ENG 112

[anhnguyenme]

We are living a busy world where most of us have to go to school, to work, or take care of families. Thus, our work and our responsibilities occupy a majority of time we have every day. Some people even think human beings work like a machine in this busy world. They don’t have enough time to think…

[magally1]

in effect, the course of our life have been dominating by our busy schedules. I do agree that human relationships are very important because  our nature is to live in society, in partnership. I have several friends on their sixties who are lonely and depress. Although they seem to enjoyed their their solitude they ended up admitting that a companion will bring them happiness.

[tnetsa]

I believe happiness is within the person. One can be happy by simply admitting he/she is happy. In your journal you have mentioned that making friends increases the level of happiness. I think the happiness we can get by having friends will vanish in the near future. In the century we live in, people are either don't have time due to work or they prefer to use their technological devises as their friends.

[magally1]

ENG 112

16 November 2013

Education to Change the World

For the past 3 month I have been working on forming a Nonprofit Organization in America. My experience in this area was null but I have been taking classes at Northern Virginia Community College and finally next month I will receive my...

[tnetsa]

It's a blessing to have something and able to give to others. I hope the organization will reach a lot of children and change their lives for better. Good luck on your positive contribution to this world.

[tnetsa]

Journal 9

People from the third world countries travel to a different part of the world due to war, poverty, or lack of employment in their country, legally or illegally. Some countries welcome those people and treat them like their own citizens and give them every opportunity to let them contribute to their economy. However, some countries jailed illegal work seeking people in a very poor jail house condition and beat them to death and rape them. 

In Saudi Arabia, there are several Indians, Pakistani, Philippines, Ethiopians, Sudanese, and others who migrate to the oil rich country to change their lives. However, for some; their dream of had vanished from the time they laid foot on the wealthy land of Arab.

In the past two weeks, Ethiopians are protesting in front of the Saudi Arabia Embassy in Washington DC to address their concern about the action the Saudi government is taking towards the illegal workers in its land. The protesters are seeking the release of prisoners and the Saudi men to stop rapping the women and send those people to their country.

According to people who experienced this tragedy and manage to make it to their homeland reported that, women are getting raped every day by group of Saudi young men and men are beaten and killed on streets. Check this link to see the brutal attack took placed by security forces on illegal workers who rallied to get an extension to fix their visa status or to get some time to return to their country

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J-vQMU_o_YA&oref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DJ-vQMU_o_YA&has_verified=1.

Where is the humanity in Saudi Arabia? I understand if someone breaks the rule of another country, the person should be jailed and expel from the country, but why killing and humiliating people?

[nickieng]

First of all, when I decide to write about any topic, I will think if that topic is controversial enough to talk about. I do not want my topic is too narrow, because I will run out of idea to develop my essay. I will do some research about my topic on google to make sure that I will have enough...

[tnetsa]

I really like your strategy of writing paper, you made it sound very easy. Your topic is very interesting and I believe you can say a lot about it. Good luck.

[tnetsa]

Journal 7

The research process for the second paper is much easier than the first paper. I have developed some experiences; starting from what topic to choose, differentiate what source is more credible and acceptable for this class, and I am able to manage my time. When I was writing the first paper, I had some difficulty choosing my topic. Once, I chose my topic and start doing research, I found out that most of the materials I found contradict to my point. However, this time I chose a topic that I am very familiar with, and I believe it will be interesting for readers. I started my research form online sources: such as journal articles, statistics reported on news media, and online magazines. Then, after I have a better understanding of my topic, I went to the NOVA library and borrowed books which support the subtopics I want to write about. Throughout the research process, I was writing notes that are supportive of my topic and kept saving the author’s name, the URL, and the main reason I choose that the resource material to avoid the mistake I have done when I was writing my first paper. When I was writing the first paper, I forgot to write the main reason I choose the source, and I only saved the URL of the source. When I was ready to write the first draft, I had the sources but I was not sure which source to use to which paragraph. Because of the lack of organization, it took me a long time to finish the first paper.

[jcantwell01]

James Cantwell

Culture Wars - Environment

After, spending many centuries observing the human race, we aliens have all, but given up, on your species.  Imagine a group of people that cannot even agree with each other about environmental issues.  The very air they breathe, the water they drink, contaminated reduced to ruins by corporations for massive profits.  Humans allow their Neanderthal heritage to shine through by gleefully purchasing the very products that destroys their environment. 

Read More

[tnetsa]

We, human, worry about today more than tomorrow. Our selfishness is affecting our globe in a negative way. Due to our poor decision making, people are dying due natural disaster and health issue for reasons we can control. 

[smartinez6830]

I don’t have anything to write about this assignment, I’m very disconnected to contemporary culture wars. A few years ago I was so appalled to the constant bad news and political rant that I decided not to read or watch the news. I unplugged. Since, I still don’t have cable or care much about...

[tnetsa]

I do have the same reaction to politics. I don't like the ideology behind every politics. Most of the people in power are more interested in satisfying their desire than the people they serve. To place themselves in power, they give empty promises and give hope that will never come true. Even though I am not a fan of politics, it is not easy to stay ways form the information out there. As you have stated, you hear about from friends to the neighborhood coffee shop. Politics is part of our daily life directly and indirectly. 

[nickieng]

Education system is one of the most noticed issues in nowadays. Educational methods are also a controversial topic. The way that we train young kids will affect directly to their personality and ability. We have some different perspective views in how should we train young generation. In Asia,...

[tnetsa]

Nicki:

Your journal took me back years when I was in my country. I was raised in the same environment where most Asian kids grow up. The culture I grew up in doesn't allow kids to have argument, discussion, or advise in any topic with someone who is older than you. A kid cannot have a hold a conversation about any topic beside how his/her day went by at school.  As a kid, I used to be told to stay in my bed room so I can give the older people to have their own conversation. This culture made me to be reserved and not being free to express my feeling. It took me a long time to get rid of the culture barrier I had, after I came to the U.S.

[tnetsa]

Journal (Culture wars)

The Affordable Care Act also knows as Obamacare has been a hot topic since President Obama went in to debate with his opponent in 2008. The subject was s an interesting topic which causes the Government to shut down for over a week to delay Obamacare implementation and made the federal government employees to stay home without job and not knowing when to return to their jobs.

The purpose of the Affordable Care Act is for the marketplaces to allow individuals, families and small business to enroll in health plans that the law dictates much cover a broad range of essential benefits and can't deny coverage because of current or past health problems.

Obamacare is not supported by most high income families and large firms. Those groups think that penalizing citizens for not buys health insurance violates their personal liability. They also believe that health care is a personal choice and government should not take over the health-care system. Politicians are also worried that Obamacare will increase the debt ceiling and put the country in financial circuses.

On the other hand, Obamacare is favored by people who did not have affordable health insurance thorough an employer, could not afford it on their own, were denied on the basis of preexisting conditions, paid more for it than they should have because they were, say women of child-bearing age, or could no longer get by because their insurance benefits had been capped.

While there are some interesting and constructive comments and opinions given by low, middle, and high income families and business; the article which is written by Betsy McCaughey, I found it to be silly. McCaughey wrote in a column for the New York Post "Are you sexually active? If so, with one partner, multiple partners or same-sex partners?" Be ready to answer those questions and more next time you go to the doctor. http://obamacare.net/

[anhnguyenme]

I just finished my paper and I think the process we used in class is quite useful. At first, it took me more than 1 week to find out my topic. Then it took me some more days to define ideas I wanted to talk about and then arrange them to get a reasonable structure. Thanks to class discussion, I...

[tnetsa]

Anhnguyenme: You are not alone on this journey. In most classes the professor would pick a topic for the students to write about. In this class we got the privilege to pick our own, but it was not an easy task to come up with a good topic that you can find a supporting document. I went through the same problem as you are. As you have mentioned it, the peer review process was very helpful. My classmates' criticism help me to find my mistakes and correct them for the final paper.  

[tnetsa]

Journal 6

The process of writing the paper wasn't an easy task. With the busy schedule I have and three exams being due the same week as the rough draft, I struggled to concentrate on my writing process. However, I managed to finish the rough draft on time.

Throughout the process of writing this paper I had problem with picking a topic. The topic I first chose didn't have much resource to support my point; in fact the resources I found to support my points were against my point. I finally decided to write about the influence media has on adolescents.

First I research several resources for almost eight hours. The research process helped me to know my topic more. The last time I wrote a research paper was several years ago and this writing process help me to refresh my writing skill. I have also learnt what sources I can use or not.

Once I had all my supporting ideas gathered, I outlined my main points and their supporting ideas.  I start writing the actual paper once I summarize my outline and understand that the readers will understand the flow of my points.

The peer review process made me observe how my class mates write their paper and my classmates feedback helps me to correct the mistakes I had on my rough draft and the ideas they gave me help me to expand my topic.

Over all the writing process was very educational and it helps me to broaden my way of thinking and improve my writing skill.

[dainiusm]

Journal 5

      I am amazed by the flexibility of American college education system. True, it takes some time to adapt, not very user friendly in the beginning, even challenging.  Someone who is not used to this system, like me, may find it difficult to comprehend those applied and not applied degrees, certificates, majors, minors, electives, prerequisites, course equivalents, hybrid courses, ELI courses, dynamic sessions, etc. It seems to take a college degree just to find your way through the system, but as you slowly move forward, analyzing different options, talking to advisors, trying to build your own schedule, countless possibilities emerge.

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[tnetsa]

I do appreciate how the American college system is constructed to meet everybody’s need. With most students who have a full time job, care full children, and look for every free time for studying know how hard it is to go to school and accomplished other duties.

 As you have mentioned it in your journal, the school system is very organized which makes everyone’s life easier. I am currently taking 12 credit hours and work full time beside that I have some responsibilities I take care of at home; you can imagine how hectic my life is. I, for the first time, has registered to take an online class. I was not comfortable at first. However, after talking with some students who took online class I decided to register an online class for one of my classes. I am enjoying it more than the in class education system as it gives me the freedom to take my own time to study or do my home work. Not only the freedom, but also, I am able to save some gas money and I can read my materials whenever I have free time. However, one thing I would like to emphasize about online class is, you have to be a disciplined person and make sure you follow up the syllabus otherwise you may and fall behind and it will be hard to couch up.  

Over all with all the option you mentioned in your journal, the education system is very convenient for people who have work and other responsibilities. 

[tnetsa]

I strongly disagree with the American gun distribution system. Gun control is a hot top at times when there is a mass shutting occurred in the U.S, after the fact innocent lives are taken. The Second Amendment to the U.S. constitution protects the right to the people to keep and bear arms for…

[dainiusm]

You did not mention the Virginia Tech shooting. I believe it was the first one in that tragic series of shootings in the US. I do not agree though that making gun buying process more difficult is going to prevent those terrible incidents from happening. Even if all guns were banned, which would be completely unjustified and simply unfair, criminals and ill people would be able to get them illegally. Black market would thrive, like during the prohibition. Take a look at other countries. For instance, in the Bahamas and United Kingdom gun laws are extremely strict. Is there crime in these countries? Do people get robbed and shot on the street? Yes, and then some. In Russia or Lithuania (where I am from) a person is not allowed to own a gun (except a shotgun for hunting), unless he or she can prove to be in real danger. Ironically, the only way you can prove that is to get killed. Basically that means no guns for law abiding citizens. Well, check the crime rate in those countries, or better don’t. People get killed on the street and in their own homes literally every day.

     It is not guns what we should blame for the terrible shootings, it’s sick people. Society is getting sick (this is not my statement, i heard it on the NPR). If these sick people do not have access to guns, they simply will find another way to hurt others. I believe that no laws can protect people from themselves.

[tnetsa]

Journal 5 (Argument)

I strongly disagree with the American gun distribution system. Gun control is a hot top at times when there is a mass shutting occurred in the U.S, after the fact innocent lives are taken. The Second Amendment to the U.S. constitution protects the right to the people to keep and bear arms for infringement.  In this violent and unsafe world, it is good for one to keep handgun at his/her premise to protect themselves from intruders. However, I don’t agree for anyone to own a semi-automatic fire arms just for the sake of protection. A semi-automatic firearm fires one bullet each time the trigger is pulled, ejects the shell of the fired bullet, and automatically loads another bullet for the net pull of the trigger. We don’t live in a war zone and we don’t need semi-automatic weapons to protect ourselves from infringement.

We have experience several tragedies, such as; the Navy Yard random shooting, the Sandy Hook Elementary school which took 23 innocent children lives, and the Colorado movie theater massacre.   I understand that for a person to buy a gun he/she has to go through back ground check but how extensive are these checks? I was recently watching a documentary on National Geography Channel an investigation done by Mariana and Darren under a title “Gun Show Bonanza” which reveals that it is possible for someone to buy a gun without any back ground check or even without asked identification. What if a back ground check was done when someone bought a gun today but how stable would that person mentality will be after years? From Mariana and Darren’s investigation, I have learned that buying gun in U.S. is more like going to a grocery store to buy milk. I strongly recommend the U.S. government to remove any semi-automatic weapons own buy individuals to save innocent lives.

[nickieng]

After few years in college, I have some little experiences of writing an essay for myself. In the very first moment, I usually write about what I like. However, in the writing process, I realized that the topics which I picked are lack of support, interesting to myself but not to others, very...

[tnetsa]

I really love your topic. It is very interesting. I look forward to read your paper.

[coolkhanh]

I already submitted my topics and thesis statements but I find it that some of my topics are lack of interests, and not enough supportive ideas. I want to write something that catch the reader attention and curiosity. I want to change my topic to common law marriage. I’m pretry sure that not...

[tnetsa]

When the professor told is we will be writing on a topic we choose, I was thinking this will be an easy task but it is not. I have also changes my topic after I submitted my thesis statement. I have no knowledge of common law marriage I would love to read your paper and learn what it is about.

[anhnguyenme]

I tried to generate ideas on one of five topics which is why teachers and professors earn less money than singers or actors as well as people working on the entertainment industry do while teaching jobs are extremely important because it helps raise our generations to make the world better. I...

[tnetsa]

I had the same problem with my topic. I was unable to find supporting topics for my major points. However, I kept reading some materials which talk about my topic and I start collecting ideas that I can support my major points. I strongly advise you to take your time and read some resources about your topic and you will find something. Good luck!