SPOGG

In honor of good grammar.

March 4, is National Grammar Day! http://nationalgrammarday.com/

Join the cause here: http://grammatically.blogspot.com/

Magritte, Meaning, and CMM

Today marks the 110^th birthday of René François Ghislain Magritte a famous Belgian surrealist artist who is well-known for his thought-provoking images. One of his most recognized painting is named the Son of Man and is most commonly and perhaps affectionately dubbed “the bowler hat painting.”

Magritte described his paintings by saying:

“My painting is visible images which conceal nothing; they evoke mystery and, indeed, when one sees one of my pictures, one asks oneself this simple question, “What does that mean?” It does not mean anything, because mystery means nothing either, it is unknowable.” (Reference: http://www.magritte.com)

In beginning my nine week introduction to the Coordinated Management of Meaning (CMM) (Pearce, 2007), in which we attempt to define meaning and how meaning is made and making better social worlds, this quote from Magritte is a perfect example. The world of CMM that I am just beginning to understand and hope to understand more, has already, in its extreme short time, given me an appreciation for the question – “How do we make meaning?” 

In the next eight weeks, I will continue to delve into the world of CMM with great enthusiasm and delight.  For now, I will continue to go deeper into my thoughts on how meaning is made in my own ‘reality’ and in making a better social world.

References

Pearce, B. W. (2007). Making social worlds: A communications perspective. Malden, MA: Blackwell.

Remembering Dr. Randy Pausch

Carnegie Mellon honored Professor Randy Pausch (Oct. 23, 1960 – July 25, 2008) with an event on September 22, 2008 to celebrate his life and legacy, which touched millions of people around the world. For more, visit www.cmu.edu/randyslecture.

Use this link to watch the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gBxWO20OkbY

Get Creative!

Creativity has lately been a companion of my mine for all my life, and continues to be a driving force within me.  I enjoy Dr. Lessig’s books and presentations such as this one on TED . A video on creativity that I believe to be very thought provoking on bringing and continuing to bring creativity into our lives.

Click here to view the video.

In Memory of Dr. Randy Pausch

This morning I woke to the news that Dr. Pausch had died. I am deeply saddened by this loss. Dr. Pausch has been an inspiration to me through my doctoral studies.  His innovative and creative ways of teaching and exploring and learning are ones I hold deeply in my heart.  His love of life and his way of living left a lasting impression on what can be accomplished if as he said “If you lead your life the right way the karma will take care of itself. The dreams will come to you.”

Dr. Randy Pausch

So in memory of Dr. Pausch I welcome dreams and am grateful to have shared in part of his life through his last lecture and will keep his memory alive in my heart.