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.

Reviving Narrative Medicine Reading Group

Consider joining this group.   If you complete it, I will give you some extra credit. 

Reviving Narrative Medicine

Interested in learning how literature can make a difference in medicine? 

Join the Narrative Medicine reading group next Monday, Feb. 10 at 4:15 p.m. 

in the Murphy Seminar Room! 

Anyone is welcome to join, and you can receive AC Odyssey credit if interested. 

Contact Savannah Wiegel at wiegelsj@hendrix.edu to receive this meeting’s 

readings in advance or to be added to the group.

Assignment for Wednesday, February 5, 2020

We've been having really good conversations--I'm proud of us so far.   So let's give ourselves a slight breather.  Read the next article, by Elliot, and read it well enough for a quiz, or some in-class writing.

But you don't need to summarize it.  Use that extra hour to rest and build up your defenses against the flu.

Cool Book Group You Should Join

A young woman returns to her village after a mysterious absence, and she is unable to speak.  

How will she return to "normal" life, and how will she reclaim her voice?

All the Truth That's in Me is a young-adult/cross-over novel by Julie Berry published in 2013.  

Although it is set in a fictional time and place reminiscent of Puritan New England, the novel also functions as an adaptation of the Classical myth of Io.  

The Hendrix-Murphy Foundation will sponsor a discussion group focused on this novel, and you are invited to participate!  

When?  Monday, March 2nd, 4:15-5:15 p.m.

Where?  Murphy House Seminar Room

How?  Free copies of the book will be provided for participants to read in advance, but spots are limited and must be reserved. 

 If you'd like to participate, email Dr. Resinski at resinski@hendrix.edu.  

Because spots are limited, before responding please double-check that you'll be free to attend the meeting on Monday March 2nd, 4:15-5:15 p.m.

Full disclosure:  This novel explores issues of gender-based violence.

Assignment for Wednesday, January 29, 2020

A little different this time.

I want you to listen to this, think about it, then explain (printed out, no more than one page) why you would or would not have agreed with the family's decision to conceal the truth.

Bonus points (not really) if you talk about autonomy and paternalism.  OK, here's the link:  HERE.