When I started this year at PSEC, I really didn’t know what to expect. I thought that it would be like all of the other writing classes I have ever taken, and that with a little bit of effort on my part, I could coast through it, A+, no problem. I soon discovered this was not the case. I found that this writing class would be the toughest one I have ever taken, specifically because unlike previous writing classes, it wasn’t just write about a certain topic, for a certain number of pages, and then turning it in. I would actually have to apply my writing skills, and use them to pass this class. Based on the outcome of my first essay, an F, I learned very quickly that I would really have to be diligent in my work, and actually start learning how to write if I intend to pass this class.
The first step I realized I must take in order to pass, was using the, they say/I Say book. At first, I thought that it wasn’t needed, because I had always gotten good grades on my writing, and last year, I got 108% in my previous writing class. I thought, “Pshh, this is going to be easy.” But when I didn’t use the book on my first essay, and saw how it turned out compared to others, I found myself banging my head against the table saying “stupid, stupid, stupid!!” I realized the book is the one thing I should have not blown off when writing anything. It really is a good source of information when it comes to sentence structure and writing techniques.
The second step I concluded was a major in terms of passing was my use of quotes. I didn’t use any backup information in my first essay, and probably didn’t use enough in the second one either. Once I had re-read my essay after I had had it critiqued by my teacher, I realized that backup information was the one thing that was probably the most important next to having a thesis and an outline. Here’s an example, “Sir Nathaniel Bacon was a wealthy man. A rich landowner, but at the same time, he was very observant of his surroundings. Day after day, as he would go about doing his job, he would observe his surroundings, as well as his fellow man, and in a short amount of time, he discovered that the poor people living there were not happy about there conditions.” First essay: “Bacon’s Rebellion” (2008). As you can see, this is very poor sentence structure, not very detailed, and most of all, how the heck do we know that this was the case? There are no backup quotes/sources! I realized that without backup information, I had no sources to hold my argument in place, which was a major mistake. I learned this by the third essay, when working with my group, I went through many pains to use extra sources, and it made more sense not only to my peers, but to me once I had included quotes.
I think the third and last thing I have realized I should have done was come up with a decent thesis. When my teacher had first mentioned that I had to have a thesis in my document, I kind of thought it was ridiculous. My brain was a jumble of ideas, and questions about why it was needed. Again though, once I put it into my essay, it made more sense. I was starting to realize more and more, that there was a reason he was called the teacher, and I am the student. I learned this one the hard way as well, but not in my first essay, but my second. I had misplaced it in my paper, as you can see from this quote. “Now, if I’m going to be a “loyalist” then I have to understand where I stand on the subject, and be willing at anytime to explain, and perhaps persuade people to join at any moment.” Essay #2, A Maryland Loyalist. (2008). This is what my teacher THOUGHT was my thesis, and as you can see, it’s very wimpy. When I read it, my eyes were opened to the fact that without a thesis, your paper, document, essay, or whatever has no real place. In other words, there’s no class that it falls under. For all any random reader may know, you could just be arguing about something totally irrelevant. But with a thesis, it’s like a mini summary of your ideas.
All in all, I believe that I have added a lot of interesting techniques to my “writing utility belt.” I also believe that I will be exercising these new learned abilities for years to come. If I just remember thesis, outline, and they say/I say then I believe I can’t go wrong. That is of course, if I discontinue moving forward and learning new techniques and tricks in this upcoming quarter here at PSEC. Even though my start was rough, I believe that I can achieve greatness here at this school.
Monday, December 8, 2008
Friday, November 21, 2008
A Maryland Loyalist
By: David Joshua Greninger
11/21/08
When the war started between the British and the Americas, I just told myself, “don’t get involved.” Unfortunately, I found this was impossible. I had no choice but to pick a side and stick to it. So based on the evidence I have developed over time concerning army size, resources, time, tactics, and location, I have decided to remain loyal to Britain as one of there citizens. Now, if I’m going to be a “loyalist” then I have to understand where I stand on the subject, and be willing at anytime to explain, and perhaps persuade people to join at any moment.
Being a Maryland Loyalist is a choice I made because of the vast armies of Britain Raining down on America, and the percentages of winning are not very strong. When the people in the streets first started all this bustle and bubble about us going to war, I wasn’t keen on any of it. Maybe it’s because I have seen the price of war. War costs a lot to maintain and operate, not to mention when you’re in a state like Maryland, right on the coast, the possibilities of an attack are very predictable. So the cost to the state of Maryland specifically is pretty harsh. Now, let’s take this in from a ten thousand foot view; if the British come, and attack Maryland, Delaware, or another one of the seaside states, the cost of supplies and of resources are going to be significantly higher; at least in that state. In the Charter of Maryland, it explains; “And furthermore, of our more ample special Grace, and of our certain Knowledge, and mere Motion, We do, for Us, our Heirs and Successors, grant unto the aforesaid now Baron of Baltimore, his Heirs and Assigns, full and absolute Power and Authority to make, erect, and constitute, within the Province of Maryland, and the Islands and Islets aforesaid, such, and so many Sea-Ports, Harbors Creeks, and other Places of Unlading and Discharge of Goods and Merchandizes out of Ships, Boats, and other Vessels.” The charter of Maryland: 1632 Written by Francis Newton Thorpe. With this in our charter, it’s apparent that we have access to trade anything we want with anyone, which makes our colony a key target on Britain’s hit list. Now, the British are going to move fast through our land, since we haven’t really had enough time to build up an army let alone a working economy yet. So at this point, I see Britain winning most of the battles. That means that the price of goods will go up everywhere; including Maryland. Not only because Britain is going to cut off supplies, but also because of an amendment we set up in our constitution which states; “The General Assembly shall make, from time to time, such provisions for organizing, equipping and disciplining the Militia, as the exigency may require, and pass such Laws to promote Volunteer Militia organizations as may afford them effectual encouragement.” Constitution of Maryland: 1776 Written By; The congress of Maryland. If the price of good increase, I don’t know at this point whether the colony will make it through or not. But if I’m a loyalist, when Britain comes and takes over, I will be in good hands.
The economy here is not the only part of the colony being affected. There are some significant impacts on the people as well. While the British are going through here, when they capture cities, they take the resources because it takes a while for resources to come from Britain; a period of about 2-3 months actually. Well, when they take the resources from the towns, they are taking all of our goods. Specifically Maryland’s, because we are going to be relatively easy to capture being small, and located on the sea.
The main reason I am having a tug of war inside of me is because if the Patriots find me, and discover I’m a loyalist, they’ll tar and feather me, and then drag me through the city streets, just for humiliation. But that’s not all, also there’s this from the charter of Maryland to think about; “By these Presents, do Give and Grant the fullest Power and Authority) exercise Martial Law as freely, and in as ample Manner and Form, as any Captain-General of an Army, by virtue of his Office may, or hath accustomed to use the same, against the seditious Authors of Innovations in those Parts, with-drawing themselves from the Government of him or them, refusing to serve in War, flying over to the Enemy, exceeding their Leave of Absence, Deserters, or otherwise howsoever offending against the Rule, Law, or Discipline of War.” The Charter of Maryland: 1632 Written by: Francis Newton Thorpe. So, according to this, if they find out my allegiance is with Britain, they can exercise whatever punishment they feel is necessary. The downside is, if I become a patriot, when Britain sweeps through here, I won’t be spared. That’s almost guaranteed to happen. I feel bad for the patriots though, they are fighting for nothing, and when everything crumbles down, they’ll go with it. For me, I think I’d rather stay loyalist than risk losing everything.
When I look at all the information that I have gathered, I realize more and more, that I don’t think we have the advantage in this war, and the possibility of winning is almost none. To support my side of the story, I think being a Loyalist is the smartest decision. I will be okay if Britain sweeps through, and at the same time, if Britain magically loses, then I’ll also be alright because I have kept my allegiance secret. At this point, I need to just wait and see what happens, because at this point, I can do no other.
11/21/08
When the war started between the British and the Americas, I just told myself, “don’t get involved.” Unfortunately, I found this was impossible. I had no choice but to pick a side and stick to it. So based on the evidence I have developed over time concerning army size, resources, time, tactics, and location, I have decided to remain loyal to Britain as one of there citizens. Now, if I’m going to be a “loyalist” then I have to understand where I stand on the subject, and be willing at anytime to explain, and perhaps persuade people to join at any moment.
Being a Maryland Loyalist is a choice I made because of the vast armies of Britain Raining down on America, and the percentages of winning are not very strong. When the people in the streets first started all this bustle and bubble about us going to war, I wasn’t keen on any of it. Maybe it’s because I have seen the price of war. War costs a lot to maintain and operate, not to mention when you’re in a state like Maryland, right on the coast, the possibilities of an attack are very predictable. So the cost to the state of Maryland specifically is pretty harsh. Now, let’s take this in from a ten thousand foot view; if the British come, and attack Maryland, Delaware, or another one of the seaside states, the cost of supplies and of resources are going to be significantly higher; at least in that state. In the Charter of Maryland, it explains; “And furthermore, of our more ample special Grace, and of our certain Knowledge, and mere Motion, We do, for Us, our Heirs and Successors, grant unto the aforesaid now Baron of Baltimore, his Heirs and Assigns, full and absolute Power and Authority to make, erect, and constitute, within the Province of Maryland, and the Islands and Islets aforesaid, such, and so many Sea-Ports, Harbors Creeks, and other Places of Unlading and Discharge of Goods and Merchandizes out of Ships, Boats, and other Vessels.” The charter of Maryland: 1632 Written by Francis Newton Thorpe. With this in our charter, it’s apparent that we have access to trade anything we want with anyone, which makes our colony a key target on Britain’s hit list. Now, the British are going to move fast through our land, since we haven’t really had enough time to build up an army let alone a working economy yet. So at this point, I see Britain winning most of the battles. That means that the price of goods will go up everywhere; including Maryland. Not only because Britain is going to cut off supplies, but also because of an amendment we set up in our constitution which states; “The General Assembly shall make, from time to time, such provisions for organizing, equipping and disciplining the Militia, as the exigency may require, and pass such Laws to promote Volunteer Militia organizations as may afford them effectual encouragement.” Constitution of Maryland: 1776 Written By; The congress of Maryland. If the price of good increase, I don’t know at this point whether the colony will make it through or not. But if I’m a loyalist, when Britain comes and takes over, I will be in good hands.
The economy here is not the only part of the colony being affected. There are some significant impacts on the people as well. While the British are going through here, when they capture cities, they take the resources because it takes a while for resources to come from Britain; a period of about 2-3 months actually. Well, when they take the resources from the towns, they are taking all of our goods. Specifically Maryland’s, because we are going to be relatively easy to capture being small, and located on the sea.
The main reason I am having a tug of war inside of me is because if the Patriots find me, and discover I’m a loyalist, they’ll tar and feather me, and then drag me through the city streets, just for humiliation. But that’s not all, also there’s this from the charter of Maryland to think about; “By these Presents, do Give and Grant the fullest Power and Authority) exercise Martial Law as freely, and in as ample Manner and Form, as any Captain-General of an Army, by virtue of his Office may, or hath accustomed to use the same, against the seditious Authors of Innovations in those Parts, with-drawing themselves from the Government of him or them, refusing to serve in War, flying over to the Enemy, exceeding their Leave of Absence, Deserters, or otherwise howsoever offending against the Rule, Law, or Discipline of War.” The Charter of Maryland: 1632 Written by: Francis Newton Thorpe. So, according to this, if they find out my allegiance is with Britain, they can exercise whatever punishment they feel is necessary. The downside is, if I become a patriot, when Britain sweeps through here, I won’t be spared. That’s almost guaranteed to happen. I feel bad for the patriots though, they are fighting for nothing, and when everything crumbles down, they’ll go with it. For me, I think I’d rather stay loyalist than risk losing everything.
When I look at all the information that I have gathered, I realize more and more, that I don’t think we have the advantage in this war, and the possibility of winning is almost none. To support my side of the story, I think being a Loyalist is the smartest decision. I will be okay if Britain sweeps through, and at the same time, if Britain magically loses, then I’ll also be alright because I have kept my allegiance secret. At this point, I need to just wait and see what happens, because at this point, I can do no other.
Monday, October 27, 2008
Bacon's rebellion final
Based on fact, the common people had the right to invade the city of Jamestown because of the increasing taxes, the drop in tobacco costs, and because of the large gap between the rich and the poor.
Most people, when they think of great men, think of people like Thomas Edison, or Albert Einstein. Men who shaped history in the process of discovering something great. Then there are the others, people such as Nathaniel Bacon. A man who indeed shaped history, but not by discovery.
Sir Nathaniel Bacon was a wealthy man. A rich landowner, but at the same time, he was very observant of his surroundings. Day after day, as he would go about doing his job, he would observe his surroundings, as well as his fellow man, and in a short amount of time, he discovered that the poor people living there were not happy about there conditions.
William Berkeley, The governor, was a sort of bombastic man. He was receiving a sort of “special treatment” from England, which includes things like extra resources, troops, and money. But at the same time, he wasn’t distributing them throughout the town. He was giving these resources to only a select few of rich land owners.
This was a problem and Bacon knew it. He knew that without the resources the rich people of the city would get even more wealth, and would eventually push the poor farmers out of the town, to the point were they would either have to rebel to keep what was theirs, or they would have to flee.
Another reason the whole special treatment issue was become a nuisance, was because Berkeley was getting all this wealth, and when the people are wealthier, he can raise the taxes to gain more money for himself. Well the rich people could afford this, but the poor people couldn’t. This was making the situation even more volatile.Despite all of these problems, there was still hope in the air. The farmers still had tobacco. Tobacco was like the McDonalds of the time. Everyone wanted it, and everyone wanted to make it. Therefore, it became a very important part of the economy, and was one way the poor people could still survive. But because more and more people wanted a fresh start, the supply and demand system was beginning to show no mercy.
When more people show up to the new town, they need to start working, or find work. So they look at how farming tobacco is such a great export, and they decide to take up the trade. Well, as more and more people began growing tobacco, the price began to go down. When tobacco was first discovered, it was considered a luxury, only fit for royalty to enjoy. Well, now that it’s being harvested more freely, the price was beginning to drop.
It was because of this, that tobacco started to become a regular export. Even to common people. So the price went down to a decent price for commoners to buy, and therefore the demand went up. But once everyone started making it, the price continued to drop. So far in fact, that the common people were starting to fear that the tobacco crop wouldn’t make enough money for them to live off of.
But Bacon and his followers continued to hold there peace, in hopes that maybe things would change and get better for them. Well, as time went on this was beginning to fade as well. There was a small gap beginning to build between the rich and the poor, and the average man working for a living was beginning to fade. You were either rich, or you were poor.
The taxes kept increasing, which caused the gap to grow more. William Berkeley was strangling the economy, and the poor farmers were really starting to feel it. Whether it was for greed, or maybe he thought that the economy wouldn’t mind, or maybe he thought he could get away with it, eventually, things began to crumble, and people were really starting to get angry.
At this point, Nathaniel bacon and his followers could stand it no longer, and began to plan an attack. The Indians were also a problem though. This was because the Indians were constantly raiding the poor people’s farmsteads, and stealing resources. But the Indians would dare attack the rich land owners because they knew they would fight back. So, the Farmers would ask Governor Berkeley for some assistance, but it was to a deaf ear.
So the Indians kept attacking and stealing tobacco and things from the farmers, which only seemed to increase there misery. At this point Nathaniel Bacon could stand it no longer, began his attack. He and some other odd number of people raided the city and attacked the Indians, the governor, the rich landowners, to the point where the governor had to call in reinforcements.
But before the reinforcements could get there, the town had been severely burned with fire. When the reinforcements got there, they fought against the rebellion, and Nathaniel bacon was killed. But even though he died, his followers continued to rebel until the new troops regained control of the city.
So next time you think of great men, don’t just consider the great inventors and sages of our country, remember to consider the rebels and fighters who fought against our nation to restore peace and equality. Think of Nathaniel Bacon.
Most people, when they think of great men, think of people like Thomas Edison, or Albert Einstein. Men who shaped history in the process of discovering something great. Then there are the others, people such as Nathaniel Bacon. A man who indeed shaped history, but not by discovery.
Sir Nathaniel Bacon was a wealthy man. A rich landowner, but at the same time, he was very observant of his surroundings. Day after day, as he would go about doing his job, he would observe his surroundings, as well as his fellow man, and in a short amount of time, he discovered that the poor people living there were not happy about there conditions.
William Berkeley, The governor, was a sort of bombastic man. He was receiving a sort of “special treatment” from England, which includes things like extra resources, troops, and money. But at the same time, he wasn’t distributing them throughout the town. He was giving these resources to only a select few of rich land owners.
This was a problem and Bacon knew it. He knew that without the resources the rich people of the city would get even more wealth, and would eventually push the poor farmers out of the town, to the point were they would either have to rebel to keep what was theirs, or they would have to flee.
Another reason the whole special treatment issue was become a nuisance, was because Berkeley was getting all this wealth, and when the people are wealthier, he can raise the taxes to gain more money for himself. Well the rich people could afford this, but the poor people couldn’t. This was making the situation even more volatile.Despite all of these problems, there was still hope in the air. The farmers still had tobacco. Tobacco was like the McDonalds of the time. Everyone wanted it, and everyone wanted to make it. Therefore, it became a very important part of the economy, and was one way the poor people could still survive. But because more and more people wanted a fresh start, the supply and demand system was beginning to show no mercy.
When more people show up to the new town, they need to start working, or find work. So they look at how farming tobacco is such a great export, and they decide to take up the trade. Well, as more and more people began growing tobacco, the price began to go down. When tobacco was first discovered, it was considered a luxury, only fit for royalty to enjoy. Well, now that it’s being harvested more freely, the price was beginning to drop.
It was because of this, that tobacco started to become a regular export. Even to common people. So the price went down to a decent price for commoners to buy, and therefore the demand went up. But once everyone started making it, the price continued to drop. So far in fact, that the common people were starting to fear that the tobacco crop wouldn’t make enough money for them to live off of.
But Bacon and his followers continued to hold there peace, in hopes that maybe things would change and get better for them. Well, as time went on this was beginning to fade as well. There was a small gap beginning to build between the rich and the poor, and the average man working for a living was beginning to fade. You were either rich, or you were poor.
The taxes kept increasing, which caused the gap to grow more. William Berkeley was strangling the economy, and the poor farmers were really starting to feel it. Whether it was for greed, or maybe he thought that the economy wouldn’t mind, or maybe he thought he could get away with it, eventually, things began to crumble, and people were really starting to get angry.
At this point, Nathaniel bacon and his followers could stand it no longer, and began to plan an attack. The Indians were also a problem though. This was because the Indians were constantly raiding the poor people’s farmsteads, and stealing resources. But the Indians would dare attack the rich land owners because they knew they would fight back. So, the Farmers would ask Governor Berkeley for some assistance, but it was to a deaf ear.
So the Indians kept attacking and stealing tobacco and things from the farmers, which only seemed to increase there misery. At this point Nathaniel Bacon could stand it no longer, began his attack. He and some other odd number of people raided the city and attacked the Indians, the governor, the rich landowners, to the point where the governor had to call in reinforcements.
But before the reinforcements could get there, the town had been severely burned with fire. When the reinforcements got there, they fought against the rebellion, and Nathaniel bacon was killed. But even though he died, his followers continued to rebel until the new troops regained control of the city.
So next time you think of great men, don’t just consider the great inventors and sages of our country, remember to consider the rebels and fighters who fought against our nation to restore peace and equality. Think of Nathaniel Bacon.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Portfolio: Final Exam Frame II
It is amazing to me how elaborate the writing process really is. Unfortunately, the bad thing about the writing process is, how you interpret it, and its unpredictability. I believe though, that there is a solution to this. The writer of “Punk Power in the First-Year Writing Classroom” brings up several good arguable points concerning how the writing process works. He believes that if you work together with at least one or more students when writing a paper, essay, or article in a newspaper that it will turn out better, since you have multiple ideas and opinions at your disposal. Optimism One himself writes, “The writing process can be greatly improved if students have a group of peers with whom they can share their writing.” I believe that this is essential to anything you ever write. Without peer support, your paper will only have one style of writing, and will only be proofread by you, which can sometimes miss errors in the paper that needs revising. Now, if you have a group to read and express their opinions, you can now incorporate several vastly different types of writing, along with multiple proofreads, to catch those grammar or spelling mistakes that are commonly missed in self proofread papers.
Indeed, this style of writing has helped me a lot during my time here at Puget Sound Early College, or PSEC. I have found myself in more than one situation when I have needed a partner to proofread my essay. Sure enough, almost every time they found something I had missed. A great example of this is when I wrote my first essay here at PSEC. I had posted it to blogger, and the teacher had had us do an in class peer review on our essays. In that time, one of my friends, Kevin, had looked at my essay and pointed out places were I had made simple mistakes in the essay. Mistakes that I had not even noticed in my essay even after I had proofread it. So for me, it’s easy to understand just how important group proofreading really is.
Just to clarify, I do not 100% support this idea either. Yes, it has been of great help to me when writing essays, but sometimes it doesn’t go the way you planned. This was apparent during my second essay. When I wrote it, I had been under a lot of stress, and probably didn’t do my best work. But I knew it was a lot better then my first essay, so I thought that I would be just fine. Just to be sure though, before I turned it in, I had two of my classmates read it, and they both said it was fine. The only changes I needed to make were to double space it, and make sure I have my sources for my quotes. I thought, “Alright, I’m doing really good, my peers say it’s great, so what do I have to lose?” This confidence unfortunately, crumbled before me in the end. When I turned it into my writing teacher, he had pointed out a few more mistakes that I had made, like putting my thesis in the wrong spot, and grammar issues like switching between past, and present tense. I referred him back to my two classmates who had said it was great, and asked, “How could this be?” He simply says, “Do you know how they did on there previous essay? Then how do you know they are going to give you a reliable critique on THIS essay?” I then understood what my teacher was saying. If you ask an alcohol addict how to stay sober, chances are their information isn’t worth the gum on my shoe. In other words, if your asking for advice, make sure where you’re getting it from is a reliable source.
All in all, I agree with Optimism One’s point, that peer review is a good solution to editing and revising papers, but I also believe that it has downfalls. Specifically if you don’t get your information from reliable source/sources. I personally believe it is all in the people you talk to; and from a personal view, I think the best advice for fixing/revising an essay, is to ask your teacher for input, not necessarily your peers. This way, you have the person who is grading your paper letting you know what his/her expectations are, and what to fix inside of the document. Your peers aren’t always going to get an accurate representation of the directions, and thus, can create problems in editing. Through all of my experience, I believe that peer review is a good idea, but asking the teacher is even better.
Indeed, this style of writing has helped me a lot during my time here at Puget Sound Early College, or PSEC. I have found myself in more than one situation when I have needed a partner to proofread my essay. Sure enough, almost every time they found something I had missed. A great example of this is when I wrote my first essay here at PSEC. I had posted it to blogger, and the teacher had had us do an in class peer review on our essays. In that time, one of my friends, Kevin, had looked at my essay and pointed out places were I had made simple mistakes in the essay. Mistakes that I had not even noticed in my essay even after I had proofread it. So for me, it’s easy to understand just how important group proofreading really is.
Just to clarify, I do not 100% support this idea either. Yes, it has been of great help to me when writing essays, but sometimes it doesn’t go the way you planned. This was apparent during my second essay. When I wrote it, I had been under a lot of stress, and probably didn’t do my best work. But I knew it was a lot better then my first essay, so I thought that I would be just fine. Just to be sure though, before I turned it in, I had two of my classmates read it, and they both said it was fine. The only changes I needed to make were to double space it, and make sure I have my sources for my quotes. I thought, “Alright, I’m doing really good, my peers say it’s great, so what do I have to lose?” This confidence unfortunately, crumbled before me in the end. When I turned it into my writing teacher, he had pointed out a few more mistakes that I had made, like putting my thesis in the wrong spot, and grammar issues like switching between past, and present tense. I referred him back to my two classmates who had said it was great, and asked, “How could this be?” He simply says, “Do you know how they did on there previous essay? Then how do you know they are going to give you a reliable critique on THIS essay?” I then understood what my teacher was saying. If you ask an alcohol addict how to stay sober, chances are their information isn’t worth the gum on my shoe. In other words, if your asking for advice, make sure where you’re getting it from is a reliable source.
All in all, I agree with Optimism One’s point, that peer review is a good solution to editing and revising papers, but I also believe that it has downfalls. Specifically if you don’t get your information from reliable source/sources. I personally believe it is all in the people you talk to; and from a personal view, I think the best advice for fixing/revising an essay, is to ask your teacher for input, not necessarily your peers. This way, you have the person who is grading your paper letting you know what his/her expectations are, and what to fix inside of the document. Your peers aren’t always going to get an accurate representation of the directions, and thus, can create problems in editing. Through all of my experience, I believe that peer review is a good idea, but asking the teacher is even better.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
John Withrop's Arbella sermon: 1630 Individual response to questions
Quote 1:
Question 1:
The benefit is everyone is united, agreeing on one specific topic or point. Even though it's not perfection, it is pretty close.
Question 2:
It makes sense because the body has to work together to accomplish it's main goal, which is the same goal of the people.
Question 3:
The separate parts work together because when each person works on there specific job, the main job or goal gets completed.
Quote 2:
Question 1:
I think they didn't fully change the name of the colony, because they still had some connection. I mean, what's the point of cutting yourself off from a powerful allie all the way? if you keep a small connection, you can use it to your advantage if things go sour. Which, in the new world, a LOT of things did.
Question 1:
The benefit is everyone is united, agreeing on one specific topic or point. Even though it's not perfection, it is pretty close.
Question 2:
It makes sense because the body has to work together to accomplish it's main goal, which is the same goal of the people.
Question 3:
The separate parts work together because when each person works on there specific job, the main job or goal gets completed.
Quote 2:
Question 1:
I think they didn't fully change the name of the colony, because they still had some connection. I mean, what's the point of cutting yourself off from a powerful allie all the way? if you keep a small connection, you can use it to your advantage if things go sour. Which, in the new world, a LOT of things did.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
They say; Bacon's Rebellion
What most people think when they hear about Bacon's rebellion, is about a huge riot, and about a town in flames. But there's a lot more information that's very important to why this rebellion happened in the first place. First of all, The whole problem started when the common people realized that there was a HUGE gap between the rich and the poor. In reality, there was no "common" people. you were either very wealthy, or you were a poor farmer. When Bacon saw that the the new settlement was turning into a mini England, he took action. His rebellion was against the Indians, who seemed to get more rights than the people did, and against the mayor and leaders of the colony, mainly on the basis that they needed to get this gap fixed. you see, the main landowners were very rich so they controlled most of eastern Virginia. So the poor farmers felt that they were going to get forced into the wild alone. Well, they weren't going to take that lying down, which brought about the burning of Jamestown, the fleeing of the Governor, and the starting of a Civil war.
Mayflower compact Rhe: analysis
Who is writing:
It's kind of easy to see that the people who are writing this document, (because it IS an agreement laid down by the settlers,) are the settlers. The long list of names basically includes who came up with the mayflower compact.
Who is the audience:
This would be the kind and leaders of england. since they're the one's that basically gave them the ok to go, they are the ones that the settlers are trying to reach, so they can have rights, and set up a mutual agreement, on how this whole "setting up a new town" is going to work.
Who do the writers represent:
The pilgrims who came over to the new land. They are the ones who need help. (or at least need some sort of rules.)
What is being said:
They are asking, (the pilgrims,) for rights to make laws, ordinances, acts, and such so they can come up with a system to control there new colony.
How is it being said:
It is being said in a serious tone, but it's also a happy tone, because they're it's a new world for them.
What proof:
They have witnesses to this document, and have subscribed or agreed to it. I.E. long list of names.
It's kind of easy to see that the people who are writing this document, (because it IS an agreement laid down by the settlers,) are the settlers. The long list of names basically includes who came up with the mayflower compact.
Who is the audience:
This would be the kind and leaders of england. since they're the one's that basically gave them the ok to go, they are the ones that the settlers are trying to reach, so they can have rights, and set up a mutual agreement, on how this whole "setting up a new town" is going to work.
Who do the writers represent:
The pilgrims who came over to the new land. They are the ones who need help. (or at least need some sort of rules.)
What is being said:
They are asking, (the pilgrims,) for rights to make laws, ordinances, acts, and such so they can come up with a system to control there new colony.
How is it being said:
It is being said in a serious tone, but it's also a happy tone, because they're it's a new world for them.
What proof:
They have witnesses to this document, and have subscribed or agreed to it. I.E. long list of names.
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Wiki Edit part 2 - Group 6
IF WE NEED MORE INFO, LET ME KNOW. =]
Blue = information added
Bacon's Rebellion was an uprising in 1676 in the Virginia Colony, led by Nathaniel Bacon. It was the first rebellion in the American colonies in which discontented frontiersmen took part. The uprising was a protest against the governor of Virginia, William Berkeley, Because he was not supplying the pilgrims and people in the new America with the supplies they needed. Along with other issues which will be explained in more detail.
Bacon's Rebellion was the result of discontent among back-country farmers against corruption in the government. Rather than adhere to the law, they chose to push it aside. The reason bacon and the colonists rebelled in the first place was because the taxes were high, and the price for tobacco was constantly decreasing. This, is why Bacon, and the colonists were rebelling. They wanted the taxes lower, and the price for tobacco to return to a reasonable price. I suppose you could call it mutiny.
Historians have pointed out that one of the most important reforms made during Bacon's government was the recognition of the right to keep and bear arms, so that the common man could defend himself from hostile Indians but also to oppose a despotic regime. You see, the right to bear arms was meant only for protection against the Native Americans. But now, the weapons serve another purpose. Historian Stephen Saunders Webb suggests that Bacon's Rebellion was a revolution, with roots in the English Civil War and with consequences including the American Revolutionary War.
It was largely the indentured servants and poor farmers (most of whom were former indentured black servants or their descendants) who rebelled. Africans were often brought as indentured servants, becoming free after serving their term of labor. Indentured servants from Europe continued to play a role in Virginia after the rebellion. New Virginia laws made slavery lifelong and a status inherited by one's children, creating a racially based class system with Africans at the bottom. Even the poorest European indentured servants were above them. This broke the common interest between the poor English and Africans of Virginia which had existed during Bacon's Rebellion.
In all this, we still have to remember that the rebellion was not only against William Berkeley, but also against the Indians. You see, the other issue, aside from the tobacco and tax prices, was the Indian attacks. Berkeley was not providing the supplies to fight against them. So the Indians would commonly raid the English camps for tobacco and supplies. So when bacon lead the rebellion, it was also against the Indians.
Blue = information added
Bacon's Rebellion was an uprising in 1676 in the Virginia Colony, led by Nathaniel Bacon. It was the first rebellion in the American colonies in which discontented frontiersmen took part. The uprising was a protest against the governor of Virginia, William Berkeley, Because he was not supplying the pilgrims and people in the new America with the supplies they needed. Along with other issues which will be explained in more detail.
Bacon's Rebellion was the result of discontent among back-country farmers against corruption in the government. Rather than adhere to the law, they chose to push it aside. The reason bacon and the colonists rebelled in the first place was because the taxes were high, and the price for tobacco was constantly decreasing. This, is why Bacon, and the colonists were rebelling. They wanted the taxes lower, and the price for tobacco to return to a reasonable price. I suppose you could call it mutiny.
Historians have pointed out that one of the most important reforms made during Bacon's government was the recognition of the right to keep and bear arms, so that the common man could defend himself from hostile Indians but also to oppose a despotic regime. You see, the right to bear arms was meant only for protection against the Native Americans. But now, the weapons serve another purpose. Historian Stephen Saunders Webb suggests that Bacon's Rebellion was a revolution, with roots in the English Civil War and with consequences including the American Revolutionary War.
It was largely the indentured servants and poor farmers (most of whom were former indentured black servants or their descendants) who rebelled. Africans were often brought as indentured servants, becoming free after serving their term of labor. Indentured servants from Europe continued to play a role in Virginia after the rebellion. New Virginia laws made slavery lifelong and a status inherited by one's children, creating a racially based class system with Africans at the bottom. Even the poorest European indentured servants were above them. This broke the common interest between the poor English and Africans of Virginia which had existed during Bacon's Rebellion.
In all this, we still have to remember that the rebellion was not only against William Berkeley, but also against the Indians. You see, the other issue, aside from the tobacco and tax prices, was the Indian attacks. Berkeley was not providing the supplies to fight against them. So the Indians would commonly raid the English camps for tobacco and supplies. So when bacon lead the rebellion, it was also against the Indians.
Friday, October 3, 2008
OH NO YOU DIDN'T!!!
Okay, so here's the deelio.
The other day, I was minding my own business, when a guy comes up to me and is like,
"oh man, could you help me out? Someone just broke into my car, and jacked all my stuff. including ID, and my debit cards and stuff. I have this check for like 250 dollars I needed to cash out today, but I got no ID now. Can you go with me to a bank and help me get this cashed?"
"How would I do this?" (me talking)
"well, I was thinking we could use your ID and stuff."
"uhh, I don't have a bank account."
"you don't?"
"Nopers."
"oh well never mind then. Say, do you know a place where I can get this cashed without giving any information??"
"uhh no."
"oh, well thanks anyway."
"anytime." (smile, walk away.)
your trying to use my ID and account to cash YOUR check? and get YOUR money??
and now your trying to cash a check without telling anyone anything?!?
"Oh hi, I uhh need this cashed."
"sure, can I see your id?"
"Uhh, I don't have it."
"What? we can't cash this for you. I'm sorry."
"really? I thought I could just hand you a check and you'd just give me money."
Epic fail.
The other day, I was minding my own business, when a guy comes up to me and is like,
"oh man, could you help me out? Someone just broke into my car, and jacked all my stuff. including ID, and my debit cards and stuff. I have this check for like 250 dollars I needed to cash out today, but I got no ID now. Can you go with me to a bank and help me get this cashed?"
"How would I do this?" (me talking)
"well, I was thinking we could use your ID and stuff."
"uhh, I don't have a bank account."
"you don't?"
"Nopers."
"oh well never mind then. Say, do you know a place where I can get this cashed without giving any information??"
"uhh no."
"oh, well thanks anyway."
"anytime." (smile, walk away.)
your trying to use my ID and account to cash YOUR check? and get YOUR money??
and now your trying to cash a check without telling anyone anything?!?
"Oh hi, I uhh need this cashed."
"sure, can I see your id?"
"Uhh, I don't have it."
"What? we can't cash this for you. I'm sorry."
"really? I thought I could just hand you a check and you'd just give me money."
Epic fail.
I'll bring the fire
Everyone always says, if you put your mind to it, you can achieve it. Does this apply to everything and anything? Because, pretty sure when I was 11, I tried to fly in my backyard. I 100% believed I would soar over our town, and I fell on my face. So, is there a limit to this?
Well obviously. But I think it's applying to potential. Not physical capabilities. because trust me, I SERIOUSLY thought I would fly. or shoot fire out of my hands. (Yeah, that didn't work either). Oh, don't sit there and read this and act like you didn't try it too. Because I know you did.
But anyway, you can achieve anything in your imagination. you can go to college and get your masters, you can go work for whoever you want, you can live however you want, and you can even join the circus if you want to! It's your choice. But uhh, just remember this.
You will never be able to fly. =(
Well obviously. But I think it's applying to potential. Not physical capabilities. because trust me, I SERIOUSLY thought I would fly. or shoot fire out of my hands. (Yeah, that didn't work either). Oh, don't sit there and read this and act like you didn't try it too. Because I know you did.
But anyway, you can achieve anything in your imagination. you can go to college and get your masters, you can go work for whoever you want, you can live however you want, and you can even join the circus if you want to! It's your choice. But uhh, just remember this.
You will never be able to fly. =(
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Focault's quote
The quote itself didn't really make an sense to me honestly. I did get that when you have a symmetrical and inverted object or person, they cancel out, and in this case, the king was condemned. sorry my quote is so short, but that's all I could really come up with.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
American Tobacco and European Consumers, or ATEC
In this article, it's very significant that the main problem here was, there was a new world, but no one knew how to afford how to get there. that problem was easily solved when you could sign your labor and act as a servant for someone traveling to the new world. But what happens when you get to the new world? That problem was solved with tobacco.
You see, tobacco was a drug that was considered royalty only when America was first discovered, mainly because it was so expensive to transport. But when they started to build factories and plantations in America, it was bringing down the price to make and transport this valuable good, to the point where it was available to the commoners as a product. For these people, it was considered a miracle drug, because it's main cause was to make people feel better.
Because tobacco was so popular and easy to make, many people took this opportunity and used it to there advantage. Also, because tobacco was so popular, and because you couldn't just make it by hand, it gave many jobs to new English men arriving to this new land.
You see, tobacco was a drug that was considered royalty only when America was first discovered, mainly because it was so expensive to transport. But when they started to build factories and plantations in America, it was bringing down the price to make and transport this valuable good, to the point where it was available to the commoners as a product. For these people, it was considered a miracle drug, because it's main cause was to make people feel better.
Because tobacco was so popular and easy to make, many people took this opportunity and used it to there advantage. Also, because tobacco was so popular, and because you couldn't just make it by hand, it gave many jobs to new English men arriving to this new land.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Monday, September 29, 2008
The first charter of Virginia
The author of this document is Francis Newton Thorpe, in 1606. Since he was the one who crafted the idea of making Virginia with two cities, the document's viewers should have been for the leaders who were commanding the expedition, in order to establish a city. Because the leaders and important people of the expedition where the ones who were meant to see the document, it was written in a more serious tone, without the addition of humor. as for being persuasive, I liked specifically how he used the facts of his plans to support his idea. that way, logical people who see that the facts are in order will be persuaded to join him. An excellent way to get your point across, which was to build and establish the state Virginia, with two cities.
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Destruction of the indies
Back in the 1400's to the 1500's Spain launched a (you could say), an attack on North America. It was supposed to be a conversion of religions voyage, but what ended up getting spilled was a little more than just personal views. During the time that the Spanish got the North America, and when they left, they went through village after village killing innocent people, just because they chose not to become Christan's. but the validity of there choice was greatly affected. first of all, the Spanish would only ask one person. The chief. This guy was the leader of the certain tribe of Indians, and usually speaking, he was pretty firm about his beliefs. so of course when the Spanish asked the chief for the people will you convert religions, of course he said no, and then of course, they killed them. In the end, I think that killing 90% of the Native Americans in North America wasn't needed, along with all of the other torturing they did to the women and children. All in all, it was really gruesome. and nobody would say anything against them, until one fryer stood up to take that position. A man called, Bartoleme de las Casas.
Friday, September 26, 2008
competition
Most people don't like to think about it, sometimes it's hard, sometimes it's easy, sometimes, it's just the choices you make. You can't stop it, eventually it's going to happen, whether with a girl, a sport, or over something random. When you are confronted with it, at first your reaction is to get aggressive and strive for what you want. run for it. Don't let anything or anyone stand in your way. But is it always the best descision? to hurt people because you want something? I Think that when it comes to competition, you should do your best to step down, and let someone else take the cake. It might be hard, but if you wish to continue your friendship with that person, sometimes you have to trudge through the valley of humility, so someone else can be praised.
There must be no emnity between us.
I surrender my dream.
Now it's your turn.
Run for it.
There must be no emnity between us.
I surrender my dream.
Now it's your turn.
Run for it.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
My Writing Philosophy
To start things off, I've never been an avid writer. I just did it because teachers told me to, (ha ha). Anyway, When I started this class, I started thinking about why I write, how I can share my ideas, and how to get them across to the world in a fun and easy way. I have always been good at writing, but never really found a reason. But I finally have one, and I'm beginning to see that writing is one way I can communicate my ideas to the ends of the earth. All I need to do is provide the information. I wish I could come up with something more interesting other than just communicating ideas, but in my new writing class, I'm sure that in a short amount of time, I will be able to explain this more thoroughly. For now, I'll be living and laughing, and crying out for more.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Charles Deemer is so right it's disguisting.
Charles Deemer made such a good point about education in universities, and there being totally blinded to the needs of the students. He hit it right on the dot when he said that the English composition course is, "The rigid child of a rigid parent." he explains the bond of Teacher and student and why it is important, including where it's missing. But he goes on to say that it doesn't stop there. Even standardized schools are beginning to adapt to this corrupt learning environment. he can't stress enough how important it is for the student/teacher relationship to be healthy. I support him in this conclusion, and I believe that he's right when it came to schools in 1967, and I believe that it is still happening, 41 years after this was written.
Monday, September 22, 2008
PSEC essay
David Greninger
June 17, 2008
While attending IA, I would often make video projects and submit them to my school as assignments. While doing this a great deal of praise was received for the hard work, and I was often featured as one of their top students. While being featured at a special awards ceremony a couple years ago, all “A”s were still the name of the game. Making these videos was very fun, just sit tight, as it is all part of my contribution at PSEC.
As a student, I work well with others, and can come up with some good ideas. But my interaction in front of the camera has bought me some different skills. These videos enhanced my presence in front of large crowds, helping to make myself known. The practice of projecting and displaying plans, to get my point across is invaluable. For school and city projects at PSEC, this is the kind of attitude and skill set that will work well within your walls.
The movies come in separate though. Some of the films were about space, cooking food, history, and believe it or not napkin folding! In the process of making these videos, and getting exceptional grades, I have made a difference for my current school IA, and have helped them gain new students and publicity. I even talked to a Senator of State (Tracy Eide), about funding for Internet Academy.
PSEC will see a big difference if you have a team member on board who is good at coming up with interesting ideas, displaying them comfortably in a classroom setting, or in an informational meeting. Being well accustomed to using projection programs like PowerPoint, making our ideas easy to understand, and easy to read, while still keeping that “short, sweet, and to the point” concept, will be easy. Hopefully, I will be a valuable member of our team at PSEC.
June 17, 2008
While attending IA, I would often make video projects and submit them to my school as assignments. While doing this a great deal of praise was received for the hard work, and I was often featured as one of their top students. While being featured at a special awards ceremony a couple years ago, all “A”s were still the name of the game. Making these videos was very fun, just sit tight, as it is all part of my contribution at PSEC.
As a student, I work well with others, and can come up with some good ideas. But my interaction in front of the camera has bought me some different skills. These videos enhanced my presence in front of large crowds, helping to make myself known. The practice of projecting and displaying plans, to get my point across is invaluable. For school and city projects at PSEC, this is the kind of attitude and skill set that will work well within your walls.
The movies come in separate though. Some of the films were about space, cooking food, history, and believe it or not napkin folding! In the process of making these videos, and getting exceptional grades, I have made a difference for my current school IA, and have helped them gain new students and publicity. I even talked to a Senator of State (Tracy Eide), about funding for Internet Academy.
PSEC will see a big difference if you have a team member on board who is good at coming up with interesting ideas, displaying them comfortably in a classroom setting, or in an informational meeting. Being well accustomed to using projection programs like PowerPoint, making our ideas easy to understand, and easy to read, while still keeping that “short, sweet, and to the point” concept, will be easy. Hopefully, I will be a valuable member of our team at PSEC.
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