War, by definition, is "a state of usually open and declared hostile conflict between states or nations". Nobody truly wants to go to war. Going to a foreign place, killing other people, or possibly getting killed. Unfortunately, some people didn't have a choice. In the 1900's many people were drafted into the wars based on age and physical ability. That is what happened to Tim O'Brien. Tim O'Brien is an American novelist, born in 1946, in Minnesota. At the age of 21 he was drafted for the Vietnam War. Like most of us would be, he was scared, terrified even, he didn't want to die. O'Brien has written many books on his experiences during the war, but there is one short story of his that gives a glimpse at what it was like for him when he found out he was drafted. On The Rainy River. In this short story, O'Brien goes through the events of the summer of '68, how he did not agree with the war, and his thoughts of running away to Canada. Although he never makes it to Canada, he does run away. Throughout his journey, any reader can feel his pain and embarrassment from his actions. Immediately, at the beginning of his story, O'Brien writes; "This is the one story I've never told before . . . embarrassment . . . confession . . . makes me squirm" (O'Brien 1). From the introduction I can interpret his shame from his actions. It is clear that he is not proud of what he is about to share and that it is difficult for him to do so. His long description of how troubling this is to share shows how he would prefer to forget the events altogether. O'Brien did not believe in the purpose of the war, to avoid it he considered running away to Canada, but he also thought that was irrational. "I couldn't make up my mind. I feared the war . . . I feared losing the respect of my parents . . . I feared ridicule and censure" (4-5). He goes on to explain how he is from a small town where people talk. When he says he feared mockery and judgment, I believe he didn't necessarily fear it for himself, but more so his family. Him running away to avoid the war would be the talk of the town, his parents would be bombarded with questions. All O'Brien would have to do is disappear; his family would suffer, be in the spotlight, and the town would look down on them for his actions. O'Brien is very straight forward in his feelings throughout the story, but he leaves space for readers to interpret what happens next or interpret underlying issues in his decision making. From the beginning we see that the story about to be told is life changing, further on we understand his concern for his family and his difficulties with right and wrong. We feel what he feels and we struggle with his struggles.
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At some point, we all have written an essay, and personally, they're not my favourite. A good essay takes time and consideration. An essay is based off a thesis. Unfourtunately, I find this the most difficult to write. I struggle when writing a thesis because I want it to be worded perfectly, and for it to be connected to all aspects of my essay. I find it especially troubling, when writing a thesis, to differentiate it between a topic or a theme. When writing an essay it takes time and there are steps to follow to ensure your best work. I believe the most important step is the prewriting stage. The amount of time and effort you put into this stage can determine the entire outcome of your essay. In this stage nothing is permanent. It is just you and your thougths - however you wish to organzie them. Everything, your thesis, supporting facts, or even the conclusion can be founded in the rough notes conducted during this time. The stage I think is the second most important is the proofreading and editing. In all honesty, I should spend much more time doing this. It's hard sometimes to re-read over the work I've completed, especially if the written piece has caused me stress. But, it is essential to proofread and edit your essays, don't loose marks over silly little mistakes - because I have and it sucks! Yes, essay's can be tough, but take your time, focus on your prewriting and always proofread and edit your work before submitting! Becky from the Block by Becky G was released in 2013, but does it sound familiar? That's because the original was released in 2002 by Jennifer Lopez, Jenny from the Block. As an up and coming artist, Becky G looked up to idols such as J.Lo and Pitbull to help pave the way. After communications with Jennifer Lopez are her team, Becky G was granted permission to take Jenny from the Block and apply her own twist to it. Although the music/ beat is almost the same throughout the entire song, there are some differences. In J.Lo's video she include multiple pauses in the music to insert recordings, Becky G just kept it strictly music and singing. Becky G also changed the style of the musuc video and lyrics to best fit and describe her life. It is clear that Becky from the Block was not an orignial idea, but Becky G made sure to credit the original owner - in the most appropriate way for her medium - and that's why her work was published. In the end of Becky G's music video she gives a shoutout to Jennifer Lopez and features her in the music video as well. For all present and future creators, I have two simple guidelines for when it comes to working off of someone else's work: communication and have another point of view. To avoid "ripping something off", the new creator should always communicate to the original creator/ owner, just as Becky G did with J.Lo. As well, have another point of view to confirm your final product is different enough from the original to publish. The podcast Serial is narrated by Sarah Koenig as conducts her own investigation on the death of Hae Min Lee and the guilt of Adnan Syed. This investigative journal has become very well known. The medium of the journal has attracted listeners of all ages from all over. But is this a good thing? Yes, sponsor's will make money and the people who hired Sarah will will get the investigation they wanted, but what about the Syed family? They are briefly mentioned to give an idea of Adnan's background, but they are never heard from. What if you were in their shoes? Your son was charged and found guilty of strangling his ex-girlfriend in highschool, and now when he is 32, it is being broadcasted to the world. The trial is long over and some lady - who you don't even know - is digging everything up again. I understand Sarah is trying to prove Adnan is not guilty, but what if she gets the family hopes up for nothing? What if after all her investigating, she finds Adnan is really guilty? This will just cause more heartbreak to the family. Let me know what you think in the comments! Serial Podcast: https://serialpodcast.org/season-one Should grade 12 university level english be a requirement for entry into all university programs?
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