Thanksgiving Assignment

1. Topics in The Kite Runner – for each of the following, write a clear statement about what the book says about this topic in the novel

• Role of women – Although they mention the diff in sexes, there are no women characters introduced. And this shows the role of women in Afghanistan is not important.

• Betrayal Amir chose to preserve himself rather than taking a stand to protect the vulnerable Hassan.

• Brothers"there was a brotherhood between people who had fed from the same breast.” Although they were not blood brothers they shared that brother bond.

• Guilt – hidden guilt vs. open guilt Amir is born with the guilt if his father and cannot seem to get away from that. Amir’s failure to prevent Hassna from getting rapped has left him with a hidden guilt for not preventing it.

• Redemption Everyone in the story needs redemption besides Hassan. aba tries to redeem himself from his affair with Sanuabar and the betrayal of his friend and servant Ali by building an orphanage and by treating Hassan, his illegitimate son, better than Amir.

• Exodus

• Fathers & sons – patriarchal society- Amir and Baba have a strained relationship. Baba has a high position and Amir is always trying to be like him. Baba finds it hard to relate to Amir and his bookish ways while he himself is manly and enjoys sports. It was also unfair to Amir that Baba spent much more time with Hassan.

• Class distinction one of the boys job is more grand than the other.

2. Style – in 2-3 clear, concise, complete sentences, comment on each the author’s use of eachthe following in the novel

• Parallelism- The quote "for you, a thousand times over." is parallel to Amir being able to be good again in the introduction and then in the last chapter. Houiseinni basically opens and closes circle, ending where he started.

• Character foils – look for characters in pairs OR characters who could be placed side by side for contrast

• Foreshadowing

• Flashback

• Positives & negative aspects of the writing

3. Settings – both time and place and culture – list five important cultural aspects of setting identified in the novel - e.g., Hazara vs. Pashtun

The story starts in San Francisco but then goes back to Afghanistan during turmoil.

4. Identify at least 5 minor characters and their role in the novel

5. Identify at least 5 Symbols and the significance of each

1.The main one is KITES- represents Afghanistan and the two brother's fight.

2.Breast- symbolizes that Amar and Hassan's brotherhood.

3.Rape-symbolizes the loss of innocence. it leads hassan and amar to lose their childhood friendship and Amar is filled with guilt.

4. Pigeons- symbolizes faithfulness, flocking to Islam for peace and safety.

5. Slingshot- symbolizes devotion because in the beginning Hassan used it to stand up to Assef and then at the end Hassans son Sohrab used it to protect Amir against Assef.

Mineral Makeup Vs Traditional Makeup :)

Rachel Payne

Sharon Aiken

October 19, 2009

English 1101

Mineral Powder Makeup vs. Liquid Makeup

Women are always searching for the perfect makeup. The type of makeup that becomes invisible. The kind that makes people beg, “How is your skin so perfect?” Mineral makeup has become a very popular alternative to traditional liquid foundation. Mineral makeup and liquid foundation differ from what their made of but are alike in what they do. The purpose of this essay is to compare the coverage, value, texture and ingredients and application of both mineral and liquid makeup.

First, liquid makeup has been used for many years. People trust it will cover better than mineral powder. Mineral powder can cover just as well if not better that liquid makeup without the heavy feeling of a liquid. The coverage of mineral makeup is buildable. Whereas liquid makeup can become cakey if more is added. The coverage for mineral makeup can be sheer to full coverage.

The price of makeup depends on where one gets it. Drugstore makeup and high-end department store makeup are very similar. Mineral make up has recently become more affordable. Where as before it was only available at a high price. It is now supplied by Avon, Mary Kay, and drugstores not just Bare Minerals. Liquid makeup is available to all people for any price. One can find liquid makeup anywhere for any price. There are so many choices and different types of liquid makeup to choose from.

For acne prone and sensitive skin, finding a makeup that does not flare these skin problems is quite hard. Liquid makeup is full of harsh dies, talc, fragrances, and strong chemicals. This is not only bad on sensitive skin but for all skin types. Mineral makeup is made up of natural minerals that actually enhance one’s face rather than hurt it. The heaviness of liquid makeup can also take a toll on the face. Mineral makeup feels so light that one feels like there is no makeup on one’s face. Since mineral makeup is in a powder form it is easier to blend and one can say good-bye to the tell tale line liquid makeup seems to make.

Liquid makeup is easy to apply because one can use one’s fingers to apply the makeup. Sponges or makeup brushes can also be used to blend liquid makeup. The process is very easy and quick. Mineral makeup however has more steps involved. One has to use a makeup brush and swirl the mineral into the brush. This can be very messy and take longer than liquid makeup. The extra time taken really pays off though.

Mineral makeup and liquid makeup both do the job of covering one’s imperfections and giving confidence. Mineral makeup is superior to liquid makeup in that it is better for your skin. Mineral makeup does not feel like a mask and does not contain damaging chemicals that traditional makeup does. The sun is the skin’s worst enemy and most mineral makeup include sunscreen to protect one’s skin.

The paper is done!

YAY!!! The paper is over. I found this essay to rather easy compared to the descriptive essay. I really enjoy writing and its so different from high school where the teacher would give you a specific topic. I like being able to express myself and write things I truly am passionate about. To any new 1101 students I think blogs are great and the comments really do help. It made me look at my paper closer. 

Well my first blog blog I got six comments, this blog only three. It was still helpful though. The only problem were blogs that were unavailable or not done, I understand this blog is not the most important thing is someone's life. haha :) Have a good day!

Example Essay Really Rough Draft

Rachel Payne

Sharon Aiken

English 1101

Sept. 22, 2009

Rough Draft

Marked by the number twelve I stand surrounded by my competition I made sure the judges saw my over practiced smile. All the preparation was done for this moment. I began to feel weak just thinking of who would receive the crown or worse, who would receive nothing. The host always starts the winnings with prettiest eyes or prettiest hair. Of course those are great compliments but every girl dreams of winning it all, the big crown.

Beauty pageants can give confidence but can also make young girls feel they have to impress people by the way they look. Pageants are mostly judged on outward appearance. Therefore, it puts a strain on young girls to look there best. Also, magazines covered with stick thin celebrities shout to young women how important being attractive is. Pageants only magnify what the world says about beauty. Dressing up and feeling pretty is a part of being a girl but there is a point where it can become obsessive. Life is not all about appearance and teaching young girls it is only makes them shallow.

Toddlers and Tiaras , the hit reality show on TLC follows families of young pageant divas. The show is all about glitter, big crowns, money, and glamorous girls. The hair and makeup on the girls make them look ten years older. The parents on the show seem to live through their children. Most of the parents desire to win even more than their children. Being behind your child and wanting them to win is great but when you try to live your dream through your child is when it is negative. The show illustrates how serious the parents are. From the “flippers”; artificial teeth that are put in when a child has lost their two front teeth to the spray tan that makes the children unrealistically tan shows the mother’s crazy pursuit for perfection. The eight year old girls wear more makeup than a normal teenage girl would for prom. Some of the overly extravagant costumes are risqué. If a grown woman were to wear one of the outfits she would be identified as a whore or simply crazy. When has it become okay for a child to dance around in barely there clothes. In adulthood this would be called activities of a stripper.

Beauty Pageant bring the terrible memory of JonBenet Ramsay. The six year old girl was known as a “pageant girl”. JonBenet was kidnapped and murdered Christmas 1996.(Maloney) JonBenet had won Little Miss Colorado, America’s Royal Miss, Little Miss Sunburst, and many more. (Dubard) If you remember the notorious murder, you will remember her face being exploited on countless magazines. She was a beautiful young girl and the thought of someone murdering is disgusting. If she was alive today she would be nineteen the same age as most college freshmen. Could Ramsey’s murder been avoided by staying out of pageants? Could dressing up like a sixteen year old have anything to do with the unsolved case? Her parents did not protect allowing her to be seen too sexual by predators. Like the old saying old saying goes “If you play with fire you will get burned.”

I have experienced pageants and they can be harmful at a young age but older age can be extremely fun. Besides the glitter and glamour pageants can be a place where you can get your voice heard. Pageants also can be helpful with the many scholarships they provide to young girls. Not all pageants are just about beauty. After you win a pageant you are open to many opportunities.

Works Cited

Maloney, J.J, and J. Patrick O'Connor. "The Murder of JonBenet Ramsey." Crime Magazine 7 May 1999: Print.

Dubard, Rob. "JonoBenet Ramsey:Murder of a Child Beauty Queen." Associated Content. 7 November 2006. Web. 23 Sep 2009. .

SIGH OF RELIEF .. Paper is Done!!

The greatest challenge for me was trying to decide on a topic.   So I sat down in my quiet room and tried to pull out an experience from my memory that I could elaborate on. It was quite difficult at first but once I thought of something I just ran with. I put a lot of energy and time into this paper. For me its kind of like art. You know when you have completed a painting you are so critical of it. Most people would be like thats so beautiful but you are the critic and you always find small things that aren't perfect. Papers are the same way with me, I put all I could in this so I guess I can't complain. 

I really enjoyed reading all the blogs. It was a good way to give feedback and also receive it. The comments on my blog were helpful. I really want to thank those that took the time to read it and give their input! Although, on paper it is easier to correct problems with editing, the blog did help me with the actual revising. I think the blog to blog was a big help and it also gave me confidence in my writing! Thanks!:) 

Rainy Day=Lazy Day

Today started off with the sweet sound of rain trickling down my window, as I pulled the covers up closer to me. I really didn't want to wake up, that was a good enough reason for me to skip psychology this morning. These days I would just to cuddle up with some cereal and watch my favorite chick flick. Never even thinking about getting dressed or fixing my hair. These days were most likely labeled lazy days, because thats what I would be LAZY. haha Well now it's back to reality from daydreaming! Have a nice thursday to all in the blogger world:) 

Descriptive Essay

Please tell me what you think:)

                                                                        Braves Game

As I leaned up from my seat to ask “Are we there yet,” the hum slowly faded as we merged away from the rows of traffic. I anticipated the sweet smell of cotton candy and the warm sun peaking through the large opening of the stadium. It seemed as though the parking prices went up every time I came, but it was worth it. Everything from the warm hotdogs that I was about to enjoy to the songs everyone would stand and sing together.

 People were lined up like at amusement park waiting for the ride that would bring excitement and thrill, it was finally my turn as gave up my ticket to embark on a great time. My eyes would dart from one thing to another, drums banging, parents yelling for their children. I wove through the crowd of people to find my seat. It was as though an artist painted the picture in front me, the grass was such a vibrant green, and surely no clouds were allowed above the stadium, it was a perfect day. “Please rise for the national anthem,” with those words a silence broke among the crowd of faces, everyone stood up in a synchronized way. After the last hat was put back on their head, the crowd glared to filed as the first pitch was thrown. “Strike one,” yelled the umpire. Most of the crowd roared in agreement with the umpire but there were just a few outlaws above that disagreed.

Baseball is apart of everyone, whether by supporting your favorite team, or simply just living in America. Like a picnic on a Sunday afternoon, or celebrating thanksgiving with your family, baseball defines American culture.  It brings families together, there may be disagreements among our family but when the game comes on it brings us together.

            The crack of the bat as the ball takes flight, I look up trying to locate the ball, and my eyes are squinted as the ball drifts up in the air. I’ve always heard what goes up must come down, but I wasn’t quite sure when this ball was coming down. Screaming fans were coming closer to me and I wasn’t sure why until I saw the ball coming straight for me. I hardly had time to react, I threw my arms up to grab the ball and to my surprise I caught it. It was almost in slow motion as He ran from first base to the home plate, the crowd got louder at every step he made back to the dugout. Excitement came over me, as the sun was gone now the backdrop was the Atlanta skyline. I took a deep breath, taking everything I saw in. The lights seemed as if they were brightening putting a spotlight on the field as if it were a stage. and the players were actors. The bats and balls clinging together, the roar of crowd was the music in the setting of the play. “Get Your Peanuts, Get your peanuts,” and the smell of beer brought me back to reality.

The game was at its end, the bustle of people getting their stuff together and saying their goodbyes. Everyone was trying to find the quickest way to exit. I followed the crowd the excitement was over, my legs felt heavier with every stride I took. As I left the stadium, I could only dream about laying my head down and pulling the covers close. I made it to the car; lines of cars were dispersing in many directions. I pulled into one those lines, horns honking and people yelling. As I finally made it home, my eyes were heavy as I lifted myself out of the car and gazed on the front door that would soon lead to the relaxed place called home.

 

 

 

Psychology was Breeze

Today was my first psychology test, I am nerves about the results. I did all that I could to prepare for the test. When the test is being handed out, I always frantically think maybe I could've studied a little bit longer or made flashcards. All i feel now though is relief, that it is over! I am always so nervous until it is over. Today feels so good outside, it's starting to feel like fall.  Well its thursday which is more like friday to me! I'm so excited for the long weekend, and college football saturday YIPEEE:)

First Day Blog !!:)

What do I want to gain from English 1101

Well of course I want to pass my first english class, but I also want to learn how to write papers that are worthy of an A. I want to become a successful "blogger". haha I am already enjoying this class I feel as though I can express myself better than any other class. It's the sense of freedom in being able to write whatever I desire, no rules or "cant say that", "you can't word it that way". Being between four white walls can get very boring but I expect this class to be interesting enough that I dont feel as I am in some sort of jail. haha When I hear the word Essay, i think of all the countless nights I spent awake writing and writing. I hope to learn a way to write papers fast, with good content and good grammar and what not. Well thats all Folks!! Come Back You Hear!!:)