Chapter 9 from Mattie's POV

My heart is so distraught, Zeena is sending me off without a plan or place to sleep tonight. I am sitting on my trunk in my Sunday dress as Ethan enters the room, but I didn't hear him over my sobbing until he came near to me and placed his hands on my shoulders.
"Ethan, I thought I wouldn't ever see you again!"
He took me into his arms, and I clung to him when Zeena called out that Daniel Byrne wished me to hurry and load my trunk. With stricken faces, we drew apart and together carried my trunk out to the sleigh.
Ethan whispered to me, "I'm going to drive you over, Matt."
"I think Zeena wishes Jotham to drive me." Ethan insisted, however, so I went into dinner and cleaned up afterwards.
Ethan told me to be ready by three, he had business to tend to. As time arrived, he declared that we had lots of time for a good ride and was headed for Shadow Pond.
We sat and recollected on the time I begged Ethan to come to a church picnic with me, only to find him there later that evening.
As we returned to the sleigh, Ethan asked what I would do when I go to the city, and I assured him that I was stronger than I was when I arrived, that I could get a place in a store.
"You know there's nothing I wouldn't do for you if I could. If I could've gone with you, I would have!" Ethan broke out.
I turned to him, and showed him the letter he had begun writing for Zeena, and said, "Oh Ethan! What's the use?" I tore the letter to shreds. "I used to think of it when I couldn't sleep, after the time at the Shadow Pond."
"There isn't a thing I could do," Ethan began again.
"You must write me!"
"I suppose you'll marry! I'd rather almost have you dead than the feeling I'd get in that case."
"Oh I wish I was, Ethan! There's not been anyone good to me but you."
We pulled up near the slope where many went coasting, and Ethan and I had yet to coast, so we found a sled. I laughed as Ethan noted that he could coast down the hill with his eyes closed. I was never scared when with him, and as we climbed up the hill after the coast, panic of a goodbye overtook me.
"What's the good of either of us leaving now without the other?" Ethan said.
"I want you to take me down the coast again, right off, so we will never come back up and wouldn't leave each other anymore." I placed myself in the front, only to get up and sit behind Ethan, this was certainly better than parting.
As we flew toward the tree I held Ethan tighter, then we reached it.

Chapter 7 From Zeena's Point of View

Sitting near the window, I notice Ethan as he opened the door and walked toward me. He asks if I'm coming down to supper, to which I reply, "I don't feel as if I could touch a morsel."
 All he could reply was, "I presume you're tired after the long ride."
"I'm a great deal sicker than you think."
He appeared taken aback and hoped it wasn't so, but I have complications, any regular doctor would want me to have an operation. I do not appreciate the consolation I am receiving from him, I want sympathy. The new doctor suggested that I have better care.
"He wants I should hire a new girl, and not do anything around the house."
I was lucky to find one that would move out here for care, and she will be here tomorrow.
"If you meant to engage a girl, you should have consulted me in advance," Ethan said. He went on in panic as he didn't have the wages, and couldn't imagine the idea of hiring help. He turned to light a candle, as this was the first angry scene in our seven years.
"Better send me over to the almshouse and be done with it. I thought you got $50 for that lumber."
Ethan never had a tendency to lie to me, but he claimed this as a misunderstanding.
"There'll be less expense without Mattie's boarding, though." I laughed at him thinking we would have two girls, no wonder he was concerned with the expense! Shortly after, Mattie knocked at the door proclaiming that supper was ready, to which I told her I wouldn't be down. Mattie is my relation, but I have kept her for a year, and the hired girl will need a place to sleep! After Ethan went down for supper, I decided to change and eat in order to keep my strength up. After I finished eating, I went to find the stomach powders to help my heartburn, but found my shattered pickle dish! My anger is no longer mild, and I will figure out how my keepsake ended up shattered! Mattie answered that she had sat the dish out for supper last night, if I'd have listened to folks, Mattie would have been gone by now!

Dear Abby Letter

Dear Abby,

I am writing you because I am under deep panic. My health has failed me continuously throughout the years, and I am discovering the absence of love in my marriage. In need of a caretaker, my husband gave in to bring my cousin to live with us while assisting with everyday home tasks. While I am bedridden and miserable, they go out to the dancehall or to take a walk, and I have become curious as to the feelings they have for one another. My husband wakes up every morning to shave, which, might I add, wasn't a necessity to him previous to my cousin's presence, and he does not seem interested in my company any longer. I am worried sick and developing a jealousy to her health and ability to go out with my husband as her escort. What do you suggest I do to save my marriage and get the point across to my husband that our vows are something I take seriously?

Zeena.

King's Letter from Birmingham Jail

      Martin Luther King Jr's Letter from Birmingham Jail is very in-depth, and point proving as he is writing to critics and explaining his standpoint. Birmingham was struggling with segregation and great injustice, so as he had organizational ties to the area, he went to become engaged in a nonviolent direct-action program. The purpose was to create a situation that would open the door to negotiation. Stating how former prophets left their comfort zone to spread the gospel, he was compelled to spread the gospel of freedom beyond his home town (699). As he quoted theologians and philosophers in a scholarly way, he did not hesitate to apply pathos in his letter. The emotional appeal that is very much present throughout the letter was meant to convince his reasoning to individuals with genuine good will. The word, "Wait!", had been applied much too long, and he used emotion when he described seeing vicious mobs lynch one's parents, and hateful policemen curse, abuse, and even kill negro family and friends. The pain of explaining to one's children that an amusement park will not let colored children inside, nor will hotels, is demonstrating emotion as waiting would just not do any longer (701). King used this emotional language to sway the public and to reach them in ways in order to solve the issue at stake. After many attempts to bring justice to African Americans, he hoped that taking this stand would complete the task. This language effectively supports his argument because without this approach, it would seem empty and ineffective. Through the years and violence, no negotiation was considered, but with this action and letter, a negotiation was inevitable. Emotional appeal was very much needed as Martin Luther King Jr. changed the outcome for Negroes all around the country.

Works Cited

King, Martin Luther Jr. "Letter from Birmingham Jail."Practical Argument: A Text and Anthology.  By Laurie G. Kirzner and Stephen R. Mandell. Boston:Bedford/ St.Martins, 2011. 698+. Print.  

Declaring Boundaries for Plagiarising

Plagiarism takes place when an individual uses another's literary work without giving them credit for it. Dissemination of ideas is also a phrase for copying an idea, which is not literal copying and takes place anywhere you look (Posner 303). This thievery occurs throughout high school and college writing courses as they are only after the passing grade, rather than learning how to write effectively, which is an important skill. Plagiarism should be punished in most cases, but when defined broadly, it could have social value and be harmless (Posner 304). As more research is done online, the copy and paste method makes it easier than ever to steal another's work without accrediting them for it. According to Lawrence M. Hinman, plagiarism required forethought before the Web; now, however, term-papers can be completed with a card and Internet connection, while the students get plenty of sleep. This process may be fightable with tools that can check for plagiarized material (297).  Students must learn at a young age that someone else's work can not be a substitute for theirs, and that will provide a good foundation for their future research. Literary work must get the credit that is due, and plagiarism is unacceptable. As we push young writers into the creative arena, says Deborah R. Gerhardt, the rules of writing should get the same attention as would a college basketball play, and if they want to stay in the game, the students should know them (299-301). The process of writing, with drafts and peer-review, are important to avoid such acts, but this may not even stop the theft of the author's ideas, or the student and teacher's time (Segal 307). Students should research and take notes, but they must always include the credit to give the original author, as well as use this research as a head start. Not all information is common sense, and the work just needs to direct the reader to the original source, rather than deceive them.

Works Cited

 

Gerhardt, Deborah R. "The Rules of Attribution." Chronicle Review. 26 May, 2006.

 

Hinman, Lawrence M. "How to Fight College Cheating." Washington Post. 3 September, 2004.

 

Posner, Richard A. "The Truth About Plagiarism." Newsday. 18 May, 2003.

 



Tristan and Isolde Summary

 Tristan and Isolde is a story of two bickering sides, Ireland and Britain, to find ways to resolve the issues. Tristan, as a young boy, was spared when his homeland was attacked and Lord Mark took him under his wing. Isolde lost her mother when she was young, to what she claimed to be a broken heart, and was raised by her cold-hearted father, the King of Ireland. This statement foreshadowed her and Tristan's future. Isolde was set to marry a man when Tristan, thought to be dead, washed upon the Irish shores. She knew the anecdote to the poison that injured him, saved his life, and they fell in love. Tristan didn't know Isolde's real identity when she sent him away to keep him safe, until he fought to win the Irish princess for Lord Mark, only to discover that she were Isolde. This was originally a plan for peace on both sides, but in actuality caused heartbreak and excuse for a battle that would have occured anyway. As Lord Mark and Isolde are married, Tristan and Isolde found a place in secrecy behind Lord Mark's back, whom unknowingly confided in Tristan that Isolde seemed to be unfaithful, saying, "Is it possible a man blinded by love might not see treachery right in front of him?" Tristan reassured him she was loyal. Tristan was told that he needed to find love by Mark, and this statement was affirmed by Isolde's remark that love is made by God, ignore it and you suffer as you cannot imagine. This quote was implied to be about Tristan as they had fallen in love and would not ignore that fact. Tristan and Isolde's secret was found out by two traitors who plotted with the enemy to take Lord Mark's crown. Tristan decided to break ties with Isolde when he realized that Mark truly cared for her, and when Ireland and Britain set up a party, their plot to catch Tristan and Isolde was successful.

Gays in the Military

A controversy is currently underway as our nation lessens its focus on God, and widens its focus on worldly issues. Military servicemen have made our freedom of religion, speech, and this country’s foundation possible; therefore, it is important to recognize their concerns and wishes as they serve. A few decades back, the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy was applied to the military which allowed men and women to serve as long as their sexual orientation was not brought into the picture. Presently, the issue is being readdressed as the individuals wish to be openly gay and serve in crucial roles in the armed forces.

Individuals in the US may believe that openly allowing gays to serve would lower morale and harm recruitment; however, in foreign nations where gays serve openly, no morale or recruitment problems were reported. When the ban is lifted, gay men and lesbians will no longer have to conceal who they are and the military will no longer need to sacrifice losing those who serve (Shalikashvili xxx).

 Regardless of skin color or sexual orientation, one person can make a real difference in our country and military. From a nurse saving one whom was wounded on the battlefield to a linguist who could make a difference in the situation, it is absurd to not let them serve because of their orientation (Coleman xxx).

Overall, military men and women play an important role in our country, and I believe that everyone enlisting to serve for the right reasons should have that option. As our country has strong feelings on this topic, it is important to realize the individual’s purpose while sticking true to your values.

Works Cited

Coleman, Vance. “Statement to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel, House Armed Services Committee, U.S. House of Representatives.” 23 June 2008. Print. 4 March 2013.

Shalikashvili, John M. New York Times. “Second Thoughts on Gays in the Military.” 2 January 2007. Print. 4 March 4, 2013.

Lectures Into Podcasts

College courses are proven to be very challenging, while paying attention to the instructor may present an additional issue to the learning process. I believe that you should make all of your class lectures available through a podcast. Not only will it be easily accessible, but it will also be a very convenient tool that your students could use to grow in the course, while answering any questions of what one missed that day. Not only are lectures being offered to download on iPods, but office hours are lessened with podcasts that are equipped with frequently asked questions (News xxx). IPods are very common on college campuses, and using them could ensure knowledge if students used them to their best interest. When the cost of iPods is factored in, however, some may argue the unimportance of podcasts. Students who consent to dilute their classroom experience by forcing it through an iPod are shortchanging themselves (Schneider xxx). Lectures should be attended as much as possible; the use of podcasts will be convenient for not only the students, but also you! The never-ending emails would come to an end as they could be answered by a podcast, and repetition of information can do nothing but good to ensure that the students are learning your material! I believe podcasts could improve your class’s overall grade average, and I hope you will agree, and begin the revolution of podcasts!

Works Cited

Schneider, Robert. “The Attack of the Pod People.” Chronicle of Higher Education. 8 Dec, 2006. Print. 25 February, 2013.

Pitt News. “iPod Addiction Goes Academic.” 21 March, 2006. Print. 25 February 2013.

The Bear Came Over the Mountain

 The protagonist in The Bear Came Over the Mountain is Grant, Fiona's husband. Grant is a very deep character as he reminisces the history between himself and Fiona. I make Grant out to be in love, yet he is not loyal as he should be. He appears to be caring, as well as intrigued by one's appearance and very aware of the little things.

We also discover that he has secrets of affairs that his wife may or may not have known of. He loves his wife dearly, as he is upset putting her in the nursing home, and makes regular visits only to find her spending time with another man. When this man, Aubrey, leaves the home and Fiona behind, Grant wants nothing more than Fiona's happiness and he expresses that by attempting to get Aubrey back to her side. As stated by Alice Munroe, "Then he took the plunge, going on to make the request he’d come to make. Could she consider taking Aubrey back to Meadowlake, maybe just one day a week, for a visit (xx)." This was a completely selfless move on his part that resulted in his Fiona coming back to him. He could have deserted her in the home, but instead succeeded at making her happy and keeping her love.

Works Cited

Munro, Alice. The Bear Came Over the Mountain. The New Yorker. 27 December 1999. Print. 18    February 2013.

Excercise 12.6 Wikipedia

Many people are questioning the use of Wikipedia as a legitimate research source. A legitimate source can be defined as a source that is accurate and credible by pronouned authors. According to this definition, Wikipedia does not appear to be a legitimate source, as it has anonymous authors and can be edited however anyone pleases. Not everyone agrees, however. Some people say that Wikipedia is a convenient tool for research and also a way to understand the background of a search. Others say that Wikipedia's content cannot be trusted as accurate facts, and using it as a source is unacceptable because it's lack of credibility. Wikipedia's anonymity and lack of accountability assures that it cannot be considered an authoritative source (Waters). Although these points make sense, it is clear that Wikipedia is a convenient research site but it isn't credible enough to use as a source.

Works Cited
 

Walters, Neil. "Wikiphobia:The Latest in Open Source." Middlebury Campus.11 April, 2007. Print. 14 February, 2013. 

Academic Freedom pg 151 #1

The opportunity to discuss subjects without restriction may be a freedom, however, it must be restricted so the professor's opinions are not forced upon the students. It is important to maintain an avoidance of religion as the students religions may vary. Academic freedom is the opportunity to express oneself however one chooses in the classroom. Limiting the content expressed is advised, and avoiding controversial subjects would help keep academic freedom in check. I admire professors that encourage the same faith as I do; however, I would not want to pay to take a class of which the professor is of a contrary belief, and expresses it on a regular basis. We live in the land of the free, and it is important to maintain that freedom, but academic freedom may not be the best freedom to encourage learning among a vast group of religious affiliations. Not only is religion a dilemma, but other forms prejudice may be expressed if academic freedom wasn't limited.

Formal Definition of Blog

A blog is a tool used for web-based journaling that can be opinionated or factual, as well as shared with the public or private.

What is Argument by Definition?

When asked a definition, pulling out a Webster dictionary seems the plausible thing to do. To some, however, defining a term could vary. This variation of definition can cause an argument to come into play. For example, crumping is a dark form of dance, but it is a refuge for teens who would otherwise be in gang-related activities. Not only is the type of dance described, but it is also refuted to show that it is a safe haven for teenagers. There are many descriptive words and opinions on what things are, and usually two sides to each description.

Should We Eat Meat?

     Eating meat is very common worldwide, and the question stands as should we eat meat, or not? This is a decision one must make based on their morals. Though many cannot part with meat, the ones that choose to stand strongly behind their decision. Some reasons are for health, the environment, and heartlessness of killing animals (Fraser xxx). I believe we shouldn't have any reservation about eating meat, however, we can vary our food selection for health aspects. It is important for us to make our own decisions as we have free choice, and that others don't try to force their ideas upon us. "If Americans just ate less meat--like driving cars less often--the problem could be alleviated without giving up meat entirely (Fraser xxx)." Meat is very important to the economy, as it supplies numerous farmers with a living, and keeps livestock in check. All in all, it's one's choice whether or not they consume meat.

Work Cited

 

Fraser, Laura. Salon. Why I Stopped Being a Vegetarian. January 7, 2000. Web.

How Not to Respond to Virginia Tech-II

Fear has entered each of our minds as countless school shootings occur throughout our nation, and we want nothing more than to come up with ways to keep campus's more secure. The ideas may seem good at the time, but there is always a way for a determined shooter to make contact with students. The cell phone alert could reach the gunman, and a background check on incoming applicants would unneccessarily spend money some do not have. It is important to focus the time on student's mental health, as this causes outbursts on these campuses. Overall, we want to stay safe, but we will have to acheive that safety in ways of care, rather than a text message.

Sweatshop Oppression Rhetorical Analysis

The sweatshop oppression is a push to improve conditions for workers in developing countries. In order for us to get the low prices, companies use sweatshops to assemble the numerous products in demand. The treatment of the workers in these sweatshops is horrible, as they work 70-80 hours per week making only pennies for each hour. Disregarding the small pay, the shops may have poor ventilation, with few breaks permitted. These jobs pay as little as possible, so the products can be priced as low as possible and make profit for the company. It is important to realize the mistreatment of the workers, and push to provide them with the jobs, and better work conditions.

Do Benefits of Bottled Water Outweigh the Costs?

The use of bottled water is a controversial topic. Some people claim that drinking bottled water is reasonable, as well as being a better purchase than soft drinks. In Zak Moore's article, he mentions that many places in the world do not have running, clean water (Moore xx). Others, however, believe that tap water is important to our planet, and less costly to the consumers. "The more the wealthy opt out of drinking tap water, the less political support there will be for investing in maintaining America's public water supply (New York xx)." Although both sides of this issue have merit, I believe that this controversy is unnecessary. I prefer tap water, and I'm so thankful we have a choice of clean water. Water consumption is very important, whether it's bought or not.

Works Cited

 

New York Times. In Praise of Tap Water. August 1, 2007. Print.

 

Moore, Zak. The Dartmouth. Defying the Nalgene. August 17, 2007. Print.



AT&T Texting Commercial

The texting and driving commercial is an effective way to get the attention of others and convince them not to text and drive. When you see the pain of the family and friends affected by the loss of a texting and driving accident, it makes you realize how something so unimportant is not worth it. The video AT&T constructed used a large amount of pathos by showing the family and friend's emotions to appeal to a larger audience. Logos was used by demonstrating that logically, texting while driving is a pointless distraction. Ethos was used as the State HighwayPatrol talked of his experience of dealing with an accident due to texting while driving. The video should certainly be a wakeup call to those still texting while behind the wheel.

Identifying the Elements of Argument Questions p.18

1. The essay's thesis states that President Reagan, as well as Arnold Schwarzenegger, believe it is possible to have an immigration policy that will strengthen our borders and encourage immigrants.
2. Three arguments presented as evidence to the thesis are: We need a new law, construct a new immigration policy, and secure our borders as they are resposible.
3. The opposing arguments indentified are briefly summarized as expensive and that the immigration system is bad policy. The writer's refutation to said arguments state that control of the border and compassion for the immigrant is key to the immigration strategy. Additionally, the temporary worker program would employ foreign workers when noone else will complete the job!
4. Immigration is an issue we struggle with; but if we use compassion and control the borders, we will acheive the outcome we are searching for.