http://www.liu.edu/cwis/cwp/library/workshop/citapa.htm
http://www.liu.edu/cwis/cwp/library/workshop/citmla.htm
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Monday, November 17, 2008
Slaughterhouse Five, Oh No!
I' sure i'm not the only one who thinks this but, the book and the movie were extemely hard to follow! Of, course the movie was better because it gave us a visual helping hand, yet it still did not help me understand what it the heck was going on! I think because Billy was always "time tripping" and it kept going from the past to the present to the future, it made it too complex to understand. The only thing that I did understand, and the book had made it clearer, is that Billy seemed like an extremely weak person. He had always let people take advantage of him and always seemed to be a reserved person. However, with Billy's possesion of characteristics like that, I really do not understand how he was so successful. Was it only because he married into a rich family? Another aspect of this story that confused me was the whole alien abduction. That part I could not even understand, and i'm still pretty much in the dark about it! It may sound like im dissing the novel and its movie, but I honestly could not grasp the concept of it. I think this was by far the most difficult story I have studied, but I am hoping that it will eventually clear up for me and any others that seem to be struggling as well.
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Slaughterhouse-five
I don't favor the movie or book one more than the other. I think the book was confusing to read but it was more interesting than the movie. The movie was helpful in that it was a visual therefore some of the events that happened in the book were easier to understand when watching them. In the movie, when Billy was going in and out of Tralfamador it seemed extremely unrealistic where as in the book I was able to create my own picture of what it would be like. Overall, I'm not quite sure how I feel about the meaning of the book or movie. Sometimes it takes a second time around to truley understand the full message of either.
Slaughter House Five
After watching the movie Slaughter House Five that followed our reading of the text I felt that the two had similarities and differences. The movie I felt did not go into as much detail that you could grasp out of the book where as reading the text you were able to sort of be in the mind of Billy Pilgrim. With this, I was able to paint a picture in my head of what I thought the characters were, what they looked and acted like and then after watching the movie my image of those characters and of Billy were very different.
I felt that overall I did not take in alot from the reading or the film. I wasnt sure of the purpose or meaning behind either one. Maybe because I couldnt relate, or maybe I just wasnt interested in the overall story, maybe both.
I felt that overall I did not take in alot from the reading or the film. I wasnt sure of the purpose or meaning behind either one. Maybe because I couldnt relate, or maybe I just wasnt interested in the overall story, maybe both.
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Slaughterhouse-Five (comment copied & pasted as a new post)
The film definitely ignored certain aspects of the Billy's understanding of his special place in the world. He claims in the book that he didn't want to tell anyone about his time & space travel before his accident because the timing wasn't right. This is simply ignored in the film, because he is abducted after his wife's death.
This also removes that seeming contradiction that he never cheated on his wife but once, on the washing machine at a party, & was caught. Even if he travelled through a portal to Tralfamador & lived in a different crease in time, one that could be experienced by him as years & his family or whoever as only minutes back on earth, this would still seem pretty clearly to consist of infidelity. Therefore, his claims would be contradictory, posing a more interesting problem relative to his sanity & possible brain damage after the plane crash.
This reminds of that Robert Cormier book, _I Am the Cheese_, which I read in ninth grade or so. The kid is obviously suffering from various mental & psychological confusions & disconnected memories, as well as mind-altering influences (drugs, electric shock, something like that). This adds a rich layer of meaning to the stories woven throughout _Slaughterhouse-Five_, and presents a puzzle--Pilgrim's sanity--which leads to a problem: an individual's inability to come to terms with reality after his experiences in WWII, & especially surviving the Dresden bombing. & adding to his seeming narcosis, paralysis, or whatever his sleepwalking through life is in the novel--interrupted momentarily by the very real & naked nervous breakdown he had--is his wife's sudden death & his son's conversion to war hero. What could this image of his son mean to Billy, considering what he had seen of war?
The movie, on the other hand, seems to offer us only a man disconnected from reality, very clearly constructing a more pleasant version to counter the horrors of his wartime experiences. This "mental divergence" is definitely one way to read the novel's protagonist, but provides only a fraction of its intricacies.
This also removes that seeming contradiction that he never cheated on his wife but once, on the washing machine at a party, & was caught. Even if he travelled through a portal to Tralfamador & lived in a different crease in time, one that could be experienced by him as years & his family or whoever as only minutes back on earth, this would still seem pretty clearly to consist of infidelity. Therefore, his claims would be contradictory, posing a more interesting problem relative to his sanity & possible brain damage after the plane crash.
This reminds of that Robert Cormier book, _I Am the Cheese_, which I read in ninth grade or so. The kid is obviously suffering from various mental & psychological confusions & disconnected memories, as well as mind-altering influences (drugs, electric shock, something like that). This adds a rich layer of meaning to the stories woven throughout _Slaughterhouse-Five_, and presents a puzzle--Pilgrim's sanity--which leads to a problem: an individual's inability to come to terms with reality after his experiences in WWII, & especially surviving the Dresden bombing. & adding to his seeming narcosis, paralysis, or whatever his sleepwalking through life is in the novel--interrupted momentarily by the very real & naked nervous breakdown he had--is his wife's sudden death & his son's conversion to war hero. What could this image of his son mean to Billy, considering what he had seen of war?
The movie, on the other hand, seems to offer us only a man disconnected from reality, very clearly constructing a more pleasant version to counter the horrors of his wartime experiences. This "mental divergence" is definitely one way to read the novel's protagonist, but provides only a fraction of its intricacies.
Friday, November 14, 2008
Slaughterhouse-Five: Movie vs. Book
I did not care much for the movie or the book. I think this story was scattered and hard to follow. I like to read books that I can follow and I can get something out of it. I did not see no point in this book. There was no lesson taught so I did not find this book interesting.
If I had to choose that one that I preferred it would be the book. If you watched the movie without reading the book then you would not understand what is taking place. Also the book contained some elements that the movie did not contain. For instance, in the book the first chapter was all about the author so you knew where the book was coming from. This part was not in the movie. Also in the book they put more emphasis on the aliens and I believed the movie should of focused more on them. The aliens was a great way for Billy to escape his reality. Therefore the aliens should of been more included in the movie.
So I would recommend people to read the novel before they watch the movie. You probably will be disappointed with the movie if you do it in this order but you will better understand the movie if you read the novel first.
If I had to choose that one that I preferred it would be the book. If you watched the movie without reading the book then you would not understand what is taking place. Also the book contained some elements that the movie did not contain. For instance, in the book the first chapter was all about the author so you knew where the book was coming from. This part was not in the movie. Also in the book they put more emphasis on the aliens and I believed the movie should of focused more on them. The aliens was a great way for Billy to escape his reality. Therefore the aliens should of been more included in the movie.
So I would recommend people to read the novel before they watch the movie. You probably will be disappointed with the movie if you do it in this order but you will better understand the movie if you read the novel first.
What's the World Coming to
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081114/ap_on_re_as/as_afghanistan_acid_attack
This is insane...Innocent people are being burnt with acid for no apparant reason. I couldn't imagive living in a place where I had to fear for my life everyday because people might do hideous crimes against one another. We often complain about the wolrd we are living in but just imagine what these people have to go through everyday. Often, we are quick to complain about our lives because we're just simply having a bad day or we want those new shoes that we just can't afford. To me, this pales in comparison to knowing you could potentially die for simply wearing makeup out in public in these countries. And, having to be accompanied by a man everytime they step foot out of the house...these women have no independence. For once I would like to see everyone treated with respect because I guarantee if the tables were turned, it would take on a whole new perspective and I'm guessing they wouldn't appreciate it either.
This is insane...Innocent people are being burnt with acid for no apparant reason. I couldn't imagive living in a place where I had to fear for my life everyday because people might do hideous crimes against one another. We often complain about the wolrd we are living in but just imagine what these people have to go through everyday. Often, we are quick to complain about our lives because we're just simply having a bad day or we want those new shoes that we just can't afford. To me, this pales in comparison to knowing you could potentially die for simply wearing makeup out in public in these countries. And, having to be accompanied by a man everytime they step foot out of the house...these women have no independence. For once I would like to see everyone treated with respect because I guarantee if the tables were turned, it would take on a whole new perspective and I'm guessing they wouldn't appreciate it either.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
reply to kerry
I agree with you Kerry. Books are of much more substance than movies and your right, you put yourself( well at least I do) in the book and go through the motions with that character. I picture what they look like and act like. In a movie it is often a dissapointment to me to find that the characters that I had pictured, are not like that at all. It is the same thing I suppose as hearing a song on the radio and yet when I watch the video and put the faces to the songs, your either dissapointed or thrilled. Somehow, the message of the song isn't the same as it was just hearing it, either good or bad.
I did however for some reason like the movie! I didn't think it was horrible but the acting could have been better. I think I pictured Billy in that way all along, the wife, I had her all wrong!!!!!!
I did however for some reason like the movie! I didn't think it was horrible but the acting could have been better. I think I pictured Billy in that way all along, the wife, I had her all wrong!!!!!!
Perspective vs Reality
I looked at this book and the movie in a different way. Both the book and the movie had a message to the people and to those that have read it. I think that the unknown place of Tralfamador was created in a time of desperation. It stated in the book and in the movie that Tralfamador was a place of just is. It just is this way and nothing can be done to change that fact. It just is so accept it. They always conveyed to Billy to treat things as good and ignore the bad that way you can get back to reality. If you just think positive, things will get better.
Billy created this planet as a way to escape the horror that he saw in Dresden. He saw and did so much and yet never had an answer of why Dresden ever occured. I think he was searching for a way to explain to himself what happened and why it occured. Only he found that he just had to accept it and that it just was that way. He created this as a way to gain perspective and in order for him to make sense out of things. He was looking for a way to be happy and knew that he had to get rid of those memories in order to move on. Was he crazy? Was he brain damaged? Well, that we never really truly find out, but we can say that he was trying to sway from reality and trying to understand why he was this way.
The character Kilgore Trout was mentioned in the book and was central to the story. However, I don't recall him being mentioned in the movie at all.
Billy created this planet as a way to escape the horror that he saw in Dresden. He saw and did so much and yet never had an answer of why Dresden ever occured. I think he was searching for a way to explain to himself what happened and why it occured. Only he found that he just had to accept it and that it just was that way. He created this as a way to gain perspective and in order for him to make sense out of things. He was looking for a way to be happy and knew that he had to get rid of those memories in order to move on. Was he crazy? Was he brain damaged? Well, that we never really truly find out, but we can say that he was trying to sway from reality and trying to understand why he was this way.
The character Kilgore Trout was mentioned in the book and was central to the story. However, I don't recall him being mentioned in the movie at all.
ramble on
In order for a comparison to take place between a book and a movie, it necessary to understand the roles of each. In the same way that one cannot compare a house and a memory without first understanding the tangibility of each, books and movies deserve that respect (forgive my inadequate simile).
Movies show us stories. While provoking at times, they are what they are. The characters are in front of us, the plot is as follows, and the ending is shown by crediting everyone who was part of creating the visual and auditory events previous. Allusions can be made but the mental image is already partially formed. It is difficult for movies show, in depth, the inner struggles and thought processes of characters. A good movie will either portray these things in detail or leave them out entirely leaving the viewer to his/her own devices.
Books give us stories. A good book should promote thought and insight into an infinite chain of knowledge with levels that reach as far as the mind's eye can see. A good book will take you on a journey that doesn't end when the book does. Each reader has a completely different experience that no other person will ever fully comprehend. It is personal. A good book should also leave you desiring more knowledge. Thoughts about meaningless information from the story should pop into your head while you're trying to accomplish some other necessity of life. It should make you question and wonder. It should lead you to something new, something you've never thought of before. It should interest you in things that you never knew you were interested in. It should leave you needing more. The creation of the story you experience can be credited to only you and, in part, the author.
I don't think that Slaughterhouse-Five is a great book. It's a decent book. It certainly did lead me to relatively unexplored realms of thought and, as always, war happenings fascinate my unworldly, pacifistic mind. I feel inclined to believe that the author's choice for point of view was entirely used as a method of detachment. I believe that Vonnegut's preface (if i can call it that)was to convey the difficulty of re-experiencing Dresden without actually having to do so. To me, the appeal of the book lies in the management of the telling of the attack on Dresden (if that makes any sense). Perhaps it's just my inner philosophical anthropologist speaking. Maybe it's my way of making a relatively dull story mean something. The movie, on the other hand, was atrocious (though maybe a little amusing at times). The movie made the events of the story visible to the audience at the expense of leaving out every bit of substance that the book had to offer.
Well, I should probably be kicked off the site for insane rambling, but if anyone gets any tiny little fleck of anything from my rambling then I've done my job. However, it just is what it is, what it has always been and what it will always be.
Movies show us stories. While provoking at times, they are what they are. The characters are in front of us, the plot is as follows, and the ending is shown by crediting everyone who was part of creating the visual and auditory events previous. Allusions can be made but the mental image is already partially formed. It is difficult for movies show, in depth, the inner struggles and thought processes of characters. A good movie will either portray these things in detail or leave them out entirely leaving the viewer to his/her own devices.
Books give us stories. A good book should promote thought and insight into an infinite chain of knowledge with levels that reach as far as the mind's eye can see. A good book will take you on a journey that doesn't end when the book does. Each reader has a completely different experience that no other person will ever fully comprehend. It is personal. A good book should also leave you desiring more knowledge. Thoughts about meaningless information from the story should pop into your head while you're trying to accomplish some other necessity of life. It should make you question and wonder. It should lead you to something new, something you've never thought of before. It should interest you in things that you never knew you were interested in. It should leave you needing more. The creation of the story you experience can be credited to only you and, in part, the author.
I don't think that Slaughterhouse-Five is a great book. It's a decent book. It certainly did lead me to relatively unexplored realms of thought and, as always, war happenings fascinate my unworldly, pacifistic mind. I feel inclined to believe that the author's choice for point of view was entirely used as a method of detachment. I believe that Vonnegut's preface (if i can call it that)was to convey the difficulty of re-experiencing Dresden without actually having to do so. To me, the appeal of the book lies in the management of the telling of the attack on Dresden (if that makes any sense). Perhaps it's just my inner philosophical anthropologist speaking. Maybe it's my way of making a relatively dull story mean something. The movie, on the other hand, was atrocious (though maybe a little amusing at times). The movie made the events of the story visible to the audience at the expense of leaving out every bit of substance that the book had to offer.
Well, I should probably be kicked off the site for insane rambling, but if anyone gets any tiny little fleck of anything from my rambling then I've done my job. However, it just is what it is, what it has always been and what it will always be.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
comparison between movie and book
i had read the book first, it was alot more detailed than the movie. personally i didnt like the movie the characters didnt match up to what the book said they were or maybe i just imagined them different.Where was Billy?Was he suppose to be on a different planet or earth or did he have post traumatic stress syndrome or brain damage. There were missing scenes from the movie and the order of events didnt happen like that. Some scenes were more detailed in the movie and talked very little about in the book. In the movie you coudn't figure out what was suppose to be reality and what wasn't. if i had to i would not watch the movie
movie vs. book
I personally liked the movie, seeing how I only read up to chapter four. After seeing a majority of the movie and hearing others talk about it I kind of want to finish the book. When I read the book I did not really like it because it was so random to me, so it was hard for me to get interested and want to keep reading. I guess, I personally did not the book or the movie when all is said and done.
Schlachthof-fünf--English 204
So, here's the blog site.
Add one original post and comment on two posts.
I will add another post and comment, as well.
Have fun!
Oh, and if you want to look stuff up online, some connections you find, or other people's opinions of the book or movie, feel free to include those links in your post or comments, as well.
Add one original post and comment on two posts.
I will add another post and comment, as well.
Have fun!
Oh, and if you want to look stuff up online, some connections you find, or other people's opinions of the book or movie, feel free to include those links in your post or comments, as well.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Women in Combat
After watching this viedo, I became absolutely furious knowing that women are not allowed to be out on the lines in Iraq. If women are over there that are willing to fight for their country and help put an end to this war, then they should have every right to be down on the lines with proper training. Women have been put into mechanic work only and then a day later they are put out in war, in the middle of a battle with no idea of what to do and what is going on. Women are out in battle probably right now, with no idea how to use a gun or how to help out others if they need it. It is pretty sad that still to this day, society still has a problem with women serving their country. They are just trying to do what they feel is right and still they are put to shame!
The New York Times- Op-Ed: Women in Combat
http://video.nytimes.com/video/2008/11/11/opinion/1194832614436/op-ed-women-in-combat.html?hp
The New York Times- Op-Ed: Women in Combat
http://video.nytimes.com/video/2008/11/11/opinion/1194832614436/op-ed-women-in-combat.html?hp
Monday, November 10, 2008
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/10/us/10protest.html?ref=us
It was interesting to know that some churches support gay marriages since most believe that it is a sin. i personally believe everyone has the right to be what ever they want and if people were not supposed to be gay then there would never be ways to be gay. Sorry if thats hard to follow. I just think as long as they do not try forcing it on straight people what right do we have to ban them from doing it. yes it is hard to accept but the world would be boring if we were all the same plus the world is over populated as it is so maybe in a way they are helping us.
It was interesting to know that some churches support gay marriages since most believe that it is a sin. i personally believe everyone has the right to be what ever they want and if people were not supposed to be gay then there would never be ways to be gay. Sorry if thats hard to follow. I just think as long as they do not try forcing it on straight people what right do we have to ban them from doing it. yes it is hard to accept but the world would be boring if we were all the same plus the world is over populated as it is so maybe in a way they are helping us.
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Socialistic Country
http://predictionsfortheus.wordpress.com/2008/11/09/us-ready-to-become-a-socialistic-country/ After reading this I thought about how many people get money from the government who are fully capable of working. There are several people on welfare, assisted living programs that can get out and get a job who can afford to live on their own but refuse to. Dont get me wrong I do believe that the goverment should care for those who need the help such as the disabled, elderly that are retired, people who truley cannot take care of themselves, but not for the ones who cheat the goverment. Since Obama getting elected he wants to lower this limit making it easier for people to get help from the goverment. The more people that are getting help from the goverment the more money that is coming out of the pockets of the people who are working for a living. Obama is trying to add change to this country that is going to be good, but trying to lower the limit for goverment help is a bad idea. Maybe I am looking at it all wrong. I will looking forward to see what everyone else has to say.
Obama
I was really happy when i heard that Obama had won the election. The fact that this election was the biggest election in history means alot. After reading an article about Obame keeping his promise to cut taxes, I remembered that i had heard that he had wanted to increase taxes. Is this true? Taxes are already high enough. Our economy sucks as it is right now. If he doesn't cut taxes, what do you think people are going to think? Will they think we have an unfaithful president or will he cut taxes and fulfill his promise? I guess we will just have to wait and see.
http://www.usnews.com/blogs/john-farrell/2008/11/6/barack-obama-needs-to-cut-taxes-as-he-promised.html
http://www.usnews.com/blogs/john-farrell/2008/11/6/barack-obama-needs-to-cut-taxes-as-he-promised.html
YEA OBAMA!!!!!
The feeling I got when all the votes were in on election night was undescribale. When I saw the look on the thousands of faces in the crowd in Chicago that night, it brought a sense of emotion to my mind. One story that was told was about one spokesman saying how he wish his mother and father could see this day. And as for i bet, thousands of others, cause it was a day of celebration for most African Americans. It's not in just the case about race, I think it was more of a celebration of unity for everyone. And it is time for a change...and to the people that aren't ready for that change, well then so long to the future for you. One thing I do not get is how people can be so closed minded, hello people it's 2008!!!! Yes, it may have been different 20 years ago, and yet even 10 years ago but we are living for today. And in today's society there is no predicting the future at all. While watching the late news cast on election night, I found a significance in a poster that was posted on the wall of worthy Obama voter...It said "Rosa sat so Martin could walk, so Obama could run, so our children can fly", in seeing this it gave me a sense of inspiration. Because in this saying it is true, it is all about going from the bottom and working your way up. Not always, is it that the good things are always handed to you, and this being just that. Everyone is looking for a better future for their children, and that is what this is all about, the fact that our children are our future so making the right decisions now will be beneficial for them.
But now on to my next opinion about this election. One thing i must say is people who did not vote and did not register have no reason to dictate or whine about Obama or what could have or should have happened. Not including the ones under 18 of course. But for real, whats the point in saying anything, because just that one vote could have made that bit of a difference. And that is a fact.
I found this very interesting.
http://pickabone.wordpress.com/2008/11/09/the-racist-anti-racists/
Although, I do not understand it either. Yes, people of other countires can have opinions, but this is more of an offense than an opinion. Color cannot remain an issue anymore!!
This too!!!
http://www.wicz.com/news2005/viewarticle.asp?a=7546
This is so cruel and unjustifiable! There is no reason for this, offending other people is not going to change what happened in the election. This couple did not deserve what had happened to them. And a cross burning? That just goes against all religion period. So you are not just offending African Americans but also every other race too.
Out with a bang!
YEAH OBAMA!!!!!!! :]
IT'S TIME FOR A CHANGE BABY!
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Technology
http://www.blogherald.com/2008/11/04/exploring-social-media-series/
After reading this article it made me start to think about how much our society has been effected from technology. How if we think back to when people had "party lines" were people would share a phone with a couple of families. How it has to changed to majoirty of peope walking around with cell phones as if they are a nessicity to life. What the future brings is very unpridictable based on how much will change. No one knows how much more technology will change our future.
After reading this article it made me start to think about how much our society has been effected from technology. How if we think back to when people had "party lines" were people would share a phone with a couple of families. How it has to changed to majoirty of peope walking around with cell phones as if they are a nessicity to life. What the future brings is very unpridictable based on how much will change. No one knows how much more technology will change our future.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Right or Wrong?
http://cupcakeexpress.wordpress.com/2008/11/07/a-very-interesting-video/I found this video someone put up on their blog. I was very disappointed after I watched it. I totally feel that the teacher in this video is So wrong! Some schools are letting the kids practice voting at a grade school level. think this is a wonderful way to get our youth to feel like they are involved and to let them know that their vote is and always will be very important.. The only problem is teachers like this one. I believe everyone has a right to their opinion but this teacher is way out of line on this one. She is supposed to be setting a good example for children. She tells the children it's OK to speak up and say if they were voting for McCain, but when these children do, she says " Oh Jesus John McCain" letting them know she was not happy. In my opinion she should have kept it to herself.. I would be furious if a teacher singled out my child just because he/she is speaking up for what they believe. My children participated in their school practice vote. They were very excited and felt like they were involved. Not once did anyone in that school make them feel ashamed for how they voted. They are just kids! I feel sorry for the little girl she speaks to who's father is in the military. To tell this little girl that her father will be in Iraq for another 100 years is just plain uncalled for!Let me know what you think....
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Political and Current Events in Blog - 102
Blogs abound. We read about candidates, movements, people disagree & splatter aspersion, aversion, & boundless affection. For this assignment, search around, find a blog (some major players in the blogosphere are hosted on places like:
http://blogspot.com
http://wordpress.com
http://www.livejournal.com/explore/
here’s a pretty funny & irreverent one. it’s not exactly rated “G,” though!
http://maruthecrankpot.blogspot.com/
Not all blogs, of course, are hosted on a blog service. Many plain old websites function as blogs.
http://www.dailykos.com/
here’s a site that lists a bunch of blogs:
http://technorati.com/
http://blogsofnote.blogspot.com/
Here’s an interesting thing:
http://blog.lib.umn.edu/blogosphere/
& another:
http://www.blogospherenews.com/
Read some of these, search for some more. Explore.
Find one of your own, and post the link here.
Put an opinion in your post.
Read each other’s linked sites.
Add comments on posts you like or dislike.
Add comments on comments.
and so on.
http://blogspot.com
http://wordpress.com
http://www.livejournal.com/explore/
here’s a pretty funny & irreverent one. it’s not exactly rated “G,” though!
http://maruthecrankpot.blogspot.com/
Not all blogs, of course, are hosted on a blog service. Many plain old websites function as blogs.
http://www.dailykos.com/
here’s a site that lists a bunch of blogs:
http://technorati.com/
http://blogsofnote.blogspot.com/
Here’s an interesting thing:
http://blog.lib.umn.edu/blogosphere/
& another:
http://www.blogospherenews.com/
Read some of these, search for some more. Explore.
Find one of your own, and post the link here.
Put an opinion in your post.
Read each other’s linked sites.
Add comments on posts you like or dislike.
Add comments on comments.
and so on.
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Harold and Maude
I had a difficult time finding decent essays to use for our Harold and Maude paper. I had a good idea of what I wanted to say about the movie, and chose an essay that seemed to agree with my point of view. What stood out the most to me in the movie and the essay was Maude's personality. At first she seemed like a crazy old lady. But as the movie progressed we find out that Maude has lived a full life filled with happiness and tragedy. She was a carefree spirit despite the atrocities she faced in her youth during the Holocaust. I wonder how it is possible for anyone to achieve any sort of happiness after living through such hell. I think that Maude chose her eightieth birthday to commit suicide with great care. Maude was not depressed, or mentally ill. Maude was asserting control over her life by choosing the time and place, rather than the unknown. She wanted to end her life under her own terms. The movie was done well in a creative and interesting manner.
Harold & Maude
I chose to respond to this essay because the author makes valuable points. He states that we are born into this world with the realization that "life is like a box of chocolates and it is hard to take it at face value." This is so true. Harold is lost in life at the beginning of this movie, but when he meets Maude she changes his whole outlook on life. She teaches him a countless number of things to do, learn, and to learn from, rather than focusing his life around death and performing his suicide acts. She introduces him to a new way of life. She is so full of life, and has no limitations to anything, being carefree and full of life and giving him what he never got from his mother-love and affection and life lessons.
www.123helpme.com/preview.asp?id=68772
www.123helpme.com/preview.asp?id=68772
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Harold & Maude
I chose this essay because I agree with every word that the author says. The author speaks of both the obvious and the not so obvious. “On the surface, Harold and Maude is a delightful black comedy, but if you delve deeper you will find a compelling story about life and death.” “…It is obvious that he grew up in a sterile, unloving environment,” the author of the essay states about Harold. As you watch this movie, it quickly becomes obvious that this young man has lacked attention throughout his entire life. He craves attention-which is why he performs these so-called “acts of suicide.” His father is not mentioned throughout the entire movie, so he obviously lacked a father-bonded relationship in life and his mother never seemed to pay him any mind at all.
Http://www.megaessays.com/viewpaper/86486.html
Http://www.megaessays.com/viewpaper/86486.html
Friday, October 17, 2008
My essay response
The writer of this essay claims that Harold is "lost in life" and "haunted by answerless questions." I don't think Harold is really lost. He seems to be able to remember where he lives and who is mother is, doesn't he? Harold is a smart young man, he just chooses to come off as a shy, up-to-no good kid. He acts this way because it is the only action that seems to get a reaction from his mother. That is why people say that Maude coming into his life was a good thing and that she may be a decent role model. The only reason people say that is because she's 80 so she must know something. Seems like one of the few things she knows is how to coheres a youngster. That's really scary. If I were Harold, I would have ran while I still had time. Rather, Harold visited with Maude, giving her the time of day. Of course Harold enjoyed her company, he had no one else. Harold's mother is beyond a control freak. She's worse than some other mother's that pick out their kid's clothes, pack their lunch, and tend to their every need as they were God's gift the earth. I feel that Harold was attracted to Maude instinctively because she is also an overbearing, obnoxious type of woman. Almost a mirror image of his mom. Because they both have some comparisons in characteristics, Harold finds it easy to fall for Maude. Maybe he thinks since she's so old, she will support him with a roof over his head and food to shove in his face. Although Maude demonstrated freedom towards Harold, and reminded him he can be whatever he'd like to be, I think she forgot how old Harold is. His mind is still fresh and young. Maude was more of a corruption to Harold rather than a positive influence.
http://www.oppapers.com/essays/Harold-Maude-Analysis/49362
http://www.oppapers.com/essays/Harold-Maude-Analysis/49362
Thursday, October 16, 2008
://www.echeat.com/essay.php?t=27048
In an essay on echeat.com, the author describes that the film entitled “Harold and Maude” is a film entirely about freedom. “The point of this movie is, be free with yourself, to try to show a little humor, and to poke fun at some of the things in our society that needs poking.” I agree with this because Harold definitely shows a side of himself where he does all of these random things and he does not really care whether people thinks he is weird or anything like that. Of course he never had any friends at all, except for Maude, but he really did not let it hurt him at all. If people just be free-minded, they may not have so many friends, but the friends that they do have will probably be all they need as friends. I, personally, try to be as free-minded as I possibly can. Although I have very few true friends that I know almost every little detail about that I can count on whenever I’m in need of assistance, it doesn’t really matter to me. The friends that I do have are my true friends that I will keep until my dying day. Harold is very happy to have Maude for a friend and doesn’t even let the fact that Maude is eighty and Harold is only around his teenage years get to him. Of course Harold was sad about never having any friends at first, but that was only before he met Maude. He is even reluctant to try to meet anyone else because he thinks Maude is all he needs. Whenever Harold’s mother tries to get him a date, he would fake a suicide to scare any girls away. If people are able to keep a free mind, it may not be the greatest experience in the world, but it will definitely have a positive impact as time passes by.
Angelas Harold and Maude
I chose this essay because the author conveys many of the same feelings and ideas that I took away from the movie. They talk about how Harold is detached from the world and how Maude taught him how to live. It was really hard for me to find full essays on the internet, most were only exerts from the essay.
“Maude asks why and Harold answers, "Because they're all alike". Maude then reacts emotionally saying "Oh, but they're not!” She explains to Harold that even though that these flowers seem alike they aren’t.” This was a very important point in the movie that the author points out in the essay. At this time Harold tells us that he believes everyone is alike. Maude corrects him and explains to him that they all have their own unique personalities. This shows that Maude has a real hunger and thirst for life, something that Harold is developing through spending time with her. I agree with the author when he/she talks about how Maude taught Harold how to live. She was spontaneous, lively, and not afraid to deviate from the norm of society.
“Harold’s mother in this movie represents society, her being a wealthy socialite herself, and pushes Howard to become more "normal" and there for less as an individual.” I agree with this fully. Harold’s mother was a firm believer that everyone should be normal and act the same. She tried to make Harold normal by buying him a new car and setting him up on blind dates. She couldn’t accept that Harold did not fit the mold that society had created for him.
I think Maude made Harold a free spirit. I believe that once Harold saw the numbers on Maude’s arm it helped him realize why she acted so freely. Maude conveys an important life lesson, “just live, be carefree, because life it too short not to be.”
http://www.megaessays.com/viewpaper/39009.html
“Maude asks why and Harold answers, "Because they're all alike". Maude then reacts emotionally saying "Oh, but they're not!” She explains to Harold that even though that these flowers seem alike they aren’t.” This was a very important point in the movie that the author points out in the essay. At this time Harold tells us that he believes everyone is alike. Maude corrects him and explains to him that they all have their own unique personalities. This shows that Maude has a real hunger and thirst for life, something that Harold is developing through spending time with her. I agree with the author when he/she talks about how Maude taught Harold how to live. She was spontaneous, lively, and not afraid to deviate from the norm of society.
“Harold’s mother in this movie represents society, her being a wealthy socialite herself, and pushes Howard to become more "normal" and there for less as an individual.” I agree with this fully. Harold’s mother was a firm believer that everyone should be normal and act the same. She tried to make Harold normal by buying him a new car and setting him up on blind dates. She couldn’t accept that Harold did not fit the mold that society had created for him.
I think Maude made Harold a free spirit. I believe that once Harold saw the numbers on Maude’s arm it helped him realize why she acted so freely. Maude conveys an important life lesson, “just live, be carefree, because life it too short not to be.”
http://www.megaessays.com/viewpaper/39009.html
Harold and Maude Response
http://oldschoolreviews.com/rev_70/harold_maude.htm
Hal Ashby talks about the movie ‘Harold and Maude’. He says that he loved Harold and Maude. He said that he generally agreed with Siskel and Ebert’s tastes in movies, but Ebert hated the movie. Ashby said that he was stunned to find this out, because he always thought that he had decent taste in films. In this review he tells about how this movie seemed to have one of the weirdest opening scenes ever. “It is where Bud Cort who played Harold slowly down the stairs, lights some candles, and then hangs himself!” He said that this made him think that Harold is either 1) faking this suicide. 2) Dreaming of this. 3) Or really committing suicide, and we are actually seeing some flashbacks. Harold seems to enjoy staging different suicides seeming to try and get his mother’s attention, he also enjoys going to other people’s funerals. We get the impression that Harold has given up on life whatsoever, he tells his psychiatrist that he has performed at least 15 different suicides.
Ashby then adds that at these funerals Harold begins noticing this 79 year old woman who is also seems to be attending all the same as him. She is different from everybody else, when everybody else is wearing black she wears light colors and takes off with other people’s cars. Ashby said that he believes that from the beginning they are destined to be together. Maude seems to act as Harold’s mentor in life. He adds this quote which I just loved, Maude asks Harold what his favorite kind of flower is, and he answers back with a daisy because they all look alike. Then Maude remarks that how each daisy is individual in its own way with different shapes, etc. I thought this movie was really good, also kind of very disturbing in parts but all and all a very good movie. I also agree with Hal Ashby’s review and how he does not really agree with what Roger Ebert thought of the movie.
Hal Ashby talks about the movie ‘Harold and Maude’. He says that he loved Harold and Maude. He said that he generally agreed with Siskel and Ebert’s tastes in movies, but Ebert hated the movie. Ashby said that he was stunned to find this out, because he always thought that he had decent taste in films. In this review he tells about how this movie seemed to have one of the weirdest opening scenes ever. “It is where Bud Cort who played Harold slowly down the stairs, lights some candles, and then hangs himself!” He said that this made him think that Harold is either 1) faking this suicide. 2) Dreaming of this. 3) Or really committing suicide, and we are actually seeing some flashbacks. Harold seems to enjoy staging different suicides seeming to try and get his mother’s attention, he also enjoys going to other people’s funerals. We get the impression that Harold has given up on life whatsoever, he tells his psychiatrist that he has performed at least 15 different suicides.
Ashby then adds that at these funerals Harold begins noticing this 79 year old woman who is also seems to be attending all the same as him. She is different from everybody else, when everybody else is wearing black she wears light colors and takes off with other people’s cars. Ashby said that he believes that from the beginning they are destined to be together. Maude seems to act as Harold’s mentor in life. He adds this quote which I just loved, Maude asks Harold what his favorite kind of flower is, and he answers back with a daisy because they all look alike. Then Maude remarks that how each daisy is individual in its own way with different shapes, etc. I thought this movie was really good, also kind of very disturbing in parts but all and all a very good movie. I also agree with Hal Ashby’s review and how he does not really agree with what Roger Ebert thought of the movie.
Harold and Maude, sitting in a tree.
http://movies.nytimes.com/movie/review?
res=990CE7DF1138EF34BC4951DFB467838A669EDE
Cory Ray
For an Article written in 1971, the one written in the NYTimes is surprisingly timeless in its critique of the movie “Harold and Maude”. Its acknowledgement of the taboo of the relationship is still a socially acceptable response to a relationship between a 19 year old and a 79 year old, even in 2008. Even the apathy behind the attempted suicides wasn’t as serious as I thought it might have been in 1971; even now, a lot of people don’t find the fake suicides all that funny, especially when they’re merely to shock his mother. A lot of people might take offense to that, apparently the writer didn’t take offense, but acknowledged the same chance as I did. The writer attends that the movie ‘pretends’ to be in favor of life, and is actually much more about life, however, I feel that due to the nature of the context of the death, I assume that the movie is actually about what role death takes in life, and how life is seen by some as a restriction, and some as an opportunity, and how death by some can be seen as an escape, and by some as a loss. I guess in effect, the movie is equally about life and death, and whether or not it is in a positive or negative effect, is irrelevant yet.
I haven’t found a lot of articles on the movie, I only found short synopses, and short blurbs of opinion, but nothing really in depth. The only arguing points I could find were about whether or not the movie was about life or death, or whether or not it was moral to have the type of relationship between Harold and Maude had, but as a video “poem”, as it seemed to be, its messages were very effective in telling a story about life, death and love.
http://www.echeat.com/essay.php?t=27048
Harold and Maude’s Freedom
The main theme in the film, Harold and Maude is freedom. They both desire freedom in their lives. The movie is trying to show people to enjoy what you have in life, to live everyday as best you can and to be happy with yourself. When Harold meets Maude at a funeral, they start hanging out and they realize that they have something in common, not that they both like funerals but that they need to have fun together.
The quote, “…Maude is free with other’s property, usually cars, is her way of telling people that they do not have a hold on things, that it is best to love it while it is there for it may not be tomorrow,” is very true. She normally steals people’s cars because she doesn’t care, and she wants other people to learn a lesson. She also wants to be happy. She also doesn’t let anything get in her way. If she wants to do something, she most likely will. On her 80th birthday she took some pills that would kill her. She thought 80 was old enough. She had lived a good life and wasn’t going to let even Harold stand in her way of doing what she wanted to do.
Harold is a very different person as well. “…so obsessed with death that he cannot focus on life. His obsession with death is illustrated in his repeated suicide acts.” This shows that he knows what he is doing, the suicides were very believable and mature. He knew what he was doing and when he did these, he was really just crying out for attention from his horrid mother. She really had no idea what was wrong with him and still tried to make him a different person by trying to find him a girl or put him the military. The movie was very enjoyable and goes to show that life is good, be happy and enjoy what you have now because you may not have it tomorrow.
The main theme in the film, Harold and Maude is freedom. They both desire freedom in their lives. The movie is trying to show people to enjoy what you have in life, to live everyday as best you can and to be happy with yourself. When Harold meets Maude at a funeral, they start hanging out and they realize that they have something in common, not that they both like funerals but that they need to have fun together.
The quote, “…Maude is free with other’s property, usually cars, is her way of telling people that they do not have a hold on things, that it is best to love it while it is there for it may not be tomorrow,” is very true. She normally steals people’s cars because she doesn’t care, and she wants other people to learn a lesson. She also wants to be happy. She also doesn’t let anything get in her way. If she wants to do something, she most likely will. On her 80th birthday she took some pills that would kill her. She thought 80 was old enough. She had lived a good life and wasn’t going to let even Harold stand in her way of doing what she wanted to do.
Harold is a very different person as well. “…so obsessed with death that he cannot focus on life. His obsession with death is illustrated in his repeated suicide acts.” This shows that he knows what he is doing, the suicides were very believable and mature. He knew what he was doing and when he did these, he was really just crying out for attention from his horrid mother. She really had no idea what was wrong with him and still tried to make him a different person by trying to find him a girl or put him the military. The movie was very enjoyable and goes to show that life is good, be happy and enjoy what you have now because you may not have it tomorrow.
Sorry Guys Continued-
www.layouth.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=Issue&action=IssueArticle&aid=1995&nid=69
I have no idea how to really do this, so just bear with me- I think I will just retype what I wrote in the comments: Although the writer of this essay, Samantha Sumampong was just 17 years old at the time she wrote it, I feel that she did and excellent job collaborating and understanding just what the original writers were trying to point out.
I have no idea how to really do this, so just bear with me- I think I will just retype what I wrote in the comments: Although the writer of this essay, Samantha Sumampong was just 17 years old at the time she wrote it, I feel that she did and excellent job collaborating and understanding just what the original writers were trying to point out.
The WayI Feel
http://www.angelfire.com/cantina/dame/fall02_two.html
I chose an eassy that talked about the movie Harold and Maude, that i feel strongly about in a positive way. The author mentions many things that I agree with. The author says " he cannot participate in dialouge becase he does not care about his life, has never comtemplated it, and take no join in it." I agree with this quote a lot because it proves in the movie that he doesnt care about his life, no one truly cares about him so why should one care about himself. When it says he has "no join in it," its true, a good percentage of the first half of the movie, it all about him trying to perform suicide. I believe that if someone enjoyed thier life they wouldnt try to kill themselves. In another paragraph the author says " I feel that is was experiencing Maude's life that made him choose to live, and that her death only confirmed for him that death was not the choice he wanted to make." I strongly agree with this quote because if death is what he truly wanted wouldnt he have mad it happen the night his true love killed her own self? I believe she had showed himt hat there are many reasons to live your life. She was an 80 year old woman who saw every reson to live and I believe that she had showed him all the reasons that life can be great.
I chose an eassy that talked about the movie Harold and Maude, that i feel strongly about in a positive way. The author mentions many things that I agree with. The author says " he cannot participate in dialouge becase he does not care about his life, has never comtemplated it, and take no join in it." I agree with this quote a lot because it proves in the movie that he doesnt care about his life, no one truly cares about him so why should one care about himself. When it says he has "no join in it," its true, a good percentage of the first half of the movie, it all about him trying to perform suicide. I believe that if someone enjoyed thier life they wouldnt try to kill themselves. In another paragraph the author says " I feel that is was experiencing Maude's life that made him choose to live, and that her death only confirmed for him that death was not the choice he wanted to make." I strongly agree with this quote because if death is what he truly wanted wouldnt he have mad it happen the night his true love killed her own self? I believe she had showed himt hat there are many reasons to live your life. She was an 80 year old woman who saw every reson to live and I believe that she had showed him all the reasons that life can be great.
http://www.echeat.com/essay.php?t=27048
Harold and Maude Essay
The author of the essay says that the movie is all about freedom. I think the movie has so many refrences to being free. In the movie Maude makes Harold feel free. She does this in many ways.
One way she does this is when Harold's mother talks his uncle into drafting him into the army. Maude helps Harold stage a freak out so that his uncle will be scared to draft him. During the fake freak out she fakes a death that drives his uncle further over the edge.
Maude also shows Harold how to be free by not trying to make him conform she lets him himself. Unlike the other pople in Harold's life they all want him to conform and be normal. They want him to be just like them wich is the last thing that Harold wants. One way the movie shows the in Harold's life want him to conform is when his mother buys him a car. Though he has a good running car his mother gives him a new one. She buys it because she does not like the fact that Harold's old car was a hearse. She also shows this by the online dating service. She does this to tr to pair up with someone. She does not like the fact that Harold is a loner. At the end of the movie though Maude has passed away Harold is still himself. He did not change to make his mother or any other person in his life happy.
http://www.echeat.com/essay.php?t=27048
I agree with the author of the essay "Freeeom", about Harold and Maude. The author talked about how Maude taught Harold how to live in freedom. Harold was obseesed with death that he could not focus on live; but through Maude, Harold learned to live freely. The author summarized the idea of the movie well.
hilary c
http://www.echeat.com/essay.php?t=27048The online essay that I wrote had some very strong points. Overall I agree with this essay that this person wrote, but I think I would have put the wording a little differently. The essay states that the theme of the film is freedom, because Maude is teaching Harold how to live life freely. I think that this is true. However, I think the better way to say it is she’s teaching him how to live a more carefree life. Maude is a free spirit. She doesn’t care what others think and she marches to the beat of her own drum. Harold wants to be himself and have his mother love him for it and this is what makes Maude “shine” to Harold. The essay also states that another key point to the movie is to do what makes you happy. I think this is shown by the music choices in the movie. I was literally brought up on Cat Stevens music because my sister was a “hippie” so I was familiar with the song “If you want to sing out, sing out”. This song is pretty much the anthem for the whole movie. I think the film maker was trying to stress that by playing that song on more than one occasion. The lyrics stating “if you want to be you be you, and if you want to be me be me.” I think that’s telling the person to do what makes them happy whether or not it makes anyone else happy or not. I think this essay that I’ve read on the film is pretty right on with what I think the film maker was trying to display.
101--the Blog begins
Hi everyone,
This is the blog.
Post the link to your article, followed by your opinion (not the summary of the article).
Then, after people get their links up, read TWO articles and post comments (paragraphs, at least five sentences) where you respond to the original article and/or the comments already made.
This is the blog.
Post the link to your article, followed by your opinion (not the summary of the article).
Then, after people get their links up, read TWO articles and post comments (paragraphs, at least five sentences) where you respond to the original article and/or the comments already made.
Blogging is 102
After the commentary in class yesterday, I think we should learn some new skills. Blogging, a method of writing so that the universe can read your opinions online, is the easiest and most instant way to publish your words. I would like everyone to post a paragraph about something you're really passionate about, something you would drive a great distance for or take an expensive plane ride to--something you'd rather be doing than anything, and why.
Sunday, March 9, 2008
The Economy
Associated Press
Employers Slash Jobs by Most in 5 years
by Jeannine Aversa 03.07.08
The headline read Employers Slash Jobs by Most in 5 Years according to the Associated Press.
Is this really a surprise? Maybe not, since our economy has been spiraling downward for some time.
The latest report from the Labor Department is that the unemployment rate dipped to 4.8%. Some of the biggest cutbacks were in construction, manufacturing, retailing, financial services and a variety of professional and business services. One reason for the high unemployment is that many people get depressed looking for work that they can't find and stop looking altogether.
Another is the cost of child care. Some people seem to work just to pay the cost of child care and so they decide that it doesn't pay and leave work as well (especially those in low paying jobs).
The government thinks that by making more loans available that this will help the situation of our economy. How is this reality? Alot of people who are unemployed due to cutbacks or not already have loans and likely behind in payments or already in foreclosure. The govenments solution; lets give the American people more money to owe, put them into more debt, as the foreclosure rate keeps rising, just won't work.
I'm also trying to understand who are the ones that will be qualifying for the loans? Isn't it more important to get the work force going again, maybe raise minimum wage instead of outsourcing jobs?
According to the article the average hourly wage is $17.80. I would like to know where, certainly
not in Chenango county. Anyone can make up an average, all the person or group has to do is find the numbers that he wants to add together to make the point.
The government has just passed an economic stimulus package, including tax rebates and tax breaks for businesses. I don't think this is going to help the economy; it may help a person make a payment, or go out to dinner, or put the money into savings, but not to spend it all.
The other answer that the government seems to think will help is to cut the interest rate.
However, the people with the loans aren't getting the cut,the banks are. Again, how is this going to help? In order to be able to qualify for a low rate loan, your credit score has to be at least good. The average credit score supposedly is 692. Again, I don't know where that average is. If your score isn't good enough your interest rate is higher. Therefore, the ones who need the lower rate will still be trouble because their problems have caused their scores to be poor.
The next subject that the article discussed was oil prices. The price keeps going up. OPEC doesn't want to produce more, they like the demand to be higher then production causing higher prices. Why doesn't our government take action towards the oil companies? With the prices rising, those who have jobs ( with low wages ) won't be able to afford to go to work. I have a controversial idea. We went to war, defeated a dictator, freed the people. The country is rich in oil, so why isn't it ours for the taking? Througout history when one country fights another (for whatever reason it was started or finished) and wins, the flag is placed and you keep the land. This has been going on from the beginning of man.
I do have faith that as always the economy will rebound, the housing market will rise, employment will go back up. With all that is wrong we still live in the richest country in the world. Everyday it gets a little better. We still have our freedom, like the first amendment that allows us to express our feelings.
Employers Slash Jobs by Most in 5 years
by Jeannine Aversa 03.07.08
The headline read Employers Slash Jobs by Most in 5 Years according to the Associated Press.
Is this really a surprise? Maybe not, since our economy has been spiraling downward for some time.
The latest report from the Labor Department is that the unemployment rate dipped to 4.8%. Some of the biggest cutbacks were in construction, manufacturing, retailing, financial services and a variety of professional and business services. One reason for the high unemployment is that many people get depressed looking for work that they can't find and stop looking altogether.
Another is the cost of child care. Some people seem to work just to pay the cost of child care and so they decide that it doesn't pay and leave work as well (especially those in low paying jobs).
The government thinks that by making more loans available that this will help the situation of our economy. How is this reality? Alot of people who are unemployed due to cutbacks or not already have loans and likely behind in payments or already in foreclosure. The govenments solution; lets give the American people more money to owe, put them into more debt, as the foreclosure rate keeps rising, just won't work.
I'm also trying to understand who are the ones that will be qualifying for the loans? Isn't it more important to get the work force going again, maybe raise minimum wage instead of outsourcing jobs?
According to the article the average hourly wage is $17.80. I would like to know where, certainly
not in Chenango county. Anyone can make up an average, all the person or group has to do is find the numbers that he wants to add together to make the point.
The government has just passed an economic stimulus package, including tax rebates and tax breaks for businesses. I don't think this is going to help the economy; it may help a person make a payment, or go out to dinner, or put the money into savings, but not to spend it all.
The other answer that the government seems to think will help is to cut the interest rate.
However, the people with the loans aren't getting the cut,the banks are. Again, how is this going to help? In order to be able to qualify for a low rate loan, your credit score has to be at least good. The average credit score supposedly is 692. Again, I don't know where that average is. If your score isn't good enough your interest rate is higher. Therefore, the ones who need the lower rate will still be trouble because their problems have caused their scores to be poor.
The next subject that the article discussed was oil prices. The price keeps going up. OPEC doesn't want to produce more, they like the demand to be higher then production causing higher prices. Why doesn't our government take action towards the oil companies? With the prices rising, those who have jobs ( with low wages ) won't be able to afford to go to work. I have a controversial idea. We went to war, defeated a dictator, freed the people. The country is rich in oil, so why isn't it ours for the taking? Througout history when one country fights another (for whatever reason it was started or finished) and wins, the flag is placed and you keep the land. This has been going on from the beginning of man.
I do have faith that as always the economy will rebound, the housing market will rise, employment will go back up. With all that is wrong we still live in the richest country in the world. Everyday it gets a little better. We still have our freedom, like the first amendment that allows us to express our feelings.
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Sewage - Based Fertilizer Safety Doubted
http://www.ag.auburn.edu/aaes/communications/highlights/fall96/cattl e.htm
There is a 30 year government policy that encourages farmers to spread millions of tons of sewage over their land as an alternative to commercial fertilizer. The government states that there is no downfall from using it. The give away program is much cheaper for the government than to have it incinerated. A few farmers had problems with their herds dying. They found that the soil, crops, and milk contained high levels of contaminates. When they reported the problem, the government did not follow through and investigate the situation.
After reading this article I was outraged. I have no faith in our government regulating the food we eat. We hear in the news more and more about how contaminated food is reaching the shelves, only to recall it after hundreds of people get sick from it. The government should be held more accountable for the food we eat. A health issue was reported about the sewage contaminating our food sources and they chose not to do anything. They claim that they didn’t have enough money to do broader state testing of cows. I believe that the government gets paid too much for the job they do. Maybe we should sanction their pay and use that money to fund better testing of the food. I would think that food, water, and soil would be a high priority for the government. If we contaminate our environment, how can we continue to stay healthy? Before we know it there will be no place to grow food, clean water to drink, or cows for meat or dairy. The government knows this is going on and they must take responsibility to make sure it doesn’t continue. What will be left for future generations?
Sheila B
There is a 30 year government policy that encourages farmers to spread millions of tons of sewage over their land as an alternative to commercial fertilizer. The government states that there is no downfall from using it. The give away program is much cheaper for the government than to have it incinerated. A few farmers had problems with their herds dying. They found that the soil, crops, and milk contained high levels of contaminates. When they reported the problem, the government did not follow through and investigate the situation.
After reading this article I was outraged. I have no faith in our government regulating the food we eat. We hear in the news more and more about how contaminated food is reaching the shelves, only to recall it after hundreds of people get sick from it. The government should be held more accountable for the food we eat. A health issue was reported about the sewage contaminating our food sources and they chose not to do anything. They claim that they didn’t have enough money to do broader state testing of cows. I believe that the government gets paid too much for the job they do. Maybe we should sanction their pay and use that money to fund better testing of the food. I would think that food, water, and soil would be a high priority for the government. If we contaminate our environment, how can we continue to stay healthy? Before we know it there will be no place to grow food, clean water to drink, or cows for meat or dairy. The government knows this is going on and they must take responsibility to make sure it doesn’t continue. What will be left for future generations?
Sheila B
Legalizing Medical Marijuana in Illinois
http://www.pantagraph.com/articles/2008/03/06/news/doc47cf8cf6db6c3493232081.txt
In 1976, a bill was passed to legalize medical marijuana in Illinois. Unfortunately for the sacred brotherhood of potheads, the bill requires the governor at the time to sign off on it's usage which none of the four governors since that time have done. Recently though, efforts have been made to legalize it without the governor loop-hole, even getting the vote to a 6-4 decision in the Senate. The argument for the bill was the accounts of two older women with many illnesses who say that prescription drugs never worked for them and the only thing that ever made them feel any better was their pot laced brownies. The defense claims that it is unfair to hide behind sick people in this matter because it will only draw a sympathy vote and not a smart vote. The enthusiasts maintain that it about the patients and not about law enforcements ability to handle the situation. The main concern in legalizing the plant is that people will abuse the privilege and start selling it on the streets to people who don't medically require it. Though it looks as though this one may get tossed around the Senate for a while, at least the marijuana enthusiasts can rest assured that they are on the right track.
In 1976, a bill was passed to legalize medical marijuana in Illinois. Unfortunately for the sacred brotherhood of potheads, the bill requires the governor at the time to sign off on it's usage which none of the four governors since that time have done. Recently though, efforts have been made to legalize it without the governor loop-hole, even getting the vote to a 6-4 decision in the Senate. The argument for the bill was the accounts of two older women with many illnesses who say that prescription drugs never worked for them and the only thing that ever made them feel any better was their pot laced brownies. The defense claims that it is unfair to hide behind sick people in this matter because it will only draw a sympathy vote and not a smart vote. The enthusiasts maintain that it about the patients and not about law enforcements ability to handle the situation. The main concern in legalizing the plant is that people will abuse the privilege and start selling it on the streets to people who don't medically require it. Though it looks as though this one may get tossed around the Senate for a while, at least the marijuana enthusiasts can rest assured that they are on the right track.
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/05/world/middleeast/05honor.html?_r=1&ref=world&oref=slogin
16 year sentence in Honor killing
A man was sentenced to 16 years in prison for helping with the killing of his own sister. The sister went against him, breaking the code of silence against a family member and testified against him. The victim was 18 years old, lived in Israel. The Muslin clan took part in the killing. The in which the women testified against in, later turned up no convictions. The reasons for no convictions was due to the family members maintaining their code of silence. By this any and all evidence was dissolved. It was not until after her murder that other women and family members began to come forward and brake the silence.
It is a sad when family has to be quite over the fact that they know one of their loves ones are doing wrong. It takes on brave, strong person to stand up to that person and their clan. It also is a very touch situation to be in. The code of silence is well known in many different situations. If you are an inmate, the last thing you want to be is a snitch, so you find yourself falling under the code of silence. The police are the biggest known for the code of silence. This action is a form of corruption. But than on the other hand, people will do what they have to do in order to stay alive, and for their families to stay alive.
A man was sentenced to 16 years in prison for helping with the killing of his own sister. The sister went against him, breaking the code of silence against a family member and testified against him. The victim was 18 years old, lived in Israel. The Muslin clan took part in the killing. The in which the women testified against in, later turned up no convictions. The reasons for no convictions was due to the family members maintaining their code of silence. By this any and all evidence was dissolved. It was not until after her murder that other women and family members began to come forward and brake the silence.
It is a sad when family has to be quite over the fact that they know one of their loves ones are doing wrong. It takes on brave, strong person to stand up to that person and their clan. It also is a very touch situation to be in. The code of silence is well known in many different situations. If you are an inmate, the last thing you want to be is a snitch, so you find yourself falling under the code of silence. The police are the biggest known for the code of silence. This action is a form of corruption. But than on the other hand, people will do what they have to do in order to stay alive, and for their families to stay alive.
What Were They Thinking?
This article is about school shootings and why they happened and how they can be prevented.After reading the article, some of the questions on why these things happen are answered. One of the main reason behind all of the shooting is, mental disorder of the gunman, whose anger, social isolation or desire for attention bursts into violence. One of the most recent shooting was Northern Illinois University (NIU). It was said that, the gunman had a mental disorder and he stopped taking the medication. The gunman killed 5 people and himself. One of the main questions people have is, how can it be prevented? Stephens recommended that colleges and selective high schools evaluate students on their mental health as well as their academic and athletic talent. I think this would work because it would give teachers more knowledge of some of the students. As far as college schools goes, it is hard for them to prevent this from happening because unlike high schools, where the students can go in and the teacher can lock the doors and monitor the room better. The colleges should make sure there is a way to inform the students if there ever is a problem.
Are Cash Incentives Really A Good Thing
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/05/nyregion/05incentive.html
Growing up and going to school there was no incentives. I didn’t get any money from my teachers for doing well, no gift certificates, no special prizes for receiving, or anything of that nature. School to me was simply something I enjoyed doing and had fun doing. Naturally I would think that having money incentives for kids doing well on standardized test is outrageous, but then again I don’t have kids nor do I live in New York City or any other big city. Children in bigger cities are more targeted and susceptible to doing something illegal to get money in there pocket. However, I can’t say the same for a small city like Norwich.
I think the idea of lucrative prizes for children in big cities going to school and doing well on test is a good idea. I feel as though kids will be more willing to learn if they know in the end they’re rewarded in something other than a “good job”, or a sticker on their test, or an A on their report card. As children we all love getting something in return for doing well. Kids in bigger cities will benefit from this simply because they will feel as though there’s a purpose to do well in school and on top of that with the education they get they will learn how to apply themselves in other things than doing illegal stuff.
In a small city like Norwich the process wouldn’t work as easily simply because the economy isn’t good enough to support every child that does well. I think in smaller cities a lot more on the parents keep there young children away from the illegal things.
The one bad thing about the process is that when would the school stop giving the incentives to the kids. At some point the child needs to learn that his or her incentives will come later in life with more education.
Growing up and going to school there was no incentives. I didn’t get any money from my teachers for doing well, no gift certificates, no special prizes for receiving, or anything of that nature. School to me was simply something I enjoyed doing and had fun doing. Naturally I would think that having money incentives for kids doing well on standardized test is outrageous, but then again I don’t have kids nor do I live in New York City or any other big city. Children in bigger cities are more targeted and susceptible to doing something illegal to get money in there pocket. However, I can’t say the same for a small city like Norwich.
I think the idea of lucrative prizes for children in big cities going to school and doing well on test is a good idea. I feel as though kids will be more willing to learn if they know in the end they’re rewarded in something other than a “good job”, or a sticker on their test, or an A on their report card. As children we all love getting something in return for doing well. Kids in bigger cities will benefit from this simply because they will feel as though there’s a purpose to do well in school and on top of that with the education they get they will learn how to apply themselves in other things than doing illegal stuff.
In a small city like Norwich the process wouldn’t work as easily simply because the economy isn’t good enough to support every child that does well. I think in smaller cities a lot more on the parents keep there young children away from the illegal things.
The one bad thing about the process is that when would the school stop giving the incentives to the kids. At some point the child needs to learn that his or her incentives will come later in life with more education.
Arizona Weighs Bill to Allow Guns on Campuses
After reading this article, I as a student was amazed that they could actually pass a bill to have firearms carried on you even in schools. While reading this article I got that since there are alot more violence on campuses and well pretty much anywhere anymore. So with passing this bill it could be very helpful for the people that do get mugged or violated at any point to protect themselves. In my eyes, police are not always there when you need them and or show up after it is already to late. So you as a victim there should be something out there for everyone to be able to protect themselves, instead of having to wait for the police to show. I agree with Fred Boice, president of the Arizona Board of Regents, when his father he stated not to carry a gun unless you plan on killing somebody. And that is kind of true only if there is violence against you. Like only if you were being raped or someone is holding you at gunpoint you can protect yourself by pulling your own firearm out on the perpetrador. If this bill can be passed on the west coast why can't it be passed on east coast? There is just as much, if not more, violence there then anywheres.
Will Arizona Allow guns on Campuses?
Ashley Angelino
Glenn Marsala
English 101
March 6, 2008
Response Essay: Arizona Weighs Bill to Allow Guns on Campuses
By Randal C. Archibold
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/05/us/05guns.html?_r=1&ref=us&oref=slogin
In this country in the past 10 years America has had many deadly shooting and you would think that because of these terrible tragedies that occurred that a community wouldn’t want guns to be easily accessible to citizens. State Senator and law maker Karen S. Johnson doesn’t necessarily agree, she has sponsored a bill that would consent to people with concealed weapon permits to bring weapons in colleges, universities, and schools for self protection for staff and students over the age of 21. Critics as well as I disagree on this controversial issue because of many of the following reasons.
The first reason why I think it would be a foolish idea is because of the availability of guns to younger adolescents, children and criminals. Just like in any situation there are people who will abuse the privilege of having a handgun. If this bill is passed it won’t only make it easier for criminals and children to obtain, it will be more accessible to someone who is feeling suicidal and harmful to others and give them more oppurtunities to commit crimes like the ones that have happened in the past.
The second reason that I disagree in this action is because it will only be a more unsafe situation to bystanders in a chaotic situation. Fred Boice, president of the Arizona Board of Regents in the article Arizona Weighs Bill to Allow Guns on Campuses by Randal C.Archibold said “that disputes best handled by campus security could quickly turn deadly with more guns on campus.” The average citizen isn’t trained on how to handle unexpected situations or how to shoot in crowds of people. I believe it could be an unsafe idea.
The last reason why I think it wouldn’t be a good idea is because of the accidental deaths that could occur when people are in conflict. In the heat of the moment people are going to look for the closest thing to help they’re selves if they felt threatened. Misunderstandings will turn into murders.
The last thing we need in our schools in this country is to allow adults to carry permits to public places. I think it would bring many more problems to the continuing misfortunes that are happening in this nation this day in age.
Glenn Marsala
English 101
March 6, 2008
Response Essay: Arizona Weighs Bill to Allow Guns on Campuses
By Randal C. Archibold
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/05/us/05guns.html?_r=1&ref=us&oref=slogin
In this country in the past 10 years America has had many deadly shooting and you would think that because of these terrible tragedies that occurred that a community wouldn’t want guns to be easily accessible to citizens. State Senator and law maker Karen S. Johnson doesn’t necessarily agree, she has sponsored a bill that would consent to people with concealed weapon permits to bring weapons in colleges, universities, and schools for self protection for staff and students over the age of 21. Critics as well as I disagree on this controversial issue because of many of the following reasons.
The first reason why I think it would be a foolish idea is because of the availability of guns to younger adolescents, children and criminals. Just like in any situation there are people who will abuse the privilege of having a handgun. If this bill is passed it won’t only make it easier for criminals and children to obtain, it will be more accessible to someone who is feeling suicidal and harmful to others and give them more oppurtunities to commit crimes like the ones that have happened in the past.
The second reason that I disagree in this action is because it will only be a more unsafe situation to bystanders in a chaotic situation. Fred Boice, president of the Arizona Board of Regents in the article Arizona Weighs Bill to Allow Guns on Campuses by Randal C.Archibold said “that disputes best handled by campus security could quickly turn deadly with more guns on campus.” The average citizen isn’t trained on how to handle unexpected situations or how to shoot in crowds of people. I believe it could be an unsafe idea.
The last reason why I think it wouldn’t be a good idea is because of the accidental deaths that could occur when people are in conflict. In the heat of the moment people are going to look for the closest thing to help they’re selves if they felt threatened. Misunderstandings will turn into murders.
The last thing we need in our schools in this country is to allow adults to carry permits to public places. I think it would bring many more problems to the continuing misfortunes that are happening in this nation this day in age.
Arizona Weighs Bill to Allow Guns on Campuses
There has been many shootings at Universities lately, Virginia Tech, University at Arizona, and Northern Illinois University. A teacher from Northern Illinois University had a bill passed saying that anyone over twenty-one could carry a gun on college grounds. Originally Ms. Johnson the teacher, wanted anyone in public schools, kindergarten through twelfth grade to be able to carry a gun with a permit, but settled with anyone over the age of twenty one because of that bill being more likely to pass. According to the teacher students and faculty should be allowed to carry a gun with a permit because the police don't respond fast enough and the people "looking down the barrel" should be allowed to try to protect themselves. Ms. Johnson says that kindergartners are "sitting ducks."
I personally think this teacher's idea is completely crazy. This is just another shooting waiting to happen, everyone walking around with guns. I don't understand how she thinks everyone being allowed to carry a gun will make things better or any more safe. It is even more crazy that she originally wanted kindergartners to walk around schools with guns, they are "sitting ducks." They are in kindergarten, what does she want them to do? How does she think everyone walking around with guns will prevent shootings?
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/05/us/05guns.html?_r=1&ref=us&oref=slogin
I personally think this teacher's idea is completely crazy. This is just another shooting waiting to happen, everyone walking around with guns. I don't understand how she thinks everyone being allowed to carry a gun will make things better or any more safe. It is even more crazy that she originally wanted kindergartners to walk around schools with guns, they are "sitting ducks." They are in kindergarten, what does she want them to do? How does she think everyone walking around with guns will prevent shootings?
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/05/us/05guns.html?_r=1&ref=us&oref=slogin
McCain Receives Bush Backing
http://www.usatoday.com/news/politics/election2008/2008-03-05-bush-mccain_N.htm
I was interested in this article because the presidential election is a big story right now. I have not decided who I want to become president yet but all of the articles on the elections have given be a better view of who I want to see become president. I want to use my own voice and decide who I want to become president. I want to pick someone that will help the economy and will make this nation a better place. In this article Bush wants McCain to become president because they have the same views on things. They have the same views on the war in Iraq, the economy, and the immigration. True they have differed on a few things like tax cuts and issues with the environment. The main point in this article though is that Bush would like to see McCain become president. He is backing him a hundred percent and will do anything that will get him elected. Bush said that he will help McCain raise money and to appeal to conservatives. Bush believes McCain will be a great president because he shows courage and strength. Bush believes those are characteristics that a president should have so he says to vote for McCain.
I was interested in this article because the presidential election is a big story right now. I have not decided who I want to become president yet but all of the articles on the elections have given be a better view of who I want to see become president. I want to use my own voice and decide who I want to become president. I want to pick someone that will help the economy and will make this nation a better place. In this article Bush wants McCain to become president because they have the same views on things. They have the same views on the war in Iraq, the economy, and the immigration. True they have differed on a few things like tax cuts and issues with the environment. The main point in this article though is that Bush would like to see McCain become president. He is backing him a hundred percent and will do anything that will get him elected. Bush said that he will help McCain raise money and to appeal to conservatives. Bush believes McCain will be a great president because he shows courage and strength. Bush believes those are characteristics that a president should have so he says to vote for McCain.
I played dead, witness said to bloodbath says
After reading this article I just had such a hard time trying to figure out why. Why would a man just randomly go into a public place and open fire on random people? What makes someone so crazy that they can look at people and then shoot them? I understand that some people are depressed and some commit suicide, but why kill and injure people that don’t have any idea what is going on in your life. This poor family lost their dad and husband just because this guy went crazy. The whole thing is scary and sickening. I could not imagine having to go through this. The people who were there will have nightmares probably for the rest of their lives. And it is not like there is anything they could have done differently other than not go to lunch at Wendy’s at that time that day, but it was such an unforeseeable thing that no one could ever expect to happen. But at the same time such a tragic thing.
http://www.miamiherald.com/news/breaking_news/story/443332.html
http://www.miamiherald.com/news/breaking_news/story/443332.html
Reactions To Placebos
While reading the article on placebos I found quit a few things interesting. They did a study with the placebos which involved 82 men and women they gave each of these people electric shock to their wrist, before and after taking a pill. Half of the men and women read that the pill, discounted as a newly approved prescription pain reliever, was regularly priced at $2.50 per dose. The other half of the men and women read that it had been discounted to 10 cents. But in all actually, both were dummy pills. Amazingly the placebo had a strong effect on both groups. But 85 percent of those using the expensive pills reported a significant relief, compared with 61 percent on the cheaper pills. It also stated that the pill size and color also affected peoples perceptions of effectiveness. In one study people rated black and red capsules as "strongest" and white ones as "weakest". I find it amazing what our minds can control. Obviously we can make our selves better by thinking the expensive pills we are taking are curing our pain.
The Cure For Exhaustion? More Exercise?
Lack of sleep, always being on the run, trying to balance work, school and a family life can all lead to becoming fatigue. Unfortunately many people suffer from being fatigue which can lead to many medical problems. In my personal experience when I have a lack of sleep I find that this is when I am most likely to become sick. The article states that the University of Georgia researchers find that exercise can actually help treat fatigue. It isn’t totally clear why exercise can help but Dr. Puetz believes that it may be that exercise is a direct link to the central nervous system which can help boost your energy levels.
I have heard of the idea of exercise to reduce fatigue before and in my own experiences I believe it is true. I am very easily overwhelmed with school and work and it is very easy for me to find myself becoming over tired. When I do exercise, which may only be a fifteen to twenty minute walk, it does seem as if I have more energy and I am not exhausted. I also find that when I exercise I am not as stressed…imagine that exercise can help with stress and exhaustion.
http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/02/29/the-cure-for-exhaustion-more-exercise/
I have heard of the idea of exercise to reduce fatigue before and in my own experiences I believe it is true. I am very easily overwhelmed with school and work and it is very easy for me to find myself becoming over tired. When I do exercise, which may only be a fifteen to twenty minute walk, it does seem as if I have more energy and I am not exhausted. I also find that when I exercise I am not as stressed…imagine that exercise can help with stress and exhaustion.
http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/02/29/the-cure-for-exhaustion-more-exercise/
Parents in Crisis
English 101 Jessica Voyton
Glenn Marsala March 5, 2008
Response Essay: Parents in Crisis Have Many Options for Giving Babies Haven, Officials Say
By Tina Kelley
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/05/nyregion/05baby.html?_r=1&oref=slogin
After reading several articles in The New York Times, I knew that this was the article that
I wanted to write about. It caught my eye and I was absorbed into the discussion of the ways to
safe haven unwanted babies. My first reaction to reading such an article was the feeling of
mixed emotions, outrage to parents that could abandon their helpless newborn child, and then a
sense of satisfaction that the government has created new Safe Haven Llaws.
So many people out there in this large world can not conceive a child for specific reasons.
Many of them would be great parents but have the issue of infertility hanging over them no
matter what the medical treatment may be. It was stated that several newborns were discovered
dead each year until the Safe Haven Laws were passed. This gives the parents an opportunity
to anonymously put a child up for adoption, regardless of age and status, or potential legal
problems. I feel that instead of having to burry a small helpless newborn child that these laws
will help such parents that are not able to conceive.
I myself have a very close friend that has just adopted an unwanted newborn in December
of 2007. Her and her husband have tried for several years to conceive and had no such luck no
matter what treatments they were prescribed. They now live everyday in appreciation to this
law that has been passed. Without this Safe Haven Law they would not be the parents they are
today.
In the case of that article the baby was named Daniella, she was only 6 months old when
2
she was abandoned by her parents by being left at a firehouse. Maybe they felt that there baby
would be better off in the world with a different set of parents? It is hard to say why a person
would not want to raise their own child but thankfully there are several people out there that are
willing to take on the responsibility partially in thanks to the Safe Haven Laws.
Glenn Marsala March 5, 2008
Response Essay: Parents in Crisis Have Many Options for Giving Babies Haven, Officials Say
By Tina Kelley
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/05/nyregion/05baby.html?_r=1&oref=slogin
After reading several articles in The New York Times, I knew that this was the article that
I wanted to write about. It caught my eye and I was absorbed into the discussion of the ways to
safe haven unwanted babies. My first reaction to reading such an article was the feeling of
mixed emotions, outrage to parents that could abandon their helpless newborn child, and then a
sense of satisfaction that the government has created new Safe Haven Llaws.
So many people out there in this large world can not conceive a child for specific reasons.
Many of them would be great parents but have the issue of infertility hanging over them no
matter what the medical treatment may be. It was stated that several newborns were discovered
dead each year until the Safe Haven Laws were passed. This gives the parents an opportunity
to anonymously put a child up for adoption, regardless of age and status, or potential legal
problems. I feel that instead of having to burry a small helpless newborn child that these laws
will help such parents that are not able to conceive.
I myself have a very close friend that has just adopted an unwanted newborn in December
of 2007. Her and her husband have tried for several years to conceive and had no such luck no
matter what treatments they were prescribed. They now live everyday in appreciation to this
law that has been passed. Without this Safe Haven Law they would not be the parents they are
today.
In the case of that article the baby was named Daniella, she was only 6 months old when
2
she was abandoned by her parents by being left at a firehouse. Maybe they felt that there baby
would be better off in the world with a different set of parents? It is hard to say why a person
would not want to raise their own child but thankfully there are several people out there that are
willing to take on the responsibility partially in thanks to the Safe Haven Laws.
Shakespeare and the Four Year Old.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/05/arts/05arts-SHAKESPEAREF_BRF.html?ref=arts
Recently in my college English class, we began reading the classic Shakespearean play “Othello”. As much as I am drawn in by the deceit, betrayal and villainous ways of the characters involved, I have to admit that the language of this, or any of Shakespeare’s writings can be incredibly intimidating and downright confusing.
In a recent article in the New York Times, it has been proposed that young children should be exposed to Shakespeare. Michael Boyd of the Royal Shakespeare Company says, “With primary school kids, there isn’t a fear factor because they’ve never heard of him.”
While the above statement by Mr. Boyd certainly seems to make sense, there are supporting studies that have been conducted that prove that children are more open and able to learn new and unfamiliar languages or concepts than adults. In an article from the website kidsource.com (http://www.kidsource.com/kidsource/content3/second.language.p.k12.2.html), it is stated that not only would a child have an easier time learning any second language (anyone that has struggled through one of Shakespeare’s plays would agree that it is truly a second language), but they would also be more apt to becoming fluent in the language.
If I were to have any say in the matter, Shakespeare would not only be in the lesson plans of elementary school teachers now, but it would have been long ago. Perhaps if I had been exposed to Shakespeare in Kindergarten I would not only enjoy Othello, but I would be able to understand and follow everything that is going on within the play’s lines.
Recently in my college English class, we began reading the classic Shakespearean play “Othello”. As much as I am drawn in by the deceit, betrayal and villainous ways of the characters involved, I have to admit that the language of this, or any of Shakespeare’s writings can be incredibly intimidating and downright confusing.
In a recent article in the New York Times, it has been proposed that young children should be exposed to Shakespeare. Michael Boyd of the Royal Shakespeare Company says, “With primary school kids, there isn’t a fear factor because they’ve never heard of him.”
While the above statement by Mr. Boyd certainly seems to make sense, there are supporting studies that have been conducted that prove that children are more open and able to learn new and unfamiliar languages or concepts than adults. In an article from the website kidsource.com (http://www.kidsource.com/kidsource/content3/second.language.p.k12.2.html), it is stated that not only would a child have an easier time learning any second language (anyone that has struggled through one of Shakespeare’s plays would agree that it is truly a second language), but they would also be more apt to becoming fluent in the language.
If I were to have any say in the matter, Shakespeare would not only be in the lesson plans of elementary school teachers now, but it would have been long ago. Perhaps if I had been exposed to Shakespeare in Kindergarten I would not only enjoy Othello, but I would be able to understand and follow everything that is going on within the play’s lines.
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Iraqi Army Helicopter Crash Kills 8, Including an American
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/05/world/middleeast/05iraq.html?ref=world
A sandstorm caused an Iraqi helicopter to crash in northern Iraq, killing all eight men on board and also one American servicemen. Americans were the first rescuers and founders of the wreckage. The helicopter was a Russuan-made Mi-17 and it had recently been renovated. The helicopter departed from Sinai Air Base, five miles from Baiji in Salahuddin Province. When the helicopter was 60 miles north of Baiji air traffic controllers lost radio contact with the pilot. An official in the Third Division of the Iraqi Army said two more helicopters had to make emergency landings to avoid the sandstorms. Those helicopters were each carrying eight Iraqi servicemen, the pilots turned off their radios so they could avoid insurgents who might have monitored them. They cleaned their air filters and flew back to the base, none of these servicemen were injurjed.
In Salahuddin, two civilian guardsmen were killed east of Tikrit. Two of the guardsmen, members of the tribal groups that have renounced Al Qaeda in Mesopotamia, and Iraqi insurgent group, have allied with the American military and were manning a checkpoint when the gunmen shot them.
American forces killed three people believed to be insurgents in an operation east of Baghdad. American troops fired at the suspects' vehicle while they were trying to escape. The vehicle was destroyed and an Iraqi civilian received minor injuries during the operation.
Iraqi security forces in Latifiya, north of Babil, found an unidentified body in a canal. The local forensic hospital tried indentifying the decomposing body. It was also said that two more bodies were discovered in Diyala Province, just north of the capital. One of the bodies had been shot to death and was found north of Baquba. The other body, which was decapitated, was found in Khalis, also north of Baquba.
A sandstorm caused an Iraqi helicopter to crash in northern Iraq, killing all eight men on board and also one American servicemen. Americans were the first rescuers and founders of the wreckage. The helicopter was a Russuan-made Mi-17 and it had recently been renovated. The helicopter departed from Sinai Air Base, five miles from Baiji in Salahuddin Province. When the helicopter was 60 miles north of Baiji air traffic controllers lost radio contact with the pilot. An official in the Third Division of the Iraqi Army said two more helicopters had to make emergency landings to avoid the sandstorms. Those helicopters were each carrying eight Iraqi servicemen, the pilots turned off their radios so they could avoid insurgents who might have monitored them. They cleaned their air filters and flew back to the base, none of these servicemen were injurjed.
In Salahuddin, two civilian guardsmen were killed east of Tikrit. Two of the guardsmen, members of the tribal groups that have renounced Al Qaeda in Mesopotamia, and Iraqi insurgent group, have allied with the American military and were manning a checkpoint when the gunmen shot them.
American forces killed three people believed to be insurgents in an operation east of Baghdad. American troops fired at the suspects' vehicle while they were trying to escape. The vehicle was destroyed and an Iraqi civilian received minor injuries during the operation.
Iraqi security forces in Latifiya, north of Babil, found an unidentified body in a canal. The local forensic hospital tried indentifying the decomposing body. It was also said that two more bodies were discovered in Diyala Province, just north of the capital. One of the bodies had been shot to death and was found north of Baquba. The other body, which was decapitated, was found in Khalis, also north of Baquba.
Former Stripper Permitted To Stay on "Idol"
http://www.reuters.com/article/domesticNews/idUSN0453686720080305
I for one have never been a fan of American Idol nor have I bothered to waste my time watching it. Yet from all the news about the show I keep seeing, it seems the show just gets more ridiculous every new season. What angers me about the show is how overly fake it is and yet people eat it up. This is not 'reality' T.V. Everything is all pretaped and scripted. Also I'd rather watch someone earn their way to the top of the charts instead of being put their because of their 'idol' status. But for some reason or another people revolve their lives around the show so much that they have to start scandal where it is unnecessary.
For whatever reason, people are fascinated by this garbage. In fact they get so into the show that they have scout out every single detail of the contestant's life. When did things get so bad that people are whining about the lives of wannabe celebrities? It's getting to be really ridiculous. If I'm going to watch the news I want to learn and see the important things going on in our world. What I don't want to see is who's winning on American idol or hear about all the stupid scandals people make up about the show. So what if a contestant was a stripper, it's none of any one's business. Contestants are on the show to sing, not to be ridiculed about their life stories. It still boggles my mind that people care about the American Idol contestant's lives more than they do their own. I just don't understand why people are getting so upset about things that are really none of their business. I'm also confused as to why people have to cause problems for others. This American Idol 'Stripper' hasn't done anything wrong and he should be respected and cared for because of his abilities as a performer rather than the scandal that people pushed upon him. People who actually watch should just enjoy the show for it's entertainment purposes (which is what it was made for!) rather than trying to start scandal where ever they can find it.
All in all American Idol is a terrible show but it does it's job of entertaining it's fans. The only purpose the show has is for entertainment not to start a war of words against it's contestants. People need to get a grip on reality. Rather than focusing on the wrongs of others they should first take a look in the mirror. No one is perfect, and no one ever will be so they shouldn't be criticized because of their faults but embraced for what they do best: entertain you! So rather than trying to find every contestants bad side, viewers should just sit back and enjoy the show they way it was meant to be viewed, instead of revolving their lives around it.
I for one have never been a fan of American Idol nor have I bothered to waste my time watching it. Yet from all the news about the show I keep seeing, it seems the show just gets more ridiculous every new season. What angers me about the show is how overly fake it is and yet people eat it up. This is not 'reality' T.V. Everything is all pretaped and scripted. Also I'd rather watch someone earn their way to the top of the charts instead of being put their because of their 'idol' status. But for some reason or another people revolve their lives around the show so much that they have to start scandal where it is unnecessary.
For whatever reason, people are fascinated by this garbage. In fact they get so into the show that they have scout out every single detail of the contestant's life. When did things get so bad that people are whining about the lives of wannabe celebrities? It's getting to be really ridiculous. If I'm going to watch the news I want to learn and see the important things going on in our world. What I don't want to see is who's winning on American idol or hear about all the stupid scandals people make up about the show. So what if a contestant was a stripper, it's none of any one's business. Contestants are on the show to sing, not to be ridiculed about their life stories. It still boggles my mind that people care about the American Idol contestant's lives more than they do their own. I just don't understand why people are getting so upset about things that are really none of their business. I'm also confused as to why people have to cause problems for others. This American Idol 'Stripper' hasn't done anything wrong and he should be respected and cared for because of his abilities as a performer rather than the scandal that people pushed upon him. People who actually watch should just enjoy the show for it's entertainment purposes (which is what it was made for!) rather than trying to start scandal where ever they can find it.
All in all American Idol is a terrible show but it does it's job of entertaining it's fans. The only purpose the show has is for entertainment not to start a war of words against it's contestants. People need to get a grip on reality. Rather than focusing on the wrongs of others they should first take a look in the mirror. No one is perfect, and no one ever will be so they shouldn't be criticized because of their faults but embraced for what they do best: entertain you! So rather than trying to find every contestants bad side, viewers should just sit back and enjoy the show they way it was meant to be viewed, instead of revolving their lives around it.
T.V In Childrens Room
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/04/health/04well.html
Many times parents have alot going on in which they end up taking the easy way out with their childern. Alot of times the going to bed prcoess takes alot of effort that they just dont have time for. An easy way to put a child to bed is to turn the T.V on. In an case it is much easier, but with many studies showing it might not be very benefiting for the childern. Many cases showed that with childern watching T.V. in their own bedrooms were faced with many problems later in life. Most of the time it was health realted problems.
When I was growing up a couple of my friends had T.V's in their rooms and I enveyed them. Mean while I didnt understand why my parents would'nt let me. Now being at the age I am I see reasoning behind that situation. And understand why they would'nt let me. With the studies showing that over half american childern have T.V's in their own bedroom, what is happening to our society? What happend to the bed time story before bed? Its changed to a televisioin show rather then a story.
I believe the main cause of this is because parents dont know. They dont relieze that what their doing is going to effect their childern in later life. If a child is watchin television in their own room how can you montor what their watching? The anwser is you cant, and parents don't have any idea of what is really happening in the childs bedroom.
Many times parents have alot going on in which they end up taking the easy way out with their childern. Alot of times the going to bed prcoess takes alot of effort that they just dont have time for. An easy way to put a child to bed is to turn the T.V on. In an case it is much easier, but with many studies showing it might not be very benefiting for the childern. Many cases showed that with childern watching T.V. in their own bedrooms were faced with many problems later in life. Most of the time it was health realted problems.
When I was growing up a couple of my friends had T.V's in their rooms and I enveyed them. Mean while I didnt understand why my parents would'nt let me. Now being at the age I am I see reasoning behind that situation. And understand why they would'nt let me. With the studies showing that over half american childern have T.V's in their own bedroom, what is happening to our society? What happend to the bed time story before bed? Its changed to a televisioin show rather then a story.
I believe the main cause of this is because parents dont know. They dont relieze that what their doing is going to effect their childern in later life. If a child is watchin television in their own room how can you montor what their watching? The anwser is you cant, and parents don't have any idea of what is really happening in the childs bedroom.
Teen Obesity
http://www1.whdh.com/features/articles/healthcast/BO74713/
Sounds too good to be true. All you need to do is eat breakfast and it will keep your weight down. Maybe not that simple, but it does make sense that you need to get your metabolism going in the morning by eating breakfast. The one girl in the article named Julie sure had the wrong idea when she said that she eats enough during the day to make up for the breakfast that she misses. Anyone with any common sense would know that you can't make up meals that you've missed and maintain a healthy weight. How does the saying go? Garbage in, garbage out?
It's getting more and more difficult to maintain a healthy weight. People's lives are so busy now-a-days. Restaurants are making it very easy to overeat with the huge portions that they serve. This, combined with the fact that Americans have become more sedentary, is a recipe for disaster. It starts at home with the parents. We need to teach our kids the right things to eat and also that exercise is a necessity. I know that I, for one, am guilty of not serving the best meals to my kids, but am looking forward to this summer when we can get outside and get excercise.
Sounds too good to be true. All you need to do is eat breakfast and it will keep your weight down. Maybe not that simple, but it does make sense that you need to get your metabolism going in the morning by eating breakfast. The one girl in the article named Julie sure had the wrong idea when she said that she eats enough during the day to make up for the breakfast that she misses. Anyone with any common sense would know that you can't make up meals that you've missed and maintain a healthy weight. How does the saying go? Garbage in, garbage out?
It's getting more and more difficult to maintain a healthy weight. People's lives are so busy now-a-days. Restaurants are making it very easy to overeat with the huge portions that they serve. This, combined with the fact that Americans have become more sedentary, is a recipe for disaster. It starts at home with the parents. We need to teach our kids the right things to eat and also that exercise is a necessity. I know that I, for one, am guilty of not serving the best meals to my kids, but am looking forward to this summer when we can get outside and get excercise.
Triplets Debut
newsday.com/community/news/northshoresuffolk/huntington/ny-litrip0305,0,4961603.story
Tom and Allison Penn had been trying to have a baby for four years. Last Wednesday in Manhasset’s North Shore University Hospital the Penn’s had three. The set were the first triplets born in Long Island in more than 15 years.
Dr. Victor Klein delivered the identical triplet boys named Logan, Eli and Collin. The babies were unusually large, weighing over 4 pounds apiece. The babies developed from a single egg and were originally given only a 30% chance of survival. Even though the family went home Sunday they returned to the hospital today.
Parents, Tom a wildlife biologist and Allison an environmental educator debuted the boys today, Tuesday, morning at a huge news conference. The boys were each wearing a dot of nail polish on a different finger so the parents could tell them apart.
Tom and Allison Penn had been trying to have a baby for four years. Last Wednesday in Manhasset’s North Shore University Hospital the Penn’s had three. The set were the first triplets born in Long Island in more than 15 years.
Dr. Victor Klein delivered the identical triplet boys named Logan, Eli and Collin. The babies were unusually large, weighing over 4 pounds apiece. The babies developed from a single egg and were originally given only a 30% chance of survival. Even though the family went home Sunday they returned to the hospital today.
Parents, Tom a wildlife biologist and Allison an environmental educator debuted the boys today, Tuesday, morning at a huge news conference. The boys were each wearing a dot of nail polish on a different finger so the parents could tell them apart.
Clinton showing gains in today's vote
Obama ,Clinton make last pitches. As presidential contests get underway in four states,
Clinton speaks at a press conference, while Obama greets voters at a livestock show both in Houston today.
After a furious week of attacks, all candidates seem to be positive about where they are, in the running.
Some voters saying they will not vote for Clinton due to the fact she voted with Bush too
many times, although they do agree Clinton did a lot with children and for healthcare, they do agree Clinton did a lot with children and healthcare, they feel Clinton did
not look into everything that need to be addressed. One voter said “I kind of like the idea of a woman taking care of business”, While others feel Obama is going to make a better candidate due to his focus on poverty.
The messy winter weather did not stop the voters from getting out and getting their voices heard.
Even though I do not give a lot of time to reading about the campaigns, from what I have heard, I do like what Clinton says she will do for health care, I also like the fact, that Obama is focusing a lot on poverty.
All candidates are pushing hard to stay in the race. I feel Clinton needs to push harder if
she is going to continue in this race, even though Clinton holds a lead of 1,386 while Obama is at 1,276.
On the republican side, John McCain has scheduled a victory party in Dallas, hoping to
reach his goal, to win the four states that will get him the 159 delegates he need for the GOP nomination, while Mike Huckabee hopes to win in Texas.
While no one knows what will happen, I am curious what everyone else thinks.
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/front/5592140.html
Clinton speaks at a press conference, while Obama greets voters at a livestock show both in Houston today.
After a furious week of attacks, all candidates seem to be positive about where they are, in the running.
Some voters saying they will not vote for Clinton due to the fact she voted with Bush too
many times, although they do agree Clinton did a lot with children and for healthcare, they do agree Clinton did a lot with children and healthcare, they feel Clinton did
not look into everything that need to be addressed. One voter said “I kind of like the idea of a woman taking care of business”, While others feel Obama is going to make a better candidate due to his focus on poverty.
The messy winter weather did not stop the voters from getting out and getting their voices heard.
Even though I do not give a lot of time to reading about the campaigns, from what I have heard, I do like what Clinton says she will do for health care, I also like the fact, that Obama is focusing a lot on poverty.
All candidates are pushing hard to stay in the race. I feel Clinton needs to push harder if
she is going to continue in this race, even though Clinton holds a lead of 1,386 while Obama is at 1,276.
On the republican side, John McCain has scheduled a victory party in Dallas, hoping to
reach his goal, to win the four states that will get him the 159 delegates he need for the GOP nomination, while Mike Huckabee hopes to win in Texas.
While no one knows what will happen, I am curious what everyone else thinks.
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/front/5592140.html
Kill That Which Lies to Oprah!
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/05/books/05fake.html?hp
So apparently the author of the book Love and Consequences has admitted to falsifying events in the book presented as facts. It's a situation that closely resembles the Million Little Pieces fiasco that apparently shook the literary world and really pissed off Oprah. In my opinion the amount of upset that people display over this kind of thing is a bit ridiculous. I'm not saying that lying about your book is acceptable, what I am saying is that if you read a story that really spoke to you and made you think about things from a different perspective, or even if you simply enjoyed the book dose it really matter that the events taking place therein were skewed slightly. In reality its not like we as readers would know the difference, we are kind of thrust into this quantum box type of situation. These characters are not really alive to use until we assign life to them in our interest in them. Yes, authors hold that power to manipulate our emotions, and yes I do believe that they should use that power responsibly, letting the reader know if the events chronicled in their works were less than realistic would be a nice way to display that responsibly. I remember sitting in front of the television the day Oprah brought James Frey on her show in complete disbelieve, disbelieve not induced by the fact that Mr. Frey had fabricated a number of events in his critically acclaimed book, my upset stemmed from the fact that Oprah had paraded this man in front of millions of television viewers and aired his shame so mercilessly. The tone in her voice and her body language was that of complete repulsion, and for the remainder of her show she allowed members of her condescending audience to verbally eviscerate Frey. I was very appreciative of the South Park episode that followed, my favorite part being when Oprah led a lynch mob against the Frey character played by a perpetually high towel, during animated onslaught a member of Oprah's blood hungry lynch mob / audience screams "KILL THAT WHICH LIES TO OPRAH!"
Anyways, how cool is this, blogging English assignments. Pretty groovy!
So apparently the author of the book Love and Consequences has admitted to falsifying events in the book presented as facts. It's a situation that closely resembles the Million Little Pieces fiasco that apparently shook the literary world and really pissed off Oprah. In my opinion the amount of upset that people display over this kind of thing is a bit ridiculous. I'm not saying that lying about your book is acceptable, what I am saying is that if you read a story that really spoke to you and made you think about things from a different perspective, or even if you simply enjoyed the book dose it really matter that the events taking place therein were skewed slightly. In reality its not like we as readers would know the difference, we are kind of thrust into this quantum box type of situation. These characters are not really alive to use until we assign life to them in our interest in them. Yes, authors hold that power to manipulate our emotions, and yes I do believe that they should use that power responsibly, letting the reader know if the events chronicled in their works were less than realistic would be a nice way to display that responsibly. I remember sitting in front of the television the day Oprah brought James Frey on her show in complete disbelieve, disbelieve not induced by the fact that Mr. Frey had fabricated a number of events in his critically acclaimed book, my upset stemmed from the fact that Oprah had paraded this man in front of millions of television viewers and aired his shame so mercilessly. The tone in her voice and her body language was that of complete repulsion, and for the remainder of her show she allowed members of her condescending audience to verbally eviscerate Frey. I was very appreciative of the South Park episode that followed, my favorite part being when Oprah led a lynch mob against the Frey character played by a perpetually high towel, during animated onslaught a member of Oprah's blood hungry lynch mob / audience screams "KILL THAT WHICH LIES TO OPRAH!"
Anyways, how cool is this, blogging English assignments. Pretty groovy!
As Four States Vote, Clinton Talks About a Long Battle
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/04/us/politics/04cnd-campaign.html?hp
Senator Clinton has urged voters to settle in on a nomination fight that could last for months. Bill Clinton stated that his wife could not win the election without victories in states such as ohio and texas. Bill considers these states as "delegate rich". Turnout was heavy, the heavy rainfall did not keep voters from voting. Texas has reported a strong turnout, despite voters have benn voting since Feb, 19.
Senator Clinton has urged voters to settle in on a nomination fight that could last for months. Bill Clinton stated that his wife could not win the election without victories in states such as ohio and texas. Bill considers these states as "delegate rich". Turnout was heavy, the heavy rainfall did not keep voters from voting. Texas has reported a strong turnout, despite voters have benn voting since Feb, 19.
Homework for March 4, 2008
Hi all,
Here's the homework. If you don't already have an account, an invitation is being sent to you to join blogger, & to join this blog. Because of the crazy weather, I've been stuck out here in So. Ed. more often than usual, so we'll have an assignment online, instead.
1. Join the blog.
2. Read this message.
3. Read a news article online at one of the following sites:
http://nytimes.com/
http://www.democracynow.org/
http://news.google.com/
4. Post a blog including the EXACT URL of the article you read--just copy it from the page where you read it.
5. Write a 200-word entry (about 2/3 of a page), addressing the issues you read about.
6. Read someone else's article & response, & post a comment on their entry.
This is all due by 7pm tomorrow--Wednesday, March 5.
See you in class on Thursday.
Glenn
Here's the homework. If you don't already have an account, an invitation is being sent to you to join blogger, & to join this blog. Because of the crazy weather, I've been stuck out here in So. Ed. more often than usual, so we'll have an assignment online, instead.
1. Join the blog.
2. Read this message.
3. Read a news article online at one of the following sites:
http://nytimes.com/
http://www.democracynow.org/
http://news.google.com/
4. Post a blog including the EXACT URL of the article you read--just copy it from the page where you read it.
5. Write a 200-word entry (about 2/3 of a page), addressing the issues you read about.
6. Read someone else's article & response, & post a comment on their entry.
This is all due by 7pm tomorrow--Wednesday, March 5.
See you in class on Thursday.
Glenn