Essay 3

Dear Dad,

Moderization has changed the way people operate their lives on a daily basis. One of the major change that had brought significant effects on individual lines is transportation. In Kelsey's capacity as a college student, it is of utmost importance that you buy her a car. This is because she is responsible, it is both cost and time effecitive aswell as it will be mutually beneficial.

Dad, as a college student, Kelsey has done a remarkable job at maintaining a 4.0 GPA. One might argue that accomplishment is quite minuscule. However, in compassion to other teenagers in similar circumstances, Kelsey has out done them responsibly. Her level of determination and persistance have surpassed that of an average teenager. I am suggesting that you get her a car so she can continue to surpass standards.

If Kelsey were to get a car, it would eventually save you money and time. The cost of cab fare to move from place to place is quite expensive and overtime adds up to a lot of money. Most importantly, you would always have to put your plans on hold to drive her around whenever she does not have cab fare. So taking her from school, to practices, back to school, and home can be exhausting mentally and physically.

It is quite apparent that if Kelsey gets her own car, both you and her would benefit tremendously. You would no longer have to miss important apointments just to take her to and from school. On the other hand Kelsey would not have to miss classes because she does not have a ride.Upon recieving a car, Kelsey will be better able to maintain her GPA, which will enable her chance to get a scholarship. Consequently, you will not have to ay for her tuition single handedly.

Overall Dad the trait of responsibility that Kelsey has shows that she is ready for this change. You are not getting any younger and as such it is important to ensure that all your endeavor are both cost and time effective. After all wasted time can never be regained and neither money. Dad this is not just a venture that will benefit Kelsey bt rather both of you in an admirable way. It will set both of you up for the success that you have aspired to achieve.
Sincerely,
Dawn

Broadcasting Yourself

1. According to Pinsky, what are some of the dangers of watching reality TV shows?
 Maybe because we tend to mirror some of the negative behaviors as if we had no home training and that it is acceptable because celebrities do it.

2. Which type of reality show is, in Pinsky's opinion the worst?
 He thinks that reality shows such as The Anna Nicole Show, The Osbournes, Britney and Kevin: Chaotic, Breaking Bonduce, and Hey Paula to be malicious.

3. What influences do the producers hav on reality show? How do they manipulate the cast members?
 They manipulate the environment constantly to keep the contestants feeling unsettled and challenged to encourage conflict and thus create drama.

4. Pinsky writes that " the road to fame paved with bad behavior". What does he mean by this? Can you think of current reality TV shows?
I have watched Love and Hip Hop a few times. It is all about who they need to stab in the back toget what they want or need just to have that celebrity status.

5. What is narcissism, and why is it so damaging? What does the myth of Narcissus have to do with narcissism?
Fascination with ones self. This can damage a persons view about themselves. The media tends to glamorize the negative behavior and once a person chimes in on the issues that the celebrity has it can damage their emotional well-being. After all they are humans and they still have feelings.

6. What are "weak ties", and why are they important to Pinsky's argument?
 Relationships with colleges at work or acquaintance are more useful in spreading certain kinds of info than other networks of close friends and family.

7.This reading is a chapter from Pinsky's book titled The Mirror Effect. Based on this chapter what do you think the "Mirror Effect" is?
How being on reality shows can exploit us in a negative way or positive way. When people come from no money and this is their only way for survival then they will be willing to do anything for fame.

Summary
Many will exploit themselves just to have the celebrity status. The 15 minutes of fame but not realizing what it can do to our self-esteem.

1. Would you be willing to be a contestant on a reality television show? Why or why not? If you had or have children, would you want your children to be on such a show? Why or why not?
No i could not be on camera for anything. I am too shy being in front of others. I also hold a respect and values towards my family. There is no way I would want to degrade myself or my family for 15 minutes of fame. As for my children. I don't think I would want them to do it either. The industry is so cut throat and if you do not have thick skin and or aggressive you will be eaten by wolves. They seem to prey on the weak.

2. Andy Warhol's famous quote "In the future, everybody will be world famous for fifteen minutes" refers to short-lived, meaningless fame; how is Chris Crocker an example of this? Can you think of other examples of flash-in-the pan celebrities? What qualities do they share?
Chris Crocker recieved his by posting a message on Myspace about Brittney Spears. As his views grew larger so did his ego. It showed that he had much more brewing deep inside of him, such as physical and sexual abuse.

3. In addition to asserting that reality TV makes stardom seem within anyone's grasp, Pinsky claims that reality TV has created "a new ethos of morality". What does he mean by that? Do you agree or disagree?

4.Do you agree that narcissism is a serious problem in American society? Why or why not?
Yes I do. It's a pattern that only strong people are willing to break and not continue. Now a days people in our society is all about improvement of themselves. No one is uplifting of others anymore.

5. Does social networking encourage narcissistic behavior among people? Why or why not?
We feed into others misery especially celebrities because they seem to be the easiest targets. They are always the ones in the spotlight so of course we do not want to be talked about in a negative way or seen by others in a negative way so we try to divert others attention to the celebrities.

Seeing by Starlight

1. In paragraph 4, what does Flora mean by "cognitive whiplash?
I think she was saying that when paparazzi capture celebrities without make-up, with dingy clothes and their flaws. It shows how normal they are.

2. What is the "cultural niche" that celebrity watching fulfills in our society?
The red carpet, the Super Bowl ring, the hand prints outside Grumans Chinese Theater and it's ability to immortalize.

3. Flora writes that "celebrities provide a common currency in our society in our fractured world." What does she mean by this? Do you agree with her? Can you think of any instances where celebrities provide us with a way to connect?
Finding out gossip about a celebrity lets us realize that they too have issues.It takes us out of our world and puts us into their world. I know that when I was watching a show called "Cribs" that viewed celebrities lifestyle. I started imagining what if I lived like that.What would I do with all this money? Would I spend it the way they do or differently? I stepped outside of myself and the worries that I had and had the chance to be fascinated about someone else excited life.

4. What is the "exposure factor"?
The more the person is exposed the more that we take a liking to that person and their looks.

5. Why, according to Flora, are we so drawn to stars?
That they were once like us watching celebrities and shows just like us.

6. How might a reality TV star and an actor deal with fame differently?
A reality star is more cooperative, wants attention, enjoy publicity whereas an actor ambivalent feeling about fame and how it is tied in with her craft.

Discussion
1. In what ways can star watching be inspiring? What inspirational celebrities can you think of who fulfills this role? What needs can celebrity watching fulfill?
A celebrity that I found inspiring is Morgan Freeman. I watched a documentary that he made of High School students in Mississippi. He filmed this because he wanted to show that in 2010 that they were still have segregated proms. So Freeman wanted to pay for them to have one prom with both races attending. It was insane how the white students did not want to have the prom but state "they are not racist, and they don't feel that whites and blacks should party together." I fault their parents because they were there encouraging them that it was wrong to share the same space as blacks. I like the fact that Freeman brought it to the medias attention that things like this occurs. Even if all did not find this was wrong maybe he touched a few others to see differently.

2. How does celebrity watching affect your friendships?
I don't think it affects my friendship in any way.

3. Using the reading-against-the-grain strategy, can you find any flaw in Flor's argument?
I think she's accurate about it. Although I have yet to meet a celebrity I am sure that I will be excited about meeting one. I can see how we look at newspapers and get excited to read about the gossip in their lives especially when it has to do with money, infidelity, and surgery. We tend to get caught in their life.

4. Think of a current big celebrity; do Flora's points about our fascination with celebrities apply to this celebrity? Why or why not?
Yeah. I'm thinking of Kim Kardashian. How she started out was a bit extreme but now she one of the most famous women talked about. When we heard about her failed marriages many people were excited. Others speculate that she's had surgery to enhance her bottom. Her beauty and her style amazing. We all want to know and or see more of her.

For essay 2

Mid term

      Just the thought of enrolling into school was nerve wrecking but exciting at the same time. It brought me back to my early years when I attended Northside Middle school. The night before school I would lay my best shoes and alfit to match on a chair. Somehow I would still wake up an hour earlier than what my clock was set because I was full of excitement. So now I enrolled in college with that same feeling with a little bit of issues. 
      Transitioning out of the military to become a civilian is difficult. This can be a negative and positive at the same time. We were trained to live by what we call The Warrior Ethos. I will always place the mission first, I will never accept defeat, I will never quit, I will never leave a fall comrade. So as a positive I have the mindset of school being my mission. I will not accept a C because to me that is midway of defeat. There is no possible way I could quit. Not only have I gotten out of the military without completing my goals of retirement but I have kids that depend on me. My classmates are my comrades, if they struggle I will help them even if it is guiding them to the counselors to receive help. As a negative, I am a veteran of many deployments and my experiences can get in my way at times. Truthfully I am afraid to sit in a classroom with 20 students. There are days that I feel like I'm back in Afghanistan and every one is a threat. I get so nervous that it prevents me from going to class. I know it will take time but I am so determined to succeed so I'm willing to put in therapy time.
      Even though I have these issues I am focused on succeeding so I can help others. What I liked about Pikes Peak Community College is that they have help for veterans. They have their own section just to help veterans with applying for their GI Bill, which pays for school. If it is too busy to sign up for classes at enrollment we can always go up stairs to the VA lounge without having to wait for too long. They also have helpful information there about tutoring, certificate programs, and even if you want to do homework in a quiet place you are welcome to go. Now that we are in the halfway point it seems as if its getting tough but I like the challenge. I helps me to be a better student. I think I can study more and putting more effort into my assignments would help my grades even more.
      I feel that what you put into school is what you ill get out of it. If you study the minimum amount or not at all it will reflect and show on your grades. You have to have it in your mind and heart that the reasons why you want to go to school. Have your goals in mind as a refresher when you feel yourself falling behind or wanting to give up. I understand that there will be hard times as well as good times in school but I keep giving myself positive affirmations and push through. This is a new change for me. I have little doubt that I will fail. There is too much resources out there to help me and I advise everyone to at least try and see how it is. I was a soldier fighting for my country but now I am a student striving to succeed in college and life.

Introductory Element

Chapter 15 notes

Understanding Barbara Ehrenrich

1. She feels that theses former cooks, waiters and/or clerks that are now managers crossed over to the dark side. She believes that their sole purpose it to just sit around and make sure others do not. I can relate to her in some ways and I can understand where sheis coming from. Being in the military we also have managers called Squad Leaders. They micromanage what we do and make sure our jobs are properly done and if it not to our standards they make life harder for us. Then we have Leaders. Those are the Squad leaders that will help us or give us more guidance. Those are the managers that I respect. The ones that will help us instead of micromanaging.

2. Gail lives with her male friend that has been hitting on her. Since she can not afford rent on her own she feels that she obligated to stick around because she can not do it alone. Jack has it a little better. He lives in a trailer that he owns and only pays $400-a-monthfor lot fees. While Tina and her husband rents a room at the Days Inn for $60 a night because they have no care,and it is walking distance to work. This equals $420 a week, which is too expensive for anyone. So I feel they have the worst out of all of them. I think that Gail, Tina and her husband should move in together. Gail wants to get away from her boyfriend but cannot afford rent on their own.

3.

4. Maybe at the time she can experience how it is to live on a low wage income but in reality she knows what she truly has. She is always welcome to go back to being a professor after completing the book. She knows that she has stubility there. These other waitress can not. This is their way of living on a daily. No I do not believe that she can relate to them. This is just a project for her book. Not her actual life. Ehrenreich has more than what they have other than money. She has a college education which is very valuable in our society now.

5. I can fully understand Ehrenreich and how she view things when it come to helping fellow employees. I believe that maybe he could have done more. Maybe he could have given her a room without charge or at a very low rate without anyone knowing. As long as it it cleaned every morning and her stuff is in her car. I think that we need to be more loyal to people that we work with. If we see them struggling help them every now and then. Not saying give them everything you have. I am spiritual and I believe God has and is blessing us every day. At least return that to others that are less fortunate.

Understanding Lars Eighner

1. When he began Dumpster diving he didn't particularly like that word so he would use terms such as "scavenging" and "scrounging". He says this when he means to be obscure. Lars described that lived from the refuse of others. "He was a scavenger". He felt it sound more honorable niche. Others would use "foraging" to be polite but he reserved that word for gathering nuts and berries. "Dumpster diving" seemed too cute and inaccurate to him because he felt he lacked the athletic ability to lower himself into the Dumpster as true divers did.

2. A new scavenger will be filled with disgust and self loathing. He will feel ashamed, so he will lurk around, ducking behind things, dive at night and skulking around. This may bring suspicion to a person. Although he may not be able to erase the stigma of eating out of the dumpster the stage will pass with experience. Once a scavenger finds useful items like shoes, clothes, calculator etc., he begins to understand that people throw away good stuff. Then his Dumpster shyness begins to dissipate. He then may get lost once finding good things. He may feel that he can repair them. Keeping things although they have completely no value to him or market. They may feel that since it is free why not keep it. That's when they become lost and may not be able to recover. This may sound like a hoarder.

3. He found from scavenging two deep lessons. The first to take what he can use and let the rest go by. The second is of the transience of material being. He feels that he shares values with the wealthy. He feels that they both know they have plenty more from what we came from. Maybe meaning their money and values and his values that he finds in dumpsters.  He seemed very in touch with life and nature. Every time he touches something in the dumpster he envisions throwing it away maybe for the next diver to find it more valuable. He would always find the bright side of things. I personally can not imagine eating out of a Dumpster. I do not care if is in a can. Some how he manage to leave the shame behind and learn how to survive off of garbage. When he stated that scavenging is a modern form of self-reliance because the cities are now filled with plenty of Dumpsters. I feel that he is saying this is more common now. Since they have more Dumpsters there will be more valuable items for divers to obtain.

4. Although I can not see myself diving in Dumpsters, I can see how he may find value from others trash. In our society we do take things for granted. It's easier for us to throw things away and say we can purchase another one. Even if our fund are low. A few years ago I had guilt of throwing things away that may not been needed to be thrown. So now I donate. I know there are others out there that need it more than I do. Reading this actually makes me want to really put thought into what I do not need to throw away.

Descriptive Writing Exercise

Descriptive Writing Exercise

For each of the following three sentences, I want you to write a 75 word paragraph that “shows” instead of “tells.” (See handout in D2L.)

1.      She was depressed.

The young lady sat on the bench with her head in her hands crying hysterically. She seemed distant and detached from the friends that were trying to show her comfort. She looked up to wipe the tears that were falling down her face. Her eyes were red, and eyelids were swollen. The blank stare in her gaze seemed empty. She seemed distant and detached from the friends that were trying to show her comfort.

2.      The car was nice.

The car was a deep metallic red that glistened in the sun light. The chrome rims shined brighter than the paint on the car! Its interior was a beautiful plush midnight blue with a wood grain dashboard, and brushed steel trim. The tires seemed to stick to the roads as it hugged the curve. As I hit the straight away I was going very fast before I knew it. This is truly a spectacular car! It felt as if this car was made for me.

Notes pg 93-107 Ch 3

A Plague of Tics

1. List 10 of Sedaris's tics and try to establish some general rules that make then tics and not more socially acceptable repeated motions.
*yelps *twitching *moving head viciously *noise making like a bee is in his throat * putting nose on random things * licking random things * kissing random things * counting steps *touching door knobs with elbows as a ritual. I could see how some of the acts listed above could have been a repeated motion. We can count steps for exercise. But if it is a constant thing followed by other odd activities then I would question it to not be a habit then. It seemed as if he had mental issues. It could have been from not being able to concentrate for long periods of time or just boredom. The fact that his mother knew it and did not make him feel different I thought was positive. He was embarrassed but yet felt normal. He would still walk down the halls as if he was normal and no one really mentioned it.

2. What are some tics that you have? Are they more socially acceptable than Sedaris'? Why do you think so?
I don't think I have tics, but I guess I can say I have habits. Usually when I come home from work or school I will clean. Even though my house is clean if I see one thing in the house out of place then I feel everything is out of place. So it becomes a habit to clean again. From mopping the floors, to running the vacuum across the floor even to the extreme of cleaning my bathroom walls. Cleaning takes my mind from roaming and thinking negative thoughts. I also have a habit of checking to see if my doors are locked 3-6 times a night. When my boyfriend comes through the door I will greet him but really check to make sure the door is locked. I won't believe it if he said it. Knowing that the door is locked, and seeing it with my own two eyes makes me feel some sense of security. Its a habit that I acquired while being deployed. Being mindful to our surroundings.

3. What do you think the point of this essay is?
When I first started reading this story I thought it was comical. When he was sitting talking to his teacher about visiting to speak to his mother he would hit himself with his shoe. I was in shock so at first I thought the story was to show that may of us do random things when we are suppose to focus but can not. I know I have issues sitting still at times when I'm suppose to study so I do things. When I read it's worse. My thoughts begin to wonder. So I figured maybe he was bored. He would count steps and then goes to kissing mushrooms on the ground and one point nosing car hoods. Then I started thinking maybe Sedari is Autistic. So it brought me to think that the story was about not knowing when others have issues. He didn't want to keep doing it but it was a mental fix for him. Sedaris tried very hard to not do the things he did but it was just hard for him. He didn't want to be viewed as the weird guy because of his tics and habits. So I guess I can say that it's okay to feel out of place if you write about something that comes to you.

Day 1 notes

Chapter 1 notes

Why I am in College