Sara's Writing

Annotation Essay

2009-11-05T18:29:00.000-08:00

Questions:

- Are child labor laws being violated in the making of this show?
- What are statistics of multiple births?
- What are effects of being on reality tv and in the media?
- What is the divorce rate of parents of multiples?
- Is TLC being affected by the negative publicity surrounding their hit show "Jon and Kate Plus 8"?
- What is In Vitro Fertilization?

Links:
Child Labor Law
'Jon & Kate' plus ... Child Labor Complaint
Jon & Kate Plus 8: Child Labor Activists Taking Are Notice
In Vitro Fertilization
Stupid Parent + Reality TV = Kids at Risk
CDC FASTSTATS
CDC FASTSTATS - fertility
Too Many Babies?
TLC Sues Jon Gosselin
Do Parents of Multiples Have Higher Divorce Rates?

Essay 3 Summary

2009-11-02T08:45:00.000-08:00

Our Cell Phones, Ourselves
In the article “Our Cell Phones, Ourselves,” Christine Ronsen is informing us about the how dependent we have become on our cell phones. Cell phones are now replacing fixed telephone lines, but still, other countries beat the United States in the rate of cell phone use. These phones are not only used for talking either. More and more, cell phones are being used for other things, like turning the heat on in houses in Slovakia, and confirming tax returns in Norway. But before cell phones became such a huge part of our everyday lives, superheroes like Batman, Dick Tracey, and Maxwell Smart had special devices that were similar to cell phones. Although cell phones have become very modernized, they were quite bulky and unattractive when they first came out. Along with a more appealing look came more features, including internet access, GPS, mp3 players, cameras and more. This has surely made it easier for people to get more attached to their cell phones, some even calling them “electronic pets.” “You constantly see people taking their little pets out and stroking the scroll wheel, coddling them, basically ‘petting’ them,” one contributor said. Many cell phone users cause danger to themselves and other by talking while driving, about 54%. Its become such a big issue that some states “require drivers to use hands -free technology.” Internet use on cell phones is also becoming very common, but along with that comes the same types of viruses that computers get. Cell phones and internet don’t always mix though. Websites dedicated to “candid pornography” are displaying pictures taken by cell phone users in bathrooms and dressing rooms etc. Without cell phone-camera technology, this wouldn’t be as easily done. Although so many people are avid cell phone users, others cant stand it. It seems that everywhere you go, there is a conversation to be overheard. Whether it be an argument, gossip or casual conversation, people talk about it all, and its not always accepted by others. Some people get so offended or even just annoyed by it, that it has resulted in violence. People have gotten thrown out of public places and even stabbed because of it. As you can see, the level of rudeness in cell phone users is pretty high, with users even letting their phones go off in inappropriate settings such as movie theaters and concerts, but expert Jacqueline Whitmore said that “the rules on wireless etiquette are still evolving.” Cell phone use is also affecting social interactment, “they are technological cold shoulders” Rosen says, and they greatly help people remove themselves from social activity. When we see people using hands-free headsets, talking away, we usually think this person is a little odd, but in reality, more and more people are multi-tasking. Talking on their cell phones and walking the street, or grocery shopping and chatting away. Rosen says that she herself has her moments where she finds herself being that person as well, don’t we all?

ethnography rough draft

2009-10-17T19:12:00.000-07:00

This is what i have so far:

At eight a.m., two brothers meet in the gravel-filled back lot of the store that their father, my grandfather, opened over 50 years ago. The cast iron grate that covers the door at night is unlocked and removed, followed by the two locks on the door. There is silence at this early hour, but this won’t last very long.

As a child, I spent many hours with my Dad at the Store, as we call it. I loved to help out, whether I was peeling potatoes, spooning “secret sauce” into cups, or working the register, I would do it all. I used to live right down the street from the Store, which made it very convenient to take a walk and spend the day there. When my grandfather was alive, he would sit in the back room, where the ovens are, and break apart bread for stuffing. I would join him often, and sneak a few pieces for myself. I would wear the oversized aprons that would practically touch the floor on me, but fit perfectly on my Dad and Uncle, but I didn’t care.

The light chains click as they turn on the lights on their way to the front. They don’t waste time, and get right to work. My Dad unloads boxes of whole, raw chickens that will soon be spinning around in the rotisserie machines. He could do this with his eyes closed; he’s done this his whole life, two chickens on one rod, with special picks that hold them together. He definitely has a rhythm. Meanwhile, in the back, my Uncle gets to work on the rest. From Portuguese style rice simmering in one pan, to spicy potato bits and beans bubbling in the oven, he is making it all.

The morning starts off slow, with only a customer here and there, coming in to buy the newspaper or maybe a gallon of milk. But Al, an older man with a friendly face, he comes in every morning. He’s been a family friend for many years, and everyone enjoys his company. Over a cup of coffee, they will chat about what’s been happening since they last saw each other. When afternoon rolls around, business picks up. There’s always the regulars, the ones who come in the same day every week to buy a chicken, or a pound of barbeque ribs. For the most part, they’ve seen the customers before. They have either been a customer for years, or they live in the neighborhood.

Although you may not always hear the hustle and bustle of customers, there is a noise that is persistant; the whistling of my dear old Dad. Usually Christmas tunes are what you hear coming from his lips, even on the hottest day of summer. Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer is one of his favorites. The reaction of customers is usually the same, and completely understandable: “Christmas carols?!” Now on the counter in front of the chicken rotisserie , sits a jar that reads: “ Will Stop Whistling for Tips,” unfortunately that only lasts about 10 seconds. Along with the little show you get while visiting the Brightman Street Poultry, you will also be hassled. In other words, if you can’t joke around, this place isn’t for you. Although they won’t let up until you leave, it’s all good natured fun, and it will surely brighten up your day.

* i still plan on putting more description of my dad and uncles appearance, but i dont really know what else to add. any ideas???

Personal Essay

2009-09-26T08:49:00.000-07:00

Like every child, I had always dreamed of going on a trip to Disney World. I’d always seen pictures and heard stories, and it sounded so incredible. But I guess you could say that my dream got a little delayed. My opportunity to go to Disney didn’t arrive until my senior year of high school. When I heard that a group of teachers were organizing a seniors-only trip to Disney, I became immediately interested. The number of spots was limited to 60 students, and I was thrilled that I was one of them. Once my spot on the trip was reserved, I could not wait for April 19th to come. My sister and two close friends had chosen to room together, and couldn’t be more excited to go on this trip together. For three of us, it was our first time going to this magical place, and were expecting to have the time of our lives.

We had prepared for weeks, each of us buying a whole new wardrobe and other basic necessities for the trip. Our chaperone, Ms.Barber, was very knowledgeable about Disney, as she formerly lived in Florida, and answered our many questions about what was too come. The eve of our trip had finally come, and we all slept at my house. We finished packing and tried to sleep, but between excitement and having to wake up at 2 a.m. to be at our school an hour later didn’t really leave much room for sleep. To our dismay, we woke up to the pitter-patter of heavy rain outside; this is not at all how we envisioned the day to start out. After getting ready, we loaded up my mom’s van, and headed to school where two coach buses awaited us.

As we boarded the bus, we overheard that our chaperone was nowhere to be found. We began to get a little nervous, but were hoping for the best. “She will just meet us at the airport,” another chaperone announced, “we can’t wait any longer.” During the bus ride to Providence, it was evident that the other teachers and students were more than just a little worried, especially when Ms.Barber didn’t answer multiple phone calls. We arrived at the airport and filed into the check-in line, where the members of my group were soon told to move out of line since our chaperone still had not arrived with our tickets. After about an hour or two, we were so relieved to see the apologetic face of our chaperone rushing through the sliding doors or the airport entrance. After expressing her apologies and regret numerous times, we were boarding our Southwest flight to Disney.

I was incredibly nervous as I buckled my seat belt. I had never been on a plane before, and had absolutely no idea what to expect. It felt as if it took hours for the pilot to come over the intercom and announce that we would be taking off. As the plane picked up speed and floated into the sky, I was still a little panicky, but at the same time I was amazed at how everything looked at such a high altitude. After napping on and off for the duration of the two-hour flight, it was time to land, and as I expected, that was not my favorite part. At the Orlando Airport, I could already see palm trees and feel the heat. My classmates and I then got onto another set of buses and were on our way to Disney World.

I couldn’t even bare anymore anticipation. The bus ride seemed to take forever, but needless to say, we got there. With tickets in hand, my friends and I were granted admission to The Magic Kingdom. As we walked in, I felt like I was in a dream. Twinkly music and laughter filled the air, and the scent of popcorn floated to my nose. We rounded the corner onto Main Street, and I saw before me a sight that made my jaw drop: Cinderella’s Castle. As I said earlier, it was the first time for me and two others going to Disney, and seeing the Castle left us in awe. We stood there, watching the Castle in the distance, with smiles on from ear-to-ear. One thought that came to mind was: “pictures and television definitely don’t do this place justice!”

Although I may not be a six-year-old child, this magical place still amazed more than I thought possible. Over the course of our six day trip, we visited other parks including Epcot, Animal Kingdom, Universal Studios and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. At Hollywood Studios, we attended and event called Grad Nite, where there were multiple concerts and seniors from around the country, which was a ton of fun. It was sad to the trip come to an end. I did not think that a single place could be as astounding as Disney World was. It may be an assumption many people make that Disney is a place for children, but that is not the case at all. I continuously saw things that shocked me more and more, but the single picture of Cinderella’s Castle resonates in my mind, and as I think back, I remember how it took my breath away. And It may sound juvenile or exaggerated, but no matter what it sounds like, I now look at that trip as more than a “just a trip”, it was an unbelievable experience.

Personal Essay Ideas

2009-09-21T05:16:00.000-07:00

So far, I have thought of a couple of topics for my personal essay:

-Going to Disney on a senior trip last year, but of course it didn't go exactly as planned. It was my first time going to Disney, and my first time flying, so I was excited and nervous. The chaperone for my group was late, and she had our plane tickets and everything else we needed. After worrying that we wouldn't be able to go, she showed up at the last possible second. Also, when the morning came to leave, my friends and I didn't hear out wake up call, so we woke up about 10 minutes before we had to be downstairs to get on the bus. The trip definitely started and ended on a negative note.

-Getting my CNA license in my Junior year at Diman RVTHS. The work was never easy, and it was usually pretty stressful. Also, i would write about how nervous my friends and i were while on our way to our first clinical day at a nursing home. Finally, the actually testing day and how this led to getting a job and allowing me to work during the two weeks that I would have had to be in my shop.

I think I like the first idea better, but I'm not sure if it's too much of a common topic that will end up not sounding very interesting?