hmm...interesting

Fear: Being next to something very big in the water at night time

Annoyances: When people in an argument respond with something completely irrelevant

Confusions: Some of our leaders' decision making

Sorrows: mistakes

Dreams: making a positive impact

Idiosyncrasies: bouncing my leg

Risks: skydiving?

Beloved Possessions, Now and Then: none that I recall

Problems: arguing...kinda

I don't know about you, but I tend to enjoy arguing/debating, whatever you want to call it. Yea, some people find it annoying. I agree that arguing is annoying when it happens at an inappropriate time. It may not show all the time, but I have an urge to argue. This is not portrayed when I am around a group of friends unless it is brought upon me to respond. I don't argue, of course, unless I feel like I know what I'm talking about. I will argue about everything; mainly sports and politics. It can be anything from why CC Sabathia is an athlete to political policies. I don't go out looking for arguments but I find them to be fun in a way. My dad and I can't go a day without arguing at some point (most arguments are all in good fun about little things). When you argue a lot, you learn how to argue better and more effectively..thanks dad.

Writing Territories

Fear: Death

Annoyance: Aimless/Reactive criticism

Accomplishment: I am not too cool for school

Confusion: Computer Programming

Sorrow: I make SO MANY MISTAKES

Dream: To permanently improve world education

Idiosyncrasy: Handstands

Risks: Bare-knuckle cougar wrestling

Beloved Possessions: Material possessions are insignificant

Problem: Self-consciousness. Also excessive swag.

Dream, I choose you!

To avoid depressing social commentary or necessary explanation of "bare-knuckle cougar wrestling," I'll explain my dream so everyone is inspired by my splendorous delusions of grandeur.

Given the choice of means or ends, I've always been an ends guy. In other words, it doesn't matter to me how you do it, just what the result is. So my dreams never picture fighting the battle or negotiating the deal, but rather the well-beyond realistic effects of my actions.

So, in the example of my greatest and most long term dream, I don't care how I achieve the necessary wealth and power to execute it... Just roll with it.

After the glory days of my life, when I'm on my decline and well aware of it, I plan to use my exuberant wealth (bear with me here) to promote the one great equalizer of human society: education. Because education is (or should be) at its heart socialist, it brings prospects equally to the impoverished and the wealthy--equalizing everyone's chances of success in our society. Only with the installment of equal opportunity can capitalism function properly. What better way to create a truly free market that to unlock the shackles of inheritance? There is none.

So, its evident I respect education. And I want education to respect me in return. Yeah, I know that's selfish--that's because I discarded selflessness as a motivation when I realized people are inherently selfish. I find it much more respectable to desire gratification than material wealth.

I can't know exactly what will need to be bolstered when the time comes for my donation, but I do know that if I have the chance to donate I will focus on education. After all, I will owe my success to education; and since I don't plan to be an educator, the best repayment I can think of is philanthropy.

The frog at the bottom of the well

Writing Territories

Fears-clowns

Annoyances-people calling me by my last name

Accomplishments-school?

Confusions-people

Sorrows-family

Dreams-life by the ocean

Idiosyncrasies-zealous artistry in all things

Risks-going places

Beloved Possessions, Now and Then-phone, blanket

Problems-sleep

For some reason, I find people to be very odd. Some try too hard, while others just stay in the background. I always question a person's thinking process whenever I hear of some action done that raises my attention. Sometimes, it can go from a person of national interest to one that I know personally. For example, there are some people that like to show off in class, or appear to be a genius at something. Personally, I find it annoying how some people do that. Being intelligent doesn't make on more charismatic. You may be respected, but that doesn't mean much these days. I usually try to stay low, and avoid looking conceited. I used to think that intelligence was what lead to success. However, it turns out that is not the case. I can never understand why some people do the things they do. Whenever I get news about a murder, I always think that there must be an alternative to such an action. Or, when people decide to commit suicide, or run away from home. Home should always be the place you feel most comfortable at. While home means different places for everyone, it should always be the place where anyone can look forward to returning to everyday.

Back then, I would always see senses of superiority lurking within most people. However, a certain Asian idiom has made me come to a realization about life.

There is a story about a frog that lies in the bottom of the well. He is content, and views the well as a kingdom, with him ruling it. One day, a turtle comes by and the frog notices him, and boastfully speaks of his well. After being unable to fit inside the well, the turtle brings the frog to enlightenment. He describes the sea to the frog, saying how its vastness can't even be imagined.

Thus, the frog learns of his insignificance and narrow view of the world. The lesson is that the world is much larger than one would perceive it to be. There is always something else out there.

While people may live life to their own choices, there should always be limits to certain actions. However, perhaps one day everyone will come to understand each other.

Writing Territories:

Fears - heights; clowns; spiders; bugs that sting
Annoyances - bad grammar; ignorance
Accomplishments - passing the AP World test
Confusions - Latin
Sorrows - Parkinson's
Dreams - studying abroad; Elon University
Idiosyncrasies - imitating people using weird voices...?
Risks - driving on the interstate
Beloved Possessions - Beary the bear; my dog, Cindy
Problems - standardized tests

I have been looking at colleges since 8th grade. It always excited me to be deciding my future. I was fascinated by all my choices, but now I've narrowed them down quite a bit. I want to stay close to home, but North Carolina and DC are exceptions. I want a small to medium sized college around 3,000-7,000. I want a green school. Most importantly, I want a college that is distinguished academically. My brother looked at Elon University when he was looking for colleges 4 years ago because we go to North Carolina every year on vacation. When I started searching, I researched it and went on a college tour there. I really fell in love with the campus, especially because of the location. It is within minutes of multiple large cities and 3 hours from the beach. I would love to go there. Unfortunately, it is selective and also expensive; they don't even give out a lot of scholarship money. All I can do now is do my best in school and on tests so that I'll have a good resume to send to Elon.

Peanuts

Sorry if anyone else already did this - I'm not checking.

On October 2nd, 1950, the very first Peanuts comic strip by Charles M. Schulz was published. For the next 50 years, 17,896 more comic strips were produced, as well as multiple films. Not only is it one of the most famous comic strips in the world, but it has also been considered by some people to be the longest story ever told by one person. If you have been deprived of the spetacle that is Peanuts, you might not know the timeless characters of Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Woodstock, Sally, Pig-Pen, and others. However, in the first comic, only Charlie Brown, Shermy, and Patty (not Peppermint Patty) were featured. I have posted the first comic below. You may also notice that the characters do not look like the ones we recognize today; the story is also not as elaborate. But just like it's popularity, the quality of the comics grew overtime.

Promptsss

1. If you could live in a fictional world described in any book, which book would it be? Why?
2. What kind of effect do you think reality shows such as Jersey Shore have on society?
3. Do you think that standardized tests like the SAT and ACT really reflect your intelligence and potential for learning after high school?

For prompt 1, I will choose what would probably be the most typical answer: Harry Potter. Yes, the books are extremely popular, but I'm not one to think I'm too good for something because it is mainstream. And let's face it, who wouldn't want to be a wizard? Instead of driving a car, you could ride a broom...or a flying car. At Hogwarts, instead of learning math and English like muggles, you could learn spells and potions. What if you lived in a world where paintings could move, letters could talk, and candy could breathe? A world where time travel, rebirth, and invisbility were all possible? Clearly though, being a witch or wizard is not all fun and games, especially if you're one of Harry's friends. His friends and family have all either given their lives or put themselves in great danger to save him and others for the good of wizards and muggles alike. To go to Hogwarts during the time that Harry Potter was there would not be the safest period. Although I would love to be friends with all the characters, the idea of facing a homicidal villian without a nose terrifies me. Unfortunately though, the closest we will ever get to this realm that JK Rowling created is Harry Potter World in Universal Studios.

My Writing Territories!

Heights

Mosquitoes

Middle school and part of high school

Imaginary numbers

Great grandparents

Entrepreneur

Optimism

Scuba diving w/ sharks nearby

play pirate ships, two dogs

Directional sense

My "dream" in life is to run my own business, be an entrepreneur. The positives about this are that I would be in full, complete control of my own business. I would hire who I want to hire, I would fire who I want to fire. I would determine every single aspect that I feel will confidently help the company's success. I determine prices, advertisements, organization, pay checks, who to order products from. Everything would be in my command! I would be in control of the way things were done and my success would be measured by my decision-making skill and my skill in the task at hand for the business. I do not know what the company would do yet. Being an entrepreneur means leadership skills and I believe that I maintain these skills, I just do not effectively make use of them currently. That needs to change in a jiffy though if I want to be the "head honcho" of a business that determines my pay check. The idea of making all of the choices and decisions and thinking through with ideas brings joy to me. That is why my dream is to be an entrepreneur one day after college.

October 9th, 1967. Death of a Hero

On this day, Ernesto "Che" Guevara was executed in Bolivia during an attempt to start a revolution. Captured on October 7th, he spent the 8th being interrogated by the Bolivian military. He refused to talk to officers, and only spoke with soldiers. Many of these soldiers reported his lasting pride even in the face of his own death. Before being executed, he asked to speak to the schoolteacher of the village that he was being held hostage in. He was allowed to talk with her. He spoke of how terrible the condition of the schoolhouse was, and how terrible it is that the schools are in disrepair while the officers drive mercedes cars. That is what he fights for, he stated. Shortly after, his fate was decided. When his executor came in, he yelled his final words: "I know you've come to kill me. Shoot, coward! You are only going to kill a man!"

Che's passing was a tragedy. The man was a a leader, a revolutionary and a hero for the common man everywhere. His revolutionary acts have had massive importance to this very day, and he still stands as a symbol for revolution and freedom.

October 8, 2001: The Beginning of "Homeland Security"

It is understandable that the attacks of 9/11 lead to a great change in American defense. President George W. Bush, then still a newcomer, had to act fast, and he did. After a month of semi-diligent work on the issue, he realized that he was going to need another hand for the job. Consequently, on October eighth 2001, the office of homeland security was activated. Only a year later, that position was expanded into an entire division of the government, the now hated Department of Homeland Security.

Historically, the impact of the OHS (Office of Homeland Security) was huge. Not only did it set the tone for the DHS (Department of Homeland Security), it also set a precedent for autocratic domestic power. The abilities of the OHS and the DHS include, but are not limited to, immigration, customs, border control, and most importantly, communications interception. All of this is backed up with their ability to control the coast guard and secret service. Its conception, while good in its intentions, ultimately turned out to do more harm than good. It gave the government powers that can only be compared to George Orwell's enigmatic and oppressive figure, Big Brother.

Although the OHS was met with much less media than the formal declaration of war with Afghanistan that had come the day before, it is likely to have been a more important event in the long run. Because it affects us as a nation rather than as a member of the world, we as the people of America are going to be uniquely the worse for it.

"If the glove doesn't fit you must acquit."

October 3rd 1995, OJ "The Juice" Simpson was found not guilty by the jury of the case of the murder of Nicole Brown and Ronald Goldman, who were found dead outside Brown's condominium. This is the most important trial in sports history and could even be known as the trial of the century, because it is a trial of a celebrity, and at the time one of the best football players of all time. Also, it was at the time by far the most watched legal case on TV so far, and also had the most notable division in racial lines because when looking at polls of African Americans the case decision is seen as correct; however, among White Americans the case decision is seen as not adequate or in need of revision. When looking at the case most people would say that OJ had definitely murdered the two people, but yet the defense somehow won by means of not enough details that lead OJ to be the killer and produced one of the most well-known legal quotes, "If the glove doesn't fit you must acquit." This was said by the defense as OJ had just attempted to put on a bloodied leather glove found at the crime scene, and it is very controversial because in the legal video it seems as if OJ did not try his "best" to get the glove on, which may have well won him the case as that was the main source of proof to send him to jail. Overall, this is one of the most important legal cases in history because it had so much effect socially on all Americans at the already unsteady racial period.

October 7, 2001

President Bush announced that the United States would be going to war in Afghanistan against the Islamic fundamentalist Taliban regime and al-Qaeda after the September 11^th attacks. Depending on one’s outlook on the “War on Terror,” this could have been a good or a bad thing. However, one positive thing that came out of it was the multinational effort to aid the United States in the war with troops and intelligence. It was the first time that so many countries had worked toward the same goal to crush another military group. Over 40 countries had pledged themselves to help the U.S. to find information regarding the Taliban and al-Qaeda that would aid the troops. This had a large impact on this country and the world because it was the call for the beginning of the deployment of troops, but it also displayed how countries came together during times of need. Places like France, Britain, Canada, Australia, and Germany pledged to give troops to aid the United States. Bush also foreshadowed that this would only be the beginning of the “War on Terror” and that any other country that tried to aid the Taliban would also become a target for war from the U.S. I appreciate this event mostly because of the multinational efforts made and that at this point, the war did seem very necessary. After an attack like 9/11, something needed to be done to prevent further attacks on the country. At the time this decision was made, it seemed like a very appropriate response to the situation at hand. This event on October 7th significantly changed the lives of many Americans, as many have lost loved ones since then, but it has also improved our cooperation with other countries to fight against terrorism.

Blog Post

On October 7th, 2001, the first official invasion of Afghanistan begins with a air assault and multiple covert operations on the ground. This marks the first national return-fire to the terrorist attacks on the US and middle east, and what is even today still an ongoing conflict.

One has to think, that what started on this day has affected everything from oil prices to the families of deceased soldiers not just on the American side but also the Middle East's. Years later, we have killed both Osama and Hussein, and things are relatively better, but it isn't over. It's decisions like these that pilot a nation to decisions we will feel for years.

Sure, Bush was criticized about his war decisions, etc. but I believe that if he had the speech giving ability of Obama he could have gotten a significantly higher amount of praise for his strong willed movement into the "War on Terror".

October 4th, 1993 – the end of the Russian Constitutional Crisis

October 4th, 1993 marked the end of a political crisis – one could even call it a coup d’état.

But first, a little backstory.

Boris Yeltsin, the first official President of Russia after the dissolution of the United Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR). As a democrat, he looked to western economics as a model for Russia’s – he converted its command economy to a free-market economy. He felt that it would stabilize the Russian economy, as it had in several other countries; however, this did not work well with citizens – interest rates and taxes were raised, and cuts were made to welfare and industry.

This led to rapid inflation In Russia – the living standards of millions of Russians freefell into poverty as the GDP dropped 50% and unemployment grew. Everyone distanced themselves from Yeltsin’s policies and his approval rating plummeted; even his vice president wished to have nothing to do with this economic “reform”.

Struggle between the Executive and Legislative branches continued, and reached a tipping point when Yeltsin declared that parliament was to be dissolved – this was completely unconstitutional, and the Russian Parliament decreed that Yeltsin had violated the constitution, declaring his act null. They then proceeded to proclaim the vice president, Alexander Rutskoy, to replace Yeltsin. These events caused mass confusion, and many Russian citizens began to protest against Yeltsin’s liberal reforms.

These protests escalated into violence, and the Russian Military was sent in to quell the violence. At this time, the Russian parliament building was barricaded to defend against aggravated aggressive pro-parliament protesters. The army, on the other hand, was equivocal about whom to follow – Yeltsin, or a new Rutskoy regime. In the end, they decided to support Yeltsin, and on the 4^th, were ordered to shell the parliament building, intending to minimize casualties, but still force the militants out of the area.

Following the events of the 4^th of October, many Russians believed that the use of the military was justified, and blamed Rutskoy on the crisis. The public opinion has shifted in time; a decade later, many believed that it was in fact Yeltsin’s economic policies that were the cause of the crisis.

While I don’t condone the use of violence, these reforms marked an important point in the westernization of Russia. However, the way Yeltsin did it – with very little support from anyone, was a rash decision that could have been handled better. These events also stabilized the constant amendments of the Russian constitution, and without the economic reforms imposed by Yeltsin, I personally believe that Russia would have eventually returned to a communist state.

October 6, 1998

ned? Was this good or bad?

What influence did this have on the world? A nation? A city? Your existence?

Do you appreciate this event? Do you loathe it?

The date marks the death of Matt Shepard, a student at the University of Wyoming who was found tied to a fence after being beaten and tortured. The reason for such violence was that he was gay. I don't think there needs to be any explanation on whether this was good or bad. As a result of his death, hate crime legislation received more focus in the government. In 2002, an act in the name of Shepard was passed, and was finally signed by Obama in 2009. This event brought our attention to the dispute between the morals of homosexuality. Personally, I believe it is not our business as to what kind of people others are into. This event is tragic; an innocent person lost his life simply because of who he was. What made the situation worse was the Westboro Church's activity at Shepard's funeral, as they held up picket signs protesting the funeral, with quotes such as "No tears for queers" focused prominently in their strikes.

Recently, New York had a gay marriage law passed, which leads us to think that things such as sexuality can be of concern in the government, alongside more important matters such as education and the economy. As such, the morals of our society comes into question. Is all this really that big of a deal?

Emancipation

On October 8, 1871, two major historical events happened. The emancipation proclamation was written, and the Great Fire of Chicago occurred. The Emancipation Proclamation was a huge point in the American Civil War. Though it politically did just about absolutely nothing, it became a formal declaration of the Union’s steadfast resilience to their cause in the war. The document stated that slavery would not be allowed in the United States of America anymore. This may sound very politically important, but it wasn’t; the South had already seceded from the union, so it didn’t really do anything but piss off the confederacy. Though its accomplishments were limited, it remains as the mark of the beginning of the end of slavery in the US. This, to me, is a very good thing. Its social effects created a sense of national identity that for the first time, did not involve slavery. How could anyone not appreciate that?

On this date!!..October 9

October 9, 1984 was the day the first woman, Kathy Sullivan, walked in space. This was a revolutionary event, in feminism. This is a positive way to demonstrate the equality between females and males: not just men are fit to walk in space.

The "space race" occurred in the twentieth century, and every country was competitive to be the leading force in space exploration. The US, proudly, placed Kathy Sullivan in space; they had beaten out Russia and every other space crazed country. This created more goals and discoveries to be made. Our global network strived to be the first at ANYTHING. Kathy transformed her life asa common Californian girl to a member of the Astronaut Hall of Fame. Not, only did she provide the community and USA with a since of proud, but she encouraged young woman to achieve their goals, even if they are termed "unfitting by society." The young women who wish to become firefighters or marines would most likely be in Kathy Sullivan's fan base.

I appreciate Kathy Sullivan's courageous space walk. It's a milestone in my country's space program, which is now discontinued. She is an idol for ambitious young women, like me.

Beating Columbus

On October 9th, Leaf Eriksson, the viking, becomes the first European to discover America by landing in Canada. This does not specifically impact our life today, but it is very interesting to me the way history plays out. We learn all through school that it was Columbus who discovered America, when in fact Leaf did almost 500 years prior. It clearly comes down to the Spanish and the English's greed for gold and land, but it is mind blowing to think about what it would be like today if Vikings had been the conquistadors of the new world, and 500 years earlier.

October 9, 2006: North Korean Nuclear Detonation

Confirming years of apparently justified suspicion, North Korea officially announced on October 3rd, 2006, that it planned to conduct a controlled nuclear arms test. The U.S. and U.N., flabbergasted by North Korea's brazen claim, were compelled to respond somehow.

But in the end, the standoff between the PRC, North Korea, and Russia and the Western nations on the U.N. discouraged any rash reactions. So, 6 days later, North Korea detonated a nuclear warhead underground in underpopulated and clandestine Sangpyong-ri.

Rumor has it that in this first test the warhead "fizzled," producing a significantly smaller blast than it should have. This would explain the observation of U.S. intelligence that North Korea appeared to be preparing for a second nuclear test--perhaps a more successful one. Still, the "fizzle" measured .55 kilotons, which is definitely not something you want going boom in your backyard.

As a matter of fact, I personally dislike any idea of war occurring in my backyard, which is why this event is important to me. The U.S. feels awfully secure and empowered for an economically backward nation that meddles in every other nation's business. In reality, the provocative actions of North Korea could have incited an armed conflict if not for the actions of not the U.S. but North Korea itself. Kim Jong-il allegedly apologized for the nuclear test on October 20th after continuous chastisement from most nations, including its neighbors Japan and South Korea. Kim Jong-il then agreed to return to peace negotiations in the Six-nation Disarmament Talks on October 31, ending the month of paranoia.

Perhaps if the U.S. was not still knee-deep in the longest war in which it has participated--the 10-year occupation of Iraq and Afghanistan, it could have responded to the North Korean threat more confidently. Or maybe it should abandon its army like Japan did and make decent cars for once in 40 years.

Disastre del Huracan

On this day 14 years ago, Acapulco Mexico was hit by Hurricane Pauline, the 6th worst hurricane to ever develop in the Pacific Ocean. This hurricane not only killed more than 500 people, but 1,900 people went missing, and 300,000 were left homeless. This event devastated Acapulco and Oaxaca Mexico, and left a shortage of food and water for the citizens in this area, which got the United States involved. The Red Cross raised money, and larger cities such as Los Angeles and San Antonio sent comfort kits. This major hurricane that occurred brought closer the North American Continent, but it is unfortunate that many helpless people were killed.

A Star is Born

On October 9, 1940, John Lennon was born in Liverpool, England. His father was a merchant seaman absent for his birth. His mother was the fourth of five daughters all born in Liverpool. One could't imagine a more inconspicuous origin for one of the greatest artist of all time. But it would be entirely fair to say that these humble origins are contributing, if not directly responsible for the success of his music.

Quite simply, we write what we know. This is not to say that we are creatively inept, but within each of us exists certain things. Be it lessons learned, behaviors examined, or opinions acquired, our experiences shape us. A big part of the reason John and the other Beatles were so successful was that they incorporated their experiences in to their music. John in particular wrote incredibly personnel songs like Julia ( about his mother). His music meant something and that was apparent.

There wasn't a mass riot or declaration of war. For the most part, many people woke up and followed the same routine as the day before. But it is what we choose to do each and everyday that turns us into the people we will become.

Let them eat cake

On October 5th, 1789, something very important occurred in the development of the French revolution, and the development of France overall. Upon this day, women of France, who were furious over the scarcity of bread and its high price. At this same time, a group of revolutionaries, seeking political reforms and a constitutional monarchy for France, were roaming the streets. These two groups became entwined, and the amalgamation of the groups proceeded to go to the castle, after ransacking the city armory, and forced the royal family to listen to their demands. Shortly afterward, the king would be dragged back to Paris from Versailles against his will, and would become, in effect, a prisoner. This served as the beginning of the official French Revolution, which, while eventually leading France into total anarchy, would be a great stepping stone in the way that this country would turn out, particularly in regards to the form of government. The initial influence this had was great, in that the people, for once, had power over the royalty, and would use it to further their needs. This revolution also helped to serve as a form of a "wake-up call" to other nations and leaders, fearing that what had happened to the French monarchy could happen to them. This would eventually cause other countries to become more liberal-leaning and to move their governments towards republics. I am somewhat of mixed feelings as to whether this was good or not. On the one hand, while it did help progress civilization in France and the rest of the world a good deal, it also resulted in an incredible amount of bloodshed and absolute chaos for a great deal of France.

Is the world ending?

many important things have transpired this week. our assignment was to pick a date from history, luckily this week is also known as history. this week a couple of historic things happened, steve jobs died, and perhaps the more important one, the 99%ers on wall street are gaining support from the workers union and pilots. this week on wall street the 99%ers gained more supporters. some people are calling them crazy, some praising them. no matter what side of the issue you are on though it is still exciting. change always starts from the corners of society. who know, perhaps this will be as huge as the revolutionary war was.

these people are occupying wall street because they are angry at large corporations, and corporation greed must be stopped in their eyes. this is good in my opinion. it is a source of change, and change is usually a good thing. also some of the ideas that they are bringing to the table are new and exciting to ponder. right now the nation is sort of in shock but also in awe. nothing has been done yet to stop the 99%ers. the nation watches on in anticipation of what will happen next.

(this article was the one that got me more intrigued) http://www.npr.org/blogs/money/2011/10/05/141048592/occupy-wall-street-where-everybody-has-a-say-in-everything

although this movement started out by "hippies" now many more influential people are joining the movement. the major event that occurred this week was that pilots and workers union walked with them. this shows that they are gaining momentum and are perhaps are a force to be reckoned with. only time will tell, i cant wait to see and find out.

A New Wave

On October 5th, 1962 the first Beatles single was released. The single was titled "Love Me Do", and was realsed in the Uk and read he'd number seventeen on the charts. This is an iconic day for the world and what music we listen to. Imagine if the Beatles had not released this single or if it had not done well in the UK, then the Beatles in America would never have been introduced to this world changing group. I am grateful for this day in history not only because I like the Beatles but also because I am grateful for the way they have transformed music. Without their boldness musicians would not take the risks similar to those that the Beatles did. As you know this band was and still is a very famous band that has had an indefinite influence on the world. They had many songs and CDs that I listen to 50 years later!

Battle of Thames

October 5th, 1813

On October 5th, 1813, the United States was embroiled in a war with Britain. It was the War of 1812. The Battle of Thames was a decisive victory for the United States. General William Harrison's force defeated a combined British and India force. The significance of this victory was the death of Tecumseh, who was killed during battle. Tecumseh was an Indian leader. He fought against the United States in the Revolution and in the War of 1812. Early on, he witnessed the destruction and injustice inflicted on Indians by White settlers. He was a great leader and often united the Indian tribes to attack Western establishment. His death and the death of the majority of his force was a huge blow to the Indian and British offensive. The result of the battle was that the United States gained control of the Ohio River valley and western United States. It was a key victory for the United States.

I am ambivalent on this issue because it is difficult to feel patriotic about the Indian situation. Tecumseh was fighting for his people and his land and the White settlers slowly took it from him and his people. His death was a good thing for the American struggle, but it was not a good thing. Tecumseh was an integral figure in the resistance to White settlers expansion. His death was one of many factors that led to the eventual take over of Indian lands. Soon after his death, many of the depleted Indian tribes were forced west.

Assignment 8: "I never had to choose my subject- my subject rather chose me"

Writing territories are a range of ideas that one generates to spark their writing. In general, it is just one of the many ways one can brainstorm for different types of writing.

This week's blog is more undefined than others because it depends so much on your unique personal experiences. Below, is a list of 10 writing territories and you'll begin by answering them. Your answers do not have to be lengthy, they only need to be definitive enough so that you, the writer, could look back at it weeks from now and it could trigger what you were thinking about.

Writing Territories

Fears

Annoyances

Accomplishments

Confusions

Sorrows

Dreams

Idiosyncrasies

Risks

Beloved Possessions, Now and Then

Problems

For instance, my list looks like:

Snakes

Colonel

College

Coffee Makers

Mom

DisneyHarryPotterWorld

Bouncing

Flying planes

Snoopy sweater, puppy

Driving

Simple, right?

Now, once you have your list, choose one topic to expand upon in-depth (or at least 150 words). This may be as simple as an explanation of this topic (e.g. Driving is a problem of mine because...). It may turn into to a short-story or a beginning of a short story. It may turn into a narrative of a memory. It may turn into a social commentary. It may turn into 150 words of freewrite. It may turn into something all together different and weird and delightful. Whatever you wrote down in your list, reflect upon it and allow it to guide your entry for the week.

"There is no rule on how to write. Sometimes it comes easily and perfectly; sometimes it's like drilling rock and then blasting it out with charges." -Ernest Hemingway

Due Sunday, October 16 at 11:59 pm

October 3, 1920 The NFL Begins

On October 3, 1920 the first games of the NFL were played. At the time it was called the American Pro Football Association. As I'm sitting here watching previews to the football games for today its hard to imagine what the world would be like today without the NFL. There would be no Super Bowl, no fantasy football, and no lazy sunday afternoons watching some football. In a society that is shaped by sports the NFL is arguable the most popular. Besides the World Cup, nothing gets more watches then the Super Bowl. This is obviously an important dates when if we think this is where it all began. Back then there were no helmets, no millions of fans, just some good ol fashion football on a fall afternoon. This may not have been a huge influence on society at the time; however when we look back on it now it is huge. Football has become one of the most popular sports and this is the beginning of it. I obviously would love this event because I am currently loving some football. Im looking forward to my lazy sunday of watching football and this is a possibility because of that day.

SpaceShipOne

On October 4, 2004, SpaceShipOne , constructed in a joint venture between Paul Allen and Scaled Composites, completed the first manned private spaceflight. SpaceShipOne was built to compete in the Ansari X Prize, which offered a reward of 10 million for a non-government funded organization to launch a spacecraft into space. The spacecraft, piloted by astronaut Mike Melvill, flew into space reaching an altitude of 367,422 feet before reentering the atmosphere and gliding back to the Mojave airport, now renamed the Mojave spaceport.

This caught my eye for a couple of reasons. First of all, there's someone out there willing to build a spacecraft without government funding, spending a cool 25 million to compete in a contest with a prize of only 10 million. That speaks volumes about their passion to the business, winning not for the sake of prize, but winning for the sake of winning. Furthermore, it's interesting to see that someone else other than NASA can succeed at building a spaceship. Just about every major space event in the US was achieved by NASA, so it's refreshing to see that someone else can do it. And who knows, by being the first private spacecraft, SpaceShipOne could have been an important stepping stone in a private spacecraft business.

SpaceShipOne was launched on October 4 to celebrate Sputnik I, launched on October 4 in 1957. After its flight and victory in the Ansari X Prize, SpaceShipOne retired and now chills in the National Air and Space Museum in Washington D.C.

October 6, 1926: The Babe sets another record

On October 6, 1926, Yankee slugger Babe Ruth hits a record three homers against the St. Louis Cardinals in the fourth game of the World Series. The Yanks won the game 10-5, but despite Ruth’s unprecedented performance, they lost the championship in the seventh game. In 1928, in the fourth game of another Yanks-Cards World Series, Ruth tied his own record, knocking three more pitches out of the same park.

The Yankees were heavily favored, and they won the first game easily. They lost the second, though, thanks to an outstanding full-game performance from St. Louis pitcher Grover Cleveland Alexander. The next day, Jessie Haines pitched a complete game for the Cardinals and hit the only home run in his team’s 4-0 Game 3 victory.

The 1926 championship promised to be an exciting one. The AL champs had a powerful lineup, later called the "Murderer’s Row," that included the great Babe, the young "Columbia Lou" Gehrig, and the leadoff man Earle Combs. For their part, the Cardinals had the intimidating Rogers Hornsby along with ace pitchers Flint Rhem and Bill Sherdel.

By the fourth game in the series, the Cardinals were up two games to one. The Yankees needed to pull it together, and for one game, they did. Veteran Waite Hoyt pitched all nine innings while St. Louis shuffled through its entire bullpen. And the Babe, the Sultan of Swat, the Caliph of Clout, the Wali of Wallop, hit his three homers and led the Yanks to a 10-5 victory. Unfortunately for the Bombers, that game didn’t decide the series. Though they won the next game in 10 innings, they lost the next one by eight runs. And they were losing the seventh game by one run in the ninth inning when the Bambino stepped to the plate again. With a 3-2 count, Ruth drew his eleventh walk of the series and trotted off to first base. The Yanks’ hopes plummeted as quickly as they’d risen, though, when second baseman Hornsby nabbed him as he tried somewhat ploddingly to steal second. The game was over. Thanks to the magical Bambino, the Bombers had lost.

On October 18, 1977, Yankee Reggie Jackson became only the second player to hit three homers in a single Series game. This impacted the city of New York during that time in a big way. New York lives and dies Yankees baseball. Babe Ruth is one of the greatest players of all time and contributed to much if the Yankees' early success. Ruth set many records, including this one. Many of his records are hard to touch, as shown by the fact that Reggie Jackson (also one of the greatest players of all time) didn't break this record until half a century later. I am a "New York Yankee fan." I believe that the Yankees represent America's pastime and I am always fascinated by what Babe Ruth did during his career.