Semester Deux, Blog Eleven

If you were President, how would you confront the multiple issues surrounding the Geneva Conventions that we have discussed in class over the past week?

If I were the president I would stop any activity that was in violation of the Geneva Conventions I would try anyone who had ever violated them and try the people who had been hurt by the lack of the use of the Geneva Conventions. They would be tried in a fair trial. I would try the people who violated them and also the government officials who allowed things like that to happen. Someone had to give the order and someone must be held responsible. I would then proceed to close down Guantanamo Bay.

Semester dos, honors blog

Dear Nancy,

I miss you so much. Since the military moved John and me to Minnesota it has been so lonely. He’s gone away to fight again. They told me he was going to Asia but not when he’s be back.

The jobs out here are easier to come by. Have you heard of the Twin Cities Ordnance Plant? Well, that’s where I am working now. You know what? More that half the workers there are women. It’s pretty amazing the extremes we’ve gone to in this horrible war. There are so many different tasks at Twin Cities there are people processing gun powders and a second set of people to check them over. There are people making bullet casing and creating bullets. There are even people working on bomb shells. I avoid that part of the factory at al costs. My job is to file bullets. I sort through them, keep them separated by size and check that they are all in top condition. Of course it’s not just me doing the job. That would be hell.

But the job is really scary too. Everyday they warn us about explosions and the danger of working with munitions. I was told that last year at the Dunlop factory the floor of the second story was blasted right though because of an explosion on the floor below. And you know what? Those ridiculous chemicals they make us work with stained three of my blouses. Three! My fingernails and hair are stained too. There seems to be no way to get it out since we have to work with the chemicals that make the stains almost every day. I heard that some of the girls were using lemons to bleach their skin. I saw Barb through her window with her elbows set in lemons. How odd.

I found out from some of the other girls that had been working their longer than me that the men get paid more than us. I mean I guess that’s to be expected but it still doesn’t seem fair. I’m told the unions are trying to do something for us but I doubt anything will come of it.

With John away and me being the only one at home I’m the only real source of income. You know our financial standing isn’t great but not many people are. Anyways being the source of income is rather empowering. I feel kind like the world should be looking to me to see how it should be. Women can play a huge part in society and we will, I just know it.

I heard that yesterday, just yesterday, that Bulgaria, Hungary and Romania declared war on US. Great more people that hate us. That’s what we need right. I guess the silver lining would be more work for me. I think that should be sarcastic but what ever keeps me fed. Right? I wonder if we’re going to fight back or what going to happen with that because at the moment our military seems pretty occupied.

I am so afraid that John will come back to me in a coffin. Do you have the same fear for William? I just don’t like the idea of his life being risked. I hate to think about Martha’s son, my husband, out there on the battle field. How does our government feel like they have the right to send someone’s child away to fight their wars. It just makes me so scared.

Did you hear that 6 days ago we declared war on Japan. What am I supposed to do about the Japanese people who live near me. They know my John is away fighting. Fighting them? Are they going to go to Japan to fight? I feel like they’re going to blame me and hurt me. I wonder if we’ll find a way to keep them away. I bet some of them are spies. Or at least that’s what I’ve been hearing muttered around town.

No matter how unlikely it is I hope you can come to visit me. Maybe you can find a older man from around town to drive you up here. I miss you dearly darling.

Much Love,

Millie

Resources

http://www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/nof/blitz/0700_info.html

http://www.euronet.nl/users/wilfried/ww2/1941.htm

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20101230170348AAnpBfA

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_War_II

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Home_front_during_World_War_II

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Women's_roles_in_the_World_Wars#United_States_of_America

http://www.mnhs.org/library/findaids/00684.xml

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Twin_Cities_Army_Ammunition_Plant

http://www.mnhs.org/library/tips/history_topics/131women_homefront.htm

Semester dos, blog ten

Frankie and Sam Smullin & WWII

Frankie and Sam met at kind of a juice bar where she worked where there were bible verses on the tables. Their courtship was short because he was in the Navy and the war was on. He was going to be deployed and wanted to marry her. So, instead of a wedding gown, I mean the was shortly after the depression, Frankie wore her good blue suit and of course, Sam wore his uniform and for the rest of her life, Frankie delighted in telling the story of her “Good Blue Suit.”

Through the Hatch

After Korea, Sam was still electrical chief on a submarine and he was leaving a port in Asia somewhere and there was a man in a barge who was trying to sell his good to the sailors before they left for the united States. He has these beautiful hand carved chests and Sam wanted two of them but figured they wouldn’t fit through the hatch on the submarine. So he made a deal he said he’s buy them if they fit and the fit, but just barely. My grandmother has on of those chest in her living room.

WWII Propaganda

Der Fuehrer's Face was created by Disney in 1943 is stars Donald Duck. It won the Academy Award for Animated Short Film in 1943. This short film depicts Nazi Germany in the worst light possible and as any American's nightmare. The food is horrid, they are constantly "Heil"ing and Donald works 48 hous shifts.

This film is shocking. I never thought anything so innocent could be turned into such blatant propaganda. They obviously are over exaggerating everything. and making Nazi Germany look the worst possible in the American eye.

WWII Nurses

In this picture is Eileen Driscoll with her WRAF colleagues this picture was taken between 1943 and 1946 Eileen was part of a team of Women's Royal Air Force who treated injured servicemen while they were being flown home from the front line.

I really like this picture it shows happy women who did something productive to support the war efforts for their country. I love seeing evidence of feminine supports in that time period.

The Vilification of Enemy Leadership in WWII

Herbert A. Friedman is the artist of this piece. It pictures

Adolf Hitler, Benito Mussolini, and Emperor Hirohito of the axis powers. This picture makes the axis powers look very evil and not like someone anyone would ally with. The date is unknown but it was surly during WWII.

In seeing this it almost makes me pity the men depicted. I mean yes, they're horrible people but this is scary. I would hate to be them.

Honors Blog Sense and Sensibility Symbolism

Choice #3) In a well developed, thoughtful piece of writing that uses direct quotes, explain the use of symbols to develop a theme in your novel.

Sense and Sensibility is a book about love and life and the sisterhood between Elinor and Marianne. Elinor and Marianne are the two main characters in the book. The symbolize the title of the book. Elinor is “sense.” She always telling the others in her life what is best and what would make sense in the situation. She is logical. Marianne is “sensibility” she falls for men easily but has high standards. Marianne is also artistic and represents love and romanticism.

Money is the other big symbol in Sense and Sensibility. Elinor, Marianne and their mother move into a small cottage away from the mansion they had been living in, moving away from the money in their life. They find though that money and companionship seems to follow them. Marianne literally falls into the arms of Willoughby. Their loves grows quickly and he offers them a horse named Queen Mab. Willoughby is rich and a horse is a large sign of money and well being. He so easily offers it to Marianne as a token of his affections that it makes her feel well off too. Only when she brings the news home to her mother does she realize her family does not have the income to take care of a horse and it becomes nothing more than a dream like what money is to her family.

Semester Deux, Blog Seven: Honors Blog

America’s Rebellion Against European Ideals

I have been watching and learning about America’s Rebellion Against European Ideals ever since I was a child. They always fascinated me and when I had the chance to write about them I took it.

America’s Rebellion Against European Ideals took it’s first steps when people from England began to come to America, or the new land. In 1706 the main colonization of America started and this was really when America’s Rebellion Against European Ideals was born. They were not at all yet formed and very dependant on their Mother England. The more time that was spent in America the more independent it became from it’s mother. As they got into their teenager years they began to resent their parents and America’s Rebellion Against European Ideals took its first steps into the sunlight when in 1775 America charged into battle and finally broke away from the British Government. America’s Rebellion Against European Ideals shouted “No more kings!” at the top of their lungs and slammed the door on mother England. America saw the fault in having a king and broke free.

The first major documentation of America’s Rebellion Against European Ideals was the Declaration of Independence. It was 1776 and they were in college at the time and this was part of their graduating thesis. It states “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. — That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, — That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it.” This was a huge step away from European ideals stating that the people have a write to fix or abolish a destructive form of government. This was America’s Rebellion Against European defining statement It helped them decide what they wanted to do with their life. It told the world who they were and how they planned to run themselves. It made them their own person. The Declaration of Independence it now known world wide.

Then they wrote the Constitution and the Bill of rights. America was a Union of states each with their own power and the constitution was that agreement in writing. These documents defined the type of government that would be used. Three branches of government with equal power to watch over each other. This broke another European Ideal: Europe’s old dusty government with a king and no people choice.

The last huge thing America’s Rebellion Against European Ideals was to help George Washington to step down from his presidency. America seemed to want to keep Washington as their president and turn him into more of a king but Washington new his term was up and he stepped down. This was so unique for someone to step down from a position of power where they were wanted. It was so unique and it led to another president being elected and it showed how well the system worked.

America’s Rebellion Against European Ideals, after spending time aways from home and living on their own for a while found a way to get over their resentment of their parents. Europe and America now have a wonderful relationship and spend time together. They trade things and back each other up in fights. They broke free and learned from each other as America’s Rebellion Against European Ideals grew up.

Semester Deux, Blog Six

Link to three outstanding Ampersand article pitches that you have seen on other students' blogs.

What makes each one stand out to you? What makes you believe these pitches would lead to great articles? Write a paragraph for each.

Maira's 3 Pitches

Pitch Number One:

I was thinking about writing my article based off of a few main quotes. I would have a my first quote to start the essay, and that would lead to me explaining how my day was based off of that. Then my next quote could help me move into the next subject of how I grew. And I could write the essay like that.

I like this pitch because

Pitch Number Two:

I could write the essay in a timeline format, I could start out with the time I wake up and how I start my day all the way until I finish the day. All the while I could be adding things that have improved my life and how certain things affected me,etc.

Pitch Number Three:

I could also write my article like from the viewpoint of either the camera I borrowed to take all of my pictures, or my laptop that I took to the internship quite a few days, or even my coffee mug I took to the internship everyday. This way I could have things from a different perspective and explain how it would seem things are and then later add what I was thinking into the story.

Semester Dos, Blog Five

Write out three "pitches" for three different Ampersand articles that you might write for this year's publication.

Write about how a piece of clothing is made in detail and through out add in quotes and explanation of how my work was.

Talk about Barrie's life and how she got where she was. Talk about one of her designs and the inspiration for it.

Talk about all the hard parts of owning your own business and how horrible it can be.

Semester Two, Blog Four

https://docs.google.com/fileview?id=0By0BP1hDLB5ENzJhNWFmYmMtYjljOS00MTBlLWI3YjItNTk1Y2E0MmI5MzAw&hl=en

This article is inspirational because it talks about a different kind of work experience. It talks about a horrible boring time and it's really different from a lot of other articles you read about a work experience.

https://docs.google.com/fileview?id=0By0BP1hDLB5EMzFjYTY5M2YtZTMyZi00OWU4LWE0NjktZWU4M2I0ZmIyZmU1&hl=en

This article is different from an average article it talks about budget problems in California and the people who are/were trying to do something about it. The writing is powerful and makes me think and want to do something too.

https://docs.google.com/fileview?id=0By0BP1hDLB5ENzc3ZTZjMzQtN2VhZi00YmNjLTgzMDUtMTRmZjcwNGVkMjYw&hl=en

H writes about something completely different from some stupid article about growth and a day at work. I like this because there is nothing really about what he did he talks about a problem and something crazy in the work place.

Semester Two, Blog Three

Post links to two exemplary interviews that you can use as models for your mentor interview.

Under each link, describe the writing techniques that the author/interviewer uses to create a finished piece of writing that both accurately portrays the interview subject as well as results in a polished work that the reader can enjoy.

Consider the structure of the overall piece, what information is in the beginning and/or end, if an introduction is used, if there is additional writing throughout the piece, if there are references to any follow up questions, physical formatting, etc.

http://www.rupertgrint.net/times-exclusive-interview-rupert-grint-–-can-i-have-my-life-back-now

In this interview the author starts with an explanation of where they are a fun anecdote about the subject. In between places where they had quotes from Grint the author describes him and adds in his own writing. I don't really like the way this is formatted. You can't tell where the questions start and the answers are.

http://www.interviewmagazine.com/film/emma-watson/2/

The author spends about a whole page just talking about Emma Watson. Then when the interview begins he starts with light questions that make the reader smile. I like the format because you can really easily tell who's talking and where the questions are and where the answers are.

Semester Two, Blog Two

What have you read lately (say, since last semester), that you found interesting?

I actually read a bunch on the internet about Freemasonry and the Free Masons and their place in history.

Why did it catch your attention?

Well I mean you never really think about it until you start to look a little deeper and their affiliation with everything is insane. I mean it might just be a conspiracy but it's pretty amazing.

Semester Two, Blog Number One!

What are the big ideas that you are taking from internship into the next steps in your life?

Back in the world of adolescents I have to think about what I'm going to do with my future and post internship I really feel like being a small business owner is something I could succeed in. So looking at colleges that could help me prepare to do that is something I should do.

What are your plans for the coming semester?

I want to look at more colleges and spend time with the college advisor to figure out where I should be looking and what else I qualify for. I want to do my best to keep my grades up and do anything that can push me forward to a successful future.

Internships: Week Four, Blog 2

5. What advice would you pass on to future interns? What are the most important skills for a student to be successful at his/her internship? How could another student develop these skills prior to beginning internship?

I would tell them all to FIND THERE OWN INTERNSHIP don't wait around for the school to find you one that you would just settle for. Talk to people in September and make sure you and your mentor mesh well because I spent every day in and out with my mentor and if I didn't like her it would have been the worst month of my life. At your internship be professional. Be professional but also be friendly. Do what your told efficiently, but well and double check work you do. Gaining the trust of your coworkers will be the biggest benefit to the enjoyment and success of your intern experience. Get to know the people your working with and research what you think you will be doing. Ask for a list of the tasks you might be doing before the month of your internship so you can prepare for the time ahead and gain the acceptance of the people(adults) you are with.

Internships: Week Four, Blog 1

1. Describe what you are most thankful for in your internship experience—what experiences, what people, and so on? What new appreciations have you gained through internship and how did you develop these?

I am so thankful for everything about my internship. Barrie first off was an amazing person to work with her kindness and calm made the work place a wonderful place to spend time in. I am thankful that I found my own internship and didn't have to settle for one the school gave me. I am also glad I did it early and had no stress during the internship finding process for everyone else. I am thankful that Barrie trusted me enough to ask me to cut fabric for piece that she would be sewing and creating and selling. That felt like a real honor. Her trust is definitely the thing I am most thankful for. I have gained a new appreciation for small business owners I mean they have to do everything. Barrie:

-Works on her web site

-Runs a store

-Sews some of her product

-Creates all of the styles

-Ships out orders

-Creates advertisements

-Communicates with the factories

-Works with models

-Go to conventions and shows for her product

-And correspond with her vendors around the world

I saw her do this each day in and out and it amazed me.

Internships: Week Three, Blog 2

3. You are half-way through your project. How is it going? What challenges have you faced? What have you learned? What are you doing to ensure a successful completion of your internship project.

My internship is going really we so far. I love it! I have so much fun all the time. At first I was kind of bored during the day the work was repetitive and I didn't like it very much. But I go used to the work and I got to start liking it more and I found ways for it to vary. I learned that being an adult can be boring too and that you can do what your meant for even if you don't have to practice or experience. To "ensure the success of my internship" I want to keep doing things the way I am. My project is going well prep for the spring/2011 collection is perfect we're fixing the factories mistakes and shipping out things to our vendors around the world.

Internships: Week Three, Blog 1

1. Choose your favorite photos from your photo essay—post these highlight photo and a caption explaining what we see and what makes this significant to you.

This is Barrie. She is hard at work in the picture as she is everyday. When we work together we do all sorts of things. But most often we are working with fabric and pattens creating special orders or fixing things that the factory did wrong.

Internships: Week Two, Blog 2

7. What lessons or experiences at you internship will you bring back to school to help you to further improve in your academics?
I've learned a lot about perseverance. If I thought some school work was boring than it is nothing compared to a lot of the things you have to do in the work world. Inventory is basically the most boring and yet most important job out there. Counting counting counting but it has to be done so patience and perseverance is something I am in the process of gaining. I have also learned more about working with people. When people come into the store at first I was awkward and didn't want to talk to customers but now I know to be friendly and how to help them feel comfortable. I have also learned a lot about responsibility. On the first day of internships Barrie gave me the key to the store and all the pass codes and I felt so trusted. But it took some getting used to. Now Barrie leaves me alone in the shop while she goes on deliveries and has asked me to lock up for her too. It's a lot to get used to but now I know that people trust me and that I can take on a lot of responsibility.

Internships: Week Two, Blog 1

6. How do you see your roll at your internship?
My roll at Fables is basically being another Barrie doing the things she would be doing if I wasn't here and such. I have been doing more grunt work than I expected but that doesn't matter. It's all part of running a small business, you have a hand in EVERYTHING. I have been listing items on the internet for sale for her, cutting out bathing suits, seam ripping, and even some inventory. I like what I am doing though because I know that it is all part of the job. If I ever want to do something like this in my future I have to know that this is all part of the job. Fixing factory mistakes running back and forth between places and constantly mailing out small orders.

Internships: Week One, Blog 2

6. Describe the company culture at your internship, including how people interact, communicate and work together.

My internship is at a small boutique that is manned by just one woman; Barrie. It's quiet in her store barely anybody ever comes in. Her boutique serves as her headquarters for designing, storage and shipping. Work time is often very quiet with the occasional exchange of words. She has 3 sewing machines and she uses them to test out designs before they are sent to the factory for mass production.

Internships: Week One, Blog 1

2. Choose an employee in your company and after a conversation with him or her, describe his/her education, overall career path and current job description.

I spoke with Barrie for the whole first day about how she got where she is and what she does now. Barrie went to film school. Film school didn't necessarily contribute to her current occupation and she wishes that she attended business school or a school for fashion design. She didn't have much background when she got into what she does now. She learned from her friends and the internet how to open a business. She currently is a supplier to many many businesses around the world and online. She also owns her own boutique and runs it daily. She designs clothing each year sends them to a factory and ships them to her suppliers and buyers.