Miss Understood

Blog 12

2006-11-16T05:01:18Z

In the first memoir, On The Rollercoaster of Life the author used the eggs and the skinned rabbit as her symbols of survival during her ordeal of displacement in World War II. Like any memoir, this was the author’s personal recollection of a well-known historical event. Even though everyone may not be able to personally relate to her story, the audience should have knowledge of important events such as WWII or can easily research them to gain insight. Survival was the main topic in this memoir and even though the author mentioned personal items, at the time that wasn’t what was most important. In the second memoir, Still Waters, the author uses her suitcase to represent her memories of life back in L.A. The weight of the trunk symbolizes the past and how much she is leaving behind. Her grandfather insists on carrying the trunk for her even though she refuses, which symbolizes her trying to hold on to her past. She finally lets go and allows her grandfather to carry the suitcase and even he comments on its weight.

http://www.tricorpress.com/world_war_rollercoaster.htm

http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/074343966X/ref=sib_rdr_ex/103-2639678-9047847?%5Fencoding=UTF8&p=S00E&j=0#reader-page

Blog Eleven

2006-11-16T04:32:21Z

The " Writing the Memoir" article discusses the differences between modern and historic memoir writing. In the past, memoirs were popularly associated with wealthy and famous writers. In modern times, they have become more common in our literature, screen films, and even our writing classes. Memoirs are often compared to autobiographies even though there are distinct differences.This article genuinely helped me distinguish the difference between a memoir and autobiography. At first I thought a memoir was just a nicer name for autobigraphy. A memoir is a recollection of a personal event that effected a large amount of people and is usually a little animated to keep an audience's interest. An autobiography is a "factual" personal account of events occurring in one's life.

sthrnhmbrd @ 2006-11-01T23:23:00

2006-11-02T03:23:22Z

Has this week gone by fast or what? At this point and time I have alot of things on my mind, but one thing in particular has made me sick to my stomach. My pet peeve of the week is how disrespectful some men can be to women. Notice how I said some men and not all so please do not respond to my post angry because I'm not bashing men at all, but I have heard the words " bitch" and "ho" being used as labels for women a little too much around this campus. If you are one of the men using this type of language to refer to women, let me give you some advice on how to treat a lady. How would you like it if someone called your mother, sister, aunt, or grandmother one of the choice words mentioned above? Hmmmm, now that you've thought about it, doesn't feel too good huh? I thought so. Treat every lady you meet with the same respect that you would want another man to treat one of your female family members. Take the words " bitch" and "ho" out of your vocabulary and replace them with " Miss" or "Ma'am". It is ridiculous that these words have become socially acceptable. The common double standards of society reflected upon women need to change, and wouldn't it be great if that change started right here at USF??

Blog Nine: Can I see some identification please?

2006-11-02T02:30:18Z

After reading the topic sentence you may recognize this question from situations such as a routine traffic stop or when purchasing alcohol or cigarettes from a grocery store, but you would probably never imagine this question being asked at an Internet café. Well in Rome, they do just that and more. Your identification needs to be photocopied and on file in order to use the Internet cafes. The law passed enforcing this procedure is said to be a precaution taken to reduce acts of terrorism, which may be carried out over the Internet. What inspired the law was the “murder of Wall Street Journal reporter Daniel Pearl, whose abductors used email to issue demands and send photos.” This law displays dystopian characteristics because the government is interfering with the privacy of Internet users by asking them to show identification. Even though this law applies to Italy, countries such as China and India have also taken up the practice. Like cigarettes and alcohol, the Internet is beginning to be viewed as something that if used incorrectly, can become a deadly weapon. As a result of this mandate, the “clientele” of Internet cafes in Rome has dropped and some cafes have even gone out of business. Many citizens seem to view the law as a “ useless” attempt to prevent terrorist activity, while others see it as a violation of their civil rights.

View the article here:
http://www.usatoday.com/tech/news/computersecurity/2005-12-08-cybercafe-law_x.htm?csp=34

“ Anti-terror law forces cybercafe owners to take names”
by Maria Sanminiatelli, Associated Press

sthrnhmbrd @ 2006-10-25T22:40:00

2006-10-26T02:41:20Z

Below is my thesis statement for my Literary Analysis paper. Keep in mind that this is just a rough draft and is no where near presentable as yet. So please be nice with whatever comment you may leave. Respect is given where respect is shown...enjoy!

A dystopia is a world’s failed attempt at perfection. Universal peace, structure, and equality are all characteristics of a utopian society; which is realistically unattainable. Utopia’s are usually destroyed by greed, hypocrisy, and misuse of power. In Kurt Vonnegut’s Harrison Bergeron, the ruler in the story is referred to as the Handicapper General. The Handicapper General envisions a world of equality. Anyone considered exceptional was forced to wear a device that brought him or her down to below average intelligence, strength, and ability. By taking away their thoughts and opinions, the Handicapper General obtained the power of taking complete control of their lives. Amongst the chaos, one person refused to become a slave to the government’s absurd methods of control. Harrison Bergeron became a martyr for freedom of expression and individuality. This story is a strong reminder of the famous saying, “ If you don’t stand for something, you will fall for anything.”

Blog 7: Literary Elements

2006-10-26T00:45:04Z

Three literary elements corresponding to Harrison Bergeron by Kurt Vonnegut are irony, allusion, and theme. The story is set in a futuristic world where the government is in the pursuit of “equality”. The irony of this is that in reality the government does try to pursue equality amongst American citizens. But in the story, the government tries to achieve equality by placing handicap devices on the people, making them equal but at the same time bringing them below average ability, strength, and competency. Any independent thought or feeling is rewarded with a jolting sound causing them to forget. The government realizes that by making the people ignorant, they have complete control over their lives.

Another literary element relative to the story is allusion. The author uses “….the Handicapper General’s enforcers, known as H-G men, to allude to the FBI and Secret Service agents in the 1940’s and 1950’s known as G-men or government men”(enotes). Another example of allusion in the story is Harrison’s arrest to over throw the government. Even though this cannot be linked to just one occasion, there have been numerous incidents in the past and present where individuals have been arrested for plotting to over throw the government.

http://www.enotes.com/harrison-bergeron-qn/

The final literary element corresponding to the story is the theme. The underlying meaning of the work relates to the famous saying, “ If you don’t stand for something, you’ll fall for anything.” The government in this story took advantage of the people’s willingness to become submissive and ignorant. They allowed them to take complete control of their lives; to the point where an independent thought was prohibited.

Does being unique really make me handicapped?

2006-10-19T04:38:06Z

For our literary analysis paper we have to read and interpret a work concerning a dystopian society. At first I picked The Giver because I wanted to try something new, but when I realized the time allotted for the project, I changed my mind. My novel of choice is Harrison Bergeron by Kurt Vonnegut. I've read this short story twice in my high school career, so reading it again would only refresh my memory and I should be able to give a pretty good analysis of a story I have read three times! Harrison Bergeron is about a futuristic society that discourages individuality. People who would be considered exceptional or gifted in our society are labeled handicapped. One man in particular gets sick of uniformity and decided to take matters into his own hands. I won't tell the end, but I will say that this story makes me proud to be unique.

In A State Of Transition....

2006-10-19T04:25:18Z

Its time for me to finally get some things "off my chest" and " forgive and forget". I am now in a state of transition and the time has come for me to say my "final good-byes" to all of the things holding me back. All of the embarassing moments that still haunt me to this day, goodbye. To all of the people who make or have made me feel like less than a person, our goodbyes are well over due. I've come from "every parent's worst nightmare" to Mommy and Daddy's dream girl,and I will continue to make them proud. Seeing my parents disappointed faces caused me to do a complete one-eighty regarding my attitude about life in general. I am now a role model to my little brother,and this realization has been "life changing." Maybe I don't need closure for every thing that has happened in my past. I've been taking a ride on this emotional rollercoaster for over fifteen years and its about time that I get off.

"Blood Diamonds"

2006-10-11T04:24:05Z

“ Blood Diamonds”

I found an article that has been a topic of interest for me since my eleventh grade year of high school. The subject of the illegal diamond trade in West Africa has been a hidden issue that has just recently become public. This article is about illegal diamonds in Ghana and Mali making their way to neighboring countries to be sold overseas. Currently, there is a ban implemented by the United Nations on diamond sales, but smugglers have no problem with breaking the rules. “ About nine to twenty-four million dollars worth of diamonds mined in the rebel held north of the West African country are being sold on the international market every year via brokers in Mali and Ghana” (Bax).

In my opinion, the border controls are not doing their job. Merely imposing a ban doesn’t mean that the diamond trade is just going to stop. The United Nations aren’t putting enough effort into stopping the diamond trade and the rebels are taking advantage of their ignorance. The U.N. blames poor border controls and controls on the diamond smuggling, but the U.N should also look at themselves. Conflict diamonds, also known as cruelty free diamonds, are part of the “ Kimberley Process” which is part of the ban. The process tracks diamonds to their mines, making sure the diamonds are conflict free. This process obviously hasn’t been very effective if illegal diamonds are still making their way overseas.

Please purchase cruelty free diamonds. Don’t support the “ blood diamond” trade.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20061010/ap_on_re_af/ivory_coast_diamond_ban

Following My Heart

2006-10-10T21:59:29Z

The thought of a major draws a blank in my mind. I came into college wanting to be an OB-GYN for all the wrong reasons. Currently my major is Biomedical Sciences, and like many other Bio-Med majors this is subject to change. Choosing Biomedical Sciences for my major was one of the biggest mistakes I have made thus far in my college career. The reason why I call it a mistake is because I didn’t have a legitimate reason in choosing it. Instead of following my heart, I followed the dollar signs in my dreams and listened to the criticism of others. My heart belongs in the field of Law. Even though medicine and law may seem like two polar opposites, the transition for me won’t be that difficult. I attended a pre-law magnet school for four years and loved every moment of it. We were required to participate in mock trials, analyze landmark cases, and attend misdemeanor/felony trials. The world of law intrigued me and seemed like a perfect fit, until I received some “ destructive criticism”. I have been told more than enough times that lawyers have to be aggressive in order to be successful. I have to admit that I am not an aggressive person whatsoever and because of this I lost all confidence. I switched to Biomedical Sciences because I do love to help people and biology for me has always been a fun subject. I now realize that I should have looked deeper and ignored the negative criticism. I should have focused on my passion and worried about my tactic later. Tactics come with learning; the concepts of law are far more important than being aggressive. As soon as I get the chance I will change my major and I have already started talking to academic advisors. I want to make sure that I am on the road to success following my dreams. “ Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

Response to articles

2006-10-04T22:05:00Z

The "Guide to Blogosphere" and " From Blog to Out of a Job" articles both provide examples of how blogging has become an interesting part of society's writing and communication methods. The " Guide to Blogosphere" article in particular defines, instructs, and warns readers on the positives and negatives of blogging. Blogging can be a very rewarding experience if used with caution. " Don't post anything you wouldn't want everyone to see," is both a warning and an unwritten rule that applies to the world of blogging. The article, " From Blog to Out of A Job" talks about the consequences of blogging irresponsibly. Some users have lost their jobs due to revealing incriminating information about their coworkers, bosses,and companies. "..As blog readership goes up, companies have more to lose from a pair of loose lips." The lesson to be learned from both articles is to blog responsibly and keep any incriminating information to yourself. Blogging is a great way to network with friends, family, and coworkers but should always be done with caution.

From my guardian angel's perspective

2006-10-04T01:14:25Z

Who is she? She may be calm and reserved, or boisterous and outgoing, but you’ll never be able to tell just by looking into her eyes. She’s short, but walks tall, shoulders back and head straight like a soldier heading into battle. She took her first breath on March 21st 1988 in a South Florida hospital. Born of proud Jamaican parents, she learned at an early age that nothing in this world is free. I’ve watched her change from the girl who struggled to fit in, to the young woman who fights to stand out. She went through her whole middle school, and part of her high school career confused about who she was, but now that she is in college, she is one step closer to her personal discovery. She has an undying love for the art of writing and poetry, using it as both a hobby and a release for daily stress. Only God knows her full potential because at times she doesn’t seem to believe in herself. She’ll go through many tests of faith before her true destiny is fulfilled. I can only be her guardian, protecting her from physical harm, but it is she who will have to be responsible for protecting her own heart.

sthrnhmbrd @ 2006-09-28T00:45:00

2006-09-28T04:47:04Z

Hey Everybody,

See you in class tomorrow!

greetings!

2006-09-28T04:43:51Z

Greetings Everyone!

I hope all of you have had a wonderful day and hope to see you all in class tomorrow.
Sincerely,
SthrnHmbrd