Today I had a chance to do some research on a subject I will soon be required to write a paper on: the Chernobyl nuclear disaster. Finding credible information was easy as the catastrophic event was globally infamous. Because my point of view of the disaster deals with the point of view of someone living in the Eastern Bloc states, but outside the initial disaster zone, my research focused mainly on three major factors. The first was the internal politics surrounding the event. I discovered that Soviet officials were hesitant to admit that a disaster had taken place. The second was the state of international relations during the event. Foreign states played a role in exposing the event. Finally, I looked at the health impacts of the nuclear fallout towards those not in the initial zone of impact. Though the ailments were not as severe as those that befall the citizens of Chernobyl and its immediate surrounding cities (Pripyat for example), they were significant nonetheless.
Overall, this looks like it will be a very interesting subject to write a paper on.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Lewis' DIarry
For English class we had to read a journal detailing the suffering of Polish Jews in the Warsaw ghetto during the Nazi occupation of Poland. The fact that the piece was written by someone who experienced, and eventually died to the event, makes it a very engaging read. I felt an extra level of connection to the paper, coming from a Polish background. I could understand many of the Polish phrases included through out the piece.
Reading this piece reminded me greatly of the way my grandparents would describe the status of life during World War 2. My family is not Jewish, so there are some variations, but there is also some similarity; such as the frequent death occurring to innocent people. It sickens me to think that events such as this even occurred.
Reading this piece reminded me greatly of the way my grandparents would describe the status of life during World War 2. My family is not Jewish, so there are some variations, but there is also some similarity; such as the frequent death occurring to innocent people. It sickens me to think that events such as this even occurred.
Friday, March 25, 2011
Starting Research Paper
My topic of research involves the incident in Chernobyl in which an error caused one of the largest nuclear disasters to befall mankind. My point of view for the paper will be that of someone who wasn’t in the immediate disaster zone but was nonetheless affected by the nuclear fallout resulting from the disaster. The effects of the disaster were vast. Many people outside of Ukraine and even the USSR felt its impacts.
This seems like it’s going to be a rather interesting perspective. The fallout from the disaster traveled to many nearby areas and countries. Because of this, many people didn’t know they were being exposed to dangerous amounts of radiation until they started exhibiting side effects. These included things like birth defects and higher rates of cancer. The problems arising from this disaster, though not as severe as those exhibited by those in the initial disaster zone, were substantial.
This seems like it’s going to be a rather interesting perspective. The fallout from the disaster traveled to many nearby areas and countries. Because of this, many people didn’t know they were being exposed to dangerous amounts of radiation until they started exhibiting side effects. These included things like birth defects and higher rates of cancer. The problems arising from this disaster, though not as severe as those exhibited by those in the initial disaster zone, were substantial.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Technology
My genre of interest paper deals with building a computer. While working on this project I am reminded about my love for technology. I have had quite a bit of experience in this field, stretching from multiple high school classes, volunteer work, and the personal projects I have completed in my spare time. I have been astounded with technology for as long as I can remember, and have usually kept up with modern tech trends. The rapid progression in technology is what interests me the most; today's modern is tomorrow's obsolete. This evolution is what keeps technology interesting, thee is always something new.
My passion for technology in general is leading me to write quite a bit. I don't fear going below the minimum page length requirement for the project, but may have to edit my paper down so it doesn't exceed the page limit.
This project is proving to be rather enjoyable.
My passion for technology in general is leading me to write quite a bit. I don't fear going below the minimum page length requirement for the project, but may have to edit my paper down so it doesn't exceed the page limit.
This project is proving to be rather enjoyable.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Genre of interest: PC build tutorial (Rough Copy)
I have been interested in computers and technology for a while now. Because of this I have chosen to write about Computers and technology. I also find tutorials and how-to guides very useful. For my genre of interest assignment I will attempt to write a tutorial as to how one can build their own computer.
Because I am going to try to target an audience that is not exceptionally tech savvy, my choice of words is incredibly important. I must ensure that the reader will understand what I am trying to say and won't look at the paper as if it were written in a foreign language. I am pretty confident in my own technological ability so i believe that if I am able to ensure there is no communication barrier between myself and the reader my paper will be successful.
This is an example of the type of guide I will be attempting to make.
Because I am going to try to target an audience that is not exceptionally tech savvy, my choice of words is incredibly important. I must ensure that the reader will understand what I am trying to say and won't look at the paper as if it were written in a foreign language. I am pretty confident in my own technological ability so i believe that if I am able to ensure there is no communication barrier between myself and the reader my paper will be successful.
This is an example of the type of guide I will be attempting to make.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
End of First Week Back
So it has been a rather hectic first week back from Spring Break. Though the small vacation replenished my energy, the week after after drained most of it away. Midterms and papers were the main contributors. While the papers don't bother me so much, it's the test preparation that really gets me. It's really funny; people tend to complain about midterms which precede a break period but in my opinion exams which occur shortly following a break are much worse. This is due to the fact that I am still usually in a rather lazy and slow state of mind and it usually takes me about a week to get my stuff together. Oh well, no use complaining about it, I should just be happy that it's the end of the week.
This should be a pretty decent weekend, the only school related things I have to do is my analysis final draft. I don't feel like that should be too challenging as I already have a pretty decent start on it. Hopefully it'll turn out good.
This should be a pretty decent weekend, the only school related things I have to do is my analysis final draft. I don't feel like that should be too challenging as I already have a pretty decent start on it. Hopefully it'll turn out good.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Analysis Rough Draft: 300
The film “300” was very entertaining and filled with significance. The film heavily emphasized the human traits western culture views to be respectable and commendable. These namely include bravery, intelligence, patriotism, and persistence. The film also portrays the visceral confrontations between the Spartan and Persian armies, often glorifying combat.
“300” is a film which makes heavy use of sound and image to get its point across. The main purpose of “300” is to entertain as it is a film heavy with action. This is supported by the fact that many scenes in the film are highly stylized; an example is the often parodied scene in which Leonidas kicks the Persian messenger down the well. The grainy image on most scenes serves to show the audience the grittiness of the world portrayed in the film. The film, at most times, adopts a serious tone which can sometimes in result in unintended comical situations. Because of the focus on action in the film it can be assumed that the primary audience for the film would be adolescent and adult males. However, the underlying themes in the film suggest the general western population as an intended audience as the film promotes western ideals such as patriotism and courage.
What is the significance of this film?
What are the underlying themes of the film? -> I believe the underlying themes of “300” are the importance of traits that western cultures revere. -> Courage, Strength, and patriotism are the underlying themes of “300” -> The protagonists (Spartans) are portrayed as strong, fearless, and nationalistic men who fight out of their own free will where as the antagonists (Persians) are portrayed as cowardly slaves who retreat when defeated.
I. Courage, strength, and patriotism are the underlying themes of “300.” These three aspects of the human shape and behavior are presented as heroic and valorous through out the film. The film's heroes, the Spartan King and Soldiers, tend to symbolize all three of these traits. They are strong and brave soldiers willing to fight and die for their homeland voluntarily. On the other hand, the invading Persian armies, are often used to symbolize the opposite. They are essentially a horde consisting mostly of slaves whose strength relies purely on numbers. These themes are present through out most of the film.
II. Supporting Evidence 1: Courage is one underlying theme within the film.
A. Spartans taught “Never to retreat, never to surrender”
B. Persians showed as cowardly in some battles presented (shown attempting retreat after defeat)
C. Spartans don't fear battle at any point through out the film
D. Spartans don't only accept the fact that they will most likely die on the battlefield, but they look
forward to it as a "hero's death"
III. Supporting Evidence 2: Strength is an other underlying theme of the film.
A. Spartans presented as extremely strong both physically and mentally (able to utilize
tactics to minimize the opposing armies’ advantage from numbers)
B. Persians shown as incredibly disfigured, have some strong soldiers but most are weak.
C. Costume design of the Spartans features limited armor coupled with a cape, focusing
on showing the physical fitness of the soldiers
D. The physically deformed Spartan hunchback is portrayed as a treasonous villain
IV. Supporting Evidence 3: Patriotism is an other underlying theme of the film.
A. Spartans rather die than be Persian slaves
B. Persian messenger killed for threatening Sparta
C. The two traitorous Spartans in the film (Theron and the hunchback) are depicted as vile in some form
D. Spartans show to serve Sparta for genuine patriotism while the Persian armies serve
Xerxes out of fear.
V. The underlying themes of the film are courage, strength, and patriotism. The characters depicted as heroes possess all three while those depicted as villains lack them. Almost every scene through out the film can be seen as signifying one of these themes.
“300” is a film which makes heavy use of sound and image to get its point across. The main purpose of “300” is to entertain as it is a film heavy with action. This is supported by the fact that many scenes in the film are highly stylized; an example is the often parodied scene in which Leonidas kicks the Persian messenger down the well. The grainy image on most scenes serves to show the audience the grittiness of the world portrayed in the film. The film, at most times, adopts a serious tone which can sometimes in result in unintended comical situations. Because of the focus on action in the film it can be assumed that the primary audience for the film would be adolescent and adult males. However, the underlying themes in the film suggest the general western population as an intended audience as the film promotes western ideals such as patriotism and courage.
What is the significance of this film?
What are the underlying themes of the film? -> I believe the underlying themes of “300” are the importance of traits that western cultures revere. -> Courage, Strength, and patriotism are the underlying themes of “300” -> The protagonists (Spartans) are portrayed as strong, fearless, and nationalistic men who fight out of their own free will where as the antagonists (Persians) are portrayed as cowardly slaves who retreat when defeated.
I. Courage, strength, and patriotism are the underlying themes of “300.” These three aspects of the human shape and behavior are presented as heroic and valorous through out the film. The film's heroes, the Spartan King and Soldiers, tend to symbolize all three of these traits. They are strong and brave soldiers willing to fight and die for their homeland voluntarily. On the other hand, the invading Persian armies, are often used to symbolize the opposite. They are essentially a horde consisting mostly of slaves whose strength relies purely on numbers. These themes are present through out most of the film.
II. Supporting Evidence 1: Courage is one underlying theme within the film.
A. Spartans taught “Never to retreat, never to surrender”
B. Persians showed as cowardly in some battles presented (shown attempting retreat after defeat)
C. Spartans don't fear battle at any point through out the film
D. Spartans don't only accept the fact that they will most likely die on the battlefield, but they look
forward to it as a "hero's death"
III. Supporting Evidence 2: Strength is an other underlying theme of the film.
A. Spartans presented as extremely strong both physically and mentally (able to utilize
tactics to minimize the opposing armies’ advantage from numbers)
B. Persians shown as incredibly disfigured, have some strong soldiers but most are weak.
C. Costume design of the Spartans features limited armor coupled with a cape, focusing
on showing the physical fitness of the soldiers
D. The physically deformed Spartan hunchback is portrayed as a treasonous villain
IV. Supporting Evidence 3: Patriotism is an other underlying theme of the film.
A. Spartans rather die than be Persian slaves
B. Persian messenger killed for threatening Sparta
C. The two traitorous Spartans in the film (Theron and the hunchback) are depicted as vile in some form
D. Spartans show to serve Sparta for genuine patriotism while the Persian armies serve
Xerxes out of fear.
V. The underlying themes of the film are courage, strength, and patriotism. The characters depicted as heroes possess all three while those depicted as villains lack them. Almost every scene through out the film can be seen as signifying one of these themes.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
300 Film Analysis
So I noticed that I haven't blogged for a little while. I have just been pretty absent minded all around in the week leading up to Spring Break as well as most of Spring Break itself. I'm back now however.
My Spring Break was pretty good. I got some much needed rest and now feel refreshed and ready to take on the rest of this semester.
Before going on break I looked at the movie "300." Analyzing this film proved to be quite enjoyable as the film is pretty entertaining. This analysis is incomplete; this portion mainly focuses on the purpose of the film.
The main purpose of the film is promoting courage. The film (which is based on a graphic novel which is loosely based on an historical event) tells the story of how 300 Spartan Greeks fought to the death to defend their homeland from a massive Persian army. The Spartans manage to hold out for an extended period of time and although most of them die, their example spurs other Greek armies to come to Sparta's aid. This act of courage prevents the city from falling to the Persians.
The protagonist, King Leonidas, as well as the Spartan soldiers accompanying him are also symbols for courage. One example is the trademark scene in which Leonidas kicks a Persian messenger down a well while yelling "This is SPARTA!" This was an act of great defiance that carried heavy consequences, yet Leonidas acted, turned around, and walked away without looking back. The King knows he will be engaged in a battle with the massive Persian empire.
While the Spartans are portrayed as being courageous and unwilling to surrender, the Persian armies are depicted quite differently. They are portrayed as cowardly and faceless. They are portrayed as a force that wins by numbers alone and retreats when things get tough. Through out the film, there are numerous scenes in which the Persian armies retreat to postpone the battle while there is no scene showing the Spartans retreating. The Spartans stand and fight to the death. It is shown through out the movie that the Spartans knew their fate was inevitable with quotes such as "Tonight we dine in hell."
My Spring Break was pretty good. I got some much needed rest and now feel refreshed and ready to take on the rest of this semester.
Before going on break I looked at the movie "300." Analyzing this film proved to be quite enjoyable as the film is pretty entertaining. This analysis is incomplete; this portion mainly focuses on the purpose of the film.
The main purpose of the film is promoting courage. The film (which is based on a graphic novel which is loosely based on an historical event) tells the story of how 300 Spartan Greeks fought to the death to defend their homeland from a massive Persian army. The Spartans manage to hold out for an extended period of time and although most of them die, their example spurs other Greek armies to come to Sparta's aid. This act of courage prevents the city from falling to the Persians.
The protagonist, King Leonidas, as well as the Spartan soldiers accompanying him are also symbols for courage. One example is the trademark scene in which Leonidas kicks a Persian messenger down a well while yelling "This is SPARTA!" This was an act of great defiance that carried heavy consequences, yet Leonidas acted, turned around, and walked away without looking back. The King knows he will be engaged in a battle with the massive Persian empire.
While the Spartans are portrayed as being courageous and unwilling to surrender, the Persian armies are depicted quite differently. They are portrayed as cowardly and faceless. They are portrayed as a force that wins by numbers alone and retreats when things get tough. Through out the film, there are numerous scenes in which the Persian armies retreat to postpone the battle while there is no scene showing the Spartans retreating. The Spartans stand and fight to the death. It is shown through out the movie that the Spartans knew their fate was inevitable with quotes such as "Tonight we dine in hell."
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