Journal

Journal #1: Responding to “Consider the Lobster”

1. If David Foster Wallace came into the classroom I would ask him:
   1. Why did you chose to write about lobsters being cooked alive when other animals are also killed inhumanely to be used for human consumption? 
   2. You mention a lot about whether or not an animal as simple as lobsters can feel or express pain, but have you thought that maybe they do not show this emotion how humans might express it because they have different pain receptors and internal organs? 
   3. I noticed while I was reading the essay that you were on the lobsters side, but then by the end you appeared to be on either side. What is your honest opinion about cooking lobsters alive?
   4. Have you ever been to the festival and participated in the eating of the lobster or the protection of the lobster?
   5. Why do you think the switch was made from lobster being a prison, poor person food to being a delicacy that the wealthier people indulge into?

The limits of a written discussion are that you have to wait for someone else to reply completely before you can give your response. Also, if you are just asking questions and waiting for people to answer to have a discussion, it could be hard to keep the conversation going if the person stops writing. Another thing that can limit a written discussion is if the questions being asked are very one dimensional, there is not much room for multiple people to answer it. You might anticipate your audience’s questions when you write by making a list of questions yourself and giving a mock response to it.  Another thing you can do to anticipate their questions is to make sure you know a lot about you are talking or writing about. Both of these suggestions together can help you be prepared for the questions asked of you because you will already be expecting questions and if any question you were not expected is asked of you, you will be prepared because you have a large knowledge about that topic. 

While drafting writing projects, making a very basic outline of my assignment with the text or evidence that I am going to include helps me to focus while writing. Also, this helps me make sure I do not forget any detail that I want to write, but also gives me the flexibility to change my mind about ideas while I am writing. Sometimes I completely change my plan while I am mid essay and then I just role with it. Other times, however, the outline I created is exactly what I want to write about and follow it very closely. While revising, I reread the writing multiple times and pick up any spelling, grammar, or punctuation errors and fix them. Usually after that, I will check for clarity and reword and confusing sentences to make my point clear to the reader. Another thing I do to help me with this is to read it out loud or have someone else read it to me as I follow along to fix any of my errors.
Peer editing does help me a lot. I do take into consideration what they say and how I can improve my writing. In the past, however, some of my peers have not taken this seriously and say that my essay is good, without changing anything, even if there are many mistakes. I prefer people to rip apart my writing and give me honest feedback because in the long run it will be more beneficial than if the peer reviewer tells you that the essay is decent.

Journal #3: “The Art of Quoting”

            This chapter in “They Say I Say”,brings up a lot of very useful tips on how to quote sources properly, as well as how to frame the quote. I like how the author refers to it as a “quotation sandwich.” This was how I was taught in middle school and high school how to properly quote; my teachers would always tell me to introduce the quote and then after, explain the quote in detail. However, one of my teachers told me that the explanation of the quote should always be longer than the quote itself. After reading this book, I now know that this is not always the case.

            I felt to me like some of the points made in this chapter were targeted towards a specific type of paper. Some papers need more of a flow between sentences, such as when you are telling a narrative, and dropping in the phrase, “According to X…” can disrupt the flow of the paragraph. In my opinion, using quotes at the end of the sentence would work in an essay if “X” was presented before in a previous sentence.

Journal #4: “The End of Food” Passages

P.5, paragraph 2 – This paragraph illustrates that people always want a quick fix, but it can end up turning into a disastrous situation. This paragraph shows examples of some of these “quick fixes.” I will use this paragraph to help support my claim that Soylent should not be an end all be all.  P.8, paragraph 6 – This paragraph gives evidence that Soylent is hopping on the train for food to become a drink. This paragraph offers other brands and drinks that have done the same thing, however to a lesser degree of replacing all meals. I will use this as a counterpoint because I do not agree that Soylent is like the other powered drinks. P.9, paragraph 2 – this paragraph offers an opposing view to Rhinehart’s. This comes from a doctor who says that we could live off of Soylent but we would be missing many other nutrients that have added health benefits. I will use this to support my claim because I feel like we need actual food to survive.

Journal #5: “Entering the Conversation”

This chapter in “They Say, I Say” provides many useful tips in how to argue against a point but still make it sound eloquent and not like you are attacking the opposing view point. The templates that they included are going to be very helpful when writing argumentative essays because it offers a basic structure that will add new levels to your writing. I think the most important part of this chapter is on page 5-6 when they discuss that you have to use the “they say” piece because it makes the readers understand where you are coming from and why you are even writing the paper. Doing this also adds another dimension to your writing because you can elaborate more on what your opinion is if you state the opposing side’s as well.

Journal #7: Peer Review Response

Journal #8: Revising Process

Journal #9: Mann Paragraphs

Page 4, paragraph 2– I think this paragraph is central to Mann’s essay because he is arguing 2 sides of the coin and this argument is just one of those. He talks about the carrying capacity of humans and how this will ultimately ruin the planet. I have a complicated view on this. I do agree that the human population is growing very rapidly and will eventually reach a point where the earth may not be able to handle it. However, I also feel that nature has a way of figuring things like this out. In nature, when populations reach their carrying capacity, other things might happen, such as an increase in competition or an increase in predation that will all-in-all lower that population. Humans are more complicated and will probably fight against this system, but in the end, I believe that nature will end up winning.  Page 7, paragraph 2– This paragraph, I think, is one of Mann’s major points. This paragraph discusses how these two sides are trying to control what happens, but at the end of the day is simply making matters worse. I agree with this statement because if humans do not figure out what to do about this issue and actually make a choice that does not contradict or completely ruin the other side, then we will all suffer in the end. I personally believe that we should contribute to a mix of both ideas: use GMOs but be careful to not over use the land. (this idea is brought up again on page 9, paragraph 3).  Page 12, paragraph 2– This paragraph is supporting one of Mann’s ideas. This paragraph is about genetically modifying photosynthesis in plants to make is more efficient by turning on a specific gene that would allow for C4 photosynthesis. I disagree with this because photosynthesis is the basis of what life is built on and I feel that if scientist try to alter this in any way, it will result in dramatically negative effects on the planet. Although, these scientists have seen this gene turn on in some other plants naturally, altering this type of gene in other plants could result in a change in this plant that humans would never be able to fix. The plant they are trying to use is rice because it is a staple crop that many people use for food and nutrients. Assuming that this process does not work like they planned; billions of people will become more malnourished all because scientists messed with photosynthesis.

Journal #10: Pollan Paragraphs

Page 4, paragraph 2– This paragraph is essentially his thesis and outlines the rest of the essay. I agree with what he says in this paragraph. Why do people watch cooking shows if they are not going to make the food themselves? Pollan suggests that it’s because of women working outside the home and not cooking homemade meals anymore, and the fact that cooking is not necessary anymore with all of the technology and fast food out there. I agree with this as well because everyone always talks about cooking and making meals but usually end up either ordering out or buying something frozen from the store and heating it up. Food is such an important part of American culture but Americans rarely cook but love to watch other people cook and eat homemade meals.  Page 9, paragraph 3– This paragraph discusses how the skills on the Food Network could never really be applied to real life. I agree and disagree with this statement. I agree because the things that they have to do and in the time frame is unrealistic. No one can really make a decent meal in 20 minutes when not given the ingredients a head of time. However, chefs in restaurants must cook quickly and efficiently in order to keep the guests happy. Although the skills, like making a meal out of string cheese, is unrealistic in real life some of the skills, like cooking with a time limit, is very much a real-life application.  Page 13, paragraph 5– In this paragraph, Pollan offers his explanation as to why we like watching food shows. He suggests that it is because the people on the show are actually doing something with their hands and working to create something while the average person has a desk job. I disagree with this because I feel like people watch these shows to see what other people can really do that, they themselves cannot do. I believe that people are naturally curious and enjoy watching others perform outrageous tasks, such as cooking an entire meal perfectly in under 30 minutes.

Journal #11: “Starting with What Others Say” (TS/IS)

This chapter in TS/IS will be very beneficial when introducing new ideas and point of views into my essay, especially the essay for Project 2. The advice about making sure you state the thesis and both opposing views in the introduction, or at least early enough in the paper that the reader is not confused about what the claim is, is very helpful to create a cohesive essay that will make sense and generate good flow. I really like the part where is says, “remember that you are entering a conversation and therefore need to start with ‘what others are saying,’ as the title of this chapter recommends, and the introduce your own ideas as a response” (20). I like this part because it creates an image in my head of two people actually having a conversation and I just state my views as they discuss. This chapter also offers very useful templates that will help make my writing seem more appealing and interesting to read. The templates are very specific to certain topics about introducing a new point of view versus introducing your point of view.

Journal #12: Progress Report

9 days into my essay and I still have a very rough draft with all of my ideas and plans spewed out onto the paper. Looking at my essay now and seeing where it has to be by next class, I know that I have a lot of work to do to really flesh out my ideas and make it a whole essay that I would be willing to put my name on and hand in.

One of the major challenges that I am facing while writing this essay is piecing together how Mann’s ideas fit into either Widdicombe’s or Pollan’s views. I can easily see how those 2 articles fit together but it will take a lot more deeper thinking to really connect 1 to Mann’s piece. The way that I am going to tackle this problem is by rereading the Mann article and pulling out the pieces that I 100% agree with and those that I do not agree with at all. Once I have these pulled out, look over Widdicombe’s and Pollan’s articles to see where those ideas overlap with what I agree and disagree with. I think this will help me because not only will it help me understand where I am headed in my essay, but will also provide quotes that I can use to really help me formulate my thesis and digest my ideas fully.

Journal #13: “Playing the Naysayer in Your Text”

This chapter in TS/IS illustrates many interesting points about how to introduce a rebuttal into your paper. The authors say that by adding in a “naysayer” your paper will become stronger and more interesting to read. By looking at your weak spots in your idea and trying to think of things that people might say to ruin your argument, can help the reader believe your ideas more. However, the book brought up a good point that if the rebuttal is too strong, the central argument will fall apart. I like how this chapter demonstrates that you cannot simply say the opposing view is completely incorrect because 1. that does not provide any evidence as too why and 2. the reader will lose trust in you as an authentic author. I think the templates throughout the chapter will help me in my own writing, especially in the current essay, because we are trying to argue a certain point and this rebuttal will help make it stronger.

Journal #15: Flu Narrative Reactions

Narrative 1- I Survived by Betty Somppi

This narrative gave me chills while I was reading it. The fact that both children had the disease and only the one who received treatment survived made me sad. I have had a flu-like virus before and I know that it is not an enjoyable experience. However, this story gave me perspective as to what medicine was like back then and how far it has progressed. Although she lived a long and healthy life, her neighbor did not. If he had taken the medicine then he might have survived. It is also crazy to think that the treatment for the flu back then was considered “experimental” but now, we have a little pill that helps reduce symptoms and speeds up the healing process. After reading the narratives in the section about finding a cure, one question I would ask the narrator is what treatment she was given. She was only told it was a shot but I wonder what was in the syringe.  

Narrative 2- Plantings by Linda Krause

This narrative made me sit there in awe as I read it. The amount of dead bodies that would require using a school as a graveyard must have been an unimaginable amount. While reading this, I thought of the Holocaust and seeing pictures of the piles of dead bodies. It must have been horrific seeing the dead bodies of loved ones on display in a school. However, I can relate to this narrative because there are rumors that some college dorm rooms in Connecticut might be used as housing for patients with the corona virus because the hospitals might not have enough room for all the patients. One question I would ask the narrator, who is the daughter of the person in the story, is what would you have done if you were in your mother’s shoes and saw those horrible images.

Journal #16: Response to Classmate’s Journal #15

I agree that all of these narratives definitely reminded me of what is going on today with the coronavirus. I really liked the 1st narrative because I was so amazed how the father took care of his family and the neighbor’s farm and still did not get sick. I was shocked that someone would be so kind to go out of their way to do that for someone else. I also read the 2nd narrative and had similar conclusions to you. I could not imagine what that would have looked like and the effects it would have on someone so young. I found it strange that they opened the blinds for the people on the streets to pay their respects. Personally, I would not want to see my loved ones displayed like that after they died from a serious illness, for everyone to see.

I like how you picked out two opposing stories. One that offers hope and one that shows the negatives, and sadly the reality, of these pandemics. I feel like success stories like the one in your 1st narrative, probably did not happen often. The likelihood is that most people who contracted the flu would have died. Similar to today, most people were affected in some way to the disease, whether it be the flu or the coronavirus. I think it’s interesting how you talked about the media. I think that today the media and the type of media we look at impacts how we view things. If we look at a news source that states everyone who has coronavirus will likely die, then we panic. However, if we look at a news source that states the coronavirus has the largest impact on the elderly and those who are immune compromised, then we will not panic as much.

Journal #17: Narrative Rough Draft (300 Words) / Outline

            As the world heads towards a global pandemic, we are all forced to sit here and do our part in quarantine to stop the spread of COVID-19. When the first outbreak of this virus happened in China, I was not very worried about the impact it would have on me. I mean, how could a disease on the other side on the world affect my health and daily life in any way? However, as it started to spread and come closer to where I live, I began feeling anxious for effects it would have in my life. This virus has led to major changes in my life that I could never forget.

            As a result of the highly contagious nature of this virus, many schools started to shut down and move to an online platform. This new schooling required an adjustment to how my daily life looks. My usual day would consist of going to classes, eating lunch, and then going to work. But now, my day consists of going to the couch, eating lunch in my kitchen, and then going to my room to continue doing schoolwork. I am very fortunate that all of my professors have been flexible, supportive, and understanding of their students because that has definitely made this transition much easier.

             Since the transition to online classes, I learned a few things about myself. While being stuck at home for the past few weeks, I actually miss college a lot and I wish that I could go back and finish out my first year strong. I took for granted how much freedom I had while in Maine than in Connecticut: the freedom to go where ever, whenever I wanted to, without having to ask for permission from my parents. I love being home, don’t get me wrong, but the aspects of being independent and having full autonomy over my life and my decisions have helped me grow as a person. Since being home, I am not allowed to go any where because of the quarantine, so I am stuck in my house all day long with nothing to do except for school work. How I wish I could take just one more walk down the beach after a long day of classes.  

SISTER WORKING IN COVID-19 UNIT IN HOSPITAL

MOM HELPING OUT IN COMMUNITY MAKING MASKS

WHAT I LEARNED ABOUT THE COUNTRY VERSUS MY COMMUNITY

My family has also been affected by the Coronavirus. My oldest sister, Caitlin, works in the medical field and in the front line of this disease. She is a nurse at Harford Hospital in Connecticut’s capital. Caitlin works in the intensive care unit at the hospital but ever since the virus reached Connecticut, her unit have been converted into the COVID-19 ward for all positive cases in Hartford County. The transition to this has led her to face many challenges in her job, from constantly changing health protocols to the lack of available medical resources. For four nights in a row, she was required to wear a different combination of masks, face shields, and gloves each night. The only protection between her and the sick patient is a mask that may or may not prevent the virus from infecting her. During one of her shifts, she grabbed a mask to see a patient and when she turned around, the box of masks were gone because someone stole it. Caitlin is genuinely scared to go to work because she is directly interacting with those who tested positive for COVID-19. As a result of her working in close proximity, she had to cancel Easter dinner because she was supposed to host it at her house. After hearing about all that she is experiencing, I realized how close this virus was to home. I was forced to face reality and accept that coronavirus was here and it is going to affect my day to day life.

Similar to Caitlin, my mom is also nurse. However, she is retired and cannot help in the same capacity as my sister. The coronavirus can be deadly for the elderly and those who are immune compromised. My mom is immune compromised and she is older. As a result of this she has not left the house since the virus has been in Connecticut. However, she still wants to help people in the community. One of her favorite hobbies is sewing and is using this to create CDC recommended masks. By using social media, people started asking for masks, a lot of people. My mom spent a week straight sewing masks for people. Most of the people she made these masks for are home nurses being they are not provided with masks by their employer. Another reason why she decided to make these was to help decrease the amount of fear in people. There are so many people that are scared to go out of their house and worried that they will get so sick that they might die.

I am unaware of any civil virtue happening in my community right now, but I know that my mom is using her skills at sewing to make fabric CDC recommended masks (similar to the Red Cross). She has made a lot of masks because people are so scared of COVID-19. She used to be a nurse, and she is doing this as her way of helping the community and limiting the fear / panic in people.

I think I can speak for everyone when I say that no one was prepared for how quickly this virus spread and the ramifications that came with it. When I first heard about it, the virus was making its way through China. As it continued to spread to other countries and continents, the unaffected countries should have started preparing for the worst by putting out safety regulations and providing all health care professionals supplies and resources. COVID-19 has everyone scared to leave their homes and is causing people to buy ridiculous amounts of groceries, such as: toilet paper, gloves, masks, meat, and other foods. I agree that we should be prepared for the worst but buying 5 packages of toilet paper is a little excessive and other people who actually need it are not able to buy it. Relating this virus to climate change is a little hard to do because of the reaction people have to each. Both of these issues are unprepared for and require attention but with the rise of people testing positive, strictly rules should be put in place. They are already limiting the amount of people in the stores that are opened, all nonessential businesses are closed, and there is talk about being required to wear a mask if you go into a public place. This issue is both helping and hurting the planet. With the lack of people walking around and polluting the air and waterways, dolphins have returned to Venice and the canals are clear for the first time in many, many years. However, stores are encouraging you to not bring reusable bags and are giving out plastic bags again. Also, with the amount of people wearing gloves and masks, they are dropping them on the ground and not throwing them away in the garbage. I think that both issues are equally as important but right now, in the state we are in, I feel that we should focus more time and energy on reducing the spread of COVID-19 and then focus on climate change.

Journal #23: Responding to Peers’ Journal 21

I responded to Kenneth Colby. I agree that the decision the government is making, they believe is the best option for all the people even if no one else thinks so. It is easy for us to sit here and criticize the government for the decisions they make because we are not in their shoes, with millions of people stating their opinion on how that is the wrong choice and try to give what they believe would be the correct option. I feel that with people being off the street and quarantined in their homes, the world is slowly starting to repair itself. In Venice, the canals are clearer than they have been in many years and animals, like dolphins and swans, have returned to this place where they once thrived. As bad as this virus is and the impact it is having on people is horrible, but the policies the government is putting in will hopefully reduce the spread and help with future outbreaks. After this issue has passed, the policies used for the health preservation can transfer to help battle the impact of climate change.