Dear Bernard Cornwell,
I realize that I have written you perhaps too many letters over the past month and a half or so. I apologize that and I promise never to write another letter to you, ever! That is, until perhaps next year, but it could very well be never. Anyways, I am still a huge fan of your writing, but I have not read any of your novels for a while, which makes me sad, and for that reason I am writing a run-on sentence while watching a hilarious video of Tre Cool singing a Chocolate Rain parody. Also, I am soon going to perform in Track and Field sectionals, so I am very tense and writing this letter to my favorite author makes me happy since you rock and I am tired and this must eventually end at some point in time.... I mean seriously, if this was a composition I'd get an F for sure even though my spelling is perfect thanks to this new invention called a word checker or whatever they are called. Now John Mayer is singing a very odd version of Chocolate Rain that I don't think has anything to do with Tay Zonday's version, which is stupid but gets stuck in one's head very easily and I am having trouble concentrating on this blogging assignment since you tube is so entertaining and there are so many more productive things that I can do instead of blogging such as video games or watching these videos. They are more productive because video games improve reaction time, economics skills when one is playing an RPG, and help keep one's brain stimulated since one usually thinks at least a little bit about the decisions. Also, watching You Tube videos, one learns about new things and listens to interesting music, which has been proven to stimulate the brain and help self-esteem. Blogging on the other hand, as far as I can see, only has the benefit of improving typing speed and accuracy, without helping the brain at all since I am not exactly thinking about what I am writing since this is a free-write.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Post A #7
This is quite possibly my last set of posts... so sad. Anyways, the cultural differences in Sword Song are as numerous and as well implicated as ever. Once again, there is a massive difference between 9th and 21st century Britain. Nowadays, Britain is very much like the United States culturally. We share a language, a measurement system, and we generally have a common taste in music. But at the time of this novel, Britain was little more than a rabble of barbarians with some struggling civilizations mixed in. Warfare was everywhere; from Vikings and welsh invaders' professional armies aimed at capturing and looting, to the Saxon and Mercian semi-organized troops attempting to defend their homelands. Now, Britain has been peaceful for a number of years with the only serious in-country conflict being the IRA in Ireland.
Peace, although significant, is not the only difference between 9th century Britain's culture and ours. Another difference is in human interaction. On page 283, Bernard Cornwell states mentions that, "Oda the Younger unsheathed his sword and cut the man's throat before spitting on him". This is obviously not how any conversations in our culture end, unless the aggressor has no fear of being either killed or sent to jail for the rest of his life. Human interaction in today's world is obviously two or more people on equal terms. Of course the wealthy and famous will always be thought of as better than a homeless man by most people, but they are both the same before the law and, when the former is not giving orders to the latter, they perhaps see each other as equal. In 9th century Britain however, if one does not bow down the king, they are either a king themselves or are killed. Social class rules were much stricter and far more separate.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Post B #6
Dear Bernard Cornwell,
This part of the novel was very amusing, I liked it when the two big me, Gronn and Eric's champion were forced to wrestle. Uhtred's man, Gronn won of course, but he was smaller and not favored. This brutal, no rules, brawl between these two men was very amusing to read about, and I think that it would certainly have been something to see since both men were essentially giants. Another thing I would like to ask you about is why do you make all of your heroes tall?
Sharpe was a tall man with harper, and even taller man, beside him. Now Uhtred is in this series and he is tall with a tall man as his best friend. As I write this, I am seeing many similarities between the Richard Sharpe series and the Saxon Tales. The only true difference is perhaps their childhoods, and then of course the time in which they take place. Both men are uneducated for the most part but can read and write poorly. They are both fit, muscular and leaders of men. Both are independent and cunning. While not especially book-savvy, they are both very good tactical thinkers and they can set up fantastic ambushes or carry out admirable, small force military raids. Finally, they are both very rich. Sharpe, although he loses his fortune at one point in time, gains it all back on the battlefield of Vittoria, but then his wife steals the money from him as she runs away with another man. Hopefully Uhtred's wife is faithful and his money stays safe, but he also has a considerable horde that he was acquired over the past couple years from performing viking raids.
This part of the novel was very amusing, I liked it when the two big me, Gronn and Eric's champion were forced to wrestle. Uhtred's man, Gronn won of course, but he was smaller and not favored. This brutal, no rules, brawl between these two men was very amusing to read about, and I think that it would certainly have been something to see since both men were essentially giants. Another thing I would like to ask you about is why do you make all of your heroes tall?
Sharpe was a tall man with harper, and even taller man, beside him. Now Uhtred is in this series and he is tall with a tall man as his best friend. As I write this, I am seeing many similarities between the Richard Sharpe series and the Saxon Tales. The only true difference is perhaps their childhoods, and then of course the time in which they take place. Both men are uneducated for the most part but can read and write poorly. They are both fit, muscular and leaders of men. Both are independent and cunning. While not especially book-savvy, they are both very good tactical thinkers and they can set up fantastic ambushes or carry out admirable, small force military raids. Finally, they are both very rich. Sharpe, although he loses his fortune at one point in time, gains it all back on the battlefield of Vittoria, but then his wife steals the money from him as she runs away with another man. Hopefully Uhtred's wife is faithful and his money stays safe, but he also has a considerable horde that he was acquired over the past couple years from performing viking raids.
Post A #6
This culture is indeed ever changing, yet still unimaginably different from ours. From the increased, public violence of the time, to the honor and respect everyone had. The culture of ninth century England makes it so that these things can take place. Some examples from this week's reading (pages 220-280) exemplify this. "'There is food for you, Lord', the lame servant said, after taking Smoca's reins" (247). This shows how Different the technology, that obviously influenced the culture, was. Only the rich and the elite rode on horseback, which today would now be considered a joke. Instead of loving and caring for their horses, the ruling elite today probably, for the most part, thinks that horses are unsanitary and violent, smelly and unpredictable. Of course, few people understand horses now the way they used to.
Another good quote is this one about the treatment of people with downs syndrome. "I was watching a naked mad man convulsively search his groin. He kept peering around at the laughing tables, unable to understand the noise" (272). This is how the mentally retarded were treated at that time. People made fun of them and they were essentially entertainment, the same way a juggler or jester would have been. The main cultural difference here is that these people did not care about what disposition others were in, only that if it made them laugh, they liked it. Now of course, retarded people are cared for very well and live decently, even though they still do not contribute to society.
Another good quote is this one about the treatment of people with downs syndrome. "I was watching a naked mad man convulsively search his groin. He kept peering around at the laughing tables, unable to understand the noise" (272). This is how the mentally retarded were treated at that time. People made fun of them and they were essentially entertainment, the same way a juggler or jester would have been. The main cultural difference here is that these people did not care about what disposition others were in, only that if it made them laugh, they liked it. Now of course, retarded people are cared for very well and live decently, even though they still do not contribute to society.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Post B #5
Dear Bernard Cornwell,
You must put a lot of time into research for your novels. That, or you are a genius. This is because all of your novels are nearly perfect in showing the culture of the times and places in which they are written. I know that you have written novels about events in France, Britain, India, Denmark, and many others. Most of these are historical fiction that was written superbly. I have read probably around thirty of your novels up to this point, and I must say that Sword Song is one of your best. It captures the creative spirit that you encompass in your work, and it supports my theory that you are the best author ever. Your works are amazing, and not only do you write the best battle scenes that I have ever read, but you also create amazing scenarios and other fiction novels based on realistic yet ever-changing ideas. I once read one of your novels that was about a detective trying to solve a murder cover-up. It was nothing like any other novel of yours that I had ever, or have ever read. Yet, it remains one of my favorites.
You are also very good at developing characters. Uhtred is a very unique man that you have grown from a naive boy into a fearsome, intelligent warrior. He was a distinctly warlike and aggressive personality while still being able to field compassion and deep thought. Many other characters in the novel are like this and you have made them truly pop out of the pages and seem like people that are real. You have shown your true skill of character craftsmanship in this novel, and that has really made it a treat to read.
You must put a lot of time into research for your novels. That, or you are a genius. This is because all of your novels are nearly perfect in showing the culture of the times and places in which they are written. I know that you have written novels about events in France, Britain, India, Denmark, and many others. Most of these are historical fiction that was written superbly. I have read probably around thirty of your novels up to this point, and I must say that Sword Song is one of your best. It captures the creative spirit that you encompass in your work, and it supports my theory that you are the best author ever. Your works are amazing, and not only do you write the best battle scenes that I have ever read, but you also create amazing scenarios and other fiction novels based on realistic yet ever-changing ideas. I once read one of your novels that was about a detective trying to solve a murder cover-up. It was nothing like any other novel of yours that I had ever, or have ever read. Yet, it remains one of my favorites.
You are also very good at developing characters. Uhtred is a very unique man that you have grown from a naive boy into a fearsome, intelligent warrior. He was a distinctly warlike and aggressive personality while still being able to field compassion and deep thought. Many other characters in the novel are like this and you have made them truly pop out of the pages and seem like people that are real. You have shown your true skill of character craftsmanship in this novel, and that has really made it a treat to read.
Post A #5
The culture of the British peoples in pages 180-220 can be seen to almost advance in certain areas. Although Ethelred is as incompetent as usual, Erik the viking has been contributing heavily to the plot line. As Ethelred came to become the "lord" of London, he became more and more jealous, in a way, of his wife's beauty. He was furious when other men even looked at her, let alone spoke with her, and over the short length of the marriage to this point, he became more and more suspicious that she was cheating on him. At one point in the novel, Uhtred and a couple of his homes sneak into a cathedral in which they believe Ethelflaed is being held captive or tortured or something like that. It turns out that she is being "checked" to see if she is still a virgin. So, pretty much, her husband and about ten priests are raping her... This is obviously not a common thing in today's society, and I doubt that a situation exactly along the lines of this one has happened in a hundred years.
Also, the views of killing and murder, as well as punishment of criminals are entirely different. At this time, killing in battle was viewed as honorable and normal, though killing in battle now is seen by many as a disgusting thing, or a necessary evil. Death at this time was just too normal to view as disgusting since people lived for shorter periods of time, and diseases and warfare were more common. Murder on the other hand was viewed as much worse than some people today seem to see it. At the time, death on the battlefield was fine, as one went to Odin's hall, while now it is viewed as unfortunate. Murder, however, was seen as something only pathetic men did, that was unnecessary and dishonorable. The punishment of criminals was also different in that they were mostly put to death if the crime was anything that was worse than petty theft. Also, many people were vigilantes since there were no police, and thus even if it is petty theft, if you are caught and the owner is angry, he might easily decide to kill you.
Also, the views of killing and murder, as well as punishment of criminals are entirely different. At this time, killing in battle was viewed as honorable and normal, though killing in battle now is seen by many as a disgusting thing, or a necessary evil. Death at this time was just too normal to view as disgusting since people lived for shorter periods of time, and diseases and warfare were more common. Murder on the other hand was viewed as much worse than some people today seem to see it. At the time, death on the battlefield was fine, as one went to Odin's hall, while now it is viewed as unfortunate. Murder, however, was seen as something only pathetic men did, that was unnecessary and dishonorable. The punishment of criminals was also different in that they were mostly put to death if the crime was anything that was worse than petty theft. Also, many people were vigilantes since there were no police, and thus even if it is petty theft, if you are caught and the owner is angry, he might easily decide to kill you.
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Post B #4
Dear Mr. Cornwell,
When is your next novel coming out and what is it about? I know that this is not the last in the saga, and I would very much like to have a hint about what may happen to Uhtred in the future. He is such a character that I can relate to and that is understandable to any normal person. He is not extraordinary in his physical layout, and he is in no way terribly intelligent. Instead, he is a tall, built man that is very realistic that posses and intelligence that is better than most other warriors'.
Another thing that I would like to mention is how you made the places in the novel very realistic. The towns that were larger are generally still here, and their descriptions are very realistic in that small towns didn't have great stone palaces and large cities actually possessed a massive number of huts. You keep everything throughout your novel possible, so that although it is fiction, any part of it could be possible.
Finally, a last point that I would like to make is how you so masterly incorporated ships into the novel. Few other novels include both land and sea battles, and certainly not to this caliber. You are so amazing at describing battle scenes that I often feel as if I am part of the fighting. I especially love the part in which Ahmed jumps off the gate roof and slices Siegfried in the gut. You are a truly amazing and impressively creative author.
When is your next novel coming out and what is it about? I know that this is not the last in the saga, and I would very much like to have a hint about what may happen to Uhtred in the future. He is such a character that I can relate to and that is understandable to any normal person. He is not extraordinary in his physical layout, and he is in no way terribly intelligent. Instead, he is a tall, built man that is very realistic that posses and intelligence that is better than most other warriors'.
Another thing that I would like to mention is how you made the places in the novel very realistic. The towns that were larger are generally still here, and their descriptions are very realistic in that small towns didn't have great stone palaces and large cities actually possessed a massive number of huts. You keep everything throughout your novel possible, so that although it is fiction, any part of it could be possible.
Finally, a last point that I would like to make is how you so masterly incorporated ships into the novel. Few other novels include both land and sea battles, and certainly not to this caliber. You are so amazing at describing battle scenes that I often feel as if I am part of the fighting. I especially love the part in which Ahmed jumps off the gate roof and slices Siegfried in the gut. You are a truly amazing and impressively creative author.
Post A #4
A large battle has just taken place in a town by the name of Lundinium. It becomes, of course, London, and thus this battle is for one of the most prominent cities in all of England. The battle fought is one of great cultural significance. In it, the armies made sure to fight away from any civilians so that as few innocent people died as possible. This is one great cultural difference since today, if a battle is fought in a city, many civilians die and neither side seems to care too much about them. Perhapses the caring in Lundinium was because the victor would then control the city. But, I believe that it still had to do with their culture that killing innocent civilians was a shameful, savage act that was only performed by barbarians.
Another point is that cities at this time were almost always under a military dictatorship, or martial law. Even during times of peace, a governor was often appointed by the King or another high ranking member of the kingdom. The governor was almost always a man with significant military experience that could defend the town will only a handful of trained men. Defense at this time seemed to be the key to all buildings and towns, since there was so much unrest. Raiders were everywhere and there were far more than just two sides. Today of course, there is no fighting in the US, but even in countries that are experiencing civil wars and the likes, there are always but two sides to fight on.
Another point is that cities at this time were almost always under a military dictatorship, or martial law. Even during times of peace, a governor was often appointed by the King or another high ranking member of the kingdom. The governor was almost always a man with significant military experience that could defend the town will only a handful of trained men. Defense at this time seemed to be the key to all buildings and towns, since there was so much unrest. Raiders were everywhere and there were far more than just two sides. Today of course, there is no fighting in the US, but even in countries that are experiencing civil wars and the likes, there are always but two sides to fight on.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Post B #3
Dear Bernard Cornwell,
You are my hero. In this post I would like to talk about Alfred. He seems to be a very tricky man. At first glance, he is an overzealous priest-lover that cares more about a priest than he does a village. But, deeper inside of him I believe there is a strategist; a thinker and a very smart man. Alfred does however make some weak decisions. He knows that Uhtred is an amazing commander that is fearless in battle and smart in decision making. But, instead of dethroning Uhtred's cousin Ethelred, he gives him his daughter's hand in marriage. Alfred knows not what he hath done because Ethelred ends up beating her, being extremely jealous, and then making stupid decisions such as allowing her to accompany the fleet during a battle. Because of his idiocy, Ethelred loses his wife and, because Alfred's love for her is so strong, he is willing to give the vikings essentially all of the gold in his kingdom for her ransom. This would lead to the vikings being able to hire an army of over 10,000. An army of that size could have easily taken over Wessex. Alfred's silliness in allowing Ethelred's existence nearly led to the extinction of his kingdom.
Alfred has made wise decisions however. For instance, he made Steapa the captain of his home guard. Steapa is a beastly man, a giant that could defeat Uhtred in battle on a bad day. He was very capable and not especially stupid. These traits made him a good front line commander and a fearful opponent for all across from him in the shield wall. A final smart decision made by Alfred was to make Uhtred takes oaths to him. Uhtred is a man of honor and would hardly think of breaking an oath. For this reason, Alfred gained a magnificent fighter and commander that would be pretty much forced to serve him for life.
You are my hero. In this post I would like to talk about Alfred. He seems to be a very tricky man. At first glance, he is an overzealous priest-lover that cares more about a priest than he does a village. But, deeper inside of him I believe there is a strategist; a thinker and a very smart man. Alfred does however make some weak decisions. He knows that Uhtred is an amazing commander that is fearless in battle and smart in decision making. But, instead of dethroning Uhtred's cousin Ethelred, he gives him his daughter's hand in marriage. Alfred knows not what he hath done because Ethelred ends up beating her, being extremely jealous, and then making stupid decisions such as allowing her to accompany the fleet during a battle. Because of his idiocy, Ethelred loses his wife and, because Alfred's love for her is so strong, he is willing to give the vikings essentially all of the gold in his kingdom for her ransom. This would lead to the vikings being able to hire an army of over 10,000. An army of that size could have easily taken over Wessex. Alfred's silliness in allowing Ethelred's existence nearly led to the extinction of his kingdom.
Alfred has made wise decisions however. For instance, he made Steapa the captain of his home guard. Steapa is a beastly man, a giant that could defeat Uhtred in battle on a bad day. He was very capable and not especially stupid. These traits made him a good front line commander and a fearful opponent for all across from him in the shield wall. A final smart decision made by Alfred was to make Uhtred takes oaths to him. Uhtred is a man of honor and would hardly think of breaking an oath. For this reason, Alfred gained a magnificent fighter and commander that would be pretty much forced to serve him for life.
Post A #3
Again, the cultures of 9th century Britons were very much different than our own. The men of Wales were considered barbarians and justly so. Nowadays, Wales is a part of Great Britain that is as advanced as any other part. Even at this time, it was adjacent to Wessex, the richest and most powerful of the kingdoms in Britain. So, if it was adjacent to Wessex, why was it not rich and powerful too? Wessex didn't invade Wales or take any of its trade... Wales was the one that was raiding Wessex constantly. I believe the main reason for Wales being so behind is that it didn't really have a king. There was no centralized government to speak of. But, then why didn't Wessex or the vikings invade and make their own king the king of Wales too? Wales has a powerful geography, as well as many natural resources. The title "The Prince of Wales" was even given to the heir to the throne of England a few years ago, and it may still be in use. This kind of praise of Wales makes me wonder why it was not better than it was.
Another cultural item that I am going to bring forth is actually a similarity. Many of the vices that exist today also existed at the time of this novel's setting. Alcoholism is one thing that stands out, especially since King Alfred's nephew, the rightful heir to the throne is an ardent alcoholic. He is constantly drunk, which reduces his respectability. He is always trying to start rebellions to take back the throne for himself, but Alfred lets him live because nobody ever takes him seriously. A second vice is that of prostitution. There are many instances in this novel in which men frequent whore houses. Alfred's nephew is also said to be a regular at many of those fine residents. Even Uhtred, our fearless protagonist can be found using prostitutes at times, or reminiscing about them. The biggest cultural difference in this region is that now people view prostitution as cheap, dirty, and a great way to get AIDS. Then, it was a fairly normal thing to frequent brothels, which were more mainstream and thus less dirty and STDs were probably much less common at the time.
Another cultural item that I am going to bring forth is actually a similarity. Many of the vices that exist today also existed at the time of this novel's setting. Alcoholism is one thing that stands out, especially since King Alfred's nephew, the rightful heir to the throne is an ardent alcoholic. He is constantly drunk, which reduces his respectability. He is always trying to start rebellions to take back the throne for himself, but Alfred lets him live because nobody ever takes him seriously. A second vice is that of prostitution. There are many instances in this novel in which men frequent whore houses. Alfred's nephew is also said to be a regular at many of those fine residents. Even Uhtred, our fearless protagonist can be found using prostitutes at times, or reminiscing about them. The biggest cultural difference in this region is that now people view prostitution as cheap, dirty, and a great way to get AIDS. Then, it was a fairly normal thing to frequent brothels, which were more mainstream and thus less dirty and STDs were probably much less common at the time.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Post B #2
In this free response, I would just like to mention in detail how stupid King Alfred was and, even though he was an idiot, how pathetic Sigfried and Erik were in not attacking Wessex. I personally believe that one of the main reasons they made this decision was because of Lord Uhtred. He is a fearless warrior in battle, an amazing strategist, and a ruthless yet effective leader of men. He could have easily been a better king than Alfred, and his religion, being that of the Old Gods, would not interfere as heavily in daily life as Christianity does to Alfred. If you compare a pious viking to a pious Christian, the northmen would spend maybe twenty minutes a day praying or touching his hammer of thor, etc... But on the other hand, a pious Christian could easily spend every waking moment of his life praising God. A religion that is based on war and strength will easily outstrip one that is founded on peace and loving thy neighbor. The truth is that if all the Christians were pitted up against an equal number of northmen, and if the Christians didn't have Uhtred on their side, they would surely lose.
Another great problem of Alfred is his priests. He trusts them more than his military advisers, and because of this they are constantly in the way. He sends priests with envoys. He sends priests with convoys. Heck, he even sent priests on a naval raid in which they cause half the fleet and Alfred's daughter to be killed or captured because they claimed they needed to have a Sunday service on land behind enemy lines. Many of these priests are overzealous and yet greedy and mischievous. Alfred trusts them too much to realize that they posses great wealth yet he refuses to tax them or even consider to make them help pay for his daughter's ransom when it is their fault she got captured!
Another great problem of Alfred is his priests. He trusts them more than his military advisers, and because of this they are constantly in the way. He sends priests with envoys. He sends priests with convoys. Heck, he even sent priests on a naval raid in which they cause half the fleet and Alfred's daughter to be killed or captured because they claimed they needed to have a Sunday service on land behind enemy lines. Many of these priests are overzealous and yet greedy and mischievous. Alfred trusts them too much to realize that they posses great wealth yet he refuses to tax them or even consider to make them help pay for his daughter's ransom when it is their fault she got captured!
Post A #2
The cultural difference between 9th century england and America today are even more astonishing in the following section of the novel. Uhtred, our hero, is being tricked by a man pretending to be dead and talking to him. During their conversation, another lord asks the dead man, "I had a woman today Bjorn. Do you remember women? The feel of their soft thighs? The warmth of their skin? You remember the noise they make when you ride them?" (43). This passage is obviously a bit racy, but it is a prime example of the culture difference. Very few men today would talk about this sort of thing, especially not in public or in the presence of a lord. Also, today women are treated as equals to men and one would not talk about sexual intercourse in such a manner that degrades women so that they are compared to common barnyard animals.
Another example of this immense culture difference is in the treatment of other human beings and prisoners. Sigfried, a great viking earl, has, with his men, captured a group of priests from Wessex and has spent a long while deciding what to do with them. He is, of course, not Christian. So, he has decided to crucify them and see how painful Christ's last hours really were. Of course, today it is not only considered wrong to do this, but one would be put on the same level as Hitler in terms of brutality and you would likely be death sentanceshed on the spot, if someone hasn't already murdered you. Although there are more humans today, we continue to view human life as more and more valuable, and thus not only do we refuse to die for the betterment of society, but we also refuse to let others die for the same reason. This is a clear line between these societies, and I believe the main reason is quality of life. People at that time had little reason to live since they had such crummy lives, but nowadays, we have amazing lives surrounded in luxury and thus we value our lives a lot.
Another example of this immense culture difference is in the treatment of other human beings and prisoners. Sigfried, a great viking earl, has, with his men, captured a group of priests from Wessex and has spent a long while deciding what to do with them. He is, of course, not Christian. So, he has decided to crucify them and see how painful Christ's last hours really were. Of course, today it is not only considered wrong to do this, but one would be put on the same level as Hitler in terms of brutality and you would likely be death sentanceshed on the spot, if someone hasn't already murdered you. Although there are more humans today, we continue to view human life as more and more valuable, and thus not only do we refuse to die for the betterment of society, but we also refuse to let others die for the same reason. This is a clear line between these societies, and I believe the main reason is quality of life. People at that time had little reason to live since they had such crummy lives, but nowadays, we have amazing lives surrounded in luxury and thus we value our lives a lot.
World Issues - Overpopulation
I have decided to focus on the enormous quantity of babies being produced (in the Sudan(and elsewhere)) and their effect on our planet.
Here are some articles that will prove helpful:
"After So Many Deaths, Too Many Births" From The New York Times accessed on SIRS
http://sks.sirs.com/cgi-bin/hst-article-display?id=SMN0307H-0-2310&artno=0000265576&type=ART&shfilter=U&key=&title=After%20So%20Many%20Deaths%2C%20Too%20Many%20Births&res=Y&ren=Y&gov=Y&lnk=N&ic=Y
"Would A Drop In Population Be A Positive Or A Negative?" From the Philadelphia Inquirer accessed on SIRS
http://sks.sirs.com/cgi-bin/hst-article-display?id=SMN0307H-0-2679&artno=0000254782&type=ART&shfilter=U&key=&title=Would%20a%20Drop%20in%20Population%20Be%20a%20Positive%20or%20a%20Negative%3F&res=Y&ren=Y&gov=Y&lnk=N&ic=Y
"Impacts" From World Overpopulation Awareness accessed on http://www.overpopulation.org/
http://www.overpopulation.org/impact.html
Here are some articles that will prove helpful:
"After So Many Deaths, Too Many Births" From The New York Times accessed on SIRS
http://sks.sirs.com/cgi-bin/hst-article-display?id=SMN0307H-0-2310&artno=0000265576&type=ART&shfilter=U&key=&title=After%20So%20Many%20Deaths%2C%20Too%20Many%20Births&res=Y&ren=Y&gov=Y&lnk=N&ic=Y
"Would A Drop In Population Be A Positive Or A Negative?" From the Philadelphia Inquirer accessed on SIRS
http://sks.sirs.com/cgi-bin/hst-article-display?id=SMN0307H-0-2679&artno=0000254782&type=ART&shfilter=U&key=&title=Would%20a%20Drop%20in%20Population%20Be%20a%20Positive%20or%20a%20Negative%3F&res=Y&ren=Y&gov=Y&lnk=N&ic=Y
"Impacts" From World Overpopulation Awareness accessed on http://www.overpopulation.org/
http://www.overpopulation.org/impact.html
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Post B #1
Dear Bernard Cornwell,
You are definitely my favorite author ever! I have read at least twenty five of your novels, and I am planning on reading many more. No matter what other people have said, whenever I read your novels, I find it difficult to think of others that even come close to comparing. In this novel, the fourth and latest in this series, many events have occurred that I believe were incredibly conceived, such as when Haesten and his men try to break out with AEthelflaed. I had never even considered that such a thing would happen, but you have passed it off as if it were expected all along. I had always thought that Uhtred would possibly kill Eric and take the princess back to her husband, but most likely, I had thought that Eric's plot would end up successful and Ragnar would just have to keep a few more sentries alert at night.
Now, I would like to talk to you about the tactics of this era. I understand the shield wall, how men rely on their neighbor to protect them, and the two shield walls push at each other and stab with short swords. But, I had never thought about something such as the tactic Sigfried used during the fight for Ludd Gate. Those long spears were ingenious, and if it hadn't been for Father Pyrlig, this saga would be over right now. I have always wondered why archers came into use when shield walls were so popular at this time. I suppose that arrows really would pierce a wooden shield, and that after many shots, would start to take their toll. However, either the underuse of archers is because of the difficulty and length of the training required to wield a bow accurately and correctly, or because of the difficulty in making thousands of arrows because it shouldn't have taken England five hundred years to realize the effectiveness of the longbow.
You are definitely my favorite author ever! I have read at least twenty five of your novels, and I am planning on reading many more. No matter what other people have said, whenever I read your novels, I find it difficult to think of others that even come close to comparing. In this novel, the fourth and latest in this series, many events have occurred that I believe were incredibly conceived, such as when Haesten and his men try to break out with AEthelflaed. I had never even considered that such a thing would happen, but you have passed it off as if it were expected all along. I had always thought that Uhtred would possibly kill Eric and take the princess back to her husband, but most likely, I had thought that Eric's plot would end up successful and Ragnar would just have to keep a few more sentries alert at night.
Now, I would like to talk to you about the tactics of this era. I understand the shield wall, how men rely on their neighbor to protect them, and the two shield walls push at each other and stab with short swords. But, I had never thought about something such as the tactic Sigfried used during the fight for Ludd Gate. Those long spears were ingenious, and if it hadn't been for Father Pyrlig, this saga would be over right now. I have always wondered why archers came into use when shield walls were so popular at this time. I suppose that arrows really would pierce a wooden shield, and that after many shots, would start to take their toll. However, either the underuse of archers is because of the difficulty and length of the training required to wield a bow accurately and correctly, or because of the difficulty in making thousands of arrows because it shouldn't have taken England five hundred years to realize the effectiveness of the longbow.
4th Quarter Outside Reading Post A #1
The culture at this time in English history(885 AD) is a very brutal, dirty, and disrespectful thing. For example, Uhtred, the lord of Babbenburg, a hilltop fortress in Northumbria, is held in high regard by his kinsmen. He is a man of great military might who possesses a large sum of hoarded silver that he can use if necessary in order to hire an army. A man of this rank is respected by all, but only because if one disrespects him, one will likely go home missing a head.
Peasants, on the other hand, are treated like trash by most men of any rank. They are tortured and killed and raped, even if they have done nothing wrong. Peasants have no power whatsoever and their lord can do essentially anything he wants with them. These kinds of absences of all power make the peasant class into one of loathing and pity. Few men therefore associate themselves with mere peasants if they have the ability not to.
However, most lords treat their peasants well because of what is known as the fyrd. The fyrd is like a militia. It is made up of peasants that would normally be farming, but it can be called upon by their lord or king to fight when more men are needed. Although not a trained force, the fyrd can be huge in numbers and could easily turn the tide of a battle or lessen the casualties of the professional army. While a king's household troops may number in the hundreds, a king could have thousands of men in the fyrd at his command.
Peasants, on the other hand, are treated like trash by most men of any rank. They are tortured and killed and raped, even if they have done nothing wrong. Peasants have no power whatsoever and their lord can do essentially anything he wants with them. These kinds of absences of all power make the peasant class into one of loathing and pity. Few men therefore associate themselves with mere peasants if they have the ability not to.
However, most lords treat their peasants well because of what is known as the fyrd. The fyrd is like a militia. It is made up of peasants that would normally be farming, but it can be called upon by their lord or king to fight when more men are needed. Although not a trained force, the fyrd can be huge in numbers and could easily turn the tide of a battle or lessen the casualties of the professional army. While a king's household troops may number in the hundreds, a king could have thousands of men in the fyrd at his command.
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Outside Reading Quarter Four
The novel that I have chosen is called Sword Song and was written by Bernard Cornwell. Bernard Cornwell is a famous British author that writes amazing historical fictions books that often are about wars. He is mostly known for the Richard Sharpe novels, of which I have read all twenty or so. He does this because he is an amazing battle-scene writer, describing the happenings of a battle as if he was there, and making it easy to take in at the same time. I believe this novel is appropriate because, even though he is British and Britain closely resembles America culturally, the novel takes place in the year 885 AD. When one goes back over a thousand years in history, it doesn’t matter where one is because the culture of any area will be incomparable to any modern culture found today. The novel is about a Saxon warlord that grew up with Danish Vikings and is confused about his allegiance. This novel takes place during a lull in the fighting between the Saxons and the Danes. I was released in September of 2007 and is the fourth novel in the current saga; of which I have read the previous three novels.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Post B #7
Dear Orson Scott Card,
This alliance between these three species is amazing. If the galactic fleet does not destroy it, I could imagine Lusitania becoming very powerful with three opposite species working side by side. Maybe the humans could go and fight in the shuttles alongside buggers and perhaps the piggies, so that you would need a new strategy for each opponent. Also, they could work together creating new technologies because I'm sure each specie would think differently about problems so that they can work together to achieve what humans alone could not. The only thing I fear for is that the galactic fleet can foresee this and wish to destroy Lusitania in order to protect their own existence. The only hope is that, although this alliance would certainly never attack ANY humans, the fleet might not know that and would use their little doctors on the planet.
This is sort of like the situation in Iraq to an extent, because the U.S is working with the Iraqis in order to aid their situation, but the terrorists do not see this or do not like it, so they are opening fire. The main difference, however, is that the terrorists do not have the firepower at this present time to completely obliterate Iraq and leave everyone in it dead. The human weapons are really quite devastating in this novel, and they scare me. If humankind ever invents such a weapon as the little doctor, some madman or terrorist would get a hold of one and try to blow up the planet. Humankind's largest flaw and greatest strength compared to the buggers is our ability to think for ourselves. But this can lead to problems when you have a group such as the terrorists that wish to harm humanity rather than help it. The buggers, being completely controlled by the Hive Queen, obviously do not have this sort of problem.
This alliance between these three species is amazing. If the galactic fleet does not destroy it, I could imagine Lusitania becoming very powerful with three opposite species working side by side. Maybe the humans could go and fight in the shuttles alongside buggers and perhaps the piggies, so that you would need a new strategy for each opponent. Also, they could work together creating new technologies because I'm sure each specie would think differently about problems so that they can work together to achieve what humans alone could not. The only thing I fear for is that the galactic fleet can foresee this and wish to destroy Lusitania in order to protect their own existence. The only hope is that, although this alliance would certainly never attack ANY humans, the fleet might not know that and would use their little doctors on the planet.
This is sort of like the situation in Iraq to an extent, because the U.S is working with the Iraqis in order to aid their situation, but the terrorists do not see this or do not like it, so they are opening fire. The main difference, however, is that the terrorists do not have the firepower at this present time to completely obliterate Iraq and leave everyone in it dead. The human weapons are really quite devastating in this novel, and they scare me. If humankind ever invents such a weapon as the little doctor, some madman or terrorist would get a hold of one and try to blow up the planet. Humankind's largest flaw and greatest strength compared to the buggers is our ability to think for ourselves. But this can lead to problems when you have a group such as the terrorists that wish to harm humanity rather than help it. The buggers, being completely controlled by the Hive Queen, obviously do not have this sort of problem.
Post A #7
Vocab
- Protuberance: Something, such as a bulge, knob, or swelling, that protrudes.
- Dimorphism: Zoology. the occurrence of two forms distinct in structure, coloration, etc., among animals of the same species.
- Irony: "The dominant females govern the whole tribe, yet their genes cannot be passed on..." (324). This is an example of irony because it is extremely ironic how these dominant females don't really seem to be a vital part of the piggie society, yet they are in charge.
- "I told her that you said we must remain little ones, and you must remain big ones" (327) This is an example of pun because the piggies really are little people things. They are quite different from the humans, but the height difference is especially noticeable.
- Novinha gave him her own nightstick to lead the way; Arrow played with it like a child, making the light small and large, making it hover and swoop like a suckfly among the trees and bushes" (343). This is an example of a simile because the nightstick and a suckfly are being compared using the word like.
- "So many people had so much hope in me, thought Ender. In the end, though, everything depended on them. On Novinha, Miro, Ela, who called for me; on Human and Star-looker. And on the ones who feared my coming, too (348). This quote is significant because it shows how big of an impact Ender has had on everyone even though he has only been on Lusitania for a week.
- The theme at this point is definatley the union between the humans, the buggers, and the piggies.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Post B #6
Dear Orson Scott Card,
I greatly respect your ability to write in such a manner that one finds themselves unable to stop reading. The suspense you have created is immense and grand that I actually ended up reading all three hundred pages in about three days. This is pretty impressive because they were school days... But anyways, You are a very amazing author and I had to reread Ender's Game after this and I finished that in like two days! This novel easily relates to the modern world in that if someone is accused of adultery, nothing really happens. In the olden days, people were killed for this crime, but now it is but a shameful action that can very well lead to divorce.
Also, this rebellion that is being started has caused much controversy. Ender believes it to be good to encourage the rebellion in order to unite the colony, but many of the villagers wish to just send Miro and Ouanda to Tronjheim. This would cause a great disruption to the colony, and thus Ender and Peregrino decide to rebel. This is kind of like France during the revolution of 1848. They had a council that decided upon revolution in order to unite France and have the power to combat Prussia. Finally, the Lithuanians hold Ender in great respect. This resembles the situation in which Napoleon was in. He was not French, but Corsican. This coupled with his lack of hight would have made him a man that was not respected in France, but because of his amazing ability of tactics, Napoleon became a household name and one that was treated with great respect.
I greatly respect your ability to write in such a manner that one finds themselves unable to stop reading. The suspense you have created is immense and grand that I actually ended up reading all three hundred pages in about three days. This is pretty impressive because they were school days... But anyways, You are a very amazing author and I had to reread Ender's Game after this and I finished that in like two days! This novel easily relates to the modern world in that if someone is accused of adultery, nothing really happens. In the olden days, people were killed for this crime, but now it is but a shameful action that can very well lead to divorce.
Also, this rebellion that is being started has caused much controversy. Ender believes it to be good to encourage the rebellion in order to unite the colony, but many of the villagers wish to just send Miro and Ouanda to Tronjheim. This would cause a great disruption to the colony, and thus Ender and Peregrino decide to rebel. This is kind of like France during the revolution of 1848. They had a council that decided upon revolution in order to unite France and have the power to combat Prussia. Finally, the Lithuanians hold Ender in great respect. This resembles the situation in which Napoleon was in. He was not French, but Corsican. This coupled with his lack of hight would have made him a man that was not respected in France, but because of his amazing ability of tactics, Napoleon became a household name and one that was treated with great respect.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Post A #6
Vocab
- Disquiet: lack of calm, peace, or ease; anxiety; uneasiness. n (257).
- Antisepsis: destruction of the microorganisms that produce sepsis or septic disease. n (285).
- "Libo had a sharp eye and was quick to realize that Ouanda was a rose..." (258). This is a metaphor because it is comparing Ouanda to a rose without using like or as.
- "It crushes her skull and dashes her brain onto the cobblestones. 'nor am I without sin' he says to the people. 'But if we allow only the perfect people to enforce the law, the law will soon be dead and our city with it." (278). This parable is an example of symbolism. This is because the story does not directly relate to the situation in the novel, but it can be applied to it and a lesson can thus be learned.
- "I found out only a few hours after the speaking. Thank you for not arresting them yet". (284). This is an example of sarcasm because Ender was being sarcastic about the arresting bit.
- "The speaker had done a monstrous thing, to lay these secrets before the whole community. They should have been spoken in confession. Yet Peregrino had felt the power of it." (269). This quote is significant because it shows how Ender's speaking affected the community and how the bishop felt about it. Accusing someone of adultery in front of their community can be a terrible thing, yet nobody wished to take action against it.
- The theme at this point in the novel is Ender's speaking. Ender wishes to tell Lusitania about Novinah's adultary, but also about why she did it and why her husband beat her.
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