Entry #11 Final Blog Reflection

My Final Blog Post

 To future student(s),
   Blogging is one of those assignments to cherish in English 102 if you hate writing essays. Even if you enjoy writing essays and completing the draining LSA's (please refer to the gif. at the right side of this paragraph), blogging may come as a sort of relaxing hobby during English 102. Would I do blogging on my own spare time? No. Only because I have work and way too many video games to catch up on, but I have sincerely enjoyed blogging and getting back into HTML in the process. I did take blogging seriously during this course. The benefits to blogging is using blogging as a creative outlet for writing. Not only do you build on your writing but also learn how to talk to an audience creatively since they can comment on your content. Challenges on blogging professionally/casually is that you need to maintain rhetoric while covering a handful of different topics. I learned how to write for an audience during blogging. I learned to expand my topic so that it hits aspects needed for the type of audience I'm writing for. Blogging is great to learn more about your classmates without the awkward in-person interaction.

     You get to learn your classmates opinions/hobbies and you also get to comment on their writing as well as receive constructive criticism. I believe blogging is very useful as an assignment for class. It is relaxing and a new concept. I also like that it gives you easy points. Do the work and actually work, get points. Overall, blogging was a great new experience to learn. It made me love the class more, I would recommend blogging to any/every future student. 

As this being my last post that I see in my near future, I say so long to my fellow bloggers and to my audience. 

Entry #10 (Self-generated)

Christmas Time!

  With Christmas time coming up you might feel panicked to get gifts for friends and family, but the most important part of Christmas time to me is the sweets!

  Here is a recipe for classic gingerbread men cookies to try out during the holidays if you feel the same as I do.

First for the ingredients you will need: 

• 3 cups of flour
• 2 teaspoons of ground ginger                       
• 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon of baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup (1 & 1/2 sticks) butter, softened
• 3/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup molasses
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract

         
Directions to prep the cookies:

• Mix flour, ginger, cinnamon, baking soda, nutmeg and salt in large bowl. Set aside. Beat butter and brown sugar in large bowl with electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy. Add molasses, egg and vanilla; mix well. Gradually beat in flour mixture on low speed until well mixed. Press dough into a thick flat disk. Wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate 4 hours or overnight.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Roll out dough to 1/4-inch thickness on lightly floured work surface. Cut into gingerbread men shapes with 5-inch cookie cutter. Place 1 inch apart on ungreased baking sheets.
• Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until edges of cookies are set and just begin to brown. Cool on baking sheets 1 to 2 minutes. Remove to wire racks; cool completely. Decorate cooled cookies as desired. Store cookies in airtight container up to 5 days.

• Nutrition information

  (Amount per serving)

  • Calories: 158Cholesterol: 24mg
  • Sodium: 128mgProtein: 2g
  • Total Fat: 6gSaturated Fat: 4g
  • Fiber: 0gCarbohydrate: 24g

  After cooking the delicious cookies, decorations are more than necessary before setting out next to a cold glass of milk to eat.

  Here are some ideas to decorate your gingerbread men before eating:

  After decorating enjoy your delicious masterpieces! Feel free to comment a picture of your Christmas sweets below, gingerbread man or not!

Entry #9 Media Synthesize

The Age of Electronics

   I notice no one can stay off their phone, tablet, laptop, television, etc. for long periods of time. I also note that barely anyone has family time or when people go out to eat, it isn't really going out to eat. It's sitting next to someone eating while both people are on their phones. It's a sad thing to say that I also check my phone consistently throughout the day and my laptop is almost always on my lap when I get home.

  Another thing I have come across is the power of electronics. Electronics have become an addiction to modern society. With this addiction social behavior as well as the health of society has been affected. Such as communication, social anxiety, and depression.

  The power of electronics goes so far as to take lives. A large epidemic is texting and driving, many lives have been lost to this problem. I have noticed myself that many drivers next to me on the road are texting and driving or maybe talking and driving, either way these people usually are the "idiots on the road".

  Lastly, another large problem from the usage of electronics is the freedom of information in the wrong hands. For example, my little sister on Facebook, posting our address for all to see. Or how Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter can give off your current location, leaving you vulnerable to anyone. I realize the power of media through electronics and give a second thought before picking up my phone for the third time in the same minute to check the time. Compulsion is a large impact from electronics. You feel the need to pick up the phone, or the need to respond to those messages, the need to go on social media. This has been going around the world since smartphones and even before then. 

  What do you think about electronics/media? Do you feel although the internet has given too much access to knowledge and power? How do you see this in your life? Comment below!

Entry #8 (Self-generated)

Charity

  The work of charity is not for everyone, but what is charity exactly?

char·i·ty: the voluntary giving of help, typically in the form of money, to those in need.

  Over the world charity takes place usually by donating money. But what is charity to those who have no use for money? For example, stray animals or infants. 

  This video shows a man full of compassion. He helps tons of stray animals on the streets, this is a form of charity. 

  Although throughout time charity has dwindled down to only a handful that will actually help those on the streets. Now, most think that by donating a dollar at the supermarket is their good deed for the month. 

  So my question to you is what do you define as charity? What do you believe is the most effective charity, Donating or Hands-on? Please comment your thoughts below and thanks for reading my blog!

Entry #7 Dumb Men

Let's Discuss!

http://www.dumbmen.com/

        A website created to examine commercials that portray, "Stupid Men and Male Bashing in Commercials. Exposing the Stereotypes of Men in Advertising".

     Basically the website is a free for all posting site. It does not look like there is any specific person making posts, but anyone, and all posts seemed to be based on opinion. Despite the website slogan the website videos have more than one that is absolutely irrelevant. For example, the cat video has no relation to the supposed purpose or meaning of this website. 

    It also looks like no one has been monitoring the website for awhile considering there are 17 videos that are "not available". 

  The commercials portrayed on the website are humorous but the website looks beat down and unprofessional. The entire website is based off opinion and half of the content either gone or not related. There is also no information about the authors of the website giving their audience no credibility.

  What do you think about the website? Do you feel engaged with at all? Do you feel any factual information has been included in the posts? Feel free to leave a comment below on your thoughts.

(Extra Credit Entry) Capitalism Rhetoric

Capitalism: A Love Story

Recently I've watched Michael Moore’s film Capitalism: A Love Story in my English 102 class. 
Before I watched the film I thought it would be extremely boring as well as a waste of time, but now I find myself wanting to watch his other films. The film itself was very insightful. I loved the humor and realism in the video. The film includes real people and real life situations that have happened in the past.

During the film many situations were exposed and Michael Moore was quick to give his sources. Although, he didn't just give his sources, he interviewed them, referenced them, and mentioned them multiple times to ensure the audience knew he had reliable sources. During the movie Moore would get different perspectives just to make sure he wasn't getting a biased opinion. For example, when he interviewed more than one priest to tell the audience why they believed capitalism was evil. While he did give different sources the only thing I struggle with is that he interviewed priests he had relations too and not only that but he also practices in the Catholic religion. 

All in all, I did find the film very insightful and it gave me a whole new perspective on capitalism without putting me to sleep. I would very much recommend this film for those who like humor and want to gain some perspective in the process. I would estimate that 80% of the film was definitely not biased but mainly factual. Although some parts can be questionable. With such a controversial subject though, I believe this film was very well displayed. 

Have you ever watched a Michael Moore film before, if not would you? Did you think the film was biased or in any way opinionated? Please feel free to comment your thoughts below and as always thanks for reading my blog!

Entry #6 (Self-generated)

Herbs & Natural Remedies

  Many health related issues can be dealt with right at home. Although, serious health issues should be examined in a hospital, many minor health issues can easily be helped with natural remedies.  For example, some herbal teas that can be made right at home are:

•  Nettle: Is one of nature's best remedies for an assortment of ailments including anemia, high blood pressure, rheumatism, arthritis, coughs and colds, congestion, urinary tract infections, and kidney and bladder problems.

•  Chamomile Tea: soothes the stomach and relieves bloating and indigestion. Chamomile tea is also known to fight insomnia by relaxing the body and the mind, enabling the person to fall asleep naturally.

•  Green Tea: comes with such a host of health benefits, lowers cancer risk and also inhibits carcinogenic in cigarettes and other compounds when imbibed. Green Tea contains potent antioxidants called polyphenols, which help suppress free radicals, also stops certain tumors from forming, lowers cholesterol and triglyceride levels and thereby promotes heart health.  Green tea also lowers blood pressure, prevents and fights tooth decay and dental issues, and inhibits different viruses from causing illnesses.

With these few and many others, herbal teas can be made and mixed together to give great health benefits.   Although many herbs are best drank as tea, maybe with a little honey (which can never hurt you but only boost your immune system), some can be added to meals and still give you the same type of health benefit. For example:

·         Dill: A digestive tonic to help soothe indigestion.

·         Garlic: A wonderful antibacterial that is great for treating colds and bacterial infections. Boosts immunity and helps clear out toxins.

·         Dandelion: This common weed is a great digestive tonic as well as bladder curative. It helps stimulate the kidneys to increase urine production, which helps flush out your urinary tract.

·         Marijuana: Good for easing nausea, treating glaucoma, boosting appetite and managing pain.

   Besides eating and drinking, herbs can be made into tinctures, lotions, and ointments to be used in first aid. Some Antibacterial Herbs include:

Calendula: can be used in first-aid to heal wounds, prevent infection and treat pink eye.

Clove: is typically used as a topical analgesic (it has a natural numbing quality!), it can also be used to combat intestinal bacteria. For internal use, use in cooking or make a cup of clove tea.

Garlic: is more effective against several types of bacteria than penicillin. Garlic is also friendlier to the body than antibiotics because it attacks the offending bacteria without wiping out the body's normal flora. Garlic can be used as a tincture, capsule, infused in oil or simply added to your diet. (If cooking with garlic, avoid heating past 130 degrees as that will decrease its potency.)

Oregon: grape root is a potent antibacterial herb, especially when combined with echinacea. Do not take if pregnant, breastfeeding or if you have a history of diabetes, stroke, hypertension or glaucoma. Take as a tincture, but not for long-term treatment as it can decrease Vitamin B absorption.

Marshmallow Root: soothes, lubricates, softens and heals. Marshmallow root also contains tannins found effective against bacteria found in urinary tract infections. Marshmallow root can be taken internally as a tea.

Usnea: is used to treat urinary tract infections, strep and staph infections, respiratory and sinus infections as well as fungal infections like yeast and vaginosis. Usnea is best used as a tincture. No known precautions, but consult an herbalist before using in pregnancy.

Yarrow Flowers: have a number of different uses. As a powder, they stop bleeding quickly. Infused in water, it speeds the healing of canker sores. As a tea, yarrow is used to fight urinary tract infections. Because it can cause uterine contractions, avoid during pregnancy. 

Some Antiviral Herbs include:

Astragalus: is one of the antiviral herbs that works by boosting the immune system. Taken internally, either as a capsule, tincture or buy adding it to soup, astragalus root is known to increase your body's defense against viruses. Astragalus root is best used as prevention, so take it during flu season or before going places with large crowds of people. Avoid if you already have a fever.

Cranberry: is a potent defense against urinary tract infections due to its ability to make the bladder lining too "slippery" to adhere to. Full of antioxidants, cranberry also has antiviral properties and prevents plaque formation on teeth. Cranberry can be taken in a capsule or as juice (make sure it is unsweetened).

Elderberry: is used as a remedy for viral infections like the flu and common cold. Elder stimulates the circulation, causing sweating, effectively cleansing the body. Elderberry syrup is the common delivery method and 1-3 tablespoons can be taken per day during infection. Leaves, roots, seeds, and berries of the raw plant contain cyanide-producing compounds and should not be consumed without cooking properly.

Ginger: is used to prevent and decrease duration of the common cold. Ginger can be taken as a tea, in capsule form, or added to meals.

Licorice: is antiviral and antibacterial. It is commonly used for gastric ulcers as it kills H. pylori that causes ulcers without upsetting the stomach. Steep these antiviral herbs as a tea and drink by itself or blended with other herbal teas. Avoid during pregnancy.

Mullein-infused oil: is a great remedy for ear problems, including ear infection, especially when combined with garlic. Use the mullein flowers to create an infused oil.

Olive Leaf: is used to treat the flu, common cold and herpes. Olive leaf can be taken as a tincture, capsule or tea mixed with mint. Avoid during pregnancy.

Ways to use Herbs:

Herbal teas: To make an herbal tea, steep 1 tbsp of antibacterial or antiviral herbs in 1 cup hot water for 5-10 minutes. For children, use 1 tsp herbs in the same amount of water.

Herbal infusions: They are steeped in water for several hours in a tightly sealed jar. Using a quart-size canning jar is best because they can hold up well to boiling water. Once prepared you can drink them iced or heated, add them to baths for soaking wounds or sore muscles or used to make compresses or poultices. Put a handful of dried herbs in your canning jar. Fill the jar to the fill line with boiling water. Secure the lid tightly and let it steep until the water has completely cooled. Strain out the antibacterial or antiviral herbs and enjoy.

Infused Oil:

You'll need:

·         An oven-proof dish

·         Fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth

·         1 cup jojoba or coconut oil

·         1/2 cup antibacterial or antiviral herbs (one herb or a combination)

·         Clean, dry jar(s) to store your oil in

·         Labels

Heat your oven to 200 degrees, then turn it off. To your oven-proof dish, add the oil and herbs, then stir them together. (If the coconut oil is solid, let it melt first in the oven, add the herbs and stir). Put the dish in the oven. After 3 hours take out the herbs and strain the oil into your clean jar(s). Label and store in a cool, dark place.

So next time you think about chugging down some Nightquil or taking an aspirin, try using one of these herbal remedies that can be grown and made right at home. These are easy to consume, good on the body, and cheap to make. Would you ever use these remedies? If so which one do you think would be the most helpful for yourself? Thanks for reading my blog and please comment your thoughts below!