap and that I do not make very many unnecessary purchases at all. Considering how much I despise shopping in general; coming up with a list of ten is quite the challenge. I did think however, of one thing that has through my past that has lead me to make unwise purchases...
5. Tickets to see New Kids on the Block - yep, it was for a girl and no, I didn't get any as a result.
4. A very nice emerald promise ring - yep, it was for a girl and yes, I did it way too early in the relationship. I not only didn't get any but I also got dumped.
3. Apparently a rice cooker as a Christmas gift. Yep, it was for the wife and no, I didn't get any as a result.
2. An African Passion Idol. Yep, it was a gift for a woman and well, I think you get the idea.
1. A very expensive Norma May scarf - it looked something like this... Yep, it was for the wife and no, I didn't get anything but a return trip to the store.
1a. As a 16 year old with my first paycheck, I took my then main squeeze on romantic night at the theatre, followed by a expensive dinner and surprised her with a hotel room reservation. Needless to say, the hotel room went unused.
1b. As an 17 year old, I bought a locket necklace in an attempt to impress a certain lady. At the same dinner, she announced that her and her girlfriend were taking their relationship to the next level and that she was coming out of the closet.
1c. As a 19 year old, I tried to impress a certain lady with a really nice jewelry box only to have to listen for the next hour as she talked about how her new boyfriend bought her a naughty red negligee. She ended the conversation by telling that I was a great 'friend.'
1d. As a 20 year old, I bought tickets to go see Alanis Morissette. I, I, I oughtta known...
1e. As 21 year old, I wrote an entire book of poetry for a young lady. I bought a really nice book and some calligraphy pens and wrote every single poem out for her. There was about 50 in total. My reward for such devotion? Getting dumped because it was once again, too much - too soon, followed by still getting ripped to this day by certain friends because I was dumb enough to tell them about it.
So what have we learned? I believe that lesson is that when I start thinking emotionally it leads me to be a dumb-ass. Spock, you really are the greatest.
Now please link up your Monday Quiz About Me posts here:
Thanks to Joy, Ms. 4444's and Hilary for hosting Friendship, Fragments & Four Fill In.
First up this week is Joy. The question she poses this week are:
What do you prefer: Printed Books or E-books?
To be honest, I am still a paper kind of guy. I much prefer to have a book in my hand. There is something to be said about the printed that appeals to me.
What do you prefer: Desktop Computers, Laptops, or Tablets?
I have all three and each has its role. I prefer to do my research work on my desk top. I have a two screen set up that really works well in my office. I prefer my Laptop for web surfing and blogging. I can sit in my comfy chair then. My tablet, I prefer in the classroom and for taking photos (and editing said photos).
Now it is Hilary's turn. First and foremost, CONGRATS TO HILARY ON 100 FILL IN FRIDAYS!
2. I never liked the TV Show Seinfeld. Most people would think with my personality and humor that it would have been perfect for me but I found it to be overly cynical bordering with the characters displaying disagreeable traits most of the time. They were funny with malice way too often. Though apparently you can use the show to demonstrate Bloom's Taxonomy of Learning.
3. If I were Heather I would most definitely trade up.
4. I blank when I blank...
Last but not least, it is Ms. 4444s and Friday Fragments.
I have been so busy lately that my blogging has definitely suffered. More so, my visiting has really suffered. My apologies to those who are looking for my visits. I promise to get better when life settles a little (only one more week of schedule nightmare).
On a related note: I missed Friday Fragments for the first time in forever last week. I sure you all noticed. If not just say you did and assuage my ego.
Sleep is a commodity in our house lately. Its value akin to gold, privacy or sex.
On a related note: We are looking forward to grandparent visits soon.
I made a critical error this week. I looked at the ingredients on my can of Coke Zero.
On a related note: Is it possible to have caffeine delivered intravenously?
Heather and I are actually sitting in the same room? What should I do?
On a related note: Blog of course. We live a sad existence at times.
Welcome to Thirsty for Comments Get comfy, grab your favorite hot or cold beverage, link up a great post from this week (or even earlier) and visit some other great blogs to comment!
Hosted by a great group of bloggers!
Grab our badge for your sidebar or post:
What is Thirsty for Comments?
This is a blog hop dedicated to giving good comment - please, when you are visiting, actually READ the post that is linked and make a thoughtful comment!
This is NOT a hop for "I'm here from the hop, follow me back" comments!
Link up your own SPECIFIC POST that you'd like comments on - remember - no giveaways!
*****************************************
The rules are simple -
1. Link up a SPECIFIC POST (NOT just your blog URL) that you'd like to have more comments on - NO GIVEAWAYS or OTHER BLOG HOPS - they will be deleted
2. Visit AT LEAST THREE other blogs and READ the posts and then comment thoughtfully on the post.
Extras (nice but not required):
Add the Thirsty for Comments button to your post
Blog about Thirsty for Comments
Add Thirsty for Comments to your Meme List!
Leave a comment here on how we can improve Thirsty for Comments :)
This week I was discussing Tourism technology in my Intro class. The changes in technology over the past five years has been phenomenal. Today, I want to share two new technologies with all of you.
The first is Google glasses...
Think about being on vacation and getting instant directions, taking a picture at just that perfect moment (preserving what you are seeing forever) or being able to see a restaurants' menu walking down the street. Amazing. Just amazing.
Time for the Wednesday Hodgepodge... 1. When were you last 'on a mountaintop'? You may answer in the literal or figurative sense.
I am there everyday I can be. I appreciate my life as it is and work harder to make it slightly better everyday.
2. Do you establish and maintain a strict budget in your household? What is one piece of financial advice you would offer someone just starting out on their own?
Sort of. We have a budget but are not so strict that we will not adjust it if need be. The best piece of advice is to express your expenses in terms of a percentage. When you see that 32% of you money is going to lunches out - you change your ways quickly.
3. Cherries-yay or nay? Cherry pie, cherry cola, black forest cake, or a scoop ofBen and Jerry's Cherries Garcia...pick one.
I am a big fan of cherries in all types. Those this question reminds me of the old Warrant song...
4. Should you ever discuss religion or politics with people you don't know? Why should you not discuss ideas with anyone? If you are respectful and have a willingness to be open to others ideas and concepts. Why not share? 5. When you take a road trip do you prefer to be the driver or the passenger? Where were you headed on your last road trip? I don't care but when we travel - and we do two LONG road trips a year to Canada from South Carolina - Heather drives cities and I drive open highways. 6. If we peeked inside your closet, what color would we say is most prevalent? Blue... 7. Who's your favorite senior citizen and why are they special? I guess I have to say my parents though I dislike referring to them as that - though they do not object because of the discounts they are not racking up. 8. Insert your own random thought here.
You must take care of the present in order to move forward in the future.
I am starting to wonder if Les and Josie are sharing brains a little. Les's Coffee Chat theme is to identify the most romantic character and Josie' Two Shoes theme is to discuss cheating.
Al Bundy of Married With Children infamy was known as a loser whose life peaked when he scored three touchdowns for Polk High. The man was a shoe salesman who made very little and the got to come home to unappreciative kids and a lazy wife. The man was an ignoramus whose moral compass was slightly off kilter. Even though often his life was miserable and he would get into situations of his own doing, he never cheated on his wife. Though presented with opportunities (like with Vana White in a guest appearance), he always went back to what he truly believed were the core values of what family should be; trust, loyalty and love. If a character with an IQ of a simian can figure that out, I often wonder why others can not as well. Cheating is just about being selfish. There is no real rationale that can or should be provided.
On a side rant: I guess being a professor I need to talk about students cheating. I honestly think little of it. A lot like I stated above, cheating of any type is more about the individual than me. Students are paying a great deal of tuition and if they want to cheat themselves out of their investment; they are making that choice. It is like paying for a haircut then letting someone else go and get the hair cut for you. In reality, you just wasted your money.
I have learned though, that if you want to avoid cheating in your classroom, you have to be innovative. As such, my tests and assignments are experiential in nature. That means the assignments can look similar year over year but the results of the assignments are going to change based on what they encounter in the process. For instance, I teach the services marketing triangle every semester. They do the reading in the text but then in my talk, I give specific examples of what the different sides mean. These examples change every semester to reflect a current story or event at the time. I then have them do an assignment where they have to go to a restaurant and conduct a review applying the model. The exam then asks them to not only tell me about the model but then to cite specific examples brought into class or in their assignment of how it can be applied in a business context and then how they could use it in the future. So I am not just asking them to name the parts, I am then asking them to make the connection between the classroom and the greater world. This is hard to fake (especially since I am looking for specific examples we cited in class and refer to their assignment).
Further, I emphasize process in most of the assignments. I look for students to explain their rationales and thought patterns for why they chose to complete the work as they did. This is much more difficult to fake (it also saves me from suffering last minute - pull it out of my butt work). I create assignments and tests that are not just regurgitation but also application combined with strategic processes. Does this eliminate all cheating in my class? I certainly am not naive enough to think so but by demonstrating how what I am teaching will benefit them in the future, I am hoping the majority want to engage the material and take on the challenge not because it is easy but rather because they see it as an opportunity to gain insights that will contribute to them becoming happy and productive adults.
Happy Valentines Day all. Brenda today thought to challenge us with the word:
Live
So I thought it would be a perfect time for a V-Log which is sort of Live but not really... In a sense of fun & education, I thought I would show you a quick presentation on tactics couples use for decision-making in households.
So what tactics do you tend to use when trying to make decisions in conjunction with others? How do those tactics then tend to affect the outcomes and your relationship dynamics? How does your approach affect the lives of those in your household and workplace?
Welcome to Thirsty for Comments Get comfy, grab your favorite hot or cold beverage, link up a great post from this week (or even earlier) and visit some other great blogs to comment!
Hosted by a great group of bloggers!
Grab our badge for your sidebar or post:
What is Thirsty for Comments?
This is a blog hop dedicated to giving good comment - please, when you are visiting, actually READ the post that is linked and make a thoughtful comment!
This is NOT a hop for "I'm here from the hop, follow me back" comments!
Link up your own SPECIFIC POST that you'd like comments on - remember - no giveaways!
*****************************************
The rules are simple -
1. Link up a SPECIFIC POST (NOT just your blog URL) that you'd like to have more comments on - NO GIVEAWAYS or OTHER BLOG HOPS - they will be deleted
2. Visit AT LEAST THREE other blogs and READ the posts and then comment thoughtfully on the post.
Extras (nice but not required):
Add the Thirsty for Comments button to your post
Blog about Thirsty for Comments
Add Thirsty for Comments to your Meme List!
Leave a comment here on how we can improve Thirsty for Comments :)
Thanks to Joyce for hosting the Hodgepodge. Here are this week's question:
1. This week marks the beginning of Lent...will you be giving something up or adding anything to your life during this season of the year?
I would give up religion but I have already done that for years. I appreciate and respect that other's have a firm faith in a deity but it is just not for me.
2. The day before Lent is Shrove Tuesday... tradition states you eat pancakes on this day. In some parts of the world Shrove Tuesday is actually known as 'pancake day'. How do you like your pancakes? Or don't you?
I really do like red velvet pancakes. Then again, I am a fan of red velvet anything. I have not fallen in love with southern cuisine but red velvet does it for me. 3. I'm sure there are many, but what's one love song you really love?
4. What are some things you do to let others know you love them?
I really hate this type of question. I dislike public displays of affection. I abhor contrived emotion. I find that words of courtly love are often empty and enmity. I loathe the concept of paying for love through gift giving. I display malevolence for social conditioning and the romantic ethos makes me feel revulsion.
5. Roses...red, pink, or do you prefer another color? Can you recall the last time someone gave you flowers? Given your choice would you like to open the door and see a dozen red roses, a dozen purple tulips, or a dozen pink peonies?
Shouldn't all roses be yellow?
6. President's Day will be celebrated in America next Monday. Does US Presidential history and trivia interest you? Many Presidential homes are open to the public and offer guided tours...Monticello (Jefferson's home), Mount Vernon (Washington's home), Montpelier (James Madison's home), Hyde Park (FD Roosevelt's home) and The White House (home to the sitting President) to name just a few. Of those listed which would you be most interested in touring? Why?
I would like to go to the White House. I think the workings of government is fascinating. I also kind of get a kick out of the pageantry of US governmental traditions. 7. Are you good at keeping secrets?
Perhaps...want to tell me one and find out?
8. Insert your own random thought here. The more I am around Valentine's Day - the more I dislike the day. Many think of this holiday for its overtures of a romantic love that is based on Middle Age values. I do not feel the need to prove to my wife that I am a good provider. She could provide for herself if need be. It just works out that I paid for my work and she is a never stay-at-home mom. I also do not feel the need to make a grandiose romantic overtures. She knows I love her because I demonstrate my respect daily. I treat her as a partner and an intellectual equal. That is what real men do and I do not need a special day to have me prove any of it to her.
Thanks to Leslie and Josie for hosting Tuesday Coffee Chat and Two Shoes.
Les' theme this week is:
Early Bird or Night Owl?
I have three kids, I am neither. I only sleep in between moments of tears (usually my own), poop emergencies combined with desire to play (hopefully not in said excrement). This is usually followed five minutes later by a call to serve food and/or drink which will be combined with any of the assortment of crashes and bangs associated to be in a house with two rambunctiousness boys and a sullen teenage girl. Sleep is commodity in this house. It is a trade piece which is needed to keep the peace. The best we hope for is a couple hours of relative quiet in which we spend wondering when the next 'request' or 'emergency' will occur.
Now, it is Josie's turn. Here theme is:
Inspiration
Regular readers know that I love TED Talks. They provide an interesting set of thoughts to ruminate upon. This week I stumbled upon a TED Talk that I really enjoyed. The main theme of the talk was that we need to have real meaning to what we do, if we want to be successful. While he oversimplifies the examples etc. I think the main message is poignant
Here are FOUR QUESTIONS that everyone can answer and then you have the option to add a fifth question of your own for those who are visiting your blog to answer in the comment section, along with commenting on the four standard questions you answered! Grab the badge for your post if you like:
Our Questions:
1. Do you tend to be more logically or emotionally driven in your decision-making?
2. Do you take vitamin or other supplements? Do you feel that they actually work?
3. Have you ever kissed someone and just knew they were not the right person or vise versa?
4. Why shouldn't the woman pay for a Valentine's Day date?
My Answers:
1. Do you tend to be more logically or emotionally driven in your decision-making?
I am on the logic side of things. It drives Heather nuts at times. Though I must admit her emotional side drives me more insane.
2. Do you take vitamin or other supplements? Do you feel that they actually work?
I do take vitamins. The only one that I know I can actually feel a difference with is when I take Omega 3.
3. Have you ever kissed someone and just knew they were not the right person or vise versa?
This is a good example of never ask a question you do not know the answer to. If you go back to question one you will see that the emotional side of things is not my specialty. Therefore, a kiss has never really provided the answer for me. Not a real romantic answer is it?
4. Why shouldn't the woman pay for a Valentine's Day date?
Women should definitely be willing to pay. Then again, eat paying half is ideal. That is much more democratic.
And here is my 5th question
On a scale of 1 (not at all) to 10 (extremely); How romantic are you?
Thanks to Stasha for hosting though this is the second week in a row that the topic quite frankly, scares me but since I am a team player, I will go with it. I am so going to get in trouble with this list. Please remember all these are jokes. Have a sense of humor even if I kill any future political aspirations with this post.
This weeks Listicle is:
10 “OH NO YOU DIDN’T” GIFTS - A Valentines Edition
10. For Bill Clinton - A box of cigars and Tide spot cleaner.
9. For the Pope - A copy of:
8. For any wife - Apparently, a rice cooker. It has been almost a decade since and I still hear about it.
6. For many professional athletes - a year of free penicillin shots...
5. Speaking of athletes, for Manti Teʻo - a copy of...
4. For those who support gay marriage - a reminder that the only one that truly wins is the lawyers and that marriage is a three ring circus: engagement ring, wedding ring, and suffering.
3. For the "Man in the Yellow Hat" - A poster from the movie, The Truth About Cats & Dogs with the quote, "It's okay to love your pets but you can't loooooove your pets."
2. For your not so bright friend - A copy of the Darwin Awards.
1. For men in general, another holiday in which we have to profess love and caring. I mean really. We need another day in which if we don't spend enough $$$ we get ourselves in trouble or if we do spend our $$$ we get laid - which is in reality worse - because we could have just gone out and 'rented' some for cheaper.
I am combining Six Word Saturday, Saturday Snaps and Sundays in My City....Thanks to Kate for Six Word Saturday, Naila Moon for hosting Saturday Snaps and the Unknown Mami for hosting Sundays In My City. Six Words To Describe the Week
See beauty, even when its ugly.
This week;
Started with a trip to the doctor. I am still feeling crappy but I am dealing with it.
Held class Wednesday night at the Sanctuary in Kiawah Island.
Was featured in a College of Charleston ad.
Saw a beautiful sunrise as I parked headed into work this week.
All in all, even feeling brutal for most it, I have a nice existence - so we will classify this week as a wash.
