OBAMA CAMPAIGN

I just thought this video was interesting. I think it's very powerful not only because it's OBAMA's speech, but because the voices of many famous people are supporting and regurgitating his words. This will impact a large majority of our society because we all look up to and admire what these people do and believe in.

Ch 13 Writings-->Profile of Civi Agency

1. Description: I could apply the "description" format into my writings about the profile agency by using extreme details about my experiences and feelings as I participated and learned about my civic agency. I would describe in detail things I hear, see, smell, feel and maybe even taste; so that i can engage my reader in my experiences and have them imagine themselves there with me.
2. Definition: I may have to define my agency by describing its purpose and goals to my audience. Also, if there are any terms that are common only to that agency, I will have to define it for my readers. This will help them better understand the agency and my experiences.
3. Classification: This format for writing includes completeness, exclusiveness, and consistency. To use this format for my agency I would have to specifically categorize each section, activity and any dealings the civic agency does to help the reader better understand with detail what exactly it is that my agency does.
   

Ch 13 Writings-->I-Search

1. Narrative: If I were to write my I-search paper in narrative form I would start off in chronological order, like how I got around to choosing my issues and better understanding them. I would then continue to describe why I chose those issues giving my point of view and maybe building the tension by talking about my parents being immigrants or my father being in the military (those were two of the issues I chose for my I-search paper). I would then conclude my essay by resolving the tension by describing the support my parents offered even after they discovered my views on the military and so forth.
2. Definition: In my I-search, I might have to define different political terms that my audience may not know. Giving my audience definitions will one: give them a better understanding of what I am trying to get across and two: it will help me be less repetitive.
   
3. Compare&Contrast: I could develop my I-search paper so that it fits a "compare and contrast" format. I would do so by comparing my two issues, war on terrorism and immigration. These two topics don't seem to have much in common, but I could always discuss the public's reaction to both topics, the reaction that is given after hearing what the candidates have to say about these issues, etc. I could also incorporate how these two issues may affect our country and compare or contrast it through those means.
   

Around The World!

Hi Everyone!
My name is Karen Valdovinos.

If anyone is interested in helping me start out my club, PLEASE contact me!
E-mail: karenvaldovinos@yahoo.com
Blog: http://aroundtheworld-usfsp.blogspot.com
AIM: SkittlesLove06
Cell: 813-523-7831


The club I want to get started will be called Around The World and we will be discussing different countries and their culture, traditions and language. Also, I would like to cover different issues that country may be facing at the time.

My major is International Diplomacy and as far as I am concerned there are no clubs that follow through with what I am majoring in. I also thought it would be interesting to broaden the eyes of our community by holding different events that are based on the country we are focusing on at the moment. I haven't quite worked out a schedule yet, but I was thinking we would focus on a different country every month or so. I think it is important that we know and understand what is happening around us for the world's future lays in our hands. Also, with today's political issues and diverse communities it is essential that we are open to new ideas and respect others' views.

If you are interested in this club please contact me, so that we can set up a date and time to discuss what we would like to do and how we would run the club.

THANK YOU for your time and I look forward to meeting everyone!

Writing Activity: Learning Goals

The purpose of my writing to explore assignments are to better understand the topic at hand. To learn more about the issues, why they are important and how they concern me as an individual and those around me.

My I-search paper is for an audience that is concerned with the future of our country. Anybody into politics will definitely be interested in what I have to researched and learned about the presidential elections. More importantly, it will target those who are interested in the issues dealing with immigration and the war on terrorism. So, any body with relatives in a foreign and/or family members in the armed services, such as myself.

My audience for my Profile at a Local Agency is any one who is concerned with people in need, for I chose the salvation army as my local agency. This profile will interest people that are willing to give a hand to those who are less fortunate and any one who is willing to make a difference.

The rhetorical situation for my I-search and local agency profile paper are a formal, persuasive and very informative writing. I chose informative and persuasive because I want those that aren't interested in my topics note that my issues concern them as well, even if they are not related in any way to immigration or the war. I also want to be able to inform others of these issues, what is going on and what should be done about these things.

My Invention Strategies

The three invention strategies that I use are free writing, questioning, and answering who/what/where/when/why questions. Invention strategies are important because they help develop the ideas that a writer would like to use when writing any sort of document. I can incorporate my invention strategies to my I-search and writing to explore papers by looking at my topics and shuffling through my scattered thoughts to form some sort of outline for my paper. As for revision strategies, I like to use peer editing because I feel more comfortable discussing my thoughts and mistakes with other students. I find my revision strategy very important because my peers may be able to catch other mistakes I was unaware of.

Concept Map: Writing Process

2008 Republican National Convention

I thought it was interesting how many of the speakers focused on how much our country has developed. They referred a lot to the past, such as the civil rights movement and John F. Kennedy's term. I also enjoyed how they made it a point that we are not done developing. There is so much more we can do to provide for our country. I really liked how the speakers tried to relate to the audience by using their own experiences dealing with family and other issues. They talk about what appeals most to the crowd; less taxes, less government, and more protection. For example, Palin's speech was very family oriented and I think she best connects with the audience, seeing that she has five kids, which one is of special needs. I didn't hear them mention much about the issues I chose (immigration and war on terrorism), but I did hear lots about the economy. They talked about the problem with the mortgages and the high gas prices.

Writing Activity: Strengths and Weaknesses (pg16)

Rhetorical Knowledge:

I believe that I have a good sense at understanding who my public is and how I should present my information. My weakness in this area is knowing how much detail is necessary. For example, I have a tendency of not putting enough information, but I am afraid that more details will become a rambling of ideas.



Critical Thinking:

I think that my essays tend to have good transition sentences and I am able to make good points through out. My weakness when writing any kind of essay is my conclusion. I have a hard time wrapping everything together and making a big exit. I am unable to leave my audience in a pensive mode and awed by my words.



Knowledge of Conventions:

In this area, my strengths are good grammar, spelling, and sentence structure. I think where I lack in this category is word choice. I have a very poor vocabulary and I think it would really help if I increased it. It would make my essays look more professional and interesting.



Writing Process:

My writing process follows along what the book says until around step four. Instead of organizing my thoughts, I do what is called a free write, which is a good way to jot down all of your ideas. Although, I think it would really help and speed up the process if I were to use some sort of graphic organizer or outline to help me keep my ideas/thoughts in order.

BlackBoard Issues

How do you post your replies on the discussion board?

HELP!!

Response To My Peers! : ]

Hey Leo!!!
:) Well, I also chose this school because it was a small campus near home. I really didn't know you were a sailing instructor, but that's really cool!

***

Hi Melanie,
Wow! So, what part of Canada are you from originally? Also, what kind of dancing do you do (ballet, traditional, hip-hop, etc.)?

***

Hello Courtney.
:D I too enjoy the USFSP atmosphere. I also think we all over think or think to deeply of the situations we are in. But know this, if you ever need a shoulder to lean on the girls in room 404 are here for you! :]

I-Search

Karen Valdovinos
Composition I
August 6, 2008

Family Struggles During a Deployment

I. What I Know

I am a military child and my dad has been deployed twice to war and once to DC concerning the war. It was tough for my family being that we did live in a foreign country and didn’t speak the language. Also, I lived on an Army post and around the end of 8th grade a large group of Baumholder soldiers were deployed to Iraq. The changes in the students and community itself were very drastic. I’ve seen friends lose concentration in school. Some result to misbehaving by “solving” their problems with drugs and alcohol. My mother has had friends that resulted to alcohol and others that have become depressed. Statistics show that the rate of alcoholics, depression, and domestic violence does take a dramatic turn during the peak times of a war.

II. What I Want To Find Out

I would like to know how the effects of the war on our society affect the military. In the sense that, are there less people joining; how are they promoting people to join (if less people are willing to join)?

III. Interview with Nate

Karen: Hi Nate. So, I hear your father is in the Navy, did you say? How has the moving from place to place affected you?

Nate: Hey! Yes, my father is in the Navy. I enjoyed moving from place to place, but it has been really tough on me to leave my friends behind and having to meet new people.

Karen: Same here. I’m sure your father has been deployed before, being that he is in the Navy. Where did he go and how did you feel during the time he was gone?

Nate: Well, my dad hasn’t been deployed as much as you would think. Most the places my dad goes, the family follows. Although, I do remember that when I was younger and my dad went on his small business trips he would record himself reading my favorite children’s books. Before bedtime, I would sit down on my bed and grab a book and follow along. Of course, at this age I couldn’t read so I just grabbed any book and “pretend” as if I knew.

Karen: Aw, That’s really cute! It’s funny how things haven’t really changed. I mean your father tape recorded himself, while now-a-days we have more advanced technology such as webcams, but same concept. In the end, how do you think the moving, meeting new people and your father’s deployments shaped you into who you are today?

Nate: haha, very true! I think that being a military brat has benefited me in many ways. I am more open minded to new ideas, traditions and beliefs. I enjoy having a more worldly view and I feel it has impacted me to persue the career I am interested in now.

Karen: I completely understand because I feel that being a military brat has affected me in the same ways. Thank you so much for taking a moment to sit down with me and tell me about your experiences. Have a good night and I hope to see you around.

Nate: Yea, it’s no problem. It was good talking to you. Good night and see you in class.

Military Families: "A World of Worries"

Newsday (New York)

July 24, 2008 Thursday

A world of worry at home; Even when families learn their loved ones overseas are safe, war's inevitable heartache still takes its toll

BYLINE: BY MARTIN C. EVANS. martin.evans@newsday.com

THE PHONE CALL came early Monday of last week, while Beth Delli-Pizzi was vacationing in Maine and her soldier husband was deployed in Afghanistan near the lawless Pakistan border.
"Did you see the cover of Newsday?" her mother asked. "It says nine guys were killed in Afghanistan."
So began days of anxious phone calls, e-mail inquiries and sweaty-palmed waiting, as relatives and friends of the 160 soldiers from the Bay Shore-based Army National Guard 69th Infantry Regiment sought information that would confirm whether their loved ones were alive or dead.

America's nearly seven years of war in Afghanistan and five in Iraq have bound tightly the friends and relatives of the regiment's recruits. Their home front is a place of worry and anxiety, where a headline or a news report can set off a chain reaction and where information about a loved one is precious.
In the hours after copies of the July 14 edition of Newsday hit Long Island's driveways and front porches - "Attack In Afghanistan/9 U.S. Soldiers Killed" - soldiers' family members called each other to urge calm, offer support and run down rumors.

Friends of the fighting men - U.S. infantry units are all male - wondered what had become of their warrior buddies.
Delli-Pizzi is president of the 69th Infantry's Family Readiness Group, which assists family members whose loved ones are deployed. Hoping for information on who the nine were, she worked her contacts among soldiers in Afghanistan, calling them to inquire about others who could not be reached.
With a few phone calls, Delli-Pizzi was able to determine that the attack had not taken place at a location where most of the Bay Shore unit was stationed.

But she knew that some members of the unit were serving elsewhere in Afghanistan.
That meant that one or more of them might have been at the attack scene, a hostile mountainous region near the Pakistan border. Navy Seal Lt. Michael P. Murphy, of Patchogue, had been killed in those mountains during a 2005 ambush, along with 18 other U.S. sailors and soldiers.

Still, the lack of certainty added to the worry. It was two days after the front page headline scared Delli-Pizzi and the other families before she heard from her husband, Lt. Lou Delli-Pizzi, when he telephoned from Afghanistan. He was safe.
For her, after spending days reassuring her fellow military wives while harboring her own private fears, the wait was finally over.
"You're always on pins and needles until you know for sure," she said.
Government policy often works against the fast flow of information. The U.S. Department of Defense withholds information pertaining to incidents resulting in troop fatalities until the next of kin of all of the dead have been informed, meaning that family members of soldiers who survive fatal incidents may be in the dark for days.

The military also imposes a 24-hour blackout of details following casualty incidents.
But with the pervasiveness of cell phones and Internet connections available to soldiers serving overseas, worried civilians routinely seek assurances from loved ones in real time.

Jean Dudenhoffer, of Islip Terrace, worried for 12 hours about her son Mark Dudenhoffer, until she was able to reach a National Guard buddy of his. The guardsman assured her he had received an e-mail from Mark after the attack.
The dead from the July 13 attack were members of the 503rd Infantry Regiment (Airborne), which had been deployed with the 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team, whose home base is in Italy.

The DOD Web site did not post the names of the dead or the unit in which they served until July 16, three days later.
"The worry can go on for days," said Delli-Pizzi, an immigration lawyer from West Islip. "So there were e-mails and calls - 'Have you heard anything, have you heard anything?'"
The deaths in Afghanistan and the delay in critical communications demonstrates how deeply Long Island families are intertwined with the ongoing wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The unit of the nine soldiers who were killed had been the home unit of Pfc. Jacob Fletcher, of Bay Shore. He was killed during a 2003 bomb attack - the second Long Island soldier to die during the Iraq war.
For Jonathan Rothwell, 28, who knew Fletcher when they grew up in West Islip, last week's uncertainty rekindled anxieties few Long Islanders understand.

He learned of the fatal attack in Afghanistan when a friend called to ask him if he had learned the news.
Rothwell had been deployed to Iraq with the 69th Infantry Regiment in 2004. During that deployment, 19 soldiers were killed. Rothwell had come under attack while serving as a turret gunner when a bomb hit his Humvee, knocking him unconscious. He left the unit this spring.

Last week, he anxiously sought answers to the fates of men with whom he had once gone off to war.
"My stomach dropped," Rothwell said. "You know so many people over there, you just say 'I hope it ain't one of our guys,' even though you hope everybody is safe."

The 9 who died
The soldiers of 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment (Airborne) of the 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team, were ambushed
July 13.
1st. Lt. Jonathan P. Brostrom
Age 24, Hawaii
Sgt. Israel Garcia
Age 24, Long Beach, Calif.
Cpl. Jonathan R. Ayers
Age 24, Snellville, Ga.
Cpl. Jason M. Bogar
Age 25, Seattle
Cpl. Jason D. Hovater
Age 24, Clinton, Tenn.
Cpl. Matthew B. Phillips
Age 27, Jasper, Ga.
Capt. Pruitt A. Rainey
Age 22, Haw River, N.C.
Pfc. Sergio S. Abad
Age 21, Morganfield, KY.
Cpl. Gunnar W. Zwilling
Age 20, Florissant, Mo. (photo not available)
The Fighting 69th

THE UNIT A famed
New York-based Army National Guard unit made up of volunteers from the five boroughs of New York City and from Long Island. The Long Island companies are posted at the Bay Shore and Huntington armories.
ITS HISTORY The unit's roots go back to the 1840s, when it was made up largely of Irish immigrants. The regiment has served
in four wars and 19 campaigns, including the Civil War, World War I, World War II and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Legend has it that, during a Civil War battle in Virginia, Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee gave the regiment its nickname, the Fighting 69th.
RECENT ACTION Nineteen of its members have been killed in fighting in Iraq, where it was deployed in 2004. The unit was sent to Afghanistan in March.

Teaching Through Technology

It is amazing how much time the younger generation spends using technology such as computers, televisions and cell phones. I believe it is more engaging. I don't think I've ever had a class that taught through technology besides Composition I. Through my own experience, I think I lasted longer without giving up because I was more involoved. I enjoyed being in class and doing work becuase it was all on the internet. Although, lately I have been a little distracted with the outside world, such as myspace, I do think this method could only work for an older, much more mature popultaion like college students. I enjoyed the article, "In the Basement of the Ivory Tower", I thought it was intresting how he tried to engage his students by using more technology based assignments. Although, I do feel as if Mrs. L deserved more of a break, since she wasn't of the same generation and didn't find the technology based assignments a cinch. I think teachers shouldn't just base grades on quality, but effort as well.

1. If the internet were to be in schools, do you think the focus on negative impact (such as those read in other articles like "Media and Risky Behaviors") will be reduced?
2. What will become of those,individuals or whole communities/countries, who are still unfamiliar with technology or don't have access to it?
3. What big changes do you see for our future, if school's were to enforce more technology based teachings?

Issues On Campus

I dislike one of my roommates. We will call her Sally for her sake. Sally is strange and unsanitary. Sally can be rude, saying things that are unnecessary. She makes me feel uncomfortable because she creeps up behind me and follows my roommates and I where ever we go. I have been nice and haven't brought up any of these issues to her because she can be over emotional. What really ticks me off sometimes, is the fact that no matter how friendly I am she has the tendency of pointing out my flaws in front of others and treat with little to no respect.

The biggest problem I think I have to deal with is her unclean ways of being. Brian is in some ways responsible for this because he is the one that co-ordinates the room assignments. In the big picture, Sally's parents are responsible for my unfortunate six weeks of rooming with their daughter.

I believe that unsanitary issues should be a priority as to why you don't want to room with some one. The issues I am dealing with as of right now are unhealthy. I fear for my health. I am in danger of any illness, such as E. Coli. Also, there is an overflow of germs now that we are slowly developing a bug infestation. In order for a change, I may have to request that I am not roomed with this young child in the fall. Although, this may only bring problems to some other unfortunate soul. I think I may have to lecture my roommate Sally about hygiene and picking up after herself and on occasion others.

Poetry

Dear Soldier

Are you okay?

I missed you and your silly ways...

Wish you were here to see Johnny's first steps--

Hailey sand your favorite song today!

When will you be back?

Modern Society Influences

Media and electronics such as video games and television have such a huge impact in our society. It has mostly influenced young adults with the idea that drugs, sex and alcohol is the "cool thing" to do. I knew that such things as video games, MTV and movies has drastically changed our views on our looks and way of living, but I had no idea it was to this extent. I found it a bit intresting how the Library of Congress has taken into consideration that video games were historical artifacts. I'm glad they accepted it to be this way because from the previous article about media influences on teens; it seems to play a big role in our culture. It has been noted that, since the 80s our lifestyles have dramatically changed.

1. Many video games has increased the obesity rates, but do you think more video games like Wii might change some of that, since they are trying to promote the new yoga game and its more interactive?
2. At the rate that technology is advancing, what awaits us in the future such as the changes in our culture, soceity and daily routines?

YouTube Military Videos - EXTRA CREDIT

Deployment-Wives shouting out-Come Home Soon!!

What it means to wait....Military Families. They Served with Pride And Honor. Lets show our support by praying for our soldiers and hope for a safe return home unharmed. The credit for this video goes to that person,not me. Wanted to share and sending out the message. The descriptions says it all. thank you. Lets show our support. God bless.

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Military Dad Surprises Young Son

This young boy gets surprised at school by his military dad coming to visit him at school.

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THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE

Katrina Comic and the Satrapi Interview

I found the starting of The Katrina comic very clever. Starting from the big picture slowly moving into more details was a nice way to start things off, giving the reader a sense of where things are and how they came to be. As for the story itself, I enjoyed reading the comic because it was easy to understand. When Hurricane Katrina happened I was living in Germany and I had no idea how terrible things were when this tragic event passed through New Orleans and so forth. So, watching the movie in class and reading the short comic made me realize the gravity of the situation. Hearing, Reading and seeing the images has really opened my eyes to what happened in New Orleans a few years ago. I think this goes the same with Satrapi and her comic, Persepolis. I didn't not know much about the middle east or the bringing down of Shah. It is intresting to read and learn of such things. In the interview she talks about her comic and issues presented in it. It must be neat to see your work be turned into something more, such as a movie.

Chute's Perspective on Persepolis

I found Chute's thoughts about the comic "Persepolis" very true and easy to understand. I really liked how Chute takes the Feminine point of view because it only emphasize the comic about a young girl in Iran during the 1980s. As many people know women in the middle eastern countries don't have many rights, but this comic strip really helped demonstrate the situations women face. I enjoyed both the article and comic because it opened up my eyes to new things. I learned how fortunate I am because of the freedoms given to me by the U.S. government.

Questions:
1. Why is it that it is more common for male comic writers?
2. Are such situations still occuring in Iran today?
3. Do you see a change in the future?

Movie Poster

Writing A Memoir

Writing a memoir can be difficult, many thoughts run across the writer’s mind about how to reduce their life experiences into a book or can the event of their life be sufficient enough to capture the reader’s eye? Frank Mathias wrote “Writing a Memoir: The Involvement of Art and Craft”, in which he discusses the struggles he faced in writing about his experience as an enlisted in World War II. I agree with Mathias that writing a memoir is indeed art and craft; it goes hand-in-hand. In his case, writing the pure facts of war is like reading a history book and it was important that he write about the things that aren’t covered in history books, something anyone can relate to. In the sample essays from FSU, I found that they very much portrayed Mathias thought that pure facts were nothing without the voices and incredible descriptions that make one feel as if they were in the room with the characters. For example, “Sing with me Somehow” by Allison Slusarczyck uses dialogue from the time period of her story and the events that happen in her life are very common in anybody’s life, such as the passing of a friend do to drinking and driving. Also, the memoir written by Nicole Filmore, “Knocked Up”, embraces the reader with her difficulties as a pregnant teen. In conclusion, all these memoirs to some extent go along with Mathias idea of telling your story with personality because “art enhances the truth”.

Memoir Summary

Through study it is proven that writing about past events and of one’s emotions helps give a better understanding of who you are. In Antoinette and Iriel Franklin’s case, they talk about the devastating results of Hurricane Katrina and how it affected who they are today. In such a traumatic experience one learns to cope and better understand life as it comes. Although, Antoinette felt as if she saw her whole life wash away, past and future, she has seen that there are better things to come. She looks for support in her niece Iriel and sees that things will work out for the best. Jerry Waxler studied human behavior when dealing with the past and emotions. In his studies he concluded that writing memoirs and talking about the past helps people deal with what has happened and how they can make such experiences turn out for the better of their future. Antoinette and Iriel Franklin’s story supports Waxler’s point of view because in the end Antoinette and Iriel both feel that they have grown to be better people and have learned to appreciate what they have, what is to come and life in general.