What's the importance of forgiveness in "Smoke Signals"? How does Victor learn to forgive his father?
Adam Cole
Lauren Servais
English 100
15 April 2010
Forgiveness
I find myself having to answer this question. What is the importance of forgiveness? As we see in smoke signals, it is the ability to let the past go and be able to move on with our life in a constructive manner. It is the ability to open new doors in relationships that we once could not due to pain we had no way of releasing. It is the chance to relieve ourselves of the pain that has kept us from progressing. It is a new beginning. I personally am having a problem with forgiveness at this time. I am having this problem because it seems my life is ridiculed with others continually trying to make my life miserable. In my opinion, they do this because I have reached happiness and they are still struggling. I have opened my heart to these people many times and every time I do, they take advantage of my openness and try to bring me to their level. This has happened now for three years and I am getting tired of forgiving them. Because every time I do, their dagger gets thrust in my body deeper. But this essay is not about me. It is about victor and about his father. I will focus on that.
To forgive someone that has done something to you as a child becomes so much harder than what someone has done to you as an adult. As a child, you are so much more fragile and have not had the experiences of life as you would if you were an adult. You base your feelings primarily on emotion. It becomes hard to break these feelings or to change them. Victor has had a hard childhood because of what his father has done. His father has left the family because of these things he has done. But as victor understands it, it is he that has run his father off. He starts to build resentment up for his father’s leaving. He becomes harassed by the town that his father has left. It only builds more animosity towards the situation. How is a child that gets no guidance supposed to move on?
Years and years of this feeling is what makes him as a person. He has issues with dealing with his mother, friends, people in general due to the constant unknown of his father and where he had gone. He was a child without a person that even though he was not proud of, was very important to him. When he found out that his father had died, something that was history came back to the present and now he has a chance to put closure to it. Although he is not aware of this yet, he will soon find out just how wonderful and powerful forgiveness can be.
With the help of an aquantanince/friend victor embarks on a journey into feelings that are powerful enough to stir up all of the past experiences he had with his father and embraces them in a way he never felt. His friend brings things to victor’s attention along the way and then with the help of his father’s friend, he finds things out about his father he never knew. These experiences lead victor to a place where he can grieve his father’s actions and finally forgive him for the past. This simple thing “forgiveness” turns a hardened child into a man that is much different than he has ever been. Victor is finally comfortable in his own skin. All due to a simple thing called forgiveness.
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Thursday, April 8, 2010
"This is what it means to say Pheonix Arizona."
Adam Cole
Lauren Servais
English 100 Online
8 April 2010
This is what it means to say Phoenix, Arizona.
What a wonderful story. There is great meaning in both the reading and the movie. With few exceptions, there really is no differenced in them. Both were fun, humorous and an enjoyable story to read/watch.
One of the differences I noticed was in the movie, they changed victor and Thomas means of getting to Arizona from a plane ride, (this ride being in the book) to a bus ride. I feel they did this to further the stereotype of Indians living at a poverty level. There is also something more to this but I just cannot put my finger on it.
This movie is very precious. If this movie comes for sale in the future, I really want to rent it again and compare it to the book more. There is reason the writer added things in his writing and then there is a reason why the movie has changed them. I would like to compare them to answer questions I have. Again I don’t know why, there is just something telling me in my mind that I really need to do this. It may have something to do with my family situation but until I actually do it, I will never know. I want to know what it means to say, Phoenix, Arizona.
Lauren Servais
English 100 Online
8 April 2010
This is what it means to say Phoenix, Arizona.
What a wonderful story. There is great meaning in both the reading and the movie. With few exceptions, there really is no differenced in them. Both were fun, humorous and an enjoyable story to read/watch.
One of the differences I noticed was in the movie, they changed victor and Thomas means of getting to Arizona from a plane ride, (this ride being in the book) to a bus ride. I feel they did this to further the stereotype of Indians living at a poverty level. There is also something more to this but I just cannot put my finger on it.
This movie is very precious. If this movie comes for sale in the future, I really want to rent it again and compare it to the book more. There is reason the writer added things in his writing and then there is a reason why the movie has changed them. I would like to compare them to answer questions I have. Again I don’t know why, there is just something telling me in my mind that I really need to do this. It may have something to do with my family situation but until I actually do it, I will never know. I want to know what it means to say, Phoenix, Arizona.
Sunday, April 4, 2010
week 11 chapter 56 mla formatting
Adam Cole
Lauren Servais
English 100 on Line
4 April 2010
Chapter 56 summary
I chose chapter 56 for a couple of reasons. First off, it is what most of our teachers want us to write in. the second is I never really heard of it until I started going back to college, and yes I decided to start at the age of forty five. Actually everything is pretty much fascanating for me right now. My tag line that I have borrowed from the incredible Tom Matano is “always inspired” and I do believe that I truly am always inspired. But enough about that. Back to M.L.A.
M.L.A. stands for Modern Language Association. Its most commonly used to write papers and cite sources within the liberal arts and humanities. M.L.A. is an excellent set of guidelines to follow when writing a paper. It provides a very clear way to write a paper that in turn allows the reader to get through your information provided with a clear and consistent path.
You should always start with a good quality 8 ½” x 11” sheet of white paper. And although M.L.A. does not require a title page, your instructor might so make sure you know what your teacher requires. On the upper left of your first paper you will need to put your mane, followed by your teachers’ name, the class and then the date, all on their own separate lines. If there are more than one page, you will need to place your name in the upper right corner of each page along with the page no. margins of one inch on all sides with left align text. Then double space your lines. The layout is as simple as that.
One of M.L.A.’s greatest values is that of giving credit where credit is due. When properly used, writers can build their credibility by demonstrating accountability to their source material. Along with this, it also helps writers defeat accusations of plagiarism for those who go on to write research papers. Chapter 56b has an excellent example of a well written paper to follow, written by Anna Orlov. Be sure to read the side notes as they give key points of much interest.
I enjoy using M.L.A. writing because it is an easy set of rules to follow. I will continue to use this style as my teachers call for it and hope they continue to do so.
Lauren Servais
English 100 on Line
4 April 2010
Chapter 56 summary
I chose chapter 56 for a couple of reasons. First off, it is what most of our teachers want us to write in. the second is I never really heard of it until I started going back to college, and yes I decided to start at the age of forty five. Actually everything is pretty much fascanating for me right now. My tag line that I have borrowed from the incredible Tom Matano is “always inspired” and I do believe that I truly am always inspired. But enough about that. Back to M.L.A.
M.L.A. stands for Modern Language Association. Its most commonly used to write papers and cite sources within the liberal arts and humanities. M.L.A. is an excellent set of guidelines to follow when writing a paper. It provides a very clear way to write a paper that in turn allows the reader to get through your information provided with a clear and consistent path.
You should always start with a good quality 8 ½” x 11” sheet of white paper. And although M.L.A. does not require a title page, your instructor might so make sure you know what your teacher requires. On the upper left of your first paper you will need to put your mane, followed by your teachers’ name, the class and then the date, all on their own separate lines. If there are more than one page, you will need to place your name in the upper right corner of each page along with the page no. margins of one inch on all sides with left align text. Then double space your lines. The layout is as simple as that.
One of M.L.A.’s greatest values is that of giving credit where credit is due. When properly used, writers can build their credibility by demonstrating accountability to their source material. Along with this, it also helps writers defeat accusations of plagiarism for those who go on to write research papers. Chapter 56b has an excellent example of a well written paper to follow, written by Anna Orlov. Be sure to read the side notes as they give key points of much interest.
I enjoy using M.L.A. writing because it is an easy set of rules to follow. I will continue to use this style as my teachers call for it and hope they continue to do so.
please take a moment to read this
so i do not know any of you all except through this cyber city that we live in (i still am having a hard time with it) but i will share with you all that i am indian mix. i watched this movie on saturday due to family issues that have come up this week. i have never seen this movie. i did remember little bits of when it was being advertised on tv though. this movie hit me hard. you see, it almost replicated my family issues i have been dealing with this week.
i have a nephew that is living with my mother right now and has been for about a year now. he is fifteen now. he is living with my mom because his father is very abusive. especially when he drinks. my nephews name is nevada so i will call him by that. nevada made a hard decision to leave the house that his three sisters and one brother live in. nevada is the oldest. it was a hard decision for him to do this because now there is no one to protect his siblings. if he stayed there he is sure he would have died.by the hands of his father. his father has been in state pens for domestic violence along with other things. he is not a good person. nevada decided to do this in hopes that his mother "my sister" would wake up and leave his father. the begining of this week he was given word that his parents and siblings would be moving back to the reservation in new mexico. he was told by his father over the phone that he would never see his brother and sisters again. wendsday nevada tried to kill himself.
please give a prayer for this boy and his siblings. this is more than a child should have to deal with. so i ask all of you to please just give a few moments of your day in good thoughts toward this boy and his siblings ecause i do believe that we all have the energy to pass to others just by good thought. his name is nevada, his sisters are feather and kameaha, his little brother is bimisi.
i thank you all in advance for doing this. lauren please disregard my grammar on this. i still need to do some more work so i am writing this fast.
peace to everyone, adam.
i have a nephew that is living with my mother right now and has been for about a year now. he is fifteen now. he is living with my mom because his father is very abusive. especially when he drinks. my nephews name is nevada so i will call him by that. nevada made a hard decision to leave the house that his three sisters and one brother live in. nevada is the oldest. it was a hard decision for him to do this because now there is no one to protect his siblings. if he stayed there he is sure he would have died.by the hands of his father. his father has been in state pens for domestic violence along with other things. he is not a good person. nevada decided to do this in hopes that his mother "my sister" would wake up and leave his father. the begining of this week he was given word that his parents and siblings would be moving back to the reservation in new mexico. he was told by his father over the phone that he would never see his brother and sisters again. wendsday nevada tried to kill himself.
please give a prayer for this boy and his siblings. this is more than a child should have to deal with. so i ask all of you to please just give a few moments of your day in good thoughts toward this boy and his siblings ecause i do believe that we all have the energy to pass to others just by good thought. his name is nevada, his sisters are feather and kameaha, his little brother is bimisi.
i thank you all in advance for doing this. lauren please disregard my grammar on this. i still need to do some more work so i am writing this fast.
peace to everyone, adam.
due thursday, sorry i am late on this one all.
I would like to speak about the relationship that Victor and Thomas have. Two kids growing up together. One that has a father and wishes he did not most of the time. The other that has no father and wishes he had, no matter what the cost. Growing up together in the same town and having a unique connection they both realize yet don’t quite understand. Neither one of them realize just how important they are to each other until they spend some intense time together.
Victor is a child torn with the guilt of his father’s actions. He carries his father’s burdens to the point that it consumes him and does not allow victor to become an individual of his own. His burden tears his relationships up with the people closest to him. He is riddled with guilt of what his father has done to him, to his mother and to their friends. He also feels the guilt of creating the reason for his father’s departure. He is a child growing into a man carrying a heavy burden.
Thomas is almost the complete opposite. He is the free spirit. A young boy without a family other than his grandmother. He misses the family he never knew. His closest chance of a father figure comes in clothes that his friend’s father wears. The few moments that are given to him from Victor’s father he grasps and cherishes with the strongest feelings. He overlooks the ugly in this man and forgets the past so that he may remember the good in this man.
When these two boys spend precious time together, something wonderful happens. Something that only these two men at this very moment could have done. Healing has begun and two boys become men.
Victor is a child torn with the guilt of his father’s actions. He carries his father’s burdens to the point that it consumes him and does not allow victor to become an individual of his own. His burden tears his relationships up with the people closest to him. He is riddled with guilt of what his father has done to him, to his mother and to their friends. He also feels the guilt of creating the reason for his father’s departure. He is a child growing into a man carrying a heavy burden.
Thomas is almost the complete opposite. He is the free spirit. A young boy without a family other than his grandmother. He misses the family he never knew. His closest chance of a father figure comes in clothes that his friend’s father wears. The few moments that are given to him from Victor’s father he grasps and cherishes with the strongest feelings. He overlooks the ugly in this man and forgets the past so that he may remember the good in this man.
When these two boys spend precious time together, something wonderful happens. Something that only these two men at this very moment could have done. Healing has begun and two boys become men.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
chapter 5
Adam Cole
Lauren Servais
English 100 OnLine
3 March 2010
Document Design
I chose this chapter because it is something that can make your writing into something special. I am a very visual person. I also feel I am mechanical, logical and factual. My research on different things is based on facts and hard evidence. When I write for business, I tend to use straight forward text rather than fluff. Sometimes for me, this style of writing tends to be dull and monotonous.
Chapter five in the book “Rules for Writers” gives me very good information that is going to help me keep my writing from going down the “path of dullness.” Simple things such as line spacing and font styles can make your writing come alive. It kind of like an average looking person can mysteriously look breathtaking with the aide of makeup. The way that we dress our paper can have a big impact on how someone will precieve it. This also can backfire on you so if you are not sure, it may be best to keep it a bit conservative. You need to take in to consideration you audience and what they are looking to get out of the paper.
I will be using the information in chapter five to try and make my writing easier to read. I am also going to use it in certain circumstances to capture my audience. One thing that I notice since I have been taking English at the start, (last year) is the use of double spacing my text. In the years past I would write something without spacing it and remember my associates become almost overwhelmed by looking at the page and seeing all that black. After spacing my text, even I have noticed how easy it is to read.
By taking advantage of the many tools we have in todays computer programs, we can make a page of text easier to read, we can make the words POP OUT OF THE PAGE by using the different fonts. We can wake someone up by changing the color. We can add pictures to enhance our writing
There is really no end to enhance our text. Chapter five gives us ideas for this.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
happy endings
Adam Cole
English 100 online
25 March 2010
What is the significance of Shirley Temple? What meaning does she hold for Lovely?
In the reading “happy endings” written by Lois-Ann Yamanaka, the significance of Shirley temple is a desire of a wonderful, happy and joyous life. A life that is filled with happy moments and thoughts that brings beautiful memories. Her life was near perfection.
To lovely, a child growing up in a poverty stricken area, this was a lifestyle completely different that hers. You see, her life was one that did not bring much hope. She was living in a culture that was making it difficult to have a better life. Her surroundings were keeping her from thinking that there was hope of something different.
The value that Shirley temple plays to lovely is that of a lifestyle that has happy endings instead of bickering and making fun of each other. Lovely can imagine herself in Shirley’s shoes. The beautiful hair, the pouty lips and crying for happiness. What a wonderful feeling it was for her to imagine that she was in that frame. To her this was heaven.
English 100 online
25 March 2010
What is the significance of Shirley Temple? What meaning does she hold for Lovely?
In the reading “happy endings” written by Lois-Ann Yamanaka, the significance of Shirley temple is a desire of a wonderful, happy and joyous life. A life that is filled with happy moments and thoughts that brings beautiful memories. Her life was near perfection.
To lovely, a child growing up in a poverty stricken area, this was a lifestyle completely different that hers. You see, her life was one that did not bring much hope. She was living in a culture that was making it difficult to have a better life. Her surroundings were keeping her from thinking that there was hope of something different.
The value that Shirley temple plays to lovely is that of a lifestyle that has happy endings instead of bickering and making fun of each other. Lovely can imagine herself in Shirley’s shoes. The beautiful hair, the pouty lips and crying for happiness. What a wonderful feeling it was for her to imagine that she was in that frame. To her this was heaven.
Friday, March 5, 2010
essay 2 dialogue
Do you relate to one of the characters? How? Why?
Based on the essay “Shooting Dad”
When I started reading “Shooting Dad” written by Sarah Vowell I immediately started to relate to the situation Sarah was sharing with us. Although I was not relating myself to her feelings but rather to her fathers relationship with his daughters. There was so many ways that I could put myself into his shoes that it felt like this was a story about me and my two daughters.
From the first paragraph where she states, “I’m not saying who the democrat was or who the republican was,” to the end where she states “But I will not cover my ears” I felt emotion as strong as I ever have in the past. This essay became I and my two daughters’ home in many ways.
You see, my belief is one of freedom. My feeling is that the government from city all the way to federal has imposed rules that are in not way keeping with the values of the constitution of the United States. Burocrats have come in to office and have decided to make rules for the general public that are not what we have asked for or voted on. They have decided for us that certain situations should be the way they feel. But these laws are decided upon by some panel that is made up of primarily rich older white men. For instance this could be a curfew that has been set in place because of some crime that has taken place somewhere. They see this crime as a threat to them and feel it needs to stop right away so they put this new law in effect not considering what the rest of us feel. They also normally do not take the time to research this event thoroly because they feel it would be detrimental to put it off any longer. This is just one example of many laws that have been put in place in a hasty manner. Do you know that a woman may not drive a car wearing a house coat in California?
My oldest daughter is 15. She is a highly social girl. She also loves to get involved with helping others. She feels that it is a positive to let the government to make laws for us. She would use an example of the laws that have been put into effect that helps out the homeless and the illegal immigrants. What I try to show her is that when these laws go into effect that everyone pays for this through taxes, even those that did not want to help. The decision was not everyone’s but rather only some yet the others still have to pay. And what if those people are struggling to make ends meet as it is. Now a law has gone into effect that is going to take money out of their pockets making it harder for them to live. Is that fair? We go back and forth on these things a lot.
One of my favorite parts of this essay is the fact that the father wants to be blown out of a cannon to his final resting place. This is classic “me.” I say this because it has been my choice to be cremated and then my ashes fed down the intake of my favorite motor that is in my Hot Rod. I want to experience going through the intake, pat a valve and into the combustion chamber where an explosion occurs and then spit out of the exhaust valve and down the long tunnel of exhaust pipe and to the world again. Yes it’s true I may not feel it but maybe, just maybe if my soul is present, I just may.
And I am sure that my girls will do this for me. And I do not think they will be crying but rather they will have a big grin on their face. The grin of thankfulness, happiness, immortality, and just plain strange that their father want to know, “what really happens in side there.”
Based on the essay “Shooting Dad”
When I started reading “Shooting Dad” written by Sarah Vowell I immediately started to relate to the situation Sarah was sharing with us. Although I was not relating myself to her feelings but rather to her fathers relationship with his daughters. There was so many ways that I could put myself into his shoes that it felt like this was a story about me and my two daughters.
From the first paragraph where she states, “I’m not saying who the democrat was or who the republican was,” to the end where she states “But I will not cover my ears” I felt emotion as strong as I ever have in the past. This essay became I and my two daughters’ home in many ways.
You see, my belief is one of freedom. My feeling is that the government from city all the way to federal has imposed rules that are in not way keeping with the values of the constitution of the United States. Burocrats have come in to office and have decided to make rules for the general public that are not what we have asked for or voted on. They have decided for us that certain situations should be the way they feel. But these laws are decided upon by some panel that is made up of primarily rich older white men. For instance this could be a curfew that has been set in place because of some crime that has taken place somewhere. They see this crime as a threat to them and feel it needs to stop right away so they put this new law in effect not considering what the rest of us feel. They also normally do not take the time to research this event thoroly because they feel it would be detrimental to put it off any longer. This is just one example of many laws that have been put in place in a hasty manner. Do you know that a woman may not drive a car wearing a house coat in California?
My oldest daughter is 15. She is a highly social girl. She also loves to get involved with helping others. She feels that it is a positive to let the government to make laws for us. She would use an example of the laws that have been put into effect that helps out the homeless and the illegal immigrants. What I try to show her is that when these laws go into effect that everyone pays for this through taxes, even those that did not want to help. The decision was not everyone’s but rather only some yet the others still have to pay. And what if those people are struggling to make ends meet as it is. Now a law has gone into effect that is going to take money out of their pockets making it harder for them to live. Is that fair? We go back and forth on these things a lot.
One of my favorite parts of this essay is the fact that the father wants to be blown out of a cannon to his final resting place. This is classic “me.” I say this because it has been my choice to be cremated and then my ashes fed down the intake of my favorite motor that is in my Hot Rod. I want to experience going through the intake, pat a valve and into the combustion chamber where an explosion occurs and then spit out of the exhaust valve and down the long tunnel of exhaust pipe and to the world again. Yes it’s true I may not feel it but maybe, just maybe if my soul is present, I just may.
And I am sure that my girls will do this for me. And I do not think they will be crying but rather they will have a big grin on their face. The grin of thankfulness, happiness, immortality, and just plain strange that their father want to know, “what really happens in side there.”
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
shooting dad summary
Adam Cole
Lauren servais
English 100
25 February 2010
“What is the Significance of the Title”
This is one of those writings that I found so enjoyable, I actually insisted that my two daughters read it as well. I also talked my girlfriend into reading it as well. This text from the very beginning had me hooked. Something that I have found that keeps me interested in reading is how the writer uses comparisons. When the writer uses metaphors, similes and other figures of speech, they tend to grab my imagination and keep me reading waiting to see what is going to be said next. This text has defiantly captured my attention.
From the start, the title “Shooting Dad” had my imagination going. What did it mean? I knew that it did not mean its exact comparison. I just did not know where it would end. As I read the essay, the writers use of metaphors had me guessing as to the value of the title and had me thinking something other than what it actually turned out to be. I knew it was not going to be a negative conclusion because the relationship the daughter had with her father. Still I did not know where it would end.
After having a lot of laughs reading this essay and reminiscing about the fun and good times that I have had with my daughters teaching them how to properly take care of, handle and shoot guns. Also taking the time with my daughters to teach them my real hobby and that is restoring old cars. Both the subject of guns and cars are important to my relating to this text. In the end of this essay when the author is talking about her father having his daughters stuffing him into paper bags and blowing him out of the cannon he has built has a relation to my dying request. I to have asked my daughters to cremate me and then feed my ashes down the intake of my personal car until the engine freezes, making me a permanent part of where I have found so much peace. And just as in the essay, his daughters will do it, mine have said the same. I love my girls. They are the best.
Lauren servais
English 100
25 February 2010
“What is the Significance of the Title”
This is one of those writings that I found so enjoyable, I actually insisted that my two daughters read it as well. I also talked my girlfriend into reading it as well. This text from the very beginning had me hooked. Something that I have found that keeps me interested in reading is how the writer uses comparisons. When the writer uses metaphors, similes and other figures of speech, they tend to grab my imagination and keep me reading waiting to see what is going to be said next. This text has defiantly captured my attention.
From the start, the title “Shooting Dad” had my imagination going. What did it mean? I knew that it did not mean its exact comparison. I just did not know where it would end. As I read the essay, the writers use of metaphors had me guessing as to the value of the title and had me thinking something other than what it actually turned out to be. I knew it was not going to be a negative conclusion because the relationship the daughter had with her father. Still I did not know where it would end.
After having a lot of laughs reading this essay and reminiscing about the fun and good times that I have had with my daughters teaching them how to properly take care of, handle and shoot guns. Also taking the time with my daughters to teach them my real hobby and that is restoring old cars. Both the subject of guns and cars are important to my relating to this text. In the end of this essay when the author is talking about her father having his daughters stuffing him into paper bags and blowing him out of the cannon he has built has a relation to my dying request. I to have asked my daughters to cremate me and then feed my ashes down the intake of my personal car until the engine freezes, making me a permanent part of where I have found so much peace. And just as in the essay, his daughters will do it, mine have said the same. I love my girls. They are the best.
Monday, February 22, 2010
coming home again
What is the importance of food in this essay?
In the essay “Coming Home Again” the importance of food in this man’s life is the fact that it reminds him of his mother and the family life he was so fond of. Food is a way to keep his mothers memories from disappearing. It also reminds him of when he was young and the value his mother has taught him in preparing meals.
His fondest memories were of his mother cooking in the kitchen. Cooking up great meals with aromatic smells filling the house. Food was definitely an important part of their lives and this can be seen throughout the entire essay. He cherishes the memories of his mother in the kitchen preparing meals. He goes in great detail of his mother as she puts a meal together. This is so important that he decided to take on the role of the cook in the house. After she becomes sick, he takes on this role and has only memories of her laying ingredients out and the aromas of them to try and duplicate her recipes, something his mother never wrote down.
Every once in a while before she had passed, his mother would try to help him in the only way she could. She would come into the kitchen and sit down and ask him what he is doing. Then she would show him everything he was doing wrong and tell him the right way. His memory of his mother doing this is something that he cherishes and hates at the same time.
The story shows that even after her death, his desire to cook meals continued. He would try and cook a meal as his mother did for his father. But it never turned out the same, she was truly the cook and he knew it. But it did keep her memory alive and I believe that is truly what he wanted.
In the essay “Coming Home Again” the importance of food in this man’s life is the fact that it reminds him of his mother and the family life he was so fond of. Food is a way to keep his mothers memories from disappearing. It also reminds him of when he was young and the value his mother has taught him in preparing meals.
His fondest memories were of his mother cooking in the kitchen. Cooking up great meals with aromatic smells filling the house. Food was definitely an important part of their lives and this can be seen throughout the entire essay. He cherishes the memories of his mother in the kitchen preparing meals. He goes in great detail of his mother as she puts a meal together. This is so important that he decided to take on the role of the cook in the house. After she becomes sick, he takes on this role and has only memories of her laying ingredients out and the aromas of them to try and duplicate her recipes, something his mother never wrote down.
Every once in a while before she had passed, his mother would try to help him in the only way she could. She would come into the kitchen and sit down and ask him what he is doing. Then she would show him everything he was doing wrong and tell him the right way. His memory of his mother doing this is something that he cherishes and hates at the same time.
The story shows that even after her death, his desire to cook meals continued. He would try and cook a meal as his mother did for his father. But it never turned out the same, she was truly the cook and he knew it. But it did keep her memory alive and I believe that is truly what he wanted.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Chapter 47 Summary
Chapter 47 is about putting together a topic that can be debated, a topic that one can agree or disagree with what is written. When writing this topic, it is necessary to construct it in a manner that has certain elements included so that the reader understands what you are saying, where you found this information, why it is an important topic and something that does not push them away when reading but rather draws them into wanting to include their opinion.
Chapter 47 teaches us how to write an argument in a reasonable manner. It also shows us the importance of properly researching the issue so that all avenues are covered and your readers feel you are credible. They need to believe that you have researched the issue before they can believe or argue the issue. Also any research that you have done need the proper credit to its author and doing this further allows the reader to recheck your statement and also allows them to further their own research. This chapter also shows us that using facts, statistics, examples and illustrations further solidifies the information you have provided allowing your readers to feel comfortable with what is told to them.
One thing I have done in my past is a lot of sales in different modalities. Reading this chapter makes me think about the similarities it has with sales. Now I am able to tie my past sales experience with my writing via the information provided in this book. I will also be aware of how passive or aggressive I write text that involves arguments. Also something I have not done much in the past that I will be doing more of is to give credit where it is due.
Chapter 47 teaches us how to write an argument in a reasonable manner. It also shows us the importance of properly researching the issue so that all avenues are covered and your readers feel you are credible. They need to believe that you have researched the issue before they can believe or argue the issue. Also any research that you have done need the proper credit to its author and doing this further allows the reader to recheck your statement and also allows them to further their own research. This chapter also shows us that using facts, statistics, examples and illustrations further solidifies the information you have provided allowing your readers to feel comfortable with what is told to them.
One thing I have done in my past is a lot of sales in different modalities. Reading this chapter makes me think about the similarities it has with sales. Now I am able to tie my past sales experience with my writing via the information provided in this book. I will also be aware of how passive or aggressive I write text that involves arguments. Also something I have not done much in the past that I will be doing more of is to give credit where it is due.
chapter 46 summary
Chapter 46 talks of writing about texts of various sorts. It talks about the value of certain pieces of information included in your writing. Also about how to pull out as much information of the text you are writing. How to actively read a text whether it is written or is a picture. It gives you ideas of what to look for to utilize the text as best possible.
It is interesting as to the many different types of text there are and the book gives us a few of those to go by. It shows us that responding to a text usually requires us to include a summary, an analysis or both. We are told of a couple of techniques that will help us in our writing. Annotating and outlining the key points. By actively reading or annotating the text it shows us that we can make more since of the text and we will typically find meaning that we would usually fail to see. Annotating allows you to become familiar with the purpose of the text. It also allows you to see things that you typically would pass over. Another thing it does is gives you the opportunity to take the time and learn new words or phrases by looking them up.
Chapter 46 also gives us some helpful information on writing a good summary such as keeping it brief. Also focus on the main points and to not add anything extra. We need to remember that we are just summarizing what is already there. Also in analyzing a text, we are looking at how a text makes its point. I like on page 353 where it states that if we have written a summary of the text, we can use its main points to help with our analysis.
I am further fascinated by this book. It really has helped me and woke me up to the options that we have when writing in different forms. I have only recently learned about annotating (as odd as that may sound) and I find it is actually fun to dissect a piece of written text. When I have summarized text in the past, I have done it in a happenstance way. Now with new information and a proper procedure to follow, I will be able to write a better summary. This same goes for analyzing text.
It is interesting as to the many different types of text there are and the book gives us a few of those to go by. It shows us that responding to a text usually requires us to include a summary, an analysis or both. We are told of a couple of techniques that will help us in our writing. Annotating and outlining the key points. By actively reading or annotating the text it shows us that we can make more since of the text and we will typically find meaning that we would usually fail to see. Annotating allows you to become familiar with the purpose of the text. It also allows you to see things that you typically would pass over. Another thing it does is gives you the opportunity to take the time and learn new words or phrases by looking them up.
Chapter 46 also gives us some helpful information on writing a good summary such as keeping it brief. Also focus on the main points and to not add anything extra. We need to remember that we are just summarizing what is already there. Also in analyzing a text, we are looking at how a text makes its point. I like on page 353 where it states that if we have written a summary of the text, we can use its main points to help with our analysis.
I am further fascinated by this book. It really has helped me and woke me up to the options that we have when writing in different forms. I have only recently learned about annotating (as odd as that may sound) and I find it is actually fun to dissect a piece of written text. When I have summarized text in the past, I have done it in a happenstance way. Now with new information and a proper procedure to follow, I will be able to write a better summary. This same goes for analyzing text.
Friday, February 5, 2010
Essay 1 draft
Adam Cole
Lauren Servais
English 100
5 February 2010
It becomes my escape
In this world, we all have something or someplace that we run to for peace of mind or to allow ourselves to escape the pressures of this world. My oldest daughter turns to going to her friend’s house. There are no rules there, she feels comfortable with her friend and family. My youngest daughter turns to her dog. That dog has become her pacifier. They are best of friends and rely on each other for support. My girlfriends escape is me. There is nothing more that calms her than to be in my arms. When she is having a rough day, she runs to me so that I may hold her and take all the pressure away. But for me, my escape is also a living thing. Though it is mechanical and it is man-made, it still has its own heart and soul. This escape is a car. It is not just any car though. This car becomes one with me whenever I sit in it. And as soon as we meld together, the rest of life comes second to us.
This car is no ordinary car. It is sleek and low to the ground. It is light and agile. It is a brilliant black, not just a regular black but the black that glows in the sun and disappears at night. There are no sharp lines on this ride. All lines are smooth and seem endless. People have compared it to the bat mobile, mysterious and suspicious. It has a sinister look to it as if you were to mess with it, it would bite back. It also looks like it is going 180 miles an hour just sitting still. Very few people have ever seen this car on the road, in a magazine or in a showroom. It is truly mysterious.
When you venture into its cockpit, you immediately notice it is not like other cars. The multitude of gauges, navigation, and radar detecting/jamming devices tells you this car is made for a specific purpose. That is to go fast and not get caught doing so. As you set in the driver’s seat, you notice the way it forms to your body and does not let you move. It holds you like a cocoon. You definitely feel as if you and this vehicle become one. You look around you and everything you need to keep you and this car alive is in easy sight while keeping your eyes on the road. The instrumentation resembles that of a jet airplane. All of this may be intimidating to some, to me it is home.
Now it’s time to bring this steed to life and with the flick of my wrist, the whine of the starter is noticeable and then with a thunderous roar, the engine comes alive. My heart starts beating a little faster with the anticipation of getting on the road. But as all of us need to wake slowly, so does this. So I wait and wait…. And wait for what seems like hours (its really just minutes) and then finally the engine is warm and the steed is ready to run.
Its 5am Sunday morning. I roll out the driveway of my house and slowly roll down the street. I have a long drive before I get to my intended destination. I will meet others like myself. Ones that are into the game of chase. But this is not like most people play chase. Our game of chase requires the use of 2700 pounds of steel, carbon fiber, and various other composites. These steeds are fire breathing, high horsepowered highly tuned machines that are made for one thing only and that is to run as fast as they can. There are five of us that show up this morning.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
rules for writers chapter 4
Rules for Writers Chapter 4
This chapter really made me understand a lot of what makes a good piece of writing. I do not believe that I have had any issues with anyone reading my writing in the past. But I have never given much thought to the way I typically build my paragraphs. Reading this chapter has allowed me to think of what I am writing and how others will perceive it. I now have more tools in my box that I can use to build a better piece of literature.
Chapter four is all about building a paragraph that the reader can understand and find appealing to read. It is about a paragraph that has a clear understanding as to what the topic is about and a body that supports it with well placed pieces of information. It also makes sure that we the author understands that the reader has an attention span and to be aware of what you are writing about and the size of it.
Starting with the main point, chapter 4 has given me a better understanding of how to use it to get the best results out to the readers. Developing the main point has made me think of my past writing and how I typically would be very wordy and long. It’s time to rethink this. The pattern of organization is what I learned the most from. This alone is worth the reading of chapter 4. They are the tools I will be calling on a lot. Making paragraphs coherent is another tool that I will use regularly. I do believe that my writing can have some pot holes in it. And the last, paragraph length is also one that I will tend to call on. After reading what I just wrote, it looks like I will be using most of chapter 4 on a regular occurrence.
This chapter really made me understand a lot of what makes a good piece of writing. I do not believe that I have had any issues with anyone reading my writing in the past. But I have never given much thought to the way I typically build my paragraphs. Reading this chapter has allowed me to think of what I am writing and how others will perceive it. I now have more tools in my box that I can use to build a better piece of literature.
Chapter four is all about building a paragraph that the reader can understand and find appealing to read. It is about a paragraph that has a clear understanding as to what the topic is about and a body that supports it with well placed pieces of information. It also makes sure that we the author understands that the reader has an attention span and to be aware of what you are writing about and the size of it.
Starting with the main point, chapter 4 has given me a better understanding of how to use it to get the best results out to the readers. Developing the main point has made me think of my past writing and how I typically would be very wordy and long. It’s time to rethink this. The pattern of organization is what I learned the most from. This alone is worth the reading of chapter 4. They are the tools I will be calling on a lot. Making paragraphs coherent is another tool that I will use regularly. I do believe that my writing can have some pot holes in it. And the last, paragraph length is also one that I will tend to call on. After reading what I just wrote, it looks like I will be using most of chapter 4 on a regular occurrence.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
summary for chapters 2 and 3
In just the couple of weeks in this class, i have found and understood more about English than i have in the previous two classes. I absolutely love the book "Rules For Writers." I actually started thinking that the previous two classes were not so valuable but after pondering for a bit more, I realized that they are probably why I am enjoying this one more.
Draft; I have always used drafts in the little writing that I previously have done. I have never used freewriting as a tool in making a draft though. I have done a few freewriting exercises over the past week and have found them to be very valuable. I have always tried to make my drafts fairly clean but will be changing this attitude.
Thesis; A thesis has always been tough for me. specifically when it comes to making a good one. I have always tried to come up with a thesis in the beginning but now realize this does not have to happen right away. Let some content come and then take a look at building a thesis.
Revisions; In my past, I have revised my writing with a whimsical attitude. I had never thought to make it a process. (did i say how much i love this book) my previous method was kind of like the global part in the book. That's usually where it ended. It may have been that i was lazy to take it to the next step, i am not sure but it just makes sense to break it in two (or more) parts.
Proofreading; This is another topic that i have been lazy in the past. this is one thing that my last semester of English has helped me with though. We were required to bring our work to the writing lab at the jc. it was such a great resource. I remember on many occasions reading my work and feeling there was nothing wrong with it only to find out it had many. I also started having my other classmates proofread my papers and their feedback was amazing. The lab teachers were great but mixing it with my classmates i found became invaluable. Both parties brought different frame of minds.
Draft; I have always used drafts in the little writing that I previously have done. I have never used freewriting as a tool in making a draft though. I have done a few freewriting exercises over the past week and have found them to be very valuable. I have always tried to make my drafts fairly clean but will be changing this attitude.
Thesis; A thesis has always been tough for me. specifically when it comes to making a good one. I have always tried to come up with a thesis in the beginning but now realize this does not have to happen right away. Let some content come and then take a look at building a thesis.
Revisions; In my past, I have revised my writing with a whimsical attitude. I had never thought to make it a process. (did i say how much i love this book) my previous method was kind of like the global part in the book. That's usually where it ended. It may have been that i was lazy to take it to the next step, i am not sure but it just makes sense to break it in two (or more) parts.
Proofreading; This is another topic that i have been lazy in the past. this is one thing that my last semester of English has helped me with though. We were required to bring our work to the writing lab at the jc. it was such a great resource. I remember on many occasions reading my work and feeling there was nothing wrong with it only to find out it had many. I also started having my other classmates proofread my papers and their feedback was amazing. The lab teachers were great but mixing it with my classmates i found became invaluable. Both parties brought different frame of minds.
Friday, January 22, 2010
initial post
I am editing this post because i am new to internett classes and did not read the entire weekly assignment before starting to write. So sorry to any who has already read my post. It will be pretty close to what i have already stated, just a little cleaner.
A little about myself, I am 45yo. single father of two daughters that I take care of full time. I have spent most of my working life as an Auto Technician and a blacksmith. I am not working right now because I have found that taking care of my children and going back to school full time takes up most of the day and leaves little left.
I am studying to be a Rad. Tech. I may change but do feel I will stay in the health care industry. My choice for this is that I want to work indoors where there is a heater and a somewhat clean environment. I am tired of working out in the cold winter and the hot summers.
English has always been hard for me. primarily punctuation. What I am hoping to learn from this class is help with punctuation and after reading the first few chapters of the study book, a better understanding on how to build a piece of literature that someone wants to read.
I will end this here and look forward to this beginning of my fourth semester back to college. peace.
A little about myself, I am 45yo. single father of two daughters that I take care of full time. I have spent most of my working life as an Auto Technician and a blacksmith. I am not working right now because I have found that taking care of my children and going back to school full time takes up most of the day and leaves little left.
I am studying to be a Rad. Tech. I may change but do feel I will stay in the health care industry. My choice for this is that I want to work indoors where there is a heater and a somewhat clean environment. I am tired of working out in the cold winter and the hot summers.
English has always been hard for me. primarily punctuation. What I am hoping to learn from this class is help with punctuation and after reading the first few chapters of the study book, a better understanding on how to build a piece of literature that someone wants to read.
I will end this here and look forward to this beginning of my fourth semester back to college. peace.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
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