Thursday, October 21, 2010
English 10-21
Hating himself, repulsed by what he had done, he pushed his legs to move faster and faster to the point of a barely controlled fall. He sprinted across the field, gasping for every breath his body screamed for to keep his muscles churning. As he turned a corner out of sight, leaving much more than just muddy tracks behind, he collapsed by a tree and wept. 
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Book Review
This semester I selected three books from my long list, varying from in genre, and one book that was forced upon me, including:
- The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck, that tells the migrants' story of the struggles of the dust bowl and the cruelty they were received with. This book drove home the point that "we are one" and the corruptness of some systems still used today, stirring up questions about how America treats immigrants of today. It rounded up at 464 pages.
- The Alchemist ,by Paulo Coelho, was a refreshing alternative to the increasingly trashy modern works, weaving a story of self discovery through a journey, much like the classic Illiad.
- The Awakening, by Kate Chopin: I found Edna annoyingly evasive of her motherly duties. Now don't get me wrong! I'm all for women's rights but I don't think that Edna was really fighting for rights.
- Into Thin Air, by Jon Krakauer, is uniquely written in the only way I can describe it as a newspaper column, strangely distant but still personal, probably the only way to relay a catastrophic event such as his to get all the details in and straight.
That about sums it up...
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Has News Becomes Slander?
Turn on your TV, your computer, or your radio, or just open your news paper and what do you see? You see men and women arguing, shouting their "news", talking as loudly as it takes to be heard and resorting to yelling when that doesn't work. What do you hear? You hear ranting, raving reporters, overheated Democrats and Republicans. Chaos... and they call it "news".
News used to be objective, events were reported as they were, without opinion, and the opinions were left for the editorials.
But it seems editorials are leaking into the news columns...
So where are we suppose to find objective news? I know I can turn to CNN and FOX for their opinions. But what if I'm uninformed and want to hear it straight? Objective news lets the listeners make their opinions. But subjective news broadcasters have obtained credential ,and people are taking their "news" as fact. Subjective news is killing free thinking, and our country's unity, splitting us into Democrats and Republicans, and encouraging unpatriotic behavior after their choice candidate is not elected, instead of supporting the one we have.
Broadcasters have gotten out of hand, saying whatever they like about whoever they choose with no punishment. When news becomes slander, what do we do about it?
News used to be objective, events were reported as they were, without opinion, and the opinions were left for the editorials.
But it seems editorials are leaking into the news columns...
So where are we suppose to find objective news? I know I can turn to CNN and FOX for their opinions. But what if I'm uninformed and want to hear it straight? Objective news lets the listeners make their opinions. But subjective news broadcasters have obtained credential ,and people are taking their "news" as fact. Subjective news is killing free thinking, and our country's unity, splitting us into Democrats and Republicans, and encouraging unpatriotic behavior after their choice candidate is not elected, instead of supporting the one we have.
Broadcasters have gotten out of hand, saying whatever they like about whoever they choose with no punishment. When news becomes slander, what do we do about it?
Friday, November 13, 2009
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Independence vs. Happiness
According to the article Happy Hunting by Rebecca Mead, 30% of women don't intend to be married in five years to the man they're married to now. As divorce rates reach all time highs and it is almost more common to come from a broken home than not and women's depression rates rise, you have to question why. Mead thinks the reason is financial independence, that as women's statues in society rises, their happiness sinks. In my opinion this mass dampening of spirit is not from independence but from the basis of their happiness and the foundation for their relationships.
Let me paint for you the picture of the lives of women in the olden days... women were raised in their close knit families (with divorce rates low, most with a father and a mother under the same roof) and learned how to sew and cook, take care of younger siblings and their family; they didn't spend their time studying literature, but the arts, drawing, music. They grew into mothers that kept the house in order and raised their daughters into suitable brides, and, while the father was ultimately in charge of decisions and budgets, being a source for second opinions and support. Their role in the family was crucial and they were to be precisely in tune with each individual of the family and their needs.
Now let me zap you back to present day, where daughters wake up to alarm clocks (not a motherly or sisterly voice) and spend their day in school (away from home) preparing for their future. When they get out of school they find a job and start their lives, and maybe look around for a spouse. If they find one they can marry them with the reassurance that they can undo their vows and keep their money, maybe even get some of his if they play their cards right. Then if they have kids, she can put them in daycare and not miss more than one year at work.
As women's roles in society have gone up and a majority of family budgeters are women, they have become a market target, so their complaints are not only being heard but listened for. Also, women have the choice of divorce since they no longer have to rely on their husband's source of income, turning relationships from financial dependence to... what?
When women are independent they don't NEED men to ensure they will have a roof over their heads, so what are they looking for in relationships? Maybe it's emotional support... And in a world that turns at the speed of light, it's hard to find someone to really listen to you.
Then there's the need for money, the drive of your day, the reason you skip family dinner... Wait! What was that? Turning in quality family time for a little bit more money? Of course that isn't the case in every family, but see how many you can name.
In the modern world that's caught up in material need and neglecting those around you, it's no wonder women are unhappy now! But it's not because their independent... If they'd just turn their treasure hunting upward and look at the faces around them, they would know happiness.
Let me paint for you the picture of the lives of women in the olden days... women were raised in their close knit families (with divorce rates low, most with a father and a mother under the same roof) and learned how to sew and cook, take care of younger siblings and their family; they didn't spend their time studying literature, but the arts, drawing, music. They grew into mothers that kept the house in order and raised their daughters into suitable brides, and, while the father was ultimately in charge of decisions and budgets, being a source for second opinions and support. Their role in the family was crucial and they were to be precisely in tune with each individual of the family and their needs.
Now let me zap you back to present day, where daughters wake up to alarm clocks (not a motherly or sisterly voice) and spend their day in school (away from home) preparing for their future. When they get out of school they find a job and start their lives, and maybe look around for a spouse. If they find one they can marry them with the reassurance that they can undo their vows and keep their money, maybe even get some of his if they play their cards right. Then if they have kids, she can put them in daycare and not miss more than one year at work.
As women's roles in society have gone up and a majority of family budgeters are women, they have become a market target, so their complaints are not only being heard but listened for. Also, women have the choice of divorce since they no longer have to rely on their husband's source of income, turning relationships from financial dependence to... what?
When women are independent they don't NEED men to ensure they will have a roof over their heads, so what are they looking for in relationships? Maybe it's emotional support... And in a world that turns at the speed of light, it's hard to find someone to really listen to you.
Then there's the need for money, the drive of your day, the reason you skip family dinner... Wait! What was that? Turning in quality family time for a little bit more money? Of course that isn't the case in every family, but see how many you can name.
In the modern world that's caught up in material need and neglecting those around you, it's no wonder women are unhappy now! But it's not because their independent... If they'd just turn their treasure hunting upward and look at the faces around them, they would know happiness.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Sentence 12
Her sentence:
It was time to get out.
by Catherine O'Flynn in What Was Lost
This simple sentence mirrors the simplicity of the character's decision, she had decided and that was what she was going to do.
My sentence:
It was time to quit.
It was time to get out.
by Catherine O'Flynn in What Was Lost
This simple sentence mirrors the simplicity of the character's decision, she had decided and that was what she was going to do.
My sentence:
It was time to quit.
Friday, October 9, 2009
Sentence 11
His sentence:
In the towns, on the edges of the towns, in field, in vacant lots, the used-car yards, the wreckers' yards, the garages with blazoned signs- Used Cars, Good Used Cars.
by John Steinbeck in The Grapes of Wrath
This rhetorical fragment takes the reader through a vivid description and describes the scene and the chaos in one sentence.
My sentence:
In the corners, on the floor of the room, in the hamper, on any surface, the papers, the clutter, the laundry with a oder- sweat, old sweat.
In the towns, on the edges of the towns, in field, in vacant lots, the used-car yards, the wreckers' yards, the garages with blazoned signs- Used Cars, Good Used Cars.
by John Steinbeck in The Grapes of Wrath
This rhetorical fragment takes the reader through a vivid description and describes the scene and the chaos in one sentence.
My sentence:
In the corners, on the floor of the room, in the hamper, on any surface, the papers, the clutter, the laundry with a oder- sweat, old sweat.
Sentence 10
His sentence:
The watchman laughed.
by John Steinbeck in The Grapes of Wrath
Simple sentence is striking after all the complex and compoud sentences before it, showing that these people in this place is different. There was no double meaning in his laughter.
My Sentence:
The woman smiled.
The watchman laughed.
by John Steinbeck in The Grapes of Wrath
Simple sentence is striking after all the complex and compoud sentences before it, showing that these people in this place is different. There was no double meaning in his laughter.
My Sentence:
The woman smiled.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Sentence 9
His sentence:
When there was work for a man, the men fought for it- fought with a low wage.
by John Steinbeck in The Grapes of Wrath
This complex sentence uses a dash to catch the attention of the reader to draw attention to the fact that the men were not fighting each other but fighting against a descending wage.
My sentence:
When there was candy for a child, the children fought for it- fought with a unfair distributor.
When there was work for a man, the men fought for it- fought with a low wage.
by John Steinbeck in The Grapes of Wrath
This complex sentence uses a dash to catch the attention of the reader to draw attention to the fact that the men were not fighting each other but fighting against a descending wage.
My sentence:
When there was candy for a child, the children fought for it- fought with a unfair distributor.
Monday, October 5, 2009
Sentence 8
His sentence:
And there's the end.
by John Stienbeck in The Grapes of Wrath
Simple sentence runs home the point, the simple fact that that's the way it is and there is no other option.
My sentence:
And that's the way it is.
And there's the end.
by John Stienbeck in The Grapes of Wrath
Simple sentence runs home the point, the simple fact that that's the way it is and there is no other option.
My sentence:
And that's the way it is.
Sentence 7
His sentence:
And then the dispossessed were drawn west- from Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico; from Nevada and Arkansas families, tribes, dusted out, tractored out.
by John Steinbeck in The Grapes of Wrath
The list separated by a hyphen goes into deeper detail to show the wide range and the number of people effected.
My sentence:
And then the bugs were drawn to the light- from the yard, the pond, the corners; from skinny to fat misquitoes, nats, rammed the light, swarmed the light.
And then the dispossessed were drawn west- from Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico; from Nevada and Arkansas families, tribes, dusted out, tractored out.
by John Steinbeck in The Grapes of Wrath
The list separated by a hyphen goes into deeper detail to show the wide range and the number of people effected.
My sentence:
And then the bugs were drawn to the light- from the yard, the pond, the corners; from skinny to fat misquitoes, nats, rammed the light, swarmed the light.
Sentence 6
His sentence:
A man might work and feed himself; and when the work was done, he might find that he owed money to the company.
by John Steinbeck in Grapes of Wrath
A complex sentence that tells a short story in sequence and the structure contrasts working but owing money.
My sentence:
The children might laugh and play; and when they come back inside, they find that they have more energy than when they left.
A man might work and feed himself; and when the work was done, he might find that he owed money to the company.
by John Steinbeck in Grapes of Wrath
A complex sentence that tells a short story in sequence and the structure contrasts working but owing money.
My sentence:
The children might laugh and play; and when they come back inside, they find that they have more energy than when they left.
Sentence 5
His sentence:
And it came about that owners no longer worked on their farms.
Improper sentence starting with 'and' to show sequence and effect.
My sentence:
And it turned out that teachers no longer took grades on their homework.
And it came about that owners no longer worked on their farms.
Improper sentence starting with 'and' to show sequence and effect.
My sentence:
And it turned out that teachers no longer took grades on their homework.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Sentence 4
His sentence:
Carloads, caravans, homeless and hungry; twenty thousand and fifty thousand and a hundred thousand and two hundred thousand.
Repetition of thousand joined by conjunction emphasises the magnitude of the sheer mass of desperate people.
My senetence:
Singualy, alone, stranded and helpless; no one and just one and any one and only one.
Carloads, caravans, homeless and hungry; twenty thousand and fifty thousand and a hundred thousand and two hundred thousand.
Repetition of thousand joined by conjunction emphasises the magnitude of the sheer mass of desperate people.
My senetence:
Singualy, alone, stranded and helpless; no one and just one and any one and only one.
Sentence 3
His sentence:
They had nothing.
by John Steinbeck in Grapes of Wrath
Simple sentence shows the simplicity of their poverty. They truely had nothing, no "and" or "but" about it.
My sentence:
It was over.
They had nothing.
by John Steinbeck in Grapes of Wrath
Simple sentence shows the simplicity of their poverty. They truely had nothing, no "and" or "but" about it.
My sentence:
It was over.
Sentence 2
His sentence:
"Our people are good people; our people are kind people. "
by John Steinbeck
"Our people are good people; our people are kind people. "
by John Steinbeck
A sentence containing two balanced phrases emphasises these select group of people are different than those around them.
My sentence:
This girl is a wonderful girl; this girl is a compassionate girl.
Friday, September 25, 2009
Sentence 1
His Sentence:
They streamed over the mountains, hungry and restless- restless as ants, scurrying to find work to do- to lift, to push, to pull, to pick, to cut- anything, any burden to bear, for food.
from Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck
A loose sentence full of repetition, anadiplosis, and anaphora to emphasis the level of desperation the people are at in their search for honest work.
My Sentence:
They pushed toward the finish line, red-faced and panting- panting as dogs, forcing their legs to go- to move, to push, to lift, to scurry, to sprint- anything, any form of movement, toward the finish.
They streamed over the mountains, hungry and restless- restless as ants, scurrying to find work to do- to lift, to push, to pull, to pick, to cut- anything, any burden to bear, for food.
from Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck
A loose sentence full of repetition, anadiplosis, and anaphora to emphasis the level of desperation the people are at in their search for honest work.
My Sentence:
They pushed toward the finish line, red-faced and panting- panting as dogs, forcing their legs to go- to move, to push, to lift, to scurry, to sprint- anything, any form of movement, toward the finish.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Modern Convenience... More Like Modern Pain in the Rear!
In A Whole New Mind by Daniel Pink, one of the experiments he suggests in the book is to keep a design journal. Being the activity I chose, I started looking for household items that were perfectly designed or tragically flawed.
Two inventions caught my eye; one was brilliant and the other was not so much.
Brilliant: My bed
With not much space in my room but more than enough junk to fill it, every piece of furniture in my room serves a function; my bed serves several. The first purpose is obvious, sleep. The second is the reason my bed is brilliant. Under my bed where most people have a missing sock or a few spiders, I have four average sized drawers and one endless drawer in the middle. These house a good portion of my clothes and my art supplies, giving me enough room to be able to walk around my room without having to get rid of anything.
Not so Much: The dishwasher
One of my household chores is to clean the dishes. More than once I've had to take the dishes out of the "dishwasher" and scrub the leftovers off the plates, which I always thought was the point of a dishwasher. I've tried different detergents and the result is the same, and I'm tired of washing the dishes before... washing the dishes.
Now that I've started looking for flaws in inventions, I can't stop looking for ways to improve every imperfection.
Two inventions caught my eye; one was brilliant and the other was not so much.
Brilliant: My bed
With not much space in my room but more than enough junk to fill it, every piece of furniture in my room serves a function; my bed serves several. The first purpose is obvious, sleep. The second is the reason my bed is brilliant. Under my bed where most people have a missing sock or a few spiders, I have four average sized drawers and one endless drawer in the middle. These house a good portion of my clothes and my art supplies, giving me enough room to be able to walk around my room without having to get rid of anything.
Not so Much: The dishwasher
One of my household chores is to clean the dishes. More than once I've had to take the dishes out of the "dishwasher" and scrub the leftovers off the plates, which I always thought was the point of a dishwasher. I've tried different detergents and the result is the same, and I'm tired of washing the dishes before... washing the dishes.
Now that I've started looking for flaws in inventions, I can't stop looking for ways to improve every imperfection.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
A Thousand Splendid Suns
A Thousand Splendid Suns, by Khaled Hosseini, is two brilliantly written stories intertwined.
One story of a young girl that was unwanted and a shame to her father, who was handed off to marry a man that was about forty years older than her. When she is not able to give her husband the only thing he wants, he turns into a cruel, hard old man and she turns into a reclusive, depressed women. The other story of young girl growing up in the start of a new age with a mother that has given all her love to her two sons that are in the war and doesn't seem to have any left for her. She is surrounded by violence and lose and is falling in love with her best friend in a time of separation.
Based in Afghanistan, A Thousand Splendid Suns gives the reader a insight of Indian culture.
Recommended by two friends, Chynna and Mason, this is one of my favorite books and to those who decided to read it I tell you, keep reading, there IS a perfect ending.
One story of a young girl that was unwanted and a shame to her father, who was handed off to marry a man that was about forty years older than her. When she is not able to give her husband the only thing he wants, he turns into a cruel, hard old man and she turns into a reclusive, depressed women. The other story of young girl growing up in the start of a new age with a mother that has given all her love to her two sons that are in the war and doesn't seem to have any left for her. She is surrounded by violence and lose and is falling in love with her best friend in a time of separation.
Based in Afghanistan, A Thousand Splendid Suns gives the reader a insight of Indian culture.
Recommended by two friends, Chynna and Mason, this is one of my favorite books and to those who decided to read it I tell you, keep reading, there IS a perfect ending.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Of Mice and Men
John Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men is the tale of two men traveling through life together. For Lennie, George is his friend and role model; for George, Lennie is an unexpected friend and a burden, but they're family. Both men, repeatedly getting kicked off ranches, wonder from town to town with only a fickle dream propelling them.
George is witty and small, while Lennie is ginormous and somewhat mentally challenged. Lennie is always getting in trouble, while George is always getting him out of trouble. The duo arrives at a new ranch and find their dream finally coming true with a little help from some new friends. But trouble seems to be waiting around every corner and Lennie just keeps bumping into it...
I wouldn't recommend this book:
1. for the language through out the book! There was a curse word on every line!
2. if your a fan of happy endings, the ending was horrible!
But if those things don't bother you, you might enjoy this book, after all it is a classic (for some reason).
George is witty and small, while Lennie is ginormous and somewhat mentally challenged. Lennie is always getting in trouble, while George is always getting him out of trouble. The duo arrives at a new ranch and find their dream finally coming true with a little help from some new friends. But trouble seems to be waiting around every corner and Lennie just keeps bumping into it...
I wouldn't recommend this book:
1. for the language through out the book! There was a curse word on every line!
2. if your a fan of happy endings, the ending was horrible!
But if those things don't bother you, you might enjoy this book, after all it is a classic (for some reason).
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