Reflection Letter

 

December 6, 2012

 Professor Jerome McKeever

Corporate College West

25425 Center Ridge Road

Room 301 D

Westlake, Ohio 44145

Word Count: 912

Dear Professor McKeever:

 

As I reflect on the last twelve weeks of this course, I remember my initial fear and the reservations I had about taking an English composition course. It had been a long time since I had to write a paper for school. I was not really sure that I wanted to do this. I have never considered myself to be a strong essayist. The thoughts, feelings and ideas come easily to me, but I struggle when I actually have to put them down on paper. But, as most students know, English is a requirement and I had to complete this course before I could really go any further with my education. Once I reviewed the syllabus, the schedule of assignments, the MLA format, and only managed an 8 out of 10 on the MLA format quiz, that was it, I can remember thinking “Houston we have a problem.”

However, from the beginning of this semester, until now, I have grown much more confident and at ease with my writing skills. I am able to comfortably put those thoughts and ideas down on paper. I am even more at ease with the MLA format, my grammar and punctuation. I found Smarthinking.com to be an extremely helpful tool. The feedback was a huge help for me.  

I really enjoyed the discussion boards. It was nice to put my thoughts down in a not-so-formal setting. I also really enjoyed being able to see what the other students were thinking about a particular topic. I enjoyed reading my fellow students thoughts and seeing their different styles of writing. Plus, it was gratifying when a fellow student had a positive comment about my discussion board post.

The essays you provided us were actually quite good. I found every one of them to be interesting to read. Without a doubt, my favorite was “Love is a Fallacy” under lesson 4, evaluating an argument. I found it to be funny and very witty. Not to mention, it helped to really understand the different propaganda techniques that are used today.

The assigned text book was a world of help. It really provided me with a solid foundation to start my papers. It was easy to read and filled with excellent tips and ideas. It laid out exactly how my paper should be formatted. I found it to be an invaluable tool for me. It is something I will definitely keep and refer back to, as I continue my education.

I have included all of my essays on my digital portfolio. Given my reservations about taking this course, I am quite proud of all of the pieces I wrote. I would have to say the writing I found the most pleasurable/interesting was my restaurant review. It was a restaurant that I fondly remembered from my high school days and I was anxious to try it again. It was a good, if not better than I remembered. Regardless if the review was positive, or negative, I found this essay to be the enjoyable to write. I never really struggled with what I wanted to say, or how I wanted to say it.

The assignment I struggled with the most was my evaluation of the Tiger Mom. It was really difficult for me to decide if this woman was a really great mother, who would raise very successful children or an overbearing, pain, whose children would one day resent her. I usually don’t struggle with picking a side in an argument, but in this case, I had a rough time.

As this class concludes, I am grateful I took this course. I have learned far more than I ever expected to. This course will definitely help me as I continue my education. Everything that I learned in this class will somehow be applied in future courses.

In addition, I really enjoyed having you as my professor for this course. I am so thankful for your guidance this semester. I truly appreciated your thoughts, feedback and insight into my work. An added bonus was that you are a football fan. I really enjoyed our football conversations. Should you ever decide to leave teaching, I see professional scouting in your future! My decision to return to school was a tough one. I have a family and a fulltime job. I wasn’t sure it was something I really wanted to do, or had the time to do. However, I knew something inside of me was not complete and I was looking for new challenges and adventures. Having you as my professor has made me want to continue and really succeed with my classwork. If I could finish this course, and do it well, I feel confident that I can be just as successful with my other courses. I consider myself blessed to have met a professor who enjoys teaching and has taken more than just a passing interest in his students. The way you planned the lessons and your above mentioned feedback made this class very enjoyable. My only hope is that other students, or returning students, from the work place have a professor that can inspire, motivate and educate with such a novel approach.

Thank you very much for everything you have done to help me this semester. I wish you nothing but the best. GO IRISH!

 

Sincerely,

 

Jason Lowbridge

 

 

Individuals Who Need Government Assistance Should

Jason Lowbridge

Professor Jerome M. McKeever

English 1010

9 November 20112

Word Count 941

Some lawmakers around the country are beginning to demand that welfare recipients submit to random drug testing as a condition of their benefits. Wyoming Republican House Speaker, Ed Buchanan, stated that “Joe Taxpayer  doesn’t mind helping you out, but you need to show that you are looking for work, or better yet, that you’re employed, and that you’re are drug and alcohol free.” (Neary et al. 2012) Georgia State Senator John Albers strongly believes that “tax dollars should never be spent on enabling illegal activity.” (Quinn et al. 2012)  “With more Americans turning to the government for assistance in this struggling economy, over three dozen states have proposed drug testing for people receiving benefits like welfare, unemployment assistance, job training, food stamps and public housing.” (Sulzberger 2011) The 1996 Welfare Reform Act authorized that states can impose mandatory drug testing as a prerequisite to receiving welfare assistance. Although the act did not make drug testing a requirement, all signs point to people who require any form of government assistance will be required to submit to those random drug tests. Despite some opposition to implementing plans to drug test government assistance recipients, the good parts of the plan may outweigh the bad.

The most obvious reason for drug testing those who require government assistance is it will keep people off of drugs, therefore, making society a safer place and cracking down on the sale of illegal drugs. Those in favor of drug testing believe that it may also be a way to help people that are already addicted to drugs. Those that need the assistance for themselves and family may be forced to get the help that they need and give up their drug habits in an effort to survive.

However, those opposed to drug testing welfare recipients are appalled by the assumption that because one is having financial problems and require assistance, that it makes them a drug addict.  They feel that the stigma attached to being a welfare recipient is bad enough, let alone being required to submit to drug testing. Additionally, opponents feel children may actually be the ones that suffer. Parents that are banned from receiving assistance because of a failed drug test, will not receive the assistance that is necessary to support their children.

Those in favor of the mandatory drug testing bill feel it is o.k. to drug test those who require government assistance because government assistance is supposed to be temporary and, going forward, most employers will drug test in the workforce, either before hiring an employee, or randomly during their employment. Drug testing will require recipients to stay drug free and hopefully make them employable.  By staying sober, people can look for a job or go to school, anything that will reduce the need to stay on welfare.

On the other hand, opponents say that most employees sign a consent form allowing their employer to drug test. Welfare recipients may actually be having their fourth amendment right, of illegal search and seizure, violated. In 2003 A U.S. District Court judge in Michigan struck down an attempt to impose drug testing on welfare recipients. The ACLU argued, and the judge agreed, that drug testing violated the fourth amendment protection against unreasonable searches.

Finally, mandatory drug testing of people that require government assistance will cut down on cases of welfare fraud. Welfare fraud is an ongoing problem in the country and it is simply not fair to ask tax payers to pay for the people on welfare who suffer from drug addictions. No state wants to waste valuable tax dollars.

Opponents will argue that drug testing is expensive. So even if they are kicking people out of the government assistance programs because of drug abuse, the government is still not really saving tax payer money. On average, administering a drug test costs $42.00 per person. The Center for Law and Social Policy states that “since few substance abusers are identified in tests, but many are tested, the cost of catching a drug abuser may run between $20,000 and $77,000 per person.” (Montaldo 2012)

There are a number of pros and cons to drug testing those who need government assistance, but ultimately states are doing whatever is necessary to save money in these economic times, and drug testing is an available option. States will work through the 4^th amendment legal issues and find a way to drug test assistance recipients. In an effort to save costs associated with the drug testing, many states may follow Florida’s example and actually require the recipient to pay the costs of the drug tests. Litigation is pending in the Florida court system, but as it stands now, those that refuse or fail, lose their assistance. The latest call for drug testing government assistance recipients will happen sooner rather than later.

Works Cited

ACLU. “Drug Testing Of Public Assistance Recipients As A Condition Of Eligibility” ACLU.com. 8 April 2008. Web.12 Nov. 2012.

House, Michael. “Drug Testing For Welfare Recipients: Pros And Cons.” Myaddiction.com. 8 July 2011. Web.12 Nov. 2012.

Montaldo, Charles. “Drug Testing Welfare.” About.com. 13 February 2012. Web.12 Nov. 2012.

Neary, Ben and Ivan Moreno. “Conservatives’ Plans To Drug Test Welfare Recipients Get Momentum, Earn Support Of GOP Candidates.” Huffington Post. 25 Feb. 2012. Web. 27 Nov. 2012.

Quinn, Christopher and Christine Torres. “Drug Test Bill Draws Legal Heat.” The Atlanta Journal Constitution. 9 April 2012. Web. 27 Nov. 2012.

Sulzberger, A.G. “States Adding Drug Test As Hurdle For Welfare.” NYtimes.com.10 October 2011. Web.12 Nov. 2012.

Restaurant Review of Danny Boy’s

Jason Lowbridge

Professor Jerome M. McKeever

English 1010

25 November 2012

Word Count:  677

            Danny Boy’s restaurant held fond memories for me when I attended St. Edward’s High School in Lakewood, Ohio. After every football game, we would walk across the street and grab their famous Woogie Bear pizza rolls. If you have never been to Danny Boy’s, you are in for a big treat. Although they are considered a chain restaurant, the atmosphere at Danny Boy’s is that of a cozy, little, neighborhood eatery that has amazing service and unforgettable food.

            Danny Boy’s has since relocated from Lakewood to Detroit Avenue in Rocky River. In addition, there are now locations in Broadview Heights, Youngstown, Canton, Chesterland, and Sandusky. 

Upon entering the Rocky River restaurant, the nostalgic atmosphere embraced me. Although the space is almost too small to handle the bustling dinner crowds, it is still cozy and inviting. The memorabilia that adorns the walls and the subtle background music is a tribute to the Rat Pack and the era in which they performed. Old vinyl record covers, concert programs, and photos of Peter Lawford, Joey Bishop, Sammy Davis Jr., Dean Martin, and even the Chairman of the Board, Frank Sinatra paint the walls. The classic oldies pipe through the restaurant. New York, New York, That’s Amore, The Candy Man can all be heard throughout meal service. Even artists that influenced the Rat Pack like Nat King Cole and the Andrew Sisters are on the playlist. The nostalgic and charming atmosphere is perfect for both families and date night.

            The service is nothing short of amazing. Our server was attentative, yet not overbearing. It almost felt as if the servers were part of the ambiance that Danny Boy’s wants to create. From the minute I walked in the door, I felt like I was walking into the home of an old family friend. It felt like I had been dining there for years and everybody knew who I was. There is that sense of familiarity.

            Danny Boy’s is known for their award winning pizza. They have won numerous local and national pizza contests. Even with all their accolades, the selections at Danny Boy’s will not cost you a lot of dough.  The menu is so vast that it was difficult to decide what to order. The menu, like the Rat Pack, is star-studded and diverse. Appetizers ranged from Killian’s red chili to Italian pigs in a blanket. We chose the homemade bread sticks, which were shaped like a classic bowtie. They were fresh and warm and sprinkled with garlic and cheese.  Of course, I could not forget about the Woggie Bear pizza rolls that I so fondly remembered. The pizza roll is a calzone, stuffed with Ricotta cheese, sauce, and pepperoni.  They were as amazing as I remembered them to be. Although the menu offers a number of delicious sounding entries like sandwiches, salads, and pasta dishes, we chose to have one of their “main event pies.” We chose the Cleveland Pie which is described as “a little upside down, built a little backwards and kinda right in the middle of Chicago and New York.” It uses a New York style crust with cheese and pepperoni and topped off Chicago style with sauce and cheese. It was delightful and delicious. The only disappointing part of the menu was there was no dessert menu.  Despite that, the food was cooked to perfection, had amazing flavor, and was presented beautifully. That’s amore!!

            To quote Dean Martin, “How lucky can one guy be?” My visit to Danny Boy’s restaurant left me wondering when I can return for more and what I will order next time. I may just have to try that pierogi pizza I saw on the menu. I loved Danny Boy’s. Although I did not grow up in that era, I am a fan of that generation. Danny Boy’s is a tribute to the greatest generation. The nostalgia, service, and food deserve a standing ovation and my taste buds would love an encore.

Evaluation of Amy Chua’s Essay

Jason Lowbridge                                                  

Professor Jerome M. McKeever

English 1010

30 October 2012

Word Count 939

            Amy Chua is a Yale Law professor, wife, mother and the author of the Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mom.  In the Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mom, Amy Chua discusses how she has raised her two daughters the “Chinese way.” Ms. Chua’s goes on to discuss the ways of traditional Chinese parenting children and the superiority of traditional Chinese parenting over the western way of parenting.  However, despite being raised by two Chinese parents, having two daughters of her own and authoring this essay, there is nothing that makes Amy Chua an actual authority on parenting. But, in fairness to Amy Chua, “this is a personal memoir, not a parenting manual.” (Paul) She does not claim to be an expert, she merely lays out her case for parenting the way she does.

Amy Chua has two daughters (Sophia and Louisa). By all accounts, they have grown up to be very happy and successful. She does state that no matter what anybody thinks, her actions are based on love of her children and wanting the very best future for them. I do believe that is true. While I do not dispute the success or results of her parenting style, I do disagree with her measure of success.

The reason I disagree with her is that she defines the success of her children by accomplishments. She is of the belief that her children must spend their lives making her proud and obeying her. I define parental success by happiness, not accomplishments. I am not completely comfortable saying that achievements or accomplishments are a true measure of success. If my children end up doing something they truly love and they are happy doing it, I will consider myself successful. I don’t want to force them to do things that they are not passionate about. If they lack the passion and desire, chances are good that they will not be happy or successful. I’m certain that Ms. Chua would argue that I am merely settling for mediocrity, but I respectfully disagree.

            The Chinese method of parenting appears to be far tougher on children. Parents are guiding children through life the way they feel is best for the child and their futures. Little input is allowed from the child. However, I do hope that Amy Chua’s essay is slightly embellished. For example, it is great that Amy Chua spends a considerable amount of time teaching her child to play piano. When parents spend time with their children and are involved in their activities, it is almost always a good thing. But, hours upon hours of practice, with no water or bathroom breaks, borders on child abuse. I’m hoping that Ms. Chua exaggerated this claim in an effort to truly make her argument.

One could easily argue that Ms. Chua uses a number of propaganda techniques while stating her case that the Chinese mother method of parenting is superior. To begin with, Amy Chua uses the testimonial technique. In doing so, she uses herself as the respected, experienced person to endorse the Chinese mother style of parenting. She is hoping that other parents will see how successful, by her standards, that she was in raising her children are and may want to follow her methods.  While the Chinese mom method is not a huge movement at this time, there is an attempt by Amy Chua to persuade the readers that if they follow her methods, they too will produce superior children. By not following her methods, parents will simply have to settle for mediocre children. This is her use of the bandwagon technique. She uses the name calling technique when she uses the term “western parents.” (Chua) While not coming out and directly calling western parent’s a nasty name, she uses the term with almost a negative tone, like western parents are lesser people and certainly not as qualified as parents. Finally, Ms. Chua uses glittering generalities when she states that Chinese mothers and their parenting methods are superior. This is a very general statement incorporating all Chinese mothers into that comment. The one technique that I don’t believe she uses is the card stacking technique. By Ms. Chua pointing out some of her children’s rebellious ways, she does not attempt to stack the cards against the truth. The author is being extremely truthful in her essay and provides both the good and the bad for the reader to form their own opinion.

            In addition to using propaganda techniques, Amy Chua also uses a number of logical fallacies in her essay. Ms. Chua uses the Dito Simpliciter fallacy when she implies that Chinese moms are superior and western parents are soft on their children, thereby producing mediocre children. This is a very general statement and not entirely accurate. She also uses the hasty generalization fallacy in her writing when she writes about western mothers caring too much about their child’s emotions. Sad, but not always the case. Although she provides statistics,  it was still too  general of a statement that the writer made too hastily. Ms. Chua also uses the Post Hoc fallacy in her writing. She is essentially saying that because she is Chinese, was raised by Chinese parents and is now a Chinese mother, she will have superior children. Being a Chinese mother does not always equate to superior children. Finally, Ms. Chua attempts to poison the well with her negative tones and comments regarding western parenting.

Works Cited

Chua, Amy. Tiger Moms. 2011.Print

Paul, Annie Murphy. Tiger Moms: Is Tough Parenting Really The Answer? 2011.Print.

Summary of How to Say Nothing in 500 Words

Jason Lowbridge

Professor Jerome M. McKeever

English 1010

17 October 2012

Word Count 559

 

In 1956, Professor Paul McHenry Roberts wrote an essay entitled How to Say Nothing in 500 Words. Professor Roberts states that although the subjects or topics may change through the years, “the principles of good writing should remain constant” (Roberts). He lays out a number of important recommendations and suggestions to assist a writer in successfully developing an essay.

Professor Roberts suggests that a writer avoid writing what everybody expects them to write about. Take the road less traveled and choose a path that the reader would not expect. Additionally, he recommends that the writer chooses the unpopular side of the argument. He believes that by doing this, the piece may actually be easier to write.

Further, Professor Roberts proposes that the writer not just lay out the facts, but give examples. Facts, or the obvious, may be dull and boring to the reader, giving examples may enlighten the reader and make the point stronger. Also boring to the reader are abstractions. Professor Roberts warns the writer to avoid abstraction. Like dull and boring facts, generalities will also do nothing more than bore the reader. After the writer states a fact, he should follow it up with example and really illustrate the facts. Illustration will strengthen the writers facts.

Professor Roberts wants the writer to remove the extra words that are in the paper. He refers to this as padding a paper. By this he means that a writer is usually trying to put in as much as he can to reach that 500 word limit assigned to him by his professor. In attempting to reach the word limit, the writer is adding extra words without adding any extra content. Professor Roberts suggests that to meet the 500 words, without padding sentences, just add that extra content. State the facts and then prove them. He believes that by doing this, the writer will more than meet the word limit.

Professor Roberts suggests that the writer just say it like it is. Avoid phrases like “In my opinion” or ‘the way I see it.” Call it like it is. In addition, Professor Roberts wants writers to avoid what he calls “pat expressions” as often as possible (Roberts). He claims that there is no way to avoid them all together, but the writer should really limit their use. Pat expressions are phrases like “all things being equal.”  

Concluding his suggestions and recommendations, Professor Roberts explains the difference and the importance of using colored, colorful and colorless words. By using colored words he suggests that the writer be careful to use the right words in the right place. By putting them in the right place, colorful words can create a picture or tell a story. They are meant to bring about emotion. Similarly, colorful words can also provoke an emotion response. Colorful words are those words that can have either a bad or good meaning. Finally, Professor Roberts talks of colorless words, which he believes are words that give a writer the hardest time. Colorless words are stagnate words that offer very little to a description. They are basically meaningless words and lack any potency in a paper.

Works Cited

Roberts, Paul McHenry. How to Say Nothing in 500 Words. 1956. Print.

Lesson 2 The Neighborhood Monster

Jason Lowbridge

Professor Jerome M. McKeever

English 1010

28 September 2012

Word Count 537

 

            It was 6 a.m. and still no paper. He liked to read the sports section by 6 a.m. He figured the local newspaper must have hired yet another paperboy. Mr. Diflorio got out of his dilapidated lawn chair with vigor and impatience. The chair was haggard and the once vibrant colors and patterns had faded. They seemed to match Mr. Diflorio, who was now anxiously waiting for his paper. His mangled fingers rolled up into a fist as he shuffled back and forth on his porch. “Where the hell is my paper? Damn those kids, they are so irresponsible.” He promised himself that this young man was going to get an earful. He knew the local kids referred to him as the neighborhood monster, but he just did not care.

            Sure enough, Mr. Diflorio was right, here came the new kid. In a voice that would have made Clint Eastwood proud, came a deep groveling drawl. “Boy you’re late! This might as well been yesterday’s paper!” Don’t they teach you how to tell time in school, dumb ass? You better not have taken my sports section.” Before the boy had time to react or respond, Mr. Diflorio had snatched the paper from the paperboy’s quivering hand.

            It was 5:45 a.m. the next day, and Mr. Diflorio had his jaw locked and was mumbling to himself. He knew his paper would not be on time. He was preparing himself for a letdown. Just a speed bump of letdowns in a life that went wrong long ago. It may have sounded silly to some, but that newspaper was all he had to look forward to each and every day. Then, much to his surprise, here came the young paperboy. “Well look at that, he’s early” Mr. Diflorio stated in amazement. What happened next, Mr. Diflorio was ill prepared for. Not only did the paper arrive early, but the young man brought him his Sports Illustrated. Apparently he remembered the reference to the sports section. He was surprised and stunned by the young boy’s gesture.

            The next day, Mr. Diflorio was waiting anxiously for the paper and the boy. He was skeptical that the boy would be on time. He doubted that the good will gesture would last. He prepared himself for disappointment. Again, at 5:45 a.m. the boy came bouncing up the driveway. Mr. Diflorio was confused. His head was ready to process the old lingering anger caused by previous paperboys, but his heart came into the equation. There was something about this boy that Mr. Diflorio really liked. As the boy marched up the steps, paper in hand, he said “Mr. Diflorio, here is your paper. My Grandfather said you were one heck of a player for the Colts. He said you won championships and you were tough as nails.”

            As the days grew into weeks and weeks grew into months, the legend of Mr. Diflorio as the neighborhood monster faded. Mr. Diflorio genuinely liked the young boy and their relationship turned to friendship. They shared many stories about football and family, life lessons and experiences. Mr. Diflorio’s heart and attitude seemed to soften.

Reflections of September 11, 2001

Jason Lowbridge                                                                                                                    

Professor Jerome M. McKeever

English 1010

18 September 2012

Word Count 587

            It was a day that started out just like all of the others. I woke early, walked the dog, ate some breakfast and left for the office. Unfortunately, it ended up being a day like no other. Till this day, every thought and every emotion from September 11, 2001 are still so vivid in my memory. It is a memory that still angers and saddens me, yet makes me proud to be an American and has taught me some of life’s simple lessons.

            That tragic morning, I remember hearing the talk around the office that a plane had hit the World Trade Center. I called my wife to tell her and we both initially thought it was an unfortunate accident. Admittedly, we were a little confused how that could happen. Eventually, word spread throughout the office that it was actually a passenger jet that had hit the building. Drawn in by the number of people in the office conference room, I stepped in to watch the news unfolding about the tragic accident.

Then, almost in slow motion, the unthinkable happens and a another plane hits the second tower. I stood in complete and stunned silence. I remember seeing the look of fear and horror on my co-worker’s faces. I was feeling helpless. As I try and process the unthinkable, news of the attack on the Pentagon and in Shanksville, Pennsylvania filters in. For me, there was no worse fear than hearing one of the hijacked planes was in Ohio airspace and I cannot reach my family. Phone lines are jammed, buildings are being evacuated and traffic is at a complete standstill. It is not until I arrive home that I find out everybody is accounted for and safe. It felt like an eternity.

By now we all know the story of the countless deaths/murders, the cowardly killers, the chaos, the sadness and the unbelievable unity of the country. The days that followed were mixed

with sadness and anger. My wife and I watched endless hours of news coverage, yet the silence, both inside the house and outside, was deafening. Tears flowed, not only in our house, but throughout the country, as all the tragic stories poured in. Yet, despite the tragedy, there was a real sense of pride in the air as Americans rallied around one another. We were all proud to be Americans.

Because of that tragic day, and although a little cliché, I have learned that life is truly a gift and to appreciate every day. My life, as well as the lives of many others, forever changed. The life I have and the liberties that I have been given by living in this great country will always be appreciated. I will no longer take things for granted. I remembered to say “I Love You” to my family. I started to appreciate the warm sun on my face. I took time to appreciate nature and my surroundings. I learned not to let the small things in life bother me. Living near the airport, the low flying jets made me crazy. Today, the roaring engines now mean that we may have been battered and bruised, but our resolve is stronger than ever before. The American spirit is much more than bricks and mortar; it is a force of nature. September 11, 2001 brought back my spirit and appreciation for life. I will never again take things for granted.

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