Category 4:
How much time out side of class do you think a new student should expect to spend on their assignment?
-In the beginning about an hour and a half a week there is alot of work to keep up with.
- In the end 2 or more hours a week because of the 15 page paper
Was this course easy or hard?
-This course was challenging there was always alot of homework and reading to be done. It was time consuming, and you needed to stay caught up.
Category 6:
What did you learn from taking this course?
-How to blog, podcast, use a computer better, and how to structure our writing.
What do we hope for next years students?
-cut down one book, so much reading!
-slow down reading and homework
-make 10-15 page paper
-stay caught up with work, it is so easy to fall behind!
Thursday, December 6, 2007
Monday, December 3, 2007
Monday, November 26, 2007
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Saturday, November 17, 2007
HW 35: Finally the end
Dear Blog Readers,
In the blog class I have learned new ways to present your opinions. Ive learned from reviewing others opinions that it is not always black or white. There are so many ways to view a situation and voice your opinion that will still be respectful to others. This is important to know as you grow up and have to deal with situations that relate to voicing opinions in an appropriate way. I have also learned a new form of communication. I did not really know that much about blogging or even what it really meant. Now I know exactly what it is, and now I can do it well. I hope that from my blogs, readers will understand how I think better. Like I said before there is not always a black or a white. There is always an in between. I feel best about my blog posts regarding Riverbend. Her book Baghdad Burning is an eye opener and so interesting. I really was shocked by the her story. I'm glad that I now know the whole story and not just what I'm being told through the media. I'm not sure if I would keep blogging. I don't really know what I would blog about. For these blogs I had actual topics. I don't think I'll delete my blog because Ive worked so hard on my posts. I will most likely keep them up, but not add to it. This was a hard course. I learned from it, but there was so much work!
In the blog class I have learned new ways to present your opinions. Ive learned from reviewing others opinions that it is not always black or white. There are so many ways to view a situation and voice your opinion that will still be respectful to others. This is important to know as you grow up and have to deal with situations that relate to voicing opinions in an appropriate way. I have also learned a new form of communication. I did not really know that much about blogging or even what it really meant. Now I know exactly what it is, and now I can do it well. I hope that from my blogs, readers will understand how I think better. Like I said before there is not always a black or a white. There is always an in between. I feel best about my blog posts regarding Riverbend. Her book Baghdad Burning is an eye opener and so interesting. I really was shocked by the her story. I'm glad that I now know the whole story and not just what I'm being told through the media. I'm not sure if I would keep blogging. I don't really know what I would blog about. For these blogs I had actual topics. I don't think I'll delete my blog because Ive worked so hard on my posts. I will most likely keep them up, but not add to it. This was a hard course. I learned from it, but there was so much work!
HW 34: Gold and Evening Tea
Response to:
1. What is the role of gold in family savings in Iraq?
2. Describe the custom of evening tea in Iraq.
Gold is part of the Iraqi culture. It does not display wealth like it does in most cases. Gold is also a form of money it symbolizes "family savings" (Riverbend p.100). Gold values money. Since the money situation was fluctuating it was difficult for people to have it. They started converting their gold jewelery (bracelets,necklaces,earrings) into money (p.100). The word for gold that is used is, "zeeneh ou 7 azzeeneh khazeeneh" this means ornaments and savings (p.100). Gold is still used as jewelry and is still worn to be shown off, but can also be sold for money. Now that the troops are occupying Iraq they sometimes take the gold from the Iraqis with no substantial reasons. Also, when Iraqis marry gold is used as a dowry. Gold is important in Iraqi society it has more uses that we do for it. Iraqis also have a daily tea time that is a cultural ritual. This tea time happens in the evening. It is an informal gathering. Tea gatherings are a must they happen regardless of what is going on. Tea bags are not used for this type of tea. If you give an Iraqi a tea bag it is looked at as an insult. "It speaks of complete lack of a appreciation for the valuable beverage"(p. 108). There is a 3 step process to making tea. " First, a kettle of water is put on the burner to boil. Next, the boiling water and a certain amount of tea leaves are combined in a separate tea pot and put on a low burner just until the tea leaves rise to the top and threaten to boil over.Finally, the teapot is set on top of the tea kettle on a low burner and allowed to 'yihder' or settle"(p.108-109). This is a long process to do everyday.There are also many different types of tea that Iraqis can chose from. Iraqi tea is flavored with cardamon and served in istakans. Istakans are the glasses they drink out of (p.109). This is a time for Iraqi families to get together during the day and have the opportunity to spend time together.
1. What is the role of gold in family savings in Iraq?
2. Describe the custom of evening tea in Iraq.
Gold is part of the Iraqi culture. It does not display wealth like it does in most cases. Gold is also a form of money it symbolizes "family savings" (Riverbend p.100). Gold values money. Since the money situation was fluctuating it was difficult for people to have it. They started converting their gold jewelery (bracelets,necklaces,earrings) into money (p.100). The word for gold that is used is, "zeeneh ou 7 azzeeneh khazeeneh" this means ornaments and savings (p.100). Gold is still used as jewelry and is still worn to be shown off, but can also be sold for money. Now that the troops are occupying Iraq they sometimes take the gold from the Iraqis with no substantial reasons. Also, when Iraqis marry gold is used as a dowry. Gold is important in Iraqi society it has more uses that we do for it. Iraqis also have a daily tea time that is a cultural ritual. This tea time happens in the evening. It is an informal gathering. Tea gatherings are a must they happen regardless of what is going on. Tea bags are not used for this type of tea. If you give an Iraqi a tea bag it is looked at as an insult. "It speaks of complete lack of a appreciation for the valuable beverage"(p. 108). There is a 3 step process to making tea. " First, a kettle of water is put on the burner to boil. Next, the boiling water and a certain amount of tea leaves are combined in a separate tea pot and put on a low burner just until the tea leaves rise to the top and threaten to boil over.Finally, the teapot is set on top of the tea kettle on a low burner and allowed to 'yihder' or settle"(p.108-109). This is a long process to do everyday.There are also many different types of tea that Iraqis can chose from. Iraqi tea is flavored with cardamon and served in istakans. Istakans are the glasses they drink out of (p.109). This is a time for Iraqi families to get together during the day and have the opportunity to spend time together.
HW 33: Eye Opener
Response to Podcast.
The podcast I chose to respond to was "Iraqi Teens Work to Help Their Families." This is part of the series Alive in Baghdad. This was published October 15th, 2007. If you are interested in the blog the link is:http://aliveinbaghdad.org/2007/10/15/iraqi-teens-work-to-help-their-families. The general topic of this podcast was the obstacles that Iraqi teens are facing. 50 percent of Iraqis are jobless. The war in Iraq has left many families in poverty. They are struggling to keep their families functioning. This is forcing teens to join their families in the work force. Working in Iraq is dangerous in this period of time. The route to some jobs are unsafe. Their is a possibility that they could be killed on their way to work. One person in detail is Mustafa Malek Fathulla Ali. Mustafa is in the 6th grade and currently works in carpentry. This is extremely young to be working in a major business. In the U.S. you cant even get a job until 14, and that's if you want to work in a grocery store. Most places wont even hire you unless you are between the ages of 16 and 18. Mustafa has been working with his father for a while now. He describes that the security situation is not good. Iraq has very unsafe working conditions. The best way I can describe this podcast is dark. Everything looks really dry and desert like. The interior of the buildings looks like a normal house to me. Maybe not like my house, but every house in different cultures are different. A viewer might have a better understanding of what is actually going on in Iraq. Not just the war, and the casualties, and American statistics but also the problems that Iraqis are facing on a day to day basis. Their lives are hard and it is important for Americans to recognize this fact. I found the fact that Mustafa is in a business such as carpentering at such a young age shocking. That does not happen in this country. Its so surprising to hear of children working so hard. They shouldn't have to experience that yet. It seems like he doesn't even have a chance to be a normal teenager.
The podcast I chose to respond to was "Iraqi Teens Work to Help Their Families." This is part of the series Alive in Baghdad. This was published October 15th, 2007. If you are interested in the blog the link is:http://aliveinbaghdad.org/2007/10/15/iraqi-teens-work-to-help-their-families. The general topic of this podcast was the obstacles that Iraqi teens are facing. 50 percent of Iraqis are jobless. The war in Iraq has left many families in poverty. They are struggling to keep their families functioning. This is forcing teens to join their families in the work force. Working in Iraq is dangerous in this period of time. The route to some jobs are unsafe. Their is a possibility that they could be killed on their way to work. One person in detail is Mustafa Malek Fathulla Ali. Mustafa is in the 6th grade and currently works in carpentry. This is extremely young to be working in a major business. In the U.S. you cant even get a job until 14, and that's if you want to work in a grocery store. Most places wont even hire you unless you are between the ages of 16 and 18. Mustafa has been working with his father for a while now. He describes that the security situation is not good. Iraq has very unsafe working conditions. The best way I can describe this podcast is dark. Everything looks really dry and desert like. The interior of the buildings looks like a normal house to me. Maybe not like my house, but every house in different cultures are different. A viewer might have a better understanding of what is actually going on in Iraq. Not just the war, and the casualties, and American statistics but also the problems that Iraqis are facing on a day to day basis. Their lives are hard and it is important for Americans to recognize this fact. I found the fact that Mustafa is in a business such as carpentering at such a young age shocking. That does not happen in this country. Its so surprising to hear of children working so hard. They shouldn't have to experience that yet. It seems like he doesn't even have a chance to be a normal teenager.
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
HW 32:
Response to Baghdad Burning (70-97):
On September 21st 2003, there was an attempted murder on Akila Al-Hashimi. Riverbend describes Akila as "one of the decent members on council (Riverbend 75). Akila worked extensively with foreign affairs. From my perspective she seemed to be a well-respected woman in Iraq. It is sad to think that woman who work so hard o defend their country is injured in the process. "Two pick-up trucks with armed men cut off her car and opened fire on her and her bodyguards-her brothers"(Riverbend 75). When this woman and her brothers went under attack, neighbors came to her aide. The two sides began shooting at each other. Akila was wounded in the foot, shoulder, and stomach, she taken to a hospital called Al-Yarmuk (Riverbend 75). There Akila's stomach was operated on. After that she was shipped off in an American ambulance. Riverbend stated that no one really knew where this woman was being sent to. I have to admit I'm confused. She is obviously innocent, and working towards the benefit for Iraq and it's people. Some claimed that this was still the work of Saddam followed out by his loyalists. Apparently, Akila was not respected by all. "There has been bitterness towards her by some of the more extreme members of the governing council- not only is she female, wears no hijab, and was the first actual 'foreign representative" of the new government , but she was also a prominent part of the former government"(Riverbend 76). Akila seemed like a well-established woman, who had earned her title and the respect she deserves.
On September 21st 2003, there was an attempted murder on Akila Al-Hashimi. Riverbend describes Akila as "one of the decent members on council (Riverbend 75). Akila worked extensively with foreign affairs. From my perspective she seemed to be a well-respected woman in Iraq. It is sad to think that woman who work so hard o defend their country is injured in the process. "Two pick-up trucks with armed men cut off her car and opened fire on her and her bodyguards-her brothers"(Riverbend 75). When this woman and her brothers went under attack, neighbors came to her aide. The two sides began shooting at each other. Akila was wounded in the foot, shoulder, and stomach, she taken to a hospital called Al-Yarmuk (Riverbend 75). There Akila's stomach was operated on. After that she was shipped off in an American ambulance. Riverbend stated that no one really knew where this woman was being sent to. I have to admit I'm confused. She is obviously innocent, and working towards the benefit for Iraq and it's people. Some claimed that this was still the work of Saddam followed out by his loyalists. Apparently, Akila was not respected by all. "There has been bitterness towards her by some of the more extreme members of the governing council- not only is she female, wears no hijab, and was the first actual 'foreign representative" of the new government , but she was also a prominent part of the former government"(Riverbend 76). Akila seemed like a well-established woman, who had earned her title and the respect she deserves.
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
HW 31:Al Hakim
In Response to Riverbend:
Riverbend refers to Al Hakim a few times in her blogs. He was an Iraqi leader who was assasinated during the war. Al Hakim was the Iraqi leader of SIIC, the largest political party in the council of Iraqi representatives. Hakim served as president in December 2003. Hakim met with President Bush he made a commitment to help end violence. Hakim is involved in the Shia party. (Wikipedia pg.1). Riverbend makes several references to him during the assigned reading. When Hakim was assassinated she was worried about the after effects. "Al Hakim's assassination is very significant, youre right. It will be used as an excuse for vendettas, faction fighting, and more violence, between Shi'a and Shi'a and Sunnis and Shi'a. Already his followers are swearing to avenge his death and I shudder to think of the next group of victims. It is extremley frightening to think of what the consequences of this will be"(Riverbend pg.43) Hakim was a very important figurehead in Iraq especially during the war. However, Im very confused when it comes to this man. Riverbend states that he is assinated, and then wikipedia states in one paragraph that he was assinated, in the end they said he wasnt. Im mainly just going from Riverbend's references. Apparently he was important during this time period and his murder was a threat accordning to Riverbend.
Sources Cited:
Riverbend, Baghdad Burning, Girl Blog from Iraq. Published by the Feminist Press, New York, New York 2005.
Wikipedia "Abdul Aziz al-Hakim" page 1
Riverbend refers to Al Hakim a few times in her blogs. He was an Iraqi leader who was assasinated during the war. Al Hakim was the Iraqi leader of SIIC, the largest political party in the council of Iraqi representatives. Hakim served as president in December 2003. Hakim met with President Bush he made a commitment to help end violence. Hakim is involved in the Shia party. (Wikipedia pg.1). Riverbend makes several references to him during the assigned reading. When Hakim was assassinated she was worried about the after effects. "Al Hakim's assassination is very significant, youre right. It will be used as an excuse for vendettas, faction fighting, and more violence, between Shi'a and Shi'a and Sunnis and Shi'a. Already his followers are swearing to avenge his death and I shudder to think of the next group of victims. It is extremley frightening to think of what the consequences of this will be"(Riverbend pg.43) Hakim was a very important figurehead in Iraq especially during the war. However, Im very confused when it comes to this man. Riverbend states that he is assinated, and then wikipedia states in one paragraph that he was assinated, in the end they said he wasnt. Im mainly just going from Riverbend's references. Apparently he was important during this time period and his murder was a threat accordning to Riverbend.
Sources Cited:
Riverbend, Baghdad Burning, Girl Blog from Iraq. Published by the Feminist Press, New York, New York 2005.
Wikipedia "Abdul Aziz al-Hakim" page 1
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
HW 30: What Kind of Democracy do we want?
On Tuesday November 6th I attended the Citizenship Symposium. This symposium was titled "What kind of Democracy do we want?" This was part of the KSC symposium. The symposium started out with the KSC Provost explaining that in recent years college students at Keene State College have been showing an increase interest in politics, and our government. This particular election has started early, and has gotten more involvement and attention than any other election in the past (According to the Provost). He then introduced the mayor, Michael Blastos. He presented KSC with a plaque announcing today November 6th as citizenship day here at the college. The guest speaker, Nancy Tobi presented us with a slide "Citizens Gone Wild." She gave a vivid description of her ancestor Moses. "Moses was a poor humble refugee who did not get to see the fruits of his labor." I found this to be a good description. I interpreted this as, each and every person can make a difference. Even if it takes years to actually see your efforts taking place, you've made a difference in homebody's life. To me, that is worth it. I found the slide about Election Crime to be very interesting. An election crime, affects the well-being of the entire planet. That is a HUGE crime to break. Think how many people you are affecting. Basically, the solution to this is controlling the counts of the votes this way the motive is to control the planet. I enjoyed her quote 'Politicians are like diapers; they need to be changed, and for the same reasons." I thought that was exactly true. How could you have the same politician for more than 8 years? Sometimes 4 is just too long. I enjoyed how passionate she way about her slide show and I think it must have taken a lot of effort to present that to us.
Added 11/17
I also attended the Symposium on November 8th. This one was titled Citizenship and Responsibility. The first to speak was Katrina Sweat. She introduced her father the guest speaker Tom Lantos. Tom was the only survivor of the Holocaust to serve in the U.S. congress. Tom was originally from Hungry. In 1980 Tom decided to run for congress. In 2006 he was elected chairman of the house for foreign affairs committee. Tom touched alot on foreign affairs. Tom had recently spoke to the President of France he quoted him quite frequently throughout his speech. The main point of his speech was Immigrants are just as much citizens as American-borne citizens. They too feel patriotic about their country. I agree with him on this, there was a reason they decided to come here. A vivid description that Tom made was "America did not teach men the idea of freedom, she taught them how to practice it", this was said by the president of France. This is very true you can believe in freedom but it is the act of practicing freedom that makes it count. A quote that I found to be accurate was his expectations for the next American president. As most know the issues we are having in our country today are quite controversial regarding President Bush. Lantos said "There will be two responsibilities for the next president
1. to bring the country together
2. The laborious job of rebuilding the prestige status and respect of the United States."
This is exactly right. We have lost some respect. We are a strong nation and we should be able to gain our respect back from other countries. The new president will have his or her work cut out for them.
Added 11/17
I also attended the Symposium on November 8th. This one was titled Citizenship and Responsibility. The first to speak was Katrina Sweat. She introduced her father the guest speaker Tom Lantos. Tom was the only survivor of the Holocaust to serve in the U.S. congress. Tom was originally from Hungry. In 1980 Tom decided to run for congress. In 2006 he was elected chairman of the house for foreign affairs committee. Tom touched alot on foreign affairs. Tom had recently spoke to the President of France he quoted him quite frequently throughout his speech. The main point of his speech was Immigrants are just as much citizens as American-borne citizens. They too feel patriotic about their country. I agree with him on this, there was a reason they decided to come here. A vivid description that Tom made was "America did not teach men the idea of freedom, she taught them how to practice it", this was said by the president of France. This is very true you can believe in freedom but it is the act of practicing freedom that makes it count. A quote that I found to be accurate was his expectations for the next American president. As most know the issues we are having in our country today are quite controversial regarding President Bush. Lantos said "There will be two responsibilities for the next president
1. to bring the country together
2. The laborious job of rebuilding the prestige status and respect of the United States."
This is exactly right. We have lost some respect. We are a strong nation and we should be able to gain our respect back from other countries. The new president will have his or her work cut out for them.
Monday, November 5, 2007
HW 28: A letter to Riverbend
Dear Riverbend
I would like to thank you for writing this book and opening my eyes to what is really going on in Iraq. What is the point of this war? It has now lost its meaning, even though now so many have lost their lives. The situation in Iraq needs to be straightened out because it is causing devastation in not one but two parts of the world. First off I would like to say how much I respect you for not hating our troops. It takes an intelligent young women to realize that these men do not want to be there, they all have families of their own. She knows that not all American troops are bad. Although I have to say It scares me to know that our U.S. troops are actually hurting, killing, and torturing innocent people. It is so hard to hear things of that nature. I felt like they were incapable of that. It really bothers me to think that this is actually happening. We don't see/ hear these negative stories that these people are living, and I want to thank you again for letting me now be aware of these occurrences. As a young women I'm interested in your struggles in trying to maintain the status that you deserve. Although I can not completely identify with you I can sympathize and tell you not to give up in your abilities. I also want to let you know how intelligent I find you to be. You are so accepting of different cultures, relgions and even Americans. I give you credit for this. Especially with what is going on in your country now you are still recognizing that each country has their own beliefs. Your book is so interesting and is really opening my eyes to what is going on around me and in your country.
I would like to thank you for writing this book and opening my eyes to what is really going on in Iraq. What is the point of this war? It has now lost its meaning, even though now so many have lost their lives. The situation in Iraq needs to be straightened out because it is causing devastation in not one but two parts of the world. First off I would like to say how much I respect you for not hating our troops. It takes an intelligent young women to realize that these men do not want to be there, they all have families of their own. She knows that not all American troops are bad. Although I have to say It scares me to know that our U.S. troops are actually hurting, killing, and torturing innocent people. It is so hard to hear things of that nature. I felt like they were incapable of that. It really bothers me to think that this is actually happening. We don't see/ hear these negative stories that these people are living, and I want to thank you again for letting me now be aware of these occurrences. As a young women I'm interested in your struggles in trying to maintain the status that you deserve. Although I can not completely identify with you I can sympathize and tell you not to give up in your abilities. I also want to let you know how intelligent I find you to be. You are so accepting of different cultures, relgions and even Americans. I give you credit for this. Especially with what is going on in your country now you are still recognizing that each country has their own beliefs. Your book is so interesting and is really opening my eyes to what is going on around me and in your country.
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
HW 27: New Insights
Response to Riverbend's Baghdad Burning
Riverbend, Baghdad Burning, Girl Blog from Iraq First Feminist Press Edition, 2005
Ahdaf Soueif, Foreword copyright 005
James Ridgeway Introduction copyright 2005
This book is very intriguing. The world today is full of stereotypes of different ethnicities Americans (and I’m not speaking for everyone) have many negative views about the country of Iraq, and the people that live there. Innocent or part of the problem, if you’re Iraqi you must not be a good person. This book teaches you differently. Just from reading the first 15 pages or so I feel like I have a different view on Americanism and the country of Iraq. Are the really as bad as we make them out to be? How can you not sympathize with Riverbend? She is criticized by people she doesn’t even know thousand and thousands of miles away. This blog book was written by Riverbend. She seems like an amazing blogger, who can really capture you’re interest. This book was written to give, Americans and others from countries around the world a real account of the war in Iraq. Riverbend is trying to get across the popular message “you think you know but you have no idea.” How could you ever say you know what is going on in Iraq? Unless you were in the military and actually stationed over there or an Iraqi citizen and watching your country be pulverized. From reading this book, I feel I will learn to ignore stereotypes about Iraqis and their country. I feel that I can still have respect and support for my own country and the troops that work very hard to defend it. Also keeping in mind that I do not need to have negative feelings toward Iraq. This book could benefit me because I could have an inside view of what did happen there and how a young women felt about the war, and the crisis that did arise. The challenges for me I believe will be the hatred toward the American soldiers. It is hard for me to feel that way (even identify with someone who feels that way) about someone who is risking their own life to protect me and my family. I can never think negatively towards someone who would do that much for me and the others that I care about. This book is going to be an amazing read. I recommend it to anyone who wants to know more about the war in Iraq, and get a first hand account from someone who is actually living it.
Riverbend, Baghdad Burning, Girl Blog from Iraq First Feminist Press Edition, 2005
Ahdaf Soueif, Foreword copyright 005
James Ridgeway Introduction copyright 2005
This book is very intriguing. The world today is full of stereotypes of different ethnicities Americans (and I’m not speaking for everyone) have many negative views about the country of Iraq, and the people that live there. Innocent or part of the problem, if you’re Iraqi you must not be a good person. This book teaches you differently. Just from reading the first 15 pages or so I feel like I have a different view on Americanism and the country of Iraq. Are the really as bad as we make them out to be? How can you not sympathize with Riverbend? She is criticized by people she doesn’t even know thousand and thousands of miles away. This blog book was written by Riverbend. She seems like an amazing blogger, who can really capture you’re interest. This book was written to give, Americans and others from countries around the world a real account of the war in Iraq. Riverbend is trying to get across the popular message “you think you know but you have no idea.” How could you ever say you know what is going on in Iraq? Unless you were in the military and actually stationed over there or an Iraqi citizen and watching your country be pulverized. From reading this book, I feel I will learn to ignore stereotypes about Iraqis and their country. I feel that I can still have respect and support for my own country and the troops that work very hard to defend it. Also keeping in mind that I do not need to have negative feelings toward Iraq. This book could benefit me because I could have an inside view of what did happen there and how a young women felt about the war, and the crisis that did arise. The challenges for me I believe will be the hatred toward the American soldiers. It is hard for me to feel that way (even identify with someone who feels that way) about someone who is risking their own life to protect me and my family. I can never think negatively towards someone who would do that much for me and the others that I care about. This book is going to be an amazing read. I recommend it to anyone who wants to know more about the war in Iraq, and get a first hand account from someone who is actually living it.
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
HW 26: Different ideas
Response to Baghdad Burning:
The foreword of this book is written by Adhafi Soueif. The foreword has a very powerful message hidden within the summary. Soueif opens with saying that no one outside of the country in Iraq can truly identify with what is happening in their country. Others comments have no real meaning, they are not experiencing what is really happening. He describes Riverbend as an amazing author. The people who read this book should be privileged to know the closest account to the war in Iraq (Soueif pg. vii) Soueif made an extremely powerful quote in his forward. “Why does America identify itself with its military government? Why does being anti-Bush and anti-occupation have to mean that a person is anti-American? We watch American movies, listen to everything from Britney Spears to Nirvana and refer to every brown fizzy drink as ‘Pepsi’” (Soueif pg.viii) This quote really made me think. Living in today’s world, (and I know I can speak for many people on this) there is so many negative views on the country of Iraq. This quote made me question myself and others. Why? The people of Iraq do not create our opinions. It was one person. How can one man change how we view a whole country? Sometime I wonder why American people (including myself) think the way that we do. Soueif also states how at first Iraqis felt sorry for the U.S. military, how they knew that it wasn’t their choice to be there. “Even the invading troops were once seen as deserving of human sympathy: On May 7th, 2004, fourteen months into the invasion, Riverbend writes: ‘There was a time when people here felt sorry for the troops. No matter what one’s attitude was to the occupation, there were moments of pity towards the troops, regardless of their nationality. We would see them suffering under the Iraqi sun, obviously wishing they were somewhere else and somehow that vulnerability made them seem less monstrous and more human.” (Soueif pg viii) Throughout the rest of the foreword Soueif describes what a terrific account this book gives of the Iraqi war and the Iraqi peoples reactions. The Introduction is written by James Ridgeway. Riverbend’s blog is simply called ‘Girl Blog from Iraq”. This title really gives no information as to what will be written in the blog. Riverbend’s blog has many readers, and from what I gather seems to be extremely interesting and provoking. Her blog has nothing to do with the troops and where they are stationed. The war is not something that Riverbend can turn off at night when the news is over, “war is something that is lived every day-and every night.”(Ridgeway pg.xi) Ridgeway describes how intrigued her readers are, and how personal her blogs become. Iraq is such a dangerous war zone at this time that nothing is 100% safe. When Riverbend leaves her home her fans become quite concerned with her safety. “Whenever Riverbend and her family travel out of the neighborhood to a family gathering, you travel with her as she describes every turn her car takes, the tension as it rounds a corner, hoping that there is not an American tank in the street. If she does not write for several days, maybe a week or more, you fear the worst-a bomb strike, a tank raid, imprisonment.”(Ridgeway pg.xii) When Ridgeway was describing the fear that they had for American soldiers it kind of upset me. This whole time I thought they feared Iraqis or “battles” (for lack of a better word) on the streets. Do Americans really do this to innocent passersby? It is so hard to view American soldiers in a negative way. I have always been taught to have so much respect for them, because I feel that they do so much for our country. The rest of the Introduction is a recap of the history of American and Iraqi turmoil. I’m really looking forward to reading this book. I feel it will solve some of the stereotypes that I have learned to feel.
The foreword of this book is written by Adhafi Soueif. The foreword has a very powerful message hidden within the summary. Soueif opens with saying that no one outside of the country in Iraq can truly identify with what is happening in their country. Others comments have no real meaning, they are not experiencing what is really happening. He describes Riverbend as an amazing author. The people who read this book should be privileged to know the closest account to the war in Iraq (Soueif pg. vii) Soueif made an extremely powerful quote in his forward. “Why does America identify itself with its military government? Why does being anti-Bush and anti-occupation have to mean that a person is anti-American? We watch American movies, listen to everything from Britney Spears to Nirvana and refer to every brown fizzy drink as ‘Pepsi’” (Soueif pg.viii) This quote really made me think. Living in today’s world, (and I know I can speak for many people on this) there is so many negative views on the country of Iraq. This quote made me question myself and others. Why? The people of Iraq do not create our opinions. It was one person. How can one man change how we view a whole country? Sometime I wonder why American people (including myself) think the way that we do. Soueif also states how at first Iraqis felt sorry for the U.S. military, how they knew that it wasn’t their choice to be there. “Even the invading troops were once seen as deserving of human sympathy: On May 7th, 2004, fourteen months into the invasion, Riverbend writes: ‘There was a time when people here felt sorry for the troops. No matter what one’s attitude was to the occupation, there were moments of pity towards the troops, regardless of their nationality. We would see them suffering under the Iraqi sun, obviously wishing they were somewhere else and somehow that vulnerability made them seem less monstrous and more human.” (Soueif pg viii) Throughout the rest of the foreword Soueif describes what a terrific account this book gives of the Iraqi war and the Iraqi peoples reactions. The Introduction is written by James Ridgeway. Riverbend’s blog is simply called ‘Girl Blog from Iraq”. This title really gives no information as to what will be written in the blog. Riverbend’s blog has many readers, and from what I gather seems to be extremely interesting and provoking. Her blog has nothing to do with the troops and where they are stationed. The war is not something that Riverbend can turn off at night when the news is over, “war is something that is lived every day-and every night.”(Ridgeway pg.xi) Ridgeway describes how intrigued her readers are, and how personal her blogs become. Iraq is such a dangerous war zone at this time that nothing is 100% safe. When Riverbend leaves her home her fans become quite concerned with her safety. “Whenever Riverbend and her family travel out of the neighborhood to a family gathering, you travel with her as she describes every turn her car takes, the tension as it rounds a corner, hoping that there is not an American tank in the street. If she does not write for several days, maybe a week or more, you fear the worst-a bomb strike, a tank raid, imprisonment.”(Ridgeway pg.xii) When Ridgeway was describing the fear that they had for American soldiers it kind of upset me. This whole time I thought they feared Iraqis or “battles” (for lack of a better word) on the streets. Do Americans really do this to innocent passersby? It is so hard to view American soldiers in a negative way. I have always been taught to have so much respect for them, because I feel that they do so much for our country. The rest of the Introduction is a recap of the history of American and Iraqi turmoil. I’m really looking forward to reading this book. I feel it will solve some of the stereotypes that I have learned to feel.
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
HW 24: A Place to Work
Response to chapters 5 and 6 of Virginia Woolf:
Do I have a room of my own?
The answer to this question is yes. In my room I have a choice. Most of Woolf's book is about women not having a choice. In chapter 5 Mary expresses that when she has a room of her own that is when she will succeed. This is what will give her, her big break for becoming a poet. A room of your own is your place of reflection. When I need time to reflect and think and just not talk to anyone. I use the gym as my safe haven. This is where I can do things to benefit my self without having to deal with anything from the outside world. I think that is what Woolf is describing as a room of her own. In the real world there are so many distractions that it is so impossible to just think. Everyone needs time to think. The gym allows me to do that for as long as I want. The gym also allows me to not think. Which is just as important as reflection sometimes you just need to give your mind a rest. The best quote that I can associate with my break from thinking, was Woolf's wandering thoughts. "But, alas, I had done what I had determined not to do; I had slipped unthinkingly into praise of my own sex. " (Woolf pg.85) I could not find a quote that expressed greater association as to what I perceived a room of my own to be. Everyone needs a place where they can simply just hide. "I am talking of the common life which is the real life and not the separate lives which we live as individuals -and have five hundred a year each of us and rooms of our own;if w have the habit of freedom and the courage to write exactly what we think;if we escape a little from the common sitting room and see human beings not always in their relationships to each other but in relation to reality."(Woolf pg.113-114) This quote really made me think. We as human beings both man and women have the right to think whatever we want. Wherever we want as well. I deciphered this quote as taking a break from thinking about the troubles of life, and just think.
Do I have a room of my own?
The answer to this question is yes. In my room I have a choice. Most of Woolf's book is about women not having a choice. In chapter 5 Mary expresses that when she has a room of her own that is when she will succeed. This is what will give her, her big break for becoming a poet. A room of your own is your place of reflection. When I need time to reflect and think and just not talk to anyone. I use the gym as my safe haven. This is where I can do things to benefit my self without having to deal with anything from the outside world. I think that is what Woolf is describing as a room of her own. In the real world there are so many distractions that it is so impossible to just think. Everyone needs time to think. The gym allows me to do that for as long as I want. The gym also allows me to not think. Which is just as important as reflection sometimes you just need to give your mind a rest. The best quote that I can associate with my break from thinking, was Woolf's wandering thoughts. "But, alas, I had done what I had determined not to do; I had slipped unthinkingly into praise of my own sex. " (Woolf pg.85) I could not find a quote that expressed greater association as to what I perceived a room of my own to be. Everyone needs a place where they can simply just hide. "I am talking of the common life which is the real life and not the separate lives which we live as individuals -and have five hundred a year each of us and rooms of our own;if w have the habit of freedom and the courage to write exactly what we think;if we escape a little from the common sitting room and see human beings not always in their relationships to each other but in relation to reality."(Woolf pg.113-114) This quote really made me think. We as human beings both man and women have the right to think whatever we want. Wherever we want as well. I deciphered this quote as taking a break from thinking about the troubles of life, and just think.
Monday, October 22, 2007
HW23: "With apologies to Virginia Woolf"
In Chapter three of A Room of one's own, I noticed that Woolf talked of arranged marriages more than once. I decided to take the headline of Jezebel Hells Bells:Return of the British Bridezilla
http://jezebel.com/gossip/hells-bells/return-of-the-british-bridezillas-313638.php
paragraph cited(Woolf pg.42)
Response as Virgina Woolf:
I could hardly believe my astonishment when I read this article. Women actually having the right to choose their husbands! It's about time! The right of a woman should be to have her future in her complete control. The days are long gone of when woman will be forced to spend the rest of her days with a complete idiot. Woman should have the full right to pursue what they want in their weddings. Weddings should involve excitement for the future not fear. A high point in this article for me was the admiration a groom held for his bride. A woman should be praised. No one has the right to take someone for granted. More importantly someone that they are expected to spend the rest of their lives with (if they are to last that long.) Finally marriage can be a ceremony of affection. There is no evidence of a business deal, or an exchange of family names purely from status. There is no longer practices of betrothal which leads a woman to live a life that she does not desire. Marriage is a choice that should be made because of love, and respect for an individual, not to raise your social stature. I'm pleased to say that this is a step to a society that resembles equality. By giving a woman the right to pick her mate you are allowing her to become whatever she likes and to mold her own future. Marriage should be sacred and by giving a woman full priority over the situation allows her to become more of an individual.
http://jezebel.com/gossip/hells-bells/return-of-the-british-bridezillas-313638.php
paragraph cited(Woolf pg.42)
Response as Virgina Woolf:
I could hardly believe my astonishment when I read this article. Women actually having the right to choose their husbands! It's about time! The right of a woman should be to have her future in her complete control. The days are long gone of when woman will be forced to spend the rest of her days with a complete idiot. Woman should have the full right to pursue what they want in their weddings. Weddings should involve excitement for the future not fear. A high point in this article for me was the admiration a groom held for his bride. A woman should be praised. No one has the right to take someone for granted. More importantly someone that they are expected to spend the rest of their lives with (if they are to last that long.) Finally marriage can be a ceremony of affection. There is no evidence of a business deal, or an exchange of family names purely from status. There is no longer practices of betrothal which leads a woman to live a life that she does not desire. Marriage is a choice that should be made because of love, and respect for an individual, not to raise your social stature. I'm pleased to say that this is a step to a society that resembles equality. By giving a woman the right to pick her mate you are allowing her to become whatever she likes and to mold her own future. Marriage should be sacred and by giving a woman full priority over the situation allows her to become more of an individual.
Sunday, October 21, 2007
HW22:Who decides?
For homework 22 I chose to do the patriarchy option. Woolf admits her feelings towards the English society very clearly in chapter two. I felt that she strongly believed that she lived in a patriarchal society. "England is under a rule of a patriarchy. Nobody in their senses could fail to detect the dominance of the professor." (Woolf pg. 33) Woolf is symbolizing a male as the professor in this category, which broadens her anger to all males. Woolf wonders why men get all the glory in her society why are they the primary role in all affairs? "His was the power and the money and the influence. He was the proprietor of the paper and its editor and sub-editor. He was the foreign secretary and the judge. He was the cricketer; he owned the racehorses and the yachts. He was the director of the company that pays two hundred percent to its shareholders. He left millions to charities and colleges that were ruled by himself. He will decide if the hair on the meat axe is human; he it is who will acquit or convict the murderer and hang him, or let him go free. With the exception of the fog he seemed to control everything"(Woolf pg.34) I deciphered this paragraph as Woolf completely bashing males of all kind. Her contempt toward all men is demonstrated in full force. Woolf wants so badly to be considered just as equal as all men and have just an equal role in society as they do. After reading a variety of articles on the Boston globe's web page I have to admit that I'm surprised at my conclusion. We do appear to still live in a patriarchal society. Not to any extremes as it used to be, but that type of society is still lingering. The globe appeared to have many sports stories. Such as of course the Red Sox and Patriots. Both these sports have only male players, and coaches. In my opinion that could give off the illusion that our society is dominated by males. Also, the political stories mostly involve males. There were cover stories that did involve women but a male was closely linked behind. This was surprising to me, I was under the impression that we lived in a more balanced society. I was surprised to find that it is still not a 50, 50 situation.
Monday, October 15, 2007
HW 21: Dear Nick
Dear Nicholas,
let me start off by saying I feel bad for you or anyone that has to read this book. This book is unbelievably boring. How anyone can sit and read this book all the way through without falling asleep is a mystery to me. If anyone can succeed in doing this they deserve a medal. In the first chapter the narrator is introduced (I believe she said that her name was Mary, but that part wasn't exactly clear to me.) Mary is a college student living in England. The chapter starts off with Mary contemplating the connection between women and fiction. She thoroughly contemplates how the two involve each other. Her strongest first statement is, "A Woman must have money and a room of her own if she is to write fiction."(p.4) Pay attention to this statement. This is her opinion on the subject matter. The narrator also believes that both women and fiction are "unsolved problems" (p.4) During the chapter Mary attends an important luncheon at the University. At this luncheon a guest hums a song under his breath. One that depicts women a certain way during the war. Apparently this song does not depict women in a positive way. Mary begins quoting famous women poets that support her feelings against the song. Know this. This gives me and should give you the impression that Mary is a strong willed woman and strongly believes in not distinguishing a woman's distinct place or "role" in society. Mary then retreats back to her own thoughts. Deciding what she herself should write about, each of her thoughts lead her on different tangents. These tangents are extremely difficult to follow, so pay close attention.I feel as if I should be able to tell you more. I'm having a hard time summarizing the book myself. As hard as this book may be to read it is a significant piece of literature. In my opinion this book is distinguishing women writers and making room for them in a male society. It is important to see how their writings do effect opinions today on female writers. Hang in there and keep reading!
Kate
let me start off by saying I feel bad for you or anyone that has to read this book. This book is unbelievably boring. How anyone can sit and read this book all the way through without falling asleep is a mystery to me. If anyone can succeed in doing this they deserve a medal. In the first chapter the narrator is introduced (I believe she said that her name was Mary, but that part wasn't exactly clear to me.) Mary is a college student living in England. The chapter starts off with Mary contemplating the connection between women and fiction. She thoroughly contemplates how the two involve each other. Her strongest first statement is, "A Woman must have money and a room of her own if she is to write fiction."(p.4) Pay attention to this statement. This is her opinion on the subject matter. The narrator also believes that both women and fiction are "unsolved problems" (p.4) During the chapter Mary attends an important luncheon at the University. At this luncheon a guest hums a song under his breath. One that depicts women a certain way during the war. Apparently this song does not depict women in a positive way. Mary begins quoting famous women poets that support her feelings against the song. Know this. This gives me and should give you the impression that Mary is a strong willed woman and strongly believes in not distinguishing a woman's distinct place or "role" in society. Mary then retreats back to her own thoughts. Deciding what she herself should write about, each of her thoughts lead her on different tangents. These tangents are extremely difficult to follow, so pay close attention.I feel as if I should be able to tell you more. I'm having a hard time summarizing the book myself. As hard as this book may be to read it is a significant piece of literature. In my opinion this book is distinguishing women writers and making room for them in a male society. It is important to see how their writings do effect opinions today on female writers. Hang in there and keep reading!
Kate
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
HW:19 What is the real deal with blogs?
Response to paragraph on pg. 85 in Klein and Burstein's Blog!
On page 85 I found a paragraph that I felt contradicted everything this book has stated in previous chapters. In other words I felt that this paragraph was saying that not many people are blogging. Having just argued in previous chapters that blogging was so popular and the new "it" thing to be doing. This paragraph is contradicting that and saying that blogs have no meaning. "The typical blog written by a teenage girl who uses it twice a month to update her friends and classmates on happenings in her life" (pg.85) What? Incidentally the previous reading that I just did for this class was about how important and popular political blogging was, and how much money bloggers are making. My point is if blogging wasn't so popular, why would be bloggers be raking in so much money? This paragraph is almost in a way misleading. It contradicts previous statements that this book has made. However, I do find this paragraph to be an important one. It does show that there are different opinions on blogs, which this book has not made clear in past readings. It is important to recognize every ones views on what they think to be important subjects.Blogs are changing the world one step at a time. By becoming more wide ranged they are allowing more voices to be heard. Essentially what I'm saying is that it is important to know where each person stands on the subject of blogging.
On page 85 I found a paragraph that I felt contradicted everything this book has stated in previous chapters. In other words I felt that this paragraph was saying that not many people are blogging. Having just argued in previous chapters that blogging was so popular and the new "it" thing to be doing. This paragraph is contradicting that and saying that blogs have no meaning. "The typical blog written by a teenage girl who uses it twice a month to update her friends and classmates on happenings in her life" (pg.85) What? Incidentally the previous reading that I just did for this class was about how important and popular political blogging was, and how much money bloggers are making. My point is if blogging wasn't so popular, why would be bloggers be raking in so much money? This paragraph is almost in a way misleading. It contradicts previous statements that this book has made. However, I do find this paragraph to be an important one. It does show that there are different opinions on blogs, which this book has not made clear in past readings. It is important to recognize every ones views on what they think to be important subjects.Blogs are changing the world one step at a time. By becoming more wide ranged they are allowing more voices to be heard. Essentially what I'm saying is that it is important to know where each person stands on the subject of blogging.
Monday, October 8, 2007
HW:18 "least favorite blog"
Response to "Hearts of Darkness, In Congo They Rape Three Year Olds."
http://jezebel.com/gossip/hearts-of-darkness/in-congo-they-rape-three+year+olds-308412.php at http://www.jezebel.com
I found this article to be the worst article posted in the last seven days. This article was heartbreaking. In the Congo a group of men called the Rastas are raping little girls and women. This is disgusting to me. Little girls? Let alone rape at all. What kind of person could do these things to someone who cant help themselves or fight back, what kind of person would do this at all? "Many have been so sadistically attacked from the inside out, butchered by bayonets and assaulted with chunks of wood, that their reproductive and digestive systems are beyond repair." That is awful not only are they scared emotionally, but physically also and for the rest of their lives. The article states that the type of terrain found in the Congo, is ideal for committing these heinous crimes. There are so many hiding spaces due to the massive jungle. The article comments that this group of men seems to be doing this because they are bored. How is this a form of passing time? The thought that crosses my mind is how could a man do this when it could be his daughter, sister or his wife? What justifies this to them? The most disturbing quote was in the last paragraph."they do it to three-year-olds and generally burn the babies who are too young to rape." This gave me goosebumps. Burned babies? How? Why? I just don't understand what runs through their minds as they are doing this. This article really bothered me and really made me question the true nature of some people.
http://jezebel.com/gossip/hearts-of-darkness/in-congo-they-rape-three+year+olds-308412.php at http://www.jezebel.com
I found this article to be the worst article posted in the last seven days. This article was heartbreaking. In the Congo a group of men called the Rastas are raping little girls and women. This is disgusting to me. Little girls? Let alone rape at all. What kind of person could do these things to someone who cant help themselves or fight back, what kind of person would do this at all? "Many have been so sadistically attacked from the inside out, butchered by bayonets and assaulted with chunks of wood, that their reproductive and digestive systems are beyond repair." That is awful not only are they scared emotionally, but physically also and for the rest of their lives. The article states that the type of terrain found in the Congo, is ideal for committing these heinous crimes. There are so many hiding spaces due to the massive jungle. The article comments that this group of men seems to be doing this because they are bored. How is this a form of passing time? The thought that crosses my mind is how could a man do this when it could be his daughter, sister or his wife? What justifies this to them? The most disturbing quote was in the last paragraph."they do it to three-year-olds and generally burn the babies who are too young to rape." This gave me goosebumps. Burned babies? How? Why? I just don't understand what runs through their minds as they are doing this. This article really bothered me and really made me question the true nature of some people.
HW 17b:Gossip dosent matter
Response to Klein and Burstein's Blog!:
I found Zuniga's blog to be more informative. While I was reading each of their interviews I found Zuniga's to be the best blog for following the upcoming election. Zuniga's blog was also efficient and gave topics on what he believed, and then he allowed others to share their opinions. I felt that Cox's blog was geared more toward gossip and sex scandals. Don't get me wrong, these are interesting blogs, but how can they really give us the information that we need to follow an important election? I can see how someone might say Cox's blog posts would give more background information on the potential candidate, but my interest is geared more toward what they stand for not what they do in their spare time. I also connected a little more with Zuniga's because he shared democratic views. I'm not a democrat I honestly am not sure what political party I belong to. However, I did grow up listening to my parents who are democrats, and he shares similar views as they do which I can relate to in a way. Zuniga's blog touched on real issues that the country is struggling with. He is against war, which is such a huge controversy in our country now. His opinions on his posts allow people to get their point across on the issue as well. From his interview I gathered that he seemed like a really knowledgeable person. When following something as serious as politics I believe it is important to receive concrete information from the source. Cox's information was accurate but not vital in the whole picture. Zuniga's blog interested me and I found it very helpful to know what type of issues we need to be focusing on throughout the upcoming election.
I found Zuniga's blog to be more informative. While I was reading each of their interviews I found Zuniga's to be the best blog for following the upcoming election. Zuniga's blog was also efficient and gave topics on what he believed, and then he allowed others to share their opinions. I felt that Cox's blog was geared more toward gossip and sex scandals. Don't get me wrong, these are interesting blogs, but how can they really give us the information that we need to follow an important election? I can see how someone might say Cox's blog posts would give more background information on the potential candidate, but my interest is geared more toward what they stand for not what they do in their spare time. I also connected a little more with Zuniga's because he shared democratic views. I'm not a democrat I honestly am not sure what political party I belong to. However, I did grow up listening to my parents who are democrats, and he shares similar views as they do which I can relate to in a way. Zuniga's blog touched on real issues that the country is struggling with. He is against war, which is such a huge controversy in our country now. His opinions on his posts allow people to get their point across on the issue as well. From his interview I gathered that he seemed like a really knowledgeable person. When following something as serious as politics I believe it is important to receive concrete information from the source. Cox's information was accurate but not vital in the whole picture. Zuniga's blog interested me and I found it very helpful to know what type of issues we need to be focusing on throughout the upcoming election.
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
HW 17: Jezebel
I chose to respond to a blog on Jezebel's website:
When I looked at Jezebel's website I really liked it. I found myself reading way more than just one story. They were all really interesting too. However I chose to summarize about the blog under the top BIG FAT LIES, Does Exercise make you hungry instead of thin? http://jezebel.com/gossip/big-fat-lies/does-exercise-make-you-hungry-instead-of-thinThis topic just popped out at me, and to be honest made me nervous. As a college freshman girl, the freshman 15 is a constant reminder in the back of my head. The article says that working out is good for your health and does make you feel better for yourself. However, working out does burn large amounts of calories and carbs which can make you a little more hungryafter exercising."Taubes admits that working out is great for your health, but, "the one thing that might be said about exercise with certainty is that it tends to makes us hungry." He suggests that what really determines how fat or lean a person is has more to do with the body's own internal programming."-Gary Taubes. I disagree with his theory. There is a large amount of people who have lost significant amounts of weight from working out. In conclusion I do find this article informative. It does give you a different insight on exercising.
When I looked at Jezebel's website I really liked it. I found myself reading way more than just one story. They were all really interesting too. However I chose to summarize about the blog under the top BIG FAT LIES, Does Exercise make you hungry instead of thin? http://jezebel.com/gossip/big-fat-lies/does-exercise-make-you-hungry-instead-of-thinThis topic just popped out at me, and to be honest made me nervous. As a college freshman girl, the freshman 15 is a constant reminder in the back of my head. The article says that working out is good for your health and does make you feel better for yourself. However, working out does burn large amounts of calories and carbs which can make you a little more hungryafter exercising."Taubes admits that working out is great for your health, but, "the one thing that might be said about exercise with certainty is that it tends to makes us hungry." He suggests that what really determines how fat or lean a person is has more to do with the body's own internal programming."-Gary Taubes. I disagree with his theory. There is a large amount of people who have lost significant amounts of weight from working out. In conclusion I do find this article informative. It does give you a different insight on exercising.
HW 16b: Response to the 5 Pillars of blogging.
I chose to do option B and respond to Robert Scoble's 5 Pillars to what made blogging "hot".
In Scoble's interview he talks about the Five Pillars of Blogging. He claims that this is what makes blogging "hot"(Klein and Burstein p.130) Scoble does not give a direct meaning for each pillar, the following pillars are my best interpretation of what he was really trying to get at. The first pillar is ease of publishing. Blogging allows people to say whatever they want and feel is important with out having to go through publishers and editing. Blogs do save people incredible amounts of time when they are trying to get a point across whether it just be a small comment or a huge issue. Publishing and editing can take years. The second pillar is discoverability. My interpretation of this is that blogs let people know that everything has a website. Everything is commentable. There are so many topics to blog about, and discoverability helps me learn that. The third pillar is cross-site conversations. This pillar allows other bloggers to know what their fellow bloggers have been up to. It allows them to know what websites they've been to and commented on. The fourth pillar is permalinking. Blogs make life easier and take you to the link of exactly where you want to go. Again blogs save time which makes life easier for everyone. The fifth and final pillar is Syndication. Syndication is a form of keeping in the know. This pillar keeps you up with new websites, and also helps you find new ones that might interest you. This pillar also allows you to browse any website you want without giving out any personal information. This is helpful because know you can just check something out without becoming completely involved. I'm in agreement with Scoble, his five pillars make perfect sense of why blogging is so popular at this day in age. Blogs are so easy to come across and help get so much information out into the world.
In Scoble's interview he talks about the Five Pillars of Blogging. He claims that this is what makes blogging "hot"(Klein and Burstein p.130) Scoble does not give a direct meaning for each pillar, the following pillars are my best interpretation of what he was really trying to get at. The first pillar is ease of publishing. Blogging allows people to say whatever they want and feel is important with out having to go through publishers and editing. Blogs do save people incredible amounts of time when they are trying to get a point across whether it just be a small comment or a huge issue. Publishing and editing can take years. The second pillar is discoverability. My interpretation of this is that blogs let people know that everything has a website. Everything is commentable. There are so many topics to blog about, and discoverability helps me learn that. The third pillar is cross-site conversations. This pillar allows other bloggers to know what their fellow bloggers have been up to. It allows them to know what websites they've been to and commented on. The fourth pillar is permalinking. Blogs make life easier and take you to the link of exactly where you want to go. Again blogs save time which makes life easier for everyone. The fifth and final pillar is Syndication. Syndication is a form of keeping in the know. This pillar keeps you up with new websites, and also helps you find new ones that might interest you. This pillar also allows you to browse any website you want without giving out any personal information. This is helpful because know you can just check something out without becoming completely involved. I'm in agreement with Scoble, his five pillars make perfect sense of why blogging is so popular at this day in age. Blogs are so easy to come across and help get so much information out into the world.
Monday, October 1, 2007
HW 14: Response to Ito
Response to Klein and Bursteins Japanese Blogger Champions Internet Democracy:
I chose to respond to Ito's interview. Since his interview was more on the humorous and less serious side of blogging, I found him to be the more interesting of the two. In addition I also admired his sense of respect, the respect he gave to others and the respect he recieved in return. "You can do what you want but you're in my living room, so be respectful because I have to take care of this place." Naturally Ito is explaining his blogging style. In addition to him letting you voice you're own opinion, he demands respect on his blog page. Futhermore, I also find Ito to be more of a creative blogger. His blogs range from all different topics. To put it bluntly, blogging can be boring, it seems to me that Ito keeps his readers intrigued. Along the same lines, he seems to be an unpredicatble person. Ito claims that his favorite blog happens to be a religious one. According to his interview it didnt seem to me that any of his blogs touched on the subject of religion. As a result I find this to be another interesting fact about him. As a result I find Ito's blogging interesting and something that I might like to read.
I chose to respond to Ito's interview. Since his interview was more on the humorous and less serious side of blogging, I found him to be the more interesting of the two. In addition I also admired his sense of respect, the respect he gave to others and the respect he recieved in return. "You can do what you want but you're in my living room, so be respectful because I have to take care of this place." Naturally Ito is explaining his blogging style. In addition to him letting you voice you're own opinion, he demands respect on his blog page. Futhermore, I also find Ito to be more of a creative blogger. His blogs range from all different topics. To put it bluntly, blogging can be boring, it seems to me that Ito keeps his readers intrigued. Along the same lines, he seems to be an unpredicatble person. Ito claims that his favorite blog happens to be a religious one. According to his interview it didnt seem to me that any of his blogs touched on the subject of religion. As a result I find this to be another interesting fact about him. As a result I find Ito's blogging interesting and something that I might like to read.
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
HW 13:"What happened to regular advertising?"
Response to Kline and Bursteins "Blogs will change your business":
I strongly believe that the impact of blogging on communication matters for non-business related topics more so than business related blogs. Communication blogs open up so many new doors for people to connect. There is such a wide range of topics to discuss in this time period. They are all so different and propose the opportunity for people from all around the world to have a common subject to discuss."Blogs are different. They eveolve with every posting,each one tied to a moment. Most blogs are open to the world. As the bloggers read each others, comment, and link from one page to the next, they create global conversation."(pg. 228 Klein and Burstein) Blogs allow people to talk about topics from motherhood to politics and allows them to connect to people they wouldn't necessarily connect with on other terms. These blogs open up social opportunities to some that may have not existed previously. Everyone needs company and needs to talk to people, blogs allow you to talk to so many different people. Blogs allow people to voice their own opinion. Although some of these opinions may cross the line at times, everyone deserves a right to be heard. It wasnt untill recently that I really understood the meaning of a blog and how they can positively affect society. Honestly, I really can not think of a negative aspect of social blogging. Although business blogging may seem like a good idea to some people, I just dont find the need. Whatever happened to old-fashioned advertising? If it has worked in that past, then why wouldnt it still be effective now? Ultimatley I find social communication to be useful in todays society.
I strongly believe that the impact of blogging on communication matters for non-business related topics more so than business related blogs. Communication blogs open up so many new doors for people to connect. There is such a wide range of topics to discuss in this time period. They are all so different and propose the opportunity for people from all around the world to have a common subject to discuss."Blogs are different. They eveolve with every posting,each one tied to a moment. Most blogs are open to the world. As the bloggers read each others, comment, and link from one page to the next, they create global conversation."(pg. 228 Klein and Burstein) Blogs allow people to talk about topics from motherhood to politics and allows them to connect to people they wouldn't necessarily connect with on other terms. These blogs open up social opportunities to some that may have not existed previously. Everyone needs company and needs to talk to people, blogs allow you to talk to so many different people. Blogs allow people to voice their own opinion. Although some of these opinions may cross the line at times, everyone deserves a right to be heard. It wasnt untill recently that I really understood the meaning of a blog and how they can positively affect society. Honestly, I really can not think of a negative aspect of social blogging. Although business blogging may seem like a good idea to some people, I just dont find the need. Whatever happened to old-fashioned advertising? If it has worked in that past, then why wouldnt it still be effective now? Ultimatley I find social communication to be useful in todays society.
Monday, September 24, 2007
HW 11: Responding to Rebecca MacKinnon
Response to Rebecca MacKinnon's blog:
The blog that I chose to look into was what seemed to me to be Rebecca's main blogging site. I found this at http://rconverstaion.blogs.com/. Rebecca's blogs are more internationally based blogs. Her blogs focus on alot of issues dealing with China and other areas of Asia. Mackinnons's blogs are set up very formally and neatly. They are clearly organized and well thought out. I would consider the tsyle of writing to again be formal, and have background information about the country and the topic itself. I myself have very little knowledge of Asia. I'm sure many readers would challenge this blog, and tell me I know nothing about what I'm reading. Therefore I beleive that her blogs are educational. Since i have very little knowledge of Asia, I really did not know what to expect in her blog. From her interview I could tell that her blog would be world related, and it was. From the interview I gathered that as a blogger Rebecca was very interested in North Korea, and the true perecption of it. She seemed to be really passionate about the country. Which she proved in her blog. She also talks about how blogging is becoming more popular in countries such as China. I found this interesting because it gives Americans new ways to communicate with other all over the world. I found Rebecca's blogs to be interesting when I took the time to read them. However, if I were to disagree; Some Americans may disagree with MacKinnon and would object to her concern with Asian countries. In the past they have been a great threat to us and have proven themselves to be dangerous. If I were to look at this as an opposing argument I would say that maybe we should be skeptical about getting so involved with Asian affairs. I do believe that this is a good article for someone like me to read. If you have no idea about what is going on in the world around you, this is a good blog to read.
The blog that I chose to look into was what seemed to me to be Rebecca's main blogging site. I found this at http://rconverstaion.blogs.com/. Rebecca's blogs are more internationally based blogs. Her blogs focus on alot of issues dealing with China and other areas of Asia. Mackinnons's blogs are set up very formally and neatly. They are clearly organized and well thought out. I would consider the tsyle of writing to again be formal, and have background information about the country and the topic itself. I myself have very little knowledge of Asia. I'm sure many readers would challenge this blog, and tell me I know nothing about what I'm reading. Therefore I beleive that her blogs are educational. Since i have very little knowledge of Asia, I really did not know what to expect in her blog. From her interview I could tell that her blog would be world related, and it was. From the interview I gathered that as a blogger Rebecca was very interested in North Korea, and the true perecption of it. She seemed to be really passionate about the country. Which she proved in her blog. She also talks about how blogging is becoming more popular in countries such as China. I found this interesting because it gives Americans new ways to communicate with other all over the world. I found Rebecca's blogs to be interesting when I took the time to read them. However, if I were to disagree; Some Americans may disagree with MacKinnon and would object to her concern with Asian countries. In the past they have been a great threat to us and have proven themselves to be dangerous. If I were to look at this as an opposing argument I would say that maybe we should be skeptical about getting so involved with Asian affairs. I do believe that this is a good article for someone like me to read. If you have no idea about what is going on in the world around you, this is a good blog to read.
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
HW 9: Response to Waldman
From the two authors Waldman and Huffington I identified with Waldman more. My Response to Ayelet Waldmans interview:
I chose Waldman because she highlighted on important issues involving women. Ayelet Waldman was such a likable person. While reading her interview I couldn't help but like her, and sympathize with her pain. When Waldman stated that she felt like a bad mother for having sex with her husband I felt so sorry for her. That is a terrible feeling for a mother. By focusing on the aspects of motherhood that she feels are wrong, she overlooks what she is doing right. I really admired Waldman's compassion to reach out to other mothers or people who are facing problems of infertility. She knows that women need a support system, and she is offering them what they need most. Not only does that make her an understanding mother, it makes her a good person and a good friend. Although I agree with Ayelet's decision to stop blogging, I can not completely understand why she would. She was good at it. She knew the issues to write about that would effect people on a deeper, emotional level. I agree that above all she is a writer, and a mother ,and a wife and those are her top priorities but I can only support her decision up to that point. I really thought that her near suicide attempt was inspiring to me, to write and view blogs. The only reason she didn't hurt herself was because someone saved her through reading her blog. That is not something that happens on a normal basis. Waldman needed help and maybe this was the only way she was going to find what she truly needed. I found it easy for myself to identify with this author. She really understood the importance of being a woman. Although I'm not a mother I still can understand the difficulties of being one. I admire the way she blogs, and I find her and her writing topics extremely interesting.
I chose Waldman because she highlighted on important issues involving women. Ayelet Waldman was such a likable person. While reading her interview I couldn't help but like her, and sympathize with her pain. When Waldman stated that she felt like a bad mother for having sex with her husband I felt so sorry for her. That is a terrible feeling for a mother. By focusing on the aspects of motherhood that she feels are wrong, she overlooks what she is doing right. I really admired Waldman's compassion to reach out to other mothers or people who are facing problems of infertility. She knows that women need a support system, and she is offering them what they need most. Not only does that make her an understanding mother, it makes her a good person and a good friend. Although I agree with Ayelet's decision to stop blogging, I can not completely understand why she would. She was good at it. She knew the issues to write about that would effect people on a deeper, emotional level. I agree that above all she is a writer, and a mother ,and a wife and those are her top priorities but I can only support her decision up to that point. I really thought that her near suicide attempt was inspiring to me, to write and view blogs. The only reason she didn't hurt herself was because someone saved her through reading her blog. That is not something that happens on a normal basis. Waldman needed help and maybe this was the only way she was going to find what she truly needed. I found it easy for myself to identify with this author. She really understood the importance of being a woman. Although I'm not a mother I still can understand the difficulties of being one. I admire the way she blogs, and I find her and her writing topics extremely interesting.
Monday, September 17, 2007
HW 7: Emily Nussbaums's article
Response to Emily Nussbaum's article:
Should parents monitor everything that their middle-school aged children write online?
My response to this question is no. Middle school children should have some freedom over what they do online. Blogs and live journals allow them to express themselves. Not all parent would necessarily agree on how their child is presenting themselves, or even agree with their decisions or beliefs. That is not fair to these teenagers. Isnt that part of gorwing up? Shouldn't they be able to express themselves? Online journals also help them to let out their built up emotions. Being a teenager is so hard, there is too much pressure to keep inside of you. Emily Nussbaum describes in this chapter the difficulty of being a teen. "So much high school pain comes from the sense of being alone with one's stupid self destructive impulses. With so many teenagers baring their vulnerabilities, there is the potential for breaking down isolation. A kind of online breakfast club, perhaps, in which a little surfing turns up the insecurity that lurks in all of us." (Emily Nussbaum p.360) Online journals help to relieve your stress. Telling someone why you're stressed almost always relieves a little bit of emotion for everyone. During the adolescent ages there is so many new feelings that just need to be expressed, and so many new questions, and doubts that just need to be said outloud. Parents should not hold their children back from doing this. In my opinion an online journal may be a good idea. Parents need to accept that their child is growing up in a different time period than they experienced. Things are different. The pressures of being a young teen can wear you down, they need someplace to let their emotions, and questions be heard.
Should parents monitor everything that their middle-school aged children write online?
My response to this question is no. Middle school children should have some freedom over what they do online. Blogs and live journals allow them to express themselves. Not all parent would necessarily agree on how their child is presenting themselves, or even agree with their decisions or beliefs. That is not fair to these teenagers. Isnt that part of gorwing up? Shouldn't they be able to express themselves? Online journals also help them to let out their built up emotions. Being a teenager is so hard, there is too much pressure to keep inside of you. Emily Nussbaum describes in this chapter the difficulty of being a teen. "So much high school pain comes from the sense of being alone with one's stupid self destructive impulses. With so many teenagers baring their vulnerabilities, there is the potential for breaking down isolation. A kind of online breakfast club, perhaps, in which a little surfing turns up the insecurity that lurks in all of us." (Emily Nussbaum p.360) Online journals help to relieve your stress. Telling someone why you're stressed almost always relieves a little bit of emotion for everyone. During the adolescent ages there is so many new feelings that just need to be expressed, and so many new questions, and doubts that just need to be said outloud. Parents should not hold their children back from doing this. In my opinion an online journal may be a good idea. Parents need to accept that their child is growing up in a different time period than they experienced. Things are different. The pressures of being a young teen can wear you down, they need someplace to let their emotions, and questions be heard.
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
HW 5b: Blog! pg. 237-252
In response to David Kline's Blog!, pages 237-252:
After reading the following pages I found that there was nothing that I disagreed with. I support the fact that the relationship between America and the media is now strained. Over the past decades we have put so much faith into delivering the truth to us. Now that we know we cant always trust them to deliver us the information that we need, we begin to lose faith. I did find a statement that I thought was just weird, there is no better word to describe it. George Gilder claims that "Over the next decade (claims this in 1994) TV will expire and transpire into a new cornucopia of choice and empowerment...Hollywood and Wall St. will totter and diffuse to all points of the nation and the globe..[and] the most deprived ghetto child in the most blighted project will gain educational opportunities exceeding those of today's suburban preppy." (p.238)
What does his argument even mean? Not only am I confused by this staement, the authors of this book also reject Gilder's comment. His statment can be viewed as "too good to be true". The points he emphasizes are so far down the road, that is if they ever happen. Hollywood and Wall St. are still thriving and from the looks of it are going to be for a while. We still have so many issues with education and poverty in this country. It would take years and years to rebuild those areas. His statment was so confusing to me, to this point I'm not fully comprhending the point he was trying to make.
After reading the following pages I found that there was nothing that I disagreed with. I support the fact that the relationship between America and the media is now strained. Over the past decades we have put so much faith into delivering the truth to us. Now that we know we cant always trust them to deliver us the information that we need, we begin to lose faith. I did find a statement that I thought was just weird, there is no better word to describe it. George Gilder claims that "Over the next decade (claims this in 1994) TV will expire and transpire into a new cornucopia of choice and empowerment...Hollywood and Wall St. will totter and diffuse to all points of the nation and the globe..[and] the most deprived ghetto child in the most blighted project will gain educational opportunities exceeding those of today's suburban preppy." (p.238)
What does his argument even mean? Not only am I confused by this staement, the authors of this book also reject Gilder's comment. His statment can be viewed as "too good to be true". The points he emphasizes are so far down the road, that is if they ever happen. Hollywood and Wall St. are still thriving and from the looks of it are going to be for a while. We still have so many issues with education and poverty in this country. It would take years and years to rebuild those areas. His statment was so confusing to me, to this point I'm not fully comprhending the point he was trying to make.
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
HW 6: Interest statement for semester-long project
For my semester long research project I'm interested in the following areas. The social computing technologies that I'm most interested in right now are chat rooms, instant messaging, and social networking services. Chat rooms interest me because one of my favorite tv shows is
"To Catch a Predator". Young girls and boys are getting harassed in chat rooms. It is really interesting to me that this is happening. I would really like to look into why this is happening and how. Instant messaging is also related to "To Catch a Predator" however, this topic interests me in a different way. Can IMing be addictive? I find myself constantly going on to check my IM's or to see what my friends are doing. I'm not the only one who does this either both my roommates and my suite mates do the same. At home my younger brother would stay on the computer for hours just sending IMs back and forth to his friends. I'm also interested in social networking services such as facebook and myspace. Facebook is huge right now especially for college students. This networking system is so popular at this point in time.
The kind of empowerment that I'm looking for in marginalized groups and that I'm interested in is, overcoming sexism, overcoming inequities in access to education, and rights and empowerment of people with HIV/AIDS. The sexism issues interests me because I honestly have never encountered any. I would like to hear stories of this and why its happening. Overcoming inequities of education interests me because I'm an education major. Education issues concern me, especially if that's what I'm going to be doing for the rest of my life. Empowerment of people with HIV/AIDS interests me because I really don't know much about the topic. I should learn more about it when this is such a huge issue in the world right now.
The geographical areas that interest me the most are the US because that is where I live, and Europe because I think that is an interesting part of the world. All of these topics interest me and I would like to find more information about them.
"To Catch a Predator". Young girls and boys are getting harassed in chat rooms. It is really interesting to me that this is happening. I would really like to look into why this is happening and how. Instant messaging is also related to "To Catch a Predator" however, this topic interests me in a different way. Can IMing be addictive? I find myself constantly going on to check my IM's or to see what my friends are doing. I'm not the only one who does this either both my roommates and my suite mates do the same. At home my younger brother would stay on the computer for hours just sending IMs back and forth to his friends. I'm also interested in social networking services such as facebook and myspace. Facebook is huge right now especially for college students. This networking system is so popular at this point in time.
The kind of empowerment that I'm looking for in marginalized groups and that I'm interested in is, overcoming sexism, overcoming inequities in access to education, and rights and empowerment of people with HIV/AIDS. The sexism issues interests me because I honestly have never encountered any. I would like to hear stories of this and why its happening. Overcoming inequities of education interests me because I'm an education major. Education issues concern me, especially if that's what I'm going to be doing for the rest of my life. Empowerment of people with HIV/AIDS interests me because I really don't know much about the topic. I should learn more about it when this is such a huge issue in the world right now.
The geographical areas that interest me the most are the US because that is where I live, and Europe because I think that is an interesting part of the world. All of these topics interest me and I would like to find more information about them.
Saturday, September 8, 2007
HW4: Response to "The Voice of a Customer"
In chapter two, "The Voice of a Customer", Greg Thomas states “A company can promise quality and dependability, as Lexus does. Or it can promise an enjoyable emotional experience that people can take with them wherever they go...but unless that promise touches people’s deeper motivations, the brand will not succeed.” The brand that I chose to look up was Tresemme hair products. Tresemme promises the customer beautiful, healthy hair for each particular style. The models on their websites all have beautiful, shiny,healthy locks. The website promises the buyer a stunning and beautiful style. When women see these models with hair like that their immediate thought is I want my hair to look like that. When women look good they feel good. Personally, when my hair looks good and i know it, its a huge confidence booster. What girl would not want an extra boost for their self-esteem? This is why i compltley agree with Thomas's statment. This hair product can make women feel good about themselves just by making their hair look good. Tresemme also promises the buyer "TRESemme hair products provide professional quality hair care at an affordable price." Cheap quality hair care is another attraction that would make people want to buy this product. Also the low prices attract a younger group of women. Teens and young adults can not afford to buy top of the line hair care. With lower prices this is attracting women of all ages and still promising them great results and beautiful hair. I personally love Tresemmes products. They do the job they promise. I find their advertising compltley honest and I have trust in this product.
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
HW 3 Response to David Kline and Dan Bursteins Blog!
Response to David Kline and Dan Burstein's Toward a More Participatory Democracy:
In chapter one of blog! Toward a More Participatory Democracy, I realized how important political blogs really are. Not only are they informative they also entitle you to your own opinion. In this chapter it states that "popular political blogs collectively had 28 million visits from readers" (p.5) I was shocked at how many people read these blogs. From my own personal experience and in my own family we get our political information from the news or newspaper. Until now I would never think to look into a blog. Also in this chapter it explains how blogging has become a primary source for a percentage of Americans."political blogs have become a vital source of news and opinion for millions of Americans"(p.6) When I first read this quote I was surprised to hear this fact. I would think that Americans would be more concerned with what was on television or in the newspaper. I couldn't really why someone would go online and read someones blog when maybe he or she has a different view or opinion, or why they would want to read something that may or may not be entirely true. As I read further I was able to understand why. "First and foremost, of course, is that fact that the media has lost a portion of the respect and trust it once held among the public. A substantial number of Americans, perhaps even a majority, believe that the media is either biased incompetent or both." (p.6)
After reading that quote I understood. The media does portray images that the country as a whole may not be ready to see. Like blogging the media can also be a false source of information. The question that I had at the end of this chapter was what is political truth? And how can we find these answers during this day in age?
In chapter one of blog! Toward a More Participatory Democracy, I realized how important political blogs really are. Not only are they informative they also entitle you to your own opinion. In this chapter it states that "popular political blogs collectively had 28 million visits from readers" (p.5) I was shocked at how many people read these blogs. From my own personal experience and in my own family we get our political information from the news or newspaper. Until now I would never think to look into a blog. Also in this chapter it explains how blogging has become a primary source for a percentage of Americans."political blogs have become a vital source of news and opinion for millions of Americans"(p.6) When I first read this quote I was surprised to hear this fact. I would think that Americans would be more concerned with what was on television or in the newspaper. I couldn't really why someone would go online and read someones blog when maybe he or she has a different view or opinion, or why they would want to read something that may or may not be entirely true. As I read further I was able to understand why. "First and foremost, of course, is that fact that the media has lost a portion of the respect and trust it once held among the public. A substantial number of Americans, perhaps even a majority, believe that the media is either biased incompetent or both." (p.6)
After reading that quote I understood. The media does portray images that the country as a whole may not be ready to see. Like blogging the media can also be a false source of information. The question that I had at the end of this chapter was what is political truth? And how can we find these answers during this day in age?
Thursday, August 30, 2007
HW 2 Response to David Klein and Dan Bursteins Blog: How the Newest Media Revolution is Changing Politics, Business, and Culture
Response to David Klein and Dan Bursteins Blog: How the Newest Media Revolution is Changing Politics, Business, and Culture:
Out of the 12 questions in blog! that I can relate to is question Three. Question three states "Blogging in addition to being a huge phenomenon in it's own right, is the key metaphor for interactivity, community-building and genuine conversation." (pg.xxi) Before going to school, I joined the facebook network. Facebook is basically joining a network and posting blogs and messages about yourself for others to see. Joining this group helped me. I met so many new people that were also coming to Keene. Through facebook I was able to build communities with other freshman. If I did not join facebook I would not know as many people as I do now. I was involved in so many conversations with other students because of facebook. I was also able to join a class of 2011 group which led me to meet/chat with even more students my age. Using facebook as a blog helped and prepared me before I went off to school.
Out of the 12 questions in blog! that I can relate to is question Three. Question three states "Blogging in addition to being a huge phenomenon in it's own right, is the key metaphor for interactivity, community-building and genuine conversation." (pg.xxi) Before going to school, I joined the facebook network. Facebook is basically joining a network and posting blogs and messages about yourself for others to see. Joining this group helped me. I met so many new people that were also coming to Keene. Through facebook I was able to build communities with other freshman. If I did not join facebook I would not know as many people as I do now. I was involved in so many conversations with other students because of facebook. I was also able to join a class of 2011 group which led me to meet/chat with even more students my age. Using facebook as a blog helped and prepared me before I went off to school.
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