Fifth Assignment

Emma Lazarus' words are both beautiful and moving. I don't have a specific or favorite piece of writing that truly moves me. However, I got to thinking about what moves and inspires me. It may sound a little cheesey, but the National Anthem get me everytime. I find it incredibly moving, touching, inspiring and sentimental. A lot of songs and poems are inspiring to me.

...but I absolutely love this quote:

"Forgive and forget. That’s what they say. It’s good advice, but it’s not very practical. When someone hurts us, we want to hurt them back. When someone wrongs us, we want to be right. Without forgiveness, old scores are never settled… old wounds never heal. And the most we can hope for, is that one day we’ll be lucky enough to forget." -Grey's Anatomy.

Oct. 21 Breast Cancer Walk

Last weekend I participated in The American Heart Association Breast Cancer Walk in Pt. Pleasant, on Sunday, October 21, along with my family. My Dad's sister, my Mom's sister, and my neighbor's mother were diagnosed with Breast Cancer, so the walk had a heartfelt personal meaning to us all. There was 19 of us and we were called the "Pizza Night Girls," (beacuse for as long as I can remember, every Friday night, my entire family would go to my aunt's and she would make pizza.) So, the Friday prior to the walk, we went to my aunt's house and she had a pizza night "pep-rally" to get us excited and motivated. They went to extremes; my aunt put pink food coloring in the cheese in order for the pizza to be pink, and the dough for the garlic knots was dyed pink and tied into the shape of a ribbon. My other aunt had visors made reading our team name. When we arrived to the Walk, there was a sea of women dressed in pink clothing. The Association gave out t-shirt's and banner-ribbons that read, "SURVIVOR," to the survivors'. They had a half hour warm up session just before the walk started, and then we began the 5mile walk. As we walked the boardwalk, we couldn't have asked for a more beautiful day. All in all, the experience was one I will remember. We made a difference in the fight against Breast Cancer, and I spent some quality time with people I care about.

Fourth Assignment

I find that in today's day in age, topic of conversation is particularly difficult. There is always a lingering uncertainty of opinions, and standpoints, especially on the subject of politics. For example, in my family, there is a huge division of political views. Many of us including my parents, grandmother, aunts, uncles and cousins are all segragated into groups of political likeness. On occasion, we have gotten into some heated arguments and disagreements about the Iraq war, President Bush, 9/11, the handling of Hurricane Katrina, etc. We can brush it off, and respect eachother's right to their own opinion, but as narrrow-minded as it may sound, it can be tough for one to view another in the same light, once opinions have been voiced and stands have been taken on a "hot" or "controversial" issue. However, I do not have a problem making conversation with my friends because such subjects never come into effect. Our discussions usually consists of who did what to who, or who said what about another, and so on. There are times when we are struggling to make conversation.

BONUS ASSIGNMENT

To be honest, I'm not 100% sure if the government should warn or advise American citizens living around the volcanic Yellowstone area. In some ways, of course, the government has an obligation to protect and warn the American people of the potential danger. However, in today's day in age, scientific technology can aid tremendously. I suppose warning the population surrounding the area would be the right precaution of "better safe than sorry," but wouldn't that cause some chaos and panic? We can't stop the inevitable.

Second Assignment: The English Language

America is known as a "melting pot," made up of many different cultures and languages.
The English language has existed for centuries, and is by no means "dying out."
In my opinion, English should be the main or national language of the U.S. This country was founded by the English, and the idea of American English being non-existant is unfathomable. There is no doubt in my mind that the English language will undergo its changes, but it is and always will be the main language of the United States.

First Assignment.

It is much easier to write in form of email, text messaging, and instant messaging because it is a relaxed and stress free task. When writing a 500 word paper for a class, students feel an incredible amount of pressure and stress, and do not know where to begin. However, in email's, texting, and instant mesaging, people can "vent" and writing comes much quicker. When we write formally, we must use correct grammar, punctuation and complete sentences.

In today's world, many of us are computer "savvy," and it is difficult to transcend from computer "lingo" to formal writing. Consequently, technology has made our lives ridiculously convenient. In addition, the use of emailing, text messaging, and instant messaging provides for a free-flowing of thinking.

In closing, I do not believe that this form of writing is acceptable on a perfessional or educational basis.