Vanessa Espin
Although many argue that texting shorthand is an insult to the English language, a closer examination shows that the texting language is actually a positive addition to our society because it is convenient, and also fascinating new way to communicate.
The death penalty can’t be the equivalent of a murder ever because that would it would be like repeating the crime again. The death penalty could be as severe as lethal injection because they do still dying off. The death penalty shouldn’t be abused in the court of law because many murder cases can revert to people who might want to die. The death penalty doesn’t withdraw any emotion from the victim’s parents and family they would still feel the pain. It is wrong to take a human beings life in general with or without the law.
Â
The purpose of the reading was to bring attention to others that the death penalty survived in the society we live in now. Now there are many opinions on the death penalty staying in society even though dismissed in some states.
Why was the death penalty carried on for so long in different states?
One thing that had caught my attention was the effectiveness of the death penalty hadn’t been what I suspected if people have the mindset to still kill innocent victims. I don’t think that the death penalty scares many away from committing serial murders.
Â
Â
Christine Mitchell
Sarah Ostiz
English 101
City Limits by Colson Whitehead (response)
Have you ever taken a moment to acknowledge your city? Have you ever taken the time to appreciate the moments you share with your city? Well in the story “City Limits” Colson Whitehead speaks about how he remembers his city and how over time his city has changed. Building, stores, pizza shops that had once been on the corner of your old neighborhood, is now the home of a Liberian who opened up her and first book store or the building you once lived in now is a travel agency. Even though over the time your city may not look the same or things and stores that were once there aren’t, but in some way they are still there, because you are, it lives in your memories.
One thing that stood out to me and loved was when he stated “You start building your private New York the first time you lay eyes on it” (Whitehead). What I took from that was New York is different to each and every person, we all share different moments and memories. For me New York has been my home my whole life, so it has seen me grow from this little peanut head, to the adult that I am now. New York has seen me through all my different stages in life, as well as I have seen New York grow and change over the years.
Something else that stood out to me was “ There are eight million naked cities in this naked city-they dispute and disagree, the New York City you live in is not my New York City; how could it be? This place multiplies when you’re not looking” (Whitehead). Everything that we once knew to be here or there, shops or movie theaters we once went to here is now moved and replace. Nothing ever seems nor stay the same. And not once we were able to say good bye to what was once our favorite store.
“We can never make proper good-byes” (Whitehead). Since we never get the time to appreciate things, we only notice things when they’re gone and stay with the “I wish I was able to go there one last time feeling”.
I think the purpose of Colson Whitehead in writing this story was to tell people over the time things will change and not remain the same, but New York will always be the same in your eyes, because of the history and moments you shared with it. Also take the time to appreciate your city, appreciate your neighborhood the first place you called home, because we might not see it again as we once knew it. New York City has grown and will continue to change, but your love and memories will keep it the same.
Observations:
Compelling moments:
Question for Author:
Did she purposely write this article with grammar errors to convince readers that even professional writers write shitty drafts?
Authors Purpose:
I believe that Anne Lamott wrote this article to explain to the reader and all writers that everyone writes shitty first drafts. The article describes the struggles that a professional  writer like herself goes through writing reviews which helps the reading make a connection to their own experiences when writing.
Vanessa Espin
In “Shitty First Drafts” the author Anne Lamott argues about the importance of letting go when writing your first draft. The first draft helps the writer have an idea of what the finishing piece can come together like, and it can lead to better second and brilliant third draft’s. She explains the process that she, as a writer, and some well known writer’s, go through before they finish a book, or any written piece. Everyone needs to express themselves freely and let every thought in ones mind get written on a piece of paper because the best ideas can be hiding in the most simplest thoughts. Anne calls this process a “Child’s draft.” Where everything is poured out and romped all over the place. Which at first might feel absurd and the writing might be incoherent, but everyone needs to start somewhere, and her advice is that this is the best way.
I found it interesting when she said “ but this is just the fantasy of the uninitiated.” Those who have no knowledge of the process assume that since writers compose brilliant books, the ideas come instantly and the writing might flow perfectly. When in reality they all write “shitty first drafts”
I also found interesting when she said “but because by then I had been writing for so long, I would eventually let myself trust the process – sort of, more or less.” Even though she’s been writing for a long time and knows that the process of the “child’s draft” is needed to get started, she still gets nervous about a new piece. Sometimes even feels like giving up. Every new piece she starts makes her feel like if it was a first one.
Who is Muriel Sparks? She refers to her as “we do not think she has a rich inner life or that God likes her or can even stand her” I would have liked to hear more about who this person is and why she’s mentioned here.
The purpose of the author is to inform the reader that even their writing takes time and work. Nothing brilliant is instantly written. She supports her ideas by giving examples of other writers like herself who have written many times, but still start with what she calls a “shitty first draft” that leads to a better second draft and an excellent third one.
Vanessa Espin
In the “The movie that changed my life,” by Terrie McMillan, The author analyzes her positive and negative reaction to watching the Wizard of Oz. This movie made a significant impact in her life. She has a clear memory, with specific details about this significant time in her life. The author witness how her family had no power over their own lives, The were in what she called a “drugary.” She lived in a chaotic house full of noise, and fighting, and found an scape in the Wizard of Oz. Dorothy’s life and her’s, were very similar. For example, Terry’s mom was bossy and domineer just like Dorothy’s aunt. They were both looking for an scape. This caught Terry’s attention. How was Dorothy going to run away, and where? She realized that the way was through dreams, to dream for something better, and aim for it. Terry learned that she was complete and nothing could stop her. She had a brain, a heart, and she was going to use it.
I found it interesting when she said “ And even though I lived in a house full of people, I knew how lonely Dorothy felt, or at least how isolated she must have felt.” They both felt misunderstood and wouldn’t fit in. They wanted something better, and yet there was no one to whom they can share there thoughts and ideas.
I also found interesting when she said, “Of course, once I realized she was in fact dreaming, it occurred to me that this very well might be the only way to scape. To dream up another world. Create your own.” This movie had taught her a great lesson. She had realized that dreaming of a better life and having a clear picture of what she wanted was going to help her achieve great things.
“And to believe that if I did the right things, I would never stray too far from my yellow Brick Road.” Did this mean that she had to do something’s wrong to be where she is today, or that if she would have done what her mother and family thought it was right, or real, she would have never reached her goals?
The purpose of the story was that no matter what your situation might be, you can always find a way out whether is through people or even movies that inspired you. The idea of dreaming of something better and going for it, will never have a negative result if its done with honesty. We should never settle for less, and if you feel that something is not right, then do something. Change it.
Ann-Marie Totaram
Does grammar really play a big role in individuals lives today? In July 2012, the New York times initiated a discussion on grammar called “is our children learning enough grammar to get hired?” John Mc Whorters wrote an article known as ” good applicants with bad grammar.” In response, both authors clearly had different perspectives on whether or not children should get hired based on there grammar skills. John Mc Whorters shouldn’t judge an individual based on one grammar mistake. that individual may have the skills that hes looking for. Just because someone made a mistake, doesn’t mean anything. Were all humans, and its normal to make a mistake because no one is perfect.
Times Square: Times square being one of the biggest  tourist magnet makes it arguably the busiest place in New york City. But its not like all other busy places with a large traffic intersection , there more to it . Although times square can be crowded with traffic 24/7 but it has it own beauty towards its profusion. There,s constant flow of spectacular entertainment such as actors wearing superhero costume , advertisement of lavish lifestyle, promotions of upcoming artist , strip clubs, bars, music concerts, clubs, variety  of foods and clothing stores.
My  neighborhood:   I live in fordham and its been classified as a   “ Ghetto” neighborhood. But its not just “ghetto” it,s also one the most commercial place in New York City  and probably  the busiest place in the bronx. I refer to Fordham as the times square of the Bronx. Fordham road remains crowded up until midnight and just like time square theres  also variety of entertainment where a person can find it delightful to spend some time there. The atmosphere and the diversity of fordham  is nothing like Times Square because you are not going to spot any tourist walking around with their camera or having a fun times with their friends or family instead people who come here is only for jobs and business purpose beside the local people.
My Neighborhood: I live on Fordham road, it’s in the Bronx. Fordham road is like the times square of the Bronx, it’s always busy during the day but unlike Times Square it gets quiet after business hours. During the day you can see people shopping going from store to store, then there are people who can’t keep a constant job so they get hired by the business owners to advertise for them, they’re the ones yelling “free phone” or “mega sale check it out, check it out”. You can always smell different sorts of food on Fordham, there are the halal stand, pizza shops, Chinese restaurant and etc. People who are used to living in quiet neighborhoods will have a hard time adopting to Fordham’s way of life, one can’t pass through Fordham without being shoved and pushed unintentionally by other pedestrians who are also trying to get by. Even though Fordham could get over crowded and it feels like I’m constantly dodging people when I’m just trying to get by it still feels like home.
Times Square: It’s one of the most culturally diverse place in America, you can see people from almost every culture there. It’s the most crowded place in NYC, one can find anything they desire there, cloths, jewelry, food from any culture, and entertainment. There are enormous bill boards everywhere, and some of the buildings are so tall the top isn’t even visible. Times Square is extremely secured, there is a NYPD stationed right in the middle of everything, cops are posted in every corner and there are the surveillance camera that are constantly being monitored. Times Square is always crowded and busy but at night is when it truly wakes up, all the bill boards and lights turns it’s a sight to remember.
Times Square v. Neighborhood
My Neighborhood- My Neighborhood, located on 191st & Broadway in Manhattan, is one of the busiest streets in the Washington Heights area. As you walk into my neighborhood you immediately feel the heated energy of hard working individuals in their respective stores going by on their day to day routine. Cars are always passing by, and People are always walking on the sidewalk. In addition to being a busy street for the fact that I live on Broadway and having so many small businesses, my neighborhood is located in between two very important train lines and bus routes. The 1 train is located on 190 & Broadway and the A train located on 191 & Bennet Avenue,the next avenue to the West of Broadway.The M100 and Bx7 buses are right across the street from my building. My neighborhood is very active and awake. At night, almost nothing has changed except for increased volume. My neighborhood contains 3 bars, and 2 restaurants, and 1 Cigar smoke shop which results in very loud music being played starting at 7pm, and a Cuban Cigar aroma from time to time.
Times Square- Similar to my neighborhood, times square is a busy street filled with individuals and businesses all over. The cars are passing up and honking and slithering themselves around the heavy traffic. Times square smells like a kitchen, in a good way. The smell of food in the air, coming from restaurants, makes you hungry almost instantly. Theres also a lot of advertisement, promoting movies, tv shows, and more restaurants. The neighborhood is also very loud. Theres also a lot of tourists and people walking up and down.
The OpenLab is an open-source, digital platform designed to support teaching and learning at City Tech (New York City College of Technology), and to promote student and faculty engagement in the intellectual and social life of the college community.
