Going Forward

OK.  Well, this is new.

And we're not sure exactly how it will go.  The faculty is going to take next week to develop a plan, and then classes will resume after spring break...just not on campus.

First of all, you should all buy corncob pipes.  The worst thing about actually being in a classroom is that you can't smoke a pipe.  Well, classrooms are in the pre-apocalyptic past.  Get a pipe.

My hunch is that we won't try to have a "video" class on the same schedule as our old class.  Too many technical issues.  There may be some opportunities for audio meet-ups, perhaps in small groups at different times, to discuss stuff.  Maybe I'll sometimes record and post short "lectures" on various topics along the way. 

I'll do office hours via phone or Skype. 

But mostly, I'm guessing, we'll use a threaded text discussion here, or some other e-place.  And assignments can be emailed to me, or uploaded to a common folder.

It's going to be fine.  It's not going to be a breeze, and you will still need to earn your grade.  But it is going to be fine.

I'll update you here, or by email, when things are a little clearer.  In the meantime, get some of that rest stuff we always seem to want.  And stop stripping the shelves at Kroger.  And if you're getting rid of cinder blocks, let me know.  I need some.

If you need to call, or leave a voicemail, this is my cell:  501-205-4746.

Going Forward 2

Howdy.  Soon you will hear from the College, I think, or maybe you already have.

Here's one detail to pick out that needs prompt attention.

Whether you want to use your computer, your phone, or some other device, you should download a program (or app) called Microsoft TEAMS.

It has many capabilities, and I'll tell you more about how we'll use them later.

For now, download it, and try logging on.  You'll use the same username and password that you use for your normal Hendrix login.

Since not every professor has "activated" their class on TEAMS, I don't know what you'll see when you login.  I'm just suggesting that you login and look around, to begin getting familiar with it.

That's it for now.  Stay safe.  Don't worry.  Get sunshine, or some rain on your head.  We're going to get through this. 

Coronoa Virus (and Adam Driver)

John Oliver breaks it down. HERE.  He really does mention Adam Driver.

Bigfoot

Here's just the sightings IN ARKANSAS.   HERE.

Getting Outside / Adam Driver is Awesome

In an attempt to regain Hannah's esteem, and to carry out an idea I've had for a while, here's a list of some outdoor venues.   You can ask me for more info about these any time.

If you know of ones that I haven't listed, tell me!

I will update this as I remember more.

(Do me a favor, if you go hiking, bring a friend, and some water.  These trails are sometimes little-traveled, and cell service is often unavailable.)

Also, Adam Driver is the best and most handsome actor of his--nay, all--generations.  



Close By:

1.  Cadron Settlement Park.  Cool historical site.  Hiking trails with river views.  Picnic areas.   Like 10 minutes from campus, if that.    https://www.arkansas.com/conway/cadron-settlement-park

2.  Woolly Hollow.  Nearby to the east.  Hiking trails, a lake, cascades (when it has rained recently), camping, etc.    https://www.arkansasstateparks.com/parks/woolly-hollow-state-park

3.  Cove Creek Natural Area.  Beautiful short hike.  Nearby to the north.  http://www.naturalheritage.com/natural-areas/cove-creek-natural-area

4.  Bell Slough.  I'm not crazy about the scenery, but it is an easy two mile walk in the woods.  Nearby to the south.  https://www.stateparks.com/bell_slough.html

5.  Big Dam Bridge.  Walk here.  See the river.   https://www.littlerock.com/little-rock-destinations/big-dam-bridge

6.  Two Rivers Bridge/Park.  Great walking, great scenery.  https://www.tripsavvy.com/two-rivers-bridge-little-rock-arkansas-2212700 

7.  Petit Jean State Park.  Overlooks, hiking trails of many kinds, a lodge, a waterfall, events/activites.  The main overlook is beautiful at any time of day.    https://www.arkansasstateparks.com/parks/petit-jean-state-park


Less Close By:

8.  Pinnacle Mountain.  West of Little Rock.  Hiking/climbing, of a steep sort.  Great view from the top.    https://www.arkansasstateparks.com/parks/pinnacle-mountain-state-park


9.  Mount Magazine.  Lots of great hiking, cool lodge.  Beautiful views.   
https://www.arkansasstateparks.com/parks/mount-magazine-state-park

(And nearby, for those of age:  https://www.rockcityeats.com/prestonrose-is-a-pilgrimage-for-craft-beer-lovers/)


10.  Mount Nebo.  Same.  https://www.arkansasstateparks.com/parks/mount-nebo-state-park


11.  Lake Ouachita.  Beautiful camping and boating.  Some serious hiking.  https://www.arkansasstateparks.com/parks/lake-ouachita-state-park

Assignment for Friday, February 21, 2020

This is just a reflection piece.  And it is personal, but it doesn't commit you to any particular view of how animals fit into our lives.  Just suppose that someone was going to give you a billion dollars for eliminating from your life, possessions, lifestyle, work, play, etc., everything that caused animals pain--directly or indirectly.

In other words, suppose that you were getting a reward for finding out about and eliminating everything about your life that has any role in animal pain.

So you'd have to think very carefully:  Where is my life related to animal pain?

And I want you to answer that question with a list.

Print it out and bring it to class.

Please make sure you understand:  this is not what Singer or Frey are suggesting. 

This is purely a thought experiment, aimed to get us to see where animal pain is connected to our lives.  So it is really supposed to be your own reflections on your own actual life. 

Assignment for Monday, February 10, 2020

OK, we’re going off-road.  I want to try to weigh Savulescu’s very stringent criteria for autonomy against a famous case.  

(This is something you should get to soon.)

So first, read THIS.

Then THIS. 

Then re-read Savalescu (or parts of it).

No summaries.  But we may do some in-class writing, so you need to get familiar with this stuff.

PS:  There are also some good videos (on YouTube) of Dax Cowart talking about his case, and you are free to consult those to get a fuller idea of his stance on things.