Tuesday, September 17, 2013

My Side of the Story and Yours

Have you ever heard the expression that there are three sides to every story - yours, mine, and the truth? Well, I am goimg to propose that there is some truth to this saying because it is only when we look at two sides and see how those sides are the same and where they differ that we can begin to establish some grounds for understanding and truth. This is the beauty of writing that compares and contrasts. There's a trick to how this is accomplished, however, else great confusion ensues.

One way is to first compare apples to apples, and then contrast them - point by point. For instance, if we were to talk about twins, we might discuss how they are the same height and weight and have the same hair color and complexion. Next we might focus on differences - styles of music and genre of books or intended college majors and political views. The other way is to discuss one item completely, and then to discuss the other completely, also making sure the order of the points made remain the same in both discussions. That could translate into a discussion of Jake (height, weight, hair color, complexion, music and book preferences, college  major and political views). Then we would discuss his twin Drake (all items in exactly the same order). Frankly, whichever technique you use is totally arbitraty. Let your preference - or the topic - dictate the format.

Blog AssignmentThis week you will write a paragraph that allows you to compare and contrast two things. You will respond to either topic #1 or #8  on page 242 of the textbook.

My Response: Technology is a beautiful thing. In fact, I remember one summer a few years ago when the pastor of the church I was attending put out a challenge to refrain from prticipating in any form of technology for one week. I haughtily thought to myself, "I can do this" and raised my hand to be among the elite to participate in the experiment. I have to tell you it was one of the hardest sacrifices in which I have ever engaged. Now that I think of it, my experience must have been similar to that of students today who are told they cannot use their technology in the classroom. Ouch! As a teacher, I know the value of a learning environment free and clear of distraction. Which teacher can compete with the student who sends 84 texts (no, this is not a typo) to a single student in a 2 hour block of time? I have to say that I am proud of my student who refused to break the classroom rule and text back, though I am a bit perturbed by the fact that she knew how many texts had been sent during class. Certainly, I know that what I am teaching is less interesting than who is dating whom, the latest fight, or the cute new student; however, that information won't ensure you a job unless you want to be a talk show host. What I am teaching, on the other hand, is so important that it will assist you in developing the skills that will make your high school and college careers easy street. So, if I have to compete with the minute-by-minute parade of gossip, I will lose hands down. But technology does have a place in the classroom. And because of that, I teach my students to use the calendar and clock functions to schedule important assignments or testing locations. In addition, many of my students have their electronic novels on their smart phones. And what about that research I sometimes ask them to conduct? I only have four operable computers in a classroom that regularly seats 25 students. Doing research from the school computers will take all year at that rate! In my opinion, it is the role of the savvy teacher to instruct students on the boundaries that must come with the use of personal technology in the classroom. I don't want to catch you texting or posting on FaceBook. Nor do I want you to record my response to your inappropriate question so you can post it on YouTube. I do, however, want you to learn to use the functions that will help you become a fully functional member of a society whose residents must use technology to participate in work and school sanctioned activities. 

Your TurnSign in and post your assignment in the Comment box. Preview your response so you can see what you need to correct. Make your corrections and click the Post Comment button. Please be sure to post your response no later than midnight of September 22.

27 comments:

  1. Childbirth is a beautiful thing. So I ask myself, how could anyone take the life of a baby? For years abortion has been a very sensitive topic and for good reason. There are some people who believe that under no circumstances should a woman be allowed to abort a fetus. While others believe that it is a woman’s body and she has every right to choose what happens to it. From a moral stand point I can see how. If life starts at conception then abortion would be against the bible and considered to be murder of a human being. But what about those situation where a woman is forced? Is it fair for a lady to carry and give birth to a child as a result of being raped or molested? Giving birth to an unwanted child could have damaging effects on both mother and child. Consequently, the mother may start to resent the child. However, getting pregnant as a result of being careless or irresponsible, one should not be allowed to abort. On the other hand, there are other options one may have, for instance, adoption and birth control. There are lots of women who are not as fortunate to conceive and would adopt. In today’s society there are many different birth control options. Simultaneously, we as women have the right to choose whatever we want to do with our bodies and should not be judge by whatever decision we make,whether it is abortion or adoption.

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    1. If what you are comparing is abortion and adoption, I feel like you short-changed the adoption side of it.

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  2. My mom’s childhood life.
    My mom was born in Trinidad and grew up in a home with two sisters and three brothers. Growing up she was very close with her younger sister but they fought all the time, the three girl’s shared one room and the boys also had to share a room. Everything had to be shared among everyone because her parents were not rich but made it, they lived very comfortable and her father made sure they all had food on the table and clothes. My mom’s dad had an Indian orchestra and all of her brothers learned to play a musical item and her dad sang Indian songs. My mom loved the Indian songs and learnt to dance Indian dance by watching Indian movies growing up. When her dad had concerts with his band she uses to dress up like and Indian dancer with pretty clothes that her mom sewed for her and performed. My mom was very popular in the town she grew up because she dances really nice compare to the other young girls. My mom got at opportunity to dance on national television in Trinidad. My mom’s older sister got married when she was 15 years old and left the house, my mom was probably around 7-8 years. From then on my mom had to take over the chores that her older sister was doing, she learned to cook at 10 years old and had to clean the entire house as well. She also had to take care of her younger sister. When my mom was about 12 years old her mother had to go for surgery so she had to get up at 5 AM in the morning to cook for her brother and dad to go to work then she had to prepare to go to school. Apart from that my mom was involved in the red cross in her elementary school and went on several fields trips as a nurse, she was learning to become a nurse and always wanted to help other people, it was her dream to become a nurse. My mom was 16 when she graduated from school in Trinidad and had made the decision that she wanted to come to America to become a nurse, her entire family was going to move to Florida anyways in a couple of years prior to her coming but she decided it was time to start her future. My mom left Trinidad to come to America when she was 17 years old.
    My Childhood Life.
    I was born in West Palm Beach, Florida. When I was three years old my parents got a divorce and I, My brother and Mom went to go live with my grandma and grandpa. When I was five years old I started school at Melaleuca elementary and then move to lantana elementary the following year. At the age of nine, my mom encourages me to do Indian dancing like her. I enjoyed dancing but it was too much money especially since my mom was a single parent working so I had to quit at age 11. I started middle school, my mom got remarried and she had my baby brother and then a year and half later she had my sister. I always helped my mom take care of them when she was busy or needed a break, I also learn how to cook and clean when I was eleven. At the age of fourteen, my mom got another divorce and I had moved to Lake Worth and that’s when I started high school at Lake Worth High in the med program.

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  3. # 1

    When it comes between your parents child hood and yours they are completely different. To begin with, back then your parents did not have all these cool electronics, like the iPhones, xbox, and GPs system when they were growing up. Back then when they were board they went outside and played or played with their toys. Also back then rules and laws were different for them. But see our generation has it easy now and we take that for granted. Like the rules and laws have changed over time. Also Spending quality time with family and friends. This has happened by introducing all these new high tech inventions. For example the iPhones, gaming systems, laptops, and even inventing new types of toys. In this time we are also plugged in with our electronics then our parents were when they were children. Also we relay on our new high tech toys to get us through our days and lives. So things has changed over time and one can say that it is not the same as it was back then for ones parents.

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    1. Some confusing constructions. Be sure to edit for fragments and missing words. I believe this will help.

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  4. Should one be able to bring an parachute onto a plane? On one had yes, just as a safety precaution. Better safe then sorry you never know what's going to happen. I mean when you get on a boat you have to wear a life vest. Or at least the boat has enough life vest to accommodate everyone on the boat. God forbids that anything does happen to the plane, how would you save yourself? But now and days if one were to wear a parachute on a plane they would most likely get arrested. Why is that? safety reason perhaps. I honestly think if someone was to were to one the passengers might just go crazy. Having feeling of uncertainty and vulnerable to an attack maybe

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  5. My mother's childhood was interesting. She was born in Chicago, where my grandfather is from. My grandmother, from Wisconsin, was a stay at home mother. Growing up my mom traveled all over the country. They even moved to England for a while. My grandmother taught her how to sew her own clothing, cook, clean, hair cutting, appreciation of music. Basic "laws" of being a woman back then. My childhood with my mother was slightly different. My sister's and I were taught the "laws" of being good women during childhood, but also to be ourselves. Meaning you can be anything, not necessarily just a house wife. I would say, my childhood was similar to my mother's with the exception of leaving the country and my parent's divorce. My mother grew up with two full time parent's, at a certain age I grew up with partial parent's. Still,not much of a difference because my grandparent's were around.

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  6. My Mother's childhood was very different than my own in more ways than one. She grew up in a South America in a Country called Colombia. Her culture was very old fashion, Because she was the oldest out of three. In some ways she had to be more responsible. In Contrast I grew up in Florida in a more modern time. I was also the youngest of 5 kids. My Mother's toys were always made by her Father's hands. My Mother's clothes made by her Mother. At the age of 14 my Mother's Father passed away. My Mother had to get a job along with her little sister in order to help feed her family. My Mother had to save her sometimes used clothes for her little sister to wear. While Ive never had to wear used clothes or shoes. So I thank GOD that I was born in the U.S.A and in the year I was born. I don't think I would have half the things I have now.

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    1. Remember that you must contrast each point made. Otherwise, best I've seen so far. :)

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  7. My mothers childhood was completely different from my own. My mom was born in Queens, New York. She was raised there up until she was 6 years old and moved down to West Palm Beach Fl. She was raised in Florida with her sister, my aunt. Her childhood was different because there wasn't that much technology back then. When she wanted to get a hold of my grandparents or anyone, she would have to use a pay phone or a beeper also known as a pager. In school, my mom didn't have to take the Fcat or any other state test like how I had to. My mother always told me how she felt it was easier back then for students to pass school then it is now. Her childhood was also different because every thing was cheaper, you could say people felt that $20.00 had more value then it does now. My childhood is completely different, I grew up in a more modern lifestyle, and technology was already advancing. Going to school, I did have to take the Fcat starting from third grade. I had my first cellphone when I was only 11 years old. My mothers childhood and mine are different, in some ways she had it better, and in most ways I did.

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    1. You have mixed both styles of comparison/contrast. Either compare point by point and line by line, or compare point by point first one and then the other. Reread your post and you'll see the mixted formatting.

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  8. On the contrary, the 1960’s was a distinct time from today. My mother was born in December of 1969. She grew up in a different environment than I do today. Growing up in a Central America, my mother lived on a farm in San Carlos, Panama. Unlike today, my mother grew up on the countryside meaning she didn’t have any electricity, transportation, or technology. She grew up in a house without windows, when it was safe to keep your door open at night to get some fresh air. She had to walk miles to reach a bus stop because they didn't have motor vehicles. As she grew up, her school wasn't nearby she had to take several bus trips to reach the schools in the city. A pack of gum, about three miles from her home, at a corner store costs five cents rather than our 5 minute drive to Publix to buy our 1.25 a pack. She had to walk to a near river every morning and night to take a bath or retrieve water to assist her mother in cooking. My mother’s childhood is incomparable to how we live today, therefore I am thankful for those irrelevant things I do not need but have.

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  9. When I think of my moms childhood, i think of how different it was to mine. She was raised by her mom and dad, plus a step mom and step dad. Her mom lived in Florida, and her dad lived in ATL. She would have to get on a plane every summer to go visit her dad. Also, she was the only child on her moms side, but had a little brother from her dad and step mom. She was brought up in a rich neighborhood. My mothers dad was a pilot and her step dad was a doctor.They didn't have as much technology back then as they do now. As for my childhood, I was raised by a single mom and would see my dad once in a blue moon. My mom worked as a teacher and my dad was in technology. I was brought up in a middle class family. Now, we have cell phones, computers, 3D TVs, and even iPads. I didn't have to travel far to see my dad when i would go. As you can clearly see our childhoods are totally different.

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    1. If you make a point, such as where your mom lived, you must also make that point for yourself. Be sure to specifically contrast or compare each point in the order in which the first is presented.

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  10. my mom childhood is not different from mines. my mom was born in Bahamas, raised in west palm beach. I was born and raised here in west palm beach. my mom she graduated from high school, she played sports just like me. I also played sports in high school. and graduated from high school my mom had dolls in her childhood, same as me. my mom childhood is similar in some ways.

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    1. Great format in the comparison. Edit for mechanics, like ALWAYS capitalize the first letter of the first word after a period.

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  11. Father's Childhood:
    My fathers childhood, as he explained to me, was rough. He was born in 1971 here in West Palm Beach, FL. My Nanny, his mother, was a strict and stern person. She would lock him outside all day on the weekend forcing him to play outside with his friends. He also told me he was in a number of altercations in high school. Almost every day was explained to be a fight.

    My Childhood:
    My childhood was very pleasant. I had almost everything i wanted/needed. I was kind of a trouble child at first but in about 5th or 6th grade, I became more patient and calm. This taught me to become patient with others in certain situations. Now i did have several altercations in 8th grade and through the four years of high school, but those were not my doing.

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  12. Animals are sentient beings that have emotions and social connections. Scientific studies show that cattle, pigs, chickens, and all warm-blooded animals can experience stress, pain, and fear. In the United States about 35 million cows, 115 million pigs, and 9 billion birds are killed for food each year. These animals should not have to die to satisfy an unnecessary dietary preference on the other hand Vegetarians mistakenly elevate the value of animal life over plant life. Research shows that plants respond electrochemically to threats and may feel fear, so vegetarians are also causing harm every time they kill and eat a plant. Every organism on earth dies or is killed, at some point, so others organisms can live. There is nothing wrong with this cycle; it is how nature works.

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  13. The childhood of my mother and myself really differ. The crazy thing is we were both raised by her parents. My mother’s childhood was filled with a lot of rules but, they could be bent greatly. She was allowed to travel, have friends all the normal things kids were able to do. On the other hand I being raised by my grandmother lived in a very strict household (no rule bending ever). One of the rules that stick with me is being in the house by the time the streetlights come on and not leaving the driveway for anything. I found that very ironic especially since we were raised by the same people. The generations are vastly different from what they were back then and when I was growing up.

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  14. An extremely controversial issue these days is in regards to gun ownership and the laws about owning guns. One school of thought is the belief that the more guns there are, then the more violence that there is. The argument in support of this states that when people own more guns, more guns mean more crime and violence. The opposing view to this states that guns do not kill people, people kill people. In other words, laws should only limit gun ownership to criminals who commit certain crimes such as felonies or other violent crimes. a major argument supporting gun ownership is that it is our constitutional right as Americans. People opposing free gun ownership make the argument that guns have changed radically over the last 230 years. Back in 1776 there were only single shot riffles that took two minutes to reload, but today there are semi-automatic weapons available which hold 40-plus bullets, followed by just 5 seconds to reload another 40 bullets. Each magazine of 40 bullets can all be fired in under one minute or less. People who are for free gun ownership support the belief that guns protect people, and crime will not happen where good people have guns. These pro-gun people believe that if good people do not have guns, only bad people will have guns and crime will run rampant. People against gun ownership believe that the easier it is to get a gun, the more bad people will have guns. These people believe that good people could have their gun stolen by a criminal or possibly the gun could be sold to someone who will use it for a crime. My personal belief is that there are already way too many guns to do anything about out in private hands. I also believe that the majority of people owning a gun are responsible. My opinion is that there should be an assault weapons ban and high capacity magazines should be limited to 12 rounds or less. Additionally, I feel taxes should be raised on gun sales, ammunition sales, and on gun accessories such as laser scopes and additional magazines.

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    1. Extremely well articulated using the rhetorical format perfectly. Wow.

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    2. Extremely well articulated using the rhetorical format perfectly. Wow.

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  15. My dad and I had child hood very different yet at the same time very similar. I grew up in the city, we had a small house. Daddy smelled fresh country air with a big house and land. My neighborhood was full of kid, my dad's friend lived hours away. I went to a catholic school that was 30 minutes away, dad had to travel 1:20 minutes to public school. My dad had a big family and lost of animals, I had one dog and one little brother. We were so different, yet we enjoy similar things like playing basketball, fireworks, roller coasters, and so on. We happend to be so similar at the same time.

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