We were often called the three musketeers, because we were practically inseparable and accomplished most things with perseverance. Our only and very apparent downfall was that we thought we were invincible and never approached situations with caution. However, we were lucky enough to escape most situations unharmed. From the first time Brett set his foot on a skateboard and tried to Ollie a ten-set weathered with broken glass, to the time when Logan couldn't find his paint ball mask and decided that he would be alright to play. We escaped the majority of our risky scenarios unharmed. It should be noted that Brett bailed and scraped his once frail elbows and Logan received a paint ball travelling at three-hundred feet per second on his left upper cheek. None-the-less, we seemed to have inherited horseshoes and rabbit feet upon friendship.
In retrospect, even leprechauns know that luck will only take you so far, and eventually your choices will catch up to you in the future. Irresponsibly, our choices were usually not the best to make. And inevitably, they would grasp onto our backs as soon as the opportunity struck. This opportunity struck on blistering day in Spring. We had all been caught in our latest mischievous and inconsiderate activity, ingesting Marijuana. We were brought together by our parents to discuss the matter and what kind of consequences would be enforced. I scanned the unsettling environment with my remorseful hazel eyes and took a look at my partners in crime. Brett had a blank stare on his face and looked as though he was in other state, while Logan seemed to be wearing the same face as mine, guilty and regretting his actions. After the discussion with our parents, we conversed with each other and picked at our perspectives on the matter. Being that I had only been involved with the drug for about two months, I made the compliant decision to follow my parents advice. Above all, the disappointment lingering on my mother's face was enough to resist any urge I had. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said about my two best friends. When I asked them if they planned on quitting, Logan could only give an imprudent shrug as he looked towards the clouds forming and Brett impulsively stated that he would willingly accept if someone offered. Although my only wish of them was to have the same attitude as my own, it was not my place to demand this of them. The only thing I could do was
keep my willpower intact and to suggest the concept to them without being over-baring.
Many people with hold the belief that Marijuana is not an addictive substance. This is partially truthful, because there is no physical withdrawal of coming off the substance. However, it is one of the most difficult drugs to quit, because where it cannot control you physically, it can can control you mentally. The mental addiction had begun to pull Logan and Brett further into the drug. In the beginning, they would go out to smoke during lunch, soon they were skipping classes to partake in their favourite hobby, then they started to miss entire days of school to blaze. I saw less and less of my comrades as each day passed. Although I missed them insurmountably, I didn't cave into the pressure to see them. I only hoped that they would be able to comprehend that they were losing out on long-term memories for short-term satisfaction.
Despite my hopes, wishes and propositions I had for them, the outcome only worsened. One month later, they were both expelled from school for the possession of Marijuana. I was later divulge of their situation by an acquaintance from school. As the words shot out and punctured my ears, tears began to swell in my eyes. I left school that day with a feeling of overwhelming emptiness. Logan was able to bounce back and have a successful year at another school, but Brett hasn't been back to school since. Although it saddens me to say this, I am glad I was able to make the decision to separate myself from my friends during their adventures, because it made me the independent person I am today. We are still friends to this day, but we are not the three musketeers that we once were.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Thursday, June 9, 2011
The Technology of Simplicity
Everyone has a different history, and our memories enable us to learn life lessons, in different ways; none of which are incorrect. In the short story, "The Technology of Simplicity" by, Mark A. Burch, the narrator reflects on his metamorphosis from an impatient young boy into an adult with a intricate mind brimming with cogitations. Some very significant lessons he learned are the ability of being insurmountably patient, and the strength to remain considerate and focussed in a materialistic environment.
While on hunting trips with his father, he is able to become exceedingly patient in anxious situations. His father taught him the technique of "still hunting" where they would sit "silently, motionless and endlessly patient,waiting for deer to come down the paths"(2). In order to counter-act becoming bored, his father enforces that he stays attentive and engaged in his surroundings. Soon he starts to appreciate the forest and "feel[s] less like a hunter invading the bush to get something from it, and more like a part of the forest
itself"(4). He spends hours and hours lying in the forest, motionless, yet still engaged in the life of the forest. He even begins "to resent the occasional noisy intrusions of other hunters."(4) When he becomes an adult, he realizes the hunting trips gave him an insight into the world of meditation.
Being that he gained ability of intense patience at a young age, he has an advantage in remaining level-headed and thoughtful in a consumptive society. He believes that in our environment we are not even given the chance to enjoy or experience the things we have, but rather to receive them and ask for more. For example, on Christmas morning, the joy of opening a gift and exploring it transformed into a competition of quantity and "it was necessary to get on with the next thing, to stay in motion, to consume"(7). He believes that even a celebration of family and life has become a consumerist and commercial holiday. Not one in which we feel, and experience, but one carry on the cycle of quantification. However, through all of this he does not fall victim to his consumerist nation and still hopes for us to experience once again.
In life, people are learning lessons on various occasions, in various situations. The narrator of the story reflects on lessons that he learnt in his history that have made him the intellectual man he is today. He is able to become patient to the extent of being entranced, and the ability to remain composed and mindful in the consumptive and fast-paced society we live in.
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
English 11
In the heart of every movement, there is a concept that drives everything and everyone forward on the pursuit of change. However, most crusades in the world are not accepted on a global scale. There is almost always a minority who disagrees and/or is faced with the consequences of the majorities actions. This being the circumstance we live in, history repeats itself with irreversible acts of segregation, extreme accounts of violence, and our astounding ability to remain ignorant of these injustices.
Between the period of 1948 and 1994, South Africa was governed by the National Party. Under the party, Apartheid was introduced as a form of racial segregation towards non-caucasion citizens. Rights of non-caucasion inhabitants were restricted greatly, while the minority rights of white people was upheld. Although white residents were the minority populous wise, they were much more educated than residents of different race. Soon a legislation was implemented that South Africa's citizens would be separated into racial groups; residential areas were segregated, often by means of force. Black people were removed of their citizenships and placed into self-governing homelands. They were also striped of their right to vote. Although, the National Party was replaced by majority rule and the African National Congress came into power 1994, the actions of this apartheid will echo throughout history and will always be conversed when mentioning South Africa as a country.
It is apparent as segregation heightens in societies, acts of extreme oppression become the next step. On April 13th, 1919, thousands of men, women and small children gathered in Amritsar's Jallianwala Bagh, India to contribute in the Baisakhi Spring Festival. Keep in mind that no one in the crowd was armed and any form of violence opposes Hindu beliefs. Shortly after everyone had gathered, British Indian officer Reginald Dyer ordered fifty soldiers to unload two thousand rounds of ammunition in the square. Once the crackling of the rifles quit, over four-hundred protesters were left dead. In comparison to other events in history, the death toll is miniscule; however, a life is a life and shouldn't be measured in significance. Occurrences of great calamity seem to reoccur frequently due to different beliefs, moral structures and our blind ambition to guide ourselves forward without considering the repercussions.
Conspicuously, as extreme brutality is a result of segregation, our own ignorance and inaction to counter-act these injustices becomes more destructive than the two combined. We believe that operations such as the Holocaust will never even be conspired again. On the contrary, there has been a holocaust in motion since fast food services were introduced globally in the 1940's. Large-scale corporations took advantage of this fast-paced and endlessly profitable business because, people have always been hungry and didn't always have the time to cook. Not to mention fast food is questionably in-expensive. The ethical treatment of animals has decreased rapidly over the years since corporations took control of produce. Since there is an excessive demand for the produce, time cannot be wasted by being humane and money cannot be lost by using proper instruments. In all of this cruelty, only few step forward to expose these corporations, while the majority decide to turn a blind eye.
As acts of segregation, intense violence and negligence of those in need become engraved in our society, our situation is not as hopeless as it sounds. If you know of the events I spoke of, you recognize that great leaders rise above in times of great distress. People like Nelson Mandela and Mahatma Gandhi took action when many wouldn't and they are the ones who shape our history. With the state the world is in currently, it is desperately seeking for leaders; However, "When it is darkest, men see the stars"-Ralph Waldo Emerson
Between the period of 1948 and 1994, South Africa was governed by the National Party. Under the party, Apartheid was introduced as a form of racial segregation towards non-caucasion citizens. Rights of non-caucasion inhabitants were restricted greatly, while the minority rights of white people was upheld. Although white residents were the minority populous wise, they were much more educated than residents of different race. Soon a legislation was implemented that South Africa's citizens would be separated into racial groups; residential areas were segregated, often by means of force. Black people were removed of their citizenships and placed into self-governing homelands. They were also striped of their right to vote. Although, the National Party was replaced by majority rule and the African National Congress came into power 1994, the actions of this apartheid will echo throughout history and will always be conversed when mentioning South Africa as a country.
It is apparent as segregation heightens in societies, acts of extreme oppression become the next step. On April 13th, 1919, thousands of men, women and small children gathered in Amritsar's Jallianwala Bagh, India to contribute in the Baisakhi Spring Festival. Keep in mind that no one in the crowd was armed and any form of violence opposes Hindu beliefs. Shortly after everyone had gathered, British Indian officer Reginald Dyer ordered fifty soldiers to unload two thousand rounds of ammunition in the square. Once the crackling of the rifles quit, over four-hundred protesters were left dead. In comparison to other events in history, the death toll is miniscule; however, a life is a life and shouldn't be measured in significance. Occurrences of great calamity seem to reoccur frequently due to different beliefs, moral structures and our blind ambition to guide ourselves forward without considering the repercussions.
Conspicuously, as extreme brutality is a result of segregation, our own ignorance and inaction to counter-act these injustices becomes more destructive than the two combined. We believe that operations such as the Holocaust will never even be conspired again. On the contrary, there has been a holocaust in motion since fast food services were introduced globally in the 1940's. Large-scale corporations took advantage of this fast-paced and endlessly profitable business because, people have always been hungry and didn't always have the time to cook. Not to mention fast food is questionably in-expensive. The ethical treatment of animals has decreased rapidly over the years since corporations took control of produce. Since there is an excessive demand for the produce, time cannot be wasted by being humane and money cannot be lost by using proper instruments. In all of this cruelty, only few step forward to expose these corporations, while the majority decide to turn a blind eye.
As acts of segregation, intense violence and negligence of those in need become engraved in our society, our situation is not as hopeless as it sounds. If you know of the events I spoke of, you recognize that great leaders rise above in times of great distress. People like Nelson Mandela and Mahatma Gandhi took action when many wouldn't and they are the ones who shape our history. With the state the world is in currently, it is desperately seeking for leaders; However, "When it is darkest, men see the stars"-Ralph Waldo Emerson
Monday, April 18, 2011
Color Poem
In the powdered white snow
Where we became silhouette's next to the lavender sky
My canine counterpart was weeping for mama
This is the last withstanding jovial memory I have of my pup
Although this may not seem joyful
Her words were quite literal
As we stood just away from her
This may be the most valued moment I have with her
And even it seems to be an icy haze.
She's gone now
I waited beside her, holding her soft white paw
As she slowly passed
following as cloud nine guided her
I could feel her spirit breeze away from her body
Her chile toned tongue slipped out of her mouth
And a glass tear made it's way down my autumn burnt cheek
Landing softly on her pure white coat
On this tranquil blue day
I was reminded that a dog can be a man's best friend
But like a best friend,
their lives are also a short palm breeze in the continuous wind.
Where we became silhouette's next to the lavender sky
My canine counterpart was weeping for mama
This is the last withstanding jovial memory I have of my pup
Although this may not seem joyful
Her words were quite literal
As we stood just away from her
This may be the most valued moment I have with her
And even it seems to be an icy haze.
She's gone now
I waited beside her, holding her soft white paw
As she slowly passed
following as cloud nine guided her
I could feel her spirit breeze away from her body
Her chile toned tongue slipped out of her mouth
And a glass tear made it's way down my autumn burnt cheek
Landing softly on her pure white coat
On this tranquil blue day
I was reminded that a dog can be a man's best friend
But like a best friend,
their lives are also a short palm breeze in the continuous wind.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
And Summer Is Gone
Sometimes, friendships slowly drift apart as each day passes, while both people grow into themselves and realize their differences. In the adapted short story "And Summer Is Gone" by Susie Kretschmer, two somewhat inseparable friends, Amy and David, become autonomous as they grow from adolescents into young adults. Both characters have very established personalities right from the beginning; Amy is very intrepid and a extroverted young girl, and David is an artistic and poetic boy with introverted attributes. Although, these two characters are opposite in nature, that is partly why they were able to become such great friends.
The confidence and sociability Amy holds as a young girl in the summer is outstanding. In Amy and David's first encounter, Amy is able to jump "agilely over the exposed water meter and [look] right into [David's] face"(2). She shows this sense of audacity through the means of exploring the creek, being able to gain the adoration of the young David and by knowing who she is and being comfortable with it. As Amy grows, she seems to lose her confidence and replace it with her insecurities, but throughout the entire story, she still carries her extroverted qualities. Even as Amy and David drift apart as school begins and become more mature, Amy still has a group a friends "Kelli, Lori, Shelli, Tammi, Lani, Terri- and Ami"(3).
David, on the other hand is a very abstract boy who has few friends, but holds the ones he has very closely and is okay with not having many. His artistic abilities shine through in various situations where he creates images depicting the Aztec style with Amy. Also at the art museum where his painting of "a great Aztec pyramid under oily black storm clouds"(4) is presented and awarded for the second consecutive year. David is an introvert as well who is able to admit this himself. Further on in the story he reflects on both Amy and his conflicting personalities by saying "I hid alone- she went to every party"(4). This is substantial evidence that David is an introvert and knows he is.
Although David and Amy's personalities are somewhat mismatched, they are able to look past their differences and have great amounts of fun together. Creating, learning and sharing things together during the hot summer days down at the creek, it seems as though their friendship would last forever. However, as they both mature, David becomes more confident with himself and Amy seems to become diffident due to the pressure of high school. Amy doesn't want to be seen around David, and although this may crush his heart, he realizes that he can't change this and moves on.
The confidence and sociability Amy holds as a young girl in the summer is outstanding. In Amy and David's first encounter, Amy is able to jump "agilely over the exposed water meter and [look] right into [David's] face"(2). She shows this sense of audacity through the means of exploring the creek, being able to gain the adoration of the young David and by knowing who she is and being comfortable with it. As Amy grows, she seems to lose her confidence and replace it with her insecurities, but throughout the entire story, she still carries her extroverted qualities. Even as Amy and David drift apart as school begins and become more mature, Amy still has a group a friends "Kelli, Lori, Shelli, Tammi, Lani, Terri- and Ami"(3).
David, on the other hand is a very abstract boy who has few friends, but holds the ones he has very closely and is okay with not having many. His artistic abilities shine through in various situations where he creates images depicting the Aztec style with Amy. Also at the art museum where his painting of "a great Aztec pyramid under oily black storm clouds"(4) is presented and awarded for the second consecutive year. David is an introvert as well who is able to admit this himself. Further on in the story he reflects on both Amy and his conflicting personalities by saying "I hid alone- she went to every party"(4). This is substantial evidence that David is an introvert and knows he is.
Although David and Amy's personalities are somewhat mismatched, they are able to look past their differences and have great amounts of fun together. Creating, learning and sharing things together during the hot summer days down at the creek, it seems as though their friendship would last forever. However, as they both mature, David becomes more confident with himself and Amy seems to become diffident due to the pressure of high school. Amy doesn't want to be seen around David, and although this may crush his heart, he realizes that he can't change this and moves on.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
The Lottery
Although traditions are closely related to human history, some traditions are completely irrational and defy the laws of evolution, because as humans evolve, learn and create, traditional acts can often delay this process. In the short story "The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson, a small town maintain an annual tradition that some fear, but are required to take part in. Although the tradition has remained intact over countless years and will continue for some time, it is apparent that as each year passes, a few people have become very resentful towards the lottery.
There is evidence that shows the tradition will continue on, regardless of how some people feel towards it. One of the most significant pieces of evidence supporting this belief is the fact that the tradition has been instilled into the next generation of participants who have not acquired the brain capacity to reject this concept. A few children even went to the extent of making a "pile of stones in one corner of the square"(147) to prepare for the annual event. Also, many people have learnt to accept the tradition, and it has become a source of entertainment for them, and although many of the towns people have forgotten the original ritual and black box, "they still remembered to use stones"(154). This being said, the heart of the tradition weather it be entertainment, brutality or self sacrifice, is still alive.
Indubitably, the Lottery will continue for many years to come, it is noticeable that an end will eventually come to the tradition. Some of the towns people have become disinterested in the tradition and other towns "have already quit lotteries"(152). This being the case, people may become influenced by others and consider the idea of change and abolish the tradition all together. Furthermore, as some people feel the need to change things, the some of the people keeping the tradition established have completely forgotten about "the original paraphernalia for the lottery"(148).
The lottery will be held annually for now, but there may come a day when the tradition is turned away by it's participants. This is because as each generation passes, there might be one that disregards this practice and views it differently from the rest. It is already apparent that some of the villagers feel animosity towards the lottery. Just like the creators of this tradition, it will inevitably come to an end.
There is evidence that shows the tradition will continue on, regardless of how some people feel towards it. One of the most significant pieces of evidence supporting this belief is the fact that the tradition has been instilled into the next generation of participants who have not acquired the brain capacity to reject this concept. A few children even went to the extent of making a "pile of stones in one corner of the square"(147) to prepare for the annual event. Also, many people have learnt to accept the tradition, and it has become a source of entertainment for them, and although many of the towns people have forgotten the original ritual and black box, "they still remembered to use stones"(154). This being said, the heart of the tradition weather it be entertainment, brutality or self sacrifice, is still alive.
Indubitably, the Lottery will continue for many years to come, it is noticeable that an end will eventually come to the tradition. Some of the towns people have become disinterested in the tradition and other towns "have already quit lotteries"(152). This being the case, people may become influenced by others and consider the idea of change and abolish the tradition all together. Furthermore, as some people feel the need to change things, the some of the people keeping the tradition established have completely forgotten about "the original paraphernalia for the lottery"(148).
The lottery will be held annually for now, but there may come a day when the tradition is turned away by it's participants. This is because as each generation passes, there might be one that disregards this practice and views it differently from the rest. It is already apparent that some of the villagers feel animosity towards the lottery. Just like the creators of this tradition, it will inevitably come to an end.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Literary Essay-The Painted Door
Marriage in itself, is an act of devotion and passion to another being, and if this doesn't remain constant in matrimony, it's foundation is destined collapse upon itself. In "The Painted Door" ; a short story by Sinclair Ross, a dispirited and stagnant married couple faces their fate on an isolated farm in which they struggle to make their living with. John's wife, Ann, finds herself deeply attracted to John's friend Steven. Although Ann is at first deemed responsible for her husbands death, John is also partly responsible for his own tragic end.
Ann is partly responsible for John's death. Throughout the story, you learn that Ann isn't happy with John, doesn't truly love John, and is married to him just for the sake of being married. Due to the fact that she is much younger than John, she finds him to be " a slow unambitious man, content with his farm and cattle"(367). For this reason alone Ann should have never married John in the first place. Ann knows all along where a card game with the young and attractive Steven is leading, because as Steven carried out the daily chores, "she changed into another dress, [with her] hair rearranged, [and] a little flush of colour in her face"(367). It is apparent that she is trying to look enticing to Steven and willing to explore the boundaries of her obsolete marriage.
John is also responsible for his own tragic ending. He is a very simple farmer, who put's all of his effort into his crops to satisfy the needs and wants of Ann, while simultaneously forgetting to enjoy life with Ann. He often finds himself over worked to show his dedication to his wife, even when the most dedication you can show to your partner is by giving your full attention and communicating with them. Ann often feels isolated and questions"why sit trying to talk with a man who never talked?"(368). John either forgot or never realized, that in order to have a healthy marriage, strong communication must be a significant aspect in your relationship. John also says to Ann "You haven't seen anybody but me for the last two weeks"(388) and this shows that Ann is situated in a very isolated environment due to John's persistent and stubborn behaviour in trying to create a something extravagant for Ann in an area where it was almost impossible to do so.
As the redundant process of John driving the "horses in the field"(367) as Ann "milked the cows and hoed potatoes"(367) continued, Ann would inevitably rebel and finally search for life in an isolated environment. As she took action to discover something new, John proves his loyalty to come back home and experiences what he felt is the ultimate betrayal, while his hands were pressed against the painted door.
Ann is partly responsible for John's death. Throughout the story, you learn that Ann isn't happy with John, doesn't truly love John, and is married to him just for the sake of being married. Due to the fact that she is much younger than John, she finds him to be " a slow unambitious man, content with his farm and cattle"(367). For this reason alone Ann should have never married John in the first place. Ann knows all along where a card game with the young and attractive Steven is leading, because as Steven carried out the daily chores, "she changed into another dress, [with her] hair rearranged, [and] a little flush of colour in her face"(367). It is apparent that she is trying to look enticing to Steven and willing to explore the boundaries of her obsolete marriage.
John is also responsible for his own tragic ending. He is a very simple farmer, who put's all of his effort into his crops to satisfy the needs and wants of Ann, while simultaneously forgetting to enjoy life with Ann. He often finds himself over worked to show his dedication to his wife, even when the most dedication you can show to your partner is by giving your full attention and communicating with them. Ann often feels isolated and questions"why sit trying to talk with a man who never talked?"(368). John either forgot or never realized, that in order to have a healthy marriage, strong communication must be a significant aspect in your relationship. John also says to Ann "You haven't seen anybody but me for the last two weeks"(388) and this shows that Ann is situated in a very isolated environment due to John's persistent and stubborn behaviour in trying to create a something extravagant for Ann in an area where it was almost impossible to do so.
As the redundant process of John driving the "horses in the field"(367) as Ann "milked the cows and hoed potatoes"(367) continued, Ann would inevitably rebel and finally search for life in an isolated environment. As she took action to discover something new, John proves his loyalty to come back home and experiences what he felt is the ultimate betrayal, while his hands were pressed against the painted door.
Literary Rules
The Literary Essay
The purpose of the literary essay is to analyze or interpret a work of poetry or prose using TEXT SUPPORT and quotations to support your thesis.
Follow these guidelines when writing a literary essay:
The Introduction:
1. Begin with a generalization (clincher) linked to the topic or theme of the essay. (a clincher is optional – some people are not good at writing them, in which case they can begin directly with #2).
Example of clincher from “The Painted Door”:
Marriages can sometimes involve couples who are mismatched and live miserably throughout their lives.
2. Next, write one or two sentences describing what the story is about, including the author, title, and genre of the work. (Assume the marker hasn’t read the story in about 5 years – you are “reminding” him/her of the content).
Ex.
Sinclair Ross’s short story “The Painted Door” is about an unhappily married couple who struggle to make a living on an isolated farm. Ann, the lonely wife of John, is attracted to her husband’s friend Steven.
3. Then, state your thesis:
Although Ann is often judged as the being solely to blame for her husband’s death, he is at least partly responsible for his tragic end.
The Body:
4. Support your thesis with specific examples and quotes from the text. Begin each paragraph with a clear topic sentence that is connected to your main thesis.
Ex.
Ann is partly responsible for her husband’s death. She is terribly lonely, living with a husband who doesn’t provide her even the basic need for company. John is a workaholic. Even when the couple go out for the evening “John never dance[s] or enjoy[s] himself”(4). He is happiest when he is working alone or “standing at the window staring out across the bitter fields, to count the days and look forward to another spring”(7).
The Conclusion:
5. The conclusion can range from one sentence to several depending on the length and complexity of your essay.
Ex.
Because John’s neglects his wife’s emotional needs, he is indirectly responsible for his own tragic end.
Using Quotations in Literary Essays
The proper use of direct quotations is essential to most academic writing, particularly essays on literature.
If you argue that a character in a story is evil, can you provide evidence to support your claim? No? Then it probably isn’t true. You need to provide textual support for your thesis and incorporate this information into your essay; this will give your essay credibility.
Keep the following rules in mind when quoting literature:
1. Do not overuse quotations. Your own analysis should make up the bulk of the essay. Following is an example of quotations used appropriately. Notice that the quotations take a secondary role to the analysis. Every quotation fits smoothly into the grammar of each sentence.
The narrator is a loving mother who fears that when her daughter leaves for college they will be “parting forever” (13). She sadly tries to persuade herself to see the “house without her” (14). She is doubtful that she can exist without her child who has become as necessary as “food or air” (10). The narrator’s affection for her daughter is almost sacred; she describes her as “eohippus,” a rare, mystical creature. The mother ironically notes that seventeen years ago she “could not imagine/ life with her” (20-21) and now, after seventeen years of the “daily sight of her” (9) she can not picture herself without her. However, in the midst of her bittersweet feelings, the mother has a sudden realization: she is lucky, for she has been given the chance to raise her daughter unlike the creatures who “float away from birth” (24) from parents who will “never see them again”(26).
2) Sometimes it is necessary to insert a word or phrase into a quotation to maintain correct grammar. Enclose these words in square brackets to show that they do not appear in the original.
Ex. Original: The greasy leather orb flew like a heavy bird through the grey light.
Quotation: Stephen saw the ball as a “greasy leather orb [that] flew like a heavy bird through the grey light”(26).
3. Write in present tense. Change the following example to make it correct:
Ann was terribly lonely; she lived with a husband who didn’t provide her even the basic need for company. John was a workaholic. Even when the couple went out for the evening “John never danced or enjoyed himself”(4). He was happiest when he was working alone or “standing at the window staring out across the bitter fields, to count the days and look forward to another spring”(7).
4. Use page citations. Place the page number of the text in parentheses after the quote.
Ex. At the beginning of the story Richard “hastens to bring his sad
message”(19); at the end, Richard tries to conceal his lies.
5. If you introduce a quotation that is a complete sentence, capitalize the first letter of the quotation
Ex. Hemingway writes, “His desk is at the far end of the office,”(42) suggesting that the hotel worker is physically unavailable to the wife.
6. When you work the quotation into your own sentence, use a lowercase letter to begin the quotation.
Ex. When Hemingway writes that “his desk was at the far end of the
office,”(42) he shows that the hotel worker is physically unavailable to
the wife.
7. Incorporate quotations into your own sentences.
Weak:
Richard Cory is very polite. “He is a gentleman from sole to crown”(1.1).
Also, he is good-looking, even regal-looking, “clean favoured and
imperially slim”(1.2).
Better:
Richard Cory is “a gentleman from sole to crown”(1.1). Like a handsome
king, he is “clean favoured and imperially slim”(1.2).
8. Avoid using two quotations in a row. Your own commentary should bridge two quotations.
Weak:
Richard Cory is “a gentleman from sole to crown”(1.1), “clean favoured and imperially slim”(1.2).
Better:
Richard Cory is “a gentleman from sole to crown”(1.1). Like a handsome
king, he is “clean favoured and imperially slim”(1.2).
9. Do not use a quote that you have not introduced with your own words.
Weak:
“He is a gentleman from sole to crown”(1.1). Richard Cory is good-looking, even regal-looking.
Better:
Richard Cory is “a gentleman from sole to crown”(1.1).
10) Include within quotations as part of the essay any prose quotation of two or more sentences or less, and any poetry quotation of two lines or less. When quoting two lines of poetry, indicate the division between the two lines with a slash (/) and retain the original capitalization at the beginning of the second line (if it is capitalized in the original).
Ex. Donne writes, “Batter my heart, three-personed God; for you/As
yet but knock, breathe, shine and seek to mend”(1.71-72).
11) Set off from the body of the essay any prose quotations that exceed two sentences or poetry quotations that exceed two lines. Such “blocked-off” prose quotations are double-indented, single spaced, and quotation marks are not used to enclose the quotation. Blocked-off poetry quotations are centered on the page, and printed as they appear in the original, without enclosing quotation marks.
Large, blocked poetry quotations are introduced with a lead-in statement ending with a colon. Otherwise, use a comma or whatever punctuation you would use if the quotation marks were not there.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Reflections
"Survival, I know, is to begin again." -Judy Collins
I don't agree with the quote above because I believe that survival is the state of remaining alive and carrying on. So how could beginning once again, have anything to do with the act of surviving? However, it could be argued that this quote is speaking about reincarnation, which is he belief that the soul, upon death of the body, comes back to earth in another body or form. If this is the underlying meaning of the quote, then I do agree with it! I am indecisive.
When Words Fail Me...
This feeling is one of the worst I have ever experienced; The inability to annunciate words or to not speak at all, in times where I have an astounding amount to say. It usually occurs when I have the most significant things to say to the most significant people in my life. People often question why I am such a quiet lad, and some may mistake me for someone who doesn't have much to say overall. This is definitely not so, and I wish I could inform them that I have answers to all of their questions, but as soon as I try to do so...words fail me once again. I ask why this happens to me? But, of course I can only ask this in my mind.
"When you think of the long and gloom history of man, you will find more hideous crimes have been committed in the name of obedience than have ever been committed in the name of rebellion."-C.P Snow
As I watched the test subject violently shake and foam from the mouth, I was simultaneously asked to turn the voltage gauge up two dials to 450 volts. Although my own moral judgement told me to immediately stop and leave the test centre, I still carried out the orders given to me by Dr. Milgram because I had great faith in his intelligence. Also, I knew that I would only be rewarded the money promised if I complied to his every word. This being so, as I turned the dial, I was subjected to every treacherous scream the subject let out. Dr. Milgram stopped the process, turned to me and said, "Thank you for your time, and here is your money" then he paused and questioned, "Are you generally this obedient to authority figures?". I was absolutely speechless and great feelings of shame and remorse flooded my mind. I was the test subject all along.
The Cruelty Crisis: Bullying Isn't a School Problem, It's a National Pastime
1)Behaviors
2)Vulnerability
3)Compassion
4)Courage
5)Imperfect
6)Cruelty
7)Confrontations
8)Humanity
9)Humility
10)Hostile
1)Behaviors
Human behavior is primarily affected by the people and/or objects that surround them. Such emotions as happiness, love, lust, anger, frustration and sadness wouldn't even come to be if not influenced by a humans surroundings. This may not come as a surprise, but it helps us (humans) comprehend why we do the things that we do. In essence, every characteristic a person has, is largely related to things that have occurred in their life and people that have influenced them to gain a particular perspective. I believe that the concept of nurture will always be dominant over the concept of nature. This doesn't mean that nature isn't part of creating the minds of humans, but only that it isn't as significant as nurture, and even then, nature is attributed to the genetics of parents.
For the reasons stated above, this is why we often see people segregated into groups with ideals they would put above their own lives. This is also why when we see people open to new ideas and with different opinions, they are ridiculed and made to feel as if they are different, not their ideals. Although I believe in this concept, I do not condone it and believe it is one of the most mallicious and destructive aspects humans bear. Humans must work together despite their differences, and accept others unless they are creating harm against the greater good of man. A peaceful world will be obtained when we reslove our issues with discussion and respect for life, rather then meaningless violence.
Although the picture I may have painted for you is a perfect utopia and overly-idealistic, if we can focus and put all of our consideration into the topic, perhaps we can recreate current systems for the advancement of humanity as a whole.
http://blogs.chron.com/talkingtolerance/2010/09/buddhist_gay_a_recipe_for_midd.html
Why Do You Think People Engage In Immoral Acts?
This is a very complicated question to answer because people have different ideas of what morality is and people hold different morals in general. For example, some may say that acts such as abortion and/or birth control are very immoral acts well others tolerate these subjects. However, I think it is agreeable on a wide scale that being engaged in acts of extreme violence and putting others in harm without necessity is immoral.
That brings us to the question, if the majority of people agree it is immoral, then why do we still see people involved in such brutality? Is it because of the pressure one faces at the hands on society, or because someone has put enough faith into something to risk the lives of others and their own for, is it because sometimes there is a trigger gauge in your mind and there is something in this world that will inevitably set it off, or is it just human nature? I believe that it is all of these, and they are almost impossible to control.
Although senseless violence is possibly the most immoral actions a being can be involved in, violence with reason is one of the most powerful forces against repression and injustice. Weather you are fighting to overthrow a criminal concealed by false doctrines, power and a Windsor Knot, or you're a victim of abuse, weather it be physical or emotional, it would only be fulfilling your rights as a human to take action. Because survival is key to life.
"I watched my mother and father die. I knew perfectly well that they were starving. But I wanted their bread more than I wanted them to stay alive. And they knew that. That’s what I remember about the blockade (of Leningrad): that feeling that you wanted your parents to die because you wanted their bread."-Russian Soldier during Battle of Leningrad
"If I share with you, an idea, you can't own it until you add to it"/Synthesis
Good and evil, just like the words themselves, are subjects created by man. I believe, the words good and evil have been used to separate both living and non-living things into categories so we have knowledge of what is right and what is wrong. However, there is no such thing as right and wrong, just facts and opinions.
Reflections on group talk:
-The roots of evil is produced by inaction.
-Sometimes the nicest people ask us to do the most appalling things and we just accept it because we believe what they are asking is right.
Have you ever been treated badly by a friend/teacher/co-worker?
When I was younger, my grade four teacher would never allow me to drink my water in class and wouldn't allow me to go to the washroom when I requested. After awhile, I began to develop kidney problems and my family doctor wrote a letter to my teacher enforcing that I drink my water during class and am able to go to the washroom, whenever I asked. However, the teacher decided to disobey this note and only allowed me to have my water bottle located in the cubby hall. This meant that every time I would go to drink my water, I would have to leave the class and potentially miss part of the lesson he was teaching. Also, he still didn't allow me to go the washroom during class and would repeat "You should have gone during recess". My kidney problems only worsened and eventually I had to be hospitalized and still do this day I do not have a proper functioning kidney.
If you could write a letter to this person, what would you say?
Dear,
Mr. Anonymous
It is because of your actions towards me, that to this day I don't have a proper functioning kidney. However, I do not feel any personal anger towards you, I only pity you for holding a position where rather than helping your students, you use your position of authority to suppress your students. Why do you do this? Perhaps you are insecure and have been treated in the same way you now treat others. Even though, when I am 18, I can legally sue you, I will not do so, because I know you have a problem within yourself, that is far worse than an incompetent kidney.
How do your reflections relate to the short stories you read?
In "The Painted Door", near the end, John is completely speechless due to Ann's affair with Steven and this relates to the reflection "When Words Fail Me"
In "The Lottery", most of the townspeople are obedient to the tradition of brutality and this relates to the reflection on the quote, "When you think of the long and gloom history of man, you will find more hideous crimes have been committed in the name of obedience than have ever been committed in the name of rebellion."-C.P Snow
In "And Summer Is Gone" Amy completely ignores David and this relates to the reflection "Have you ever been treated badly by a friend/teacher/co-worker?".
Is there really such thing as pure altruism?
I believe that every action a human takes to help another, in some way, they are also bettering themselves. Weather it be Mother Teresa attempting to heal the people of Calcutta while in the same sense expecting them to cave in to Roman Catholic belief. Or what is seen as the ultimate act of sacrifice, where a person gives their lives away for another being, while simultaneously thinking they may become a hero for doing this, pure altruism does not exist. However, this does not mean selfishness is a terrible thing.
Why are we studying evil?
I believe we study evil because we as humans have a curiosity to want to know the other side of most things. I also believe this curiosity to know evil has existed since good was defined. For example, the Bible was written with two sides, one of what most people define as pure goodness and the other as pure evilness. People want to know what is immoral, to know what is moral. Also, evil is taught so we don't repeat the evil acts that have been engraved into history.
The Importance of National Shame
It is acceptable to be proud of the accomplishments your country has been involved in and to believe in your countries power to change things for the greater good. However you must also remind yourself often of the horrors and inconceivable acts that have also occurred within your borders. To accept history as it is, weather it creates a good or bad reputation for you or your country is one of the first steps of becoming an enlightened and intellectual being. You must own up to the atrocities dealt from your hands, ask for cleansing of guilt from them, while also maintaining nostalgic about the events. Perhaps if you keep this outlook and sense of level-headnesses, people will listen to why you're proud, rather then remaining dis-interested in your beliefs.
Downtown Eastside-Holocaust
One of the most apparent similarities I pulled out of the talk today and the situation of the Holocaust is the fact that so many people either know what's happening and choose to ignore it or have little to no education on the topic. Also, if you're to walk around downtown Vancouver you may notice that there can be an extremely wealthy area one block away from a poverty stricken place, yet you will feel you are in a completely different place in one or the other. When you go to such places as East Hastings you will notice a vast population of homeless, and or mentally disabled people and it seems quite like the segregation one would face in a camp.
The Book Thief/Phillip Zimbardo's Steps to Evil
It is better to write about nothing, then to not write at all. When you write about nothing, atleast you're engaging your thoughts into something. Perhaps as you write about nothing, an idea will form in your brain and you will have to ability to write about something meaningful. For now, it is okay to continue writing about nothing at all, but soon, i'm sure, the lightbulb will be turned on and the idea train will start it's locomotion.
Uncritical conformity to group norms. At this time, it was expected of a german citizen to join the Nazi party. If you did not, you wouldn't be given the same opportunities as others are given. So, it is very easy to accept the fate and mindlessly accept the offer.
"We thought, because we had power, we had wisdom" -Stephen Vincent Benet
Power is only a sense of self-entitlement. To have power, you do not have to be intelligent or thoughtful, you only need to draw out the flaws of citizens and strike at them. Then you will have the ultimate authority. Through manipulation and persuasion, not through knowledge and wisdom.
A great leader is not one who is able to guide it's people into war, or take them out of war. A great leader is one who never has to face this situation in the first place.
"The guilty think all talk is of themselves"-Geoffrey Chaucer
My Own Flaws
-I'm very passive aggressive and I have a bad temper. I like to destroy inanimate objects when I am raging and try to fix them when I am calmed down.
-I make my problems too personal
-I can be very mono-tone
My Own Strengths
I am very thoughtful
I strive for greatness
I am strong-willed
I am intellectual
I am well-spoken
I don't agree with the quote above because I believe that survival is the state of remaining alive and carrying on. So how could beginning once again, have anything to do with the act of surviving? However, it could be argued that this quote is speaking about reincarnation, which is he belief that the soul, upon death of the body, comes back to earth in another body or form. If this is the underlying meaning of the quote, then I do agree with it! I am indecisive.
When Words Fail Me...
This feeling is one of the worst I have ever experienced; The inability to annunciate words or to not speak at all, in times where I have an astounding amount to say. It usually occurs when I have the most significant things to say to the most significant people in my life. People often question why I am such a quiet lad, and some may mistake me for someone who doesn't have much to say overall. This is definitely not so, and I wish I could inform them that I have answers to all of their questions, but as soon as I try to do so...words fail me once again. I ask why this happens to me? But, of course I can only ask this in my mind.
"When you think of the long and gloom history of man, you will find more hideous crimes have been committed in the name of obedience than have ever been committed in the name of rebellion."-C.P Snow
As I watched the test subject violently shake and foam from the mouth, I was simultaneously asked to turn the voltage gauge up two dials to 450 volts. Although my own moral judgement told me to immediately stop and leave the test centre, I still carried out the orders given to me by Dr. Milgram because I had great faith in his intelligence. Also, I knew that I would only be rewarded the money promised if I complied to his every word. This being so, as I turned the dial, I was subjected to every treacherous scream the subject let out. Dr. Milgram stopped the process, turned to me and said, "Thank you for your time, and here is your money" then he paused and questioned, "Are you generally this obedient to authority figures?". I was absolutely speechless and great feelings of shame and remorse flooded my mind. I was the test subject all along.
The Cruelty Crisis: Bullying Isn't a School Problem, It's a National Pastime
1)Behaviors
2)Vulnerability
3)Compassion
4)Courage
5)Imperfect
6)Cruelty
7)Confrontations
8)Humanity
9)Humility
10)Hostile
1)Behaviors
Human behavior is primarily affected by the people and/or objects that surround them. Such emotions as happiness, love, lust, anger, frustration and sadness wouldn't even come to be if not influenced by a humans surroundings. This may not come as a surprise, but it helps us (humans) comprehend why we do the things that we do. In essence, every characteristic a person has, is largely related to things that have occurred in their life and people that have influenced them to gain a particular perspective. I believe that the concept of nurture will always be dominant over the concept of nature. This doesn't mean that nature isn't part of creating the minds of humans, but only that it isn't as significant as nurture, and even then, nature is attributed to the genetics of parents.
For the reasons stated above, this is why we often see people segregated into groups with ideals they would put above their own lives. This is also why when we see people open to new ideas and with different opinions, they are ridiculed and made to feel as if they are different, not their ideals. Although I believe in this concept, I do not condone it and believe it is one of the most mallicious and destructive aspects humans bear. Humans must work together despite their differences, and accept others unless they are creating harm against the greater good of man. A peaceful world will be obtained when we reslove our issues with discussion and respect for life, rather then meaningless violence.
Although the picture I may have painted for you is a perfect utopia and overly-idealistic, if we can focus and put all of our consideration into the topic, perhaps we can recreate current systems for the advancement of humanity as a whole.
http://blogs.chron.com/talkingtolerance/2010/09/buddhist_gay_a_recipe_for_midd.html
Why Do You Think People Engage In Immoral Acts?
This is a very complicated question to answer because people have different ideas of what morality is and people hold different morals in general. For example, some may say that acts such as abortion and/or birth control are very immoral acts well others tolerate these subjects. However, I think it is agreeable on a wide scale that being engaged in acts of extreme violence and putting others in harm without necessity is immoral.
That brings us to the question, if the majority of people agree it is immoral, then why do we still see people involved in such brutality? Is it because of the pressure one faces at the hands on society, or because someone has put enough faith into something to risk the lives of others and their own for, is it because sometimes there is a trigger gauge in your mind and there is something in this world that will inevitably set it off, or is it just human nature? I believe that it is all of these, and they are almost impossible to control.
Although senseless violence is possibly the most immoral actions a being can be involved in, violence with reason is one of the most powerful forces against repression and injustice. Weather you are fighting to overthrow a criminal concealed by false doctrines, power and a Windsor Knot, or you're a victim of abuse, weather it be physical or emotional, it would only be fulfilling your rights as a human to take action. Because survival is key to life.
"I watched my mother and father die. I knew perfectly well that they were starving. But I wanted their bread more than I wanted them to stay alive. And they knew that. That’s what I remember about the blockade (of Leningrad): that feeling that you wanted your parents to die because you wanted their bread."-Russian Soldier during Battle of Leningrad
"If I share with you, an idea, you can't own it until you add to it"/Synthesis
Good and evil, just like the words themselves, are subjects created by man. I believe, the words good and evil have been used to separate both living and non-living things into categories so we have knowledge of what is right and what is wrong. However, there is no such thing as right and wrong, just facts and opinions.
Reflections on group talk:
-The roots of evil is produced by inaction.
-Sometimes the nicest people ask us to do the most appalling things and we just accept it because we believe what they are asking is right.
Have you ever been treated badly by a friend/teacher/co-worker?
When I was younger, my grade four teacher would never allow me to drink my water in class and wouldn't allow me to go to the washroom when I requested. After awhile, I began to develop kidney problems and my family doctor wrote a letter to my teacher enforcing that I drink my water during class and am able to go to the washroom, whenever I asked. However, the teacher decided to disobey this note and only allowed me to have my water bottle located in the cubby hall. This meant that every time I would go to drink my water, I would have to leave the class and potentially miss part of the lesson he was teaching. Also, he still didn't allow me to go the washroom during class and would repeat "You should have gone during recess". My kidney problems only worsened and eventually I had to be hospitalized and still do this day I do not have a proper functioning kidney.
If you could write a letter to this person, what would you say?
Dear,
Mr. Anonymous
It is because of your actions towards me, that to this day I don't have a proper functioning kidney. However, I do not feel any personal anger towards you, I only pity you for holding a position where rather than helping your students, you use your position of authority to suppress your students. Why do you do this? Perhaps you are insecure and have been treated in the same way you now treat others. Even though, when I am 18, I can legally sue you, I will not do so, because I know you have a problem within yourself, that is far worse than an incompetent kidney.
How do your reflections relate to the short stories you read?
In "The Painted Door", near the end, John is completely speechless due to Ann's affair with Steven and this relates to the reflection "When Words Fail Me"
In "The Lottery", most of the townspeople are obedient to the tradition of brutality and this relates to the reflection on the quote, "When you think of the long and gloom history of man, you will find more hideous crimes have been committed in the name of obedience than have ever been committed in the name of rebellion."-C.P Snow
In "And Summer Is Gone" Amy completely ignores David and this relates to the reflection "Have you ever been treated badly by a friend/teacher/co-worker?".
Is there really such thing as pure altruism?
I believe that every action a human takes to help another, in some way, they are also bettering themselves. Weather it be Mother Teresa attempting to heal the people of Calcutta while in the same sense expecting them to cave in to Roman Catholic belief. Or what is seen as the ultimate act of sacrifice, where a person gives their lives away for another being, while simultaneously thinking they may become a hero for doing this, pure altruism does not exist. However, this does not mean selfishness is a terrible thing.
Why are we studying evil?
I believe we study evil because we as humans have a curiosity to want to know the other side of most things. I also believe this curiosity to know evil has existed since good was defined. For example, the Bible was written with two sides, one of what most people define as pure goodness and the other as pure evilness. People want to know what is immoral, to know what is moral. Also, evil is taught so we don't repeat the evil acts that have been engraved into history.
The Importance of National Shame
It is acceptable to be proud of the accomplishments your country has been involved in and to believe in your countries power to change things for the greater good. However you must also remind yourself often of the horrors and inconceivable acts that have also occurred within your borders. To accept history as it is, weather it creates a good or bad reputation for you or your country is one of the first steps of becoming an enlightened and intellectual being. You must own up to the atrocities dealt from your hands, ask for cleansing of guilt from them, while also maintaining nostalgic about the events. Perhaps if you keep this outlook and sense of level-headnesses, people will listen to why you're proud, rather then remaining dis-interested in your beliefs.
Downtown Eastside-Holocaust
One of the most apparent similarities I pulled out of the talk today and the situation of the Holocaust is the fact that so many people either know what's happening and choose to ignore it or have little to no education on the topic. Also, if you're to walk around downtown Vancouver you may notice that there can be an extremely wealthy area one block away from a poverty stricken place, yet you will feel you are in a completely different place in one or the other. When you go to such places as East Hastings you will notice a vast population of homeless, and or mentally disabled people and it seems quite like the segregation one would face in a camp.
The Book Thief/Phillip Zimbardo's Steps to Evil
It is better to write about nothing, then to not write at all. When you write about nothing, atleast you're engaging your thoughts into something. Perhaps as you write about nothing, an idea will form in your brain and you will have to ability to write about something meaningful. For now, it is okay to continue writing about nothing at all, but soon, i'm sure, the lightbulb will be turned on and the idea train will start it's locomotion.
Uncritical conformity to group norms. At this time, it was expected of a german citizen to join the Nazi party. If you did not, you wouldn't be given the same opportunities as others are given. So, it is very easy to accept the fate and mindlessly accept the offer.
"We thought, because we had power, we had wisdom" -Stephen Vincent Benet
Power is only a sense of self-entitlement. To have power, you do not have to be intelligent or thoughtful, you only need to draw out the flaws of citizens and strike at them. Then you will have the ultimate authority. Through manipulation and persuasion, not through knowledge and wisdom.
A great leader is not one who is able to guide it's people into war, or take them out of war. A great leader is one who never has to face this situation in the first place.
"The guilty think all talk is of themselves"-Geoffrey Chaucer
My Own Flaws
-I'm very passive aggressive and I have a bad temper. I like to destroy inanimate objects when I am raging and try to fix them when I am calmed down.
-I make my problems too personal
-I can be very mono-tone
My Own Strengths
I am very thoughtful
I strive for greatness
I am strong-willed
I am intellectual
I am well-spoken
Monday, February 14, 2011
Summary and Response: Are Governments Closing the Net Around Web Freedom?
Are Governments Closing the Net Around Web Freedom?
Alex Hudson suggests that the "right to a voice online, it seems, is of paramount importance- Not just in Egypt but around the world." Unfortunately it is this exact freedom that people have online that is being jeopardized by Government and Large-scale Corporations. One of the most significant attributes of the internet has always been the ability of people to express themselves on a world wide spectrum. If this exact freedom is being monitored and censored by Government's and corporations alike, we may be losing the sense of democracy we receive from the internet."Hudson reveals that "the top ten websites were responsible for 31% of US page views in 2001, rising to around 75% in most recent estimates." The U.S have recently introduced an internet kill-switch that would give the president power to shut down parts of the internet if there was an attack on important infrastructure. Although this kill-switch would only be implemented in times of certain crisis, the very concept raises much controversy because it would jeopardize the democratic values that the internet holds.Hudson states that "the idea of government or big corporations somehow limiting the scope of people to interact with each other freely is worrying the creator of the world wide web itself, Tim Berners-Lee.
Response:
I agree that as the internet expands, it's democratic values must not be comprised by Governments and Corporations. Ever since the 1960's, internet has been used as an efficient tool to express your views to anyone willing to see them. Many people use the internet for this reason alone and if particular aspects of the on line world are being censored and contained due to the beliefs of Government, then the democratic outlook that empowers the internet, could be endangered by demanding authorities. However, because so many large corporations are being advertised over the internet, websites are allowing these corporations to gain more control over the internet and it's users each and every day.The reason websites are encouraged to promote various companies is because they are able to make money from advertising these corporations. I say this with a brave mind, that if we abolish all forms of currency and reform Government on a global scale, one day we may see democracy in it's truest form.
In Jasmine's response on the topic, she states that censorship is sometimes necessary to protect the rights of people and society.
In Rebecca's response on the topic, she states that the internet has become a large part of human society and if we want to defend our right to voice our opinions we must stand up to the Government.
Alex Hudson suggests that the "right to a voice online, it seems, is of paramount importance- Not just in Egypt but around the world." Unfortunately it is this exact freedom that people have online that is being jeopardized by Government and Large-scale Corporations. One of the most significant attributes of the internet has always been the ability of people to express themselves on a world wide spectrum. If this exact freedom is being monitored and censored by Government's and corporations alike, we may be losing the sense of democracy we receive from the internet."Hudson reveals that "the top ten websites were responsible for 31% of US page views in 2001, rising to around 75% in most recent estimates." The U.S have recently introduced an internet kill-switch that would give the president power to shut down parts of the internet if there was an attack on important infrastructure. Although this kill-switch would only be implemented in times of certain crisis, the very concept raises much controversy because it would jeopardize the democratic values that the internet holds.Hudson states that "the idea of government or big corporations somehow limiting the scope of people to interact with each other freely is worrying the creator of the world wide web itself, Tim Berners-Lee.
Response:
I agree that as the internet expands, it's democratic values must not be comprised by Governments and Corporations. Ever since the 1960's, internet has been used as an efficient tool to express your views to anyone willing to see them. Many people use the internet for this reason alone and if particular aspects of the on line world are being censored and contained due to the beliefs of Government, then the democratic outlook that empowers the internet, could be endangered by demanding authorities. However, because so many large corporations are being advertised over the internet, websites are allowing these corporations to gain more control over the internet and it's users each and every day.The reason websites are encouraged to promote various companies is because they are able to make money from advertising these corporations. I say this with a brave mind, that if we abolish all forms of currency and reform Government on a global scale, one day we may see democracy in it's truest form.
In Jasmine's response on the topic, she states that censorship is sometimes necessary to protect the rights of people and society.
In Rebecca's response on the topic, she states that the internet has become a large part of human society and if we want to defend our right to voice our opinions we must stand up to the Government.
Online Summary - Monday, February 14, 2011- English 11
Step 1: Open the attached file and read the article and short videos. Write a Summary of the story, checking your notes to make sure you remember all the ticky rules. Remember, the length of most summaries is about one quarter the length of the original piece.
Step 2: Write a Personal Response to the story.
Step 3: Create a group of 3 to 4 people. Read each other's summaries. If
you see an error, tell the writer to correct it (gracefully). Record the names of the readers at the bottom of your summary.
Step 4: Taking turns, read your Responses out loud. Discuss.
Step 6: Send your Summary (not your response) to me through Edmodo. Remember to type in your class code and not my name. (C-Block: 335y5p) (D-Block: mfdj0k) Copy and paste the assignment; do not use an attachment.
Marking Criteria:
Technical rules of summary followed: /4
Word choice, grammar, sophistication /4
of language:
Main ideas of summary evident: insignificant /4
details left out:
/12
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/click_online/9386720.stm
Step 1: Open the attached file and read the article and short videos. Write a Summary of the story, checking your notes to make sure you remember all the ticky rules. Remember, the length of most summaries is about one quarter the length of the original piece.
Step 2: Write a Personal Response to the story.
Step 3: Create a group of 3 to 4 people. Read each other's summaries. If
you see an error, tell the writer to correct it (gracefully). Record the names of the readers at the bottom of your summary.
Step 4: Taking turns, read your Responses out loud. Discuss.
Step 6: Send your Summary (not your response) to me through Edmodo. Remember to type in your class code and not my name. (C-Block: 335y5p) (D-Block: mfdj0k) Copy and paste the assignment; do not use an attachment.
Marking Criteria:
Technical rules of summary followed: /4
Word choice, grammar, sophistication /4
of language:
Main ideas of summary evident: insignificant /4
details left out:
/12
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/click_online/9386720.stm
Friday, February 11, 2011
TED Talks
Choose ten TED videos you are interested in watching and record each of the following for each video:
1) Name of presenter.
2)Title of presentation.
3)Topic.
4)Go to the "About this talk" section. Paraphrase what it says.
5)Go to "About presenter"-Take a few biographical notes on the presenter.
6) What is the main point/thesis the presenter is making about the topic?
7)Why are you excited about this particular TED Talk?
8)How has the presenter changed the way you view his/her topic?
9)What is the one image or idea you will take away from this talk?
10)Choose one single word that best describes this talk.
1)JR.
2)Use art to turn the world inside out
3)How he uses his art to try to change the world
4)A semi-anonymous French street artist,called JR., uses his camera to show the world its true face, by pasting photos of the human face across massive canvases. At TED2011, he makes his audacious TED Prize wish: to use art to turn the world inside out.
5)Semi-anonymous french artist. Uses a 28 mm camera to take portraits of people that match his project concept, blows them up and pastes them on various buildings around a city in which there is an issue surrounding the community.
6)Jr is over-viewing the various projects he has already completed and is asking the audience to help partake in trying to resolve issues among a community. He is also asking people to participate in his Inside-Out project.
7)I am excited about this particular talk because I am a photographer as well and becoming a photo-journalist is one of my aspirations in life. I have also always been fascinated with street artists and their view of the world.
8)He has given me a wider perspective on street art, how powerful it can be and how it can change the world.
9)The inspiration to possibly use my photography to do something similar to JR's work.10)Monumental
1)Charles Limb
2)Your Brain On Improv
3)How the brain works during musical improvisation
4)Charles Kimb put jazz musicians and rappers in an fMRI to find out how their brains work on improvisation. What he and his team found has deep implications for our understanding of creativity of all kinds.
5)On Charles Limb's official website he has two titles: Associate Professor, Otolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery, and Faculty, Peabody Conservatory of Music. With these titles he intertwines his two passions to study the way the brain creates and perceives music. He's a hearing specialist and surgeon at Johns Hopkins who performs cochlear implantations on patients who have lost their hearing. He plays sax, piano and bass too.
6)He's showing his audience his research done on musical improvisation and how the brain perceives things when using improvisation. He also states that music could actually be a language of it's own.
7)I'm excited about this talk because like most people, I absolutely love music. I play bass and guitar and it is ground breaking that music being a language of it's own may be proved. I also am a fan of hip-hop and I like that he included hip-hop artist freestyling and how their brains work while they freestyle.
8)It has given me an even greater appreciation for music and science.
9)One idea that I take away from this talk is that one day people will have the ability to communicate solely through musical instruments.
10)Creativity
1)Julian Assange
2)Why the World Needs Wikileaks
3)Assange talks about Wikileaks, how the site operates and what drives them forward to continue releasing information to the world.
4)Founder Julian Assange, talks to TED's Chris Anderson about how the site operates, what it has accomplished, and why he still continues to pursue it. This talk also includes graphic footage of a recent US air strike in Baghdad.
5)Australian. Studied Physics and Mathematics at the University of Melbourne.Amnesty International recognized him with an International Media Award in 2009.
6)Julian Assange talks about how Wikileaks will continue to release information to the world as-long as they have good reason to do so.
7)I'm excited about this particular talk because I can see myself doing similar work in the future and bringing controversial information to the people as truthfully as possible.
8)It hasn't, because I have always felt the same way about authorities hiding information from it's citizens. I don't think it's right and I have even more support for this group after viewing this talk.
9)
10)Genuine
10)Capabilities
1)A.J Jacobs
2)Year of Living Biblically
3)A.J Jacob's shares his experience of living an entire year biblically and how ridiculous it became at some points.
4)A.J. Jacobs talks about the year he spent living biblically . Following the rules in the Bible as literally as possible.
5)Author of "The Know it All" and various other books. He is a author and journalist and often uses himself as a guinea pig to discover things.
6)I believe the main point he was making is that it is almost impossible to live through the bible and some things in the bible are meant to be taken metaphorically rather than literally.
7)I think it is absolutely hilarious what he is doing and through his sense of humour he is also revealing truth.
8)He has helped me prove why I believe the bible is a piece of poetry using metaphors rather than a guideline you should live your live by.
9)
1) Name of presenter.
2)Title of presentation.
3)Topic.
4)Go to the "About this talk" section. Paraphrase what it says.
5)Go to "About presenter"-Take a few biographical notes on the presenter.
6) What is the main point/thesis the presenter is making about the topic?
7)Why are you excited about this particular TED Talk?
8)How has the presenter changed the way you view his/her topic?
9)What is the one image or idea you will take away from this talk?
10)Choose one single word that best describes this talk.
1)JR.
2)Use art to turn the world inside out
3)How he uses his art to try to change the world
4)A semi-anonymous French street artist,called JR., uses his camera to show the world its true face, by pasting photos of the human face across massive canvases. At TED2011, he makes his audacious TED Prize wish: to use art to turn the world inside out.
5)Semi-anonymous french artist. Uses a 28 mm camera to take portraits of people that match his project concept, blows them up and pastes them on various buildings around a city in which there is an issue surrounding the community.
6)Jr is over-viewing the various projects he has already completed and is asking the audience to help partake in trying to resolve issues among a community. He is also asking people to participate in his Inside-Out project.
7)I am excited about this particular talk because I am a photographer as well and becoming a photo-journalist is one of my aspirations in life. I have also always been fascinated with street artists and their view of the world.
8)He has given me a wider perspective on street art, how powerful it can be and how it can change the world.
9)The inspiration to possibly use my photography to do something similar to JR's work.10)Monumental
1)Charles Limb
2)Your Brain On Improv
3)How the brain works during musical improvisation
4)Charles Kimb put jazz musicians and rappers in an fMRI to find out how their brains work on improvisation. What he and his team found has deep implications for our understanding of creativity of all kinds.
5)On Charles Limb's official website he has two titles: Associate Professor, Otolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery, and Faculty, Peabody Conservatory of Music. With these titles he intertwines his two passions to study the way the brain creates and perceives music. He's a hearing specialist and surgeon at Johns Hopkins who performs cochlear implantations on patients who have lost their hearing. He plays sax, piano and bass too.
6)He's showing his audience his research done on musical improvisation and how the brain perceives things when using improvisation. He also states that music could actually be a language of it's own.
7)I'm excited about this talk because like most people, I absolutely love music. I play bass and guitar and it is ground breaking that music being a language of it's own may be proved. I also am a fan of hip-hop and I like that he included hip-hop artist freestyling and how their brains work while they freestyle.
8)It has given me an even greater appreciation for music and science.
9)One idea that I take away from this talk is that one day people will have the ability to communicate solely through musical instruments.
10)Creativity
1)Julian Assange
2)Why the World Needs Wikileaks
3)Assange talks about Wikileaks, how the site operates and what drives them forward to continue releasing information to the world.
4)Founder Julian Assange, talks to TED's Chris Anderson about how the site operates, what it has accomplished, and why he still continues to pursue it. This talk also includes graphic footage of a recent US air strike in Baghdad.
5)Australian. Studied Physics and Mathematics at the University of Melbourne.Amnesty International recognized him with an International Media Award in 2009.
6)Julian Assange talks about how Wikileaks will continue to release information to the world as-long as they have good reason to do so.
7)I'm excited about this particular talk because I can see myself doing similar work in the future and bringing controversial information to the people as truthfully as possible.
8)It hasn't, because I have always felt the same way about authorities hiding information from it's citizens. I don't think it's right and I have even more support for this group after viewing this talk.
9)
10)Genuine
James Nachtway's searing photos of war -I didn't follow criteria for this one.
1)This particular piece is a TED talk by James Nachtway's where he speaks about his career as a photo-journalist and hows he has made impact and would like to continue to do so.
2)This piece is being presented with a speech by James Nachtway and some of his most famous and impacting photos he has taken over the years.
3)This takes on the perspective of a photographer who has dedicated his time and life into his medium and trying to make a difference in the world.
4)I believe it is a very convincing piece and really puts what I want to do with my photography into perspective and motivates me to keep on working towards making a change in the world.
5)Before finding this piece, I had no knowledge of who James Nachtway was and now he has become one of my favorite photographers.
6)It really affected me because it helped me decide what I really want to create with my photography and become from photography.
7)It was very interesting to see all of his personal work and how he had a story for each image. Also just knowing all of the positions he put himself into to capture the truth and share it with other people is truly amazing.
8)In my opinion, yes, it is very worth while, but it really depends on what you are interested in and what you want to do with your time on earth.
9)A solution he gave to show the world what war truly is, was to keep on supporting him in his journies and to continue the subject of photojournalism. " I have been a witness, and these pictures are my testimony. The events I have recorded should not be forgotten and must not be repeated"- James Nachtwey
1)This particular piece is a TED talk by James Nachtway's where he speaks about his career as a photo-journalist and hows he has made impact and would like to continue to do so.
2)This piece is being presented with a speech by James Nachtway and some of his most famous and impacting photos he has taken over the years.
3)This takes on the perspective of a photographer who has dedicated his time and life into his medium and trying to make a difference in the world.
4)I believe it is a very convincing piece and really puts what I want to do with my photography into perspective and motivates me to keep on working towards making a change in the world.
5)Before finding this piece, I had no knowledge of who James Nachtway was and now he has become one of my favorite photographers.
6)It really affected me because it helped me decide what I really want to create with my photography and become from photography.
7)It was very interesting to see all of his personal work and how he had a story for each image. Also just knowing all of the positions he put himself into to capture the truth and share it with other people is truly amazing.
8)In my opinion, yes, it is very worth while, but it really depends on what you are interested in and what you want to do with your time on earth.
9)A solution he gave to show the world what war truly is, was to keep on supporting him in his journies and to continue the subject of photojournalism. " I have been a witness, and these pictures are my testimony. The events I have recorded should not be forgotten and must not be repeated"- James Nachtwey
1)Bart Weejens
2)How I taught rats to sniff out landmines
3)Bart Weejens talks about how he has developed a much more safe way to find landmines by using rats to sniff them out. He also talks about his newest project in which he is using rats to possibly cure tuberculosis
4) Bart Weetjens talks about his extraordinary project: training rats to sniff out land mines. He shows clips of his "hero rats" in action, and previews his work's next phase: teaching them to turn up tuberculosis in the lab.
5)Bart Weetjens works with locals in Morogoro, Tanzania to run a world-class facility that trains rats to sniff out land- mines.
6)How what most people call a disgusting rodent can be very useful and help solve global issues.
7)I just think it's really interesting and have always been interested in the capability of animals other than humans.
8)I have learnt that rats are insanely awesome!
9)
1)A.J Jacobs
2)Year of Living Biblically
3)A.J Jacob's shares his experience of living an entire year biblically and how ridiculous it became at some points.
4)A.J. Jacobs talks about the year he spent living biblically . Following the rules in the Bible as literally as possible.
5)Author of "The Know it All" and various other books. He is a author and journalist and often uses himself as a guinea pig to discover things.
6)I believe the main point he was making is that it is almost impossible to live through the bible and some things in the bible are meant to be taken metaphorically rather than literally.
7)I think it is absolutely hilarious what he is doing and through his sense of humour he is also revealing truth.
8)He has helped me prove why I believe the bible is a piece of poetry using metaphors rather than a guideline you should live your live by.
9)
110)Comical
1)Chris Jordan
2)Some shocking stats
3) Shares his artwork that calculates how much of one thing North Americans use or do in a year.
4)Chris Jordan shows us an arresting view of what Western culture looks like. His supersized images picture some almost unimaginable statistics. An example of this would be how many paper cups we use in one year.
5)Photographer Chris Jordan focuses on American consumption. His 2003-05 series "Intolerable Beauty" examines the sheer amount of stuff we make and consume every day: cliffs of baled scrap, small cities of shipping containers, endless grids of mass-produced goods.
His 2005 book In Katrina's Wake: Portraits of Loss from an Unnatural Disaster is a chilling, unflinching look at the toll of the storm. And his latest series of photographs, "Running the Numbers," gives dramatic life to statistics of US consumption.
6)The main point of this talk is to show how much we Westerners waste. He does this through eye-catching art pieces.
7)I'm not really excited about it, but it is very informing and hopefully we can change before it is too late.
8)I have always been enviromentally aware, but this talk has really brought how much as a culture we waste.
9)The image of the plastic cups really stuck to me because it was very artistic and there was an enormous amount of plastic cups being displayed.
10)Numbers
1)Jody Williams
2) A realistic vision for peace
3Jody shares what she believes is a realistic vision of peace and how we need to redefine our security in this world. It is okay to have defense, but not to the point where every country is arming themselves as much as possible.
4)Jody Williams brings tough love to the dream of world peace, with her take on what "peace" really means, and a set of profound stories that zero in on the creative struggle -- and sacrifice -- of those who work for it.
5)Civil-rights and peace activist Jody Williams, received the nobel peace prize in 1997 as the chief strategist of the International Campaign to Ban Landmines, which established the first global treaty banning antipersonnel mines.
6)That peace can be obtained, not through being a complete pacifist and having a somewhat unrealisitic utopia of what the world should be, but through being reasonable and working together for the better of all earthlings.
7)I'm very excited about this talk because it is one of the first ideas of world peace that may actually work.
8)Democracy is not just having the ability of voting, but also becoming an active citizen. I really liked this view of what democracy should be and I think I should become more involved in my community now.
9)The idea that one day world peace will be obtained
10)Sensible
1)Jonathan Klein
2)Photos that changed the world
3)How one image can help change the world.
4)Photographs can make history. Jonathan Klein of Getty Images shows some of the most iconic photographs, and talks about what happens when a generation sees an image so powerful it can't look away.
5)Getty Images Co-founder.He led it during its aggressive archive acquisition campaign through the '90s and now in the 2000s, adding to its formidable collection of editorial photos, footage and music. He is also the CEO of Getty Images.
6)The main point Jonathan is making is that photographs can and have been known to spark ideas and create change in the world.
7)I am excited about this particular talk because I myself would like to be a photo-journalist and am hoping to one day have an image that creates global change.
8)9)He has made me think more about the fact that one day, if I stay persistent with photography and dedicate myself to capturing the truth, I could be the photographer of one of these images.
10)Inspirational
1)Adam Sadowsky
2)A Viral Music Video
3)Adam speaks about how he and the band OK Go created a Rube Goldberg machine for their music video, "This Too Shall Pass".
4)Adam Sadowsky's team was charged with building the Rube Goldberg machine for the band OK Go. He tells the story of the effort and engineering behind their labyrinthine creation that quickly became a YouTube sensation.
5)President of Synn Labs. He is also the co-founder and vice president of the IBD Foundation providing support to people with Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis.
6)The difficulty and guidelines of creating this machine
7)I have seen the music video and before this video I didn't have knowledge of all the work that was put into it. It is an amazing music video and is completely awesome.
8)Well I really didn't know of all the work that was put into the project before-hand and after watching the talk, it makes me realize how amazing it actually is.
9)I have the idea of making a Rube Goldberg machine one day.
10)
1)Chris Jordan
2)Some shocking stats
3) Shares his artwork that calculates how much of one thing North Americans use or do in a year.
4)Chris Jordan shows us an arresting view of what Western culture looks like. His supersized images picture some almost unimaginable statistics. An example of this would be how many paper cups we use in one year.
5)Photographer Chris Jordan focuses on American consumption. His 2003-05 series "Intolerable Beauty" examines the sheer amount of stuff we make and consume every day: cliffs of baled scrap, small cities of shipping containers, endless grids of mass-produced goods.
His 2005 book In Katrina's Wake: Portraits of Loss from an Unnatural Disaster is a chilling, unflinching look at the toll of the storm. And his latest series of photographs, "Running the Numbers," gives dramatic life to statistics of US consumption.
6)The main point of this talk is to show how much we Westerners waste. He does this through eye-catching art pieces.
7)I'm not really excited about it, but it is very informing and hopefully we can change before it is too late.
8)I have always been enviromentally aware, but this talk has really brought how much as a culture we waste.
9)The image of the plastic cups really stuck to me because it was very artistic and there was an enormous amount of plastic cups being displayed.
10)Numbers
1)Jody Williams
2) A realistic vision for peace
3Jody shares what she believes is a realistic vision of peace and how we need to redefine our security in this world. It is okay to have defense, but not to the point where every country is arming themselves as much as possible.
4)Jody Williams brings tough love to the dream of world peace, with her take on what "peace" really means, and a set of profound stories that zero in on the creative struggle -- and sacrifice -- of those who work for it.
5)Civil-rights and peace activist Jody Williams, received the nobel peace prize in 1997 as the chief strategist of the International Campaign to Ban Landmines, which established the first global treaty banning antipersonnel mines.
6)That peace can be obtained, not through being a complete pacifist and having a somewhat unrealisitic utopia of what the world should be, but through being reasonable and working together for the better of all earthlings.
7)I'm very excited about this talk because it is one of the first ideas of world peace that may actually work.
8)Democracy is not just having the ability of voting, but also becoming an active citizen. I really liked this view of what democracy should be and I think I should become more involved in my community now.
9)The idea that one day world peace will be obtained
10)Sensible
1)Jonathan Klein
2)Photos that changed the world
3)How one image can help change the world.
4)Photographs can make history. Jonathan Klein of Getty Images shows some of the most iconic photographs, and talks about what happens when a generation sees an image so powerful it can't look away.
5)Getty Images Co-founder.He led it during its aggressive archive acquisition campaign through the '90s and now in the 2000s, adding to its formidable collection of editorial photos, footage and music. He is also the CEO of Getty Images.
6)The main point Jonathan is making is that photographs can and have been known to spark ideas and create change in the world.
7)I am excited about this particular talk because I myself would like to be a photo-journalist and am hoping to one day have an image that creates global change.
8)9)He has made me think more about the fact that one day, if I stay persistent with photography and dedicate myself to capturing the truth, I could be the photographer of one of these images.
10)Inspirational
1)Adam Sadowsky
2)A Viral Music Video
3)Adam speaks about how he and the band OK Go created a Rube Goldberg machine for their music video, "This Too Shall Pass".
4)Adam Sadowsky's team was charged with building the Rube Goldberg machine for the band OK Go. He tells the story of the effort and engineering behind their labyrinthine creation that quickly became a YouTube sensation.
5)President of Synn Labs. He is also the co-founder and vice president of the IBD Foundation providing support to people with Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis.
6)The difficulty and guidelines of creating this machine
7)I have seen the music video and before this video I didn't have knowledge of all the work that was put into it. It is an amazing music video and is completely awesome.
8)Well I really didn't know of all the work that was put into the project before-hand and after watching the talk, it makes me realize how amazing it actually is.
9)I have the idea of making a Rube Goldberg machine one day.
10)
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