I am not one to engage myself into fights of a physical nature. However, I swear by participation in a good debate every now and then. So, recently, my godfather and I were arguing over whether, as the character Lord Wotton says, beauty and youth are in fact our chief pursuits in life as stated by Oscar Wilde in The Picture of Dorian Gray. Not really, because debates of such an intellectual nature have unfortunately become rare in our conversations, but let's just say that hypothetically we were. As previously stated, I love debates, so I myself would not try and avoid the fight. Whether he will admit it or not, it is very evident that he does too, so he would not try an avoidance tactic either. The events of said arguement are really not significant, because we all know how it probably went: I, trying to be mature and clever, emit a string of silly little references and metaphors adding up to an equally silly opinion; and he, also trying to be mature and clever, tries to counter my attack with something even more profound that possibly doesn't make any sense at all either. And from there, the arguement's basis and details change...we are now agressively trying to prove that we are better, more intelligent, and more worldly than the other. Me, sensing that the fight is in fact an attack wholly on my person, will probably retreat into a melancholy stupor as I brood on and on about what an evil person my godfather is.
Embarassingly, I will admit that somewhere along those lines I seem to have lost my point. However, it is quite possible that my point was something pertaining to the likeness that many of our arguements seem to share. Or, perhaps, how easily something so small can be fueled into becoming something much more.
Unfortunately, from that hypothetical heated arguement, I have learned nothing, and it is likely that my mouth and mind will continue to run away from me as I commence to pick more fights of this sort with anyone and everyone. My, oh my, it does indeed bite to have an opinion of any sort that one feels even the slightest hint of passion towards...
Monday, October 5, 2009
Top Ten Lists
top ten most exciting
- 1803. Dalton devises table of elements – Helped the advancement of modern science, esp. chemistry.
- 1839. Daguerre invents first form of photography – The daguerreotype is an early form of photography developed by Lois Daguerre in which the image is exposed onto a mirrored metal plate which reflects the image and makes it appear positive in the proper light.
- 1800. library of congress founded – The Library of Congress, erected in 1800, is the largest library in the world. It is located in Washington, D.C.
- 1832. Samuel morse improves telegraph – This invention led to improved communication across great distances.
- 1808. congress prohibits importing of African slaves – The Congress passed the Act to Prohibit the Slave Trade in 1807, abolishing the trading of slaves between us and Africa.
- 1803. Louisiana purchase – The US bought 828,800 square miles of territory from the French in 1803, leading to American expansion.
- 1793. eli whitney invents cotton gin – In 1793, Eli Whitney invented the cotton gin, a machine which made the whole textiles industry more profitable and effective in its work.
- 1789 – 1797. george Washington – George Washington, the first President of the US, set the tones for every President thereafter by doing great things during his term, such as creating the Cabinet of advisors.
- 1849. California gold rush – The 1849 California Gold Rush helped to realize our goals described in the term of Manifest Destiny by encouraging further expansion of United States citizens to the West coast who were seeking riches.
- 1811. first steamboat down Mississippi river reaches new Orleans – In 1811, the first in a line of steamboats reached New Orleans by way of the Mississippi River. Following that maiden voyage, during the 19th and early 20th centuries, trade on the Mississippi was dominated by steamboats.
top ten most terrible
- 1838. trail of tears – Ordered by President Jackson, the Trail of Tears was the forced relocation of Native Americans from their homelands to present-day Oklahoma, with many perishing en route.
- 1829 – 1837. Andrew Jackson – Andrew Jackson was hardly an idyllic leader, namely with his introductions of the Indian Removal Act, the spoils system, and with his support of slavery.
- 1798. alien and sedition act – The Alien and Sedition Act stated that any resident alien who was “dangerous to the peace and safety of the US” may be deported, amongst many other unfavourable things.
- 1830. Indian removal act – Put into action by President Andrew Jackson, the Indian Removal Act defined and authorised the forced relocation of Native Americans from their home territories.
- 1793. fugitive slave act – This Act stated that any escaped (or fugitive) slave must be returned to their owner, in favour of those who were pro-slavery.
- 1829. Andrew Jackson introduces spoils system – The spoils system, Andrew Jackson believed, would gain him more supporters by rewarding his followers.
- 1850 – 1870. plains Indians cede land for reservations – The Plains Indians were forced onto reservations.
- 1847. mormons and Indians – At first, the two groups got along, until the Mormons wanted Native American land, leading to conflicts between them.
- 1811. battle of Tippecanoe – In response to growing tensions between the Native Americans and Americans, the Battle of Tippecanoe was fought on November 7th, 1811. Public opinion in the US blamed the Native American uprising on British influence, which influenced the War of 1812.
- 1821. Missouri compromise – The Missouri Compromise, passed in 1821, regulated slavery in the Western territories.
- 1803. Dalton devises table of elements – Helped the advancement of modern science, esp. chemistry.
- 1839. Daguerre invents first form of photography – The daguerreotype is an early form of photography developed by Lois Daguerre in which the image is exposed onto a mirrored metal plate which reflects the image and makes it appear positive in the proper light.
- 1800. library of congress founded – The Library of Congress, erected in 1800, is the largest library in the world. It is located in Washington, D.C.
- 1832. Samuel morse improves telegraph – This invention led to improved communication across great distances.
- 1808. congress prohibits importing of African slaves – The Congress passed the Act to Prohibit the Slave Trade in 1807, abolishing the trading of slaves between us and Africa.
- 1803. Louisiana purchase – The US bought 828,800 square miles of territory from the French in 1803, leading to American expansion.
- 1793. eli whitney invents cotton gin – In 1793, Eli Whitney invented the cotton gin, a machine which made the whole textiles industry more profitable and effective in its work.
- 1789 – 1797. george Washington – George Washington, the first President of the US, set the tones for every President thereafter by doing great things during his term, such as creating the Cabinet of advisors.
- 1849. California gold rush – The 1849 California Gold Rush helped to realize our goals described in the term of Manifest Destiny by encouraging further expansion of United States citizens to the West coast who were seeking riches.
- 1811. first steamboat down Mississippi river reaches new Orleans – In 1811, the first in a line of steamboats reached New Orleans by way of the Mississippi River. Following that maiden voyage, during the 19th and early 20th centuries, trade on the Mississippi was dominated by steamboats.
top ten most terrible
- 1838. trail of tears – Ordered by President Jackson, the Trail of Tears was the forced relocation of Native Americans from their homelands to present-day Oklahoma, with many perishing en route.
- 1829 – 1837. Andrew Jackson – Andrew Jackson was hardly an idyllic leader, namely with his introductions of the Indian Removal Act, the spoils system, and with his support of slavery.
- 1798. alien and sedition act – The Alien and Sedition Act stated that any resident alien who was “dangerous to the peace and safety of the US” may be deported, amongst many other unfavourable things.
- 1830. Indian removal act – Put into action by President Andrew Jackson, the Indian Removal Act defined and authorised the forced relocation of Native Americans from their home territories.
- 1793. fugitive slave act – This Act stated that any escaped (or fugitive) slave must be returned to their owner, in favour of those who were pro-slavery.
- 1829. Andrew Jackson introduces spoils system – The spoils system, Andrew Jackson believed, would gain him more supporters by rewarding his followers.
- 1850 – 1870. plains Indians cede land for reservations – The Plains Indians were forced onto reservations.
- 1847. mormons and Indians – At first, the two groups got along, until the Mormons wanted Native American land, leading to conflicts between them.
- 1811. battle of Tippecanoe – In response to growing tensions between the Native Americans and Americans, the Battle of Tippecanoe was fought on November 7th, 1811. Public opinion in the US blamed the Native American uprising on British influence, which influenced the War of 1812.
- 1821. Missouri compromise – The Missouri Compromise, passed in 1821, regulated slavery in the Western territories.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Growing Up: Another Reflection
It is, in fact, universally true: growing up is both painful and exciting. This strange blend of emotions results from many things happening to us during the period of adolescence, both inside and outside of our bodies. Outside of ourselves in the world around us, there are constantly so many forces at work which alter our states of mind and our lives as we are in the process of becoming an adult. There are the commonly spoken of influential factors, such as peer pressures to alter our life courses and steer them into unfavourable directions. And there are also, simply put; the comings and goings and happenings of others in our communities and the bigger world that will most definitley have some sway over how we choose to, or will come to; materialise ourselves as adults. These experiances can be painful to go through, such as the death of a loved one for instance; or terribly exciting, such as excelling in a passionate hobby or practice. We of course cannot possibly choose to be in a country currently at war with another nation, but it will most definitley affect us in some way, both in the short and long term schemes of things. We can, however, choose to be the best that we can be (not to be mundane), to strive toward that which makes us happiest, and to choose how we will make our mark upon this uneven earth.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Common Sense: A Reflection
From reading this excerpt of Common Sense, the pamphlet by journalist Thomas Paine that helped to shape the Revolution, I have learned many things about life during that era. Primarily, that American existance was an ambivalent one, as Americans' hearts were constantly being tugged in opposing ways toward either independance, or the decision to stay a state of Great Britain's. It was also a passionate one, in my opinion, because of the aforementioned mental battle that faced the peoples of the New World. This inner war very quickly turned into countless physical battles that in the end finally won us our independance and helped to shape the nation as it remains today.
Honestly, what surprised me most about what I read was just simply the eloquence in which the document itself was forged. It was not only a bold statement of facts urging Americans to open their eyes and realise that we would be better off as an independant country, but also a magnificent piece of poetry that was clearly written with a lot of hope in mind for the American people and the future that Thomas Paine envisioned for us and urged us to fight towards.
Honestly, what surprised me most about what I read was just simply the eloquence in which the document itself was forged. It was not only a bold statement of facts urging Americans to open their eyes and realise that we would be better off as an independant country, but also a magnificent piece of poetry that was clearly written with a lot of hope in mind for the American people and the future that Thomas Paine envisioned for us and urged us to fight towards.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
When is Breaking the Law Justified?
Five Reasons for Government:
- to protect us from harm
- social order
- to work with the economy
- solve conflicts
- provide assistance for the needs
Were there ever a revolution established because the government was not fulfilling the above, I would certianly join no questions asked. It's the government's job to help serve and protect us as we go about our lives. If I didn't agree with something the government was/wasn't doing, I would certianly stand up for what I believed was right. We can't just stand aside as the government goes on doing wrong and taking away personal liberties and the like. We just can't. It is our job as citizens to make sure that the government is doing its' job and interfering with our lives only as often and in a likeness that is necessary.
- to protect us from harm
- social order
- to work with the economy
- solve conflicts
- provide assistance for the needs
Were there ever a revolution established because the government was not fulfilling the above, I would certianly join no questions asked. It's the government's job to help serve and protect us as we go about our lives. If I didn't agree with something the government was/wasn't doing, I would certianly stand up for what I believed was right. We can't just stand aside as the government goes on doing wrong and taking away personal liberties and the like. We just can't. It is our job as citizens to make sure that the government is doing its' job and interfering with our lives only as often and in a likeness that is necessary.
The Adventures of Daniel Boone Assignment
From reading this document, I learned about the various hardships and difficultues one faced during life in the colonies. There were many a troubles to face, such as just obtaining food and shelter. One had to bear all and defend themselves against the outside forces that threatened their way of life. It was always possible to starve, be attacked by either natives or beast, and during one's journey I'm certian it is likely to get lost and find onesself in a strange new land they had never intended to travel.
What surprised me most about what I read, apart from how hard a day in the life back then was; was the fact that Daniel Boone's brother was able to find him whenever they were seperated each time. To think, all of the hardships in the world facing them...and they still were reunited several times during his adventures to Kentucky!
Life back then was VERY different than it is for us today. For instance, in the times of the colonists, to obtain food one would have to hunt or farm for it. Today, we can just look into our refrigerators, or venture to a restaurant for nourishment, or use another modern tool of food finding. Also, these days life is...safer. We don't have to worry day in and day out about starving, or being exposed to the extremities outside (natives, the harsh weathers for which we now possess modern tools to keep us safe) that might kill, harm, or otherwise disturb us and our ways of going about day to day. I, for one, am happy to live in these modern times...I don't think I could last even a day back then.
What surprised me most about what I read, apart from how hard a day in the life back then was; was the fact that Daniel Boone's brother was able to find him whenever they were seperated each time. To think, all of the hardships in the world facing them...and they still were reunited several times during his adventures to Kentucky!
Life back then was VERY different than it is for us today. For instance, in the times of the colonists, to obtain food one would have to hunt or farm for it. Today, we can just look into our refrigerators, or venture to a restaurant for nourishment, or use another modern tool of food finding. Also, these days life is...safer. We don't have to worry day in and day out about starving, or being exposed to the extremities outside (natives, the harsh weathers for which we now possess modern tools to keep us safe) that might kill, harm, or otherwise disturb us and our ways of going about day to day. I, for one, am happy to live in these modern times...I don't think I could last even a day back then.
Monday, August 10, 2009
First Assignment.
1. What motivates immigrants to come to the United States today?
- People immigrating from other countries into the US do so for various reasons. Primarily, it seems to be a search for freedoms; personal, economical, or otherwise. Perhaps a person cannot earn enough money at their currant occupation and would benefit from another one. Another reason one might want to immigrate may be personal, such as they need to break away from some of their country's laws that might hold them back. However, with the process of immigrating can come many loses. One might have to leave their family behind, for instance. Immigration can be a terrific option for those who feel that they desire and/or need to do so.
2. Thousands of Europeans chose to move to the British colonies. Some for economic reasons and some for freedoms. If you decided to immigrate somewhere, would you move for economic reasons or for freedom?
- Personally, I would consider both options in my decision to immigrate to another country. I believe that it is very important to do so. I would look at my current standings as far as money, career satisfaction, personal desires, and such; before choosing to move somewhere. If I wasn't happy with my job or other aspects of my life here in the US, that is when I would consider moving. I would sometimes like to move myself to experiance what life would be like in another country. In conclusion, I would look at all aspects of my life before choosing to move to another country.
- People immigrating from other countries into the US do so for various reasons. Primarily, it seems to be a search for freedoms; personal, economical, or otherwise. Perhaps a person cannot earn enough money at their currant occupation and would benefit from another one. Another reason one might want to immigrate may be personal, such as they need to break away from some of their country's laws that might hold them back. However, with the process of immigrating can come many loses. One might have to leave their family behind, for instance. Immigration can be a terrific option for those who feel that they desire and/or need to do so.
2. Thousands of Europeans chose to move to the British colonies. Some for economic reasons and some for freedoms. If you decided to immigrate somewhere, would you move for economic reasons or for freedom?
- Personally, I would consider both options in my decision to immigrate to another country. I believe that it is very important to do so. I would look at my current standings as far as money, career satisfaction, personal desires, and such; before choosing to move somewhere. If I wasn't happy with my job or other aspects of my life here in the US, that is when I would consider moving. I would sometimes like to move myself to experiance what life would be like in another country. In conclusion, I would look at all aspects of my life before choosing to move to another country.
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