Thursday, November 5, 2009
In Class: Freewrite
Her controlling idea is how to get guys to claim hot chicks. She does this with the support of already made commercials that relate to this. The commercials relate to this, such as girls are attracted to certain smells. She uses laundry and mint commercials to emphasize this point. Her controlling idea was very understandable and easy to find with the help of the support from the commercials that related to this idea. She emphasized what guys would need to do to get a girls attention.
Friday, October 30, 2009
Rhetorical Response #4
I found it very interesting what the Government and certain Senators had to say about the Second Amendment. Many of their opinions surprised me, as well as confused me and made me question as to why they were thinking as to what they thought.
First, the 5-4 decision in the court lead by Justice Scalia surprised me. I would have thought that wise men and women like them would have ruled it out. I did not know though that most of the court was very conservative, which also surprised me. I thought it was very interesting that 4/5ths of them support gun ownership and rights, which I am glad for, given that I support it also. This also brings me to what Levy commented on. He mentions that the court rejected both arguments saying that the Second Amendment only ensures members of the state militias are to be armed and not private citizens, as well as, “…. that D.C.’s Legislature can constitutionally ban all handguns if it determines, for example, that rifles and shotguns in the home are reasonable alternative means of self defense.” It still surprises me that both arguments are rejected even when the courts are very conservative. I never really figured the courts to be this protective of their gun rights.
It confuses me as to why D.C. has a ban on the right to carry a hand gun when so many other states allow it. Is it because that is where the President of the United States resides? All individuals should have the right to keep and bear arms. Agreeing with Justice Scalia, in conjunction with her comments on the Heller case, people need guns for necessary protection. However limits are essential, and the limits and rules we have are enough as it is. I am also confused with Justice Stevens’ comments. He mentions that the political process is “working exactly as it should.” However, not too long ago he voted to invalidate Louisiana’s death penalty for child rape and substitute an outright ban on capital punishment for any crime that isn’t fatal to its victim. Reading that threw me off, given that he is basically contradicting himself. Why would someone be in favor for the current political processes if at the same time in favor of child rape?
The different readings differentiate in many ways. Everyone seems to have their different interpretations of the Second Amendment, and whether it applies to all individuals or just our armed forces. I am surprised that after many centuries, the courts are just now starting to question who the Second Amendment applies to. I feel that the quarrels that are going on right now will be going on for quite a while, given that everyone has their different opinions, so it will make it harder to make decisions as to who it applies to.
I believe that reading these readings will help me greatly as to how to structure my argumentative essay. Just as I remember in class, an argumentative essay is not about taking sides; rather it is about keeping an open mind and developing your opinion as you research on a certain topic of interest. The comparisons between the courts’ opinions and what not will help me to see how to compare to others in my next essay.One question that arose while I was reading deals with the government and their control over our basic rights. Has the government thought about what would happen if they did take away our gun rights? I think that the courts need to take a step back and realize how it will affect the economy and our way of society. As mentioned in the cartoon, “Senator, the point is that once you have gun control, the only people left with guns are criminals!” I have never thought about this before, but I have realized that this would be a huge issue if the courts would take away our individual rights to carry even just a hand gun. Even if the courts do decide to do that, they have to think about what is going on on the streets. The black market will always be there. I am not sure how it works, but what happens when our rights are taken away and the only ones in control are the government and the criminals making deals on the street? How will we defend ourselves? I do not think that this will happen any time soon, but it’s something for everyone, including the courts, to think about as they are deciding who the Second Amendment applies to.
First, the 5-4 decision in the court lead by Justice Scalia surprised me. I would have thought that wise men and women like them would have ruled it out. I did not know though that most of the court was very conservative, which also surprised me. I thought it was very interesting that 4/5ths of them support gun ownership and rights, which I am glad for, given that I support it also. This also brings me to what Levy commented on. He mentions that the court rejected both arguments saying that the Second Amendment only ensures members of the state militias are to be armed and not private citizens, as well as, “…. that D.C.’s Legislature can constitutionally ban all handguns if it determines, for example, that rifles and shotguns in the home are reasonable alternative means of self defense.” It still surprises me that both arguments are rejected even when the courts are very conservative. I never really figured the courts to be this protective of their gun rights.
It confuses me as to why D.C. has a ban on the right to carry a hand gun when so many other states allow it. Is it because that is where the President of the United States resides? All individuals should have the right to keep and bear arms. Agreeing with Justice Scalia, in conjunction with her comments on the Heller case, people need guns for necessary protection. However limits are essential, and the limits and rules we have are enough as it is. I am also confused with Justice Stevens’ comments. He mentions that the political process is “working exactly as it should.” However, not too long ago he voted to invalidate Louisiana’s death penalty for child rape and substitute an outright ban on capital punishment for any crime that isn’t fatal to its victim. Reading that threw me off, given that he is basically contradicting himself. Why would someone be in favor for the current political processes if at the same time in favor of child rape?
The different readings differentiate in many ways. Everyone seems to have their different interpretations of the Second Amendment, and whether it applies to all individuals or just our armed forces. I am surprised that after many centuries, the courts are just now starting to question who the Second Amendment applies to. I feel that the quarrels that are going on right now will be going on for quite a while, given that everyone has their different opinions, so it will make it harder to make decisions as to who it applies to.
I believe that reading these readings will help me greatly as to how to structure my argumentative essay. Just as I remember in class, an argumentative essay is not about taking sides; rather it is about keeping an open mind and developing your opinion as you research on a certain topic of interest. The comparisons between the courts’ opinions and what not will help me to see how to compare to others in my next essay.One question that arose while I was reading deals with the government and their control over our basic rights. Has the government thought about what would happen if they did take away our gun rights? I think that the courts need to take a step back and realize how it will affect the economy and our way of society. As mentioned in the cartoon, “Senator, the point is that once you have gun control, the only people left with guns are criminals!” I have never thought about this before, but I have realized that this would be a huge issue if the courts would take away our individual rights to carry even just a hand gun. Even if the courts do decide to do that, they have to think about what is going on on the streets. The black market will always be there. I am not sure how it works, but what happens when our rights are taken away and the only ones in control are the government and the criminals making deals on the street? How will we defend ourselves? I do not think that this will happen any time soon, but it’s something for everyone, including the courts, to think about as they are deciding who the Second Amendment applies to.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
In Class: Freewrite
Overall, I did not like The Man in the Irony Mask as much as I thought I would. As I was reading, I noticed how there were so many details. They were very good details, but sometimes using all of them were a little unnecessary. I slowly became unengaged in the reading the further I read.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
In Class: Freewrite
What I liked most about "Home Girl" was the specific details the author gave throughout the story. I also liked how she was real detailed as to what she said about Badu's lifestyle. This is another reason why I liked Badu's story. Her lifestyle is so different, so it made her story more interesting to read. There wasn't one moment when I got bored reading about her, and was engaged the entire time.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
In Class: Freewrite
I picked the poster of the 1933 King Kong movie. I think this image decorative. It makes me feel suspenseful because of the images given. I think that I like this image so much is because of all the decorations, colors, and multiple images concerning one topic. The images make me want to see this movie, and why the images are the way they are, such as who the people are at the bottom right hand corner, and why they look scared. I also like how the words "King Kong" are the largest words on there, given that he is the largest character in the movie. I think that this poster compared to all the others is the most attention-grabbing.
This poster is trying to tell that two large cultures are mixing, and the large animal is shown stealing a woman. It sends a sense of mystery or adventure. Almost anyone says they love mysteries or adventures, and everyone is familiar with this story. Along with mystery and adventure, most of the poster portrays a sense of fear from the woman, large animal, and the other three people. This poster makes me think of something I can watch that I know I will never see in everyday life. It is a poster sending a message saying that whoever watches this movie will experience fear and adventure.
The colors in this poster are filled with bright and bold colors such as yellows, oranges, and reds. When I analyzed this poster, these colors made me feel suspensed and fearful, with some help of the visuals. They also made me feel adventurous. The color that I noticed first was the large animal. He is the only dark colored image on the page, compared to all the brighter colors on the page. It makes him look scarier when he is the only dark color on the page.
The main image that I noticed first is the giant gorilla, due to the darkest color that stands out in front of the brighter colors. My eyes then moved to the text, which says King Kong. I knew that this poster was created from the original movie made a while ago due to the clarity of the colors and pictures. I could tell that they were all drawn by sometime, as compared to today when the pictures would all be taken from the actual movie and pasted on the poster before printed out.
The image is trying to make people feel fear. Anyone who likes suspenseful or scary movies would be interested in this movie. This poster is appealing to the city culture and the wilderness culture combined. There is also some prehistoric culture expressed in the movie.
This poster is trying to tell that two large cultures are mixing, and the large animal is shown stealing a woman. It sends a sense of mystery or adventure. Almost anyone says they love mysteries or adventures, and everyone is familiar with this story. Along with mystery and adventure, most of the poster portrays a sense of fear from the woman, large animal, and the other three people. This poster makes me think of something I can watch that I know I will never see in everyday life. It is a poster sending a message saying that whoever watches this movie will experience fear and adventure.
The colors in this poster are filled with bright and bold colors such as yellows, oranges, and reds. When I analyzed this poster, these colors made me feel suspensed and fearful, with some help of the visuals. They also made me feel adventurous. The color that I noticed first was the large animal. He is the only dark colored image on the page, compared to all the brighter colors on the page. It makes him look scarier when he is the only dark color on the page.
The main image that I noticed first is the giant gorilla, due to the darkest color that stands out in front of the brighter colors. My eyes then moved to the text, which says King Kong. I knew that this poster was created from the original movie made a while ago due to the clarity of the colors and pictures. I could tell that they were all drawn by sometime, as compared to today when the pictures would all be taken from the actual movie and pasted on the poster before printed out.
The image is trying to make people feel fear. Anyone who likes suspenseful or scary movies would be interested in this movie. This poster is appealing to the city culture and the wilderness culture combined. There is also some prehistoric culture expressed in the movie.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Rhetorical Response #3
I feel that the story of Badu is the most intriguing and entertaining stories I have read this year. The Author expresses many good details, including how they influenced me, the reader, and how here profile connects with a larger culture.
I believe that there were many moments of excellent descriptions worth mentioning. First, I loved basically the whole first paragraph. I liked how she gave so much detail into what she was doing at that moment, and when she starts to describe about the circle she created. I thought it was unique that she goes to that circle when she needs time to herself, and doesn’t mind it being there. I also thought the author did a great job of expressing all the details about Badu’s home when she was there. For example, “The smell of peppermint incense mixed with the music of seventies Motown songwriter Willie Hutch, which was playing on the turntable in the next room….” I could really picture what was going on at that moment and could put myself in the author’s shoes when she was describing her home. In addition, it was very interesting to me as to what she thought about Dallas. One would think, especially me, that a famous person like her would want to stay in Dallas. I thought it was unique how she had such a personal connection to Dallas, but I am thinking that it is mainly because of her family background and the way she was raised. The author did a good job of giving vivid details about this, such as when the author and Badu went to visit her old neighborhood in which she grew up in. For example, “Families were active, lawns were beautiful, trees looked nice, people put up Christmas lights at Christmastime. It was a neighborhood. Now I feel like I’m in New Orleans after Katrina.” When I read this sentence, I could really sense the emotion Badu and the author must have felt, such as sadness or a loss of hope. I would have felt the same way if I saw the neighborhood I had grown up in all deserted like that. Furthermore, I also liked how the author and Badu mentioned why she had changed her name. I wondered why at first, but then I realized she being a rap and hip-hop star, it would make sense for her to want to change her name to something music related.
The details influenced my reading in many positive ways. They most importantly kept me engaged throughout most of the story and was quite entertaining to read. However, for a while I was confused about what culture she was from when the story was introduced in the first paragraph; such as when she started talking about the red circle and how she goes there when she needs some time alone. Later in the story when the author mentions she is a hip-hop African American star, then it made more sense to me. I feel that all the details the Hall and Badu gives made the story so interesting to read. I feel that it was so engaging because of all the personal details she gave. If they weren’t personal, the story would not have been as good and engaging to read. Without personal details and experiences, the whole point of the story is harder to grasp for the reader.
I think that the biggest connection between her normal life and past culture really brings out my reading experience. I liked reading how she originally got into jazz and hip-hop when she was younger, and how it has shaped her life as she has gotten older. I also think that her way of life has also made a huge effect on my reading experience. As I was reading about her separate cultures of a hip-hop star and an average mom, I thought of her as very independent and a strong-willed woman. Usually girls these days will do anything for fame and fortune, but Badu was different and kept to herself in a good way. She just wanted to be normal and have a normal life, which she was able to do. I love how she is doing what she loves, while sustaining a normal life and being a great mom to her kids.
The profile was more meaningful to me as a reader when I could put myself in her shoes and really see the big picture. Even though she only had one visual of herself, I could picture her all throughout the story and what she was like. In addition, the more personal she made the story about herself, the more meaningful it was to me.
I believe that there were many moments of excellent descriptions worth mentioning. First, I loved basically the whole first paragraph. I liked how she gave so much detail into what she was doing at that moment, and when she starts to describe about the circle she created. I thought it was unique that she goes to that circle when she needs time to herself, and doesn’t mind it being there. I also thought the author did a great job of expressing all the details about Badu’s home when she was there. For example, “The smell of peppermint incense mixed with the music of seventies Motown songwriter Willie Hutch, which was playing on the turntable in the next room….” I could really picture what was going on at that moment and could put myself in the author’s shoes when she was describing her home. In addition, it was very interesting to me as to what she thought about Dallas. One would think, especially me, that a famous person like her would want to stay in Dallas. I thought it was unique how she had such a personal connection to Dallas, but I am thinking that it is mainly because of her family background and the way she was raised. The author did a good job of giving vivid details about this, such as when the author and Badu went to visit her old neighborhood in which she grew up in. For example, “Families were active, lawns were beautiful, trees looked nice, people put up Christmas lights at Christmastime. It was a neighborhood. Now I feel like I’m in New Orleans after Katrina.” When I read this sentence, I could really sense the emotion Badu and the author must have felt, such as sadness or a loss of hope. I would have felt the same way if I saw the neighborhood I had grown up in all deserted like that. Furthermore, I also liked how the author and Badu mentioned why she had changed her name. I wondered why at first, but then I realized she being a rap and hip-hop star, it would make sense for her to want to change her name to something music related.
The details influenced my reading in many positive ways. They most importantly kept me engaged throughout most of the story and was quite entertaining to read. However, for a while I was confused about what culture she was from when the story was introduced in the first paragraph; such as when she started talking about the red circle and how she goes there when she needs some time alone. Later in the story when the author mentions she is a hip-hop African American star, then it made more sense to me. I feel that all the details the Hall and Badu gives made the story so interesting to read. I feel that it was so engaging because of all the personal details she gave. If they weren’t personal, the story would not have been as good and engaging to read. Without personal details and experiences, the whole point of the story is harder to grasp for the reader.
I think that the biggest connection between her normal life and past culture really brings out my reading experience. I liked reading how she originally got into jazz and hip-hop when she was younger, and how it has shaped her life as she has gotten older. I also think that her way of life has also made a huge effect on my reading experience. As I was reading about her separate cultures of a hip-hop star and an average mom, I thought of her as very independent and a strong-willed woman. Usually girls these days will do anything for fame and fortune, but Badu was different and kept to herself in a good way. She just wanted to be normal and have a normal life, which she was able to do. I love how she is doing what she loves, while sustaining a normal life and being a great mom to her kids.
The profile was more meaningful to me as a reader when I could put myself in her shoes and really see the big picture. Even though she only had one visual of herself, I could picture her all throughout the story and what she was like. In addition, the more personal she made the story about herself, the more meaningful it was to me.
In Class brainstorming for essay 3
- Stayin in shape
- Horse riding
- Military knowledge
- watching movies
- skiing
- Rock climbing
- Europe
- Cleaning the house
- Taking care of animals
- Running
- Country music
- Playing the flute
- Studying for school
- Good manners
- Egypt history
I learned how to learn the strategies of rock climbing from my friend Kris. He works up at the
Canyons teaching people how to rock climb, and has taught me on many occassions.
I learned how to stay in shape from my first personal trainer. I had a few lessons with her last year and she has taught me many things about how to use certain strategies in the weight room.
I learned how to play the flute from my old band director from middle school, who is now the band director at the high school I graduated from.
Kris has been my friend for many years since high school. However I don't know anything of his rock climbing experience and knowledge. He probably knows just about everything about it, and I think it will be an interesting essay topic to write about. I don't know how he got into the whole rock climbing thing, due to the fact that he doesn't talk about it that much, I just know that he works at a rock climbing place and goes on a few camping trips every once in a while.
- Horse riding
- Military knowledge
- watching movies
- skiing
- Rock climbing
- Europe
- Cleaning the house
- Taking care of animals
- Running
- Country music
- Playing the flute
- Studying for school
- Good manners
- Egypt history
I learned how to learn the strategies of rock climbing from my friend Kris. He works up at the
Canyons teaching people how to rock climb, and has taught me on many occassions.
I learned how to stay in shape from my first personal trainer. I had a few lessons with her last year and she has taught me many things about how to use certain strategies in the weight room.
I learned how to play the flute from my old band director from middle school, who is now the band director at the high school I graduated from.
Kris has been my friend for many years since high school. However I don't know anything of his rock climbing experience and knowledge. He probably knows just about everything about it, and I think it will be an interesting essay topic to write about. I don't know how he got into the whole rock climbing thing, due to the fact that he doesn't talk about it that much, I just know that he works at a rock climbing place and goes on a few camping trips every once in a while.
In Class: Freewrite
I feel pretty good about essay 2. However I probably need to go back and revise it regarding the grading rubric to make sure that I have included everything. I also am worried that I may have too many quotes in my essay. I don't want to take any out though because they are all very good quotes that really support my opinion on the topic. I plan on taking my essay to the writing center today to have it further revised, so hopefully doing this will help my grade on my next essay. I also am worried if I included enough narrative in my essay. There was so much I learned and researched that I didn't have much room to put my opinion in, although I did but very briefly. I also hope that I get a better grade on this essay than I did on my last because I spent more time on it and I enjoyed writing it more. I hope that the reader understands why I wrote about the essay and why it means so much to me, but I am worried that they may not because I am unsure if I have enough of that information.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
In Class: Freewrite
This week is probably the busiest week of the year so far. I have an exam on wednesday and Thursday, and this english essay to write, and a chemistry quiz on Thursday. So last night I was studying a lot and will do the same today and tomorrow. However, tomorrow night the marching band goes to an exhibition in the evening from 5-10 in Irving. I am not so happy about it because it takes a lot of my extra time out to study. Therefore I cannot wait till this weekend. My parents will be coming down and I am excited. I also cannot wait till the weekend after. I will be flying down with my parents to Colorado to see the TCU vs Air Force game. I saw the one last year here at TCU and I think the one this year will be even better. I can't wait to sit in the stands and watch the fly by above the stadium.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
In Class: Freewriting essay 2 topic
The topic of my essay is should unmaned aerial aircrafts replace combat fighter pilots. This is a topic I am very interested in. I read Aviation Weekly and this is one of the issues commonly mentioned. I can support both sides on this question, but if I were to write about this topic I would know what side to choose, and that would be no, not to replace them with unmaned aircrafts.
Should unmaned aerial aircrafts replace combat fighter pilots?
No, I do not believe that unmaned combat aerial aircrafts should replace fighter pilots. I have many reasons to support my opinion. I do not think that the military should rely on technology for war. It would almost be like controlling war on a video game. However, the only good side to this is that it would save the lives of many men who do fly aircrafts during combat missions. But I do not know all the information about unmaned aerial aircrafts so I plan on researching this topic more to where my opinion will be better supported or could be changed.
Answering this question will help me and others to understand the issues rising in the military right now and what they are doing about the war regarding technology. I will also be better informed about how fast the technology has advanced and how the military plans on using it over or with military.
Should unmaned aerial aircrafts replace combat fighter pilots?
No, I do not believe that unmaned combat aerial aircrafts should replace fighter pilots. I have many reasons to support my opinion. I do not think that the military should rely on technology for war. It would almost be like controlling war on a video game. However, the only good side to this is that it would save the lives of many men who do fly aircrafts during combat missions. But I do not know all the information about unmaned aerial aircrafts so I plan on researching this topic more to where my opinion will be better supported or could be changed.
Answering this question will help me and others to understand the issues rising in the military right now and what they are doing about the war regarding technology. I will also be better informed about how fast the technology has advanced and how the military plans on using it over or with military.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
In Class Writing
Last night I went to band practice from 4-6 and then I studied for my chemistry exam the rest of the night until about midnight. I still feel like I could use a couple more hours of quality time studying because I am still pretty nervous about the test. I went in for tutoring yesterday afternoon and my professor helped me understand some concepts and it made me feel somewhat better. I realized the key to making a good grade in Chemistry is just pure memorization of the information in the notes and lectures. If I had started memorizing information a little earlier I would probably feel a lot better about the test today.
Saturday is the first home game and I am pretty excited. The marching band has been practicing hard for the half time and pregame show and I think that everyone will enjoy watching it.
Saturday is the first home game and I am pretty excited. The marching band has been practicing hard for the half time and pregame show and I think that everyone will enjoy watching it.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Rhetorical Response #2
Rhetorical Blog Response #2
Gangi and Parker had very meaningful essays that were both entertaining and easy to read. Some things did surprise me with Gangi’s essay involving tattoos, but I thought Parker’s essay was very understandable. A few questions have risen in my mind about the essays, but overall, both were well put together.
Gangi’s essay was a very engaging story to read, but there was one thing that puzzled me. Why was she so easily influenced to change her mind about tattoos when she had such a negative outlook on them when she was younger? The only real reason she gave was that she realized that it was a perfect way of someone to express themselves. In one moment she mentioned that when she went to talk to her doctor about the long term effects, she still decided to get a tattoo, which did surprise me (Gangi 1). I think any good doctor would persuade their patients NOT to get tattoos because of the horrible effects they can have on the skin. My uncle is a dermatologist, and he has told me of the health issues that will arise in people with tattoos later in their life. Yes, tattoos are cool, but they are HORRIBLE for the skin. It surprised me that she still wanted to get a tattoo after laying out the pros and cons, because it seems as If there would be more cons than pros. However in her case, I can see how she thought that was the best way to express her story (Gangi 26).
What exactly was her story? She mentions that she felt it was right to get a tattoo because of personal reasons. But what were those reasons? She did a good job of explaining why people get tattoos, but she never really specifically stated why she got hers. Although she may have gotten a tattoo just for personal interest, it still confused me as to why she did it and she should have explained it more in detail. I think she wrote this essay to express the idea that there is a whole other side to tattooing, and that people should consider that people like to express themselves in ways like this, but it would have been even better if she explained exactly as to why she got the tattoos.
Parker’s essay did not confuse me or surprise me in any way. However, I do think that issues among coffee shops will increase due to Starbucks. Parker mentions that at one moment that there have been issues involving Starbucks and other smaller coffee shops (Parker 32). The question I have to ask is what happens if almost all smaller coffee shops go out of business just because of Starbucks? Will she have the same outlook on her coffee store that she has had so much meaning for? In a way I think she will. I can understand how Starbucks means so much to her, given that both she and her dad have been brought together closer due to the Starbucks.
I do think that the readings agree in many ways. Both essays agree on a sense of personal experiences and how the small things in life can make the biggest differences. In Gangi’s essay, it is mentioned how tattoos have made her look at people in a different way, and in Parker’s essay it is mentioned how Starbuck’s has made an impact on the relationship between her dad and she. Both stories imply everyday scenarios that happen to people every day. However there are a few differences in both the essays. Gangi’s essay is more about sending a message to readers about how people look at one another, and Parker’s essay is talking about more of a personal experience. I was a little more engaged in Parker’s essay because it seems as if it had more meaning than the other essay. Her essay was more enjoyable to read because of the specific details she expressed when talking about Starbucks and the relationship she had with her dad.
I also think that both of these papers were good examples of discovery essays. Since our next paper assignment is to write a discovery essay, I have a better idea of what to think about when I am writing my paper. I believe that a discovery essay will turn out better if I am expressing more details and writing more personally. If writers do this, their essay will be more enjoyable to read.
Gangi and Parker had very meaningful essays that were both entertaining and easy to read. Some things did surprise me with Gangi’s essay involving tattoos, but I thought Parker’s essay was very understandable. A few questions have risen in my mind about the essays, but overall, both were well put together.
Gangi’s essay was a very engaging story to read, but there was one thing that puzzled me. Why was she so easily influenced to change her mind about tattoos when she had such a negative outlook on them when she was younger? The only real reason she gave was that she realized that it was a perfect way of someone to express themselves. In one moment she mentioned that when she went to talk to her doctor about the long term effects, she still decided to get a tattoo, which did surprise me (Gangi 1). I think any good doctor would persuade their patients NOT to get tattoos because of the horrible effects they can have on the skin. My uncle is a dermatologist, and he has told me of the health issues that will arise in people with tattoos later in their life. Yes, tattoos are cool, but they are HORRIBLE for the skin. It surprised me that she still wanted to get a tattoo after laying out the pros and cons, because it seems as If there would be more cons than pros. However in her case, I can see how she thought that was the best way to express her story (Gangi 26).
What exactly was her story? She mentions that she felt it was right to get a tattoo because of personal reasons. But what were those reasons? She did a good job of explaining why people get tattoos, but she never really specifically stated why she got hers. Although she may have gotten a tattoo just for personal interest, it still confused me as to why she did it and she should have explained it more in detail. I think she wrote this essay to express the idea that there is a whole other side to tattooing, and that people should consider that people like to express themselves in ways like this, but it would have been even better if she explained exactly as to why she got the tattoos.
Parker’s essay did not confuse me or surprise me in any way. However, I do think that issues among coffee shops will increase due to Starbucks. Parker mentions that at one moment that there have been issues involving Starbucks and other smaller coffee shops (Parker 32). The question I have to ask is what happens if almost all smaller coffee shops go out of business just because of Starbucks? Will she have the same outlook on her coffee store that she has had so much meaning for? In a way I think she will. I can understand how Starbucks means so much to her, given that both she and her dad have been brought together closer due to the Starbucks.
I do think that the readings agree in many ways. Both essays agree on a sense of personal experiences and how the small things in life can make the biggest differences. In Gangi’s essay, it is mentioned how tattoos have made her look at people in a different way, and in Parker’s essay it is mentioned how Starbuck’s has made an impact on the relationship between her dad and she. Both stories imply everyday scenarios that happen to people every day. However there are a few differences in both the essays. Gangi’s essay is more about sending a message to readers about how people look at one another, and Parker’s essay is talking about more of a personal experience. I was a little more engaged in Parker’s essay because it seems as if it had more meaning than the other essay. Her essay was more enjoyable to read because of the specific details she expressed when talking about Starbucks and the relationship she had with her dad.
I also think that both of these papers were good examples of discovery essays. Since our next paper assignment is to write a discovery essay, I have a better idea of what to think about when I am writing my paper. I believe that a discovery essay will turn out better if I am expressing more details and writing more personally. If writers do this, their essay will be more enjoyable to read.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
In Class: Faulting questions about essay #1
I am worried about writing how my experience has applied to my life today. I have basically already written my essay, however I am not sure if I wrote enough on how it has applied to me today. I wrote that my experience has taught me a valuable lesson in life, but I am not sure if I need to give examples because it may not relate to the theme of the story.
Also, does the essay need to be in MLA format?
I am also worried about if my experience is significant enough to put into an essay. It was a very short experience and I am not sure if it is significant enough. I am wondering how the writing workshop will help me also. I tend to make a lot of careless mistakes, so I hope that when others are reading my essay they will catch them.
Also, does the essay need to be in MLA format?
I am also worried about if my experience is significant enough to put into an essay. It was a very short experience and I am not sure if it is significant enough. I am wondering how the writing workshop will help me also. I tend to make a lot of careless mistakes, so I hope that when others are reading my essay they will catch them.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
In Class: Freewriting
This morning I was suppose to wake up at 6:00 but I actually didn't wake up till 6:35. As a result I was rushing around to get ready and go to breakfast. My friend was suppose to meet me for breakfast, but he never showed up so I made my roommate go with me. After breakfast I went to english class.
When I talked to my mom yesterday, she informed me that my brother was also having to write a personal essay for his community college english class. I thought that was very ironic. The problem is is that he was getting frustrated about what to write about. I told my mom to tell him to write about anything he wants. I told her that it would be hard for him to write about himself, but that it will get easier. After all, writing personal essays is about finding out who you are and how you like to write. I thought about what he should write, and I figured he would like to write about guns. He is very knowledgeable about guns and it would be the best subject for him to write about. After figuring out about what he would be good at writing about, I started thinking about what I should write about. I'm still debating whether to write about staying in shape, how much I like history, or about horses. I have an interest in all of these, and it is going to be very hard to choose which one to write about.
When I talked to my mom yesterday, she informed me that my brother was also having to write a personal essay for his community college english class. I thought that was very ironic. The problem is is that he was getting frustrated about what to write about. I told my mom to tell him to write about anything he wants. I told her that it would be hard for him to write about himself, but that it will get easier. After all, writing personal essays is about finding out who you are and how you like to write. I thought about what he should write, and I figured he would like to write about guns. He is very knowledgeable about guns and it would be the best subject for him to write about. After figuring out about what he would be good at writing about, I started thinking about what I should write about. I'm still debating whether to write about staying in shape, how much I like history, or about horses. I have an interest in all of these, and it is going to be very hard to choose which one to write about.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
"The biography of Blake Stone" Rhetorical Blog
Shelby Creager
Ms. Irvin
English 10803
30 August 2009
“The Biography of Blake Stone” Rhetorical blog
“The Biography of Blake Stone” is one of the best essays I have read so far. His method of writing was more than engaging, but also entertaining. The fact that Jeramey Kraatz had just graduated from college, and already received the Best Honors Award shortly after, immediately amazed me. I have nothing but positive thoughts on his essay, everything from his details to his overall message.
Jeramey’s descriptions throughout his essay were fantastic. I was able to imagine what the characters looked like just from his detailed words. I noticed moments of excellent description when he used phrases such as “piercing” and “light olive skin.” It made a vast difference in the way I was engaging in the reading. What most impressed me was when Jeramey was describing Blake’s character, both as himself and as another person on his computer. He was able to create a character opposite in all possible ways than from who he really was. It thought the way he created his imaginary character was creative in every way. I loved the characteristics and charm he gave to his character on the online conversations. He was flawless, perfect in every way. Everything that Jeramey was not. Of course, I would have done the same thing if I was talking to people of the opposite gender and wanted them to think highly of me. I also thought his essay was more entertaining to read when he created his online chat to a “Masquerade Ball.” It put so much more uniqueness into the reading, and kept me wanting to read more. The conversations between Blake and the other characters is what kept me reading on the edge of my seat, wanting to know what would happen next. Reading his essay made my reading experience even better.
The way Jeramey transforms and ordinary everyday conversation into a personal narrative was distinctive. He was able to alter a characters life background and physical appearances just from his talent in imagination and creativity. It is not unusual for someone to act like someone they are not. I come across people like that every day. It is no surprise. I am sure there are those few kids who publish themselves online as someone completely different than from whom they really are just to impress others. The way Jeramey did this is an ideal example, however, he was able to create his story in a much more meaningful way. His story came with a valuable lesson.
There were moments in Jeramey’s essay when he makes an everyday moment into something meaningful and exciting. In the beginning of Jeramey’s essay, he described his imaginary character that Blake was creating. As he described the details of his new character, that’s when I knew the story would be good. Characters with no unique personality and charming looks broad settings don’t draw readers in, as this one included both. I think at this point it was the halfway marker to the climax of the essay. Also, as CalendarGAL began to describe who she really was, the emotions started to prevail. This is when all the meaning started to come out and it started to get exciting for me. It was then at that point when I really wanted to know what would happen between Blake and CalendarGAL. As she began to describe her real self to Blake, and all the truth spilled out. I believe that this was also the most exciting moment in Jeramey’s essay. At that point, the true characters are revealed and the story finally comes to its end.
I suppose that Jeramey’s message to readers was to remind people to stop hiding who they really are. He turned a simple conversation into a lifelong lesson. Jeramey’s case was completely understandable. He was just a curious twelve year-old who wanted to experience a fairytale relationship through conversation, one that did not exist. I agree with him in every way, except the part where he left the conversation, not revealing who he really was when CalendarGAL did. I asked myself why he walked away from the issue and didn’t come back. I disagree with those who hide their character in real life situations, and never truly show them to others. It disappoints me when people just can’t have the courage to go back and show who they are when they make the y make the mistake of not showing it in the first place. However, I can also understand his excuse for walking away, given that he is only 12 years old, and could stir up new problems among the other characters.
I also think that this is his main point, to be yourself, around everyone you know and who you may meet in the future. I know this because this is a typical everyday occurrence. Sometimes people aren’t comfortable with who they are, and sometimes people will have to accept it. However, the individual will have to realize what they’re doing to themselves eventually, otherwise they will be living a lie their whole life.
Works Cited:
Kraatz, Jeramey. "The Biography of Blake Stone." 30 August 2009.
Ms. Irvin
English 10803
30 August 2009
“The Biography of Blake Stone” Rhetorical blog
“The Biography of Blake Stone” is one of the best essays I have read so far. His method of writing was more than engaging, but also entertaining. The fact that Jeramey Kraatz had just graduated from college, and already received the Best Honors Award shortly after, immediately amazed me. I have nothing but positive thoughts on his essay, everything from his details to his overall message.
Jeramey’s descriptions throughout his essay were fantastic. I was able to imagine what the characters looked like just from his detailed words. I noticed moments of excellent description when he used phrases such as “piercing” and “light olive skin.” It made a vast difference in the way I was engaging in the reading. What most impressed me was when Jeramey was describing Blake’s character, both as himself and as another person on his computer. He was able to create a character opposite in all possible ways than from who he really was. It thought the way he created his imaginary character was creative in every way. I loved the characteristics and charm he gave to his character on the online conversations. He was flawless, perfect in every way. Everything that Jeramey was not. Of course, I would have done the same thing if I was talking to people of the opposite gender and wanted them to think highly of me. I also thought his essay was more entertaining to read when he created his online chat to a “Masquerade Ball.” It put so much more uniqueness into the reading, and kept me wanting to read more. The conversations between Blake and the other characters is what kept me reading on the edge of my seat, wanting to know what would happen next. Reading his essay made my reading experience even better.
The way Jeramey transforms and ordinary everyday conversation into a personal narrative was distinctive. He was able to alter a characters life background and physical appearances just from his talent in imagination and creativity. It is not unusual for someone to act like someone they are not. I come across people like that every day. It is no surprise. I am sure there are those few kids who publish themselves online as someone completely different than from whom they really are just to impress others. The way Jeramey did this is an ideal example, however, he was able to create his story in a much more meaningful way. His story came with a valuable lesson.
There were moments in Jeramey’s essay when he makes an everyday moment into something meaningful and exciting. In the beginning of Jeramey’s essay, he described his imaginary character that Blake was creating. As he described the details of his new character, that’s when I knew the story would be good. Characters with no unique personality and charming looks broad settings don’t draw readers in, as this one included both. I think at this point it was the halfway marker to the climax of the essay. Also, as CalendarGAL began to describe who she really was, the emotions started to prevail. This is when all the meaning started to come out and it started to get exciting for me. It was then at that point when I really wanted to know what would happen between Blake and CalendarGAL. As she began to describe her real self to Blake, and all the truth spilled out. I believe that this was also the most exciting moment in Jeramey’s essay. At that point, the true characters are revealed and the story finally comes to its end.
I suppose that Jeramey’s message to readers was to remind people to stop hiding who they really are. He turned a simple conversation into a lifelong lesson. Jeramey’s case was completely understandable. He was just a curious twelve year-old who wanted to experience a fairytale relationship through conversation, one that did not exist. I agree with him in every way, except the part where he left the conversation, not revealing who he really was when CalendarGAL did. I asked myself why he walked away from the issue and didn’t come back. I disagree with those who hide their character in real life situations, and never truly show them to others. It disappoints me when people just can’t have the courage to go back and show who they are when they make the y make the mistake of not showing it in the first place. However, I can also understand his excuse for walking away, given that he is only 12 years old, and could stir up new problems among the other characters.
I also think that this is his main point, to be yourself, around everyone you know and who you may meet in the future. I know this because this is a typical everyday occurrence. Sometimes people aren’t comfortable with who they are, and sometimes people will have to accept it. However, the individual will have to realize what they’re doing to themselves eventually, otherwise they will be living a lie their whole life.
Works Cited:
Kraatz, Jeramey. "The Biography of Blake Stone." 30 August 2009.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
In Class: Authority
- Stayin in shape
- Horse riding
- Military knowledge
- watching movies
- skiing
- Rock climbing
- Europe
- Cleaning the house
- Taking care of animals
- Running
- Country music
- Playing the flute
- Studying for school
- Good manners
- Egypt history
I became an authority over horse riding when I rode a pony or the first time on my 5th birthday party. My parents called in to have 2 ponies sent to my house in Georgia for my party and my friends and I rode for quite a while. After that day I signed up to take lessons. When I moved to Pittsburgh a few years later, I was riding a dressage horse one day and was bucked off. That was the first time I had ever fallen off a horse, and I learned a very valuable lesson that still applies to me today. When I had fallen, I was too afraid to get back on the horse, thinking he would do it again. My instructor ordered me, "When you fall of the horse, you get right back on." I believe that this saying can apply to anyone in their everyday life and can have large effects on the choices that they make.
- Horse riding
- Military knowledge
- watching movies
- skiing
- Rock climbing
- Europe
- Cleaning the house
- Taking care of animals
- Running
- Country music
- Playing the flute
- Studying for school
- Good manners
- Egypt history
I became an authority over horse riding when I rode a pony or the first time on my 5th birthday party. My parents called in to have 2 ponies sent to my house in Georgia for my party and my friends and I rode for quite a while. After that day I signed up to take lessons. When I moved to Pittsburgh a few years later, I was riding a dressage horse one day and was bucked off. That was the first time I had ever fallen off a horse, and I learned a very valuable lesson that still applies to me today. When I had fallen, I was too afraid to get back on the horse, thinking he would do it again. My instructor ordered me, "When you fall of the horse, you get right back on." I believe that this saying can apply to anyone in their everyday life and can have large effects on the choices that they make.
In Class: Freewrite
Bruce Ballinger wrote how writing as inquiry can be a way to find out how an individual can find out how they write and what their writing styles are. I agree with him that it is ok for a person to mess up, or write poorly, on the first few tries. It can be quite difficult during those first few tries, but as an individual practices something more and more, their knowledge will grow and they will become better at what they are doing. I personally find it hard to write as inquiry because most people go blank and are confused as to what to talk about. This is when the individual needs motivation. I learned that there is really no wrong way to write as inquiry, but it is a way to find out how you write and what you are interested in writing about.
Everyone knows how to write, but we all write differently. I personally don't think I write well, but I believe that practicing writing as inquiry will help with my writing skills.
Everyone knows how to write, but we all write differently. I personally don't think I write well, but I believe that practicing writing as inquiry will help with my writing skills.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Letter of Introduction
My name is Shelby Creager and I am from Frisco, Texas. I am a freshman at TCU and I am a Biology major. I came to TCU because Fort Worth is close to home and because of the biology program. If I were Chancellor, I would change the amount of credit hours needed to graduate based on the different majors. What I feel makes a good teacher is how much help they give to individuals in the class and who gives detailed lectures. To listen and make time to study is what makes a good student. If I were to have dinner with three people, it would be the President, any actor, and Clinton Anderson. three things that people should know about me is that I have been riding horses for 13 years, I am a well-rounded person, and I study hard. Three things I would like to know is how much the average student studies, how often students drop out, and how many professors teach on the campus.
I chose to take this course because it is a part of the core curriculum, and it would be best to take writing classes fresh into my college career. By taking this class, I am certain that I would improve my writing skills that can be applied in many of the other courses I will be taking.
the types of writing that I primarily do are texting, some emailing, and writing letters on occassion. I feel that my writing can be improved in many ways because I tend to make careless mistakes and forget to check my writing over multiple times.
I have read, understood, and agreed to the terms of the course syllabus.
Shelby Creager, section 10803, http://shelby10803.blogspot.com
I chose to take this course because it is a part of the core curriculum, and it would be best to take writing classes fresh into my college career. By taking this class, I am certain that I would improve my writing skills that can be applied in many of the other courses I will be taking.
the types of writing that I primarily do are texting, some emailing, and writing letters on occassion. I feel that my writing can be improved in many ways because I tend to make careless mistakes and forget to check my writing over multiple times.
I have read, understood, and agreed to the terms of the course syllabus.
Shelby Creager, section 10803, http://shelby10803.blogspot.com
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