Final Project
4-28-06
AbiBlogFinalProject
Proposal for Final Project
4-7-06
For my final project, I would like to elaborate on my first paper of the semester that defined discrimination. I will restate my definition of discrimination, evaluate it, give causes as to why people discriminate and what discrimination itself causes, and then propose my solution to the problem. First of all, discrimination is the act of singling out a group of people because of race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, or the like, and then acting in such a way that would degrade that certain group. Of course I evaluate the act of discrimination as bad (excuse the preliminary use of a trite word). Certain causes of discrimination could be the way one was brought up, personal experiences, and yes, even the government and laws. Discrimination causes hate, violence, degradation, loss of self-esteem (to the victim), among other negative outcomes. I would mostly like to focus on the discrimination of white people in this country; maybe even more specifically white males; and possibly even more specifically white, heterosexual males. This may all sound very Nazi-esq, but I will try to demonstrate how I believe all of this is apparent in today’s society. White people as a whole are made to feel guilty about their heritage because we stole the Indians’ land and enslaved black people. We are told that, as a whole, we need to celebrate the blacks for their overcoming, the Indians for their submissive attitude, and the Mexicans for their escaping a hard life in Mexico. We are told to forget about the great white inventors of the past, the great white heroes that founded this nation, and the trials that white people themselves had to overcome in order to build a country where they are forgotten about. There is black history month, women’s history month, Hispanic heritage month, and so on. There is Affirmative Action that all but guarantees minorities into the college of their choice, and other laws that require quotas to be filled of minorities in the work place. While I think those laws and celebrated months all had their purpose long ago, I feel now that the average fourth grade white boy should be aloud to learn why his forefathers were so great. As a white girl, I am told that I am not fully American (because no one but the Indians truly are), not fully German, not fully Irish, or fully English. I am made to feel guilty that my race wiped out the Indians and enslaved the blacks. I do not by any means feel as though whites are a superior race, just one that deserves recognition for the accomplishments it has made in this country.
Moncur, Michael. "Prejudice." QuotationsPage.com <http://www.quotationspage.com/subjects/prejudice> 5 February 2006.
"Top Web Results for 'discrimination.'" Dictionary.com <http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=discrimination> 5 February 2006.
"Discrimination." Wikipedia; The Free Encyclopedia. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Discrimination> 5 February 2006.
Mish, Frederick C. Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary. 10th ed. Springfield, Massachusetts: Merriam-Webster, Incorporated, 1997.
McCutcheon, Marc. Roget's Super Thesaurus. 3rd ed. Cincinnati, Ohio: Writer's Digest Books, 2003.
"Discrimination." Oxford English Dictionary. 2nd ed. <http://dictionary.oed.com/cgi/entry/50065555?single=1query_type=word&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;queryword=discrimination&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;first=1&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;max_to_show=10> 5 February 2006.
Proposal Paper
4-3-06
AbiBlogProposal
Today
4-3-06
Well, I didn't get as much sleep as I would have liked last night. I didn't really do much yesterday, but I was so tired at the end of it. I got up early to go to church, came back, ate, went to the gym, messed around for a while, went swimming, and then went straight to bed. I have my alarm set for 9:00, but I usually wake up about an hour before it; not this morning: this morning not only did my alarm wake me up, but I actually considered snoozing it (which I never do). I didn't snooze it, however, and here I am: up and ready for another day. I have class from 11:15-5:30 today and then I have to finish up the proposal paper. It's finished for the most part, I just need to do a little polishing. And then, sticking to my rigid schedule, I'll have to go to the gym sometime, and then sleep...which is what I'm really looking forward to. :)
My birthday
4-2-06
My birthday is coming up soon. In fact, it's on Good Friday. Being that we don't get any days off for Easter and I live 9 hours away (one direction), my parents are coming here. I think they see it as killing two birds with one stone. Anyway, I'm going to miss being home for my birthday. My little cousin's birthday is this Tuesday and she'll be 10. For the past 10 years we've celebrated our birthdays together. I've always really enjoyed that about our relationship. A couple weeks ago when I was home for spring break, she said, "Abi, you're not gonna be home for our birthdays are you?" with her beautiful, big, blue eyes. She was about on the verge of tears. I had to tell her no and that it made me really sad too. She's getting to the point that she understands why, but it doesn't make it any easier to tell her no.
Admitting I have a problem
3-30-06
I know most of you probably have the same problem, and the first step to curing it (or at least enjoying it) is admitting you have it... it's the Facebook problem. Yes, we all have those marvelous profiles that we love so much updating and adding groups that somehow say something about us. Facebook is a great novelty that has made for some awkward situations in elevators, but has also worked to bring us as a campus much closer. I admit it, I check Facebook about as often as I check my email. It's just habbit, and I love it.
Ben Folds
3-29-06
I've recently developed a deep love for Ben Folds. My roommate listens to him a lot and I never really paid much attention, but I decided to download some from Napster and have decided I really like him. My favorite song would have to be "The Luckiest." It's about a guy that's in love with a girl and how lucky he is to have her. It's a very good song. Another favorite is "Brick." I'm not quite sure why I like it. The song is about when he was 16 he and his girlfriend were forced to get an abortion. It's a very sad song. But anyway, Napster is free, so take advantage of that and download some Ben Folds (and/or Ben Folds Five).
Working out
3-28-06
I just got into the habbit of working out every day again. I bought a gym pass at the beginning of the year and went sparatically first semester. When I came back from spring break, I was set on going every day - no excuses. It worked for about 3 weeks...then stuff came up, papers started being due, homework in other classes started to pile up and I sacrificed the gym for an extra couple hours of study time. Well, I've learned how to rebalance my schedule and I'm back into the routine. Working out feels so good. You feel better about yourself, you're more energized during the day, and you sleep better at night. I really enjoy it.
A Modest Proposal
3-27-06
This is quite possibly my favorite writing. I read it a few years ago in school and since have referred to it time and again in many papers I have written. In fact, I planned on using some of its points in my proposal paper. I loved the way he used humor and sarcasm to get his point across. I think for the time and the situation, humor was a good tactic. It may not always be apropriate, but at times it certainly helps.
Proposal Proposal
3-22-06
I know this is a topic that has not been addressed in the media as of late, but it is still urgent, nonetheless. I want to propose a complete ban on embryonic stem cell research. This ban would prevent the creation of innocent human lives for the purpose of harvesting their stem cells. With the ban on this creation of embryos, more money could be allocated for further adult, umbilical cord, and placenta stem cell research. By banning the creations of embryos for the sole purpose of terminating their existence, we could rid science of a difficult moral question and provide hope for finding cures to many terrible diseases through the funding of other types of stem cell research {??}. I will use information from different scientific sources, news articles, and even works of philosophy as this is not only an issue of scientific matter, but also one of existentialism – dealing with questions of morals concerning life and death. I will use news articles and political works because the topic of stem cell research is one that deals with the public’s view of the problem and what legislators will do with tax payers’ money. I will try to steer clear of using religious material, as it is usually seen as a very bias and invalid argument.
A few comments: first, you'll need to be clear on the current state of stem cell research. My sense is that it's more restricted here in the US than other places. But is that true? Second, why is it a problem? Or more precisely what is the problem? In part, you suggest the problem is that science and ethics clash, but is that so unusual (and how has that been resolved in the past as a follow-up question!)? You mention existentialism; I'm intrigued--will it help you to spell out the problem in a novel way? Maybe. Finally, you say that you'll stay away from religious rhetoric. I understand the concern; though, one reason why there are more restrictions on stem cell is this country's religious focus. I just learned that roughly 76% of Americans are Christian. But that means Christian rhetoric is a powerful tool. So, don't necessarily shy away. Instead it might be helpful to figure out why some "religious" people still support embryonic research and don't see the problem you do. That will 1) help you define the problem and your solution more distinctly and 2) give you a narrower audience. TheKemBlog
This week
3-21-06
This week has been a killer for me. I had an exam in EDPSY on Monday, I had a 10 page philosophy paper (our exam) due today, I had another exam today in Earth 002, and I have another exam on Friday in LARCH! I really don't have time to be blogging...I need to be getting some other work done for other classes...ugh
Communist Manifesto
3-20-06
I don't think Communism is bad... ideally. It puts everyone on the same playing field and forces people to be kind toward one another out of necessity. We do not, however, live in an ideal world. Communism could never exist in the United States because that would just fuel the black market and the rich would still keep getting richer. Looking back at the Bible at Acts chapter 11, it describes the early church. This church had one big "bank account" that anyone within the church that had need could just draw from. Everyone helped everyone else and money wasn't the main focus of life. We don't have the heart for that kind of living here in the United States today.
Philly...con't
3-19-06
Well, I made it back from Philly in one piece. :) My friend actually lives in Doylestown (which is so adorably cute!!), so we went into Philly on Friday and walked down South Street and got me a cheesesteak at Pat's. Gino's looks less shady, but I'm told the cheesesteaks aren't as good. Well, I just got back and need to unpack.
KOP
3-18-06
I went to King of Prussia today!!! How cool is that mall!? It's super big and sooooo exhausting to even walk through. It's only a half hour away from my friend's house, so that's pretty neat too. I had a good time and I just wish I had more money... and that I lived closer to it. :)
Philly
3-14-06
I just found out that I'm going to Philly this weekend. I'm pretty excited. The girl that went home with me for spring break wants me to go home with her this weekend. Her sister is coming here tomorrow and then we'll leave Thursday as soon as I'm done with work (that means I won't be in class on Friday). I'm pretty excited - that will be the farthest east I've ever been...and... I've never had a cheesesteak. I'm pretty excited about that too. :)
Spring Break
3-13-06
So, spring break wasn't much of a break for me. I have a huge family and a small town, so the excitement of the month was that I was coming home - and on top of that, I brought my best friend home with me. Needless to say I was busy seeing everyone and stuff like that. It wasn't too enjoyable and I'm very glad to be back.
AbiBlogCausalPaper
Proposal for Causal Paper
3-1-06
Many things in life are inevitable for many reasons. Death is inevitable because of life, pain is inevitable because of nerve endings, and war is inevitable because where there is more than one person there is always possibility of disagreements. I propose having fun in Happy Valley is also inevitable because of many things. It does not matter who you are, what your background may be, what you are interested, there is something for you here. In this amazing community, it is certain that there is at least one other person here with some of your same interests; whether they be playing “Dungeons and Dragons” or just chilling in the dorms watching movies. There are clubs; academic, extra-curricular, and night. We have all the sports imaginable, if you are interested in that sort of thing; if not, there are always the DDR groupies that hang out in the commons on Thursday nights. From the person who likes to go out and party on the weekends getting drunk with his (or her) friends, to the person who wants to be ultra involved in church activities, there is plenty of opportunity for both – and all of those in between. I am going to propose that because there are so many possibilities for fun here, no matter who you are you are bound to have a good time here in Happy Valley.
A quick note: inevitable means unavoidable. So, you're proposing to argue that since there's so much to do in HV, that everyone will have fun. Some important qualifications you might want to consider: not everyone has fun all the time, and perhaps, rarely someone is incapable of having fun. TheKemBlog
Rwanda and Darfur
2-27-06
The common link I see between these two countries (besides civil war) is the fact that discrimination runs rampid. In Rwanda, the article even stated that there is no physical difference between the Tutsis and the Hutus. In Darfur there is a difference (one group being Arab, the other black). When discrimination starts being the way of life in countries, war breaks out. It may seem like a simple enough statement, but it's so very true. All of the wars that have broken out have been because one group of people made a distinction from another group and one decided they were superior. Another link I see is the lack of education. When education is lacking from a country, peace really does suffer.
Evaluation Paper
2-24-06
AbiBlogEvaluation
My America
2-22-06
He's completely correct. The equality in America, or the strive thereof, is what makes this such an amazing country. We love the familiarity we have with eachother, we know we're a melting pot, and we know we're all in this together. I love it that I can challenge whomever I want if I don't agree with them without the risk of being shut up because I'm young. I think he is wrong however, when he said that people aren't concerned with his credentails. I find it, quite often, media attacking certain colleges (mostly in politics) because they don't measure up to others. And it is true, despite what Andrew Sullivan says, that people in power are concerned with who someone's family is. It is true, most of the time, that if your father worked somewhere or if your mother knows someone in a certain profession, you're more likely to get the job than some random person. We do have a certain friendliness with our neighbors, but we aren't completely on a flat playing field yet.
The Starting Line
2-21-06
I went to the Starting Line concert last night at the Crowbar. What an amazing concert! I've gone to concerts there before, but none have ever been as packed as this one was. It was hot, sweaty, and I was exhausted after 5 hours of hearing bands that I didn't really care about, but when Starting Line got on stage all that frustration was gone. I went with my boyfriend and a couple guys on his floor, then his brother showed up with one of his friends, so we had a huge group. It was such a good time. Everyone was moshing and my boyfriend even got to crowd surf. He was so excited. We got back around 1:00 last night and I immediately took a shower and went to bed. I got such a good night's sleep after that. This Sunday is the Hawthorne Heights' concert at the Crowbar. I have a feeling this one will be much more crazy. I can't wait!
What a weekend!
2-19-06
I've had quite the weekend! Friday night my boyfriend decided he wanted to teach me to ski. I'm from Ohio and we have no mountians whatsoever. My part of Ohio is the flatest place in the world, I'm convinced. Well, we went to Tussy. Now, I know to most of you, that's a very whimpy mountain, but to me, it's HUGE. I was doing really well on the bunny slope (please note that this is the first time I've ever had skis on my feet) so Kyle thought he'd take me to the bigger slope. Well, to make a long story short, I got freaked out and had to walk down. In all, it was a very interesting night and I'm glad to be alive.
And then there's Saturday. My best friend from home called me and asked me what I'm doing this summer. I told her that I'm going to be working at Sauder's. Then she told me that I'm invited. Invited to what? Her WEDDING. She and her boyfriend have been dating for two years and have been discussing marriage, so it shouldn't come as much of a shock, but I feel like we're so young yet. It's so strange. Life changes I guess... just have to deal with it.
PSU dominates IU
2-16-06
Oh, yes, I did indeed go to the game. For those of you who didn't go, you really missed a good one. I'm from the Ohio/Indiana boarder, so I have a lot of friends that are big IU fans. It was so good to see PSU beat yet another basketball power house. I mean, yes, IU's coach Mike Davis isn't any sort of comparison to Bob Knight, but that doesn't change the talent of IU's players. My mom had the game on at home in Ohio and she got to see me on TV, which was pretty cool. Appreantly I was on national television twice, which is really sweet. My grandpa got to see me too. If I didn't live almost 500 miles away and didn't get to only see my family a couple times a year, it probably wouldn't have been as big of a deal. Oh, and I did the "Sing for your dinner" at one of the time outs. I won everyone in my row $10 to Damon's. That was especially cool because I was sitting beside my brother and best friend, so we're all going to be going together. In all, it was a very, very fun night.
Proposal for Evaluation Paper
2-14-06
Most of us have been involved in sports growing up, whether it was club soccer at the local YMCA, basketball in junior high, cheerleading or football in high school. We pretty much all know what it feels like to be part of a team. We could have been on those teams for different reasons: our parents pushed us to be involved, all our friends were doing it, we needed a little more exercise, or we just plain enjoyed it. Some children start with sports as early as age four, while some don’t feel the need to get involved until junior high or high school. Whatever the reason, I am going to argue that a kid in sports is a good thing. It teaches leadership, responsibility, and teamwork, while promoting good health habits. I am going to use facts and figures that support this theory from different sources about kids in sports and also personal experience. Opponents would argue that excessive parent involvement in their child’s sport is a bad thing, or that a parent pushing his (or her) child to be involved can lead to the child developing a complex. I will argue that the benefits outweigh the objections and children should start getting involved in sports as early as possible. I will also endorse children being involved in other extra curriculars, such as piano lessons, the school band, or even debate team. The theory is the same – kids getting involved in co-curricular activities have a much better school experience and much more confidence.
Okay. I've bolded the thesis and italicized the reasons. One question I have that you should consider: why would someone oppose the notion that childhood sports are a good thing, or even as you seem to hint at the end that any type of extra-curricular activity is good? I wonder if it's not better than other options that children might pursue. I suppose it's better than playing video games, for example. But is it better than video games for all things? These are just a few thoughts. You'll want to clearly state the criteria/standards according to which something is good for children. TheKemBlog
http://www.momsteam.com/welcome.shtml
http://www.usnews.com/usnews/culture/articles/040607/7sports.htm
http://www.newmarketpress.com/title.asp?id=572
http://www.usc.edu/ext-relations/gnc/where_your_money_goes/profiles/kidsinsports.html
http://life.familyeducation.com/sports/elementary-school/33591.html
http://www.gssiweb.com/reflib/refs/666/parentrecommendations.cfm?pid=63&CFID=3231653&CFTOKEN=18559742
"The Declaration of Independence" (1776)"
2-14-06
Of course this document was effective or we wouldn't be where we are today, in regards to the nation. I think what makes the Declaration of Independence so effective is the warrants it contains. It isn't a list of complaints that could be interpreted to be acceptable, it's a list of reasons as to why the king's government was a tyranny. These reasons can't be argued with, which is the main reason we couldn't be denied our separation from the king. He knew he was in the wrong, and while he hated to let us go (as proven with war), he ultimately had to.
Definition Paper
2-13-06
AbiBlogDefinition
Exams
2-8-06
Tomorrow starts my long line of exams. I have my EARTH exam tomorrow at 1:00, then I have to work from 3-8. Friday, I have my LARCH and EDPSY exams, Monday I have my COMM exam, and Tuesday my 8 page paper for Philosophy is due. My brother also wants me to go to the basketball game on Saturday afternoon, so I won't be able to study then. Next week at this time I will be stress free, which is a pretty exciting thought.
Tickets
2-7-06
Tickets for two concerts I'm going to just went on sale. The first concert is February 20th at the Crowbar and that is for Starting Line. The second concert is February 26th at the Crowbar for Hawthorne Heights. I like the Starting Line, but I'm not super crazy for them. My boyfriend really likes them, so I figured I could through down $15 and make him happy. I'm super stoked for the Hawthorne Heights concert though. They're from Dayton, Ohio, which is less than two hours away from where I live. They have a song, "Ohio is for Lovers," that I think is awesome. I think I mainly think it's awesome because they say Ohio in it. While Ohio is a significant state politically, we aren't really known for much more. North Carolina likes to take credit for being the "first in flight" when they really shouldn't because the Wright brothers are from Ohio. There isn't really a whole lot in Ohio for which to get excited. It's a very flat state that has a lot of farms. But anyway, Hawthorne Heights is from my area, and they're coming too the Crowbar. If you haven't gotten tickets yet, I suggest you get on that. I am holding ticket #2; my boyfriend has ticket #1. Oh yeah, Anberlin will be there too. They're pretty fun. It'll be a good time.
Comments
2-6-06
I commented on ChoppersBlog.
Proposal for Definition Paper (Discrimination)
2-5-06
“There are, in every age, new errors to be rectified and new prejudices to be opposed.” Samuel Johnson said it best when speaking of the changes that happen in discrimination. We may be well past the age of separate schools and bathrooms based on race, but are we really past discrimination? We are into the time when no college student ever had to face segregation, yet scholarships are given and acceptance letters are received based not completely on personal merit, but the color of skin. This kind of prejudice still exists today in sort of a hidden way. Affirmative Action is one of the biggest ways in which discrimination is brought against white people. Is this the only form of discrimination today? Absolutely not: wikipedia.org cites religion, age, gender, and sexual orientation as “reasons” to discriminate. More and more we see Arabs being feared or hated and Christians and Christian views and morals being hushed. Races, creeds, and denominations that were discriminated against fifty years ago are not the same races or groups that are being discriminated against today, and it seems to just get pushed aside or regarded as shutting up “closed-minded” people. Personal experiences with religions and skin colors different from my own have taught me to respect people of all different backgrounds. Personal experience has also taught me that everyone is not willing to listen to what someone has to say just because of the way he looks or what his political views might be.
Moncur, Michael. "Prejudice." QuotationsPage.com <http://www.quotationspage.com/subjects/prejudice> 5 February 2006.
"Top Web Results for 'discrimination.'" Dictionary.com <http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=discrimination> 5 February 2006.
"Discrimination." Wikipedia; The Free Encyclopedia. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Discrimination> 5 February 2006.
Mish, Frederick C. Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary. 10th ed. Springfield, Massachusetts: Merriam-Webster, Incorporated, 1997.
McCutcheon, Marc. Roget's Super Thesaurus. 3rd ed. Cincinnati, Ohio: Writer's Digest Books, 2003.
"Discrimination." Oxford English Dictionary. 2nd ed. <http://dictionary.oed.com/cgi/entry/50065555?single=1query_type=word&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;queryword=discrimination&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;first=1&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;max_to_show=10> 5 February 2006.
Comments on "Proposal for Definition Paper (Discrimination)" by MemoirofaFirecracker
I completely agree with you that the definition of discrimination is constantly changing and I think this can make a good definition paper. As long as you stay focused on how discrimination has changed and why it needs to be redefined, like you seem to be doing in your proposal, you should be fine. As you said, some of the biggest prejudices are overlooked today, such as a lot of the scholarships and everything affirmative action related. I see why this kind of system was needed at first, but now it does seem a little discriminatory, giving scholarships based on skin color rather than achievements. I think it would be best to focus on the new types of discrimination that are not really thought about much.
*Claim: The definition of discrimination is constantly changing as new prejudices are developed, so discrimination must be redefined to incorporate all types of discrimination.
*Reasons: Discrimination in the traditional sense is still present in today's society, but there are also other types of discrimination not often looked at and not often labeled as discrimination. Affirmative action could be viewed as discrimination, as well as all of the religion bashing that is so popular today.
*Warrants: It is important to point out discrimination and define it properly so that it can be avoided.
*Counter-argument 1: Affirmative action is not discrimination. It is still needed to prevent other discrimination and prejudices. Affirmative action is needed to maintain a balance.
*Counter-argument 2: Religion bashing is not discrimination. It is just a form of free speech. To not allow an American freedom of speech is to deny him of one of his most basic human rights.
Friday
2-3-06
This day has been so long. I had to work from 8-11, rush to shower and get dressed before English at 11:15, I didn't get out of all my classes until 3:20, and I have a basketball game to go to tonight. My brother plays IM basketball at the white building on Friday nights, and he really wanted me to come this week, so one of my friends and I went. His team lost the game, but it was fun watching him play again. He's played basketball since he's been in 4th grade and I was in second grade. Since the time he's started, I never missed a game until he came to college. I really missed watching him play. We're really close, and we love going to each other's stuff to cheer each other on. It was almost just like old times, except when he was playing at home he played with the same guys since he was in 4th grade and they became like brothers to me. Watching Pete (my brother) play without the other guys I was used to seeing him play with was weird. It was a good time though.
Oh, Thursdays
2-2-06
Thursdays are really busy for me. I get up around 9:30, go to class from 11:15-2:15 and then I work from 3-8. Right after I get done work, I get a very quick shower in order to get to Cru (Campus Crusade for Christ) by 8:30. I'm usually late to Cru, but not too late. I love going though. A lot of times there is a guest speaker and he's (it's usually a guy) always very good. When I get back from Cru, I force my boyfriend and roommate to sit and watch The OC with me. My roommate used to be hard core against watching it, but I slowly got her involved. She now willing sits down to watch it. Every once in a while we can convince her boyfriend to come over too to watch it. It's a good time.
State of the Union Address
2-1-06
As expected, President Bush spent a lot of time talking about terrorism and Iraq. One aspect of terrorism he touched on was the September 11, 2001, attacks by terrorists from Afghanistan. I loved his statement that we need to replace resentment with hope. He couldn't be more correct and couldn't have used a better way to convey that to the American people. While those attacks happened over 4 years ago, they are still fresh in our minds. As far as talking about Iraq, he said there is false comfort in isolationsim. Also, that the demands of justice and peace require others' freedom. We aren't safe until they have freedom because if we just close our eyes and leave their territory, they will bring the war to our ground. By allowing that to happen, President Bush thinks they will have thought they won. He said we cannot allow the violent to inherit the earth...a twist on Matthew 5:5, that the meek will inherit the earth. President Bush knows how to appeal to the country and definitely knows how to appeal to me.
Defining Terrorism
1-30-06
Of course we all agree that the word "terrorism" has received a negative connotation, as it should. The world alone strikes terror into listening individuals and sends chills down their spines. I don't know about anyone else, but the first time I ever remember hearing the word was on September 11th as I took my seat in biology class freshman year of highschool. Ever since then it seems like we can't escape from it. I couldn't decide which definition I would choose to adopt as the best for the word. I think they all depicted different aspects of the word and none of them were wrong. The best definition might have to combine all of them...and even then I don't think the whole of the word could be encompassed.
Presiden't Bush's State of the Union Address
1-27-06
I thought Presiden't Bush's address to congress and the nation was most effective in his use of the feeling of patriotism to relay his message. He made the union feel united against terror and feel as though we all had the same goals in mind. He didn't talk of a nationality being the enemy, but of the terrorist groups attacking our freedom. He talked about how they are jealous of the freedoms we have in our country and that we shouldn't feel threatened, but proud to be Americans. I couldn't agree with him more.
Philosophy
1-26-06
On Tuesdays and Thursdays I have the most amazing class - Philosophy 102H. I love going to that class. I've learned so much in it already and we're only a couple weeks into the semester. The class title is existentialism (which is, basically, existance). It's all about why humans are on earth and how we should run our lives - is human existance nothing more than who can have the most fun or is there a higher power for whom to live? Right now we're reading Kierkegaard's Fear and Trembling. What a good book! Kierkegaard talks about Abraham (from the Old Testament in the Bible) and how the Christian faith would be completely changed if Abraham had done even one small thing different when God asked him to sacrifice his son. This book may not be good unless you're really into philosophical readings and the like; but if you are, I recommend going to our lovely library and checking it out.
Universal Declaration of Human Rights
1-24-06
I thought this piece of literature was interesting in a couple different ways. First of all, at the opening, it stated that "every individual and every organ of society, keeping this Declaration constantly in mind, shall strive by teaching and education to promote respect for these rights and freedoms...," which, I, of course, agree with. However, I find it interesting, coming from an area where most people are not educated (or very poorly at that), that the people who are not educated are usually the ones violating this declaration. I also found it interesting, that those of us who read that, liberal or conservative, would generally agree with everything in there. No matter one's political views or the way he grew up, everyone wants the same thing - equality for everyone. I think I deserve it, so why not everyone else?
PSU
1-22-06
I go to the HUB Late Nite just about every weekend to see whatever movie is playing. I went to see SAW II for the second time this weekend. That is such a good movie. I love movies that have little twists at the end or surprise endings. It took me forever to watch all of SAW I, and when I finally did it was in the daylight with my dad. Don't get me wrong, I love scary movies, but I definitely need someone there with me. That was my second time seeing SAW II and I was probably just as scared the second time around. It was strange though, watching the movie but knowing the ending. It brings out different points that I didn't catch the first time because I wasn't looking for them.
The Four Freedoms
1-21-06
In reading "The Four Freedoms," I found not only many things I agree with, but also many points that can and should still be applied to America today. The four freedoms aren't, unarguably, threatening. They are freedom for speech and expression, religion, and freedom from want and fear - everywhere in the world. We, as Americans, are so proud of these freedoms and the fact that we do possess them, that we sometimes abuse them. We use the freedom of speech and expression to speak out against the very government and men and women that give it to us, we use the freedom of religion to curse the God that watches over our country, we use our freedom from want to hoard money and such for ourselves, and we don't fear the consequences. However we look at it, none of us would trade these freedoms for oppression, but some of us don't see a problem with other countries living that way. I agree with Roosevelt's dream that Americans step up and show support for our country.
Three-quarters of kids ages 5-12 receive $20 or less in a monthly allowance
1-19-06
The title of the article is meant to shock the reader that "How are our children surviving on less than $20 of their own money a month?!" However, it failed to recognize in this title that only 1/3 of the kids are recieving less than $10, while the other 40% receive between $11-20. Not too shabby. And what about the other 1/4? Those kids are getting more than $20/month. That means that 1/4 of the kids are getting about 1/2 of the money. Kids aren't making out too bad these days.
1-17-06
Hello. My name is Abigail Beardsley, you could call me Abi, and I am majoring in philosophy here at PSU. I used to live across the Maumee River that runs east/west in Ohio, but then my parents decided to move, 12 years ago, to Ayersville, Ohio. Which is about 15 minutes away (by car) from where I used to live. They moved there because it's closer to the school that I attended and my mom teaches at. So it’s not so bad. I never liked pro football (and have never gone to a game), and when I came to PSU, my convictions that college football is way better were confirmed. Particularly when your in the student section screaming your head off.
Letter from Birmingham Jail Response
1-16-06
This is the first time I've read Letter from Birmingham Jail and let myself really understand the argument King was trying to make. I loved the way he addressed his confronters in the beginning by complimenting them on their sincerity. There is no better way to get someone to listen than to let him know he too was respected in what he had to say. King took the letter that was written to him and picked it apart, not only criticizing, but also agreeing with the writers in many respects. He let them know he understood where they were coming from, but then told them why he believed the way he did and why he did what he felt he had to do. The language he used was eloquent enough to get the point across that he was well educated and confident in his beliefs, but layman enough that the casual reader could understand and feel the passion that King himself felt. I actually enjoyed reading the letter and found much in it that, of course, can still be applied today.
Let's Get Started
''1-11-06
I'm Abi, I'm 19 years old, and I'm from Defiance, Ohio, as I mentioned in class. Defiance is an extremely small town an hour south of Toledo, Ohio, and an hour east of Fort Wayne, Indiana. There are farms completey surrounding my house, but I don't live on one. I graduated in a class of 74 people; my school is one building that houses grades kindergarten through senior. My mom is a fourth grade teacher (there of course), my dad is an electrical engineer, and I have one brother who is in his junior year here at Penn State studying chemical engineering and is also in Naval ROTC. I am a philosophy major planning on getting my law degree from the (dare I say it) University of Michigan. I plan on studying law for a few years (obviously) and then going into politics. Right now though, I am working my way through college, I have a boyfriend, and I recently dyed my hair back to its natural color (from being blonde) - I haven't told my parents about that last one yet, my mom will probably flip, I am involved in Cru (Campus Crusade for Christ) and State College Christian Church, and will possibly be playing intramural volleyball this spring. Well, that's probably more than any of you cared to know for right now, but I'm a very open person and very friendly, and I love meeting new people. :)
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