I have recently become intrigued by bolo ties, the ones with a (usually) southwestern motif like eagles, cowboy stuff etc. I am intrigued by them because they offer both a stylistic version of the traditional necktie and can be modified to display many different things that go beyond the regional stereotype of silver and turquoise.
I have never been much of a necktie wearer because I have a squat neck. The tie makes my head look like a balloon tied off at the stem about to explode. Plus, the idea that this ubiquitous piece of men's wear has been around for well over 100 years just makes it out of place on me. Admittedly, I am not a cutting edge person, but I am more in tune with 2008 than 1888. No matter how patterned or wide it is, we're still talking necktie.
For a while I thought a bowtie was the way to go. They come in a variety of styles, colors and textures, enough to appease my artistic eye. But I began to notice that there seems to be a cultural stigma on bowties that signify stereotypes I want to avoid. If you are a wearer of bowties, I apologize for any categorizing I may be imposing. I'm passing this judgment on me.
At some point, I noticed someone wearing a bolo and thought, "this is for me." Sure, the southwestern lifestyle is heavily associated with the bolo but it differs in that the actual medallion can be changed to suit the personality of the wearer. Being a graphic designer, I envision historical designs as well as typography that can be used in place of more traditional artwork.
I am about to move to another part of the country, the northeast, completely diagonal from the southwest. I see myself wearing my bolos here. When I mentioned this to my sister, she said rather bluntly, "you can't wear that in New York, that's a southwestern thing." I smiled and thought to myself how odd to restrict ones fashion sense because of a geographical location. She may be right, but I don't agreee.
So for now, I am beginning my collection of Bolos and see it as simply expressing myself. What I am saying is up to you.
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Monday, May 12, 2008
Masters Thesis Catalog Text
Below is the text that accompanied my work in the University of Houston's Masters Thesis show in April. It explains very briefly, the meaning behind my work. Enjoy.
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A typeface originates as part of the aesthetics of the historical period in which it is created; its final form a result of the cultural associations unique to the type designer who creates it. The associations I make as a designer between the object and what it is communicating are part of my understanding of relationships of form and meaning, visually and mentally.
A typographic form is more than a functional letter. The subtleties within its form remind me of feelings, thoughts or people. My personal experiences with others become part of how I relate to typographic form. It is a language of its own. Printed, drawn or sculpted, letterforms communicate with me as characters on a stage, each one acting according to its role. I am witness to their efforts.
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A typeface originates as part of the aesthetics of the historical period in which it is created; its final form a result of the cultural associations unique to the type designer who creates it. The associations I make as a designer between the object and what it is communicating are part of my understanding of relationships of form and meaning, visually and mentally.
A typographic form is more than a functional letter. The subtleties within its form remind me of feelings, thoughts or people. My personal experiences with others become part of how I relate to typographic form. It is a language of its own. Printed, drawn or sculpted, letterforms communicate with me as characters on a stage, each one acting according to its role. I am witness to their efforts.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Bleary Eyed
I can tell this is not going to be a deep, philosophical post because I am tired. I think I've been tired for weeks now. Graduation is supposed to be a freeing experience. People ask, "aren't you excited?" I say, "I will be once I finish teaching my class, grading projects and finals, finish writing my thesis, complete my CV and cover letter, make reservations for my elderly mother to attend my graduation, give directions to family members on how to navigate to the actual location, finish sending invites, defend my thesis artwork, clean my room in preparation for visitors etc. You see, nothing much to worry about.
I should be happy. Actually, I've had moments of happiness but they are usually washed away by the realization that all this other stuff is keeping me from concentrating on a job to pay off the chunk of student loan I have. And of course, instead of the bank saying, "congratulations, you've earned a degree," the letter reads, "we see that you are about to graduate making you eligible for your student loan repayment." Real nice bedside manners that bank has don'tcha think?
Why am I complaining? I've heard that i now have a much higher earning potential with a master's. That may be so, just point me to the nearest job and we'll see. I'm anxious to start but I'm too tired to think.
Maybe a few months off after graduation isn't so bad after all!
I should be happy. Actually, I've had moments of happiness but they are usually washed away by the realization that all this other stuff is keeping me from concentrating on a job to pay off the chunk of student loan I have. And of course, instead of the bank saying, "congratulations, you've earned a degree," the letter reads, "we see that you are about to graduate making you eligible for your student loan repayment." Real nice bedside manners that bank has don'tcha think?
Why am I complaining? I've heard that i now have a much higher earning potential with a master's. That may be so, just point me to the nearest job and we'll see. I'm anxious to start but I'm too tired to think.
Maybe a few months off after graduation isn't so bad after all!
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Nearing My Goal
I am now within two months of achieving my goal of obtaining a MFA. I re-read my post of a few years ago stating my hopes for grad school. What I have actually experienced is way beyond what I could have guessed at the time. Let's see, I am three years older now, divorced after my first year, full of newly acquired artistic descriptive phrases to describe my work and crit others and a *whole* lot of scars from battles that I have won. Am I better off, you bet!
I liken the experience to that of maturity. I had already been in the professional graphic design field for 16 years. What new things could I learn? Hmmm...well, I found out and it wasn't anything I had expected, so much more. History, research, critical analysis, dissimilar attractions, academia itself, so many areas I had never considered.
The scars I mentioned earlier were the deep, dark times of distress I went through in my first year as I desperately tried to understand why my work was being viewed so critically. This rarely happened in the professional world. I was going through so many changes that year, especially at home. The year ended up in divorce. The end, or a new beginning? I hung on and made it a new beginning. Slowly but surely, things began to make sense. Modes of thinking and aesthetic values begin to seep in. I was on my way.
But now, at the end of year three, as I am about to embark into practice, I feel like a kid again, about to search for a position that has been, in reality, ten years in the making. I'm ready and eager to teach, work with professional peers and see what a mark I can make on impressionable minds. The future looks bright.
I liken the experience to that of maturity. I had already been in the professional graphic design field for 16 years. What new things could I learn? Hmmm...well, I found out and it wasn't anything I had expected, so much more. History, research, critical analysis, dissimilar attractions, academia itself, so many areas I had never considered.
The scars I mentioned earlier were the deep, dark times of distress I went through in my first year as I desperately tried to understand why my work was being viewed so critically. This rarely happened in the professional world. I was going through so many changes that year, especially at home. The year ended up in divorce. The end, or a new beginning? I hung on and made it a new beginning. Slowly but surely, things began to make sense. Modes of thinking and aesthetic values begin to seep in. I was on my way.
But now, at the end of year three, as I am about to embark into practice, I feel like a kid again, about to search for a position that has been, in reality, ten years in the making. I'm ready and eager to teach, work with professional peers and see what a mark I can make on impressionable minds. The future looks bright.
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
HD TVs Will Have To Wait
I had a chance recently to watch a newly installed HD TV. What I found was a mixed assortment of questionable results. First, the true HD channels are astoundingly clear. This is most noticeable in the tiniest details of the image such as small objects or most noticeably, facial lines and blemishes. I am not that impressed because these details do not necessarily add to the scene enjoyment. Rather, they can be distracting by having a hierarchical effect of drawing your eyes to a pinpoint detail to the detriment of the overall picture.
My second problem with the HD format is digital artifacting (over-pixilating) of older broadcasts. This is a matter of timing because majority of the programming available prior to recent HD broadcasts are analogue and since this programming was created in the past, it is unlikely to change. This is most notable (once again) in the small details in an older picture. Because the quantity of pixel information needed to adequately define a high resolution picture is not present, the details become blurry or over-pixilated. This could also result from an inadequate transfer of film based material to digital. Low transfer scans result in pixilation or artifacting of small or moving objects.
These details are often so pixilated as to be unrecognizable which as you might guess, is not a desirable viewing experience. Once again, faces are the most dis tubing because we are naturally, visually drawn to the Human face. Other areas suffer from this but vary from scene to scene depending on size and movement (movement often results in the image blurring into artifacts because a visual detail is changing rapidly without the pixel information to render it from moment to moment.)
One last comment on HD programming. I was very disappointed at the artifacting of text on the screen which looked like a low resolution jpeg. Ugly to say the least. Maybe new fonts will need to be developed to adequately display properly.
So we are caught up in a technical dilemma. Do we buy a HD TV to watch the small (but ever growing) amount of new HD programming and suffer through the pixilating of all older material or buy a conventional television that has a superb resolution for older programming but is incapable of rendering the HD signal? I opt for the older technology for the time being.
My second problem with the HD format is digital artifacting (over-pixilating) of older broadcasts. This is a matter of timing because majority of the programming available prior to recent HD broadcasts are analogue and since this programming was created in the past, it is unlikely to change. This is most notable (once again) in the small details in an older picture. Because the quantity of pixel information needed to adequately define a high resolution picture is not present, the details become blurry or over-pixilated. This could also result from an inadequate transfer of film based material to digital. Low transfer scans result in pixilation or artifacting of small or moving objects.
These details are often so pixilated as to be unrecognizable which as you might guess, is not a desirable viewing experience. Once again, faces are the most dis tubing because we are naturally, visually drawn to the Human face. Other areas suffer from this but vary from scene to scene depending on size and movement (movement often results in the image blurring into artifacts because a visual detail is changing rapidly without the pixel information to render it from moment to moment.)
One last comment on HD programming. I was very disappointed at the artifacting of text on the screen which looked like a low resolution jpeg. Ugly to say the least. Maybe new fonts will need to be developed to adequately display properly.
So we are caught up in a technical dilemma. Do we buy a HD TV to watch the small (but ever growing) amount of new HD programming and suffer through the pixilating of all older material or buy a conventional television that has a superb resolution for older programming but is incapable of rendering the HD signal? I opt for the older technology for the time being.
Thursday, December 08, 2005
MFA's Assume Patron's Role
In my graduate seminar class, we have been studying various essays on the value of a MFA (Masters of Fine Arts) degree. In our discussions, I see a trend to apply the MFA as a way of identifying art practice on a higher level based on critical analysis, history and conceptual approach, a way of descerning conceptual artists from hobbyists such as bead making, quilting, scrapbooking, pottery etc.
It seems that educated or degreed artists are assuming the role of art patrons spoken of by critic Clement Greenberg in his 1939 essay, Avant Garde and Kitsch. The cultured class values of that era are not as prevalent in contemporary culture and those who can afford art buy pre-existing pieces rather than pay to have it created as in the past. The baton of critical art discussion is being assumed by the university artisans who debate aesthetics.
What drives art in the 21st century? Is it appreciation of traditional forms of art such as painting and sculpture or the allure of art making using commercial products and processes by the average hobbyist? Can such a small group of people such as university artisans keep art interests alive or will it be the larger population who's creativity ranges from macramé to scrapbooking?
It seems that educated or degreed artists are assuming the role of art patrons spoken of by critic Clement Greenberg in his 1939 essay, Avant Garde and Kitsch. The cultured class values of that era are not as prevalent in contemporary culture and those who can afford art buy pre-existing pieces rather than pay to have it created as in the past. The baton of critical art discussion is being assumed by the university artisans who debate aesthetics.
What drives art in the 21st century? Is it appreciation of traditional forms of art such as painting and sculpture or the allure of art making using commercial products and processes by the average hobbyist? Can such a small group of people such as university artisans keep art interests alive or will it be the larger population who's creativity ranges from macramé to scrapbooking?
Monday, October 17, 2005
Defining Art Degrees
There is a buzz going on in artistic academic circles these days on just what the object of a professional arts degree is supposed to be. Should it be to enrich the individual or to reflect well on the school? I think the reason this debate is going on is simply that the arts feel threatened. As technology increasingly allows the average, creative, motivated person to use the same tools as the professionals, it dilutes the professionalism of the practice. Standards are in question. Does it take a degree to be creative?
It happened to typesetters, graphic designers, photographers, videographers and image makers in general. Some of these trades were skilled, blue collar jobs, accepted amongst professionals. As technology advanced and commerce catered to their audience with a wider acceptance of arts and crafts, the trade tools have become widely available.
If creativity cannot be measured by a degree, what separates the degreed professional from the highly skilled, non degreed person? Is it concept, materials, critical analysis?
Surely it is a wise thing to look to organizations that support their profession. It is likely they who will set the standards for professions in general.
It happened to typesetters, graphic designers, photographers, videographers and image makers in general. Some of these trades were skilled, blue collar jobs, accepted amongst professionals. As technology advanced and commerce catered to their audience with a wider acceptance of arts and crafts, the trade tools have become widely available.
If creativity cannot be measured by a degree, what separates the degreed professional from the highly skilled, non degreed person? Is it concept, materials, critical analysis?
Surely it is a wise thing to look to organizations that support their profession. It is likely they who will set the standards for professions in general.
Wednesday, September 28, 2005
Sharing-What a Concept!
I have been lead to believe that people don't want to read long emails that detail a person's day (such as I tend to write). I know for a fact that one person stopped writing me because of my long winded, in depth emails. Yet it goes even deeper. Writing such a long message can lend itself to being "too familiar" (gasp!). And I think that many people are put off by that level of personal dialog. Sure, a person at the grocery store might tell you their life story in the check out line but in email, it is different. I have often gotten the feeling that because email (or letter writing) is more personal, directed to one person specifically, it makes them feel vulnerable. The difference is probably the physicality of being together vs apart on line.
Of course, American men are socialized to be less vulnerable. Men tend to avoid the deeper issues, talk statistics and attributes rather than feelings and shared ideals (think sports talk). I've even noticed that a group of men watching a porno will hoop and holler and make crude jokes so that, in my opinion, they don't have to admit the video is having an emotional (and dare I say physiological) effect on them. That would be (gulp!), a shared emotion.
Women like to talk and share but as men are more likely not to share, the idea of a man who is not their husband sharing deep feelings and vulnerabilities could be uneasy as it would be man to man. It puts them at odds with with the old idea of "just friends" or being intimate. That's understandable. As a man, I think the universe has gifted me to be able to share thoughts and feelings. I'm proud of it. I also know that the "familiarity" shared between myself and that other person can put each person in a vulnerable position where boundaries have to be set.
I'd like to think that women can tell the difference between sharing and a "come on." The stereotype in our society is that the women are more about the chase and men, about the conquest. Learning about the individual is likely to get the best results.
Of course, American men are socialized to be less vulnerable. Men tend to avoid the deeper issues, talk statistics and attributes rather than feelings and shared ideals (think sports talk). I've even noticed that a group of men watching a porno will hoop and holler and make crude jokes so that, in my opinion, they don't have to admit the video is having an emotional (and dare I say physiological) effect on them. That would be (gulp!), a shared emotion.
Women like to talk and share but as men are more likely not to share, the idea of a man who is not their husband sharing deep feelings and vulnerabilities could be uneasy as it would be man to man. It puts them at odds with with the old idea of "just friends" or being intimate. That's understandable. As a man, I think the universe has gifted me to be able to share thoughts and feelings. I'm proud of it. I also know that the "familiarity" shared between myself and that other person can put each person in a vulnerable position where boundaries have to be set.
I'd like to think that women can tell the difference between sharing and a "come on." The stereotype in our society is that the women are more about the chase and men, about the conquest. Learning about the individual is likely to get the best results.
Monday, April 18, 2005
New ways to Deal With Old Computers
I am the office administrator at my local Unitarian Universalist Church. Several people have donated old Macs to the church but they are so old, no one would really want them for anything practical but...they can do certain simple tasks that do not require newer computers.
I want to develop a PowerPoint slide show for the church foyer that would serve as an educational tool for religious education, congregational events and announcements. This way, when people are standing in the foyer, they would have a dynamic way of seeing what is happening at the church and hopefully learn more about us.
The equipment could be an older machine running any operating system and monitors that are otherwise cast aside. Think donation here.
I'd also like to see the youth involved in the actual updating of information. A youth who is computer savvy might see the job as a challenge or at the very least, a cool thing to do. In the end, the effort would involve them in the greater church community. I see this as a win win situation.
I want to develop a PowerPoint slide show for the church foyer that would serve as an educational tool for religious education, congregational events and announcements. This way, when people are standing in the foyer, they would have a dynamic way of seeing what is happening at the church and hopefully learn more about us.
The equipment could be an older machine running any operating system and monitors that are otherwise cast aside. Think donation here.
I'd also like to see the youth involved in the actual updating of information. A youth who is computer savvy might see the job as a challenge or at the very least, a cool thing to do. In the end, the effort would involve them in the greater church community. I see this as a win win situation.
Admission Musings
I just found out tonight that my admission was declined by one of the MFA programs I applied to. After my interview with them, I am not surprised but a bit disappointed. I have some thoughts on the issue.
Choosing a grad program is a challenge. Distance, cost, suitability, goals, come together as characteristics to define what I might want. On their side, I suppose it is much the same. I assume they ask, "how will this person fit within our sturcture?" I want to become part of a program suited to my interests and personality as much as the school wants me for my particular attributes.
On a practical side, each college admits students who they feel will benefit from their program while adhering to their objectives. If I'm a good fit for them, then they benefit as do I. Growth happens all round.
Considering I have only one more university to hear from, I am still upbeat about the whole issue. I am not doing this at 44 for any prestige a MFA may bring but the personal growth I want as a middle aged man. It seems a natural progression to segue from being a graphic designer to attending grad school in graphic design. I do want to go and hope to hear from them soon.
Choosing a grad program is a challenge. Distance, cost, suitability, goals, come together as characteristics to define what I might want. On their side, I suppose it is much the same. I assume they ask, "how will this person fit within our sturcture?" I want to become part of a program suited to my interests and personality as much as the school wants me for my particular attributes.
On a practical side, each college admits students who they feel will benefit from their program while adhering to their objectives. If I'm a good fit for them, then they benefit as do I. Growth happens all round.
Considering I have only one more university to hear from, I am still upbeat about the whole issue. I am not doing this at 44 for any prestige a MFA may bring but the personal growth I want as a middle aged man. It seems a natural progression to segue from being a graphic designer to attending grad school in graphic design. I do want to go and hope to hear from them soon.
A Possible Career Move?
As office administrator at the UU church were I attend, part of my responsibility is to make announcements from the pulpit. I have been speaking from the pulpit for several weeks now. In fact, our minister is in the pulpit this week and she specifically requested me as her lay reader because she likes my manner of speaking and respects the way I handle myself on the alter.
After this past weeks service, we had a pot luck. I was sitting with a few graphic or educational artists (I always seem to surround myself with a good crowd to talk with). One of the persons said, "so David, tell me, when will you be going to seminary to become a UU minister?" I was stunned and taken aback. She then said, "really, I see you as a UU minister. You'd be a good one." I was still stunned but said that wasn't my path. Now what makes her so sure I would make a good minister? Is it the same qualities that I feel would make me a good art therapist? Where I go from here is anyone's guess.
After this past weeks service, we had a pot luck. I was sitting with a few graphic or educational artists (I always seem to surround myself with a good crowd to talk with). One of the persons said, "so David, tell me, when will you be going to seminary to become a UU minister?" I was stunned and taken aback. She then said, "really, I see you as a UU minister. You'd be a good one." I was still stunned but said that wasn't my path. Now what makes her so sure I would make a good minister? Is it the same qualities that I feel would make me a good art therapist? Where I go from here is anyone's guess.
Wednesday, April 06, 2005
Cyclical Life in New Battlestar
Spoilers...Spoilers...Spoilers!!!
In season 2, as Starbuck was torturing a Cylon agent, he says, “in the past, I was the one in your place and you were in mine. We are doomed to repeat the cycle over and over.“ Since the Cylon Boomer is giving birth, after mating with a Human, the baby would be part of both. This leads me to believe that what we call Humans are simply one species and the Cylon species is another that is equal to our ego and emotion but stronger in body.
This could also explain why the Humans speak of multiple gods and the Cylons speak of one god. Rebirth through eons of culture and destruction could conceivably result in a polytheistic culture (many cultures, many planets, many gods). The Cylons apparently believe in a monotheistic system, where god is in everything and "life is a continuous stream." The Cylon agent also says all life began on Caprica. I'm not surprised that Starbuck did not *get* the Cylon's metaphysical description of life because she's trained to react to things on a practical level. The military and philosophers do not often mix.
So I think the series is telling us Humanity and Cylons are basically one and the same, just on opposite ends of the life cycle. Did we create the Cylons or they create us?
In season 2, as Starbuck was torturing a Cylon agent, he says, “in the past, I was the one in your place and you were in mine. We are doomed to repeat the cycle over and over.“ Since the Cylon Boomer is giving birth, after mating with a Human, the baby would be part of both. This leads me to believe that what we call Humans are simply one species and the Cylon species is another that is equal to our ego and emotion but stronger in body.
This could also explain why the Humans speak of multiple gods and the Cylons speak of one god. Rebirth through eons of culture and destruction could conceivably result in a polytheistic culture (many cultures, many planets, many gods). The Cylons apparently believe in a monotheistic system, where god is in everything and "life is a continuous stream." The Cylon agent also says all life began on Caprica. I'm not surprised that Starbuck did not *get* the Cylon's metaphysical description of life because she's trained to react to things on a practical level. The military and philosophers do not often mix.
So I think the series is telling us Humanity and Cylons are basically one and the same, just on opposite ends of the life cycle. Did we create the Cylons or they create us?
Thursday, March 17, 2005
Buffing The Floor
My father was a fanatic about buffing our wooden floors when I was a kid. He bought a commercial buffer through a relative owned, janatorial service many years ago. The thing was a monster, dragging you all over the place, left, then right, almost demolishing everything in its path. And that was when it was used correctly! So needless to say, it's hard to handle. My dad has since passed away and it looks like the buffer is being retired. My mom isn't so fanatical about her floors so she doesn't really care what its destination is.
That unholy buffer was the cause of many arguments between my father and myself. His philosophy was to keep the floor shining as long as possible by constantly working on it. My philosophy was that the shinier the floor, the more it would show scuff marks and footprints so why worry about it. I think the same way about leaf raking. Leaves are a natural covering and besides...who said a yard must be devoid of foliage (my dad for one). So the buffer's now in our storage room awaiting its fate. Daddy, I am sad that you're gone. I just can't say the same thing about your buffer.
That unholy buffer was the cause of many arguments between my father and myself. His philosophy was to keep the floor shining as long as possible by constantly working on it. My philosophy was that the shinier the floor, the more it would show scuff marks and footprints so why worry about it. I think the same way about leaf raking. Leaves are a natural covering and besides...who said a yard must be devoid of foliage (my dad for one). So the buffer's now in our storage room awaiting its fate. Daddy, I am sad that you're gone. I just can't say the same thing about your buffer.
Saturday, March 12, 2005
Taking the GRE
Well, what can I say. I took the GRE on my 44th birthday this past week. I felt absolutely relaxed because I knew I was as prepared as possible, having taken a continuing education, prep class beforehand to learn the way you take the test. I knew the toughest part would be the math but as the instructor said, “it's not about doing the math as much as it is thinking mathematically.” And how right he was.
The math problems consisted mainly of comparisons that were visually challenging. Close examination of each problem was required to verify what numbers canceled each other out or contained more than a value of 0 or 1. Right and wrong answers depended on how you read the problems. I think I did better than minimum in this section.
The vocabulary part was challenging because of the as is questions. As long as I know the definition, even remotely, I can usually make a comparison. There were a few fill in the blank questions which were easier. The latter part of the vocabulary was reading comprehension. As usual, if the passage was difficult to comprehend, it was tough to find the answers, especially those asking for relevancy to the overall article.
The essays took the longest but were by far, the easiest for me. The object is to write a persuasive essay based on one of two subjects and an argumentative one based on the topic you're given. I'm better at the persuasive. I knew the characteristics they would be looking for making it easier to compose overall. The argumentative is not as direct but I think I did pretty well.
Aside from the test, I have several observations on the experience itself. The test interface is presented in a 16 color graphics mode, (circa 1991) which is clunky and poorly designed. The typography (if you could call it that) on the screen is about as legible as a stick figure is to a fully rendered human body. The line length stretched the width of the screen in a 100 plus character array that was difficult to follow. If you have to turn your head to complete a sentence, the line length is too long! There were no type characters per say, rather an asci character that resembled a type character. At the prices charged for taking the test, these folks could hire designers to do the graphics.
The keyboards are the type consistent with a 1980's PC, very harsh key response; think clickity clack.
Whoever design the testing center obviously did not take ergonomics into consideration. The facility was a psychologists nightmare, uninviting to say the least. Seating was uncomfortable and the testing area was cramped. I was initially denied use of my lumbar support pillow in the testing area, complaining politely but firmly that I needed it for the three hour plus exam. After some hushed discussion between the test administering person and her supervisor, I was allowed to carry it in.
If the testing center demands excellence, why should I not demand as much? I gave them a 2 out of 10 stars for their efforts (and I'm being generous). The GRE test practice software isn't even available for the Mac? I sense resistance to change on their part, probably monetary based.
The test took about three and a half hours to complete. Since I finished around the same time as the others giving me the sense that I was on average, my spirits were lifted. This was the last step in the admission process I need for the two MFA programs I have applied to. Here's to the future!
The math problems consisted mainly of comparisons that were visually challenging. Close examination of each problem was required to verify what numbers canceled each other out or contained more than a value of 0 or 1. Right and wrong answers depended on how you read the problems. I think I did better than minimum in this section.
The vocabulary part was challenging because of the as is questions. As long as I know the definition, even remotely, I can usually make a comparison. There were a few fill in the blank questions which were easier. The latter part of the vocabulary was reading comprehension. As usual, if the passage was difficult to comprehend, it was tough to find the answers, especially those asking for relevancy to the overall article.
The essays took the longest but were by far, the easiest for me. The object is to write a persuasive essay based on one of two subjects and an argumentative one based on the topic you're given. I'm better at the persuasive. I knew the characteristics they would be looking for making it easier to compose overall. The argumentative is not as direct but I think I did pretty well.
Aside from the test, I have several observations on the experience itself. The test interface is presented in a 16 color graphics mode, (circa 1991) which is clunky and poorly designed. The typography (if you could call it that) on the screen is about as legible as a stick figure is to a fully rendered human body. The line length stretched the width of the screen in a 100 plus character array that was difficult to follow. If you have to turn your head to complete a sentence, the line length is too long! There were no type characters per say, rather an asci character that resembled a type character. At the prices charged for taking the test, these folks could hire designers to do the graphics.
The keyboards are the type consistent with a 1980's PC, very harsh key response; think clickity clack.
Whoever design the testing center obviously did not take ergonomics into consideration. The facility was a psychologists nightmare, uninviting to say the least. Seating was uncomfortable and the testing area was cramped. I was initially denied use of my lumbar support pillow in the testing area, complaining politely but firmly that I needed it for the three hour plus exam. After some hushed discussion between the test administering person and her supervisor, I was allowed to carry it in.
If the testing center demands excellence, why should I not demand as much? I gave them a 2 out of 10 stars for their efforts (and I'm being generous). The GRE test practice software isn't even available for the Mac? I sense resistance to change on their part, probably monetary based.
The test took about three and a half hours to complete. Since I finished around the same time as the others giving me the sense that I was on average, my spirits were lifted. This was the last step in the admission process I need for the two MFA programs I have applied to. Here's to the future!
Wednesday, February 16, 2005
Mid Life Crisis-Pt.1
My wife and I have been seeing a therapist...primarily for us but recently, for me. I am currently without a job and that's got me down. I've applied to two graduate programs for the fall so I DO have a goal. The only requirement I have I have left is to take the GRE. Considering the areas it covers, I consider it a waste of time and money.
I am glad there are people in the world who like and do well in math. The world needs these folks. I wonder how they would do on a test covering visual awareness and German Existentialism?
Anyway, the mere thought of having to take the GRE has me depressed. It's bad enough that I feel life is on hold, but to have someone tell me my future depends on whether I do well on a test measuring skills unassociated with my profession is hazy and undefinable.
We went to the therapist today and I was in a good mood. It seems I am always in a decent mood when we go see him. He sees me at my best. Fortunately, he listens well and gives me good advice, actually sympathizing with me today which made the whole thing seem more real.
I know my current situation will pass. I need structure and a goal. Hopefully I will be admitted to at least one grad school program I have applied to. That's the most important thing for me at this time.
I am glad there are people in the world who like and do well in math. The world needs these folks. I wonder how they would do on a test covering visual awareness and German Existentialism?
Anyway, the mere thought of having to take the GRE has me depressed. It's bad enough that I feel life is on hold, but to have someone tell me my future depends on whether I do well on a test measuring skills unassociated with my profession is hazy and undefinable.
We went to the therapist today and I was in a good mood. It seems I am always in a decent mood when we go see him. He sees me at my best. Fortunately, he listens well and gives me good advice, actually sympathizing with me today which made the whole thing seem more real.
I know my current situation will pass. I need structure and a goal. Hopefully I will be admitted to at least one grad school program I have applied to. That's the most important thing for me at this time.
Saturday, January 01, 2005
Just A Little Snack
Hello everyone. My name's David and this is my first blog (hi David). I look forward to reading and cheking out what people are doing and sharing. I hope you'll do the same.
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