Thanksgiving

This Thanksgiving, my family did nothing out of the ordinary. The first day of break, I lounged around all day, watching movies. I wanted to relax, which is exactly what I did that day. Wednesday night, I went to campus with my friend Sara, to celebrate the Michigan v. Ohio State game. We watched crazy people jump into mirror lake, with barely any clothes on...it was gross. The next day was Thanksgiving, which meant family day. I woke up and went downstairs to watch the Macy's Day Parade with my mom and sister. I love watching the parade because it reminds me of all the past Thanksgivings. My favorite float was Santa Claus because it was the big finale at the end. I have always wanted to go to the parade with my mom and sister because it just looks like a good time. After we watched the floats and singers, we went to the Westerville Metro Park with my three dogs and whole family. It was so pretty, with all the different colored leaves falling to the ground. It was wet and cold so I didn't enjoy the long walk as much as I could. We left after a full round trip through the park,  arriving at home in the late afternoon. The rest of the afternoon, I helped my mom cook Thanksgiving, which was not fun because she got really stressed out. She was snappy and just plain old mean. So, I layed down and waited for dinner to come to me. We all sat down, said grace, and dug in. Stuffing is my favorite, but on the contrary, I ended up not even stuffing myself. That night, I treated myself to homemade pumpkin pie and watched " The Change Up" with my parents and sister.

Questions

3) The thesis is in the last few paragraphs. Basically, when he states I do not agree with what I just wrote.
4) The children, elderly, and the babies are singled out, along with the mothers. His attitude towards the beggars are that they are nothing in the world, and that we should just leave them out. The Irish are presented as victims in the later paragraphs.
5) Swift only provides serious suggestions when he is explaining how we fix the system, in the last pages when he states what is wrong with the system and how we can improve the system.
6) This is organized in the fashion of chronological problems; he states the problems that need to be fixed and then how to fix them. Also, towards the end of the story, the purpose of the last paragraph is to show the reader that this is not what he believes, to prove the irony of the story.
7) Swift's success of this story is very good. He goes into much detail explaining the satire problems and what the world should do to fix the problems, but the end is short and sweet, applying simple solutions to the story. I think it was a very successful end and had the impact it was supposed to, at least on me.
8) This story is Horatian because it has light-hearted humor, making fun of the mothers and the children, saying we should just eat them with pepper; but the Juvenalian is when he addresses the real problems, the problems that are not so funny...the real satire when he is serious about the old "dying off."
9) This story is not the least modest. He shows the real undercover problems and the problems affecting everyone, and that is why this is verbal irony. He says the title with something that this story is not.
10) This story  has many examples of irony and exaggeration. When the author states the problems involving the children, and how they can not steal until they are 6...also, the author goes into detail about how we should eat the children, with herbs and spices. There is also irony when the author states that the old people are dying off anyways.

The missing ones are answered on the worksheet...no point in answering them twice :)

THE MERRY MEN

Exaggeration
To enlarge, increase, or represent something beyond normal bounds so that it becomes ridiculous and its faults can be seen.
Incongruity
To present things that are out of place or are absurd in relation to its surroundings.
Reversal
To present the opposite of the normal order (e.g., the order of events, hierarchical order).
Parody
To imitate the techniques and/or style of some person, place, or thing.

The Merry Men scene shows exaggeration by dancing and singing, when the men are supposed to be tough! Also, it shows incongruity by having the bushes move and the men moving in the background.
Robinhood is a parody in this scene by singing and dancing to the princess, when he usually is swift.
The princess fight scene demonstrates reversal by being the tough one and beating up all the men instead of Shrek, the huge and scary ogre. This also demonstrates incongruity because usually the princess is not tough and by her jumping up and beating the crap out of the men. This scene vastly exaggerated the abilities of the common princess.

"I Want A Wife"

1. Does this essay have an explicitly stated thesis? If so, what is it? If you believe the thesis is implied, paraphrase it in your own words.

I think that this is the thesis, “As I thought about him while I was ironing one evening, it suddenly occurred to me that 1, too, would like to have a wife. Why do I want a wife?” Rephrased in my own words, she is sarcastically saying wives are treated like slaves.

2. Throughout the essay, Brady repeats the words “I want a wife.” What is the effect of this repetition?

This is the sentence that the reader should take special attention to, and know that this is the point of the story.

3. Brady never uses the personal pronouns he or she to refer to the wife she defines. Why not?

I think that the word “wife” is another name for the slave in the marriage, and that she is sarcastically saying that men treat their wives like slaves.  The acts of the slaves cannot be characterize d by he or she!

4. Do you think Brady really wants the kind of wife she describes—does this ideal spouse

actually exist? Explain why you think Brady wrote this essay.

I think this ideal spouse exists in the 1950’s or so. This spouse does not exist anymore because society has given woman more rights and treats them with more respect. She wrote this essay because men used to think their woman’s only job was to work in the house, and she wants to specify that woman are not just slaves to their men.

5. How does Brady define what it means to be a “wife”? How does she organize the many services a wife provides her husband and family? What do you think of Brady’s characterization of a wife and her responsibilities? How do you think she wants her readers to respond to this characterization? Why?

Brady defines her wife’s duties as of what she does around the house and taking care of the children. Every specific act of being a wife, she defines her wife as doing. She goes through a simple day and every aspect of what her wife does, which is how she organizes the many services. She goes through the kid’s life, the sex life, and the general kitchen wife. I think that some of the acts are true because my mom does many of these acts, like take care of my sister and I, etc. Also, I think she wants the reader to realize that the “wife” in his or her life is not a slave. They should appreciate all the things they do for them. She just wants to be appreciated for all she does, and for the reader to say thank you to the “wife” in their life!

6. Write a letter to Brady responding to “I Want a Wife.” Let her know what you admire or don’t admire about the essay and the extent to which you consider it effective and/or persuasive.

Dear Brady,

I admire everything about this essay. It really makes the reader realize how wives are looked at in the world, and to appreciate them. I do not admire the part about taking care of the kids all the time, because of course the husband helps at that too. I think this essay is very effective in persuading the reader because he or she will pick up the sarcastic tone and actually pick up on the humor. I love how she is supporting woman’s rights! Thank you for having the nerve to confront this controversial issue.  I hope many men in the world read this also and realize what kind of wives they have and give them a little more respect!

Sincerely, Sarah Smiley

7. Write your own piece entitled “I Want a/an X.” You can use Brady’s essay as a model, and in the process, imitate some of her stylistic techniques. Or, alternatively, write an essay about the role of a “wife” in the early twenty-first century, explaining how a wife’s responsibilities complement and are complemented by those of a spouse.

“I want to be a Smoker”

Not to long ago, my father was telling my sister and I about how he use to smoke before my mother got pregnant with us. He enjoyed it; it was his hobby. He continued to tell us how he started smoking when he was young, so I wondered, why shouldn’t I smoke?

I want to smoke because it is the most attractive attribute of a woman. I want to be a smoker because I love dining and breathing in smoke at the same time. I want to be a smoker because many people love the smell it leaves on my clothes. I want to smoke because everyone does it! I want to be a smoker because it just tastes so good.

I want to be a smoker because it’s the best thing for my health.  I want to be a smoker because it keeps my lungs clean and productive. I want to smoke because it does not cause cancer and I will live a very long life. I want to smoke because it keeps my teeth as white as snow. I want to be a smoker because my face will be young and vibrant. I want to be a smoker because I will look like my face is 15 when I am 30. I want to smoke because it won’t affect my overall health at all!

I want to be a smoker because my baby will not be affected. I want to be a smoker because my baby will not have birth defects. I want to smoke because I won’t give people second-hand smoke. I want to smoke because my kids won’t pick up the habit. I want to be a smoker because my husband will not care. I want to smoke because my kids will not be affected when they get older.

Taking these positive factors of smoking into consideration, I want to smoke to overall improve my whole  life!

My God, who wouldn’t want to smoke!?

Lightswitch

The lightswitch. The one thing Alex, Kenzie, Graham, Jeremy and Ajia were afraid of. Not knowing its hidden powers...Graham, the unintelligent and exploring teen, ran over and was tempted to switch it on. Jeremy grabbed him, Graham flinging his body in the air. Graham acting like a squealing pig, just wanting some warm milk. Alex, the only normal and intelligent teen, decided to take the proactive and realistic way out of the situation.She ran over and guarded the lightswitch haulting everyone...dead in their tracks. But suddenly, Ajia flew in the air so fast, no one saw where she was going. She flew by the switch and flipped it on. The light at the top of the ceiling turned on...they sat down in pure amazement...five seconds later, they all got zapped and died instantly by the light. THE END. BUT THEN...$GMONEYCERTIFIED, the superhero, flew in and gave them all CPR and rescued them. They all went to chipotle and ate until they all looked obese.

Grem & Ajia

There, on that haunted ghostly night, Ajia and her newly accquainted boyfriend, Grem, walked through what they knew as the Halligan Cemetery, but what they did not know would.....kill them (SCREAM). Grem reached out for Ajia's hand, to show his loving character, but all of a sudden, blood blasted through Ajia's hand like juice from an orange. It blasted Grem back, as though pumpkins were being thrown at him; the terrifying event shocked Ajia as well, not feeling any pain. What seemed like so much  blood...seemed like it could only fill up her small shoe. She watched her hand as blood spilled out, Grem out of sight; and suddenly, it stopped. Grem regained consiousness, and opened his eyes, realized he was leaning against a cold, hard, ridged rock. He looked behind him, and saw what he thought was a hallucination of vertigo...Ajia Nadler, 1994-2017, R.I.P my beloved--Grem. Grabbing anything he could find, he propped his body up, and attempted to clear his head. He looked around, skimming the cemetery like a clock; round and round and round. The love of his life was not there-and he knew the gravestone was lying. He panicked in fear and  headed towards the entrance, holding his bloody arms crossed in his sweatshirt. The moon was full and shining, distracting Grem the path ahead. He tripped, and face-planted into the nearest gravestone. Minutes later, he glanced up...Grem Nadler, 1994-2017--R.I.P. my beloved- Ajia. Suddenly after, he was swormed into a black hole, unable to see, and floating in the air. Shutting his eyes, dreaming of his beloved wife, his hand was filled with the warmth of mist. Ajia, clothed in lacey white gowns floated with him; Grem now dressed in white. She guided him to their resting place, where five years ago today, they died together in Halligan's Cemetery. The evidence of how each of them died is unknown, but their has been some possible guesses...Some believe the love connection between Grem and Ajia was so powerful, their hands sparked what was their last night together, and some believe...Ajia killed Grem, to escape from the torture of reality. How did she know they would be together in the end? Was she evil...or not?

Birmingham Jail

1) "I think I should indicate why I am here in Birmingham, since you have been influenced by the view which argues  against "outsiders coming in." He says he must explain himself in why he is here in the city, but they say he is an outsider coming in.
2) "You may well ask: "Why direct action? Why sit ins, marches, and so forth?" He is challenging the rules or the city, and they ask him why direct action?
3)"When you are forever fighting a degenerating sense of "nobodiness"--then you will understand why we find it difficult to wait. He says why blacks feel a sence of being a nobody, then they say why they are taking direct action now, instead of waiting.
4) In your statement you assert that our actions, even though peaceful, must be condemned because they precipitate violence. He says their actions are peaceful, and they say that they should be condemned for the precipitation of violence.
5) You speak of our activity in Birmingham as extreme. At first I was rather disappointed that fellow clergymen would see my nonviolent efforts as those of an extremist. He says he is disappointed in the clergy for looking at his peaceful efforts as violent, they say King and his followers are extremists.
6)"... I had hoped that each of you would understand. But again I have been dissapointed." He says  he hopes the whites see the injustice of the current system, and they say in favor of "outright opponents, refusing to understand the freedom movement..."

Persuasive Template Activity

1) Animal testing, a form of enhancing new medicine and killing animals is often regarded by others as "our only way of developing medicine." They see animal testing as an efficient way of testing products on animals, instead of humans. However, many of these people just focus on the FDA's approval. On the contrary, many people are extremely against animal testing, because of the harm and killing of the animals. For the truth, the humane treatment of animals is necessary for the fairness and well-being of our fellow kind pets. In this essay, then, the testing on animals compared to the lab testing of non-living organisms will show that not testing on animals is clearly the much more humane and efficient was of developing new information.

2) In the introduction to "They Say/I Say": the Moves That Matter in Academic Writing, Gerald Graff and Cathy Birkenstein provide templates designed to help writers understand the way of providing both sides of the argument. Specifically, Graff and Birkenstein argue that the types of writing templates offer strict guidelines to showing off both sides of the argument. As the authors themselves put it, "presenting ideas from the other side, as a response to a person or group." Although some people believe that using these templates do not help, Graff and Birkenstein insist that using templates makes a load of a difference. In sum, then, their view is that using templates make writing a paper  easier and faster. I agree. In my view, the types of templates that the authors recommend help tremendously in the efficient writing of papers. In addition, it is more organized and helps a reader understand each position. Some might object, of course, on the grounds that there is no creativity. Yet I would argue that each writer provides their own type of writing in unique ways. Overall, then, I believe templates should be used--an important point to make given a persuasive topic!

"My Father Told Me I Was Fat" Blog

The first blog i read was about being nice to the pizza delivery man. Letting him over in the highway, letting him gently pass you, and these are just all reminders of paying in forward in everyday life. For example, being nice to the delivery man is a sign of respect to him or her, and yourself. They are probably in a hurry or a rush, just trying to make their next delivery on time. I think the author has a very good moral to this story, and now I will think twice about the pizza man. Also, I will try and pay it forward to hardworking citizens whenever I can. This was a very well written and wise story, and I really enjoyed reading it.

Seeing With the Heart
This was by far my favorite story of all the blogs because it was touching and very personal. She told the readers facts that were from her heart and stories of her past. This story of the little girl and the bond she has with her 'mother' shows the strong and loving relationship between them two. It does not matter what you look like, you can be family with anyone you want to. It does not matter the skin and color your hair, you can love anyone you are close to, like family.

My Father Told Me I Was Fat
This story was saddest to me. This girl seemed like she was in much pain all day and night, and by writing and making poems, that was her only way to get through the day successfully. No person should go through the abuse she has gone through. Also, fathers should not choose to hurt their children, they should support and love them with all the heart. This father disgusts me in so many ways, I could not bare to live in this house. I am glad he got what he deserved and in the end was built self-confidence and persued her way of life.

Something About A Ransom Note...

Dear Graham,
Years ago, you stole something that was dear and close to my heart. You stole my mother's earrings, the prize possession of her whole jewelry library. Now, I want $500,000,000 dollars. You know why I want that much money? I stole your love of your life, Sarah Chizever. She is now in my captive hands, tied up, and her mouth taped shut in complete darkness and silence. If you ever want her back, you are going to have to come get her at this address with the money: the park. If you do not come with the money, I will have my possy get you. I do not ever want to see you around Worthington ever again, unless you give my earrings back. Sarah Chizever will remain captive and lonely while your crippled soul sits at home, admiring my mother's earrings. Thank you, and I hope you love your woman enough to come save her.
Sincerely,
Da Boss, Sarah

Something About A Unicorn

Living in the Mountains of the Northern Appalachians, there lived a unicorn. Other unicorns knew him as Grem, the weakest unicorn. He had yet to sprout his wings, since he was the youngest out of five brothers and sisters. He lived in solitude, in the rocky cave beneath the magestic waterfall. Each morning, Grem would wake up, stretch his arms and legs, and watch the slow dripping of the water travel its way into this cave. He would collect this purified water; it came from a rock, but not just any ordinary rock, the Goutling Rock. The Goutling Rock was known to all unicorns for being unknown and powerful, but its power had not been realeased, for the Rock had not found its rightful and grateful owner.

Unaware of the power Grem possessed, he collected this water into a glass jar he got from the local market. Days went by, the sun setting low in the sky, as Grem watched the other unicorns fly. He was so lonely and weak that he could not make friend and join in on the magestic flying and mingling with the other unicorns. He could not resist the urge to drink the mysterious water, not knowing what the affects would be, Grem downed the water in one gulp. This was at his mistake--the Goutling Rock was an evil, tempting rock, which held one of the greatest life lessons. "You can get what you want, but you will never know what the consequences will be until you posess what you want." A confusing statement, but not to Grem. Grem died immediately, and his heart was forever engraved into the Goutling Rock. For he thought his greatest want was to fly, yet the Goutling Rock knew of another.....

Something About A Fireplace

Sleeping there with the fire warming my toes, there was not sound or movement anywhere. The tree was set up in the middle of the room, with it's glistening Santa Claus on top, shining on the night before Christmas. cookies and lactose intolerant milk were laying on a tray next to the couch. I was snuggled up in a quilt, dreaming about what presents Santa would bring me this year. Falling in and out of sleep, the excitement was overtaking my mind if I would actually see Santa Claus this year. All of a sudden, the fireplace cleared, fire dissappeared, and my eyes could not believe what I was about to see.

A skinny, brown-haired man shifted his body through the fireplace, carrying a huge red bag over his shoulder. My first thought was that is was Santa Claus, then I saw his young and unhappy face. He seemed as in shock as I was! He saw me, overcome with shock and disbelief, and said, "Hi little girl, I am just going to lay your presents down and then go on my way." He did not go for his cookies, which really made me livid. Thankfully, he drank the milk...and spit it out.

Something About A Chair

It was a cold blistering wind that ran shivers up your spine. My Uncle's chair grew icicles up its legs, with the cushion temping to fall into the snow. It was the christmas celebration of my dad's side of the family, gathered with more than twenty people. The aroma of freshly baked cinnamon raisin cookies mingled in the air, while tacky air freshner of winter pine attached itself onto the clothes of guests. I was 5, my sister 7, and we sat there constantly popping crackers into our mouths, waiting for the gift exchange.

Voices rose, yelling, "It's time!" and everyone navigated towards the most beautiful site of my Aunt's house. The tallest christmas tree, sparkling at every branch, twig, and bark you saw, filled with hanging angels that lit up slowly with an array of colors hovering its halo. The santa of the night, the family member who gives out the gifts one by one, was my cousin Sarah. She picked up the first present she saw, and yelled out, "Sarah Smiley". That night before Christmas, was my first Christmas Eve celebration I would have at my aunts, which would continue on to this day.

Ten Abilities

I'm Compassionate, Competitive, Intelligent, Athletic, Sensitive, Fun-loving, Vibrant, Original, Comforting, and a Go-Getter.
I can use these abilities to affect and change my life by trying to use them in my everyday life. I can try to compassionate to everyone I talk to or meet and I can try to comfort those who need it the most. I'm a go-getter, which means I can go after my dreams and hopefully succeed in life at what I want to do. I can apply being competitive to my life by trying to beat my fellow opponents in what I play. I can also share my vibrance to those I meet and hopefully make the one's around me smile and have their day brightened. In the manner, I also want people to have fun around me and laugh as much as they can. Sometimes I am not in a laughable mood, so I am going to try and change that as soon as possible!

Helen Keller Reaction

After reading Helen Keller's narrative, my opinion did not change about her and her life. It seemed like in the beginning she was not polite and grateful to her teacher. At the end, Helen realized what her teacher was trying to do, which was to help her understand what nature and the world had in store. I think the teacher's courage and respect towards Helen is inspiring to everyone that reads this story because it takes a lot of patience to deal with someone who is deaf and blind. Also, in the beginning of the narrative, Helen did not care that she threw the doll on the ground, and in the end when she finally realized what her teacher was trying to do, Helen picked up the doll and felt deep guilt. Helen's life must have been really difficult, but she got through it with people that loved her!