Week 4 Grammar Post

Sometimes I wonder is it “to” or “too”?  At least I don’t struggle with the proper time to use “two”.  Here is some information I have found in the “English Grammar for Dummies” book.

“To” may be part of an infinitive (to speak, to dream) or it may show movement towards someone or something (to the store, to me).

“Two” is the number 2.

“Too” means also (Are you going too?) or more than enough (too expensive, too wide)

Example:  If you two want to skip school and go to the ball game, today’s a good day because the teacher will be too busy to check.

The two basketballs that hit Ludwig in the head yesterday were too soft to do much damage, but Ludwig is suing anyway.

Two things you should always remember before you decide to break a grammar rule: it is never too late to learn proper English and you are never too old to get in trouble with your teacher.

Woods, Geraldine. English Grammar for Dummies. Hoboken: Wiley Publishing, Inc., 2001. Print.

 

Killer Culture By: David Kupelian

This article had an unusual religious overtone.  This is the first article I have read outside of a religious setting that related the message to religious teachings.  I enjoyed reading this article, I think it addressed several important issues regarding the welfare of our children, and the welfare of the United States.

It wasn’t surprising to read about the desire of the major corporations to make money, no matter the real cost.  After all, money has long been the driving force of this country.  I was surprised to see the extent the corporations would go to in order to try and get an edge in the market.  I had to wonder if those at the top have children or a family, or if money is their only concern.  While reading about their business practices and their obvious disregard for the welfare of the teenage population, I couldn’t help but view them as the epitome of Ebenezer Scrooge.

I was shocked to read about some of the desires, and practices people would acquire just based on peer pressure, and the messages sent out by the popular media.  Practices that most people would regard as insane are now becoming sought after and accepted based on the ideas and feelings of somebody else.

The author does a great job at describing some of these outrageous practices, and the reasons people give for indulging in them.  With this new information, I still have a difficult time seeing how hanging from the ceiling with meat hooks inserted into various parts of my body, or splitting my tongue to look like a lizard or snake, would give me better control over my body, or bring me to a new level of spiritual consciousness.

Truly the one that baffled me the most was the desire of people to contract AIDS.  I know I can’t buy into the idea that it is a “turn on” to become infected with HIV.  One of the people stated it had “a strong erotic appeal”.  I think this goes beyond anything the media has done, honestly I think the must be a result of some form of brain damage.

I did enjoy the message of hope he gave at the end of the article.  There are a lot of bad influences in the world today, I don’t think there is any disputing that.  I am a firm believer in the importance of the family in a young person’s life.  .  I think the overall message the author wanted to give, relates to the importance of the family in a young person’s life.  I feel if a young person growing up has a strong positive family influence in their life, they will grow up and become a good member of society.

Two Ways a Woman can get Hurt: Advertising and Violence By: Jean Kilbourne

“Two Ways a Woman can get Hurt: Advertising and Violence”, is an interesting article.  While interesting, I think it was a little drawn out.  I think I read the same thing over and over again.  With each new example given, the same points were made.  I agree with the author, Jean Kilbourne and their point of view on the negative impact certain types of advertising have on both women and adolescent females.

The media plays a large part in everybody’s life.  We are exposed to a wide variety of advertisements every day.  Unfortunately, people act based on their thoughts and emotions.  If an idea or desire can be placed in someone’s mind, then an action along those thoughts or ideas is close to follow. 

Most of these advertisements involve women in to some degree.  It is no secret in the world of advertising that sex sells.  It is no wonder why women are usually displayed in as little clothing as possible, and in a variety of suggestive poses.  You can’t walk passed the magazine displays at the local grocery store with out seeing something on covers of the magazines related to sex, or the exploitation of women. 

Nearly every photograph on the front covers, contain an image of a physically fit man, woman, or both.  It almost a guarantee there will be an article relating to weight loss, or a way to obtain the perfect body.  It is no wonder we live in society were women feel inferior if they don’t look like the women posed on the front pages of all the popular magazines.

Many of the examples given in the article and those seen today, do portray women as being submissive.  It is easy to see why so many fall victim to violent acts.  I have seen on numerous occasions the affects of alcohol in a relationship.  Alcohol has been a factor in nearly every domestic violence incident I have been called on to deal with.  A combination of alcohol, a society portraying women as the weaker sex, and a man willing to exploit his supposed advantage usually leads to catastrophe.

In an advertisement, everything is running off of a script of one form or another.  When these images appropriate or not are viewed repeatedly, it is natural to assume those who view them will want to turn them into reality.  It is no wonder so many crimes are committed.  If an in depth study were done on sexual crimes, I bet it would show that something in the media of the day sparked the idea in the perpetrator’s mind.

The author does a good job at bringing to light the difference in public opinion when it comes to the images broadcast to the masses.  The manufacturing and advertising world isn’t about to start loosing money just so they can treat women as equals.  It will take the voice of the consumers to bring a change in advertising.  

Week 3 Grammar Post: Hyphens

It hasn’t been until this class, I realize how little I really know about grammar.  This week I decided to due my grammar post on the use of that little line we call a hyphen, and when it is appropriate to use it.

The following times are appropriate times to use a hyphen:

--With prefixes (such as ex-,  quasi-, self - ) or when the root word is capitalized.

            Ex-jock            self-serve            mid-December

--Some prefixes need a hyphen to show a different meaning

            “Recount”  means “tell a tale.”

            “Re-count” means “count again.”

 --With hyphenated names.

            Bailey-Wolff            Somerset-Wilson

 --With compound numbers from 21 to 99 and with written fractions.

            Thirty-two            five-eights            seven and three-quarters

 --With numbers to show age.

            Three-year-old child            11-to 14-year old swimmers

 --With compound adjectives before a noun.  (Compound adjectives consist of two or more words that work together to describe a noun.  Together, they express a single thought.)  Do not use hyphens when compound modifiers follow the noun.

            Six-foot-two athlete, but The athlete was six foot two.

            G-flat-minor piece, but Play something in G flat minor

            African-American woman, but She was an African American.

 --To show where words divide by syllables at the end of a line.  (Today, with word processors and typesetting, hyphens are used much less frequently to show word division.  Check a dictionary for division by syllables.)

 

Fine, Edith, and Judith Josephson. Nitty-Gritty Grammar. Berkeley CA: Ten Speed Press, 1998. Print.

 

 

Framing Class By: Diana Kendall

You can research the history books, going back to the years before Christ was born.  You don’t have to look far to learn that people have grouped into classes.  This isn’t a new concept in the social structure of society.   After reading this excerpt I don’t think the author, Diana Kendall is trying to state this is something new in society, but she is addressing the way it is marketed to society.

I have to agree that the media plays a large role in the way people view others.  She makes a  good point when she talks about how the upper class or the wealthy are glorified by the media while everybody else is ignored for the most part.  I also agree with the author when she talks about the reasons the media treat the classes in this fashion.

The various corporations and business involved with the media are the same as any other business or corporation.  They are in business to make money, and they will what ever they have to do to get it.  After all people who have to get up every morning and do the 9 to 5 routine, really aren’t interested in watching or reading about somebody else doing the same thing.  These people are much more interested in lives that seem much more glamorous.  They want to see the multi million dollar homes along with the private helicopters, jets, and yachts.  For many this may be an escape from the every day, and gives them some place they can go at least in their mind.  At the very least it can give people a dream to follow even if that is all it ever is.

There are times when the poor, or lower class may be of some use to the media, but as the author says, it is usually when they are the victims of a disaster, or catastrophe.  Once the excitement is over, and the excitement over the incident has died down, it seems these people are once again forgotten about, and the attention is once again turned toward the “rich and famous”. 

In some ways I prefer it to be this way.  I know I’m not considered “upper class” or “high class”, at least as far as the media goes.  I fit more in to the boring “working class” group they really don’t seem to car a whole lot about.  The funny thing is, most of the people working the media, fall into this same category or class.  The nice thing is though, I can live my life the way I want.  I don’t have a camera following me everywhere I go.  I don’t have to worry about every thing I say ending up on some news tabloid, or cable show.  If I want to go out with friends, I don’t have to worry about what will printed on the front pages of the entertainment or social publications.  My life is mine to live, and although it isn’t one of monetary wealth, I am happy with it.

It is sad that there are those who are struggling, and the media does little to help them.  It is true, it seems the only time these people are of much interest is on the reality shows, or the American Idol shows when they are placed in the spot light to see if they will be the next “rags to riches” story.  It is true the media can play a large role in how we are perceived, and treated.  In my opinion though, the bottom line is this.  We are the only ones who truly determine our status in life.  We can choose to accept the labels society gives us, and live our lives in accordance to the standards set by others, or we can take advantage of the power with in each of us to make ourselves better people.  I believe that if a person wants to improve their life style, and achieve a higher standard of living, they have the power to do it.  The journey may be difficult and may even seem impossible, but with determination and an honest will to better ourselves, we can make anything happen.   

Serving in Florida By:Barbara Ehrenreich

I found this article interesting for several reasons.  I though it did an excellent job of illustrating the type of life style somebody can expect if they feel they don’t need to get an education.  I was impressed with the author’s desire to get an accurate picture of what life is like when you are trying to live on the wages paid by “mediocre” work.  When I was talking with my wife about this article, she asked me why somebody would do what the author had done.  The best explanation I could come up with was, “you can write about a subject like this utilizing two methods.  You can do research on the subject or you write from personal experience.”   I think we all know which method will produce the best results.  It is easier to write about what something tastes like after eating it our selves.  Barbara wanted to know for her self what issues a person faced when living on menial wages, working multiple lives.

She started this project as a science experiment, but it became a personal endeavor for her.  She developed a desire to succeed even though succeeding in the circumstances she was working under was nearly impossible.  She started by working at two different restaurants as a waitress.  I have found myself approaching the reality of having to work two jobs in much the same way.  Look at the two schedules, tell yourself “I can do this, it shouldn’t be that bad”, and then it is off to reality.  Barbara made it two days before the reality of the situation fully set in.

I think she does and excellent job at illustrating the environments in which she worked.  While reading this, I could feel the emotions she was experiencing.  She described the physical environment to the point you couldn’t help but become part of it in some way.  Her experience was only related to poor physical working conditions and low wages.  I don’t think she ever had anything really positive to say about any of her supervisors.  When people work these types of jobs most of the time I think they are viewed as just a temporary employee.  This is well illustrated when she quit her job at Hearthside and her boss was more concerned with the return of two polo shirts and aprons than he was about her.

This article does more than simply state the struggles of trying to live on a low wage.  I think it also illustrates one of the reasons so many people consider themselves a failure in life.  This author had a good life she knew she would be returning to.  She had a good job, a substantial income, and a good home to live in.  Despite all of this, when she walked out on her employer at “Jerry’s”, she felt she had failed.  The way she described this feeling was impressive.  I have had those times when the description she gives about her feeling of failure seemed to match mine exactly.  If somebody who has so much to return too feels this way, how do we expect somebody to feel when they don’t have anything better to return to?  

Week #2 Grammar Post: Pronouns

One of the areas I often struggle with deals with pronouns. There are times when I’m not sure where to place the pronouns, or which pronouns to use. I found some helpful advice in a grammar book.
1“Think of a linking verb sentence as reversible. That is, the pronoun you put after a linking verb should be the same kind of pronoun that you put before a linking verb.”

Incorrect Example: “The winner of the election is him!”
“Him is the winner of the election!”

Correct Example: “The winner of the election is he!”
“He is the winner of the election!”

“If you pay attention to linking verbs, you’ll choose the right pronouns for your sentence. Subject pronouns are I, you, he, she, it, we, they, who, and whoever. Pronouns that are not allowed to be subjects include me, him, her, us, them, whom, and whomever.”

1 Geraldine Woods. English Grammar for Dummies.Placing the proper pronoun in the
Proper Place Hoboken, NJ: Wiley Publishing, Inc, 2001. P 23-24

I Just Wanna be Average By:Mike Rose

I found “I Just Wanna Be Average”, by Mike Rose, more challenging to read than the other articles we have read up to date. I can safely say the author has reached a status far above average. While I was reading this article, my eleven year old daughter came in the room and must have seen the perplexed look on my face. “What’s wrong dad” she asked. I told her I was having trouble with some of the words. In all of her wisdom she said, “Go get a dictionary and look them up, when you come that word again, substitute the definition for that word. Then you won’t have trouble with it anymore”. Just another one of those times when one my children have become my teacher.
I’m sure there were several points in this article I may have missed, but one of the things I got out of it is the importance of persistence. Even though Mike a rough start in high school, he never quit trying. The fact he was placed on the wrong track by mistake, given the label of somebody who wouldn’t amount to much in society, and forced in some ways to associate with those who little desire to succeed didn’t deter him. He took to opportunities to get to know each person he associated individually. He learned about their talents, and desires. He saw potential in them, they didn’t see in themselves. It was interesting to hear is reaction to Ken Harvey’s statement “I just wanna be average”. This seemed to be the turning point for him. It seems at this point, he made a decision not to be average. He wanted something more, he didn’t know how that was going to happen at that particular time, but he knew he was going to achieve a status in life that wasn’t just “average”.
One of most powerful statements in this passage is the way Mike describes the efforts kids would go to in order to “protect themselves” and to deal with the stereo types placed on the kids who had been placed in the “Vocational Education” track. The stereo type was not only placed on these kids by other kids in the school, it seemed to come from everybody including the administration and teachers. The effort these kids put into devising ways not learn just was probably greater than the effort it would have taken to listen, and participate, in class. One may ask why they went to all of this extra effort. I think it was because everything around them was telling them anything to do with learning was “beyond them”.
Fortunately for Mike, he didn’t look at his position in the Vocational Track the same way others did. It was difficult for him to stay focused on his desires when those around him were working on ways to avoid learning but he did his best. He finally got his break when a heads up Biology teacher realized Mike’s potential and discovered the error which had been made two years previously.
When Mike was moved from the cursed “Vocational Education” track to the “College Prep” track, he was still handicapped. Many of the basic principals he should have been taught were not. The teachers assigned to the “Vocational Education” track were ill prepared both in their lesson plans and their ability to deal with the kids psychologically. He was now faced with the challenge staying caught up in his current classes, while learning the material he should have been taught several years prior. His big break came when he was introduced to an unorthodox English teacher.
He received an education not only in English, but many other aspects of life. This teacher opened his eyes to the diversity of life, and introduced him to the arts. He learned new things relating to philosophy, and communication. While he admits this was “hardly the stuff of deep understanding”, it was a unique way for him to acquire a vast array of knowledge. This was the catalyst that started him on his way to a life time of influence. It helped to take him from a high school student who had been labeled as a potential failure to a professor in the School of Education at UCLA. He has been able to provide insight and variety to the educational world. He stands as a beacon of hope for all those who have been labeled as failures, and discarded as those who will never amount to much. Because of people like him, we can see that everybody has something to offer society, we just have to find their potential and unlock it.

Against School By: John Taylor Gatto

"Against School", an article by John Taylor Gatto outlines some of the most critical problems facing our school systems today. In some respects, it follows the line of thinking presented by Michael Moore in his article "Idiot Nation". There is no doubt about Michael Moore and the extensive research he put into his article. Even thought Michael Moore’s article was thought provoking, he is lacking something that John Gatto has, practical experience. John Gatto has been in the schools, he has been restricted by the strict structure, and he has seen first hand, the results of the current educational system. Because of John’s personal experience, he has a firm grasp on the real meaning of education.
I must applaud John Gatto’s understanding of an “educated” person. I really like how he clearly defines the difference between an “educated” person and a “schooled” person. The history of this country is full of people who have been regarded as educated, but who have received very little formal schooling. I appreciate John’s view on the problem and how he recognizes it isn’t a local problem isolated to a few areas of the country; it is a nation wide problem.
I found it interesting to read about problems he observed in the State of New York, and being able to relate them to problems I have seen involving my own children here in St. George. My children have been admired by their teachers ever since Kindergarten. I don’t know how many parent teacher conferences I have attended where the teachers have told my wife and I that our children are “more advanced” than the material which is being taught. Just this last year, my youngest daughter’s teacher told my wife and I about the remarkable job my daughter was doing with her reading. She told us our daughter was far beyond her expected reading level. The teacher told us she could not give our daughter more advanced reading material because it was not approved by the curriculum. I must agree with the statement that the system restricts our students from using their full creativity and it hinders them from reaching their full potential.
Even though I agree with some of the points John makes in his article, I don’t think I am sold on the idea that the system has been set up as a method of control. I realize there are elements of the educational system that may point in that direction, but I think there is more than one point of view to look at on this issue. When the educational system was changed and the “no child left behind” laws adopted, I think the intentions were good, but the application was poor. It is a difficult problem to address and possibly the answer will have to come from a source outside of the educational system. I think the answer was briefly touched on in this article.
We tend to focus on the issues with the educational system. I feel our children go to school to help them build a solid foundation for their acquisition of knowledge. A child’s education should come from the home. The real teachers need to be parents, and other close family members. When you look at those who have the greatest influence on a child, the child’s family has a far greater influence on them than any of their school teachers. So before we blame an underfunded and understaffed educational system, maybe we should look at our countries’ deteriorating family structure. If a child is raised and taught to think for themselves, and to be independent, nobody can control them. We are all masters of our own destinies. Just a thought in closing; nobody can exercise control over another without the other’s consent.

Idiot Nation by: Michael Moore

When I started reading this article, I expected something completely different than what I got. I was warned that it would spark a reaction, but there was no guarantee as to what that reaction would be. I must say that I wasn’t expecting to find humor in the article. I have never been a Michael Moore fan, but this article was actually enjoyable for me to read.
I realize the points he was trying to make regarding the lack of recognition and appreciation for teachers across the country. I agree with the facts that many schools are substandard for the number of students who attend them. Even here is Washington County, the school district struggles to keep up with building maintenance and the construction of new schools to keep up with the growing population.
Our country does need to reprioritize a few things when it comes to education. I don’t have any issues with the facts regarding the low wages of teachers and the ever increasing wages of government officials. I agree with Michael’s statement about the lack of assistance schools and education receives from the government. It is sad when funds for education are cut and the military can receive billions of dollars for weapons research just by asking for it.
One issue I do question is the standard which he uses to establish if somebody is “educated”. I see his point when he referrers to people who have been appointed to government positions, and they aren’t familiar with all of the issues related to the position. I agree this does look bad, but to me it suggests ignorance on the part of the individual, more than a lack of education. The issue I have is he makes it sound as if somebody who is not well versed in all school subjects is uneducated. Some of the most successful and influential people this country has seen have had very little schooling in the classical sense. But these people are very rarely viewed as uneducated. I’m sure there are many successful business men and women who probably don’t know what the only state capital is without a McDonalds in it. I’m sure many of these same men and women aren’t aware of which African countries have a lower infant mortality rate than Detroit. Honestly, are these facts they need to know unless they are in charge of the McDonalds Franchise, or are involved with a group or organization researching international infant mortality. Yet these same men and women are probably viewed as educated by those who interact and deal with them on a professional level.
Are we an “idiot nation”? If so, these idiots have been leading the world for a great number of years. I think it takes more than mere test scores to determine how educated a person is. There are a vast number of people out there who have received very little schooling but are considered educated and even gifted in certain arenas. So before we go stating people are uneducated, maybe we should look at more than just their academic records, and written test scores. Sometimes their accomplishments in life reveal their real education and the ultimate test score.

Changing American Families by: Judy Root Aulette

This article, written by Judy Root Aulette does an excellent job at describing the wide range of family structures in the Untied States. One doesn’t have to look far to find somebody referring to the “diversity” of this county. This country was settled by immigrants, and has long had the reputation as a land of opportunity. This opportunity is a magnet, attracting people from people from all around the world, bringing with them their own cultures, customs, and beliefs.

This article did a good job about articulating the life style of the “upper class”, or as some people would say the “wealthy”. I found it interesting at how closely this lifestyle resembled the lifestyle of royalty. Their children could only associate with other children of their “class”. They were not allowed to choose whom they wanted to marry; they were restricted to those whom their parents approved. Unlike other social classes, the children of the upper class were not allowed to marry for love; they had to marry for status. It didn’t matter where the children wanted to attend school; their parents had already decided which schools were appropriate for them. I dare say, it is almost a tragedy to think about how the children’s lives were / are controlled all in the name of status.

I especially enjoyed reading the about the Middle Class and Working Class Families. While reading through these sections, I was able to draw a lot of parallels with my personal and family life. For example: I have moved across this state three times trying to advance in my line of work. There have been times when my wife and I have had to call on the help of friends and neighbors for assistance. There have been other times and circumstances when we have received assistance from extended family members.

When my wife and I are home, we are home. We don’t believe in “bringing work home with us”. We have set up a family trust naming our children as the beneficiaries. So, as you can see, aspects of both the Middle and Working Class apply to me.

While I haven’t had any experience with an environment such as the “Flats” I was amazed to read about how those people adapted. I enjoyed learning how the people joined together to survive. It was interesting to read about their ability to share everything from food, to money, to clothing for the survival of the group. It was even more interesting to me to learn that this is common way of life for several different cultures.

The traditional family structure of the Vietnamese culture and their family hierarchy was extremely interesting. It isn’t difficult to see why some of the young brides wanted to assimilate into the American culture while those who had been married for a number of years wanted to maintain the traditional values. It must have been difficult for a young Vietnamese bride to accept her low “status” while those around her who was not of the Vietnamese culture appeared to have a higher standing with their families. On the flip side of the issue, those who had “paid the price” you might say and had stayed married and true to the culture, wanted the respect and benefits that came with their higher status in the family.

I felt this was a good insight into the vast and diverse cultures that makes up the American families. This was a very informative, and enlightening article for me to read. In my line of work, I have had the opportunity to associate and deal with people from a wide variety of classes. I have dealt with those who are extremely wealthy and those who you may think are the poorest of the poor. I must say I can draw many similarities between the things I have seen in through the course of my work, and the things I have read in this article. The strange thing is, there are times when I don’t know who has it worse. It doesn’t seem to matter what class people are in, they all seem to want something else.

What We Really Miss About the 1950's by: Stephanie Coontz

This was a great article written by Stephanie Coontz. Since I never lived in the 1950’s, I had to ask the same question; what do we miss about the 1950’s? Until I read this article I would have given an answer somewhere along the lines of; Elvis Presley, Rock and Roll, fast cars, high school girls in “poodle skirts”, and malts at the local ice cream shop and candy store. Due to my lack of personal experience relating to this time period, I would have draw my conclusions based on stories I have been told, and things I have read about or seen in a movie. I remember a fifth grade production my class put together for our families. This play depicted many of the popular songs and trends of the 1950’s. As fifth grade school plays go, it was all about the music, the social life, and clothing styles of the time.
This article shed a new light on these times. To coin a phrase, the traditional family was “booming”. Then, why wouldn’t it be? Many of the programs Roosevelt started during the New Deal were still in effect. The government was still spending large amounts of money to help people acquire jobs, stay employed, and continue moving forward financially. It was intriguing to learn that somebody could drop out of high school and obtain a job which was supplemented by the government. The job paid a minimum wage of $1.40 an hour and the person could still remain above the poverty level for that time. There was a large emphasis on the importance of marriage. Even when women became pregnant prior to marriage, the vast majority were married prior to the baby’s birth.
Corporations and employees valued each other. The employee would remain loyal to the company their entire career. The companies valued their employees and did what they could to retain them. The entire corporate make up was one of cohesiveness. With the growth of unions, employees attained higher salaries, and the opportunities to obtain a college education soared.
With the various programs sponsored by the government, and the creation of new financial institutions to facilitate home loans, more and more people were able to live the American dream of owning a home. Down payments were low and in some places a man would only have to work one day in a factory to earn enough money for a down payment. These were just a few of the highlights mentioned. During this time period, even Hollywood was promoting family life through an array of family oriented television shows. With all of this going for the American Family, who would want anything else?
This article did a good job at showing all of the areas people seem to look at when they think about the 1950’s. It also brought out several points that aren’t mentioned very often when we refer to this time period in U.S. History.
I completed a U.S. History class this last semester. Despite everything I thought I learned, I never realized that most of this blissful data came from a specific demographic. I had learned about the discrimination against women, blacks, immigrants, and those of differing faiths and social beliefs. But for some reason I didn’t comprehend the scope of the issue. During this class I had to do an essay on the murder of Emmitt Till. I was appalled at the gruesome events surrounding this incident in our history. As shocking as this event was to me, it was just one incident in my mind. I never recognized how wide or how sever the discrimination problem really reached.
I was awed at the other statics relating to the 1950’s that aren’t readily mentioned. It was interesting to see that even though there were numerous avenues to keep people above the poverty level; poverty was still higher through the 1950’s than in the early 1990’s. Women’s rights were not the only thing discriminated against; their life style and life choices were practically dictated to them by society. Their roles and responsibilities relating to the family were clearly outlined and deviation was heavily frowned upon.
The 1950’s will always be viewed as a unique period in history. This was a time of prosperity and growth for this nation. There are a vast number of people who have a right to look back at this period of time and reflect on the good times they enjoyed. As with everything in this life, nothing is perfect. Along with the great times, come hard times. The great times will always be remembered and sought after. The hard times are such; some do what they can to erase these memories from their mind. Others look at these times as a catalyst for change and are grateful for the lessons learned.

Week 1 Grammar

I was pondering over the vast possibilities for my first grammar subject. I was looking at the keyboard, and noticed the semicolon key. Bingo, I had my answer. I realized I knew virtually nothing about this punctuation mark. I knew I had seen it in various books and articles I had read; I know it is under my right pinkie when I type; and I know many years ago in one or two of my English Classes a teacher mentioned something about it. Needless to say, this knowledge doesn’t do much for me when it comes to writing papers.

I located the following information on the subject of the semicolon at this web site:
http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/marks/semicolon.htm

Use a semicolon [ ; ]
· to help sort out a monster list:There were citizens from Bangor, Maine; Hartford, Connecticut; Boston, Massachusetts; and Newport, Rhode Island.ORWe had four professors on our committee: Peter Wursthorn, Professor of Mathematics; Ronald Pepin, Professor of English; Cynthia Greenblatt, Professor of Education; and Nada Light, Professor of Nursing.
· to separate closely related independent clauses:My grandmother seldom goes to bed this early; she's afraid she'll miss out on something.
The semicolon allows the writer to imply a relationship between nicely balanced ideas without actually stating that relationship. (Instead of saying because my grandmother is afraid she'll miss out on something, we have implied the because. Thus the reader is involved in the development of an idea—a clever, subliminal way of engaging the reader's attention.)
It is rare, but certainly possible, that you will want a semicolon to separate two independent clauses even when those two independent clauses are connected by a coordinating conjunction. This is especially true when the independent clauses are complex or lengthy and when there are commas within those independent clauses. You might consider breaking those two independent clauses into separate sentences when this happens.
· Coach Auriemma realized that his next recruiting class contained two superb guards, a fine post player, and a power forward; but as of the end of the spring recruiting season, he was still pushing to discover better first-year players for the interior positions.
Now I have expanded my knowledge of the semicolon and its use. Maybe the expansion is only to a small degree, but it is surely a step in the right direction. We will see how this helps in the upcoming weeks I’m sure.