Genes + Machines ?

In chapter 4 of The Selfish Gene, Dawkins describes how early replicators made themselves "survival machines" in order to protect themselves from other replicators. Within time these machines begin to navigate and move around by wings, legs, fins, and etc. Along with these new advancements, the machines also begin to develop consciousness and imagination. These mutations to the early survival machines helps in their struggle and fight for survival. This makes them have their own personality, and it allows them to think on their own. These brains allow them to defend themselves from their predators not only by instinct, but by intelligence as well.

The development of communication also came to be with the brains that developed in the machines. Communication became very important within the genes, but along with the good this new advancement brought, there also came the defect of lies. The genes figured that communication was vital and those who abused it could at times gain advantage of the other genes. With this, Dawkins paints a picture of the early brains being simple devices that became more complex in time. being that genes are not just single celled organisms, they do not just mindlessly replicate. They now have brains and thoughts to which affect everything they do.

Single celled organisms replicate mindlessly and exactly the same every time. The only time there may be a change is when a mutation occurs. When this happens, the organism changes only slightly. Eventually in time the organism will change drastically but it would take a long time for so many mutations to take place.

Chapter 3 The Selfish Gene

In chapter 3, Dawkins describes how all things are different and unique. Although this is true, it is also true thats all things are made by one molecule... DNA. This chemical chain is the basis of our life. Without this life chain we would not be able to live, and we would all be exactly the same. This theory led Dawkins to believe that everything came from some sort of replicator that was somehow able to preserve its patterns and some of its genes. This is how we all came to be. The future generations from the replicators makes us similar and the slight mutations and changes in the patterns and genes causes our unique DNA.

How a gene helps its host and how in return the host will help provide for its genes. This double sided effect is essential for the survival of both the host and the gene. While they make a great team and work off each other, they may also be the worst of enemies and work against each other. if a gene has the wrong chromosomes and genetic makeup for the host, and it is causing a disadvantage for the survival of the host, then the host will leave it and it will die off on its own without help and nutrients. this does not only hurt the gene, it also makes it harder for the host to find genes to carry.

When the host dies, the gene pool dies with it. In humans, the gene pool begins to fade when you are younger and it is already empty by the time you hit that end of the road. The genes die off and leave the body in all ways possible. This cleanses your body and decreases the amount of genes and DNA in your body so by the time you die, your genes will have dissolved and disappeared. This is Dawkins way of describing how all things work and why they are the way they are.

chapter 1-2 The Selfish Gene

In chapter 1 of The Selfish Gene, Dawkins describes the race of evolution and of survival between all species. The word "describes" is in italics because of the very common mistake made in the world where people say that Dawkins explains the race of evolution. To explain something means to tell how something should be, while when you describe something, you use adjectives, other descriptive words and examples to show how that particular thing is.

Dawkins describes that each specie must change and must be able to adapt to its surroundings. with evolution and the advances in technology, the environment is constantly changing. If the specie cannot change itself to work in its new environment, then it will die off with all other species which could not change to adapt themselves.

Dawkins also describes how all genes have a selfish personality. They are all said to want to be the best in order to pass the test of "survival of the fittest. each specie is willing to do anything in order to take out competition and make sure they are safe within the game, but because not all were made to be able to adapt to all the hardships, some are eliminated and become extinct. This process is inevitable. From the minute you enter the world, you are submitted into the race and must strive to be the winner.

In chapter 2, Dawkins talks about DNA. he says that it is the most successful and productive replicator in the world. He treats them as if they are living things. He says that they develop more elaborate shells over time to protect themselves and their vital, complex, and hard work. this is somewhat true considering that all DNA had some sort of "skin" and "vessel" to cover and protect it from any outside dangers.

Like all other species, DNA had to go through the process of elimination as well. only the fit and useful DNA was kept within the species while the unnecessary DNA eventually died out. this process brought us to the complex and grand DNA we have today, but the process will continue and new DNA will continue to form as the old will continue to die out.

talk about hyperbole!!!

In chapters 6 and 7 of Voltaire's Candide, Voltaire shows much exaggeration, or hyperbole towards the characters. Just like many teachers show towards their students, exaggeration of any type is bad. Good exaggeration, such as picking favorites, can cause harm to the direct person by making him or her become conceded and even sometimes lazy. It also hurts the people around the student. it may cause them to be jealous, or it may hurt them inside because they may feel that they are inferior to that person. On the other hand, bad exaggeration can be horrid! If someone ever shows a bad feeling towards you, depending on their position of power, it can be dreadful or just not nice. In the case of Candide, the Portuguese officers show much hyperbole in the sense that they kill random people just because they think it will make the world safer. Because of the recent and deadly earthquake, the officers choose certain people whom they find are different or contradict their beliefs, and they kill them. Pangloss was one of these men who was killed. They murdered him because of his outspoken opinions and they persecute Candide for being his friend and not disagreeing with him.

Candide soon changes his perspective of life. Pangloss had changed it once before to a very optimistic view, and now that he was killed, Candide had no one to reinforce this way of thought. He returned to his original ways and thought of the earthquake and other things as negative and not just as "the best of both worlds." Ironically, soon there after, a strange woman finds Candide and takes care of him just as he had done for Pangloss. After she does this, she takes him to meet his real benefactor Conegounde.

Candide chapters 4-5

In Candide's chapters 4-5, Candide shows a kind and humble disposition, and helps a strange man whom he meets on the street, as a deformed beggar named Pangloss. Little does he know that this man who he unselfishly helped, ends up becoming his best friend. Pangloss has very strange ideas about life, but they interest Candide. He teaches Candide his unchangeable theory of life. This theory, that all things in life happen for the better, is a way of life in which only optimistic people can adapt to. Pangloss has used this theory as a guideline for his way of living life. In order to follow this way of life, your mind must be able to change its original way of thinking, and see everything in life as a positive aspect. Even in the worst of times, you must be able to believe that whatever it is that is ocurring is for the better and that only good can come out of it. Pangloss contracted Syphallis and even in this hard and horrific time, he believes that the sickness is the best of both worlds. He was poor and did not have anywhere to go in life. Candide hires him as his own personal bookeeper and because he knows better then to leave his friend without professional help, seeks a doctor to help cure him of his fatal disease.

When the doctor hears of Pangloss´ theory of life, he tries to convince him otherwise but fails in his attempt to do so. The doctor retaliates by saying, “men have somehow corrupted Nature.” God never gave men weapons, he claims, but men created them “in order to destroy themselves.

Later on in the fifth chapter, Voltaire shows how men, when given privileges, become greedy and do things that they might have thought hypocritical before. Candide, Pangloss, and the sailor are the only men that survive a terrible shipwreck. Once they manage to reach an island they see that it is the island of Lisbon and it has just experienced a terrible earthquake which left some dead and many wounded. The sailor finds stray money on the island and decides to use it to get drunk and pay women for sex; meanwhile, Candide and Pangloss try to help the victims of the catastrophe and tell them that it was for the better to help them psychologically and they also try to provide as much medical care as possible.

Should they have helped totally and complete strangers, who most of had no chance of surviving, or should they have done what the sailor did and spent the money on material things for themselves? The answer depends on your morals and how greedy you are as a person.

theories or common sense?

Candide seems to be a man who just "goes with the flow" in life. This can be viewed with many different opinions. They just depend on your personal aspects, and how you have been brought up and raised in your family. Candide does not voice out his opinion unless in danger, this can be a smart idea depending on the situation. In chapter 2, Candide is put into the military. When this happened, he did not argue or try to get out of it like most men would; instead, he just joined and tried to get out as soon as possible. After that, Candide runs into a conflict where he must choose whether to be executed or tortured. In this instance, he chooses to voice out his opinion and try to save his hide. This does not work out as effectively as he wished, but fortunately, he was saved by the king of Bulgars, who showed him pity and let him go as long as he served in their army. once again, Candide just follows through.

Not only does Candide just flow through his life, he also follows the advice of any who is wise enough to provide it. In the novel, Candide, Voltaire shows the effectiveness of following theories. "[t]here is no effect without a cause," is the theory Pangloss tells Candide before he goes off into the war. Candide follows this theory throughout his journey. I personally wonder, "Was this a smart thing to do?" Theories are just hypothesis' that have not been proven. To follow an idea that has not been proven, and to apply it to your life may not be the smartest thing to do; although, this theory seemed to work for Candide. The theory he chose to follow was based on common sense. This allowed him to follow it without risking very much. If you choose to follow theories like this one, then it wont cause a problem; but if you choose to follow theories that have no way to be proven unless by experience, then you choose to risk whatever is present.

Slaughtehouse-5 chapter 9

Chapter 9 involves the death of Valencia. In the very beginning of the chapter, Valencia hears of Billy's plane accident. She goes hysterical and speeds her cadillac to the hospital. On the way there, Valencia cannot concentrate on her driving because she is so worried on Billy's condition, that she crashes into another car and leaves the scene of the accident, then she goes the wrong way on the highway, and then crashes into the hospital. This crazy drive resulted in the her death. Coincidentally, both unconscious, Billy and Valencia pass each other in the hospital. One was going in the direction of the operation room, and the other on the way to the recovery room.

While in the recovery room, Billy is put next to a man recovering from a skiing accident who also was an air- force historian. He is writing a book about World War 2 and it contains a part in which the destruction of Dresden took place. Billy overhears him talking about the facts he was going to put in his book about what happened in Dresden, and he tells him that he was there for the whole thing and knows exactly what happened. Because of the injury Billy had on his head, the historian thought he was crazy and did not want to believe what Billy was saying. He quizzed him about Dresden for a while and then Billy was taken home by his daughter. He, knowing and wanting to reveal the truth about Dresden, escapes to New York and and sees many works involving Montana. He then time travels to the time where Montana is breast feeding their baby and reveal that she knows when Billy has been time traveling. This astonishes Billy, and even more so, the locket on her neck with the same serenity prayer as the one in his office astonishes him.

Again Vonnegut shows how Billy's mind has changed with the war. He shows the dangers war can have and he makes his negative opinion of war very clear.

Vonnegut chapter 8

Chapter 8 consists of a Nazi propagandist who tries to turn the american soldiers away from their original duty. Derby, being the leader, refuses to stray away from the original duty imposed on them by their captain. Nearly seconds after, an air-raid comes in the siren goes off for the soldiers to seek shelter and protection. This raid completely contradicts what the propagandist said before the siren. This made any soldier who began to change his mind and want to go to the Russian side, change their mind again back to their original thoughts. With this part of the story, the author shows how gullible soldiers can become after spending only a few weeks on the battlefield. They become too overwhelmed, and too traumatized to continue with what they began, so when someone comes and offers a better option to what they are currently doing, they consider it; even though it may not be as good as what they are making it seem.

Later in the chapter, Billy travels back to where his daughter blames an old friend of his statements about the Tramalfadorians. Almost instantly after this memory, Billy travels to another time where Trout, a ladies man, drops salmon into a very attractive woman's cleavage. During the party, Billy has another time travel to the night where Dresden was destroyed. It affects Billy very strongly, and he again time travels to Tramalfadore. While he is there, he tells Montana, who is 6 months pregnant, a story about the destruction of Dresden. Vonnegut shows how disturbed Billy's mind has become within being in the war. They can no longer be normal and as they were before.

slaughterhouse-five chapter 7

In this chapter, Vonnegut continues with Billy and the Tramalfadorians, specifically Valencia. He tells about Billy's departure from the Tramalfadorians and his plane crash with the four- eyed bastards barbershop quartet. They sing many songs before the horrid crash, one which is about a polish man, reminds Billy of a hanging he witnessed of a Polish man who had sex with a german woman. With this memory, Vonnegut shows the extremities different consequences can have in different places. Different cultures view certain acts as vulgar and unacceptable, while others view them as gross and impolite but not a big deal; being in the war introduced this thought to Billy.

Later in the chapter, Billy travels to the time where he fractures his skull, but survives and is taken to a hospital by Austrian skiers. The next time travel was to a syrup factory. In this factory, Billy discovers the workers secret. The malnourished ones, sneak and hide spoons all around the building and when not being watched, they take small spoonfuls and eat it. At this time, Billy was scrawny and malnourished; therefore, he followed what the workers did and took a sample of the syrup. The minute it touched his lips, his body shivered in delight. Seeing that Derby was also in need of good nourishment, Billy snuck a spoonful of the syrup out of a small window that connected to the outside where Derby was working, and gave him a mouthful of syrup. Gratefully, Derby smiles and instantly feels much better. He even begins to cry of joy. With this, Vonnegut shows how the war teaches soldiers to watch out for each other and make use of all the resources they have. This is a very good skill to acquire and it is very useful.

Thesis

Thesis Statement: The anti-war novel, Slaughterhouse Five, is used to show the devastating effects of war.

The first point I found, that can be useful for my analytic essay, is: Kurt Vonnegut tries to reveal the foolishness of the human mind through the anti-war novel, Slaughterhouse Five. He depicts the war with so many worthless killings; such as, "one guy i knew really was shot in Dresden for taking a teapot." (1)

The second point I found that also supports my thesis statement is: Acting foolishly, Billy is used as an example of the humans who are also against the war. He believes that the world will be destroyed by the war, "And I have lit my way in a prison at night with candles from the fat of human beings who were butchered by the brothers and fathers of those school girls who were boiled. Earthlings must be the terrors of the Universe." (116)

My Chapter 6

Within this chapter, I see how Slaughterhouse-Five uses irony and hyperbole in a humerous way. Previously in the book, I took everything too literally. The book seemed melancholy and not very interesting. In my english class, my teacher, Mr. Tangen, suggested taking the book not so literally, but with a light and humorous mind. When I did my reading that night, I tried to apply what Mr. Tngen had suggested and I saw all the hidden jokes Kurt Vonnegut put into the novel. I read certain parts twice so that I could be sure not to miss the literal meaning and the humorous meaning. "The Englishman with Lazzaro's feet was colonel who had given Billy his knockout shot. The Blue Fairy Godmother was embarrassed, and angry too. 'If i'd known i would have ... " (page 127) This quote shows how hyperbole is used to add humor to the novel. Vonnegut uses the common and well known image of a fairy godmother, a soft and very sweet character, in a violent and revengeful way. He makes the image and the version from the novel an oxymoron. "..." In this quote, Lazzaro tells them of how envious he is that they are going to Dresden. He tells them of how safe it is and how great it would be for them to go over there. Ironically, when they get there, they are bombed just as Lazarro had told them would not happen.

Vonnegut Chapter 5

Within this chapter, Billy travels back to various times in his past. Vonnegut reveals certain information so that the reader understands Billy and his actions better. Billy goes back to a time where the tramalfadorians teach him of the seven diffrent sexes. This confuses Billy, but he does not question the subject any further.

"There isn't any particular relationship between the messages except that the author has chosen them carefully, so that, when seen all at once, they produce an image of life that is beautiful and surprising and deep. There is no beginning, no middle, no end, no suspense, no moral, no causes, no effects. What we love in our books are the depths of many marvelous moments seen all at one time." At this point, Billy has the Tralfamadorian novel explained to him. Vonnegut uses this as a model for the story. The irony of Vonnegut using this strategy, is that he, like Billy, also does not completely understand the ability to pick up and choose his moments.

Vonnegut later explains the reasons as to why he travels back in time. He shows certain passages of his life so that we understand the reasons why he does what he does.

What "Really" Happened

Chapter 1 is written in 1st person. This gives the story its own personal touch, and it also gives the reader a better understanding of the mood of the story, from the author's point of view.

"One guy I knew really was shot in Dresden for taking a teapot that wasn't his." (Vonnegut page1) This quotation shows the author's point of view of what happened in the past. Vonnegut feels very strongly about the war, seeing as to how he partook in it, along with his fellow soldiers and companions. he saw the ugly and deadly side of the battlefield and knows the challenge it is to succeed in this career. In this chapter, he is against the war and what happened. he and his friend are destroyed inside by the terrible memories that took place there.

War is unforgettable, no matter what happens in life, you will always have those memories haunting you. in the first chapter, these taunting memories drag Vannegut back to the area where he and his companions fought a battle. he reminiscs in the mournful tears he sheds, and along with his friend, reflects on those old, past days.

Final Inferno

The book, The Inferno, there is a set ending. In the end, Dante goes to purgatory and then to heaven. He finds the right, bright path which he had strayed away from. I feel that Dante learned from the circles of hell, and would change how he lived his life, so that he would not have to revisit any of those circles again. He would lead his life the right way out of fear from lucifer and the other terrible circles of hell.

If this were to happen, the people of the world would be aware of how devastating the circles of hell are. many would change their bad habits and try to lead a better life. This would make the world a better place, but it would also be run by fear. This would be good in some aspects but it would also be bad. there would be less evil in the world, but instead of running the world on love, it would be run by fear and courage.

Liar, Liar, Pants on Fire!

The thing that vexes me the most is liars. I feel that honesty and trust are the two most important things in life; aside from love. People who lie must always be second guessed in what they say and do. Without trust, realtionships cannot flourish. On top of that, the consequences are terrible. As a child, you are either grounded or have things taken away from you for a while until your punishment is over; as an adult, you may get into trouble with the state or even the government. It is never worth telling a lie to cover up a mistake. It is always better to tell the truth, come clean and accept your initial punishment, which will surely be much less severe and grave than if you are caught in a lie. Trust can be lost within seconds, but it takes a lifetime to rebuild; even then, it is impossible to regain full and absolute trust within a person once it has been lost.

The reason why I feel that lying is my biggest and worst pet peeve and definitely my worst aggravation, is because no one likes to be around liars. It affects your reputation as well, even if you are not the one doing the lying. When you need something or ask something, you expect the truth the first time and not to have to go and make sure that what the person told you is true or a lie. This is often very time consuming and a waste of energy. these types of people, are also not very true or good friends. They are hard to trust with even the little things, and they are hard to be around for very long without getting frustrated or involved in their bundle of lies.

Almost Paradise

This paradise, in a world of perfect attitude,
with no violence or grumpyness, a very hard place to find,
with all other great emotions, you will mostly find gratitude.

A fairytale setting, the perfect place,
this serene community can be found in the mind,
with comforting people and a smiling face.

Intelligent Conversations

This is a correctly punctuated conversation between my two bestfriends.

Tori Grant-Hi, how are you?

Lenard Skubal-I'm great; how are you?

Tori Grant- I'm doing okay. I miss all of you guys over there. Here, everything is so different. The people can either be very nice or immature.

Lenard Skubal- I'm sorry. We miss you here too. When do you come back?

Tori Grant-Hopefully, the 13th of August.

Lenard Skubal- Great! You have to call me the minute your plane lands. I want to hang out with you.

Tori Grant- I know! We definitly have to, because I may never go back.

Lenard Skubal- Don't say that! Oh, I got my lisence.

Tori Grant- That is so cool! Congratualtions! I just got my permit. Now I feel like the baby.

Lenard Skubal- It's ok, I'll take you out driving with me.

Tori Grant- I'm so excited! I'm driving too, but I dont have my license, only my permit.

Lenard Skubal- So you can only drive a bike?

Tori Grant- No. I drive a car, and I am actually very good at it.

Lenard Skubal- I'm sure. I'm just kidding; I believe you.

Tori Grant- You better believe me! Well I have to go. I have a huge Biology test to study for.

Lenard Skubal- I'll talk to you later. Bye.

Tori Grant- Bye.

Blogs vs. books

• What is the difference between a blog and a book?

-Books are very useful sources of information, passtimes, and interest. They can give you insight to numerous things, including the history of the world, biographies of important people, and many more things. Not only can they provide information, but they can be a great company when you are alone or sad. Although books are wonderful, they are very restricted in many different areas. Books cannot wonder off topic or stray away from the main point. They cannot have a certain political point of view, and most are censored. Blogs, a very similar source of information, is not quite so limited. Blogs ar open to all people, and they allow anyone and everyone to post their thoughts and opinions. Unlike books, blogs can go from topid to topic without hesitation, and they can also have a strong point of view in ny area. Blogs are now becoming more and more popular, and soon enough the written media shall be taken over.

• How have blogs changed recently?

-Blogs have changed in many ways. when first created, blogs were not very popular, and they were very racist and single minded. They are now full of different varieties. all people, no matter of their race, age, or gender can write their opinions in each blog. There are blogs about anything you can think of. This keeps a wide span of interest among the readers.

• Why might you read a blog?

-Although we have many seach engines and incredible books, blogs are much easier to use. Blogs are used to figure out certain information on a certain topic. If you feel that you need another opinion to accompany yours, blogs are the perfect way to find one. blogs are also a great way to keep in touch with your local news, or with news around th world. These blogs give opinionated information, but it is still a great resource.

• Is there reason to doubt the objectivity of a blog? Why? Why not?

-Depending on what your blog is about, gives you the option doubting objectivity of a blog. If the blog is based on information, rather than opinions, then yes, you should doubt slightly but not necessarily. If the blog is based on mostly opinions, then you will have all sorts of opinions that you can choose to believe.

• If you kept your own blog, what would you title it?

-Blogs can be about many different things. Depending on what my blog is about, will give me a title for it. I always like to sound as intelligent as possible; therefore, I usually will put something with an informative background.