Monday, October 18, 2010
Journal 15 Logic and Reason Usage
There are many different places and times that I use reason and logic. One example is in school. When working through problems in many different science classes like AP Chemistry, Physics, and Digital Electronics, which is an engineering course. Physics is one subject that focuses basically all around logic. All of the math that we deal with in the subject is simple algebra, but to be able to reach the point of solving for simple math, you have to be able to understand the theory behind it. Another time that I use logic is in simple everyday situations. If someone comes up to me and asks if I would like to join them in the jumping off of a bridge or cliff sort of thing. At first, of course I would say thank you for the invitation, but there is no logic in doing that. It would be a really cool feeling to jump off because eventually you would reach freefall and it would feel like you weigh absolutely nothing. One has to realize that after that though, you would have to hit the ground, and that would hurt quite a bit. This even relates back to using logic and reason in physics, because reaching freefall takes about fifty feet. When you think about it, rationalism is all around us. We use it all of the time in all aspects of our everyday lives. Logically I know that I still have about one hundred words left in this blog. Reason tells me that I need to continue to write to reach the required limit so that I can obtain the grade I want for this blog post. Logic tells me that it will help my grade in English class so I must continue to write. After this sentence I will be extremely close to the limit for this blog. Simple reasoning tells me that I will need to stop writing so that I can do other things with my life.
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Thomas Paine's Common Sense
Through Thomas Paine’s Common Sense, it is clear that he found many flaws in the monarchy governmental system. He argues that a government’s sole purpose is to protect its people’s lives, liberty, and property (Paine). This leads him to speak about the corruption and flaws in a monarchy. He also makes the point that “A government of our own is our own natural right” (Paine). He uses these concepts to make a basis of comparison of Great Britain’s past to how the government of the colonies should be set up.
When Paine speaks of the monarchy of Britain, he states that through the entire time of its ruling, there have been many corrupt kings. He does admit that there have been good rulers, but there are too many bad ones to truly believe that the ruling is just overall (Paine). This is a problem that all governments, and even on a more simple level, organizations, have; at some point or another, a ruler will want more power. It is part of human nature to have a desire for absolute power and control. This is what creates one of the major flaws in the monarchy of Great Britain.
Another way that Paine supports his thoughts is through a comparison of a king to a lion. He says that nature disproves the idea of hereditary rights of kings because all too often, there is an “ass for a lion” (Paine). The simple use of a comparison of something from nature is extremely effective, because of its simplicity. Most of the time, a very simple means of arguing a point is actually the most effective overall, and Thomas Paine seems to understand this. There will always be times where there are bad leaders as there are times when there are bad leaders simply in nature with other animals.
Another way that Paine supports his ideas is through a historical reference to Thomas Anello, a fisherman from Naples that became king in a day (Paine). Like use of a simple comparison from nature, the use of historical events to support an idea are extremely effective. He supports his idea that having a government is the right of all human beings. He says that all men, when thinking of human affairs will realize that it is wise for there to be a constitution to govern (Paine). He relates the story of Thomas Anello by saying that situations like that must be omitted because there are always obscurities in what happens to a society or government.
Thomas Paine’s Common Sense presents many ideas about the government and overall state of colonies. He presents many ideas about how corrupted the monarchy of Great Britain. In this article, Paine supports his ideas in many different ways. He uses the simple statement of the flaws of the British Monarchy, a comparison to the natural world, as well as historical references. All of these methods are extremely effective in supporting the concepts and ideas about the government and society of the colonies.
Works Cited
Paine, Thomas. "Common Sense." Archiving Early America. Online. 17 Oct. 2010..
When Paine speaks of the monarchy of Britain, he states that through the entire time of its ruling, there have been many corrupt kings. He does admit that there have been good rulers, but there are too many bad ones to truly believe that the ruling is just overall (Paine). This is a problem that all governments, and even on a more simple level, organizations, have; at some point or another, a ruler will want more power. It is part of human nature to have a desire for absolute power and control. This is what creates one of the major flaws in the monarchy of Great Britain.
Another way that Paine supports his thoughts is through a comparison of a king to a lion. He says that nature disproves the idea of hereditary rights of kings because all too often, there is an “ass for a lion” (Paine). The simple use of a comparison of something from nature is extremely effective, because of its simplicity. Most of the time, a very simple means of arguing a point is actually the most effective overall, and Thomas Paine seems to understand this. There will always be times where there are bad leaders as there are times when there are bad leaders simply in nature with other animals.
Another way that Paine supports his ideas is through a historical reference to Thomas Anello, a fisherman from Naples that became king in a day (Paine). Like use of a simple comparison from nature, the use of historical events to support an idea are extremely effective. He supports his idea that having a government is the right of all human beings. He says that all men, when thinking of human affairs will realize that it is wise for there to be a constitution to govern (Paine). He relates the story of Thomas Anello by saying that situations like that must be omitted because there are always obscurities in what happens to a society or government.
Thomas Paine’s Common Sense presents many ideas about the government and overall state of colonies. He presents many ideas about how corrupted the monarchy of Great Britain. In this article, Paine supports his ideas in many different ways. He uses the simple statement of the flaws of the British Monarchy, a comparison to the natural world, as well as historical references. All of these methods are extremely effective in supporting the concepts and ideas about the government and society of the colonies.
Works Cited
Paine, Thomas. "Common Sense." Archiving Early America. Online. 17 Oct. 2010.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Reflection of Lemay's Criticism of Franklin's Autobiography
I found many of the concepts presented in J. A. Leo Lemay’s “Franklin's Autobiography and the American Dream” to be very interesting and insightful. This criticism really brought some ideas together and connected many ideas about Franklin’s life and his autobiography. Four major parts of the American Dream including: the rise to wealth, the rise to importance, the effect of individuals on the world and the worlds effect on them, and lastly how people believe their actions will effect the world (Lemay, J.A. Leo) and their surroundings all are very rationalistic in nature. The concepts and ideas analyzed in this criticism really relate Benjamin Franklin’s Autobiography to the concepts of rationalism.
The criticism stated that the rise to riches shown in Franklin’s autobiography was not particularly important in an overall standpoint (Lemay, J.A. Leo). Lemay backed this up by saying that Franklin kept the focus away from his economic gains and only a few times boasted of his wealth and prosperity (Lemay, J.A. Leo). Though this may be true, I think that it is more important to the American Dream than it is given credit for. This is because the idea of rags to riches life is something that everyone has always dreamed about. Sure, Franklin did not focus on it, but it is a part of the American Dream that is more important in other stories.
The second point that Lemay confronts is that of the rise from impotence to importance, from dependence to independence, and from helplessness to power (Lemay, J.A. Leo). This is probably one of the most important topics of the American Dream. It is quite similar to the rise to riches, but it reaches a more personal and inner level. This is why I found that the rise to riches actually is more important than it was given credit for in Lemay’s criticism; because in all reality it is simply the idea of personal rise in a material sense. It may seem superficial to consider that a major part of the American Dream, but we truly do live in a material society.
Another topic that Lemay analyzes is how the world effects and individual and how an individual can effect the world (Lemay, J.A. Leo). This is a very rational concept presented by Franklin in his autobiography. Rationalists believe that there is a reason for everything and that reason should be used to explain things. It only makes sense that they would think that people have an impact on what happens in the world. With the rise in democracy during the time there is a prime example in that members of a society can determine how they are governed through the election of officials.
The final concept of the American Dream that Lemay spoke about is how people’s actions will affect the world (Lemay, J.A. Leo). This is similar to the previous section on how an individual can affect the world. Lemay stated that how the world worked was determined by the government, thinkers, and average people or lack there of. This is an idea that relates in a sense that all of those things are created by individuals, therefore, having a direct impact on society and the world as a whole.
The parts of the American Dream that Lemay analyzed through the autobiography of Benjamin Franklin are all extremely evident as parts of rationalism and the overall persona of Franklin. This criticism connected many concepts and ideas with excellent support.
Works Cited
Lemay, J.A. Leo. "Franklin's Autobiography and the American Dream." InThe Renaissance Man in the Eighteenth Century. Los Angeles: William Andrews Clark Memorial Library, 1978. Quoted as "Franklin's Autobiography and the American Dream." in Bloom, Harold, ed. The American Dream, Bloom's Literary Themes. New York: Chelsea Publishing House, 2009. Bloom's Literary Reference Online. Facts On File, Inc. http://www.fofweb.com/activelink2.asp?ItemID=WE54&SID=1&iPin=BLTTAD005&SingleRecord=True (accessed October 13, 2010).
The criticism stated that the rise to riches shown in Franklin’s autobiography was not particularly important in an overall standpoint (Lemay, J.A. Leo). Lemay backed this up by saying that Franklin kept the focus away from his economic gains and only a few times boasted of his wealth and prosperity (Lemay, J.A. Leo). Though this may be true, I think that it is more important to the American Dream than it is given credit for. This is because the idea of rags to riches life is something that everyone has always dreamed about. Sure, Franklin did not focus on it, but it is a part of the American Dream that is more important in other stories.
The second point that Lemay confronts is that of the rise from impotence to importance, from dependence to independence, and from helplessness to power (Lemay, J.A. Leo). This is probably one of the most important topics of the American Dream. It is quite similar to the rise to riches, but it reaches a more personal and inner level. This is why I found that the rise to riches actually is more important than it was given credit for in Lemay’s criticism; because in all reality it is simply the idea of personal rise in a material sense. It may seem superficial to consider that a major part of the American Dream, but we truly do live in a material society.
Another topic that Lemay analyzes is how the world effects and individual and how an individual can effect the world (Lemay, J.A. Leo). This is a very rational concept presented by Franklin in his autobiography. Rationalists believe that there is a reason for everything and that reason should be used to explain things. It only makes sense that they would think that people have an impact on what happens in the world. With the rise in democracy during the time there is a prime example in that members of a society can determine how they are governed through the election of officials.
The final concept of the American Dream that Lemay spoke about is how people’s actions will affect the world (Lemay, J.A. Leo). This is similar to the previous section on how an individual can affect the world. Lemay stated that how the world worked was determined by the government, thinkers, and average people or lack there of. This is an idea that relates in a sense that all of those things are created by individuals, therefore, having a direct impact on society and the world as a whole.
The parts of the American Dream that Lemay analyzed through the autobiography of Benjamin Franklin are all extremely evident as parts of rationalism and the overall persona of Franklin. This criticism connected many concepts and ideas with excellent support.
Works Cited
Lemay, J.A. Leo. "Franklin's Autobiography and the American Dream." InThe Renaissance Man in the Eighteenth Century. Los Angeles: William Andrews Clark Memorial Library, 1978. Quoted as "Franklin's Autobiography and the American Dream." in Bloom, Harold, ed. The American Dream, Bloom's Literary Themes. New York: Chelsea Publishing House, 2009. Bloom's Literary Reference Online. Facts On File, Inc. http://www.fofweb.com/activelink2.asp?ItemID=WE54&SID=1&iPin=BLTTAD005&SingleRecord=True (accessed October 13, 2010).
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Journal 14 Declaration of Doughnuts
We the people, in order to have a more tasty breakfast, establish flavors, provide a delicious snack, promote drinking of milk, and secure the blessings of fryers to ourselves and our milk glasses; do hereby ordain and establish this constitution for the doughnut eaters of America.
The first rule of doughnuts is that you do not talk about doughnuts.
The second rule of doughnuts is that you DO NOT talk about doughnuts.
The third rule of doughnuts is that if someone says "no more" the breakfast is over.
The fourth rule of doughnuts is only two glasses of milk per doughnut.
The fifth rule of doughnuts is one doughnut at a time.
The sixth rule of doughnuts is no shirts no shoes.
The seventh rule of doughnuts is breakfast will last as long as it has to.
The eight rule of doughnuts is your first doughnut you have to eat it all.
Along with the original rules on how to go about eating there are also rules about how doughnuts have to act. Doughnuts are to be delicious at all times. Some sort of topping such as icing and or sprinkles must be on the top of it at all times. Although the topping is required, filling is an option. Usually it makes each doughnut better, but in some situations or combinations, the doughnut can actually become less delicious.
There are all sorts of different doughnuts. Some are circles, some are ovals, and some are even rectangular ovals. They are commonly known as long johns. The shape doesn't really matter to me, because they are all delicious. There are also doughnut holes, which are quite yummy in the right situation. I remember my first doughnut hole. It completely blew my mind. Before I had no idea what happened to the little middle part of each circular doughnut and then I found out that it was made into the little delicious snack that I have now come to love.
The first rule of doughnuts is that you do not talk about doughnuts.
The second rule of doughnuts is that you DO NOT talk about doughnuts.
The third rule of doughnuts is that if someone says "no more" the breakfast is over.
The fourth rule of doughnuts is only two glasses of milk per doughnut.
The fifth rule of doughnuts is one doughnut at a time.
The sixth rule of doughnuts is no shirts no shoes.
The seventh rule of doughnuts is breakfast will last as long as it has to.
The eight rule of doughnuts is your first doughnut you have to eat it all.
Along with the original rules on how to go about eating there are also rules about how doughnuts have to act. Doughnuts are to be delicious at all times. Some sort of topping such as icing and or sprinkles must be on the top of it at all times. Although the topping is required, filling is an option. Usually it makes each doughnut better, but in some situations or combinations, the doughnut can actually become less delicious.
There are all sorts of different doughnuts. Some are circles, some are ovals, and some are even rectangular ovals. They are commonly known as long johns. The shape doesn't really matter to me, because they are all delicious. There are also doughnut holes, which are quite yummy in the right situation. I remember my first doughnut hole. It completely blew my mind. Before I had no idea what happened to the little middle part of each circular doughnut and then I found out that it was made into the little delicious snack that I have now come to love.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Journal 13 Spirit
Spirit is a word. It is spelled, S, P, I, R, I, T. It is something that a lot of people have. Mainly for their schools. I always think about one cheer that I have heard many a time. It goes: We've got spirit yes we do, We've got spirit. How about you? I think this is a very clever cheer and it really articulates the idea that each respective team or school has spirit. The cheer is completed by the other team saying the same thing back to the other fan section. I think its really nice that each team can show their support in a creative way, but also respectfully. Personally, I believe I have a lot of school spirit. I really enjoy participating in spirit week activities and supporting my schools various sports teams. As an athlete, I know that having the support of fans really can help out in a game, and can even effect the outcome of the game at least a little bit. I really just need to talk about something now because I don't want to have to worry about this blog over homecoming weekend as homework. I guess that shows some school spirit by me doing this because I would rather support my school and have fun than do a blog for homework for english class. Now I really just rambling because I want to get the needed word count for this blog. I am about done. I haven't counted the words yet, but I know I am getting close. Maybe a couple more sentences and I should be done. I guess I will check the word count now. I only have two hundred and seventy seven words. That is kind of close, but there is still a while before I reach my final goal of three hundred and twenty five words for the blog. With this final sentence I believe that I will reach the required word count that I need for the blog for today.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Journal 12 Working With a Partner
Working with a partner is one thing that I have a lot of experience with. I enjoy it a lot and there is one story that happened to me that I always think about when I think about working with a partner or teamwork in general. Over the summer I went to Africa for a summer job. I took my friend Matt to work with because I thought that we would have fun working together. I had already done some work as a freelance mercenary for a couple summers previously but there was always a lot of work for one person. This is why I thought I would benefit from having an extra person to take some of the work load off of myself. Our first job was to destroy a small village in South Africa. In this village was the leader of the rival organization that we were working for at the time. We went in and did our job but as we were leaving we came across a small child of about sixteen years of age. He told us his name was Kirk and that he had been taken captive. We thought that we should take him back to America with us at the end of the summer. We had to be smuggled out of the country because we were taken in illegal in the first place. While Matt distracted the guard with his amazing good looks, I was able to take little Kirk onto the cargo hold of the plane that was going to take us back home. This was some of the best teamwork that I have ever seen in my days. I think that this quality of working well with others will rub off on little Kirk because since we have raised him, we have always displayed good teamwork. Now all three of us are back in the states, living happily and attending Pleasant Plains High School. Specifically Mr. Langley's English 332 class.
Friday, October 1, 2010
Journal 11 Ethics/ Values
Well I don't really feel like talking about ethics or values, so I'll talk about something else. The other weekend I went to see Weezer live. The show was in Peoria at the auditorium on Bradley’s campus. It was a pretty great time. I went with Kirk, Luke, Dylan, and Simon. We went to dinner at Avanti's before the show and it was quite delicious. I had some chicken alfredo that I enjoyed a lot. After that we went to the show. We were a little early so we had to sit around for a while but it wasn't to long of wait. The opening band came out and started to play. Their first song was okay and then after they finished it they explained how they were a small band from Chicago. They played like seven songs and I really only like one of them which kind of sucked. After they were done Weezer got on the stage and started with Buddy Holly. It was so amazing. They played a lot of songs from the Blue Album, which was great because that's my favorite album of theirs. Some of the songs that they played I now like a lot just because of how well they played them live. I had never really liked the song Surf Wax America, but when they played it, I found it to be a great song. They played a cover of Kids by MGMT with a mix of Poker Face by Lady Gaga. Both are really good songs originally but I absolutely loved the way that Weezer played them. During the song Beverly Hills, the lead singer Rivers walked around the entire auditorium. He ended up coming right behind where our seats were. I have pictures on my phone and I’m like right next to him. Dylan actually touched him which is pretty exciting. This was actually the first show for a major band that I had ever been to and overall it was a great experience. I definitely want to see some more bands live because it really changed my entire perspective on Weezer as a whole.
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