How Do I Write? With a Pen, Of Course!

When I have to write a paper for school, my first thoughts are about topic.  I list three or four things I want to write about, and I consider which ones I already know something about.  I pick the one that interests me first, and begin looking for information on the internet to see how much info is out there.  If my choices are scanty, I select another and do the same.  When I find the one that has a decent amount of data, and is somewhat interesting, I print 3 or 4 of the resources and read through them to see if I can find 3 key points.  Once this is done, I can develop my thesis statement and list 3 references.  I use free writing often to get some ideas on paper so I don't forget something.

The next step is to start my outline.  I lay out my paper this way:  1)  Introduction; 2) Thesis statement; 3) First key point; 4) Second key point; 5) Third key point; 6) Conclusion.  Then I start filling in the blanks.  I can begin using my references and my knowledge to fill in the key point paragraphs.  Then I go back to fill in the intro and conclusion. 

As I am developing my paragraphs, I immediately list my references at the bottom of the page in proper APA format, adding new ones as I add in-text citations.  By the time I finish, I have a first draft, complete with references.  I add a title page and set up the reference page, and I am ready to tweak the body of the paper so it flows.  At this point I like to send it to the Writing Center for comments, so I will have feedback to realign the paper. 

I hope there is something here that will help you!

Update on Elmo

Poor Elmo!  The new Lmo (lawnmower) has expired.  After about 2 hours of use, my husband started having trouble with it, and hearing little pieces of something inside the engine, like plastic pieces.  He changed the oil, the gas and the spark plug and cleaned the air filter (after only 2 hours of use!!) and nothing helped.  We were within the 30 day warranty, so poor Elmo was given a proper burial at Lowe's credit department.  We have decided to purchase a used one this time... sigh!  Sometimes, new isn't best.

Plagiarism - A Crime in Writing

The Meriam-Webster Online Dictionary describes plagiraism as literary theft (Plagiarism.org, 2010). It is the use of the ideas or works of another without giving them due credit.  U.S. Law considers this to be theft of intellectual property, a fraudulent act which is a violation of copyright law.

The copyright page of the U.S. Government ( http://www.copyright.gov/title17/92chap5.html#501) suggests legal action as penalty for infringing on someone else's property.  An injured party can claim damages such as loss of profit and court fees, but this can also be a criminal charge with fines and imprisonment.  This is the law that covers downloading, copying and selling illegal music and movies, among other things.  This iact s not taken lightly.  Recall how Napster, the file-sharing site, was taken to court for sharing copyrighted information.  This also happens with Domain names and company names. 

However, many schools find non-criminal ways to punish a student for plagiarism, such as expulsion or withdrawal of academic credits.  Sharon Stoerger provides us with a wealth of articles involving plagiarism that she prepared for the University of Illinois (2009).  There is a case of a large number of students failling a course for buying term papers.  Browsing through this site will show you the breadth of the issue.

If someone were to copy my work, I would be inclined to inform the boss or the teacher of the incident.  However, I also write lyrics as a hobby.  If I found that someone had published my lyrics, I would take legal action, as my works are copyrighted. 

To keep yourself free of these charges, be sure to use quotations when quoting directly, and always cite your sources.

References:

Copyright Infringement (n.d.). U.S. Government. Retrieved September 16, 2010 from http://www.copyright.gov/title17/92chap5.html#501.

Plagiarism.org (2010). What is plagiarism? Retrieved September 16, 2010 from http://www.plagiarism.org/plag_article_what_is_plagiarism.html.

Stoerger (2009). Plagiarism. Retrieved September 16, 2010 from http://web-miner.com/plagiarism.

Things Happen for a Reason

I am a firm believer that things happen for a reason.  What goes around, comes around.  For example, years ago I was a temporary worker at a metal shop, for about 4 months.  When I moved to Florida, I applied for a job at a metal shop as bookkeeper, and lo and behold I am now their employee.  The knowledge I learned on the temp job got my feet wet in the metal industry and made it much easier for my present job.

The reason I bring this up is because I volunteer with the local library as a reading buddy to a gifted 7-year-old, Daniel.  He reads at about a 10th grade level, and he is a real Civil War/American Revolution buff.  His knowledge on that subject astounds me.  While we were moving last month, I came across an old book called Civil War Collector's Encycolpedia which describes all kinds of memorabilia, such as uniforms, weapons, camps, etc. in great detail with pictures and illustrations.  I believe this was a book we got from my father-in-law before he passed away.  This morning I presented it to Daniel, and he was awestruck.  I am sure he will benefit from the book much more than I ever would.  I can't wait to hear about his explorations!

9/11

In memory of those who died in the tragic events of September 11, 2001, I ask you all to say a prayer today to honor the fallen.  May they rest in peace, and may we never forget.

Mosh Pit Memoirs

Well, my son is lead guitarist in a local rock band.  I love to go watch them perform, because they are quite good.  Besides, I have come to find the mosh pit to be quite entertaining.  There are some regulars who are always there, so it's kind of like a big happy family now.  I have come to know the following things about the mosh pit from watching this "dance" :

You are either in or you're out. You may think you are out, but the only way to be sure is to step outside (lol). If you are near the band, you are DEFINITELY in. If you are "near" the pit, it is your sworn duty to be a buffer for those who get shoved. If someone falls, you help them back up, even if they punch you.  If there is one particular idiot in the bunch, gang warfare is sure to ensue. Drink lots of water and stay well-oiled. You have not been a successful mosher if you do not ache in the morning. And finally, new rock is as good as classic rock - it's just more painful!

This comes from the wise mother of a band member who knows just where to stand to get the best pictures....

Blogging With the Best of Them! (or, at least, the rest of them!)

I love the idea of being part of a larger blogging community.  I once aspired to write magazine articles, a profession that I never pursued because everyday life was too busy and I didn't have the discipline at the time.  Blogging is similar to that, but actually much easier.  You can write about anything at any time.  The average Joe certainly has some things to get off his chest, or some ideas that others may find useful or entertaining.  Blogging is the perfect media for expressing oneself.  In a themed blog, a writer can post on a thread of interest for as long as he/she likes.  My feeling is that if you write something good, your audience will find you, locally or globally.  I hope to find ways to introduce my writing to the blogging world.

Besides this blog for school, I have started a second blog called Spice Up Your Life.  The premise is to learn for myself how to use several spices in my spice rack for which I currently have no use.  I don't have a clue what to do with them!  I hope to research what they are and how they are used, and I hope to get suggestions from others for recipes to enrich my culinary abilities and curiosities.  The link follows:

http://spiceupyourlifeblogspotcom.blogspot.com/

I hope you all find blogging to be enriching and fun!

COMPANY SLOGAN

I work for a metal fabrication shop.  We make or repair items made of metal, large or small.  When the new owner took over a few years ago, he was asking if anyone had ideas for a slogan we would use for the business.  I suggested the following:  "You give us the business - we'll fix your wagon."  He was not amused....