A Good Teaching Tool?

I've been considering blogs and blogging. Then, I was asked what I thought about them as a teaching tool for an English class; what are the pros and cons of blogs being used in teaching. Should they be used? Would they be used the way the teacher thinks they should be?

My last blog was about how I sometimes found myself slacking off doing the blog assignments or just being lazy in my writing. I have talked to a few of my classmates and they have slacked off on their blogging as well. For the most part, the worst part is remembering that you needed to do it. Tese are probably the only drawbacks to having blogs as an assignment.

I really like to blog. It's a good release to just spout off about my opinions about a variety of subjects. Blogging has also made me think on a different level of writing because it is a different media to write in. I think that, when you look through my blogs, you can see that I've grown as a writer. Not that I growing by leaps and bounds but there is an improvement. Blogging has helped me, personally, as a writer.

I never really received any feedback on my blogs. There was one against a movie that I had recently seen, but I do not consider the response as feedback because all it did was bash the movie and praising an anime that I've never heard of. Maybe if I had more responses to my writing, I'd improve quicker.

Overall, I think that blogging is a good teaching aid for an English class because this is part of our medial world and we all need to communicate on the various levels that are available to writers. I would like my English teacher to not only keep this as part of the curriculum, but suggest it to other English teachers. Blogs are a good tool for different writing skills.

Blog About Blogs

So, I have totally and completely skipped the last couple of blog assignments and can't even explain why. Ya, pneumonia bounced into my house for a bit but now we are all through it, there is not excuse for slacking off with the writing.



I have my math semester exam coming up, and I'm working on my writing class portfolio. Yes, these both take time, but think about it... blogging is one of the easier things that has been asked of me. I actually enjoy this type of writing. To me, it feels a bit like a journal, where I can ramble. It also let's me see that I'm getting better at expessing myself in this media.



I have found a few times that I'm just being lazy and it shows in the writing I do in the blogs. Most of the time, I'm really interested in the topics that I've written about. I enjoy 'talking' about things that I like or that I'm interested in. Some of the subjects have made me think because I hadn't thought about my personal stance on these points. Others have given me pause because I had never given myself the opportunity to think about them before.

The majority of the time, I think that I am just trying to 'get through' so that I can move on to the 'next thing' that is going on in my life. Sometimes it's schoolwork or housework. Reguardless, I do not always prioritize things in my life with my available time. I'll get caught up in the drama and the trama that is life.

I truly believe that I will do better with blogging next semester, if indeed Amy has us doing this. I really like my classes and I think I'm doing well in them. Blogging is actually fun and it was probaly the getting ill that threw me off of my stride.

Here's to life and to blogging!!!

Love to Read!!!

I am an avid reader. I've never found a genre that I haven't read. There are types that I enjoy more than others, and I'll go through phases of only reading specific genres, such as fantasy or sci-fi. At this moment I am reading FOUR separate books that span four genres. This does not include the reading I do for school.

Last week, I finished reading the book "Wicked", Gregory Maguire's take on the back story of the Wicked Witch of the West (Wizard of Oz). I am quite impressed that he was able to change the perspective, and still tie the story-lines together as well as he did.

The 'tone of the times' in Oz would remind many of the end of Europe's Middle Ages. He has it that Elphaba, later known as the Witch of the West, was born with a horrible skin disorder that includes a severe allergic reaction to water. The political situations throughout the land of Oz dictates how she is raised. When sent to school to further her education, she meets Galinda, who is from a northern district of Oz, and they, along with Elphaba's sister are recruited to be part of the political intrigue that is rampant in the whole of the country. This is where we get the Witches of North, West, and East from the original story.

There is some very intense moments, funny antidotes, and sarcastic humor that keeps the story moving. I am not usually one to get obsessed with a story, but I finished it in two days, then reread it, so that I could completely 'get' it. I'll be starting Maguire's second book of this storyline, "Son of a Witch" next week, when I can get it from my sister. I think that it will be just as well written and enjoyable as this one and I'm looking forward to reading it.

Brainstorming an argument essay

The assignment is for us to do an argumentative essay. The moment I laid eyes on the syllabus paper for it, I said "YES" because I know exactly what I want to write about.



My subject is what are considered "fighting" dogs, focusing mostly on Pitbulls and Rottweilers, not just because those are the breeds that many people think of as vicious fighters, but also because of my own experiences with these particular breeds. I will bring up other breeds, but not as extensively.



I own an American Staffordshire Bull Terrier. I lived for ten years next to a family that always had Rotties. I know several people who have Boxers and American Bulldogs that have been mistaken for a vicious breed.



I'll present what I've experienced with these dogs and also what I've experienced with other, supposedly non-vicious, breeds. I'll acknowledge the the invalid arguments against each, justifying my stance. I will acknowledge the valid points, at this point not knowing if I can or should refute those points.



My biggest argument point will probably be my belief that it is the way any dog is raised, trained, and treated that makes it vicious or likely to attack. My own experiences of being the owner of several different types of breeds will back this up. Statistics and various media coverage and the "spins" that are out there will be addressed as well.



As an all around animal lover, this subject is very near to my heart. My kids and I have even discussed making a "Dog-umentary" on Pitbulls. This essay might be a good start and basis for any future documentary we may come up with.

Music

When you think about people's taste in music, they usually 'fit' one or two categories or genres. For instance, a 'Metal-head" mostly listens to Metal Rock, but can be found listening to Rock that is not so hard, or even Classic Rock. The same is usually true for 'Country-lovers' liking Rock or Blues. I, on the other hand, do not fit into related categories; I love almost all genres of music.

Although I most often listen to Alternative Rock, two types of music that I really enjoy is Ancient Middle Eastern and Polynesian Tribal. I first was exposed to Polynesian Tribal as a child because my mother, having once lived in Hawaii, was a big fan of the native music. I came to appreciate Ancient Middle Eastern about ten years ago when I was doing a Bible Study on the culture that Jesus was raised in.

I found that the two genres actually have a lot in common with each other. Composition, story-telling, religious inspiration, the fact that much of both have and had dancing in mind, even to the point of being composed precisely for a dance, and the basic rhythmic drum-beat give these two a familiarity to each other. Most of both are story-telling of the culture/religion/history. The biggest reason for the dance element is that almost all of the music does not have lyrics, and so the dancing must tell the story.

My children and I have actually been a part of The Hula Dance and Praise team at our church and have performed in several venues. My daughters and I also Belly Dance, but that is actually more for the fun of it. All of us really enjoy the music for the sake of the music, but I personally enjoy the movement of the music and its history.

Thoughts about "Seeing" Love

On the website for "This I Believe", I found the blog written by Stephanie Clark titled Seeing with the Heart. It tells of other peoples reactions to her daughter, who is adopted and not of the same racial background as herself. Her main idea is that people don't always see family the way she and her daughter do, which is with their hearts.


She tells of specific instances that have angered her, frustrated her, or just made her roll her eyes at the ridiculousness of the questions ask of her and the relationship she has with her daughter. She used to react with smart-aleky responses, but she realized that, as a mom, she needed to be a good example for her child. Now, she answers people with "This is my daughter."

She has found that the questions are because people see their love and want to know where this love comes from. She and her daughter both respond the same direction; this is someone I love and who loves me in return. They are just as, if not more so, demonstative of their love for each other as any other mother and daughter. They show each other love and others see it.

To Stephanie and her child, their love for each other is all that truly matters.

A Good Movie

Recently, I rented the movie Iron Man. I have always enjoyed movies that are based on comic books. I also have been a fairly big fan of the comic book character, Tony Stark/Iron Man.

I feel that the movie did the comic book justice. They kept with the theme of Tony being a spoiled, intelligent, rich man. When he is captured by militant extremists, he discovers that what he and his armament company have stood for may not be what he considers to be right.

The special effects were, in my opinion, very well done. They were not over-the-top, other than what was needed for the telling of the story. The way the each of the 'Iron' suits were put together and showing the technological improvement of each impressed me, as the tech crew payed attention to those particular details. That the story shows how Tony must learn how to control this powerful 'weapon', and suffers through the learning makes the story both funny and more believable.

I truly enjoyed this movie. The only part that I had a problem with is that at one point, he wrecks his Shelby-GT (which happens to be my favorite car ever). All in all, it is a good adventure/techno thriller that holds to its beginnings.

A Child's Job is to make Their Parents Crazy

I firmly believe that it is ingrained into humans that, as a child, you MUST make you parents crazy. Ask any parent or guardian. Ask people in the daycare industry. Ask elementary school workers. I believe that they will all tell you what could be considered horror stories.

Even for people who do not have children or work with children could easily agree with me. Ask yourself and others to recall things from childhood. If it wasn't you, maybe it was a sibling or neighbor kid acting out or being strange. Or maybe just plain ridiculous and unstable.

It also covers the entire span of childhood.

The infant that is colicky, or learns to walk at eight months old. The one that is always getting horrid chest colds, or climbs out of the crib to trash a room.

Toddlers are a special kind of mental terrorist. They can say, with conviction, "NO!" They know exactly what they want and will do their best to get that fish tank knocked over on its side. That bag of cookies couldn't possibly be for their older siblings classmates party---oh, no, it must be mine because I want it. There is no room for sharing and there are no limits to their world.

Preschool age to about 6yrs they start showing that they do have a brain and that they can use it, but there are new challenges to conceive of and achieve in their growing independence. Why must I brush my hair and teeth? Where does the water got to when you flush a toilet? Can the DVD player only play disks? HHMM, let's find out if the dishwasher can wash clothes, too.

The crazy-makers don't stop there. The older they get, the more inventive they become, and the start to use logic against you. A teen uses your own past against you when trying to get what they want, even when they don't know the facts. Well, how old were you the first time Aunt Tilly let you drive? Did your parents lock you up when you haven't even done anything wrong? What's wrong with blue? Your hair was blue at my age, too! And I have the picture of your Mohawk, Mom!

Then they move out, just to spite you. Or they stay too long, just to spite you.

Then they actually start acting human. They have a full-time job, pay their rent, buy their first car without your help. They start having 'real' conversations with you, and they respect your point of view, even when they don't agree.

They grow up and they grow away---just to make you crazy and a bit nostalgic for the craziness of their youth. But only a bit.

A Girl That Plays Football

My 12yr old daughter, Emily, plays football. She has been on a team since she was 7 because no team will take kids younger than that except for flag football. She said "That's lame! I can't tackle?!".

She first let us know that she wanted to play when she was 4. She let us know by sitting under a tree and crying at every one of her brothers games that year. "I just want to play, Mom!" she would wail, completely devastated. "Dad's a coach, you play for the Valkyries, all my brothers play, even Alexis [her sister] tried out for her school's team! Why can't I play?"

So she waited NOT very patiently. The spring when she was 7, her father signed her and one of our boys up without telling them. Then he let her know about 2 days later, and she freaked!!! She gathered her brothers and all the boys in the neighborhood in our backyard to start running drills. The boys took turns for the next 2 months drilling with her almost everyday. She was obsessed.

Just before the season began, I got a call from her soon-to-be coach, asking why this little girl wanted to play. He didn't want me to misunderstand; he wasn't being chauvinistic, it's just that, from his experience, most girls who play usually wait until they are 11 or 12 to prove that they're as good as the boys are. So I told him the family's football background, that she literally learned to walk on a football field, and that we are all obsessed with the game.

The first season was interesting. There were some who truly believed that a girl shouldn't be on the field, and their boys would repeat this to Emily during practices. Most of her teammates realized that, on the field, she was just another player, and would back her up to those boys who cut her down. There were even people in our own family who felt that we were crazy to let her play. My father-in-law even suggested tennis, instead. I bit my tongue but my mother-in-law didn't. She told him that he just didn't "get" Emily, and to back off. (Thanks, Mom!)

She has proved that she belongs there, just like any other kid. She has become an incredible running back (offense), averaging 4 yards per carry. She is middle linebacker (defense), with at least one quarterback sack every game. She's also a key player for their special teams, both kickoff and kick returns. This year her team has a few new coaches who understand how valuable of a player she is to the team. There are several kids who are great players on this team and she is one of them. This season has been a great year for her team. They are probably going to the Carnation Bowl playoffs (the leagues version of a Super Bowl).

Emily's ultimate dream is to be the first woman signed to the NFL. There have been women in minor leagues, and we've even had our own Women's Leagues off and on in the past. She wants NFL. I do not have the heart to tell her that a woman in the big leagues probably will not happen in her lifetime. I am also very well aware that, if any woman can do it, it's my daughter who will make it happen. You go, GIRL!!!

The "Old" Elitch Gardens

The old location of Elitch's is no longer recognizable as the former site of a beloved amusement park. When you drive by 38th and Tennyson, you will see townhouses and what only some recognize as the old Opera House. Trees have been cut down and new ones installed. There is no expanse of parking lot on the western edge. There are brand new buildings for living and shopping.

I would go to Elitch's at least three times every summer, even when I was getting too old for it to be 'cool'. I felt that I had to; it was part of my summer, like visiting grandparents. The trees were grand. The buildings were older. The music suited the rides. The ride and building placement flowed in a familiar, small town simplicity. It smelled like the first day of a traveling carnival, even in August.

The laughter and the roar of the roller coaster were the first things that greeted you at the western gate. The original main gate was at the north-east corner, where you entered through the calm, garden-like mini-golf course and you could see the carousel ahead. The sound of the bigger rides were not as loud and penetrating here.

Maybe once every three years did they change or add a new ride, and it was installed BEFORE the season started. We would wait to find out what were, if any, the changes for this years. I had a sister who was a rides operator and another sister that worked in the games area. They both enjoyed the work and the camaraderie of the other employees for three seasons. Most other employees returned each year as well.

Elitch Gardens started out as true gardens. You could stroll through beautiful floral arrangement, or sit under a large tree for afternoon tea. Awhile later, they added a small zoo. If you had been to the amusement park in its last decades, you could see the grates in the ground: those were the 'vents' for the animals in the winter months.

The new location of Elitch's is nice, but it is just not the same. The trees are wrong. There isn't a skyride. There is not a classic feel to the place. I truly love amusement parks and I still go to Elitch's on occasion, but it's not the park I hold in my heart as MY Elitch's.

Looking forward to an Evening

I have been invited to a very big, elegant party on the 17th of this month. It is the 95th birthday party for Philip Islie, the founder and CEO of The Vitamin Cottage. He is also the founder and main voice to the internationally renowned and revered One World Order. For the past seven years, he has been recognized by the French-based Who's Who in the World organization, as being on the top five people to "pay attention to".
I met Philip and his wife, Jelica, about six years ago. They are our neighbors. They are very nice, kind people and actually very 'down-to-earth'. They do not put on airs as if they are better than others, or that we are beneath them in ANY way. Although our lives do not allow us to socialize with each other often, we try to get together for brunch, lunch, or coffee every couple of weeks. We have been to several of their small get-togethers in both their homes, as well as them coming to our gatherings.
The first time that we had been invited to one of their functions, it was for Philip's 90th birthday. It was huge. It was elegant. It was surprisingly fun. For as old as he is, Philip is incredibly healthy and he loves to dance. He and Eli were on the dance floor more than anyone else that attended.
Philip has been fighting with his health much more in the past year. He still is very active; traveling all over the world, running the O.W.O.(remotely and on site), staying involved with the family business, etc. I haven't seen him in several months, and I'm looking forward to his party just to see how he's been. Although we differ in our political beliefs, I find him to be an incredibly intelligent, kind man. He likes having someone to just sit and talk with. I don't see his health lasting much longer and it will be hard for many people when he passes on. I truly hope that he will be around for us to celebrate his 1000th birthday!

Response to an Interview

I choose the Cynthia Fuchs interview with Stacy Peralta for the subject to analyze and respond to. I started reading the piece with anticipation because I have seen the movie that they are discussing. I enjoyed the movie and, because of my children's interest in the sport, was very curious about the director's view as to why he made it.

The interview focuses on the "why and how" the film developed from an idea to an actual finished production and how this can inspire young filmmakers to follow their own stories. Stacy has a unique perspective for a director, as he is actually one of the minor characters in the story. Cynthia and Stacy discuss the steps he had to take, such as contacting friends, gathering film and editing, and factual information that needed to be presented. Stacy felt that 'cost and wages' weren't an issue for him; it was something that he just had to share with the world.

The fact that Stacy and Cynthia dealt with the financial issues, whether conditions, and the social climate that the films subjects faced, amongst other things, attest to the projects authenticity, and the crews dedication to underscoring the very real fact that they were rebels in an unaccepting world. Most of the people were nothing more than children with nothing to do. Yet Stacy made sure that we, the audience, could relate to them on a very basic level. He appealed to our remembered childhood of hot boring days, when there was "nothin' to do".

Many of us will never get on a skateboard, or will never again get on one. I believe that anyone can thoroughly enjoy this film. It's fun, informative, and well put together. It can be looked at and discussed on any number of levels. We can argue the legalities of their crimes. We can appreciate the beauty of the sport. We can argue AND appreciate almost every aspect of this film, with just about everyone.

I've watched this film myself at least three times. I'm fairly certain that I will see it again and still find enjoyment in the viewing. The interview actually gave a deeper meaning to the film that I had not grasped before and I know I will consider these things when I see it next.

Comment on a Picture

The assignment was to pick a picture from our textbook and write our comments on it. After paging through the book I found an image that inspired me. The double photo on page 8, the Buddha photos, intrigued and depressed me at the same time. Because of this reaction in me, I decided to do a bit of research of the site. The two images are of the exact same statue at two different times in Afghanistan in 2001.
The first image is of a huge Buddha carved into the cliff side and the other is of the same Buddha destroyed. This cliff is located in Bamiyan, Afghanistan, and at several points in history the land belonged to Pakistan. When the Taliban took over that region in 2001, some militant groups began to destroy this, as well as other, carvings, stating that they are graven images and blasphemous. There have been two proven attacks on this statue alone. These have been in broad daylight, using explosives. Many other Buddha's in the area, and the in nearby Swat Valley in Pakistan, have undergone similar treatments of destruction.
Pakistani archaeologists have begged the Taliban, Afghan officials, and other world leaders to stop the destruction. For several years, no help has come to save or rebuild these sites. Recently, however, an Afghan sculptor, Amanulah Haiderzad, has been commissioned to undertake the huge job of restoring two of these statues. It will take much time and resources, as this project will involve archaeologist, engineers and other experts, to accomplish this enormous fete.
There are a few reasons as to why this event, and the pictures, evoke depression and inspiration in me. I am not a Buddhist, I am not a Muslim, I am not an archaeologist, nor am I a sculptor. I am someone who enjoys historical things, and I truly love art in almost all its various forms. The destruction of something that was carved 1,300 to 1,400 years ago, disgusts me. That it was an inspired piece of work, and the scale it was achieved at, impresses me to no end.
I think the greatest aspect of this situation that intrigues and inspires me is the people who have worked for and are now working for these restorations. The sculptor is a Muslim, as are the majority of the others working on this. By agreeing to this undertaking, they are telling the world that they love their country and its past, that they have respect for their regions cultural history, and it matters greatly to them that this comes about, as they are all taking huge pay cuts to achieve their goal. This shows the world that they don't have to agree with a different religion, nor do they have to agree with some of their own people; their love and respect for the artwork is what matters at this point for them. I can give these people whom I will never meet so much respect for their integrity in the face of what could have been ignored. I thank them for their work to human-kind, and the generations to come.

An Area

I walk out of the store that I work at and into the mall. I sit down at the tables by the Starbuck's kiosk. I watch the people go by. Some are employees of other stores here, but many are shoppers. There are several people who come to just walk; their number increases when the weather in very hot, wet, or cold. Most seem to be in a slight hurry; they move quickly from store to store.
I look up towards the ceiling. There are tall white poles rising high from the floor that are 'trees' and many colored square 'leaves' hang from the roof. The skylight lets in sunshine, lending to the atmosphere of "Aspen Grove". I look around. There is carpeting on most of the floor, nice couch-like benches and casual stuffed chairs. Not very upscale, but not shabby.
Most of us who work here at the mall know each other. We also know many of the regular walkers and shoppers. A bit like a small town attitude; I know more about many of these people than I do some of my own neighbors. There is the gentleman from Lebonon who runs the jewelry store. The manager at Wet Seal doesn't get enough time with her young children. The "Snake-Lady" bemoans that her eldest son is in jail---again.
Lunchtime at work, for me, is a time to people-watch and to people-connect.

Acceptance Speech

I'm supposed to write about what my acceptance speech would be if I won the vote for president-elect. Well, I find that to be something very difficult to contemplate, as I have some serious 'issues' with presidents, candidates, and most other politicians. I know that I never would run for any office, so I have never even thought about what I would promise to the masses. I think I'll tell you my political position instead.
I was raised in a very politically active household. My grandfather on my father's side was in the Indiana State Senate, Republican. Although he had retired two years before I was born, my family still were involved with many aspects of politics. The first campaign I was involved with was Tom Tancredo's first run for anything. I was raised a Republican, but was aware that it should always be "the best person for the job". This attitude would start some heated arguments in our home, but there were also intelligent debates. This is the atmosphere that my political beliefs were developed.
Fast-forward thirty-five years and you have me; someone who is so incredibly disgusted with the politics of the American government that I ALMOST don't feel like voting. Almost. I have done research in so many directions and have found all kinds of rumor, heresy, and fact mixed together, it is impossible to know the truth about a single person or group. I'm not a big conspiracy theorist, but some of the theories that are floating around make sense to the political climate that we live with. I've heard and watched the two major parties rip each other apart over childish nonsense. Partisanship is has gotten to be nothing more than middle school popularity games. I find most of these people repulsive with the way they act. I just want to scream at them, ground them, and send them to their rooms to think about what they've done wrong.
I really don't think that it really matters who is voted into office this November; our country is demanding a change, and it will happen or we, the people, will figuratively lynch the office-holder. I do not consider myself a Republican or a Democrat. No, I'm not Independent, either. I consider myself to be a Constitutionalist, but that is not a recognized party. I just want our government to stop the childish b.s. and do the right thing.
In my opinion, the office of president should reflect the best that we are; we haven't had that in my lifetime--- the last president who was truly a good, decent, smart person, who had the country's best interest at heart was John F. Kennedy.

Tattoos and Piercings

I have some opinions about tattoos and piercings, but I'm not the stickler I once was. When I was younger, I felt that it was wrong to have a tattoo but had no problems with ear piercings. I do have some piercings--- in my ears. One in the right lobe and two on the left. I very rarely wear earrings in these, as I'm not as 'into' fashion as I once was, and I really don't care.

As for tattoos and other piercings, I still have a 'taboo' attitude towards it, but nowhere near as strict as I used to be about it. Part of my objections stem from my religion, but I believe that I've grown enough in my faith to believe that a person will NOT "burn in eternal damnation" for having a tattoo.

I personally couldn't get a tattoo for three reasons---
1. It's done with needles!!!!! I don't 'do' needles, unless it's a medical necessity.
2. My belief system says that if you were meant to have that, you would've been born with it.
3. I am from a family of artists. I have given birth to artists. I just cannot understand how an amazing artist could put their artwork, masterpiece or otherwise, on a medium that will not last. We can still look at the Sistine Chapel, the Temple at Karnac, and "Starry Night", but I personally refuse to 'go Nazi' on you, and skin you when you die, just so that I can see the artwork.

I have come to the point in my life that I can accept a lot of other peoples forms of self-expression. Yes, I believe that some people carry it too far, but I was one of the first people in the Denver area to wear their hair in a mohawk AND it was either blue or purple, depending on my mood. Sometimes we do things for 'shock value', not realizing that it may be a mistake. Other times we just have to do what we feel we gotta do. We also can be influenced by our friends, past, family, and even our heritage to show ourselves in a bold manner. Whatever the reason, long live the freedom of expression!!!

One Hell of a Week

So, my week has been total crap, but it ended on a pretty good note.

One of my sons is having emotional melt-downs for the past month. His girlfriend of 2 1/2yrs, screwed around on him, broke up with him, and is now playing vicious mind-games with him. She has done it 3 times this week, and all of this is disrupting my house AND my sleep. We are all worried about him, but we're all tired of the messed up drama that the two of them are putting us all through. I just want to smack them both up-side their heads with a cricket bat, but it won't do them any good--- it'll just make me feel better(hahahaha).

My oldest is having issues with her soon-to-be ex-husband. He is refusing to give her the agreed upon amount for child support, and won't give her any contact info on himself. So, she's going through his C.O.(navy), witch is causing him to have problems at work. His own fault, if you ask me. AND she's trying to have a relationship with some guy whose ex wife just died, and my daughter just can't understand why he's pulling away. Do you believe the crap I have to listen to??? She should let him be, and take care of her kids. But she's not listening to anything anyone has to say about it.

At least Sunday ended up to be a good day. My 24yr old nephew just got married to this incredible lady. They've been together for about three years, and they make an amazing couple. She made the most beautiful bride, and I don't believe I've ever seen Shawn smile so much. I truly wish them both my best for years to come.

So, let's see what this week holds!!!

Compose 2. On Body Image

Bordo made some very good points about the body image that the media perpetuates for girls and women, but I believe that the same claim can be made for men and boys.
As the mother of four sons, I have seen them grow into different body shapes and styles. I have also observed that the media culture has my more heavy-set sons as not so appealing. Two of my boys have incredibly built, athletic bodies---the media (t.v., magazines, models) says to the world that they are better-looking than their brothers. Of course, as their mother, I'm biased. They are all handsome men.
The media culture states that my six-foot, five-inch, 220 lbs son should either be playing football as a lineman or play basketball- he hates sports. My heavy-set 21 year old should not be snowboarding because he does not fit the image of what "that" body should be.
Yes, Denzel Washington is a great-looking, fit man, as are many others that we see on t.v., movies, and billboards. There is nothing wrong with a heavier-set man, some are quite good-looking and, without the 'glamour', you are able to see their personality shine through that much easier.
All in all, men and boys have almost as hard of a time maintaining a proper body-image as do women and girls. It seems that the media finds females to be just a bit more susceptible to their machinations.

McCain's Acceptance Speech

After watching, printing out, and reading it twice, I have come to the conclusion that McCain had no intention of influencing any one's vote with this speech. The speech was incredibly vague. There were few things that he indicated specifically, and even those items were not expressly reviewed.

Don't get me wrong... I'm not for or against McCain. I have heard other speeches that he has made recently, and I know that he has touched on important issues prior to Thursday evening. He has made some very good points and some others that I either don't agree with or just don't understand.

I feel that the only two subjects that he had anything "real" to talk about was that, because of his past, he understands soldiers, and that everyone wants a change in the way out government is ran. Forgive me for being critical, but....DDUUHHHH!!! We all get it, so who's going to change it? Nothing in this particular speech had me inspired.

Everyone knows that Obama is a more charismatic speaker than McCain, but you would think that the writers took the day off for this particular night. Do they (the writers) want their candidate to win or not? I just wasn't impressed.

Obama's Acceptance Speech

Barack Obama's speech on August 28th had several good points and even more great points, depending on how you personally view his positions. I believe that his main point was three-fold; his 'take' on the state of our nation, why he believes that the current administration has failed Americans, and what he proposes to do about these situations that we have found ourselves.

According to Obama's speech, he feels that our economic, social, and military situations have been neglected, ignored, passed over, and battered. Economically, our government has placed a great majority of Americans in dire straits, making it almost impossible to achieve higher goals, let alone continue supporting ourselves with what we now have. Social programs have not been available to average people, just to special interest groups. One example is the health care breaks that politicians have are incredibly good, while a middle-aged father of three cannot even afford a health plan, leaving his family with few options when there is an illness or emergency. The state of our militaristic presence in the Middle East is 'off the mark'- we don't belong in Iraq, and we need to step up what was started in Afghanistan. We also need to reward our soldiers for serving our country in a way that is of value to the soldier, not just a financial gain to Washington D.C..

Barack's message is directed at all the people in the nation. To his way of thinking, the past eight years has been a burden to all citizens of our country. Democrats, Republicans, Independents, and all others should understand that we, as a nation, cannot continue with the policies that have been used to run this country. We are hurting ourselves as individuals, as well as a community and a nation. We are still a strong nation, but we are sinking into an abyss of un-hopeful people, despairing of ever gaining our dreams or the dreams of our children.

I think that his message is very insightful and promising. I do not know if he will be able to pull us out of the depression that we have sunk to. I do believe that he is correct in saying that now is the time to change the way things have been done. I do not know if his administration can achieve to goals that he has set before us. I am hopeful, regardless of who wins the election, that our country will enjoy a change for the better, because it is time for us to do it.

What texts are educational?

There are vast amounts of texts (multimedia) that are available to todays world. With that in mind, it is a good thing to take a moment to anylize what may or may not be educational text. Although many media are entertaining, they are also educational on different levels.
One example would be is, I would define most news media to be educational. Some may seem to be biased, but their general purpose is to inform the audiance of events that have happened recently, or of upcoming events, both of which may have or have had an impact on our (the public) lives.
Historical books and television programs, many children's shows, weather reports, advertisements, etc. come to us to inform, teach, or expand on what is known. These convey information to us through words, sounds, and images to intrigue our senses to pay attention to what they want to "tell" us. Some music is informative, even in the pop mainstream.
There are some text that come across as educational, but are actually nothing more than persuave arguements. Many advertisement companies want you to buy their product, so give a small amount of true information so that they can make you believe that they have the better solutions. This is NOT educational, yet looks a if it were.
Be aware of what you see, so that you know what you are swallowing.