Newblogger, Mn USA

Okay– I am scrapping all of these, because I realized- these all need research. I cannot do research at the exam.

Will think of more personal topics regarding traveling. For the 3 possible tools.  

Classification- I am longing to travel, but have the responsibilities of homelife keeping my feet planted.

Cause/Effect- Driving across the country opened my eyes to parts of the US I had never seen before.

Persuasion- MN is a fantastic place to live or visit.

 Ooops… this wan’t “published”, finally found it in my drafts. Are there glitches right now, or is it me??

Here is a couple thoughts… these aren’t as developed as I would like, but they are a start.

I have a hard time narrowing in on a broad subject– HELP!!

 Intro-pararaphs:

Classification- When traveling, have you considered the comfort of taking a train? Trains are a delight of an era long ago. The mode of transportation that was reliable and swift. There is still train services offered in different locations throughout the US, however trains have become a bit limited due to the decline in passengers. 

Cause/Effect- Luggage, where does it go? We have all been there, at the baggage claim after a long day of travel searching the tags, colours and sizes of many bags for our own piece of home. Only to be bitterly disappointed when that carasol goes around for the tenth time with no other bags on it and yours is still no where to be found. Unfortunately, this is a long road of frustration to an already weary traveler, you will then proceed to journey down the road of the airline’s lost luggage jumps and hurdles just to get back your dear old bag.

Argument- After the incidents associated with 9/11, traveling has become more labourious. Not only is the customary scheduling, packing and planning required; there is now a matter of a passport requirement if traveling anywhere outside the US. Passports are a necessary requirement when traveling for many reasons.

 When I first entered this course, I was looking forward to finding some order in my writing. I would often sit down to write a paper and have all the fact and information jumbled in my head. Then as I drafted the paper, I found it was just as jumbled coming out. During this semester, I feel I have made some progress in taking all my jumbled building blocks and started to form that foundation. 

 Looking at my first introduction ’essay’, if you can all it that, I find that I didn’t have a clear direction. It was quite short, for it was comprised two meager paragraphs. I will spare you the details of my misuse of grammar and punctuation. It did get a message across, but it wasn’t very informative nor a pleasure to read.  

 As we got into the course I found I had a lot to learn. I felt a little overwhelmed with all the details that go into making an essay good. Not only was structure very important there are numerous grammatical rules to keep in mind. Learning about developing a thesis and supporting your topic was invaluable. I am still trying to keep these lessons fresh and reviewing the course material often. 

 Towards the end, I did feel I was starting to put the pieces together better. I admit I still feel I am wielding a broadsword instead of a handy little dagger, but after more practice I hope to master this art. Writing is an important skill; to be articulate, persuasive or argumentative you must make your point understood through this framework.  

 Hindsight is 20/20, you can see all mistakes and all success. I have felt some struggles and been proud of the little victories. Knowing this journey is not yet to its end, I am happy to have made some progress and happier yet to know there is more to learn. 

***Happy Holidays!! ***

“the climate (whatsoever may be its influence) was no longer the same.”  Edward Gibbon

This quote was not taken from the portions I read, but rather from Mr. Gibbon, as he theorized about what brought the fall of the great Roman Empire.  I felt it was a connecting thought in all the excerpts I read. Society and its moral decline. I took time to read all three of the pieces and found it a bit disheartening, on many levels. What has happened to the individuals humility and compassion?

In “Making the Grade”, Mr. Wiesenfeld noted, “They don’t think it’s fair that they’re judged according to their performance…”. This I fear is a growing trend, in a society that shapes our  conscience and feeds our self-importance, we are quickly reshaping right and wrong. Performance was once something to take seriously and to have pride in, but now it is numbers and percents, a means to a degree- earned by intellegence or plea bargins and extra credit.  

In “Age Compression” the authour exposed the hard facts of advertising. Ms. Schor mentions, “Abercombie and Fitch came under fire for selling thong underwear with sexually suggestive phrases to seven to fourteen year olds.” A society that even considers sexualizing seven to fourteen year olds is severely morally bankrupt. Society is shaping our views, and the product of that shaping is substandard thinking.

“On Compassion” is yet another look into society and how our compassion is now unsound. When speculating on the motivation of compassion, Ms. Ascher uses the example of a mother with an infant passing homeless man on a street. Stating, “The mother grows impatient and pushes the stroller before her, bearing the dollar like a cross.” The situation is a quandry, homeless men and women are in every major US city, New York is trying to put their best foot forward and help. Whether this is compassion or prejudice is not clear, but it wil be a help in the long run of things. Compassion is missing more in society because people in need are no longer trusted. Their unfortunate circumstance is no longer look on as “bad luck” or “tough times”, being that the US has many government funded programs to help with these types of situations. Deductive reasons would then point to something more sinister, a felon or fugitive. Compassion is dissolved by our presumed reasons why this person cannot find work, therefore robbing the sincerity.

I see society failing; failing the student, the family and failing the common man. Taking a more optimistic approach and trying to make the best of it can be a rewarding endeavor. Unfortunately individual optimism can only get so far by itself, before reality of the steep decline takes hold. This is a big problem, and one that needs attention if this nation is to reach it’s potential. A change has to happen in advertising, in our communities and in our hearts. We are all just flesh and bone, smiles and tears, we need to put our hand out there so someone can take hold. Plainly, we all need to think of others as our fathers, mothers, sons and daughters if our society is to become a place to be proud of.

” I whistle melodies from Beethoven and Vivaldi…”

This quote has nothing to do with the idea of racisim, but it has to do with making your presence and disposition known. White, black , asian or mixed ethnics aside, there is something unnerving to a woman in a dark street with only another male presence behind her. The fact that Mr.Staples chose to whistle to make his presence known in a non-threatening and cheery manner, displays his strength in dealing with his feelings of racism.

I have worked nights for more than ten years and nothing sets me on the defensive like a man behind me without much of an apparent reason. I may be overly paranoid, true, but women do have to protect themselves. Women are out in public unescorted after dark on a daily basis, most are unbothered, but some are harrassed, some are assulted and some are abducted.

I was pleased with the fact that Mr.Staples chose to whistle. He even chose some melodic and enlightening tunes. I understand he chose to do this to relieve the tension sometimes associated with a dark figure on a lonely street. At the same time he also chose to rise above the racism he felt because of the prior reactions, with a positive and sunny outlook.

We can all learn from this example, to whistle instead of becoming angry. We can all internalize something or some happening to make us bitter or defensive, but it is better to look at it in a positive light. We need more whistling in the world.

 Thesis: Rascism can be interrupted by avoidance.

Don’t let this happen to you! Driving a car, or boat for that matter, is a serious responsibility. One day you might feel inclined to get a little wacky behind the wheel and do something impulsive. Let’s take a look at what can happen when this does occur, and the scene that wacky behaviour can provoke.

First I would like to point out that there is a car stuck between a boat and the driveway. It is kind of hovering over the open water like it hasn’t a care in the world. The car is an important aspect in this particular circumstance so let’s take a good look at the car itself. I would like to point out is that there is no driver. I don’t know about your car, but mine needs me to sit in the seat and use the appropriate mechinisms to persuade it to move. But noting that the door is open, so perhaps after the incident the driver decided it was best to get to solid footing. It appears to be a sound car; windows, tires, etc. seem to be there and in working order without much damage at all.

Next I’d like to point out that this boat is docked. It even has a bit of slack in the thether, implying that perhaps the car was not going at a great speed then the collision occured. But rather it may have been the boats fault; beckoning the car to inch closer and closer. Perhaps the car was curious enough to jump over to the boat to peer into the blinds. Nah, I think there was indeed a manipulator of the car.

Looking at the crowd it seems to be an unusual occurance. I think that they might have never seen such a thing happen. Not a large crowd is present, so it is possible they are the owners of the said car and/or boat. Then there is this smiling woman getting her picture taken by the scene. I noticed that the camera has the photo cropped at the upper left and right corners, perhaps it is a video camera.

Here is a theory, maybe she is a director of a film and they needed a shot of a car driving off the road and slamming into the yaht. The film crew carefully positioned the car into the side of the boat without creating too much structural damage to either vehicle, because they are on a tight budget, and they stand back looking at their job well done.

Just a thought.

My grandpa played a huge role in my upbringing. He and grandma took care of me during my toddler years when my mom was out of state for work. I feel as if he is the father I never had, my dad died when I was 2 in a motorcycling accident.

He always was the one who fixed my bike and took me fishing. Always tinkering in the garage he seemed to keep busy doing something, somewhere. He turned 70 in February this year and is still cruising along and keeping busy. He has slowed just a tad due to his knees bothering him a bit. But all in all, he is in great health.

                                     
There are a quite few things that he has experienced that I know I will never have the same opportunity to experience. One particular thing was being in the Navy during the Korean war.He grew up in Little Rock, AK and didn’t enjoy his home life. He was aching to get out and see that wide open world. It was the last part of the Korean war around 1953-54 when he joined the Navy, he actually lied about his age, he was just barely 17. But he was determined to join the forces and start his adventure.

He was then stationed on the USS Diachenko. Grandpa told me, the ship was a transport ship with the purpose of getting some of the servicemen, and bringing them home. ( http://www.navsource.org/archives/10/04/04123.htm )

He also met my grandma on one of his leaves in San Fransico. They were happily married for over 40 years, she passed away about 11 years ago. He is proud of his sevice to the country and looks on the experience fondly. He also still has contact with some of his shipmates. His involvement with the Navy played a huge role in his life and then in turn played a huge one in mine.

“Not waste money that way.”

Many of us take language for granted.  I chose this quote because I think it’s remarkable how people will adapt the way they behave(or in this case speak) for the people they love. 

I enjoyed reading this section so much, that I really had a hard time deciding on one quote. But this one was fun because it is a common everyday statement and it also provided a snapshot into the mentality of the writer and her interaction with her mom.

Speech is sometimes a tool that people use to define who they are. Some people use many large words to make other people think they are more intellegent. Some have a wonderful mind but struggle at putting together a cohesive story.

Let’s face it, it takes us years to develop our language. We are born natural speakers of Standard English. Immigrants are usually fluent and competent in their native language, but are taking on the daunting task of learning an entirely new language. A persons’ fluency and vocabulary grows with usage and verbal motorskills developed at youth. When taking on a new language, adults have already formed foundational sounds that may prevent them from becoming as versed as a “native” speaker of the given language.

 Also, as any parent can tell you, baby talk is a way of life.  When your three year old mutters something incomprehensible, and your friend looks at you with a raised eyebrow, you say, “I want more pudding please”. You will most likely reply with a ” You want chocolate”? Instead of ” Would you prefer chocolate or vanilla”? We speak how they can understand, eventually speaking to them in more depth and scope.

Amy realized she was doing just this. Speaking how she thought her grandma could understand. It’s easy to understand how Amy feels, the way she wrote her thoughts on the matter and how it effected her writings and future lectures.

Amys’ thesis was just this; be simple, be real.   All of the fancy words in the world may make you sound smarter, but they won’t make you truly wiser. Amy found a wisdom and a connection with her audience, which made a remarkable impact on the millions of readers and viewers of her story.

“Most of the “brethern” think that education should equip them with the proper instruments of exploitation so that they can forever trample over the masses.”

 I choose this quote because of the irony found within it. MLK was practicing this very product of this “education”, and to me makes it all that more laughable. Please don’t get me wrong, he is an adequate role model, theoretically, for standing up for what’s “right”. But realistically he was equiped with just this sort of education and goals. 

It is a documented fact that the staff at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Papers Project discovered a lot of plagiarism in Martin Luther King’s writings. In a 1991 article in THE JOURNAL OF AMERICAN HISTORY said that “plagiarism was a general pattern evident in nearly all of his academic writings” including his doctoral dissertation.  It would not be an unjust conclusion that he was indeed exploiting the public himself.

He will also “forever trample over the masses”, because he has an entire day devoted to his memory. Martin Luther King Day, a day when this country comes to a halt. Stores close, mail doesn’t move; so we can have parades and memorials to honor this man. A man that most of the world views as a saint for his role in the civil rights movement, however plagarised even his most famous speech– yes, the “I have a dream” was “borrowed” as well. No other public holiday in the United States honors a single individual, of all the great leaders in our nation’s history-none of them have their own holiday. Nor had they gotten away with the type of deception MLK did.

So, in conclusion, this quote truly summed up his view of education and his own ethics.  Sadly, the public is as ignorant as MLK thought, being that they still uphold him in the highest of regards. I am left to wonder, why is it truth is often hard to find and even harder for the public to listen to?

((The writers thesis was- education was to furnish a ends; rather than a means to an ends.))

((The support used was noting the use of half-truths, propaganda and prejudices, also his opinion of Eugene Talmadge. I honestly didn’t feel this thesis was thoughoughly supported.))

 I read Societal Suicide by Colson-Morse. I actually agree in part with their argument. I don’t agree entirely with their stance, but I do see the effect it has been making on society and family. 

Frankly, I am very tired of hearing about all the woes of the homesexual community. It is not anymore important than the problems for single parents, minorities or our health care/educational systems. The fact that it is always in your face, makes me respond more negatively toward their issues.

I really think marriage is between the two people it concerns. It has never been between the two parties and the state.  No one divorces the state after they it has been caught “in bed” with another agenda. 

“Most were perfectly aware that they would never look like a supermodel, but it was inconceivable not to try to do so.”

  On reading “Struggling for Perfection” by Amy L. Beck, I chose the above quote because it is a good supporting statement of her thesis (“These publications are responsible for defining what is sexy and reinforces the belief that aesthetic appeal is a woman’s highest virtue”). A super model wouldn’t be a “super” model without aestheic appeal, right? Miss Beck then goes on to talk about a woman’s self image and some of the negative repercussions it can have on some mens view of women. I agree with some of her points, especially some on the issues of self-image and anorexia.

 I can see the effects she spoke of firsthand. Working in the modeling industry I see worst of it, albeit in a smaller mid-west arena, a larger city (east or west coast) would be much harsher. I see the casting directors criticize a womans measurements, her height, her hair, or the fact that she doesn’t have the ”sellable” face they are looking for. These faces and bodies that do make it to print are the ones other women see and desire to be like. Runway is the worst in regards to the weight often flaunted, models hired are usually underweight or emaciated. Shaping future models and society.

 I see girls sitting in line for their audition/interview wishing they had dropped that last couple pounds. Weight is a huge issue in my line of work. You are picked on certain numbers- height, age, weight and measurements.  Usually in that order, however age can be overlooked in some instances. Measurements are usually dependant on job, they might want a curvacious model or one of those stick thin ones. They pick the one that captures their “look”, when the public buys that product, they are also buying “that look”.

 I also personally know some people with eating disorders (ED), they are as cheerful and friendly as the next person. True, they do have bouts of moodswings and can be depressed or solemn. But they can hide their unhappiness too, because in part, they are happy. They are estatic when they step on that scale and it reads a pound lighter than the previous day. It is an acheivement, a reward for their efforts. They feel good, until a mealtime. Eating directs their day, it is an obsession… either good or bad. Depending on how disciplined they have been it does affect their mood.

 I hear talk that people blame ED on DNA or family life. But I have to disagree with the family life theory, not that it can’t cause someone to have a poor self-image because of their home life, but if people can be raised in an abusive house and not become an abuser, that shuts down that theroy, right? It is an individuals problem, I think DNA can play a role. But I think media is the biggest culprit. It is a fact, people are visually inclined. If not, why do we all love T.V./movies so much? We see, we are shown what is “good”, we desire to be “good”, we emulate.

 I see the impact of this type of media in society. I see bodies in society changing, something that has happened throught the centuries, but have become extreme in our current times. I see role models shifting to the ultra-thin and in a round-about fashion encouraging poor self-images in teens. Society’s view of womens weight will change again, but how many people will waste away until that day?