1. She is in distress of sorts. Even though the distress is unintentional, she is the victim of it.
2. His unwieldy inheritance is being born black.
3. The language of fear is everything that he experiences that bring and keep people in a state of fear. Some examples that he gives are the locking of car doors as he passes through a crosswalk, how people cross the street to pass him by, and having to deal with police and bouncers.
4. These two titles come off as arrogant to me. They are saying to me, "I am more entitled than you."
5. If he whistles these selections, he comes off as more intelligent and high brow. People are not scared of these types of persona in public settings.
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
The Syllabus
I have been in college for a little over two years, and I hold an Associate's Degree in accounting (I am retaking this class to improve my grade point average). Yes, that means I prefer numbers over words. Is a class like this kryptonite to me? Maybe it is. However, I will not let such a small obstacle block me from my main goal of obtaining a Bachelor's Degree in accounting. With the existence of other classes that I must pass, that do not directly deal with my area of study, I have found a way to gain a good grade in just about any class. It is easy as following the syllabus.
Each semester, I am bombarded with syllabuses. I used to just push them into my backpack or folder and forget about them. I figured that they were all the same. In fact, a lot of the same material is in different syllabuses, but the most important stuff is in there before, between, or after the repetition. Once I realized this, the syllabus ceased being a crumpled mess at the bottom of my book bag. With the syllabus of each class in hand, I can start my voyage towards a grade that I can be proud of.
The syllabus is phenomenal in the fact that it tells you what the future of the class holds. Most syllabuses have everything broken down by date. I know what will happen each day of class. Information is power. If I know what is going to happen, I can be well prepared for it. Since preparation is the first step in about anything I do, I have a jump on the class already. In preparing for a class, I look at the syllabus to find what the topics discussed will be. Then I find an interest in as many topics that I can. If I am interested in a subject, it is so much easier to learn about it. If it is easy to learn, then the good grade will come as easy. Now that the advantage is mine, it will be difficult to stop me.
After initially preparing for a class, I look more in depth at the syllabus. This is where I find the specific learning objectives and requirements. The professor explains exactly what they want from me in the class. So all I really have to do is follow the instructions. It is as easy as that. The work on the other hand is not "as easy as" that. Doing the actual work does take time and effort on my part. That is just effort that is put forth to follow the path laid out it the syllabus. The path may be bumpy, hilly, mountainous, or, if lucky, smooth. Whatever the terrain, the path will lead me to a fruitful grade.
However, sometimes the path changes while I am on it. That is just how life is. At times a professor will mention a change in the syllabus. Therefore, I have to keep my attention set to high during every class meeting. A change in the syllabus can throw me off, if I do not catch it. Furthermore, minor changes can be made without directly mentioning it. If I think one topic that we will be discussing has a certain meaning, I could be wrong. I need to pay attention thoroughly to make sure the information for each topic on the syllabus is correct. This ensures that my syllabus's meaning is true.
The syllabus is one of the most important tools for classroom success. After using the syllabus for preparation, knowing the expectations of the professor, and understanding the real meaning of information provided, I will produce the grade that I want. Since I am paying for all of this, I think I deserve a certain grade, and will work for it. Being an accounting major, I really do not like wasting money.
Each semester, I am bombarded with syllabuses. I used to just push them into my backpack or folder and forget about them. I figured that they were all the same. In fact, a lot of the same material is in different syllabuses, but the most important stuff is in there before, between, or after the repetition. Once I realized this, the syllabus ceased being a crumpled mess at the bottom of my book bag. With the syllabus of each class in hand, I can start my voyage towards a grade that I can be proud of.
The syllabus is phenomenal in the fact that it tells you what the future of the class holds. Most syllabuses have everything broken down by date. I know what will happen each day of class. Information is power. If I know what is going to happen, I can be well prepared for it. Since preparation is the first step in about anything I do, I have a jump on the class already. In preparing for a class, I look at the syllabus to find what the topics discussed will be. Then I find an interest in as many topics that I can. If I am interested in a subject, it is so much easier to learn about it. If it is easy to learn, then the good grade will come as easy. Now that the advantage is mine, it will be difficult to stop me.
After initially preparing for a class, I look more in depth at the syllabus. This is where I find the specific learning objectives and requirements. The professor explains exactly what they want from me in the class. So all I really have to do is follow the instructions. It is as easy as that. The work on the other hand is not "as easy as" that. Doing the actual work does take time and effort on my part. That is just effort that is put forth to follow the path laid out it the syllabus. The path may be bumpy, hilly, mountainous, or, if lucky, smooth. Whatever the terrain, the path will lead me to a fruitful grade.
However, sometimes the path changes while I am on it. That is just how life is. At times a professor will mention a change in the syllabus. Therefore, I have to keep my attention set to high during every class meeting. A change in the syllabus can throw me off, if I do not catch it. Furthermore, minor changes can be made without directly mentioning it. If I think one topic that we will be discussing has a certain meaning, I could be wrong. I need to pay attention thoroughly to make sure the information for each topic on the syllabus is correct. This ensures that my syllabus's meaning is true.
The syllabus is one of the most important tools for classroom success. After using the syllabus for preparation, knowing the expectations of the professor, and understanding the real meaning of information provided, I will produce the grade that I want. Since I am paying for all of this, I think I deserve a certain grade, and will work for it. Being an accounting major, I really do not like wasting money.
"How to Con an Instructor" Revision
Enter college, and you'll soon be reminded of an old saying: “The pen is mightier than the
sword.” That person behind the instructor's desk holds your future in his or her ink-stained hands. So your first important assignment in college has nothing to do with required readings, examinations, or even the hazards of registration. It is, instead, how to con an instructor.
The first step in conning an instructor is to use body language. You may be able to convince your instructor that you are special, without even saying a word. When you enter the classroom, be sure to sit in the front row. That way, the instructor can't possibly miss you. Then, as the instructor lectures, take notes frantically. The instructor will be flattered that you think so much of his or her words, and want to write them all down. A felt-tip pen is superior to a pen or pencil; it will help you write faster and prevent aching wrists. While you are writing, be sure to smile at the instructor's jokes and nod violently in agreement with every major point. Most important, as class continues, sit with your body pitched forward and your eyes wide open, fixed firmly, as if hypnotized, on your instructor's face. Make your whole body suggest that you are watching a star.
Once you have mastered body language, it is time to move on to the second phase of conning the instructor: class participation. Everyone knows that the student who is most eager to learn is the one who responds to the questions that are asked, and even comes up with a few more. Therefore, be sure to be responsive. Questions such as, “How does this affect the future of the United States?” or “Don’t you think that someday this will all be done by computer?” can be used in any class without prior knowledge of the subject matter. Many students, especially in large classes, get lost in the crowd and never do anything to make themselves stand out. Another good participation technique is to wait until the instructor has said something that sounds profound and then ask him or her to repeat it slowly, so you can get it down word-for-word in your notes. No instructor can resist this kind of flattery. However, the most advanced form of conning an instructor happens after class.
Don’t be like the others who slap their notebooks closed, snatch up their books, and rush out the door before the echoes of the final bell have died away. Did you ever notice how students begin to get restless about five minutes before class ends, even if there’s no clock on the wall? Instead, be reluctant to leave. Approach the instructor’s desk hesitantly, almost reverently. Say that you want to find out more about the topic. Is there any extra reading you can do? Even better, ask if the instructor has written anything on the topic—and whether you could borrow it to read (or, even better, where you can purchase a copy).
Finally, compliment your instructor by saying that this is the most interesting course you’ve ever taken. Nothing beats the personal approach for making an instructor think you care. Body language, questions, after-class discussions—these are the secrets of conning an instructor that every college student should know. These kinds of things go on in high school, too, and they’re just as effective on that level. Once you master these methods, you won’t have to worry about a thing—until the final exam.
sword.” That person behind the instructor's desk holds your future in his or her ink-stained hands. So your first important assignment in college has nothing to do with required readings, examinations, or even the hazards of registration. It is, instead, how to con an instructor.
The first step in conning an instructor is to use body language. You may be able to convince your instructor that you are special, without even saying a word. When you enter the classroom, be sure to sit in the front row. That way, the instructor can't possibly miss you. Then, as the instructor lectures, take notes frantically. The instructor will be flattered that you think so much of his or her words, and want to write them all down. A felt-tip pen is superior to a pen or pencil; it will help you write faster and prevent aching wrists. While you are writing, be sure to smile at the instructor's jokes and nod violently in agreement with every major point. Most important, as class continues, sit with your body pitched forward and your eyes wide open, fixed firmly, as if hypnotized, on your instructor's face. Make your whole body suggest that you are watching a star.
Once you have mastered body language, it is time to move on to the second phase of conning the instructor: class participation. Everyone knows that the student who is most eager to learn is the one who responds to the questions that are asked, and even comes up with a few more. Therefore, be sure to be responsive. Questions such as, “How does this affect the future of the United States?” or “Don’t you think that someday this will all be done by computer?” can be used in any class without prior knowledge of the subject matter. Many students, especially in large classes, get lost in the crowd and never do anything to make themselves stand out. Another good participation technique is to wait until the instructor has said something that sounds profound and then ask him or her to repeat it slowly, so you can get it down word-for-word in your notes. No instructor can resist this kind of flattery. However, the most advanced form of conning an instructor happens after class.
Don’t be like the others who slap their notebooks closed, snatch up their books, and rush out the door before the echoes of the final bell have died away. Did you ever notice how students begin to get restless about five minutes before class ends, even if there’s no clock on the wall? Instead, be reluctant to leave. Approach the instructor’s desk hesitantly, almost reverently. Say that you want to find out more about the topic. Is there any extra reading you can do? Even better, ask if the instructor has written anything on the topic—and whether you could borrow it to read (or, even better, where you can purchase a copy).
Finally, compliment your instructor by saying that this is the most interesting course you’ve ever taken. Nothing beats the personal approach for making an instructor think you care. Body language, questions, after-class discussions—these are the secrets of conning an instructor that every college student should know. These kinds of things go on in high school, too, and they’re just as effective on that level. Once you master these methods, you won’t have to worry about a thing—until the final exam.
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Preventative Maintenance
"Take care of your stuff" is what my mother used to tell me. When it comes to something as expensive as an automobile, I really have to take care of it. If I do not, it will cost me even more money. Owning a vehicle takes a lot of work. Many things must be done to prevent a vehicle from becoming a money pit, and allowing it to retain some resale value. One process that must be done regularly is changing the oil in my truck's engine.
I perform this operation every 3,000-4,000 miles after the last time I change the oil in the engine. That basically means that I change the oil around four times a year. Since this is not something that is done very often, I forget the part number for the proper oil filter and the correct oil weight that my truck needs. Therefore, I start this operation by checking my truck's log book to recall the proper information needed to purchase the right items.
After I have all the information that I need, I go to the auto parts store to buy an oil filter and a jug of 5-w30 weighted oil. If I am lucky, they will have a deal for buying oil and an oil filter at the same time. With the proper supplies, I head home. At home, I ready the newly purchased supplies, oil spill pan, and the correct socket wrench.
Now that all the correct tools and supplies are laid out, I can begin the actual operation of changing the oil. With the engine cool, I begin by laying the oil spill pan under the drain hole of the truck's oil pan, and unscrewing the bolt that plugs the drain hole. I wait a few minutes while gravity does its work on the oil. As the final drop drips out, I screw the bolt back into the drain hole securely.
Since the oil spill pan is full of oil, I gently slide it under the oil filter, because once I remove the filter, a bit more oil will spill. I reach in through the wheel well and wrap my hand around the oil filter. With a firm grip, I unscrew the old oil filter. After sitting the filter aside, I replace it with the new oil filter. Before I screw the new one on, I wipe some of the old oil around the rim of the new filter. This will enable an easy removal next time I change the oil.
The filter and plug bolt are now both secure, and the truck's oil pan is empty and awaiting new oil. At this point I pop the hood of the truck and unscrew the oil cap. With the passage to the oil pan open, I empty the correct amount new oil in. I finish the operation by screwing the oil cap back on. With the operation finished, I am now able to take the used oil and oil filter to the auto parts store for recycling. I never want to just dump the oil down a sewer, into nature, or down a drain, because this is harmful to the environment and very illegal. Plus, some auto parts stores do not charge me for recycling my oil.
Performing this operation does cost a bit of money, but it is the price I for "taking care of my stuff". Also, if I do not take care of it, the cost will be much higher in the future. Therefore, changing the oil in my truck is an easy way to help keep it running and keep the cost of owning it down.
I perform this operation every 3,000-4,000 miles after the last time I change the oil in the engine. That basically means that I change the oil around four times a year. Since this is not something that is done very often, I forget the part number for the proper oil filter and the correct oil weight that my truck needs. Therefore, I start this operation by checking my truck's log book to recall the proper information needed to purchase the right items.
After I have all the information that I need, I go to the auto parts store to buy an oil filter and a jug of 5-w30 weighted oil. If I am lucky, they will have a deal for buying oil and an oil filter at the same time. With the proper supplies, I head home. At home, I ready the newly purchased supplies, oil spill pan, and the correct socket wrench.
Now that all the correct tools and supplies are laid out, I can begin the actual operation of changing the oil. With the engine cool, I begin by laying the oil spill pan under the drain hole of the truck's oil pan, and unscrewing the bolt that plugs the drain hole. I wait a few minutes while gravity does its work on the oil. As the final drop drips out, I screw the bolt back into the drain hole securely.
Since the oil spill pan is full of oil, I gently slide it under the oil filter, because once I remove the filter, a bit more oil will spill. I reach in through the wheel well and wrap my hand around the oil filter. With a firm grip, I unscrew the old oil filter. After sitting the filter aside, I replace it with the new oil filter. Before I screw the new one on, I wipe some of the old oil around the rim of the new filter. This will enable an easy removal next time I change the oil.
The filter and plug bolt are now both secure, and the truck's oil pan is empty and awaiting new oil. At this point I pop the hood of the truck and unscrew the oil cap. With the passage to the oil pan open, I empty the correct amount new oil in. I finish the operation by screwing the oil cap back on. With the operation finished, I am now able to take the used oil and oil filter to the auto parts store for recycling. I never want to just dump the oil down a sewer, into nature, or down a drain, because this is harmful to the environment and very illegal. Plus, some auto parts stores do not charge me for recycling my oil.
Performing this operation does cost a bit of money, but it is the price I for "taking care of my stuff". Also, if I do not take care of it, the cost will be much higher in the future. Therefore, changing the oil in my truck is an easy way to help keep it running and keep the cost of owning it down.
"On Fire" Question Responses
1. He describes the process of his job as a fireman. He describes what happens before and during a call.
2. He tells about all the hardships that happen on the job to capture the attention of the reader. Then he tells about the preparations that must be done to ensure that hardships do not turn in to something worse, such as death. Describing things this way enables the reader to realize the significance of the preparation.
3. Personification is used when he says that embers can go anywhere. This helps clarify that any exposed skin can, and probably will, get burned.
4. He uses second person to put the reader into his shoes. This enables the reader to seemingly live through his experiences, and understand significance of every little thing.
5. He wishes to show that firefighting is a difficult job, and it takes its toll on the body. Not only physically, but mentally as well, the job conditions and punishes you. It becomes second nature to check every aspect of your gear to ensure the highest possible safety.
2. He tells about all the hardships that happen on the job to capture the attention of the reader. Then he tells about the preparations that must be done to ensure that hardships do not turn in to something worse, such as death. Describing things this way enables the reader to realize the significance of the preparation.
3. Personification is used when he says that embers can go anywhere. This helps clarify that any exposed skin can, and probably will, get burned.
4. He uses second person to put the reader into his shoes. This enables the reader to seemingly live through his experiences, and understand significance of every little thing.
5. He wishes to show that firefighting is a difficult job, and it takes its toll on the body. Not only physically, but mentally as well, the job conditions and punishes you. It becomes second nature to check every aspect of your gear to ensure the highest possible safety.
Monday, August 2, 2010
Competition
For the most part, I have always had a free thinking mind. Not only walking, but customizing the path that I walk in life has been part of my pride as a man. As I grew up, I formed the view of living life my way. I had always been taught that everyone is different. Therefore, I usually did not see the need to be like someone else. Of course I had role models and friends that I looked up to, but I really never modeled my life after anyone's. However, that did not come without speed bumps and roadblocks.
Having fun in life is a main priority of mine. My time in this world is extremely short, and I am just an insignificant dot in the realm of time and space. Therefore, the only person my significance will matter 100% to is me. I lead my life with passion. I am not saying that I never get lazy and loaf about, but I use my time in life to do things I enjoy. That being said, I usually develop a passion for the things I enjoy. Passion is a great thing, but it can become destructive if not handled properly.
Take for example the nature of competition. Sometimes my passions lead me to competition. Competition is not necessarily a bad thing, but it can easily be formed into ill-natured. Once my passions become skewed past the level of fun, my life seems to be yanked to a halt.
To explain a bit about what I mean, I will tell about something fun to me that I sometimes take too seriously, and let my competitive nature wreck it. I play a video game called "Gears of War" online with friends and stranger sometimes. This is a video game a really enjoy, and tend to schedule time for, even if my life is busy. Even though I really like playing this game, I let it frustrate me.
Frustration sets in when I expect irrational things from myself. It is very rational to expect myself to do a good job on the game, but at the same time it is irrational in the face of fun. If I let competition and standards block the fun factor, why even play the game? If I get mad at something I enjoy, why even play it? My competitive nature sometimes ruins certain events in my life. I really do not like this truth. Therefore, I work on changing it.
Now every time I even think about this particular video game, I think about how fun it is, and about all the great times that have came from it. Then I think about when I am going to play it next. I think about how fun it will be to play with many friends and have fun. That is the key. Have fun. So before I even play the game, I totally accept that fact that I will either win or lose. Whatever happens, it will be a pleasurable experience.
With this type of mindset, I am able to place the game into my Xbox without any thought of stress. I can start talking to all my friends via my Xbox and fire up the video game. With this state of mind, not only will the experience be an asset to my life's enjoyment, but I am free to learn and ask questions. I feel no ill will towards people who beat me, and I can easily ask for advice. This leads to me achieving a higher skill level in this game.
This is only a video game, and it should not matter. However if I can conquer the speed bumps and roadblocks that a video game throws at me, I can apply the same logic to adversities in life. Being able to conquer life's pits allows me to easily make and walk my own path.
Having fun in life is a main priority of mine. My time in this world is extremely short, and I am just an insignificant dot in the realm of time and space. Therefore, the only person my significance will matter 100% to is me. I lead my life with passion. I am not saying that I never get lazy and loaf about, but I use my time in life to do things I enjoy. That being said, I usually develop a passion for the things I enjoy. Passion is a great thing, but it can become destructive if not handled properly.
Take for example the nature of competition. Sometimes my passions lead me to competition. Competition is not necessarily a bad thing, but it can easily be formed into ill-natured. Once my passions become skewed past the level of fun, my life seems to be yanked to a halt.
To explain a bit about what I mean, I will tell about something fun to me that I sometimes take too seriously, and let my competitive nature wreck it. I play a video game called "Gears of War" online with friends and stranger sometimes. This is a video game a really enjoy, and tend to schedule time for, even if my life is busy. Even though I really like playing this game, I let it frustrate me.
Frustration sets in when I expect irrational things from myself. It is very rational to expect myself to do a good job on the game, but at the same time it is irrational in the face of fun. If I let competition and standards block the fun factor, why even play the game? If I get mad at something I enjoy, why even play it? My competitive nature sometimes ruins certain events in my life. I really do not like this truth. Therefore, I work on changing it.
Now every time I even think about this particular video game, I think about how fun it is, and about all the great times that have came from it. Then I think about when I am going to play it next. I think about how fun it will be to play with many friends and have fun. That is the key. Have fun. So before I even play the game, I totally accept that fact that I will either win or lose. Whatever happens, it will be a pleasurable experience.
With this type of mindset, I am able to place the game into my Xbox without any thought of stress. I can start talking to all my friends via my Xbox and fire up the video game. With this state of mind, not only will the experience be an asset to my life's enjoyment, but I am free to learn and ask questions. I feel no ill will towards people who beat me, and I can easily ask for advice. This leads to me achieving a higher skill level in this game.
This is only a video game, and it should not matter. However if I can conquer the speed bumps and roadblocks that a video game throws at me, I can apply the same logic to adversities in life. Being able to conquer life's pits allows me to easily make and walk my own path.
"My First Conk" Question Responses
1. He wanted a conk to show that he has become more "upper class". He thought it symbolized all the educated and respected people. However, later he found that he was just degrading his god given body to conform to what was generally accepted.
2. He wrote it as a process explanation because he was not informing the readers on how to conk hair. Conking hair was not his reason to write. He was explaining a point in his life that was significant, and the pain he had to go through during the event.
3. He wrote about the pain to show how some people, including him, go through so much, just to be accepted.
4. These are very powerful words. He uses them to bring his final point into view. He had been previously explaining that he was conking his hair for good reasons, but later realized that the reasons were not that great.
5. His message is still very relevant. Girls and guys still straighten their hair to look "pretty". Even clothes trends still have their grips on people's wallets.
2. He wrote it as a process explanation because he was not informing the readers on how to conk hair. Conking hair was not his reason to write. He was explaining a point in his life that was significant, and the pain he had to go through during the event.
3. He wrote about the pain to show how some people, including him, go through so much, just to be accepted.
4. These are very powerful words. He uses them to bring his final point into view. He had been previously explaining that he was conking his hair for good reasons, but later realized that the reasons were not that great.
5. His message is still very relevant. Girls and guys still straighten their hair to look "pretty". Even clothes trends still have their grips on people's wallets.
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