Wen-Hsin Kuo: WRIT340

  Random Post #1: Manifestation  I’ve always felt like I’m falling short of achieving my dreams and goals. Whether that is maintaining a perfect academic record, landing my dream job out of college, or having perfect relationships, it feels impossible to have it all. One particular subject that I’ve done some reading on is the art of manifestation. The word “manifest” has become a pop-psychology buzzword thrown out on social media. Everyone keeps saying “manifest” XYZ (anything you want!) to create that awesome life you want to live. This mysterious force of the universe will help you attract all of your desires and you need to do is believe .  Initially skeptical of what I dismissed as mere wishful thinking, my stance began to shift upon discovering a book that promised the fulfillment of one’s deepest wishes. Intrigued, I explored what manifestation is really all about. The main method of manifestation, as I've learned, is deeply rooted in the power of positive thinking...

  As I read more of Brian Cox’s autobiography, I was deeply struck by how real and raw the material was. Cox doesn't hold back in sharing his life's story, acknowledging the ways his past has molded him. Through anecdotes of his parents and his sisters, Cox provides a candid portrayal of working-class society in Scotland during his formative years. Cox's assertion that “we Scots are a peripatetic, nomadic lot” encapsulates a broader sentiment that permeates the narrative. This theme of restless movement and the yearning for escape is not merely a backdrop, but a powerful force shaping the lives of Brian Cox and his family. The desire to flee Dundee, as expressed by his mother and sisters, represents their collective goal to break free from their immediate environment and the cycle of poverty. Cox paints a picture of a society where the working class, particularly women, were pigeonholed into rigid roles — expected to "knuckle down, bear children, and tough shit if you ...

Study Spots on USC Campus for Every Type of Student Finding the perfect study spot is a serious struggle I’m sure all college students have experienced. There are just so many factors to consider! You need to think about the lighting, ambience, comfortable seating, outlet availability, sound distractions, and of course…ample supply of coffee. Every student has different needs and preferences and this guide will help you find that perfect place on USC’s campus to lock-in and get some serious studying done. Here is a curated list of study spots for 7 different types of students (hopefully one of them is you!).  1. The Coffee Lover: Addicted to caffeine and always in need of more, this student is never seen without a coffee cup in hand… especially when grinding out a homework assignment. Location: Ministry of Coffee   Description: As the name indicates, this cute café located across the street from USC village has a number of coffee options available. Whether you enjoy an ic...

As a huge fan of the show "Succession," I was immediately drawn to Brian Cox's autobiography and decided to pick "Putting the Rabbit in the Hat" as my first read for WRIT340. The ruthless media mogul Logan Roy had inspired a legion of followers, but I knew nothing about the actor who brought this magnetic character to life. After reading the blurb of Cox's biography, I was surprised to learn that he had overcome many childhood tragedies to pursue an illustrious acting career. It was intriguing to think about how his experiences might have influenced his portrayal of Logan Roy. I chose the book hoping to get a glimpse into the life of the man behind the character, curious about the stories and insights Cox would share about his life both on and off the screen. I've only read a couple of chapters so far, but I was particularly intrigued by the foreword written by executive producer Frank Rich. It served as a great hook, attesting to Brian Cox's charact...