Where oh where will the money come from? I am asking a legit question, where is the money going to come from to help to help other countries in need when we can't even take care of our own? Ahhhh, the land of milk and honey, well the cow is going dry and the bees are on strike!!!
We, talking about the government that is, rush out to help every country in need whenever there is a disaster, whether it is natural or caused by man himself and that is a great thing, but who is helping us out? We have helped out, unfortunately due to war, the Middle East, we have given aid to the countries that fell victim to Katrina, we were and still are there, but who is helping us out? Granted, we are not desolate countries fight to gain a new government, nor have we become victims to an earthquake and earthquake caused tsunami, but we have people that are dying due to lack of medications, food, housing and medical care. Who is helping us out?
As we all know, there is global inequality, it is a fact, is it ever going to change? Probably not, and that is probably a fact, sorry to say. Inequality is here and has been here since the dawn of mankind (survival of the fittest). Does that mean that it can't be twisted around to being less? No.
Take women for instance, I hope I don't step on any one's toes. Women have revered as being the homemaker, housewife, mother, nurturer for many years and even centuries. Times have changed and will continue to change. Now I am no historian, but look at Cleopatra, Queen Elizabeth (all of them), and whomever else you like. They were women in power, regardless of how they came into power, they were in power nonetheless. Look at today's Queen Elizabeth, do you see anyone telling her "no" or that she needs to step down because she is a woman? I don't think so. So why is it that certain women are in roles of power and others can't get up a rung in the corporate ladder or out from under the thumb of their husbands? Culture, history, general up bringing and false beliefs are major contributors to inequality everywhere.
We are a rich country, it may not be money we are rich in, since we have a huge national debt going on which keeps growing. But look at, aren't we, the U.S. victims of inequality? Aren't other countries demanding they receive payment from the countries they have helped out? We are not collecting from those that have owed us for years, but yet we are the first to lend aid of any kind to whomever needs it. Where is the equality there?
Culture has a great deal to do with inequality. Not only are women victims of inequality but so is the uneducated, gays, lesbians, homeless and the impoverished. In some countries the women are subservient to the men, they are at the beckoned call and demand of men, never to rise from it. This goes on generation after generation. But as we see, that is starting to change in the Middle East, women are beginning to stand up and be heard. Gays and lesbians have to remain "in the closet"/unknown due to the fact that they will be killed. Some of them may hold high ranking positions within their country, but should it be known that they are gay, they will die.
Here in the U.S. gays are still not accepted in the military. The thought that they can't serve as well or that they are going to corrupt the force is ridiculous. Seriously, does anyone really think that they're going to get it on in fox hole while under fire? Being gay doesn't make anyone any less of a person, nor does it mean that it is going to interfere with society or the business duties they have to perform. Just like being a woman isn't going to hinder job production. Inequality rears its ugly head at anyone different, whether you are male, female, straight or gay, color, short, fat, tall or skinny, it doesn't matter.
Inequality can change, though it would/will take a very long time, longer than any of us will ever see, but it can change. I begins with each one of us. We as individuals need to drop our prejudices of anyone or anything we disagree with and cop the attitude "what if that was me?" If a person can do a job to the satisfaction or above what is required regardless of sex then allow that person to advance, don't hold them back.
Like I said earlier, we help out everyone we can, but we really aren't taking care of our own. We are showing inequality to our own people and do and say nothing about it, but let the same thing happen elsewhere and watch us have a **** fit. Before we lend a hand to "clean someone else's house" we need to clean our own and take care of our own people. Homelessness and poverty is everywhere but it doesn't need to be. We need to take care of our own before we take care of others. Until the mindset of inequality changes, things are just going to get worse.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Friday, February 4, 2011
Week 1 down. How many more?
Well, week one in Sociology 101 is over and done with, thank God. The first week is always the roughest no matter what the class, but this blog is about Sociology and how interesting the first week was. We only had 1 class I think, I don't remember right now, I need more coffee. Anyway, the first week as I said is always the roughest; going over the syllabus, meeting the instructor, getting the rules of the class down and of course, expectations all around.
We went over the what I mentioned above, and did individual introductions. It was interesting listening to my classmates tell where they are from and one thing that is "personal" about them. What was the most interesting to me was the professor. She has a New York/Bronx accent, and has never lived there! Also it is very interesting to study her, actions, and teaching style. She was literally everywhere, and was studying us as well. Very interesting indeed. Fresh new style, vibrant, and alive. This is going to fun.
We barely touched the textbook, like I said, we only had one class the first week. But in that amount of time, we learned what Sociology is and where it is derived from. The professor teaches in such a way, I find the after I have read the boring text material, it comes alive afterward when we are going over the material in class. We did have mandatory online readings which were very interesting. The one that sticks in my mind was the one from the Jakarta Globe, where a Sociologist was tried, found guilty and fined for insulting a the culture of Palangkaraya, Central Kalimantan. http://www.thejakartaglobe.com/home/sociologist-ordered-to-pay-dayaks-in-gongs-for-sex-insult/418639
After reading the article, one would think that being a sociologist, one would study the culture before entering into it in order to prevent such an incident. I was amazed that this happened, but we are all human and bound to make mistakes.
I am looking forward to learning more about sociology and other cultures, which will aid me in my nursing career.
We went over the what I mentioned above, and did individual introductions. It was interesting listening to my classmates tell where they are from and one thing that is "personal" about them. What was the most interesting to me was the professor. She has a New York/Bronx accent, and has never lived there! Also it is very interesting to study her, actions, and teaching style. She was literally everywhere, and was studying us as well. Very interesting indeed. Fresh new style, vibrant, and alive. This is going to fun.
We barely touched the textbook, like I said, we only had one class the first week. But in that amount of time, we learned what Sociology is and where it is derived from. The professor teaches in such a way, I find the after I have read the boring text material, it comes alive afterward when we are going over the material in class. We did have mandatory online readings which were very interesting. The one that sticks in my mind was the one from the Jakarta Globe, where a Sociologist was tried, found guilty and fined for insulting a the culture of Palangkaraya, Central Kalimantan. http://www.thejakartaglobe.com/home/sociologist-ordered-to-pay-dayaks-in-gongs-for-sex-insult/418639
After reading the article, one would think that being a sociologist, one would study the culture before entering into it in order to prevent such an incident. I was amazed that this happened, but we are all human and bound to make mistakes.
I am looking forward to learning more about sociology and other cultures, which will aid me in my nursing career.
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Dum, de, dum, dum, duuuuum. No not DUMB!!!
Tis the season, and all through class, we are all looking forward to a new semester at last. With our portfolios given to the professor at last, we wait with bitten nails to see if we will pass. Instead of a final log on the fire, we have a final blog on the 'puter, oh how times have changed from logs to blogs....
Ok, I know I am not a poet, I decided to let the voices in my head have some fun. So now let me look back on the semester in English 001 and Professor Simon, oh don't worry, I'll be nice. After all, SHE HAS MY PORTFOLIO!!!! I have to say, this has been the hardest, most frustrating, want to punch my computer in the screen, hair pulling (if I had hair) class I have ever taken. But above all, a huge learning experience.
It has taken most of the semester, but I think my writing has improved. I know what I have to do in the hopes to write a passing paper, BRIBE SOMEONE IN THE LEARNING LAB!!! just kidding. I have learned, and have to keep beating myself with a baseball bat in the head to keep it there for now, that I must outline before writing. It is still difficult for me to do, but I am getting better with doing so.
Hmmm, the least favorite thing I have had to endure the entire semester, let me see. Was it reading The Omnivore's Dilemma? Nooo. Was it watching the movie "Food Inc?" Nooo. Was it doing all the chapters in Evergreen? Not anywhere close. It was ALL THE FREAKING REWRITES OF MY ESSAYS! Profressor Simon blew my organizational skill out of the water with all of the rewrites. But that is over now, thank God. I think having all of the writing out of the way is why I am growing my hair back, that and it's freakin cold outside.
The two things I enjoyed the most were, reading the Omnivore's Dilemma (yeah, I am weird, you haven't seen all of me yet) and watching "Food Inc." I really did find them interesting. I will keep my book and pass it on to someone in my family to read. I must add, I really liked working with Neshay and Paula on our little group assignment. After my prior experience with a group project in Psych that was a nightmare, this group was fun and enjoyable.
Oh boy, advice to the new vict, I mean students, under the wings of Professor Simon. BE PREPARED TO WRITE and WRITE and WRITE SOME MORE!!! If you can't type, you need to learn or get someone that can, you're gonna need them. Also, have your assignments done, or else you will get the tongue lashing of you life. Also go to the learning center, she harps on that too, but it is worth it. She is a mother (not what you're thinking), and she shows it.
I wish someone had told me how time consuming this class was going to be, I would have re-worked my schedule (personal) to allow for such time consumption. But, like I said earlier, this semester has been one of learning, and that I have done. Onward to the next semester.
Ok, I know I am not a poet, I decided to let the voices in my head have some fun. So now let me look back on the semester in English 001 and Professor Simon, oh don't worry, I'll be nice. After all, SHE HAS MY PORTFOLIO!!!! I have to say, this has been the hardest, most frustrating, want to punch my computer in the screen, hair pulling (if I had hair) class I have ever taken. But above all, a huge learning experience.
It has taken most of the semester, but I think my writing has improved. I know what I have to do in the hopes to write a passing paper, BRIBE SOMEONE IN THE LEARNING LAB!!! just kidding. I have learned, and have to keep beating myself with a baseball bat in the head to keep it there for now, that I must outline before writing. It is still difficult for me to do, but I am getting better with doing so.
Hmmm, the least favorite thing I have had to endure the entire semester, let me see. Was it reading The Omnivore's Dilemma? Nooo. Was it watching the movie "Food Inc?" Nooo. Was it doing all the chapters in Evergreen? Not anywhere close. It was ALL THE FREAKING REWRITES OF MY ESSAYS! Profressor Simon blew my organizational skill out of the water with all of the rewrites. But that is over now, thank God. I think having all of the writing out of the way is why I am growing my hair back, that and it's freakin cold outside.
The two things I enjoyed the most were, reading the Omnivore's Dilemma (yeah, I am weird, you haven't seen all of me yet) and watching "Food Inc." I really did find them interesting. I will keep my book and pass it on to someone in my family to read. I must add, I really liked working with Neshay and Paula on our little group assignment. After my prior experience with a group project in Psych that was a nightmare, this group was fun and enjoyable.
Oh boy, advice to the new vict, I mean students, under the wings of Professor Simon. BE PREPARED TO WRITE and WRITE and WRITE SOME MORE!!! If you can't type, you need to learn or get someone that can, you're gonna need them. Also, have your assignments done, or else you will get the tongue lashing of you life. Also go to the learning center, she harps on that too, but it is worth it. She is a mother (not what you're thinking), and she shows it.
I wish someone had told me how time consuming this class was going to be, I would have re-worked my schedule (personal) to allow for such time consumption. But, like I said earlier, this semester has been one of learning, and that I have done. Onward to the next semester.
Monday, November 8, 2010
Can someone pull me out of the quicksand
Do we ever get a break? I am so sick of writing that I wish my hand was broke!!!! Rewrite this, that and the other, then do it again! Just kidding, it's been a bad day. Actually, I am looking forward to a change.
I was planning on submitting the first essay, but Prof. Simon advised against it. I think I am going to submit, if I ever get the rewrites right :) essay 3 and the midterm. I like those two the best, besides, they are the freshest one in my overly taxed brain. FYI, Prof Simon, I am still working on my others for rewrites too.
I was planning on submitting the first essay, but Prof. Simon advised against it. I think I am going to submit, if I ever get the rewrites right :) essay 3 and the midterm. I like those two the best, besides, they are the freshest one in my overly taxed brain. FYI, Prof Simon, I am still working on my others for rewrites too.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
GrrrrGrumbleGrrrr
It has been a long night. One of my dogs, my old girl Annie, kicked, had nightmares all night long. Her kicking and nightmares threw me into my own fitful night of tossing, turning, and nightmares of my own. My nightmares consisted of my mom's family, 2 sets of them. It would have been a nice dream if most of the family wasn't there, and my favorite aunt and my grandmother should had been. Oh well, at least I was at my grandmother's house. Even though ownership has taken place, which has its own issues, it is still and will always be grandma's house. So, needless to say, I am sleep deprived and a whole lot cranky, but life goes on.
Now as I sit here "trying to get my juices flowing" my thoughts are wandering from one thing to another. I am thinking about what and how I am writing, being critical as usual about what I am doing, wondering why the heck I am doing it anyway. Yes there are issues I am having, but now is not the time, I need more coffee in order to be civil.
Now as I sit here "trying to get my juices flowing" my thoughts are wandering from one thing to another. I am thinking about what and how I am writing, being critical as usual about what I am doing, wondering why the heck I am doing it anyway. Yes there are issues I am having, but now is not the time, I need more coffee in order to be civil.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Then, Now and Later
Looking back at the first paper I wrote for class; Mirror, Mirror, I see now how badly my punctuation was. My grammar wasn't too bad. My structure wasn't so good. This course is mandatory for me to take per my entrance test scores. I had said that my goals were going to do my best in the class and maybe skip the next English class and move on to a college level English course. At this current time, I don't think that is going to happen. My other goal, a personal one, was to be on the Dean's List for once. I don't think that is going to happen either. I am doing the best I can, and so far in my other classes, I am doing very well. Ok, this is a new goal, and it is being obtained. My writing skills I feel have not improved, I am still everywhere/scatter brained. I have to come up with a different strategy, because nothing is working for me so far.
I am still struggling with my writing. I suffer from test anxiety so, every writing assignment, it is like I am taking a test. I get nervous, go blind per se', and remain scatter brained with my ideas. It is extremely frustrating. I have taken the advise of Prof. Simon about putting what I have written away and coming back to it and then edit what I wrote. That isn't working too well for me. I see what needs to be changed, added, punctuated, but I am unable to see that my thoughts are everywhere or I totally miss the subject. I did go to the tutoring center, but I was even more confused after the session. My next step, going to Prof. Simon. She has already told me that I was going to fail if I didn't change my writing... I spend hours on my writing assignments, I try to do my best, and I am still fraking it up. Am I anywhere near my goals I listed on day one? Frak no! Am I going to give up? Double Frak No! I am pissed off, and ready for a fight, so look out.
I originally was going to put my first essay into my portfolio, but I have decided against it. My original thought was, those who were going to do the readings would see where I was and then where I am now with my writing. The reason why I decided against it is, the first essay has been totally revised, and no longer reflects a true first writing. I am not sure what I am going to put into my portfolio yet. I will make that decision soon, so that I don't get strapped down later trying to make a decision
I am going to try other writing strategies. I have ideas that may or may not work, but I won't know until I try them. After all, I have rewrites to do. Something is bound to work allowing me to win this battle of writing. I will keep going to the writing center, and visiting Prof. Simon, so look out everyone, here I come.
I am still struggling with my writing. I suffer from test anxiety so, every writing assignment, it is like I am taking a test. I get nervous, go blind per se', and remain scatter brained with my ideas. It is extremely frustrating. I have taken the advise of Prof. Simon about putting what I have written away and coming back to it and then edit what I wrote. That isn't working too well for me. I see what needs to be changed, added, punctuated, but I am unable to see that my thoughts are everywhere or I totally miss the subject. I did go to the tutoring center, but I was even more confused after the session. My next step, going to Prof. Simon. She has already told me that I was going to fail if I didn't change my writing... I spend hours on my writing assignments, I try to do my best, and I am still fraking it up. Am I anywhere near my goals I listed on day one? Frak no! Am I going to give up? Double Frak No! I am pissed off, and ready for a fight, so look out.
I originally was going to put my first essay into my portfolio, but I have decided against it. My original thought was, those who were going to do the readings would see where I was and then where I am now with my writing. The reason why I decided against it is, the first essay has been totally revised, and no longer reflects a true first writing. I am not sure what I am going to put into my portfolio yet. I will make that decision soon, so that I don't get strapped down later trying to make a decision
I am going to try other writing strategies. I have ideas that may or may not work, but I won't know until I try them. After all, I have rewrites to do. Something is bound to work allowing me to win this battle of writing. I will keep going to the writing center, and visiting Prof. Simon, so look out everyone, here I come.
Friday, October 22, 2010
Frak! What a week
For those of you that watch scifi tv. shows you know what FRAK means. For those of you that don't well, let's just leave it that way. So, FRAK WHAT A WEEK!!!! It is Friday. Blessed Friday!!! After a week of midterms, this week of hell is finally over. I had 4 tests which to most people isn't a lot, but it is a nightmare to someone that has test anxiety.
Spanish went surprisingly well, my preliminary comment was, with a heavy natural accent, "you did petty well" per my instructor. I memorized the body parts, pluralized verbs (we won't go there about conjunction verbs). I can't do that in English, so how am I supposed to do that in Spanish? I know it will be safe to say that my English in class essay was not very good. I am still learning how to write "properly". I used to be able to write fluidly, but that went to hell quickly, and is slow to rise. I am trying my damnedest to get better ratings on my papers. I did feel pretty good after taking my math test yesterday. I am scared over that one though. In the past, everytime I thought I did well on a test, I usually bombed it. Math is not my strong suit. I have a wonderful instructor. Instructors like him are hard to find. He definetely has a gift, God bless him.
As for Psych, I really think and have a feeling I bombed it. It was my final test of the week at 8:00am (Friday). Nathan and I went to a movie last night, our first nighttime movie together ever. We got home late; 11:45pm. I had a couple of beers and then went to bed. I set my alarm so it would go off at 6:00am. I was awake at 4:00, 4:40, 5:00, 5:30. I refused to get out of bed to get ready for my 8:00am class. I got out of bed at 6:02am, showered and took the kids out to be pottied. After pottying them, I grabbed my coffee, boy it was good, just right. I then proceeded to my bedroom to review. All was going well. Time passed (not much) and now it is 7:00am and I am hungry. Don't mess with me when I am hungry and have not had enough coffee.
I nuked one of my Aunt Jemima breakfasts, sat down on the couch with my 2nd cup of coffee and my breakfast. Sorry Prof. Simon, "Omnivores Dilemma" be damned. I love the book and I am fascinated by it, but I love my premade breakfasts. I had 2 English Muffins as well. One had butter and the other had peanut butter. I needed the extra protien. I should have gone to Carribou Coffee for my favorite coffee, White Chocolate Mocha, double shot. I would have been ready to take on anything.
I tried taking the bus to school, but as usual, I missed it. One of my Psych classmates wandered into the bus stop later that I did and was going to take the metrobus. I suggested he save his money and we would just drive up. This suggestion made him very happy, he would finally get to ride in The Quinn (I named my Smartcar Quinn, long story). He told me that he had taken pictures of The Quinn and had sent them to his girlfriend but now, he was riding in it! We got to the college garage and parked and headed to class. That boy can walk faster than me. I was trying my hardest to keep up. I would give in to being slower than him, male pride thing. We got to class with about 10 minutes to spare.
Prof. James began passing out the scantron sheets. I have always hated those stupid things. I want to play "connect the dots". Not a good idea when trying to take a test. Once I got my test, I began scanning over the questions. This was not going to be an easy test. There were too many words that had nearly the same definitions, I was doomed. I read the questions, sometimes 2 and 3 times prior to filling in the dot, finally did so and moved on to the next question. Literally half way through the test, all of the pent up stress and frustration from the entire week left me. I felt like I had had a wet wool blanket lifted off of me. I became so sleepy. The words went blurry, becoming this nasty mess of black and white fuzz. I fell asleep right there taking my test. I know I did because I woke up before my head hit the desk. Now I was struggling to stay awake and couldn't remember anything, so I had to quess. Hope I didn't fail the test. When it is finals week or the next round of midterms next semester, you can surely bet that Carribou Coffee's stocks will rocket!
I barely made it home and now I hardly remember driving. I walked in the door and was greeted by my kids, Nathan was on the couch working on another story. He asked me how it went and told him what had happened. After a quick telling of the event, I went to back to bed. I think I was asleep before my head hit the pillow. I didn't even get undressed. I woke up after a wonderful 3 hour nap We are going out to lunch. We are going to hit the Blue Pearl in Downtown Silver Spring. I love cheap Chinese food. Heck you can't hardly beat $8.11 for an all you can eat lunch.
The major stress of classes and test is over now. I still have a great deal of writing to do for next week and to work on my psych project. This is going to be a breeze in comparison to this past FRAKIN WEEK.
Spanish went surprisingly well, my preliminary comment was, with a heavy natural accent, "you did petty well" per my instructor. I memorized the body parts, pluralized verbs (we won't go there about conjunction verbs). I can't do that in English, so how am I supposed to do that in Spanish? I know it will be safe to say that my English in class essay was not very good. I am still learning how to write "properly". I used to be able to write fluidly, but that went to hell quickly, and is slow to rise. I am trying my damnedest to get better ratings on my papers. I did feel pretty good after taking my math test yesterday. I am scared over that one though. In the past, everytime I thought I did well on a test, I usually bombed it. Math is not my strong suit. I have a wonderful instructor. Instructors like him are hard to find. He definetely has a gift, God bless him.
As for Psych, I really think and have a feeling I bombed it. It was my final test of the week at 8:00am (Friday). Nathan and I went to a movie last night, our first nighttime movie together ever. We got home late; 11:45pm. I had a couple of beers and then went to bed. I set my alarm so it would go off at 6:00am. I was awake at 4:00, 4:40, 5:00, 5:30. I refused to get out of bed to get ready for my 8:00am class. I got out of bed at 6:02am, showered and took the kids out to be pottied. After pottying them, I grabbed my coffee, boy it was good, just right. I then proceeded to my bedroom to review. All was going well. Time passed (not much) and now it is 7:00am and I am hungry. Don't mess with me when I am hungry and have not had enough coffee.
I nuked one of my Aunt Jemima breakfasts, sat down on the couch with my 2nd cup of coffee and my breakfast. Sorry Prof. Simon, "Omnivores Dilemma" be damned. I love the book and I am fascinated by it, but I love my premade breakfasts. I had 2 English Muffins as well. One had butter and the other had peanut butter. I needed the extra protien. I should have gone to Carribou Coffee for my favorite coffee, White Chocolate Mocha, double shot. I would have been ready to take on anything.
I tried taking the bus to school, but as usual, I missed it. One of my Psych classmates wandered into the bus stop later that I did and was going to take the metrobus. I suggested he save his money and we would just drive up. This suggestion made him very happy, he would finally get to ride in The Quinn (I named my Smartcar Quinn, long story). He told me that he had taken pictures of The Quinn and had sent them to his girlfriend but now, he was riding in it! We got to the college garage and parked and headed to class. That boy can walk faster than me. I was trying my hardest to keep up. I would give in to being slower than him, male pride thing. We got to class with about 10 minutes to spare.
Prof. James began passing out the scantron sheets. I have always hated those stupid things. I want to play "connect the dots". Not a good idea when trying to take a test. Once I got my test, I began scanning over the questions. This was not going to be an easy test. There were too many words that had nearly the same definitions, I was doomed. I read the questions, sometimes 2 and 3 times prior to filling in the dot, finally did so and moved on to the next question. Literally half way through the test, all of the pent up stress and frustration from the entire week left me. I felt like I had had a wet wool blanket lifted off of me. I became so sleepy. The words went blurry, becoming this nasty mess of black and white fuzz. I fell asleep right there taking my test. I know I did because I woke up before my head hit the desk. Now I was struggling to stay awake and couldn't remember anything, so I had to quess. Hope I didn't fail the test. When it is finals week or the next round of midterms next semester, you can surely bet that Carribou Coffee's stocks will rocket!
I barely made it home and now I hardly remember driving. I walked in the door and was greeted by my kids, Nathan was on the couch working on another story. He asked me how it went and told him what had happened. After a quick telling of the event, I went to back to bed. I think I was asleep before my head hit the pillow. I didn't even get undressed. I woke up after a wonderful 3 hour nap We are going out to lunch. We are going to hit the Blue Pearl in Downtown Silver Spring. I love cheap Chinese food. Heck you can't hardly beat $8.11 for an all you can eat lunch.
The major stress of classes and test is over now. I still have a great deal of writing to do for next week and to work on my psych project. This is going to be a breeze in comparison to this past FRAKIN WEEK.
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