Blog #10 To Blog or Not To Blog

This semester I learned endless ways on how to improve my writing. I learned which words to stay away from like "society" and "very." I understand the different uses of point of views and how they effect the reader perspective on the story. First person point of view tends to give the reader a better understanding versus a third person limited where the narrator knows things, but not every single aspect. I also learned that when I am writing a research paper I need to use quotes to back up each claim I make in order to provide evidence for my claim. Writing is a long process that needs to be constantly revised. Rhetoric and Composition taught me that through peer review and Criterion, I can improve my writing. These two helpful items helped me become a better and more thorough writer. 

I am unsure if I will continue to post on my blog. However, I like how the blog is fun and creative, but I personally prefer to write in my own journal. There are many pros and cons to having an online blog. Some pros are that you can share your blog with whoever wants to look at it on the web (some people, like myself, may also view this as a con.) Another pro is that blogging lets you share comments with others; it is much more social than keeping a personal journal. While I enjoy editing my fonts, backgrounds, and pictures on my blog, I also enjoy watching my own handwriting change over the years as I continue to write in my own journal. Some people view blogging as a con because you cannot keep up with how one's style of handwriting changes.

Although I enjoy blogging, I will probably continue to write in my journal rather than post on this blog. Here are some extra pros and cons of posting on a blog.

                 Pros:                                                                                         

• Fun and creative                                                                      
• Social 
• You can comment, share pictures, include links
• You can look at other people's blogs
• fast and easy (for people technologically capable)

                 Cons:

• Not entirely private
• Can not watch hand writing change over time
• Can not use when there is a power outage, if you have a dead battery, etc. 
• Someone could possibly hack your blog 

Blog 9 "Farm Implements and Rutabagas in a Landscape"

Farm Implements and Rutabagas in a Landscape by John Ashbery

When I initially went to the link that was given to read the poem, I read the poem, but then I decided to listen to John Ashbery read it. I knew that the poem was a bit odd because it contained cartoon characters and there had to be a deeper meaning than Popeye having to leave his small and peculiar apartment.

When I heard the actual reading of the poem, it seemed to make a little more sense to me in the fact that the audience was laughing in the background. Although it was still difficult to understand the entire meaning of the poem, I think that Ashbery mixes a technical form with cartoon characters to add ironic humor to his sestina.

Ashbery also uses enjambment in his poem to create a sentence structure even though he writes a sestina. 

The repeated words in his sestina are thunder, apartment, country, pleasant, scratched, and spinach. While Ashbery follow the techniques of how to write a sestina, he incorporates many humorous lines using his “end words.”

My favorite line in the poem is “the thunder soon filled the apartment. It was domestic thunder, The color of spinach.” I liked this line the most because who would describe thunder as the color of spinach? The entire end tercet is just funny to me because of the odd way Ashbery combines all the repeating words. I find it really interesting how poets can just combine the words in the final tercet and it makes sense. Although this poem did not make complete sense to me, the end tercet made me laugh in the fact that the entire poem is all odd, funny, and poetical all at the same time.

Blog #8 Poem (Vilanelle)

Dying for Sleep

By: Nicole Zerbo

Her body is tired, mind runs elsewhere;

She restlessly lies there with open eyes

in hopes of slumber without a nightmare.

Repeating this cycle that leads to nowhere,

she tosses, turns, and stares at the ceiling;

her body is tired, mind runs elsewhere.

Becoming weary and filled with despair,

she creeps into the bed she despises

in hopes of slumber without a nightmare.

Each passing night she becomes much more aware

of insomnia’s dreadful dark demise;

her body is tired, mind runs elsewhere.

Tonight she will overcome this affair

by drinking cough syrup until she dies

in hopes of slumber without a nightmare.

Holding on to her last breath of cold air,

she feels worn out like an exhausted child;

her body is tired, mind runs elsewhere

in hopes of slumber without a nightmare.

blog 7:WAR what is it good for?

When I think of the US in the Vietnam War, the first thing that comes to my mind is our countries’ fight to prevent the spread of communism. The United States’ main reason for entering this war was because we had to send military aid to countries being invaded by the communists. A specific detail that I think of is the Truman Doctrine which states that the US needs to aid countries that could be harmed by communist influences. This led to the thousands of troops being sent to Vietnam.

The present war in Iraq and Afghanistan is similar to the war in Vietnam because the United States is invading unknown territory. Both of the United States’ enemies fight a similar style of guerilla warfare because they are more familiar of their territory which they use to their advantage. This benefits our enemies greatly because they do not have to risk losing a lot of men in one big battle such as the Civil War. The majority of the small battles include a bombing tactic. 

Blog #6

       In today's society, it is more accepted to break free of our own cultural heritage because we live in a more individualistic world. People tend to try to do what they want to do rather than abiding to what our parents want. It is much more accepted to be who you want to be which includes breaking away from cultural norms. Although it is not as easy to break free in some cultures as it is in others, it is done more frequently in society today. For example, Asian cultures tend to be more strict and attempt to hold on to their tradition and culture in order to establish themselves in society.
        Some societies try to keep people in line by imposing rules and laws. Stereotypical behaviors in which genders are supposed to play their own role are still enforced today. For example, mom cooks, dad makes the money, kids go to school. Men do not cry. Women do not make more than their husband. These are societies unwritten rules. Written rules (within the law of course) attempt to keep society in line by imposing consequences so that rules are followed.
        Some people break free by breaking the law. Some people feel the need to rebel against society because they believe in doing what they want regardless of the consequences. Breaking free from cultural heritage on the other hand is easier than breaking free from societies rules. Breaking free from cultural heritage is someone's choice. They break free because they feel the way they want to live their life is different than how their parents/cultures see fit for them. For example, some people decide to assimilate to a new culture by not carrying on their native languages or traditions.
        Disregarding societal's norms is frowned upon in society, but my generation tends to be much more open than the "baby boomer" generation. Generation Y (1980-2000) is more accepting with race, religion, sexual orientation, culture, etc. Disregarding societal norms is not illegal so technically there are no real dangers, but one may be treated differently or unfairly based on their beliefs and actions.
        Benefits of disregarding societal norms are being able to be your own person regardless of the dominant culture. Another benefit would be that one would not feel that they were constantly living to please other people because of their societal norms.

Blog #5 "The Love of My Life"

Nicole Zerbo
October 8, 2012

Yes, China and Jeremy are condemned by their peers because what they did was terrible. My response is the same as their peers, if not worse. I have taken a forensics class my senior year in high school and learned about Jeffrey Dahmer; what Dahmer did was disgusting. He killed men and he thought that he could turn them into sex zombies by drilling holes into their skulls and injecting them with some type of acid. Any type of murder is bad. Boyle persuaded me in to thinking that such an event could never be possible. Being completely and utterly puzzled, I had no idea how Jeremy ended up dumping his own flesh and blood in a dumpster. Boyle's use of cacophonies, diction, and imagery in his story made me realize how disturbed I was with the each main character. I do not understand how Jeremy could willingly dump his own baby in a dumpster, nor how China could tell him to "get rid of it." The dialogue in this short story made me yearn for a psychologically correct explanation on how a woman who claims she is an adult can carry a baby in her stomach for 9 months and then have her boyfriend throw it in the dumpster after giving birth. I would like to understand the aspects of such behavior and how one could go about doing something so terrible. While it is difficult for me to understand how someone could dump a new born in a dumpster, I do not believe that there is an explanation for murder. If China did not want the baby she could have given it up for adoption. It is not like she got an abortion when she knew she was pregnant; she had sex, got pregnant, gave birth, and abruptly ended her own child's life when another adult could have been able to nurture that child.

Peer Review

October 1, 2012

Reading my peer's essays made me understand other people's views of alcohol on campus. Peer review not only helps me develop my paper further by having another person read my work, but it helps me grasp new ideas. Since my peers are doing the same project we can discuss our papers together rather than having an outsider (roommate, friend, etc.) read my paper.
Criterion was also another helpful factor while writing my paper; it evaluates small things in my paper so my peers do not have to waste their time in doing so. Criterion pointed out a lot of repeated words, punctuation issues, etc. Although I submitted my paper to Criterion twice before peer review, I still had to make corrections. I enjoy peer review because you get personal feedback from a classmate who is researching the same topic that you are, therefore they have a similar mind set as you do.

Drinking Within Certain Cultures

9-24-12

*Can serious drinking be part of one's cultural heritage?*

The first thought that would typically come to a person’s mind while being asked this question is Irish people. Everyone knows that people with Irish descent are known for heavy drinking just as Italians are known for their food. On the other hand, a typical Italian family sits down for dinner and consumes a glass of wine or two, but that is the way that they are to be brought up. Italians start drinking at a younger age, but not for partying; they drink to relax at dinner, not to purposely overly consume multiple drinks to get drunk. Many cultures have different rules and drinking ages for many different reasons. Although Europe’s drinking age is 16, the law is not highly as enforced as it is in the United States. By being able to drink at a young age, you understand the responsibilities and you become more mature in a drinking setting and you are less prone to wanting to drink to get drunk.

FREE WRITE: "If she had as much talent as she has temper, she would be famous now." - Amy Tan from "Two Kinds"

Nicole Zerbo                     

September 17, 2012

Free Write For “Two Kinds” by Amy Tan

            I choose to do my free write on the excerpt “Two Kinds” from The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan because I have read The Joy Luck Club before and thoroughly enjoyed the novel.  All of the stories in this novel are about mother and daughter’s confrontations and perspectives about growing up and being raised in certain cultures. Many of the mothers in this novel push their daughters to become something that they are not or do not want to be: award winning chess players, a high seat at the Mahjong table, to become more associated with their family/culture, or in this case, a child prodigy. There is one main recurring theme throughout this book which is a mother having power of their child’s unwanted destiny.

            Furthermore, in the story “Two Kinds,” Jing Mei talks about how her mother quizzically interrogates her because she wants her to be a child prodigy. Jing Mei could not take any more of her mother’s frustrating quizzes and disappointing gestures so she stopped trying all together. Sometimes when people see disappointment, it motivates them to work harder, but not Jing Mei. The story goes on to tell the reader that Jing Mei’s mother watches a child pianist on TV; she then criticizes Jing Mei saying, “Not the best, Because you not trying” (Line 34). I enjoy reading The Joy Luck Club for many reasons, but the main reasons are because every story told contains emotions and life lessons in the end with accompanying emotional themes of story-telling.

            Not to be a spoiler, but Tan titles the story “Two Kinds” for a reason. Mid way into the story, the reader soon finds out that Jing Mei’s mother only wants one kind of girl living in her house; an obedient one. She states that there are two kinds of girls, “Those who are obedient and those who live by their own mind!” (Lines 71-72)

            I enjoy the humor the most in “Two Kinds.” An example is on lines 25-28, “In spite of these warning signs, I wasn’t worried. Our family had no piano and we couldn’t afford to buy one, let alone reams of sheet music and piano lessons.” I laughed while reading these quotes, but I found it even funnier when Tan explains that Jing Mei’s mother signs her up for piano lessons from a retired piano teacher (who of course is ironically deaf.) The lessons were of course free, “traded with house cleaning services for weekly lessons and piano practice. . .”(Line 30).  Jing Mei decides to rebel against her mother and takes the easy way out which I find interestingly humorous, especially when entered in the recital since Jing Mei fakes her notes and keys throughout her piano lessons. Sometimes I really did think that Jing Mei would end up doing fairly well in the recital because she is smart enough to follow the tone and “the simple scale, the simple chord” (Line 40). Tan writes “So maybe I never really gave myself a fair chance. I did pick up the basics pretty quickly and I might have become a good pianist at that young age. But I was so determined not to try” (Lines 31-32).

            After the “humorous” part of the parable, emotions begin to run wild; the mother’s disappointment in Jing Mei for not trying hard enough (if at all), Jing Mei’s terrible wish about being “dead like them,” and finally, her mother’s death. Towards the end of the story Jing Mei has an epiphany and realizes that the two songs from the song book are two halves of one whole song; “pleading child” and “perfectly contented” symbolize Jing Mei’s characteristics from the story while they are also the songs from her piano book, oh the irony. These stories are broken down into daughters and mother's perspectives. After reading "I Stand Here Ironing" by Ira Sher, I wished that Sher had another short story possibly from Emily or even Susan's perspective. 

Dear Emily's Mother

*September 16, 2012*

Dear Emily’s Mother,

            A conference is much needed because Emily sincerely needs to understand that she is loved. Sometimes she explains that she pushes you away or does not want to be held by you, but she still needs you. She deeply wants to be loved, however, it is understood that you were only 19 when you gave birth to Emily. Emily had been born into a rough life with war going on, the struggles of not having enough money, and not having a father figure around. You may think that Emily does not need help and that she can do things on her own, but she needs your guidance. No, you should not and will not do everything for her, but perhaps you should help her find her way in life. It is obvious that there is a world that Emily is living beyond you, but your guidance is key.

            Emily’s life (as well as your own) has been a roller coaster of unfortunate events. She was drastically sick at one point, and yes, it was okay for her to be sent away, you had to care for the baby; if Susan got sick she very well could have died; you were being a mother, you did the right thing. When Emily got better, she was forced to grow up and mature fast to be able to help you take care of her siblings. Of course there was not a father figure in the household, thus Emily plays the role of another mother for the children. You must help Emily relate to yourself; she quickly grew as well as you did at 19 years old.

            You are the entire reason why Emily has made something of herself; you are the one who led her to join the school’s ammeter show which she loves.  She finally became something of herself! You ignited a fire in her heart where she has a growing passion for acting. The next fire to be ignited is for you; a mother and daughter bond is inseparable. She needs you, your advice, and a mother. Yes, she will eventually find her way, but you must be her guide.

            Emily needs to understand that her life is precious and if you come in for a conference you will understand how to do this. She needs to feel loved and wanted. There will be less nights of where she did not want you to hold her if you believe in her and love her unconditionally. You need to understand that she has had a harsh life and that she has a bit of existentialist views in her mind; she says “in a couple of years when we’ll all be atom-dead they (midterms) won’t matter a bit.” (Lines 50-51)  Yes, it is a reasonable way of thinking, but you need to help her understand how meaningful her life can be. “She is more than this dress on the ironing board.” (Lines 70-71)You have many acknowledgeable excuses; you are a single, poor, sleepless, distracted parent, but you still have your wisdom. It is never too late for a mother’s care, love, or wisdom. 

The Man In The Well By Ira Sher

September 12, 2012

The short story called “The Man in the Well” by Ira Sher was definitely eye catching. It was an easy read because it was so absurdly interesting to me. Here are my ranked statements from most accurately expressed statements to least most accurately statements:

1. Within groups, people may engage in conduct that is wilder, stranger, or more uncivilized than their usual behavior when alone.
2.    Even in their later years, people may have trouble forgiving themselves for bad things they did when they were young.
3.   When dealing with an adult, even a helpless one, children may have in their minds images of parental authority that affect how they treat a person.
4. Children may have difficultly sharing the perspective of another person.
5.   People need to see one another’s faces if they are to trust one another.
6.   Children may fail to understand when an adult is in danger.
7.    Children are capable of conspiring with one another against the adult world.
8.       The psychological reality of children and adults is a deep well within themselves that they cannot see into.
9.  We should be more compassionate toward people who are trapped.
10.  People project their fears or suspicions onto others, even those who do not actually pose a threat to them.

“Within groups, people may engage in conduct that is wilder, stranger, or more uncivilized than their usual behavior when alone;” this initially caught my eye because I believe that is expresses Sher’s theme perfectly. For example, say one little girl was walking through an open field and heard a man yelping for help. This little girl would most likely go find a more authoritative figure to aid to this man. I am only saying this because I do not know many children/people who would walk by a person in need of help and not actually do anything about it. Right now I am currently enrolled in Introduction to Psychology and one of the worksheets my professor handed out was titled “A Survey of Psychological Beliefs.” One of the beliefs was that “if you need help from a bystander, you are more likely to receive it if only a few people are nearby.” This quote was a proven study which helps explicate this statement even further.

Next, I ranked “even in their later years, people may have trouble forgiving themselves for bad things they did when they were young” number two because that is just simply how humans live. No one lives without any regrets and if they do then they’re lying. The last short paragraph in “The Man in the Well” is a perfect example of this statement. “After that we didn’t play by the well anymore; even when we were much older, we didn’t go back. I will never go back.” (Lines 62-65) This quote signifies that the persona of who is telling the story felt troubled about what had happened is his past.

“When dealing with an adult, even a helpless one, children may have in their minds images of parental authority that affect how they treat a person” is ranked number three because some children may not want to help adults because of their home life.  Some parents may be abusive and violent in their homes which would make such children more skeptical about other adults. Perhaps many parents have scarred their children which would then make the impression that all parents act like their own.  Mentioned in the story, the persona’s parents are mentioned every once in a while; the mother always seems to be crying when the persona mentions her on the night that it rained. Do the mother’s tears symbolize a deeper meaning within the thesis?

“Children may have difficulties sharing the perspective of another person” is ranked number four on my list because in all simplicity, kids are kids. Depending on how old they are, they don’t even know how to think about themselves unless they’re hungry, tired, or have to use the bathroom. Children simply don’t have the mature mind-set that older people have because they most likely haven’t experienced life changes yet. Although, yes, Sher does explain through the narrator that he/she “watched the shudder move from face to face,” (lines 42-43) but this does not justify understanding a perspective of someone.

The statement, “people need to see one another’s faces if they are to trust one another” is in the middle of the ranking because, although it is considered “judging a book by its cover,” people tend to believe the mentality of “seeing is believing.” (Blind people are an exception to my chosen statement #5.) I would say that children are more likely to tryst someone by seeing their face, not from looking down a pitch black well. The children in the story want to know what the man’s characteristics are and what his name is so they can most likely be able to trust him. Who trusts someone when they can’t see them and when they won’t tell what their name is anyway?

“Children may fail to understand when an adult is in danger” is an obvious statement. Kids typically think that mommy and daddy are super heroes and that they’re never in trouble. The children in “The Man in the Well” let this helpless man die in a well, never once seeking any type of help for him because they must not understand that this adult is in crucial danger.

The statement “the psychological reality of children and adults is a deep well within themselves that they cannot see into” is voted toward the end because I think parents know the psychological reality about themselves, it is the kids who do not. This statement is just not the best thesis statement to explain Sher’s story.

 The statement “we should be more compassionate toward people who are trapped” is towards the end of accurate thesis statements solely because of the word “trapped.” I was unsure of how trapped was being used in the context. If trapped was taken literally, as if being trapped in a well or if the word trapped had a deeper symbolic meaning.

Finally, the statement that is least accurately expressing the main idea of “The Man in the Well” is “people project their fears or suspicions onto others, even those who do not actually pose a threat to them.” This statement honestly just confused me which is why I ranked it last. At first I thought I understood it, so I ranked it right in the middle at number five, but after revising my paper I grew confused of the statement’s context and had to make an adjustment. Thus, this statement is last because I feel it does not relate to the previously read short story.

Pick 2: good grades, a social life, or enough sleep

This Year: 

September 10, 2012

This semester is overwhelming already honestly. I already have a lot of reading to do. Sometimes I wish that I could just live on campus and not go to class.. but what would come out of that? My classes seem pretty easy, but that is because they are the basic classes which I need to fulfil for my freshmen year. 

 My hardest class is Intro To Psych.  It is going to be a lot of reading, memorization, and studying. I am really nervous for this class, but I think I can handle it. I am very interested in psychology.  There are over 100 people in the class.. that's something I don't really like too much. I like my classes so far; the teachers seem pretty cool, although I find it extremely hard to understand my BASK Math teacher since he is from Kenya. -_- Plus, I have a hard time paying attention to math since it's so boring. 

Everyone is actually really nice at Stockton. I hope to get good grades and have a lot of fun too. Everyone says when you go to college you have to pick 2 out of 3 things: good grades, a social life, and enough sleep. I want to pick all three this year. We'll see how it goes.