Kurt Simmons' Ideas and Writing Page
Herein lie various ideas and topics I like to think about. Some links
will contain attempts to define a problem. Some will contain ideas for
solutions to problems. More recent links (2002) will contain more organized attempts at writing practice or defining some of my thought processes and philosophies. Other pages will just contain random thoughts on a
particular topic. They are listed in reverse order of development so that wise souls can view the evolution of ideas.
2002
- Boulder Housing Poem
I love reading and memorizing poetry. I also like writing quaint little works with a friendly, ambling meter. It is a fun way to convey thoughts. Recently I have filled my head with thoughts and ideas about the housing market in Boulder, as well as some other issues about how the city is developing its retail spaces. Over a week or so this poem was revealed to me. I figure it counts as writing and ideas, so here it is.
- Write A Letter Or Do Something Else?
This page has two things going on at once. The first item is an exploration on whether you are better off writing a letter protesting the bombing in Afghanistan or just sending the blank pieces of paper to the children there so they can have something to write on. The second item is my first try at laying out an Issue Based Information System (IBIS) in HTML. The table at the end of the page features ISSUES, and FOR and AGAINST arguments for those issues. It is a way to represent the history of a debate. In this case the actual debate process is not shown, merely the conclusions arrived at, at least the ones that came to mind as I typed this. What is missing, that I know of, is a way to generate a third idea, which would be a combination of the best features of the two ideas. As I recall, the IBIS rules would have me add additional issues as they were raised.
- What Society Needs Today
A scary work. I was testing a Ray Bradury theory about writing. Sit down and write whatever comes out. Rather than find out what he thinks I should do next I will just post it. Certainly there is wisdom. There is also some sarcasm. Living in Boulder I am surrounded by passionate people with no inclination to think beyond their emotions whatsoever. This will be an interesting historical piece as I learn how to be a writer.
- On Pejorative Definitions and the Nature of Discourse.
I watched some emotional Boulder folks at the Conference on World Affairs recently. I was amused at their anger at "capitalism." Suspecting that none of them had a clear idea of what that was I started to look at a better way to talk about certain emotional topics. Coming up with a better way of defining terms was a start.
- New University Design
I listened to Patch Adams talk at Conference on World Affairs about a vision for a new health care system. One that cares. Another panelist, Achim Koeddermann, has talked about various university designs before. When I saw them on the same panel one day I wondered about what would happen if they designed a new university. Since I figured they would not have time to do it I hashed out the possible starting ideas myself. I welcome all additions to add to this page to improve the presentation and detail of the topic.
- Problem Levels
I have this idea that problems will have layers. You will have a fundamental problem, like kids can't read, that leads to other problems, like youth drug use. Proper definition of a problem and its levels is needed to get the best possible solution.
- My 2001 Christmas Break
My first writing adventure of the year. Also my first new addition to my web site. It is the ongoing story of my adventure with a broken leg. What I learned, how I progress, things I hope that others can use if they have to go through such a glorious adventure themselves.
2000-2001
Copyright 2000-2002. Kurt J. Simmons