My group did a wonderful job working on this assignment. We all jumped in with two feet and did what was necessary to get the job done. It was amazing to sit between three ladies who's names I never knew for the entire first half of the semester, and then paring up with them to perform such a unique task. We were all reliable doing what we were assigned. I found that everyone used their strengths and applied them in a possitive way. In the past I've never had good experiences with group projects. There was always someone who either did all the work or did nothing at all. You had those who did just what you asked of them, never offering anything more and had no opinion what so ever. They found no benefits in the true meaning of a group. In this case we had none of the above. Something I found challenging was being able to think quick and stay with/in the parameters of the topic. Not knowing what your classmates were about to say and knowing you must put together somthing in connection with theur lines was stressful; fun but, stressful. I was able to take real life situations happening everyday and turn them into my own imaginary life. Apparently, I sounded very convincing holding the attention of my audience, b/c some of my classmates really believed me and said "how many children did you say were in your family? I'm sorry to hear about your sad story". As I spoke, the words continued to flow. I had no idea what I would say next. I was nervous knowing that we were being broadcast. It turned out to be nice after I had the opportunity to heard it on the class website. It was an inspiration to know that we were capable of pulling this off with no trial run's.

Dan, I can't thank you enough for your patients with me throughout this semester. To answer the same question a thousand times and never loose your kool means alot to me. When I was ready to give up, you encouraged me to hang in there, when I became frustrated with my work, you always praised my achievements, and had the answer for any question asked. This class was extraordinary, and full of excitement, which gave me something to look foward too. If there's any such thing as Proffesor of the year, I nominate you.
Take Care! And have a wonderful Holiday.

P.S. I still may need you for questions with my computer(smile).

Reading this essay relly made me think. I do think the status of women has changed but not that much. Some men really do expect women to carry on as if they were a piece of property and had no live of their own. I think it's the woman's responsibility to defend equality. If you allow one to take advantage that's just what they will do. The main point of the authors argument I felt was; who wouldn't want "A Wife" someone that does everything with the exception of taking a breath for you in their lives. I did get the sense that she was arguing that men also have these qualities in them that would allow a women to benefit from.

I didn't think China and Jerrmy were in love with one another. I truly believe that they were indeed infatuated with each other. If they were truly in love I think they would have made better choices. I understand that they were young and imaturity could have played a large roll in their decisions. As the story came to an end, and China decides to change her story which placed all the blame on Jeremy was an indication that love did not exist. When China began to go in labor and refused to see a doctor; she knew at that moment that the potential for miscarring was high and she decided to do nothing. So, she's just as guilty as Jeremy for the death of the baby and deserves equal or greater punishment. At this moment she was thinking of no one but herself.
I'm sure there were lessons learned, I'm just saddened of the way their lives ended. Here were two brilliant young teens headed in the right direction that made a bad decision causing them their LIFE.

My group is off to a great start with this assignment. We've all had great input with wonderful ideas. Our main focus is on family and the struggles on everyday living. We thought it would be interesting to compare the struggles of an early 1900's atypical family, with a more modernized family and how different life was back then in comparison too now. While preparing forthis assignment, it has become obvious to me how life in general has changed with time. Adolesence having to deal with peer pressure is one of the leading causes of depression in teenagers. Families living in poverty which has cotributed to the crime rate increase.

I've really enjoyed this assignment. I must it has been one of my favorites. At first I really had a difficult time with this program due to lack of knowledge and not being familiar with the program. Since then I will say that I've built my confidence and really feel good about my work. From all of my collages I think my best work was on Why I want a WIFE. The picture choices that I used I really thought were wonderful for this particular collage. It allows one to view the images and get a full/clear understanding of the story. I've downloaded this program onto my personal computer, and faithfully work with it in my spare time.

My Playlist

While creating this playlist I faced several dilemma's; one being inexperienced with the computer. Having that said; I'll began to respect technology more now then ever. I've always felt that if you ignore something then maybe it'll just go away. WRONG! I've learned to face my problem head on and realize that no one's perfect at everything. The confusion started with creating the links to itunes. Being unfamiliar with both itunes and the computer; made me feel like an exchange student in a foreign country on the first day of school. Understanding the process was unclear, which made it difficult for me to build a foundation for the project. Without a foundation it's worthless to start construction. After awhile I realized the process consists of locating, saving and creating the links I could never remember how to locate them. With lots of help I gradually began to catch on. And once I became familar with that process, we quickly moved to a more advanced assigment. This assignment required the use of advanced computer skills. Skills that I continue to lack. Unfortunately, I remain reluctant and lack the confidence that I once carried when it came to achievement. This has caused a great deal of stress and disappointment within myself.

My Character Collage

I chose TangyMae, a character from my favorite book The Darkest Child. This little girl is one of ten living in poverty who's primary care is dependant on the income of her single mother. Tangy's mother works as a servant making 10~13/dollars a pay period. She also makes a difference in her children according to their skin complexion. Unfortunately, TangyMae is the darkest but, also the smartest of them all. She's bitter and angry because of her living conditions and refused to accept the fact that her mother feels she'll be nothing more then a servant for rich white people. As I collected the photos for this collage I tried to incorporate my character's life through pictures. I used the old barn to represent the shack that they referred to as home. This was an indication of her living in poverty. The stack of books represent her level of intellect. Despite hearing how ugly, dumb, black and stupid she was, her determination for an education was admirable. This collage didn't contain as many pictures as I'd wished but, after alittle more work with this program (which I have enjoyed working on) I'm certain things will get better. Designing the collage really confused me b/c I wasn't familar with the program therefore depriving my images from there full affect.

Podcast Assignment
Family Struggles

My group did a wonderful job working on this assignment. We all jumped in with two feet and did what was necessary to get the job done. It was amazing to sit between three ladies who's names I never knew for the entire first half of the semester, and then paring up with them to perform such a unique task. We were all reliable doing what we were assigned. I found that everyone used their strengths and applied them in a possitive way in order to pull this project off. In the past I've never had good experiences with group projects. There was always someone who either did all the work or did nothing at all. You had those who did just what you asked of them with no opinion what so ever. They found no benefits in the true meaning of group. But, in this case I noticed non of the above. Something I found challenging was being able to think quick and stay with/in the parameters of the topic. Not knowing what your classmates were about to say and having to put together somthing in connection with them was stressful; fun but, stressful. I was able to take real life situations happening everyday and turn them into my own life story. Apparently I was very convincing b/c I had people saying "how many did you say were in your family, I'm sorry to hear about your story". As I spoke the words kept coming, I had no idea what I would say next. I was nervous just knowing that our conversations were being broadcasted. It turned out to be really nice after I heard over the internet. It was nice to hear my work verses seeing it.

Story Collage
A Death in Texas

I chose this poem based on the learning lessons it had to offer. This particular story was a lesson for me. At one point I found it difficult to forgive and forget. With that being said; I had a hard time believing that people are capable of changing. The story was based on a character by the name of Jonathan Wayne Nobles, who was convicted for murder and sentenced to die. While on death row for the crimes that he commited Mr. Nobles began his transformation. While serving his sentence, awaiting his execution Jon Nobles read literature on recovery and attented the twelve step program, he also gained intrest in Catholicism and began to attend Mass. He acknowledged his mistakes and asked for forgiveness. Jon's actions made an impact on other inmates as well as the Catholic clergy that he'd befriended long ago.
Images in this collage gave insight of the story. I used the electric chair to represent the execution. The cross is used as a symbol of Mr. Nobles faith, something he didn't have when he committed the crimes, this demonstrates change. The background of the state flag was used to indicate it's location. I felt this collage was better then the first. Being familiar with the program made it much easier to locate and choose my images.

Story collage
The LOVE of my LIFE

I didn't think China and Jerrmy were in love with one another. I truly believe that they were indeed infatuated with each other. If they were truly in love I think they would have made better choices. I understand that they were young and imaturity could have played a large roll in their decisions. As the story came to an end, and China decides to change her story which placed all the blame on Jeremy was an indication that love did not exist. When China began to go in labor and refused to see a doctor; she knew at that moment that the potential for miscarring was high and she decided to do nothing. So, she's just as guilty as Jeremy for the death of the baby and deserves equal or greater punishment. At this moment she was thinking of no one but herself.
I'm sure there were lessons learned, I'm just saddened of the way their lives ended. Here were two brilliant young teens headed in the right direction that made a bad decision causing them their LIFE.

Story Collage
Why I want a WIFE.

Reading this essay really made me think. I do think the status of women has changed. Some men really do expect women to carry the full load in a marriage. They often treat them as if they were property. I feel that women are responsibility for defending their equality. If you allow one to take advantage of your thoughts, and actions making you believe that your worthless, then at some point you fall in that trap they've set for you. The main idea of this authors argument was, who wouldn't want "A Wife" someone that does everything for you with the exception of breathing your every breath. I did get the impression that the author was indicating that men also have good qualities, which at some time may allow women to take advantage of them as well.

Story collage
A GOOD Man is hard to find.

This wasn't a story that I particularly cared for. I was not pleased with the ending of the story. I began to wonder if the grandmother was truly a religious woman or if she relied on praying as a plea for her life. I felt that this family was put in this perdicament because of the grandmothers actions pertaining to her cat. The Misfit to me was a realist. He continued to be honest about himself and his intentions; which weren't good. I felt that he along with the others were unruly and dangerous. He continuously referred to himself as BAD. He never mislead the old lady, each time she insinuated that he must have come from a good home, he agreed but, said that he wasn't a good man. The Misfit then went on to explain how he got his name "because I can't make what all I done wrong fit what all I gone through in punishment." Right at the end when I felt the grandmother thought that she was making progress trying to convince the Misfit that he was a child of her's, reaching out to touch him is when he maliciously shot her three times in the chest. Showing how untouchable he was.

Blog postings
Blog #1. Is a comment on my playlist assignment

In this assignment we were to create a playlist using eight songs describing our favorite character. My playlist at this time only contains three songs and will need more.

Blog #2. Is a comment made pertaining to the short story 'A Blessing'

Blog #3.This blog posting was my interpretation of the short story 'We real Cool'.

Blog #4. Comments that I made on short story we reviewed in class by the name of 'Cathedral'.

Blog #5. How I feel about art now in comparison to the past. And the meaning behind art.

Blog #6.This entry was a comment on our Image Assignment.

Blog #7. This is a comment on A Death in Texas.

Thus far, this short story has been one of my favorites. This story gives a clear example of Rehabilitation. This was about a man who was truley rehabilitated, but unfortunately this transformation wasn't enough to spare him his life. There was alot that I was able to learn through this story that will allow me not to be so judgemental of others.

Blog#8. is a posting comparing children of different ages and backgrounds; this story allowed one the opportunity to see how much of a difference socioeconomics/educational background plays in decision making.

Blog #9. My opinion on our Podcast group assignment and what we as a group feels will make this assignment a success.

Blog #10. Experience with the podcast assignment, and how well my group worked as a team to accomplish our goal.

Live broadcasting of Family and the struggles people face within their lives.

Blog #11. Posting on the reading from the short story Love of my live.

Blog #12. comment on the essay Why I Want a Wife, By: Judy Syfers-Brady.

Blog # 13. Koodo's (a word of praise) to Dan for being such a wonderful Instructor.

" I Believe" is a song that describes the determination, and motivation of my character. The lyrics of this song confirms that IF YOU BELIEVE, YOU CAN ACHIEVE. Here's a thirteen year old intelligent girl who's fighting a daily battle for freedom and equality within her own home, from her own mother. Can one ever imagine your mother saying "you need to quit school because you'll never become more then a servant; and you can pick up where I leave off "? This was not the life for this thirteen year old.

"Wildflower"



"Ooh child things are gonna get easier"
lyrics



This is a young thirteen year old, who experiences prejudice behavior's from her mother as a result of her complexion. She is saddened by her life of living in poverty. The description she gives of her home, the conditions in which she lives and the clothes that she wears, all describes feeling's of grief, disappointment, and someone that's self-conscious. TangyMae is one of ten children; all of whom rely on their mother's $15/week income for shelter and support. Here are many reasons that would justify her demanor. With that being said; I feel the lyrics of this song would trigger some feelings of hope. It gives this little girl a reason to continue on, and succeed.

"Treat Everybody Right"
This sound track reminds me of this character and how she feels about what's going on in her life, the treatment she receives and how she really feels.



"If it had not been for the Lord"
This is a religious song that really encourages ones strength. I found this song applicable for my character b/c throughout the book she's put in situations where her faith is tested.

This poem is alittle strange. The relationship between man and animal strikes me as odd. Some of the things he says would make you believe that he views the ponies as people. (They have come gladly out of the willows to welcome my friend and me; they ripple tensely, they can hardly contain their happiness). I'm really unclear of the message being conveyed. It's almost like he's saying man isn't much different from animal with their feelings/emotions. I'm not sure.

This poem to me symbolizes life in the fast lane. The writer mentions things that some may consider cool (ie. dropping out of school, drinking, listening to music, playing pool, and staying up late). At the end of the poem I think that the message was living a life such as this will cause you to loose your life.