Personally, English has never been my strong suit, but I found this semester surprisingly enjoyable. My favourite part of the course was the blogging. I have never blogged before but I enjoyed how unlike my other classes which base my mark on 2 or 3 assignments, the blogs were an opportunity to boost your mark. I also enjoyed writing my blog in a more relaxed manner as opposed to a formally written essay. This class was also very helpful in that I now know what is expected of me in writing a university quality essay.
Short fiction was definitely more engaging and interesting for me as I have never been a fan of poetry. I thought the choice of short fiction was interesting and it was really neat to talk about banned books and why they may be banned. The essay writing workshops were extremely helpful in knowing what the prof wanted and the format that I needed to follow in writing the paper. By knowing where to begin in organizing my paper and how to transition and connect my paragraphs was really helpful in the transition from high school or university paper writing.
Finally I want to thank our prof Jon Parsons for such a great semester and for helping with any issues we may have come across. It is less common in university to have a professor who really cares about the outcome of their students grades. I definitely felt more encouraged to do well in this course than in many others.
Wednesday, 28 November 2012
Learning Journal Activity - Flash Fiction
Dinner at Grandma and Grandpa’s
“You can run but you can’t hide!” my cousin yells as he chases after my younger cousins.
This is what we are greeted with as we entered the main foyer of my grandparent’s beach side home in Prospect, Nova Scotia. The sound of mumbled adult conversation, cooing of babies, and screeches of toddlers were among the various sounds that filled and still do fill their comfortable home. Roast beef is slowly roasting in the oven and the smell makes my mouth water. As my parent’s made their way to join in conversation the first stop for me was always the beach on those summer days.
The sound of the ocean slapping the sand and rocks as it rolls in and out, mixed with the soft smell of salt water and fresh air were enough to bring my 7 year old self down to the shore. I would play and dig my hands in the sand, wade into the water under the supervision of my older brother and climb the large rocks lining the shore. This was my sanctuary.
The days rolled on and finally my mother would call me and my 20 other cousins to stop our playing and get inside for supper. As always my grandmother outdid herself. Roast beef, potatoes, rice, vegetables and for dessert hot apple crisp that my grandfather INSISTED was topped off with vanilla ice cream. The thought still makes my mouth water.
One day, about 10 years ago, this routine came to a halt. My grandparents moved to a condo in Halifax. The family dinners continued, our family remained close, the same noises fill their smaller home during our get togethers. The same smell of roast beef and grandmas dessert fill your nose at arrival. During these visits my mind is still, to this day, drawn to the beach. My sanctuary.
“You can run but you can’t hide!” my cousin yells as he chases after my younger cousins.
This is what we are greeted with as we entered the main foyer of my grandparent’s beach side home in Prospect, Nova Scotia. The sound of mumbled adult conversation, cooing of babies, and screeches of toddlers were among the various sounds that filled and still do fill their comfortable home. Roast beef is slowly roasting in the oven and the smell makes my mouth water. As my parent’s made their way to join in conversation the first stop for me was always the beach on those summer days.
The sound of the ocean slapping the sand and rocks as it rolls in and out, mixed with the soft smell of salt water and fresh air were enough to bring my 7 year old self down to the shore. I would play and dig my hands in the sand, wade into the water under the supervision of my older brother and climb the large rocks lining the shore. This was my sanctuary.
The days rolled on and finally my mother would call me and my 20 other cousins to stop our playing and get inside for supper. As always my grandmother outdid herself. Roast beef, potatoes, rice, vegetables and for dessert hot apple crisp that my grandfather INSISTED was topped off with vanilla ice cream. The thought still makes my mouth water.
One day, about 10 years ago, this routine came to a halt. My grandparents moved to a condo in Halifax. The family dinners continued, our family remained close, the same noises fill their smaller home during our get togethers. The same smell of roast beef and grandmas dessert fill your nose at arrival. During these visits my mind is still, to this day, drawn to the beach. My sanctuary.
Monday, 26 November 2012
Learning Journal Activity - Open Letter
Dear Bed,
I sincerely want to know why you can be so cruel when I need you the most. On Monday morning when I have to be up for school you always, and I mean always, decide to become even more comfortable and difficult to leave. I have to be out the door by 9 but you make it hard to rise before then. My alarm goes off and my mind and my body fight one another, stay in bed or get up and go. My body almost always wins and it’s back to bed I go.
I am not intending for this letter to come across negatively. I thank you for those few extra minutes in the morning, but I truly need to make it to class in the morning. So please Bed, save the comfiness for the weekend. It seems I always rise to early then anyway and its the week that I need an early kickstart. So Monday thru Friday please don’t make the bed so toasty in the morning, and don’t let me find that perfect sleeping position.
Kathryn
I sincerely want to know why you can be so cruel when I need you the most. On Monday morning when I have to be up for school you always, and I mean always, decide to become even more comfortable and difficult to leave. I have to be out the door by 9 but you make it hard to rise before then. My alarm goes off and my mind and my body fight one another, stay in bed or get up and go. My body almost always wins and it’s back to bed I go.
I am not intending for this letter to come across negatively. I thank you for those few extra minutes in the morning, but I truly need to make it to class in the morning. So please Bed, save the comfiness for the weekend. It seems I always rise to early then anyway and its the week that I need an early kickstart. So Monday thru Friday please don’t make the bed so toasty in the morning, and don’t let me find that perfect sleeping position.
Kathryn
Sunday, 25 November 2012
Learning Journal Activity - In The News
SCIENTISTS DISCOVER ULTIMATE SECRET IN FORTUNE COOKIE
Scientists convening at a local chinese restaurant discovered the secret to the universe in a fortune cookie last Tuesday. Their discovery was made public last night at the Regional Scientist Convention in St. John’s, Newfoundland. The people of Canada and the rest of the world were shocked to discover, yes, we are living in the Matrix. The Agents as they are called, who are programmed to keep order in this computerized world we live in, have been in a frenzy trying to clean up the mess that we are in as people discover the secret of the Matrix. We have all seen the science fiction movie released in 1999 and been slightly paranoid ever since but it seemed ridiculous to believe such a thing could be real. The most prominent issue now, is trying to establish who the real Neo is. The government has been busy trying to weed out the posers as thousands of men and even some women claim to be “The One”. So folks, since our real bodies are really back in Zion and guarded by the machines let just sit back and see how this all pans out.
Scientists convening at a local chinese restaurant discovered the secret to the universe in a fortune cookie last Tuesday. Their discovery was made public last night at the Regional Scientist Convention in St. John’s, Newfoundland. The people of Canada and the rest of the world were shocked to discover, yes, we are living in the Matrix. The Agents as they are called, who are programmed to keep order in this computerized world we live in, have been in a frenzy trying to clean up the mess that we are in as people discover the secret of the Matrix. We have all seen the science fiction movie released in 1999 and been slightly paranoid ever since but it seemed ridiculous to believe such a thing could be real. The most prominent issue now, is trying to establish who the real Neo is. The government has been busy trying to weed out the posers as thousands of men and even some women claim to be “The One”. So folks, since our real bodies are really back in Zion and guarded by the machines let just sit back and see how this all pans out.
Friday, 26 October 2012
Learning Journal Activity - Review
Cha Baa Thai Restaurant - Halifax, NS
One of my great friends came to Halifax as an exchange student from Thailand. He loved Halifax and has been coming back for school for the past 3 years, in these three years we have taken upon ourselves a challenge. This challenge is to find the best Thai food in the city. Cha Baa Thai has yet to disappoint. Located on Queen Street this is a perfect location in walking distance from almost anywhere downtown. I can truly say that the only slightly unpleasant part of any outing to this fabulous Thai restaurant is finding parking, but with several shops and busy areas it doesn't usually take to long to track down a spot in a parking garage of near by lot.
When you walk into the restaurant the atmosphere is quite relaxed, the chefs behind the counter visible from your seat. The servers always arrive promptly after you are seated and never without a glass of water. After a couple visits and with such a small staff its easy to spot a familiar and friendly face. If you decide to try out this restaurant, don’t leave without trying their deep fried spring rolls which are a highlight of the menu, served promptly and hot with a side of slightly spicy thai sauce they are the perfect way to kick off a delicious Thai experience.
As we are not adventurous at all in my food choices we always choose the same thing for our main course, and never to our disappointment. Pad Thai for me (15$) and Panang Chicken with steamed jasmine rice (13$) for Benz. Laden with crisp bean sprouts, green onion, chicken and small bits of tofu the Pad Thai is delicious, and enough to keep you coming back for more every visit. The Panang Chicken is cooked in a coconut curry paste and sauteed with asparagus, cabbage, chilies and lime leaves. It is the perfect balance between spicy and light with the rice as a nice complementary plate. Despite not being adventurous we usually pick off of each others plates and in the off chance that we aren't to stuffed with food will sometimes splurge on a tempura banana and ice cream for dessert. The perfect way to end a fabulous meal with a fabulous friend.
One of my great friends came to Halifax as an exchange student from Thailand. He loved Halifax and has been coming back for school for the past 3 years, in these three years we have taken upon ourselves a challenge. This challenge is to find the best Thai food in the city. Cha Baa Thai has yet to disappoint. Located on Queen Street this is a perfect location in walking distance from almost anywhere downtown. I can truly say that the only slightly unpleasant part of any outing to this fabulous Thai restaurant is finding parking, but with several shops and busy areas it doesn't usually take to long to track down a spot in a parking garage of near by lot.
When you walk into the restaurant the atmosphere is quite relaxed, the chefs behind the counter visible from your seat. The servers always arrive promptly after you are seated and never without a glass of water. After a couple visits and with such a small staff its easy to spot a familiar and friendly face. If you decide to try out this restaurant, don’t leave without trying their deep fried spring rolls which are a highlight of the menu, served promptly and hot with a side of slightly spicy thai sauce they are the perfect way to kick off a delicious Thai experience.
As we are not adventurous at all in my food choices we always choose the same thing for our main course, and never to our disappointment. Pad Thai for me (15$) and Panang Chicken with steamed jasmine rice (13$) for Benz. Laden with crisp bean sprouts, green onion, chicken and small bits of tofu the Pad Thai is delicious, and enough to keep you coming back for more every visit. The Panang Chicken is cooked in a coconut curry paste and sauteed with asparagus, cabbage, chilies and lime leaves. It is the perfect balance between spicy and light with the rice as a nice complementary plate. Despite not being adventurous we usually pick off of each others plates and in the off chance that we aren't to stuffed with food will sometimes splurge on a tempura banana and ice cream for dessert. The perfect way to end a fabulous meal with a fabulous friend.
Friday, 12 October 2012
Friday, 5 October 2012
Learning Journal Activity - Plunderverse
"Phenomenal Woman" by Maya Angelou
Pretty women wonder where my secret lies.
I'm not cute or built to suit a fashion model's size
But when I start to tell them,
They think I'm telling lies.
I say,
It's in the reach of my arms
The span of my hips,
The stride of my step,
The curl of my lips.
I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.
I walk into a room
Just as cool as you please,
And to a man,
The fellows stand or
Fall down on their knees.
Then they swarm around me,
A hive of honey bees.
I say,
It's the fire in my eyes,
And the flash of my teeth,
The swing in my waist,
And the joy in my feet.
I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.
Men themselves have wondered
What they see in me.
They try so much
But they can't touch
My inner mystery.
When I try to show them
They say they still can't see.
I say,
It's in the arch of my back,
The sun of my smile,
The ride of my breasts,
The grace of my style.
I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.
Now you understand
Just why my head's not bowed.
I don't shout or jump about
Or have to talk real loud.
When you see me passing
It ought to make you proud.
I say,
It's in the click of my heels,
The bend of my hair,
the palm of my hand,
The need of my care,
'Cause I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.
I'm not cute or built to suit a fashion model's size
But when I start to tell them,
They think I'm telling lies.
I say,
It's in the reach of my arms
The span of my hips,
The stride of my step,
The curl of my lips.
I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.
I walk into a room
Just as cool as you please,
And to a man,
The fellows stand or
Fall down on their knees.
Then they swarm around me,
A hive of honey bees.
I say,
It's the fire in my eyes,
And the flash of my teeth,
The swing in my waist,
And the joy in my feet.
I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.
Men themselves have wondered
What they see in me.
They try so much
But they can't touch
My inner mystery.
When I try to show them
They say they still can't see.
I say,
It's in the arch of my back,
The sun of my smile,
The ride of my breasts,
The grace of my style.
I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.
Now you understand
Just why my head's not bowed.
I don't shout or jump about
Or have to talk real loud.
When you see me passing
It ought to make you proud.
I say,
It's in the click of my heels,
The bend of my hair,
the palm of my hand,
The need of my care,
'Cause I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.
“Phenomenal Woman” plunder by Kathryn LeBlanc
Pretty women wonder where my secret lies.I'm not cute or built to suit a fashion model's size
But when I start to tell them,
They think I'm telling lies.
I say,
It's in the reach of my arms
The span of my hips,
The stride of my step,
The curl of my lips.
I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman.
That's me
I walk into a room
Just as cool as you please,
And to a man,
The fellows stand or
Fall down on their knees.
Then they swarm around me,
A hive of honey bees.
I say,
It's the fire in my eyes,
And the flash of my teeth,
The swing in my waist,
And the joy in my feet.
I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.
Men themselves have wondered
What they see in me.
They try so much
But they can't touch
My inner mystery.
When I try to show them
They say they still can't see.
I say,
It's in the arch of my back,
The sun of my smile,
The ride of my breasts,
The grace of my style.
I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.
Now you understand
Just why my head's not bowed.
I don't shout or jump about
Or have to talk real loud.
When you see me passing
It ought to make you proud.
I say,
It's in the click of my heels,
The bend of my hair,
the palm of my hand,
The need of my care,
'Cause I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.
Sunday, 30 September 2012
Learning Journal Activity - Poetic Inquiry
Facebook and Studying
When studying my impulse control is nearly non-existant. I can’t help but surf the web and look at cat videos on youtube. It’s terrible but why does it happen, and why can’t I stop?
I procrastinate.
In circles I go, one webpage to another,
But why do I always end up on facebook?
I wish I could control my impulses
But I can’t,
Around and around I go.
Night drags on.
Paper’s due.
What do I do?
The answer is simple really.
Click EXIT.
DON’T go on Facebook.
Learn about World War II and the Human Brain.
Read your poetry readings.
Study for your midterm.
Say GOODBYE to social networking,
Hello to studying.
That answer is simple but why can’t I do it. Facebook and social networking seem to be designed for procrastination purposes.
So...
My paper’s due
What can I do?
Friday, 21 September 2012
Learning Journal Activity - Song Analysis
BLACKBIRD - THE BEATLES ( 1968)
Blackbird singing in the dead of night
Take these broken wings and learn to fly
All your life
You were only waiting for this moment to arise.
Blackbird singing in the dead of night
Take these sunken eyes and learn to see
All your life
You were only waiting for this moment to be free.
Blackbird fly Blackbird fly
Into the light of the dark black night.
Blackbird fly Blackbird fly
Into the light of the dark black night.
Blackbird singing in the dead of night
Take these broken wings and learn to fly
All your life
You were only waiting for this moment to arise
You were only waiting for this moment to arise
You were only waiting for this moment to arise.
Take these broken wings and learn to fly
All your life
You were only waiting for this moment to arise.
Blackbird singing in the dead of night
Take these sunken eyes and learn to see
All your life
You were only waiting for this moment to be free.
Blackbird fly Blackbird fly
Into the light of the dark black night.
Blackbird fly Blackbird fly
Into the light of the dark black night.
Blackbird singing in the dead of night
Take these broken wings and learn to fly
All your life
You were only waiting for this moment to arise
You were only waiting for this moment to arise
You were only waiting for this moment to arise.
FORM
The stanza arrangement in this song goes from two consecutive quatrains, to two couplets and concludes with the final stanza being a sestet. The song consists of many refrains to reinforce the content of the lyrics (which will be discussed below), and in fact most of the song is at least in part a refrain. The first two stanzas are almost entirely repetition but by changing only 5 of the words additional meaning is brought to the song. Stanzas 3 and 4 are an example of refrain which repeat entire stanzas and stanza 5 is a repetition of stanza one where the final line is being repeated an additional two times. This particular song is not enjambed and sentences conclude at the end of lines, making it an end-stopped song. The meter of the song holds a sort of pattern, the first two stanzas having a syllable count of 9,9,3,13. Stanzas 3 and 4 change it up with a syllable count of 6,9. Finally in the last stanza there is a syllable count of 9,9,3,13,13,13. This is very similar to stanzas 1 and 2 but due to the refrain at the end of the song there are two extra lines.
STYLISTIC ELEMENTS
The song Blackbird has a very delicate tone to it, but grows to become more overpowering at certain parts and I think this is totally relevant to who the speaker is talking to. The speaker in this case would be a person during the civil rights movement who was looking in from the outside. The addressee would be a black person struggling at the time for equality and the ability to overcome racial differences. This song is loaded with symbolism and deeper meaning than may be perceived by the lyrics which is one of the reasons it has become one of my favourite songs. The blackbird, who has been portrayed as battered (broken wings) and at a loss for hope (sunken eyes), is symbolic of the African-American struggle for civil rights particularly during the 1950’s and 60’s. The speaker, in telling the blackbird to fly, is symbolically supporting the African-American struggle for equality and promoting their success.
CONTENT
This song was extremely significant in its time because being in the public eye The Beatles really did hold a lot of influence over the public and their fans. Through their lyrics they supported the African-American struggle against segregations and inequality among race, something that was not as common for a white group to do. Although there was a meaning being these lyrics, the use of metaphor allows for alternate interpretation to the song, and the application of its message to many parts of life. Without the historical and political context of the song it is easy to apply it to any situation in life, and is an inspirational song for allowing yourself to get over certain issues or fears you are having. I love this song because it is so simple yet so deep at the same time, and it is just peaceful to listen to. I don’t think another group could cover this song and be as successful at making it meaningful. The time in which it was written and the fact that such a well known and idolized group recorded and released it at the time of civil unrest and racial tensions in the United States bring greater meaning to the song.
Wednesday, 12 September 2012
Learning Journal Activity - Poetry
The Haiku
Lightning strikes the sky
A sound of angry water
Waves come crashing in
The Limerick
There was a young girl from Bali
She had a Border Collie
His name was Duke
He could play the flute
And sometimes he liked to eat lollies
The rhyme scheme that goes along with a limerick creates a sense lightheartedness to the words on the page. The poem itself could be about something ridiculous but the lighthearted and childlike tone make it easy and enjoyable to read. The rhyme scheme lends a sort of tune to the poem and in turn conveys humour to the reader. Without a rhyming pattern or the structure a limerick has, it would be humourless and would just sound like a non-sense poem without purpose.
Learning Journal Activity - Introduction
Hello, my name is Kathryn I am 18 years old and I am from Bedford Nova Scotia. I am in my first year at Memorial and am currently taking the prerequisites for the Social Work program.
I have lived in Bedford all of my life, until September 2nd that is, when I moved to St. John’s. I decided to make the move mostly for a change, but also for the positive feedback I have received from current and former students of the university and really, who can beat the cost. From my first visit to Newfoundland almost a year ago I fell in love with the town and the people and knew that this was the place for me. It was weird leaving behind my parents, my brothers and my cat, but I am adjusting and so far love it.
I have been asked the most dreaded question about 10 times since I moved into residence and that question is: What is the most interesting thing about you? Well let me tell you, my life is not all that interesting, so I will try not to bore you.
Growing up I always loved playing basketball and soccer, having two older brothers I grew up to be quite the tom boy. My focus started to change in high school when I started to really get a feel for what I enjoyed doing. I started taking art class in grade 10 and I kept with it for the three years of high school. I went through multiple stages where I loved it and I hated it, but came out of school with a hobby that I enjoy and hopefully will continue with.
I have been an avid reader most of my life and still enjoy books from when I was a kid. Throw me anything Dr. Seuss and I will have nothing to complain about (this may be the reason I enjoy babysitting my cousins so much, I have an excuse to read children’s books). Harry Potter has been my go to book since I started the series in early elementary and I have read each book at least 4 times. Over the last 4 years, Ellen Hopkins has become one of my favourite authors. Although her novels can be dark and in some cases especially disturbing in portraying certain struggles, they are extremely engaging and you really feel like you are inside the story.
Back home I work at a walk-in medical clinic as a receptionist, starting out I always thought I wanted to be a doctor but that changed as time went on. The different personalities and situations I had to deal with on a daily basis helped me decide I wanted to go into social work, and ultimately help and try and improve certain situations people are in. It was an interesting job with a lot of responsibility and I learned a lot about myself and people in general.
Ultimately what people should know about me is that, I love my friends and my family. I am easy going and like to have a good time. My hobbies include reading, doodling and various other arts and crafts, and occasionally still playing sports.
I sincerely hope I did not bore you to death, and I look forward to whatever awaits us all in the next couple months of English 1080.
I have lived in Bedford all of my life, until September 2nd that is, when I moved to St. John’s. I decided to make the move mostly for a change, but also for the positive feedback I have received from current and former students of the university and really, who can beat the cost. From my first visit to Newfoundland almost a year ago I fell in love with the town and the people and knew that this was the place for me. It was weird leaving behind my parents, my brothers and my cat, but I am adjusting and so far love it.
I have been asked the most dreaded question about 10 times since I moved into residence and that question is: What is the most interesting thing about you? Well let me tell you, my life is not all that interesting, so I will try not to bore you.
Growing up I always loved playing basketball and soccer, having two older brothers I grew up to be quite the tom boy. My focus started to change in high school when I started to really get a feel for what I enjoyed doing. I started taking art class in grade 10 and I kept with it for the three years of high school. I went through multiple stages where I loved it and I hated it, but came out of school with a hobby that I enjoy and hopefully will continue with.
I have been an avid reader most of my life and still enjoy books from when I was a kid. Throw me anything Dr. Seuss and I will have nothing to complain about (this may be the reason I enjoy babysitting my cousins so much, I have an excuse to read children’s books). Harry Potter has been my go to book since I started the series in early elementary and I have read each book at least 4 times. Over the last 4 years, Ellen Hopkins has become one of my favourite authors. Although her novels can be dark and in some cases especially disturbing in portraying certain struggles, they are extremely engaging and you really feel like you are inside the story.
Back home I work at a walk-in medical clinic as a receptionist, starting out I always thought I wanted to be a doctor but that changed as time went on. The different personalities and situations I had to deal with on a daily basis helped me decide I wanted to go into social work, and ultimately help and try and improve certain situations people are in. It was an interesting job with a lot of responsibility and I learned a lot about myself and people in general.
Ultimately what people should know about me is that, I love my friends and my family. I am easy going and like to have a good time. My hobbies include reading, doodling and various other arts and crafts, and occasionally still playing sports.
I sincerely hope I did not bore you to death, and I look forward to whatever awaits us all in the next couple months of English 1080.
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