BLOG #15 discuss the ways in which Ehrlich describes cowboys. In what ways does her tone fit her purpose and help her convey her purpose?
Ehrlich describes cowboys as sensitive, caring, and maternal unlike the normal "Marlboro" image usually associated with the rugged men. She uses a light, proud tone to convey cowboys as charming hard workers who just have a little trouble displays their feelings. Her purpose is to convince a reader of the true attitude and characteristics of a cowboy, using her friendly, happy tone she effectively gives cowboys a "good image". One that is soft, gentle, and relate able....making everyone want their own cowboy.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Blog 14
discuss the three reasons Sante gives for a breakdown of secrecy (Soviet Union/KGB, internet, “confessional culture”/media). Do you agree, for example, that the Internet is a “nemesis” to secrecy? Defend your answer.
I do believe that the internet completely neglects the privacy of others. Online, I can type a name into google and up pops a twitter, facebook, and youtube account. All of which display very private information, publicly. Now-a-days, Not only can one view who you are and where you are from online, one can log onto formspring and ask you questions anonymously. Therefore, anything anyone wants to know can be asked and seen. The internet has created interesting ways to get to know someone's private details that most likely someone has gone to alot of trouble trying to keep private.
I do believe that the internet completely neglects the privacy of others. Online, I can type a name into google and up pops a twitter, facebook, and youtube account. All of which display very private information, publicly. Now-a-days, Not only can one view who you are and where you are from online, one can log onto formspring and ask you questions anonymously. Therefore, anything anyone wants to know can be asked and seen. The internet has created interesting ways to get to know someone's private details that most likely someone has gone to alot of trouble trying to keep private.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Blog 13
BLOG #13 - Do you think public schools should teach students ethics and personal values? Which values should schools teach in order to produce “good citizens”? What kinds of values (or even subjects) should not be taught in schools? Classify these values using some guiding principle or standard, and explain the characteristics of each category
I do not believe schools should teach ethics or personal values. Values are meant to be a passage of a parent to a child. In todays world, many religions hold their own values or ethics and therefore if schools cross that line tehy could possibly cross religious boundaries and upset societal beliefs. If schools did teach values they should teach the values of raising a family in heathly ways and the impact parents can have on children. They should not ever cross teh line into religious values or values that pertain to innapropriate topics, like telling kids to not have premaritual sex. Values can be broken down into: Religion, family, school, sports and many other types. They are classified by the type of subjsect covered and how importantly society views certain values.
I do not believe schools should teach ethics or personal values. Values are meant to be a passage of a parent to a child. In todays world, many religions hold their own values or ethics and therefore if schools cross that line tehy could possibly cross religious boundaries and upset societal beliefs. If schools did teach values they should teach the values of raising a family in heathly ways and the impact parents can have on children. They should not ever cross teh line into religious values or values that pertain to innapropriate topics, like telling kids to not have premaritual sex. Values can be broken down into: Religion, family, school, sports and many other types. They are classified by the type of subjsect covered and how importantly society views certain values.
Blog 12
BLOG 12 - Consider the topic of movies. Put films into carefully thought-out categories. Discuss what constitutes a great film, and discuss examples. Try to be as explicit as possible regarding WHAT criteria or guiding principle you use to categorize them.
Comedy
Horror
Drama
Musical
Foreign
Animated
Great films must captivate an audience. They must impact generations, and the generations to come along with having themes that span full circle. Covering many aspects of human life, struggle, or the human need for love.
examples:
It's A Wonderful Life
Casa Blanca
The Godfather
The Graduate
Gone With The Wind
All of these films have captures audiences and impacted generations to come. Every film covers life changing, interesting, and topics that cover many aspects of the "American Dream".
Comedy
Horror
Drama
Musical
Foreign
Animated
Great films must captivate an audience. They must impact generations, and the generations to come along with having themes that span full circle. Covering many aspects of human life, struggle, or the human need for love.
examples:
It's A Wonderful Life
Casa Blanca
The Godfather
The Graduate
Gone With The Wind
All of these films have captures audiences and impacted generations to come. Every film covers life changing, interesting, and topics that cover many aspects of the "American Dream".
Blog 11
AP Language and Composition Wight
Metacognition Questions on Definition Essay
Meta-Cognitive Reflection Directions: Respond to the following questions in your reflection journal. Your answers must be in complete sentences. All questions must be labeled by section and number. Keep organized for easy evaluation by instructor.
Culminating Writers Profile
Discuss how your expectations about your writing style and needs have both changed and remained the same since this class has started.
- I didn't expect to have grown so much in my writing in such a short time, but I already feel like I am improving immensely.
What do you see as your strengths as a writer and how have you reinforced them?
- I feel like I have a unique style and sentence structure, and i try to reinforce them whenever I can in my writing.
What do you still see as your writing weaknesses and what have you done to strengthen those areas?
- I defiantly need to improve my word choice and rhetorical devices. I try to listen to what Mr. Wight has to say and imput them into my writing.
Evaluating your writing process
If you had the time to write one more draft of this essay, how would you improve it?
- I would add in better language, and more imagery, but overall I enjoyed my essay structure.
As you received peer feedback and revised your essay, what did you find the easiest element to improve in your essay?
- I found it very easy to add more "oomph" to it. It was easy to improve the parts lacking interest or pizazz.
Discuss the biggest problem you had in writing and revising this essay.
- I had a really hard time connecting my introduction to my whole essay.
Evaluating Your Successes
Discuss your most successful large scale revision in this essay.
- I changed a lot of the intro and conclusion to make them work together.
Discuss your success in combining descriptive, narrative, and illustrative elements into this Definition Essay.
- I used a lot of personal narrative using description hoping to "show", rather than "tell".
Discuss your best success when considering your audience.
- I think my examples, which are personal stories, are very relatable, and add a lot of interest to the paper.
Being Honest with Self
What most intimidated you about this writing process and how did you combat this intimidation?
- It intimidated me to even write the essay, but once I started writing the ideas came to me and the paper started to flow.
What idea from our text influenced you to try a new strategy within your writing process?
- The box man paper influenced me to reveal my point in the end of my paper and to stay far away from shaffer format.
What idea did you pick up on from reading student essay examples that you tried in your own writing process?
-I always try to use student examples to help me with structure.
What idea for improving your essay did you learn from a peer?
- Peers told me to add more detail, and bulk. They also helped me connect the intro to the conclusion.
Where do you see yourself as a writer now, in both strengths and weaknesses, after completing this writing course?
-I see myself as a pretty good writer in my method,and imagery or details, but i suffer when it comes to using "mature" wording. After this course i really hope to have improved a lot in all aspects of writing.
Blog 10
Blog 10:write 1-2 paragraphs defining “Nobodiness.” Analyze and explain 1-2 particular causes of feeling like a “nobody.” You will use this writing tomorrow to analyze/revise your own sentence variety
As the two minute bell rings, I walk slowly, stretching out my neck to spot friends, or even acquaintances. No one is around so i continue to walk alone. I feel vulnerable, open, and easily judged as my tan flip flops thump..thump...thump...on my way to my next class. This is simple nobodiness, or alone-ness, a feeling that comes when walking, driving, or all around being alone. It is a feeling of emptiness, and a small amount of fear. Fear of being alone.
Another type of nobodiness involves most people personally, this is a feeling inside, not just being alone, but truly feeling unrelatable, unwanted, and a bitter feeling of being misunderstood. A feeling that, for me, came hand in hand with my father's death. After he passed away, I felt like none of my friends or teachers could relate, or truly understand how i felt inside. I felt very alone, and had a true sense of nobodiness.
As the two minute bell rings, I walk slowly, stretching out my neck to spot friends, or even acquaintances. No one is around so i continue to walk alone. I feel vulnerable, open, and easily judged as my tan flip flops thump..thump...thump...on my way to my next class. This is simple nobodiness, or alone-ness, a feeling that comes when walking, driving, or all around being alone. It is a feeling of emptiness, and a small amount of fear. Fear of being alone.
Another type of nobodiness involves most people personally, this is a feeling inside, not just being alone, but truly feeling unrelatable, unwanted, and a bitter feeling of being misunderstood. A feeling that, for me, came hand in hand with my father's death. After he passed away, I felt like none of my friends or teachers could relate, or truly understand how i felt inside. I felt very alone, and had a true sense of nobodiness.
Blog 9
BLOG 9: In Tuesdays with Morrie Mitch Albom addresses the materialistic nature of our lives – and what Morrie has to teach him about how to live. What did you take away from reading Tuesdays with Morrie? Has it changed any outlook or previously held beliefs?
I took away from Tuesdays with Morrie the importance of acceptance and love. I honestly did not realize how much I took for granted until reading this novel. People are not around forever therefore you must give them respect and let them know how you feel while they are around. Our society is very materialistic and this novel opened my eyes to being original, not to be how society wants us to be. I honestly took away a better perspective of life, and a better acceptance of death. I believe Tuesdays with Morrie is most likely the most influencial book I have ever read.
I took away from Tuesdays with Morrie the importance of acceptance and love. I honestly did not realize how much I took for granted until reading this novel. People are not around forever therefore you must give them respect and let them know how you feel while they are around. Our society is very materialistic and this novel opened my eyes to being original, not to be how society wants us to be. I honestly took away a better perspective of life, and a better acceptance of death. I believe Tuesdays with Morrie is most likely the most influencial book I have ever read.
Friday, September 3, 2010
Blog 8
BLOG 8 – choose a word from today’s discussion and compose an essay in which you fully analyze the connotations of the word. Make sure you provide personal readings, observations or experiences as concrete details.
A house, by definition, is a building in which something is sheltered or located. Built upon cement foundations, wood makes up their bones, and drywall creates skin. Other than that, houses have no emotional appeal. They are viewed as a place to live. Places to add things to, and create a magical place, that is all your own. Houses begin their lives barren, empty, lonely, and end their lives as homes.
A home is defined as a residence of a person, family, or household. A place most people describe as where their heart it. When imagining a home, think of families sitting around a large, oak table sharing stories and food, or friends gathered around the TV, chowing down on messy hot wings for Superbowl Sunday. A home is a house that is loved.
A house becomes a home after many generations of family have passed through its doors, after dogs have peed on it's carpet, and after love has pulsed through its beams. There really is no difference between a house or a home, a home is just a lived in, and respected house. A house becomes a home when anyone person can walk through the front door, travel down its hallways and feel absolutey and incandesantly at home.
A house, by definition, is a building in which something is sheltered or located. Built upon cement foundations, wood makes up their bones, and drywall creates skin. Other than that, houses have no emotional appeal. They are viewed as a place to live. Places to add things to, and create a magical place, that is all your own. Houses begin their lives barren, empty, lonely, and end their lives as homes.
A home is defined as a residence of a person, family, or household. A place most people describe as where their heart it. When imagining a home, think of families sitting around a large, oak table sharing stories and food, or friends gathered around the TV, chowing down on messy hot wings for Superbowl Sunday. A home is a house that is loved.
A house becomes a home after many generations of family have passed through its doors, after dogs have peed on it's carpet, and after love has pulsed through its beams. There really is no difference between a house or a home, a home is just a lived in, and respected house. A house becomes a home when anyone person can walk through the front door, travel down its hallways and feel absolutey and incandesantly at home.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Blog 7
BLOG #7 – Consider the notion that everything is an argument. Choose one of the two books you read this summer – compose a critical analysis of the book addressing what argument the author is making – consider the author is making this argument indirectly (think of what theme/ societal comment the author is making, and go from there). Your opinion should be central to this topic
Sue Monk Kidd's, Secret Life of Bees, is an argument for women's empowerment, and for racism. The Boatwright sister's, three main characters, are all strong, independant, successful African American women. They seem to embody her argument that women can be and should be independent no matter their color.
She also argues that racism is irrational. It is revealed through Lily's stay with the boatwright sister's that Lily harbors a small amount of racism through her growing up in a racist area. The more Lily becomes attached to the sister's, the more Lily realizes that there is no need for her racism towards them, therefore that it is irrational for her to have harbored these feelings all along.
Sue Monk Kidd's, Secret Life of Bees, is an argument for women's empowerment, and for racism. The Boatwright sister's, three main characters, are all strong, independant, successful African American women. They seem to embody her argument that women can be and should be independent no matter their color.
She also argues that racism is irrational. It is revealed through Lily's stay with the boatwright sister's that Lily harbors a small amount of racism through her growing up in a racist area. The more Lily becomes attached to the sister's, the more Lily realizes that there is no need for her racism towards them, therefore that it is irrational for her to have harbored these feelings all along.
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Blog 5
BLOG 5 – reflect on our class discussion today on how the box man chooses solitude over what society says he should do. Write about any one question brought up during that discussion (for example, is there such a thing as nonconformity, is conformity necessarily a bad thing, discuss the extent to which high schoolers live by this principle, etc.).
Is conformity necessarily a bad thing?
Everyday, I walk through the halls of Vacaville Highschool and i see conformity. I see conformity in the way girls straighten their hair, wear their too-tight tops, and the way they skip lunch to fit into those Lucky jeans. I see conformity in the way guys ride through the halls on their long boards, listen to their i-pods, and the way they wear flat brimmed hats. But as I take a step into the door of any of my AP classes i see the conformity that takes place there. The conformity to achieve good grades, get into amazing colleges, and overall be the future for tomorrow's society. Good conformity.
So, here lies the question: Is conformity a bad thing?
In my opinion, not all conformity is bad. The conformity that I surround myself with is good conformity; the conformity to better ourselves as human beings by striving for a good education.
High schoolers are the number one conformists, we conform to be popular, or to fit in. But we, as teenagers, also have a choice to either conform for worse or for better. I'll choose the latter.
Is conformity necessarily a bad thing?
Everyday, I walk through the halls of Vacaville Highschool and i see conformity. I see conformity in the way girls straighten their hair, wear their too-tight tops, and the way they skip lunch to fit into those Lucky jeans. I see conformity in the way guys ride through the halls on their long boards, listen to their i-pods, and the way they wear flat brimmed hats. But as I take a step into the door of any of my AP classes i see the conformity that takes place there. The conformity to achieve good grades, get into amazing colleges, and overall be the future for tomorrow's society. Good conformity.
So, here lies the question: Is conformity a bad thing?
In my opinion, not all conformity is bad. The conformity that I surround myself with is good conformity; the conformity to better ourselves as human beings by striving for a good education.
High schoolers are the number one conformists, we conform to be popular, or to fit in. But we, as teenagers, also have a choice to either conform for worse or for better. I'll choose the latter.
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Blog 6
BLOG #6– With “The Box Man” in mind, choose a subject that would normally be described in a negative way by your average person. Modeling Ascher’s approach, use your own personal experiences to persuade someone to see that subject in a different light.
I type the URL into the search bar, press enter. When the website's home page appears I type in my username, and my password and there, right in front of me is endless communication with loved ones, and far away friends.
In the time it takes internet explorer to load the page, I have already "liked" what everyone is doing today, asked my friends questions about our homework, and commented my long-distance best friends new photos. It reminds me whos birthday is when, and it lets my Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins check in and see how life is treating me. It also lets fundraisers and extracurriculars gain support, along with local charities and businesses.
While I update my status to fill in friends and family, Others lose touch and fall slowly away from today's electronic society.
I type the URL into the search bar, press enter. When the website's home page appears I type in my username, and my password and there, right in front of me is endless communication with loved ones, and far away friends.
In the time it takes internet explorer to load the page, I have already "liked" what everyone is doing today, asked my friends questions about our homework, and commented my long-distance best friends new photos. It reminds me whos birthday is when, and it lets my Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins check in and see how life is treating me. It also lets fundraisers and extracurriculars gain support, along with local charities and businesses.
While I update my status to fill in friends and family, Others lose touch and fall slowly away from today's electronic society.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Blog 4
BLOG 4: Using “The Box Man” as a model, compare and contrast two things that are different but ironically similar (like how the Box Man is ironically similar to the two old ladies because they are all alone, but the women never would have compared themselves to a homeless man.)
The bully and the bullied. One, a bulky, buffed-up, loud, nuisance while the other, a scrawny, red-headed, freckled kid clutching onto his lunch money.
The bully spends his days finding "the bullied", taking his lunch, pulling up his whitey-tighteys, and calling him dweeb. He walks down the hallways, watching as other kids "book-it" in the other direction. No one wants a confrontation. No one talks back to him. No one stands up for themselves. After a long day of pushing freshmen, and back sassing teachers, he comes home to reality. He is unhappy and hurting the bullied does not help his inner issues. Deep down he is insecure.
The bullied spends his days being shoved in lockers, and hiding in the bathroom. He tries at all costs not to be noticed in the hallways, and prays that his perpetual wedgie will stop hurting by sixth period. He slumps down in his desk dreading the final bell, dreading his next encounter with the bully. He walks down the halls, head down, not looking or talking to anyone. His days adventures with the bully have taken there toll. Like everyday, he goes home feeling unwanted, self conscious, and insecure about himself.
Looking at the two of them, they do not look alike, they do not spend their free time in the same way, they are in most ways, absolutely different. But people can be two completely different beings, but have the same issues.
The bully and the bullied. One, a bulky, buffed-up, loud, nuisance while the other, a scrawny, red-headed, freckled kid clutching onto his lunch money.
The bully spends his days finding "the bullied", taking his lunch, pulling up his whitey-tighteys, and calling him dweeb. He walks down the hallways, watching as other kids "book-it" in the other direction. No one wants a confrontation. No one talks back to him. No one stands up for themselves. After a long day of pushing freshmen, and back sassing teachers, he comes home to reality. He is unhappy and hurting the bullied does not help his inner issues. Deep down he is insecure.
The bullied spends his days being shoved in lockers, and hiding in the bathroom. He tries at all costs not to be noticed in the hallways, and prays that his perpetual wedgie will stop hurting by sixth period. He slumps down in his desk dreading the final bell, dreading his next encounter with the bully. He walks down the halls, head down, not looking or talking to anyone. His days adventures with the bully have taken there toll. Like everyday, he goes home feeling unwanted, self conscious, and insecure about himself.
Looking at the two of them, they do not look alike, they do not spend their free time in the same way, they are in most ways, absolutely different. But people can be two completely different beings, but have the same issues.
Blog 3
Blog 3: Choose one of the two books you read this summer as part of your summer enrichment and compose a critical review. Imagine this review would appear in the New York Times – your audience is well read professionals. Make sure you are clear about whether they should read this book or not and why.
Secret life of Bees
Sue Monk Kidd's, Secret Life of Bees, is a delightful tale of powerful women, strong tradition, endless friendships, and beekeeping. Lily Owens, the narrator and bright fourteen-year-old who brings this story to life, lives with her unloving, emotionally detached father T. Ray in Sylvan, South Carolina. Lily's mother was shot in an accident that T. Ray blames on Lily. Motherless, Lily strives to know who her mother was and where she had traveled. When her "stand in" mother Rosaleen, a large, feisty African American, runs into trouble with three of Carolina's biggest racists, Lily decides it is time to leave Sylvan, and her past behind. Taking with her only a few articles of clothing and three of her mothers things; a picture of an African American Virgin Mary, gloves, and a picture of her mother, Lily and Rosaleen break out of jail and head for Tiburon, South Carolina.
Arriving at an eyesore of a pink house, Lily and Rosaleen are introduced to the Boatwright sisters; August, the beekeeper, June, the musician, and May, the emotional one. Lily gives them a fake identity, and asks if her and Rosaleen can stay with them for a while. August graciously invites them to stay, and here is where the real story begins.
This novel is filled with the true value of friendship, motherly love, and growing up. It takes you on a journey, following Lily's change form girl to young women, her acceptance of race, and her acceptance of her mothers choices.
It is a light, heartfelt read. Great for any and all age. Sue Monk Kidd's writing style is flawless, and so descriptive you'd swear you were in the South, too.
I highly, highly recommend this to anyone looking for a short story about life and the trials and tribulations in it.
Secret life of Bees
Sue Monk Kidd's, Secret Life of Bees, is a delightful tale of powerful women, strong tradition, endless friendships, and beekeeping. Lily Owens, the narrator and bright fourteen-year-old who brings this story to life, lives with her unloving, emotionally detached father T. Ray in Sylvan, South Carolina. Lily's mother was shot in an accident that T. Ray blames on Lily. Motherless, Lily strives to know who her mother was and where she had traveled. When her "stand in" mother Rosaleen, a large, feisty African American, runs into trouble with three of Carolina's biggest racists, Lily decides it is time to leave Sylvan, and her past behind. Taking with her only a few articles of clothing and three of her mothers things; a picture of an African American Virgin Mary, gloves, and a picture of her mother, Lily and Rosaleen break out of jail and head for Tiburon, South Carolina.
Arriving at an eyesore of a pink house, Lily and Rosaleen are introduced to the Boatwright sisters; August, the beekeeper, June, the musician, and May, the emotional one. Lily gives them a fake identity, and asks if her and Rosaleen can stay with them for a while. August graciously invites them to stay, and here is where the real story begins.
This novel is filled with the true value of friendship, motherly love, and growing up. It takes you on a journey, following Lily's change form girl to young women, her acceptance of race, and her acceptance of her mothers choices.
It is a light, heartfelt read. Great for any and all age. Sue Monk Kidd's writing style is flawless, and so descriptive you'd swear you were in the South, too.
I highly, highly recommend this to anyone looking for a short story about life and the trials and tribulations in it.
Monday, August 16, 2010
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Blog 2
BLOG #2: Recall your own nonfiction literary history. List any nonfiction books (the “other literature”) that you have read that fall into the following categories: autobiography, diary, biography, history, criticism, personal essay collection, journalists, political commentary, scientific topics, nature topics and humor. After listing such works, list any famous lines, ideas, issues or themes remembered from the nonfiction works you have listed. Recall from memory what you can. Discuss a particular philosophy on life that was imparted to you through one of those works. Consider the extent to which you would emulate this philosophy in your own life.
All But My Life- Autobiography
Diary of Anne Frank- Diary
Nirvana- Biography
Founding Brothers- History
Flags of Our Fathers- History
Surviving the Nazi Death Camps- Biography
Amelia Earhart- Biography
Mr Blue Jeans- Biography
Corporal Punishment Articles- Journalists
Steroid Articles- Journalists
Little House on the Prairie- Autobiography
lines:
“Now I have to live,” I said to myself, “because I am alone and nothing can hurt me any more.”- ABML
"Men make history"- FB
All But My Life displays the theme of hope. The girl ends up with absolutely nothing but still has an optimistic out look on life. I emulate this philosophy immensely in my life. I believe we all should have a hopeful outlook on life. Everyone needs to get back up when they get thrown down.
All But My Life- Autobiography
Diary of Anne Frank- Diary
Nirvana- Biography
Founding Brothers- History
Flags of Our Fathers- History
Surviving the Nazi Death Camps- Biography
Amelia Earhart- Biography
Mr Blue Jeans- Biography
Corporal Punishment Articles- Journalists
Steroid Articles- Journalists
Little House on the Prairie- Autobiography
lines:
“Now I have to live,” I said to myself, “because I am alone and nothing can hurt me any more.”- ABML
"Men make history"- FB
All But My Life displays the theme of hope. The girl ends up with absolutely nothing but still has an optimistic out look on life. I emulate this philosophy immensely in my life. I believe we all should have a hopeful outlook on life. Everyone needs to get back up when they get thrown down.
Blog 1
Blog Entry 1 - Please compose a creative introduction of yourself to your classmates. You must keep your introduction to not more than 50 words, and it must as fully as possible introduce yourself to us, in a creative way.
Family and food. Synonyms to my close-knit Italian family. Sitting around large, wooden tables passing pasta, bread, and conversation. The chewing of meals and the clinking of glasses drowned out by loud chatter and joyous laughter. I have always grown up with strong family ties and a strong sense of my heritage.
Family and food. Synonyms to my close-knit Italian family. Sitting around large, wooden tables passing pasta, bread, and conversation. The chewing of meals and the clinking of glasses drowned out by loud chatter and joyous laughter. I have always grown up with strong family ties and a strong sense of my heritage.
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