Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Blog Posting #2


While reading this book, there were many very interesting elements that caught my attention. It is awesome how popular the Bible was during this time period and how popular it still is today. It is very interesting how populated the world was during this time. However, I learned something while reading these pages that I had never realized. I did not know that Webster wrote the American Dictionary of the English Language so long ago. It is amazing to me that there were so many intelligent people during the 1800s. The book states that Webster published the dictionary in 1828. In my opinion, the dictionary is the most important educational book we have. Everyone uses a dictionary multiple times in his or her life. The book states that Webster said he hoped the dictionary would result in “the continued increase of the wealth, the learning, the moral and religious elevation of character, and the glory of my country.” I would definitely say his hopes and wishes for the dictionary were more than a success. It is so neat to me that something written more than one hundred and fifty years ago is still so influential to our society. Today, people can access Webster’s dictionary on the Internet. I am sure this is something Webster could have never imagined. 

Friday, August 26, 2011

Blog #1 America

Throughout the class on Tuesday my definition of "American Identity" did not change. I went into class with a definition that involved freedom, opportunities, diversity, welcoming, beautiful, safety, and being perhaps the best place in the world to live. I believe America is like no other country in the world. We enjoy freedoms that no other country gets to. Although, the economy is not in a good state right now there are still many opportunities for people. If someone has an idea for a new product or business they have the ability to pursue that idea here in America. I had never really thought of America in terms of photographs. By looking at the different pictures of things that represent America today, I am able to broaden my definition a little, not change it. Now, I don't just think of the simple term "freedom". I think of what represents freedom (pictures of soldiers and our founding fathers). We would not be able to have all the freedoms we, as Americans, have if it wasn't for the men and women fighting to protect our country and the people who made this country what it is today. We have the freedom of voting for our leaders and most other countries do not have this freedom. I truly do believe there are very few arguments that could be made about America not being the best place to live. We may have faults, but overall it's great!