Same Words, Different Meaning

I want to touch upon the beauty of music as a communication device.  Taking the same words and applying different rates, tones, and harmonies can transform the words.  The discursive part of music is directly effected by the non-discursive symbols within it.  As an example, I have included one song but done by two different artists.

Teenage Dream by Katy Perry

Teenage Dream covered by Boyce Avenue

The majority of the lyrics are almost verbatim but the meaning behind the songs change with the non-discursive components of music.  The communication of the songs create different representations of feelings.  The paralinguistic cues represent different feelings.  Fast tempo, short held tones, staccato, loud, and a variety of instrumentation.  The song derives happiness and upbeat remembrance.  

In opposition, the paralinguistic nature of the cover by Boyce Avenue has a different representation of the same words.  The nonverbal communication has a slowed tempo, consistent meter, frequent tonic tone, long-held tones, smooth, and acoustic.  The same song reveals a different representation of feelings.  The songs do not necessarily instill emotion but show emotions that already exist.  The ability to take certain popular songs and recreating them using their own style and personality is something beyond my scope.  Regardless, the realm of communication has and will continue to be a subject of study.  

Another point about the makeup of music is the congruity of the message.  The combination of upbeat nonverbal and comedic lyrics intensify the representation of the songs message.  Sometimes the intensity of words or even the music can repel certain audiences.  Gangsta rap and screamo to dubstep or rave are extreme cases of either part of a song being too much for some listeners.  Balancing the two parts can produce a strong message and the synergy represents strong remembrance and connection.  Sometimes the phenomenon of incongruity can recall different messages.  The combination of each aspect of a song contributes to its overall communication.

The congruity of a message with the music is directly influenced by the music accompanying it.  The incongruity of a message will represent a completely different set of emotions.  What songs can you think of that have a happy tone and sad discursive language?  What songs can you think of have the reverse situation? Which part of a song's communication has the strongest connection with its listeners: discursive or non-discursive?

Late Night Shenanigans: Closing Social

Due to the closing of another semester of school, the time has come for the annual winter Closing Social that the Cedar City Institute of Religion hosts.  

The Institute is a place where students can take religious classes concerning Latter-day Saint Doctrine and teachings.  Free to sign up and anyone can join.  You do not have to be a member of the LDS faith to take a class or even attend their events.  Free food is often provided.  For a college student, free food is free food.  

Focus for this post though is what the Institute is offering you this Friday: a well deserved break that is promoting fun, friends, and some of that delicious free food.  Get ready for your finals week and holiday season with this event put on just to give a bit of refuge from this stressful week.

The closing social will have soup and rolls ($free.99), a performance by the Institute Choir, a bunch of activities and also an ugly sweater dance.  

Come and enjoy some holiday fun that is completely free.  

The Institute provides activities year round and information about upcoming events can be found on their Facebook page.  Also, you can go in the Institute that is located just west of the J. L. Sorenson Physical Education Building and ask about on going activities or events.  So for some Late Night Shenanigans, have a little holiday fun at the Closing Social at the Heritage Center by Lin's.  

Secret Spots: the Theater!

The next secret spot of SUU is definitely off the beaten path.  Down the hall of a side exit in the Sharwan Smith Center lies a small theater used for presentations and conferences.  The secret spot though is not the actual theater.

 The hallway  is just west of the C-store and at the bottom of the stairs coming down from the Rotunda.  

 The entrance to the theater lobby is the secret spot.  The actual theater is closed for general use but the lobby is generally open during the day.

The lobby is furnished, has two uni-sex bathrooms, and wall plugins.  Privacy, quiet, and comfortableness can all be found in this SUU secret spot.  Enjoy.

Study Like a Boss: Sleep

The first thing to diminish for many college students is sleep.  Idioms like, "you can sleep when you're dead" or "sleep is for the weak" are pretty common among college students like myself.  Here is a few things about sleep.

info graphic curtesy of http://www.schools.com/visuals/student-sleep.html

Sleep is hard to come by but as a server who used to work graveyard shifts at Denny's, you come to value sleep.  Good luck with finals, get some sleep when you can and may the bell curve ever be in your favor!

At your Service: ELC 214

Finals are upon us!  Cramming, scrambling, and stress seem to be common things in the next two weeks.  SUU is here to help you the best it can by having one of the best computer labs on campus being open 24/7 starting Wednesday 12/3 and Thursday 12/4 Morning.  ELC 214

 The computer lab features dual monitors and the majority of programs needed throughout all of the majors.  

The ELC (electronic learning center) is best known for the Testing Center Location but just above on the second floor is this computer lab.  Access to the lab is the north western corner of the building by the sidewalk ramp.

 The ELC 214 also features color printer and regular black and white printing.  With study spaces if you want to bring your own laptop or a place to get away from your roommates.  

 If the studying goes longer or you run out of snacks, the ELC second floor also has vending machines.  Sometimes a mid-study snack is necessary for your success.

Also, from my biased opinion of the best water fountains on campus, the ELC 214 has made my top three favorite tasting water fountains.  Now featuring a water bottle filling station, your hydration shall no longer be wanting.

The ELC second floor also has a restroom.  The late night papers and last minute cramming sessions can be supplemented by the ELC 214, at your service!

Late Night Shenanigans: Alberto's

Late night availability is lacking in Cedar City.  For your late night shenanigans, you are going to need food.  If you are a fan of Mexican food, Alberto's is the quick late night fix your stomach needs.

In regards to the delicious Holiday that is today, a quick highlight about one of the few late night restaurants in Cedar city.  Alberto's is a Mexican Restaurant chain that provides large portions at a reasonable price.  Alberto's is open 24 hours a day.  My personal favorite is the breakfast burrito.  

The drive through is open all day and sometimes the lobby is open late as well.  Due to the small number of staff, the time waited is a bit longer than during the day.  I would recommend a late night Alberto's run for any and all that are in need of food.  

p.s. You may need a vehicle due to the location being on the northern end of town.   

Secret Spots: Library 3rd Floor

Where else can you get a view like this AND study?  Let me present to you the Gerald R. Sherratt Library's 3rd Flood.

 The library has several levels but this floor is one of the lease utilized floors.  Plenty of group study space, individually sectioned off study tables and a balcony study area.




 Here is the balcony study area.  Has that view outside the giant library window.

Plenty of large tables for study groups.  During finals there are usually more people but for the better part of the semester it is open for your study needs.

 Here is a picture of the individually sectioned off study tables.  

The entire third level is primarily dedicated to study space.  Here is a secret spot that not many know about. Hopefully this helps with finals looming at the horizon.  Good luck and enjoy another secret spot of SUU.