12th Blog

First an elderly man enters an elevator dressed very properly. Following the man was a young adult who was dressed in clothes that match the pop culture today. During the elevator ride both turned on their music that represents them. As more people enter the elevator the more songs that were played aloud. Until an African American male with a stereo player entered the elevator then everyone turn their music off. They assumed he was going to play his music aloud but he listened on his head phones. The purpose of the video was or the author to show the audience how easily it is to conform and in a result disrespect others. I think he chose to write and create this video to bring awareness to the fact like people are more likely to conform doing the wrong thing rather than standing out and doing the right thing. The moment I realized the purpose of the video was when the man walked in with the stereo player and everyone was staring at him and really confused. Especially when he entered his head phones in it the expressions on the other people's faces were very surprised. I think the audience could be for everyone but I think it mainly targets young adults and teenagers. That group is targeted because they are more likely to become a victim of peer pressure.  This video could teach the people in the community by teaching to be different and go against peer pressure. It is okay to be different especially when it comes to doing the right thing. Next, it could teach respect. You should not play music allowed in public many people don't want to hear it and could find it offensive. Lastly, it could teach the community not to judge a book by its cover. When the man walked in with the stereo player they instantly assumed he was going to play his music aloud. But when he put his head phones in he was proving everyone wrong.

11th Blog

Top 10 playlist during the COVID-19 Pandemic 

1. This Women's Work - Maxwell 
2. Someone You Loved- Lewis Capaldi 
3. Truth Hurts- Lizzo 
4. Dear Mama- 2pac 
5. No Scrubs- TLC
6. Papa Was a Rollin' Stone -  The Temptations
7. Dancing On My Own - Calum Scott 
8. Better Days- Le'Andria Johnson 
9.  Never Felt This Way - Brian McKnight 
10. Used to Love You Sober- Kane Brown

I chose the first and ninth song because they would often play in the kitchen on Saturday mornings when my parents would be making us breakfast. The next two songs I chose because I listen to those two songs the most recently. I really like Lizzo's music and her attitude towards life. The next three, "Dear Mama", "No Scrubs", and "Papa Was a Rollin' Stone" are my old school jams. Dear Mama I love because it makes me think of my mom and appreciate all the things she does for our family. "No Scrubs" is a song that me and my mom would often blare in the car during our long car rides to my softball tournaments. Then "Papa Was a Rollin' Stone" my dad would often play in the car on our Sunday strolls when the weather wasn't nice enough for us to play outside. He told us a story about how my grandpa would only listen to a small amount of artist and songs and the The Temptations was one of them. I chose "Dancing On My Own" because I often look back to a point in my life where I felt that I was on my own. The song "Better Days" is gospel music that my grandmother and I would listen to while we play solitaire. Lastly, "Used to Love You Sober" was my first country song that I have ever liked and then I started to listen to a little more country music. 

10th blog

"You don't pass or fail at being a person" (Gaiman 175) is so true. You can not possibly fail or pass at being a person because their is not handbook on how to be a person. If their was a handbook on how to be a person the entire world would be emotionless and full of robotic behaviors. Life would be so boring their would be absolute no diversity. Someone may say that someone who commits a vigorous crime such as murder or rape might fail as a person but I disagree. Yes, they did a horrific thing and need severe punishment for their actions but that does not define the type of person they are. Maybe there is something wrong with their brain it may not function as well as a "normal" brain. You can not define someone based on their actions and behaviors, because deep down their is more to a person than they are portraying.  Unfortunately, people dehumanize each other because they think that one may have failed at life because they do not see them as superior as themselves. Often when this occurs they blame the person that they dehumanize. They claim that they are not capable of being humane. For example homeless people often have the stigma that they are animals because they are dirty, have no shelter and food resources. The stigma that homeless experience is unacceptable. They are often veterans or people who suffer from mental health issues. They should not be viewed as anything less than human who are not receiving enough support from society. With that being said going back to my original point that you simply can not pass or fail as a person because who is going to determine if you passed or fail. I personally believe in God but some may not. Some people may view being homeless as a fail which is completely unacceptable because they do not have complete control in their circumstances. Some people may claim getting a college degree is a pass when other cultures don't believe in education or may not have the opportunity to get a higher education. You simply can not define pass or fail unless there is a reference present. In life there is no reference, you live and you learn.

9th Blog

A conflict that the author present in the novel "The Ocean at The End of The Lane" was Ursula, the nanny trying to trap the narrator in his home. According to the narrator his nanny appeared everywhere, there was no where he could go besides Lettie's land that she could not "see" him. But the perception of seen could have either been literal or figuratively. His perception of his nanny being some type of monster that would hover over him when he tries to escape after he was locked in a bedroom creates a higher power that attempts to entrap him within the border lines. On page 84, Ursula says "I told you I was going to lock you in the attic, didn't I?" attempting to scare the narrator to keep him from crossing those border lines where she could not reach him. As we have been discussing in class borders are often determined based on a higher power. In this novel the narrator see's his nanny as a higher power and the only save place he had was the Hempstock's home. Within those border lines of their land he felt protected. This conflict is resulted when Ursula disappears but he still finds a connection at the Hempstock's as he often visits their home.

8th blog

The characters, Lettie, Ginnie and Old Mrs. Hempstock in "The Ocean at The End Of The Lane" by Neil Gaiman share characteristics with the Triple Goddess. Lettie is like the maiden who represents the youth of life. Lettie appears as an eleven year old girl, which is a tie of youth and development. A Maiden is also associated with creativity and exploration. Lettie in the story is always present when the narrator is exploring through the forest. The next Goddess is the Mother who could represent Ginnie. The Mother is known for the fullness of life and the full moon. At the end of the novel the narrator mentions that Ginnie touched his shoulder and rubbed his cheek then faded back into the night. Following that event he said "The moon does shine as bright as day", the old woman responded "It's good to have a full moon". The reference of the full moon represents how Ginnie took care of him and was like a mother figure for him through out the novel. Lastly, Old Mrs.Hempstock is the Crone. The Crone represents wisdom, life, death, rebirth, past lives and guidance. The narrator often visits Old Mrs.Hempstock in through out his life and each time she gives him her wisdom and guidance. The Hempstock family is very similar to the Triple Goddess. They created a huge impact in the narrator's perception of life.

7th blog

When I was a child my father told me "Superman does not get sick" referring to himself as Superman. The oblivious child I was believed that he could never get sick and nothing bad could ever happen to him. After all he was my superhero so it was believable that he couldn't get sick... Until he was diagnosed with cancer. I was just five years old and did not understand why daddy was also so tired or why he couldn't come outside to play basketball with me and my brother. When my mother informed me that my father had cancer I could not comprehend what that truly meant until she explained that daddy was very sick. I was angry with him because he always said superman could not get sick. The cancer was like his kryptonite. The cancer morphed him into a stranger. He was so tired all the time, never came to play with me and my little brother, never held my new born brother and constantly away at "work" which actually meant the hospital. I didn't know what happened to my superhero. As the years went on and I finally discovered the reality that my dad was no superhero and he could get sick just like everyone else we restored our bond. He may not be a real superhero but he still is my superhero.

The untold story of the Three Little Pigs

We all know the story of the "Three Little Pigs" but for those of you who don't know they claim that this big bad wolf is after three sweet innocent pigs who built houses. The first pig builds a straw house and the wolf huffs and he puffs and blows the house down. Then the second pig and the abandon first pig hide in a stick house built by the second pig. The wolf huffs, puffs and blows the stick house down. Finally, the three pigs hide in a brick house built by the third pig and the wolf could not blow down their house. But the real story of the "Three Little Pigs" goes like this...Peggy pig build a house out of straw because it was the cheapest material she could afford. Then Polly pig built a house out of stick which met her finical needs. Lastly, Peter pig built his house out of brick because we was very rich. Then one day there was a terrible storm brewing outside and a homeless wolf. Woody wolf was looking for shelter during the storm and came across Peggy Pig. When he went to knock on her door to ask for shelter a big gust of wind came and blew her house down leaving nothing but Woody's desperate eyes looking at her. When he tried to explain himself she ran away to Polly's home. Woody lost with nowhere else to go followed Peggy, when he approached Polly's home a big gust of wind occurred again destroying their home, leaving nothing but Woody's desperation for shelter. Peggy and Polly frightened by Woody ran to Peter's home. Woody followed them again hoping to be able to speak to them. When he came upon Peter's door he knocked and the gust of wind followed. This time it had no affect on the home so Woody continued to knock and shouted "Please, help me I am just looking to seek shelter during the storm". Fortunately, Peggy, Polly, and Peter finally opened the door for Woody to stay during the storm. When the vicious storm ended Peter donated money to build all new houses for his sibling and Woody. From there til the end of time, the pigs adopted Woody into their family.
THE END

Fifth Blog

In the book, "The Transitions to College Writing" predatory reader is referred to as "reading from the top of the food chain" which means will you get the information out of the text that you need or will you allow the text to consume you. When the text consumes you, you will not comprehend any information and fail to answer any sort of questions you may be asked on a future exam. It is important for you to develop predatory reading skills for college because you are often asked to read a large chunk of boring information then are tested on the information from the text. Many students including myself allow the text to consume us instead of consuming the text. The five categories that are introduced in "The Transitions to College Writing" are prewriting or planning, composing, revising or rewriting, editing or proofreading, and release. Prewriting or planning is gathering information and ideas to write about. Composing is when you began to put together your ideas and thoughts together to start your paper. Revising or rewriting is looking back on your writing and fixing your writing. Editing or proofreading is making any changes that need to be fixed that you may have missed while revising or rewriting. Lastly, is the release which is turning in your final product. Another tip that "The Transition to College Writing" provides is when it is acceptable to complete writing in one draft. It is acceptable when the task is simple, you know directly what you wanna say and the standards are low. Unfortunately, these have a price which include leaving your reader lost and confused.

Border Walls

Often people find borders to be imaginary but so powerful. Some people view borders as a protector that ensures safety and comfortability but I think borders create the exact opposite. I find border to be ironic if I am being totally honest. For example President Trump's idea of building a wall on the Mexican-American "border" to ensure illegal immigrants and substances are remaining outside of the United States. But the United States was created on immigrants and opportunity. Building that wall as a "border" will block the future immigrants from opportunities that other individual had and will have. I think it is nearly impossible to blockade illegal substances if someone or something truly wanted a path in they will go through the border and ignore it. Borders can not prevent people from crossing they just cause a division. Its like the saying rules are meant to be broken, well borders/ blockades are meant to be cross or diminished.

Audience Awareness

I believe the intended audience for the Budweiser ad is targeting young adults who often have a good time with a group of friends. In the commercial at the end it states "great times are always waiting grab some buds" prompting to get with your friends and share drinks while having a good time. Another ad that I have viewed recently is the "Life cereal Mikey likes commercial". The intended audience in that ad is parents and children. When Mikey a little boy eats the healthy cereal it promotes to other children that it will taste good.If little children see other kids eating it they will want to eat it too. Which will also catch the eye of the parents and as soon as they hear the words healthy and tasty they will immediately purchase it for their children. The last ad I have recently viewed was the Colin Kaepernick Nike commercial. This commercial gave me the chills. I think this commercial is intended for athletes but could catch the eye of any viewer who has a goal, or a "crazy" dream. At the end of the commercial it states "it's only crazy until you do it" promoting you to chase your dreams. This commercial advertises that its okay to be different and stand out but stand out in the best way possible, go above and beyond. I think it is very important for the advertisements to have an intended audience because the intended audience creates the commercial and gives it meaning. The audience is so important because it determines how the information or advertisement is projected. If there was no intended audience then the advertisement would be very boring and more than likely not successfully promote anything.

College Experience

My first semester of college was like a roller coaster ride. I experienced many bumps, hills, and stomach dropping moments. But at the end of the ride I would love to experience it all over again. My first semester was unforgettable, I learned so much in such a short period of time. But it was very difficult moving away from home and everything I have ever known. I think thats were flexibility comes into play. You have to flexible to move out of you’re comfort zone and embrace all the knowledge you could possibly can absorb. I find alertness to be the biggest component of success.  I had to be alert in my classes, I could not just show up and absorb all the information into my brain. As much as we wish that could be possible. I also think to be successful in college you need to have determination. College isn't easy, if you are not determined to get your work done then you will never prosper not only in college but life. Other key components for a successful journey in college are effective reading, writing and listening. If you can not master those three components you will struggle not only in college but everyday in society. Effective reading, writing and listening are all forms of communication and learning. As many students dread and complain about first year writing courses in college they are meant to teach us how to effectively listen, read and write because we do not acquire these skills well enough in high school to be successful in college. 

The Lost Night

A sudden burst of light scrapped my eyes wide. My body was aching as I laid on my stomach with my head hanging off some strange bed. A sharp pain rushed through my thigh and I erupted to my feet. In this moment I realized I was surrounded by cement walls and a barred window. I must be in a jail cell. With no realization of how or why I am here, I slowly reached into my pocket. As I dug in my pocket I counted 5 items. The first item I pulled out was a Bud Light bottle cap. I didn't drink so I was very confused why it was in my pocket, poking at my leg. Stunned by my discovery I reached for the next item, only to find my two year sobriety token. Then I had a sudden epiphany appear, I just realized I received my token the yesterday morning but it still didn't coincide with why I am in a cell. My third item was a receipt from the bar. Instant, disappointment filled my body as I have worked so hard for my token. But I just assumed I was placed here for over drinking like I did several times many years ago. Then, I saw my reflection in a mirror across the room and had cuts all over my face. When I pulled out the fourth item it fell to the ground along with the fifth item. My body soon plummeted with it as I realized what happened. Laying on the ground next to me was my car keys and a blood covered picture of a family that I have never seen before last night. I went to the bar to celebrate my departure from my addiction with a single drink. That one drink quickly turned into many. Thinking of only myself I got into my car and headed home at the end to the night. I had ran an intersection and slammed into another car. Inside the car was a teenager, he looked as if he just got his license. I stumbled to the car but he appeared dead from the collision. Gripped tightly in his hand was a family portrait covered in his blood. I tried to clean the blood off to identify the family but to no avail. My guilt made me keep to photo to insure this would never happen again. Sitting here embracing the events from last night the picture stares at me... This cell will now be my new home.