Writing
The Collected Works of Billy the Kid by Michael Ondaatje
Even though she was afraid of this notorious outlaw the first time they met, it did not stop Sallie Chisum from showing compassion to another human being. Apparently, it was Sallie who nursed Billy the Kid back to health following his accident. She could have easily turned him over to the authorities but chose to be a humanitarian instead. She not only showed such kindness to humans but those in need in the animal kingdom as well. It seemed as if her door was always opened to all who were in need.
Paris to the Moon by Adam Gopnik
From the beginnings of the story I have a connection to the author since he references his childhood taking place in West Philadelphia. He’s remembering the weather forecasts being given for the tri state area and highs and lows in Atlantic City. This information draws the reader in especially if you’re familiar with the landmarks he’s referring too. My mother grew up in South Philadelphia but had relatives in West Philadelphia who she would often visit. Atlantic City is another place I’ve personally visited and those forecasts for the tri state area are still given everyday on all the local TV channels. My parents also tell about stories of the opening of EJ Korvettes at the Audubon Shopping Center in the 1960’s. The author writes of his shopping experiences at EJ Korvettes in Cherry Hill also during the 1960’s. As the reader, with having a personal connection it helps to draw you into the story.
The Anthology of Really Short Stories by Jerome Stern
I’ve found that Jerome Stern’s short stories to be very entertaining. They were short, concise and to the point. Within each story the reader is able to gain a true understanding of the main character. Whether it’s a feeling of humor in the misinterpretation in “Wrong Channel” or the depressing feelings of the substitute teacher in the story “Waiting” the author creates realism in the story. As the reader, you can empathize with each characters situation. In life we all tried to run away from our problems, have been involved with a person who turns out to be a jerk, hated a job but found the need to stay and found ourselves guilt of miscommunication. It’s all part of life, but hopefully it allows us to grow.
Dubliners by James Joyce
Even though the setting of the story takes place many years ago, similarities among today’s youth still hold true. In James Joyce’s story, “An Encounter,” three young boys decide to play “hooky” from school. They were filled with anticipation of their impeding journey. When one of the boys is a ‘no show,’ the other two continue with their plan. As their day continues, they encounter many sights and sounds, which adds life to the story. An unexpected visitor brings a sense of tension and apprehension into the story. In today’s world, children are still playing “hooky” from school and people with perversions are still seeking out innocent children. Despite where you are in this world or how much time has passed, many things remain the same as the year’s progress. Joyce’s use of adjectives throughout the story brought it to life in my mind’s eye since every sentence could be visualized.
Even though she was afraid of this notorious outlaw the first time they met, it did not stop Sallie Chisum from showing compassion to another human being. Apparently, it was Sallie who nursed Billy the Kid back to health following his accident. She could have easily turned him over to the authorities but chose to be a humanitarian instead. She not only showed such kindness to humans but those in need in the animal kingdom as well. It seemed as if her door was always opened to all who were in need.
Paris to the Moon by Adam Gopnik
From the beginnings of the story I have a connection to the author since he references his childhood taking place in West Philadelphia. He’s remembering the weather forecasts being given for the tri state area and highs and lows in Atlantic City. This information draws the reader in especially if you’re familiar with the landmarks he’s referring too. My mother grew up in South Philadelphia but had relatives in West Philadelphia who she would often visit. Atlantic City is another place I’ve personally visited and those forecasts for the tri state area are still given everyday on all the local TV channels. My parents also tell about stories of the opening of EJ Korvettes at the Audubon Shopping Center in the 1960’s. The author writes of his shopping experiences at EJ Korvettes in Cherry Hill also during the 1960’s. As the reader, with having a personal connection it helps to draw you into the story.
The Anthology of Really Short Stories by Jerome Stern
I’ve found that Jerome Stern’s short stories to be very entertaining. They were short, concise and to the point. Within each story the reader is able to gain a true understanding of the main character. Whether it’s a feeling of humor in the misinterpretation in “Wrong Channel” or the depressing feelings of the substitute teacher in the story “Waiting” the author creates realism in the story. As the reader, you can empathize with each characters situation. In life we all tried to run away from our problems, have been involved with a person who turns out to be a jerk, hated a job but found the need to stay and found ourselves guilt of miscommunication. It’s all part of life, but hopefully it allows us to grow.
Dubliners by James Joyce
Even though the setting of the story takes place many years ago, similarities among today’s youth still hold true. In James Joyce’s story, “An Encounter,” three young boys decide to play “hooky” from school. They were filled with anticipation of their impeding journey. When one of the boys is a ‘no show,’ the other two continue with their plan. As their day continues, they encounter many sights and sounds, which adds life to the story. An unexpected visitor brings a sense of tension and apprehension into the story. In today’s world, children are still playing “hooky” from school and people with perversions are still seeking out innocent children. Despite where you are in this world or how much time has passed, many things remain the same as the year’s progress. Joyce’s use of adjectives throughout the story brought it to life in my mind’s eye since every sentence could be visualized.
Microfictions
In the following post, I am writing two 250-word micro fiction pieces. In the first piece, I am incorporating a line from Gloria Anzaldua's poem, Borderlands, to inspire a story. The line I have chosen from Anzaldua's piece is: "I hear the tussling of bodies, grunts, panting." In the second piece, I will base a story off of one of my own tweets from Twitter: "I love being home and with my family. There's never a dull moment."
The line I have chosen from Gloria Anzaldua's poem is: "I hear the tussling of bodies, grunts, panting."
I hear the tussling of bodies, grunts, panting restlessly throughout the barracks. The sleepless nights, the sounds of tears, and the endless wait to return home. Desperately wanting to be with loved ones but at the same time knowing this is part of my duties in the United States military. Imagine yourself surrounded by creepy crawlers hiding in your boots, your locker, and even in your bed! At night sleeping in dirty, sandy bunks and not having the luxury to bathe everyday. Imagine the places that sand ends up. A decent meal is often out of the question. Just boiled chicken and rice for the next six months. Thinking to yourself, but I’m starving and I just got here. Looks like no quick runs to McDonald’s for a double cheeseburger and fries. Hot summer days wearing thick camouflage uniforms and heavy boots. Packs on your back containing all your necessary equipment and weapons. Sweat beating down your face and not being able to breathe from the intense heat. Hearing the shrill sounds of sirens indicating there has been an attack near your base. Even the sound of explosions when trying to sleep, with the walls shaking all around you in this old decrepit building that’s falling to shambles. Knowing that everyone you see around you can easily vanish and leave no trace behind. One by one. Having lunch with a few guys one day and the next they are gone. The unfortunate realization that everything can change with a blink of an eye
The tweet I have chosen from my Twitter account is: "I love being home and with my family. There's never a dull moment."
Whoever thought that having four older brothers would be such a bad thing. But to be truthful it definitely wasn’t. I wouldn’t change it for the world. At first, I was the center of attention because I was the only girl but eventually that didn’t matter. There was never a dull moment while growing up. From throwing the baseball around, going on bike rides throughout the park, to even visits to the emergency room. What child would bother a dog that was sleeping? That would have been me! I ended up with over a hundred stitches on my nose. It was always fun and exciting. Don’t you agree? Don’t get my wrong I did do girly things with my mom or girlfriends. Such as, playing tea party or teaching to my stuffed animals all the lessons I had learned in school that day. But who would have thought that a girl who could be a ‘prissy princess’ (according to my father) could also be just as tough as one of the boys. Always talking back and standing up for myself. I made sure no one took advantage of me. I was known as the loud mouth! Though I may have found it necessary to state my opinion about everything, it didn’t mean I didn’t flak in return. I do have to admit that I love being home and with my family. There’s never a dull moment. At the dinner table you can hear my brothers and I bickering back and forth about everything and anything. I couldn’t ask for a better family.
How did changing genres impact your writing and meaning making?
When first attempting the assignment of creating a haiku from one of my previously composed micro fictions, I began to really analyze my work in order to pull out words or phrases that could be essential. At first, I sat on my bedroom floor and began jotting down words not only from my piece but also whatever came to mind. Although the haiku did not necessarily have an entirely new meaning, it did, however, summarize the feeling and atmosphere of that particular setting. At ease I was able to effectively place the pieces together without losing the true meaning and understanding.
As for the found poem, I pretty much did the same thing. I pulled up all my tweets from my Twitter account and began jotting down just a few words or phrases on a loose leaf piece of paper. Completely this assignment free hand allowed me to just cross off and rewrite in a different order quickly. I found myself while creating this piece to cut out more words while writing. At first I thought to myself that none of this was going to make sense. However, I was mistaken. The words seem to fit just fall into place. Though the overall meaning of this found poem was reflecting my life, it was closely similar to my original micro fiction. I had initially written about my family in general but it seemed to be more concise through creating this found poem.
Experiencing different genres has allowed me, as a writer, to approach a writing assignment through multiple perspectives. You do not necessarily have to complete a narrative paper. Be creative! I thought it was a great idea taking a written piece that we had previously composed then transforming it into something new and exciting.
Title Match [Diary Entry]
Dear Diary,
Today is going to be one hell of a day! My girl, Liv to Kill, is about to have yet another knock out. No doubt about it. Just because she got into a fight with a bartender and ended up with a broken jaw (no big deal), doesn’t mean she’s a softy. Liv may come off as a ditzy girl who may not be taken seriously by others but you should think again. Don’t ever underestimate her (I know I wouldn’t). She not only has the physical body strength but also the mindset to take down anyone that comes her way. Liv is always up for a challenge. Though she may fight dirty, she’ll do whatever it takes to get the win. It may with a simple punch to the face resulting in a knock out or a little bit more excitement with some clawing to the face while pulling hair. You gotta do what you gotta to to get the job done! I have no concerns that Liv will bring this win home.
All I have to say is, Let’s get ready to rumble!
Killa K
Research
Narrative Inquiry Readings
In Narrative Inquiry by Clandinin and Connelly, they speak of a few examples to help support their ideas and reasoning of what narrative inquiry really is. As the reader, it was a very interesting piece in which one could display a connection with. The following are three quotes that I found most desirable when reading this article.
1.] "With this sense of Dewey's foundational place in our thinking about narrative inquiry, our terms are personal and social (interaction); past, present, and future (continuity); combined with the notion of place (situation)" (Clandinin & Connelly 50).
As individuals, our past, present, and future help shape us into who we are today. We are able to gain a broader sense of ourselves and how we interact not only personally but socially as well.
2.] "Telling stories of ourselves in the past leads to the possibility of retellings" (Clandinin & Connelly 60).
When speaking of past stories leads to the hopes of retelling by others in which it will continuously keep moving on.
3.] "As narrative inquirers, we share our writing on a work-in-progress basis with response communities" (Clandinin & Connelly 60).
As part of an requirement for Writing, Research, and Technology, we are consistently sharing our work with classmates to gain some feedback to help provide direction and guidance in our work.
Situating Narrative Inquiry by Clandinin was a lengthy article that was hard to gain my interest at first. With the anticipation of having to read thirty pages was dreading. Though I do feel the content of this article could have been shorter without having to drag out so much more information. The following are three quotes that I found most desirable when reading this article.
1.] “The four turns are a change in the relationship between the researcher and the researched; a move from the use of number toward the use of words as data; a change from a focus on the general and universal toward the local and specific; and a widening in acceptance of alternative epistemologies or ways of knowing” (Clandinin 1).
There are different strategies and techniques that individuals use in order to gain some understanding. It is important to realize that not all may go about the same way to reach the necessary information needed when using narrative research.
2.] "Narrative inquiry, in both the collection and presentation of the data, allows clear arena for addressing questions of the trustworthiness of the data and their interpretations" (Clandinin 21).
When obtaining or presenting narrative inquiry, it allows others to decipher if the information is clear and concise. It also provides others to question the information and see if all makes sense. This well help bring clarity to those who may not be able to grasp the information at first.
3.] "The challenge now is to enter conversations with the rest of our communities to develop a method - a way of talking and asking and answering and making sense - that will allow narrative to flourish in this congenial moment for stories" (Clandinin 30).
It is important to effectively communicate with one another to gain an overall sense of unity. Without this, it would be very difficult to accomplish a task in order to create a narrative. It is important to try and help establish a form of communication in order to obtain narrative research.
What is Oral History?
Oral history is a way to record and preserve your historical information pertaining to personal experiences or events that have occurred. It is a means to collect knowledge from past events in order to preserve the information for future reference. As stated in the article, What is Oral History,? “it is used to refer to formal, rehearsed accounts of the past presented by culturally sanctioned tradition-bearers; to informal conversations about ‘the old days’ among family members, neighbors, or coworkers; to printed compilations of stories told about past times and present experiences; and to recorded interviews with individuals deemed to have an important story to tell.”
I personally feel it is important to remember past events since it provides information from the past that we were not able to witness or experience ourselves. We tend to take the spoken word at face value, however, due to “the absence of audio- and videotape recorders--or digital recording devices--necessitated reliance on human note-takers, thus raising questions about reliability.” I’m sure for the most part the note-takers were jotting down exactly what was happening, however, should we always just assume what we read throughout a book holds true? It is pretty interesting to really think did all of this truly happen or did someone else add his/her own twist. . .
Oral History Proposed Questions
1] How accurate are food labels?
2] Why are healthy foods so much more expensive?
3] Why are young children in this generation so over weight?
4] Why is the government not more involved when pertaining to what we consume?
5] Are the chemicals that are injected into the animals harmful to the consumer?
6] How can fast food restaurants promote healthier food choices?
7] Why do people choose to become vegans?
8] Do financial difficulties have a direct impact pertaining to body weight?
9] As a consumer, how do you truly know the product is organic?
10] Are grade schools truly promoting children with healthier food choices?
Oral History Topic: The advantages and disadvantages of a vegetarian
Here are my questions for Sarah's mother [dietitian] . . .
1] How many calories a day are an appropriate amount in order to maintain your present body weight?
2] How do vegetarians receive the daily allowance of protein since they do not consume meat products?
3] Are vegetarians healthier overall because of their preferred choice of diet?
4] Do most vegetarians have low cholesterol?
5] Are vegetarians more or less susceptible to various infectious diseases?
Here are my questions for a vegetarian . . .
1] Why do you prefer to be a vegetarian?
2] What are some advantages of being a vegetarian?
3] Are family members also vegetarian or did you choose this diet based on other circumstances?
4] What store brands would be recommended for a person who is just beginning a vegetarian diet?
5] Since vegetarians choose this diet to live a healthier lifestyle, do they still consume alcoholic beverages?
Melissa Pickell, R.D. and Dorothy Boody
For our oral history project our research topic focuses on the advantages and disadvantages of being a vegetarian. To find this out we conducted two interviews, one with a health food store owner and another with a dietitian. Melissa Pickell, R.D is a registered dietitian who owns her own practice in Stockon New Jersey. Her main focus is weight loss, special diets, and health coach. Our interview was conduct at the home of Melissa Pickell in Flemington New Jersey on April 12, 2011 at 6:00pm. Our interview consisted of questions about her being a vegetarian, cures for illness/diseases, different types of food, and the diet of a vegetarian. The goal for our interview was to get knowledge from a professional perspective regardless to vegetarianism. Mainly we stayed on topic, but there was one incident when Leo, Melissa’s cat interrupted during the interview. Overall the interview was successful and we completed the necessary task.
Our second interview was conduct with a health food store owner, Dorothy Boody, one of the co-owners of Health Now, a health food store in Vineland New Jersey. The interview was conduct on April 9, 2011 at 4:00pm in the setting of her store at a table near the entrance. She spoke about her experience as a vegetarian and her family's experiences with eating healthier food. In particularly we were interested in the blood type diet. We wanted to ask questions since we knew she supported the idea. Dorothy explained that blood type diets feature heavily in her food philosophy, and as a result, she believes blood type A's are more likely to successfully live a vegetarian lifestyle. Many of her comments on ethics, today's food industry, and keeping fruits and vegetables in the diet speak to meat-eaters and vegetarians alike. Overall our interview went well but some segments may require an explanatory text slide before, but in general, most sound bites should stand alone as independent comments and/or stories.
My View of Vegetarism
Like our religious beliefs, our diets are often based on a personal choice. For some who were raised on a vegetarian diet, the choice was made for them at an early age by their caregivers. For others they've made a conscious choice to eat this way. Still others throw "caution to the wind" and eat as they damn well please.
For me I enjoy my protein in the form of meat. I've been raised in a family of "meat-eaters" and never gave it much thought until now. After viewing the movie Food, Inc. and reading materials that I've researched, my views on a vegetarian diet have changed tremendously. I suffer with acid reflex that at times can't be controlled. After reading the research stating that your blood type can effect your digestive tract I'm beginning to think it could be a possibility. For me this has been an eye-opening experience and one that will leave an impact on my personal life.
Quotes for Collaborative Project
The Pleasures of Eating – Wendell Berry
“If they think beyond that, they recognize that they are passive consumers. They buy what they want – or what they have been persuaded to want – within the limits of what they can get. They pay, mostly without protest, what they are charged. And they mostly ignore certain critical questions about the quality and the cost of what they are sold.”
“The passive American consumer, sitting down to a meal of pre-prepared or fast food, confronts a platter covered with inert, anonymous substances that have been processed, dyed, breaded, sauced, gravied, ground, pulped, strained, blended, prettified, and sanitized beyond resemblance to any part of any creature that ever lived” (2).
Fast Food Nation – Eric Schlosser
“The typical American now consumes approximately three hamburgers and four orders of french fries every week” (5).
The Eat Right For Your Blood Type Diet - Peter D'Adamo
"Peter J. D'Adamo, ND, the author of Eat Right for Your Type: The Individualized Diet Solution to Staying Healthy, Living Longer & Achieving Your Ideal Weight, believes blood types affect the digestive system and that some foods good for people of one type are "dangerous" for another" (1).
In Narrative Inquiry by Clandinin and Connelly, they speak of a few examples to help support their ideas and reasoning of what narrative inquiry really is. As the reader, it was a very interesting piece in which one could display a connection with. The following are three quotes that I found most desirable when reading this article.
1.] "With this sense of Dewey's foundational place in our thinking about narrative inquiry, our terms are personal and social (interaction); past, present, and future (continuity); combined with the notion of place (situation)" (Clandinin & Connelly 50).
As individuals, our past, present, and future help shape us into who we are today. We are able to gain a broader sense of ourselves and how we interact not only personally but socially as well.
2.] "Telling stories of ourselves in the past leads to the possibility of retellings" (Clandinin & Connelly 60).
When speaking of past stories leads to the hopes of retelling by others in which it will continuously keep moving on.
3.] "As narrative inquirers, we share our writing on a work-in-progress basis with response communities" (Clandinin & Connelly 60).
As part of an requirement for Writing, Research, and Technology, we are consistently sharing our work with classmates to gain some feedback to help provide direction and guidance in our work.
Situating Narrative Inquiry by Clandinin was a lengthy article that was hard to gain my interest at first. With the anticipation of having to read thirty pages was dreading. Though I do feel the content of this article could have been shorter without having to drag out so much more information. The following are three quotes that I found most desirable when reading this article.
1.] “The four turns are a change in the relationship between the researcher and the researched; a move from the use of number toward the use of words as data; a change from a focus on the general and universal toward the local and specific; and a widening in acceptance of alternative epistemologies or ways of knowing” (Clandinin 1).
There are different strategies and techniques that individuals use in order to gain some understanding. It is important to realize that not all may go about the same way to reach the necessary information needed when using narrative research.
2.] "Narrative inquiry, in both the collection and presentation of the data, allows clear arena for addressing questions of the trustworthiness of the data and their interpretations" (Clandinin 21).
When obtaining or presenting narrative inquiry, it allows others to decipher if the information is clear and concise. It also provides others to question the information and see if all makes sense. This well help bring clarity to those who may not be able to grasp the information at first.
3.] "The challenge now is to enter conversations with the rest of our communities to develop a method - a way of talking and asking and answering and making sense - that will allow narrative to flourish in this congenial moment for stories" (Clandinin 30).
It is important to effectively communicate with one another to gain an overall sense of unity. Without this, it would be very difficult to accomplish a task in order to create a narrative. It is important to try and help establish a form of communication in order to obtain narrative research.
What is Oral History?
Oral history is a way to record and preserve your historical information pertaining to personal experiences or events that have occurred. It is a means to collect knowledge from past events in order to preserve the information for future reference. As stated in the article, What is Oral History,? “it is used to refer to formal, rehearsed accounts of the past presented by culturally sanctioned tradition-bearers; to informal conversations about ‘the old days’ among family members, neighbors, or coworkers; to printed compilations of stories told about past times and present experiences; and to recorded interviews with individuals deemed to have an important story to tell.”
I personally feel it is important to remember past events since it provides information from the past that we were not able to witness or experience ourselves. We tend to take the spoken word at face value, however, due to “the absence of audio- and videotape recorders--or digital recording devices--necessitated reliance on human note-takers, thus raising questions about reliability.” I’m sure for the most part the note-takers were jotting down exactly what was happening, however, should we always just assume what we read throughout a book holds true? It is pretty interesting to really think did all of this truly happen or did someone else add his/her own twist. . .
Oral History Proposed Questions
1] How accurate are food labels?
2] Why are healthy foods so much more expensive?
3] Why are young children in this generation so over weight?
4] Why is the government not more involved when pertaining to what we consume?
5] Are the chemicals that are injected into the animals harmful to the consumer?
6] How can fast food restaurants promote healthier food choices?
7] Why do people choose to become vegans?
8] Do financial difficulties have a direct impact pertaining to body weight?
9] As a consumer, how do you truly know the product is organic?
10] Are grade schools truly promoting children with healthier food choices?
Oral History Topic: The advantages and disadvantages of a vegetarian
Here are my questions for Sarah's mother [dietitian] . . .
1] How many calories a day are an appropriate amount in order to maintain your present body weight?
2] How do vegetarians receive the daily allowance of protein since they do not consume meat products?
3] Are vegetarians healthier overall because of their preferred choice of diet?
4] Do most vegetarians have low cholesterol?
5] Are vegetarians more or less susceptible to various infectious diseases?
Here are my questions for a vegetarian . . .
1] Why do you prefer to be a vegetarian?
2] What are some advantages of being a vegetarian?
3] Are family members also vegetarian or did you choose this diet based on other circumstances?
4] What store brands would be recommended for a person who is just beginning a vegetarian diet?
5] Since vegetarians choose this diet to live a healthier lifestyle, do they still consume alcoholic beverages?
Melissa Pickell, R.D. and Dorothy Boody
For our oral history project our research topic focuses on the advantages and disadvantages of being a vegetarian. To find this out we conducted two interviews, one with a health food store owner and another with a dietitian. Melissa Pickell, R.D is a registered dietitian who owns her own practice in Stockon New Jersey. Her main focus is weight loss, special diets, and health coach. Our interview was conduct at the home of Melissa Pickell in Flemington New Jersey on April 12, 2011 at 6:00pm. Our interview consisted of questions about her being a vegetarian, cures for illness/diseases, different types of food, and the diet of a vegetarian. The goal for our interview was to get knowledge from a professional perspective regardless to vegetarianism. Mainly we stayed on topic, but there was one incident when Leo, Melissa’s cat interrupted during the interview. Overall the interview was successful and we completed the necessary task.
Our second interview was conduct with a health food store owner, Dorothy Boody, one of the co-owners of Health Now, a health food store in Vineland New Jersey. The interview was conduct on April 9, 2011 at 4:00pm in the setting of her store at a table near the entrance. She spoke about her experience as a vegetarian and her family's experiences with eating healthier food. In particularly we were interested in the blood type diet. We wanted to ask questions since we knew she supported the idea. Dorothy explained that blood type diets feature heavily in her food philosophy, and as a result, she believes blood type A's are more likely to successfully live a vegetarian lifestyle. Many of her comments on ethics, today's food industry, and keeping fruits and vegetables in the diet speak to meat-eaters and vegetarians alike. Overall our interview went well but some segments may require an explanatory text slide before, but in general, most sound bites should stand alone as independent comments and/or stories.
My View of Vegetarism
Like our religious beliefs, our diets are often based on a personal choice. For some who were raised on a vegetarian diet, the choice was made for them at an early age by their caregivers. For others they've made a conscious choice to eat this way. Still others throw "caution to the wind" and eat as they damn well please.
For me I enjoy my protein in the form of meat. I've been raised in a family of "meat-eaters" and never gave it much thought until now. After viewing the movie Food, Inc. and reading materials that I've researched, my views on a vegetarian diet have changed tremendously. I suffer with acid reflex that at times can't be controlled. After reading the research stating that your blood type can effect your digestive tract I'm beginning to think it could be a possibility. For me this has been an eye-opening experience and one that will leave an impact on my personal life.
Quotes for Collaborative Project
The Pleasures of Eating – Wendell Berry
“If they think beyond that, they recognize that they are passive consumers. They buy what they want – or what they have been persuaded to want – within the limits of what they can get. They pay, mostly without protest, what they are charged. And they mostly ignore certain critical questions about the quality and the cost of what they are sold.”
“The passive American consumer, sitting down to a meal of pre-prepared or fast food, confronts a platter covered with inert, anonymous substances that have been processed, dyed, breaded, sauced, gravied, ground, pulped, strained, blended, prettified, and sanitized beyond resemblance to any part of any creature that ever lived” (2).
Fast Food Nation – Eric Schlosser
“The typical American now consumes approximately three hamburgers and four orders of french fries every week” (5).
The Eat Right For Your Blood Type Diet - Peter D'Adamo
"Peter J. D'Adamo, ND, the author of Eat Right for Your Type: The Individualized Diet Solution to Staying Healthy, Living Longer & Achieving Your Ideal Weight, believes blood types affect the digestive system and that some foods good for people of one type are "dangerous" for another" (1).
Technology
Impact of Technology
Technology has definitely expanded my boundaries outside the normal Microsoft Word document. Within the last few weeks I have opened up a world of possibilities pertaining to technology. I've created a website on Weebly, created an account on Twitter, and purchased the iPhone 4. My website I am able to post blogs and assignments that are required for Writing, Research, and Technology in an effective way to share my work with my classmates. This also allows the opportunity to edit a previously posted blog. It is beneficial, as a writer, since I am able to visually see my strong and weak areas that need improvement. By completing various types of genres has also been helpful. Being able to take one piece of work and compose something totally different has been an accomplishment. As for my Twitter account, I am able to post short, concise tweets pertaining to how I feel, what I see, or just about anything. Though it is hard at times to compress what I am trying to say in just a few characters, it has made me become more aware of my writing. With having access to the iPhone I am quickly able to just log into my account and tweet immediately when it comes to mind. That is the greatest part! Having this technology right at my finger tips has made it more convenient since I am able to do things on the go.
Haiku Poem
Haiku: Serving in a Distant Land
Sleepless nights and tears
in an old decrepit place
but still proud to serve.
Found Poem
Twitter: Family
Mondays so difficult.
Waking up early.
Hit up the gym
Never a dull moment.
"Meg, there better be hot water!"
So frustrating.
Silence.
Love and miss you.
Can't wait to go home.
Life.
Tweets used in my found poem:
1.] Awkward silence. #twitterive
2.] Broke yet another nail and stuck at work alone with my boss. How exciting! Can't wait to go home. #twitterive
3.] Why can't I sleep?! So frustrating. In a few hours I'll be sure to regret this #twitterive
4.] I love hearing "Meg there better be hot water!" #twitterive
5.] Never take life for granted. #twitterive
6.] Happy Birthday Matt "Spanky" Marziano. U are forever missed but never forgotten. I love n miss u everyday. Keep on smiling above#twitterive
7.] Why are Mondays so difficult? Weekends just go by too fast! #twitterive
8.] Love having Sunday dinner with family - especially when my father told me I should hit up the gym more often! #twitterive
9.] Love waking up early after I just went to bed a few hours ago. Gotta love my brother for telling me to get my lazy ass up #twitterive
10.] I love being home and with my family.
Technology has definitely expanded my boundaries outside the normal Microsoft Word document. Within the last few weeks I have opened up a world of possibilities pertaining to technology. I've created a website on Weebly, created an account on Twitter, and purchased the iPhone 4. My website I am able to post blogs and assignments that are required for Writing, Research, and Technology in an effective way to share my work with my classmates. This also allows the opportunity to edit a previously posted blog. It is beneficial, as a writer, since I am able to visually see my strong and weak areas that need improvement. By completing various types of genres has also been helpful. Being able to take one piece of work and compose something totally different has been an accomplishment. As for my Twitter account, I am able to post short, concise tweets pertaining to how I feel, what I see, or just about anything. Though it is hard at times to compress what I am trying to say in just a few characters, it has made me become more aware of my writing. With having access to the iPhone I am quickly able to just log into my account and tweet immediately when it comes to mind. That is the greatest part! Having this technology right at my finger tips has made it more convenient since I am able to do things on the go.
Haiku Poem
Haiku: Serving in a Distant Land
Sleepless nights and tears
in an old decrepit place
but still proud to serve.
Found Poem
Twitter: Family
Mondays so difficult.
Waking up early.
Hit up the gym
Never a dull moment.
"Meg, there better be hot water!"
So frustrating.
Silence.
Love and miss you.
Can't wait to go home.
Life.
Tweets used in my found poem:
1.] Awkward silence. #twitterive
2.] Broke yet another nail and stuck at work alone with my boss. How exciting! Can't wait to go home. #twitterive
3.] Why can't I sleep?! So frustrating. In a few hours I'll be sure to regret this #twitterive
4.] I love hearing "Meg there better be hot water!" #twitterive
5.] Never take life for granted. #twitterive
6.] Happy Birthday Matt "Spanky" Marziano. U are forever missed but never forgotten. I love n miss u everyday. Keep on smiling above#twitterive
7.] Why are Mondays so difficult? Weekends just go by too fast! #twitterive
8.] Love having Sunday dinner with family - especially when my father told me I should hit up the gym more often! #twitterive
9.] Love waking up early after I just went to bed a few hours ago. Gotta love my brother for telling me to get my lazy ass up #twitterive
10.] I love being home and with my family.
Twitterive Interview and Reflection
1] Who is/are the characters in your Twitterive?
The characters in my Twitterive are my immediate family. They include my father [Michael], mother [Judy], four brothers [Tim, Jon, Chris and Kyle] and grandmother.
2] What connection/disconnection do you feel to your place?
I have a strong connection to my "home." I was born and raised in Haddon Heights, New Jersey [small town in South Jersey]. My home is where I recollect all of my childhood memories growing up with not only my four older brothers but family as well.
3] When does the story take place?
The story takes place throughout my childhood to current adulthood years. Reflecting on both past memories and how things have changed.
4] Where does the story take place?
The story takes place at my childhood home and surrounding area of Haddon Heights, New Jersey.
5] Why does the story take place?
The reason why this story takes place is how my family and home have shaped me as the individual I am today. Through experiences and adventures, all that I have learned and become.
6] How are you "delivering"/presenting the story?
I will be presenting my Twitterive through the use of narrative, poems, special sayings and pictures.
Reflection
While completing this activity in class, I have gained a more sense and structure of my Twitterive. My classmates offered helpful suggestions and ideas to incorporate within this piece. With allowing time to communicate with my classmates regarding this project it has allowed me to break apart this project and really become confident with this writing piece. Instead of becoming overwhelmed and frustrated, I am now more excited to begin working on this project.
Twitterive Questions
1] Should I incorporate information pertaining to my hometown of Haddon Heights? Or just simply focus on my 'home' and family?
2] Do you feel that I have chosen appropriate pictures?
3] Do you think the pictures are too overwhelming?
4] Should I use less narrative in my piece (instead incorporate other genres)?
5] Do you feel there is anything that I should remove? Something you are unsure about?
6] Does my piece have a general flow as a whole?
Abstract for collaborative group project
This collaborative group project serves as the culmination of our group's research on the advantages and disadvantages of living a vegetarian lifestyle. First, all group members present their individual thoughts on and expectations for the project, giving the reader a transparent view of the researchers' intentions and backgrounds. The video documentary combines our two interviews from the Oral History assignment with quotes from various readings. It serves to explain the ups and downs of vegetarianism as well as encourage all people, vegetarians and meat-eaters alike, to pursue healthier, more aware food consumption. The afterward reflects on the process involved in the creation of this documentary for each individual group member; the afterward also offers suggestions for further research on the topic.
Afterword
As the four of us compiled the necessary information needed for this project, we run into many technical difficulties while attempting to upload videos onto the internet. Not being able to successfully transfer the videos onto YouTube caused enormous amounts of frustration and aggravation when attempting to complete the work by the due date. If it had not been for Kelly's expertise with technology, I don't know where we would have ended at. With her persistent attitude of trying new ways of uploading the material, we were finally able to complete the task. Before starting this project, I thought I had a bit of technology under my belt but I was completely mistaken. I realize now that I have a lot to learn from uploading a simple video, incorporating editing techniques or even adding quotes and music.
At the completion of this project, it has caused me to become more aware of my eating habits. Not only could the chemicals we are ingesting be detrimental, but the inhuman treatment to the animals as well is appalling. I would like to further research vegetarianism to gain a fuller understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of this particular lifestyle for the near future (especially the blood type diet!).
As the four of us compiled the necessary information needed for this project, we run into many technical difficulties while attempting to upload videos onto the internet. Not being able to successfully transfer the videos onto YouTube caused enormous amounts of frustration and aggravation when attempting to complete the work by the due date. If it had not been for Kelly's expertise with technology, I don't know where we would have ended at. With her persistent attitude of trying new ways of uploading the material, we were finally able to complete the task. Before starting this project, I thought I had a bit of technology under my belt but I was completely mistaken. I realize now that I have a lot to learn from uploading a simple video, incorporating editing techniques or even adding quotes and music.
At the completion of this project, it has caused me to become more aware of my eating habits. Not only could the chemicals we are ingesting be detrimental, but the inhuman treatment to the animals as well is appalling. I would like to further research vegetarianism to gain a fuller understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of this particular lifestyle for the near future (especially the blood type diet!).
