Opinions on my essay?

Well this isn’t necessarily an essay. But I take AP Lit. & Comp. and we have to write entries in our “reading journals” every week. I’m reading Cat’s Cradle by Kurt Vonnegut. I find it amazing so far. In my first journal entry, I analyze chapters one and two. It’s already been graded and I am quite pleased with the grade and my teacher’s feedback. Seemingly, I would appreciate the opinions of others as well. I enjoy writing very much and I like to consider myself a good writer for my age. I try to stay humble though, so be brutally honest folks. Oh and feel free to comment on the book, as well, if you’ve read it! Vonnegut is a genius in my opinion.

Before Vonnegut even begins his story, he claims that nothing in his book is true. He follows this statement with the quote, “Live by the foma that make you brave and kind and healthy and happy.” These are four, simple words but Bokonon (the writer of the quote) succeeds in making them express so much more by his use of a polysyndeton. This may all be in my own conception, but to me, the quote almost seemed somewhat Bob Marley-esque. It’s like Bokonon is suggesting a carefree lifestyle for the reader…not necessarily in an apathetic sense, but in a more “go-with-the-flow” type way.

Cat’s Cradle is written in first-person point of view. The speaker is introduced first-hand where he immediately demands to be called “Jonah”. He then proceeds to give a brief explanation of his name and his earlier lifestyle. Both of which are somewhat odd and questionable. He breaks between both explanations with, “Listen:”, before he begins to talk about when he was a “younger man”. This “listen” followed by a colon is so abrupt and demanding, making the reader know how important the next topic must be.

He then expands on the topic of religion. He states that he was once a Christian, but this was before he was aware of the “bittersweet lies of Bokonon”. Perhaps these “bittersweet lies” are related to the “foma” mentioned in the introductory quote, where Bokonon suggests to live by “harmless truths”. In the preceding paragraph, Jonah explains the Bokonian concept of a “karass”, a team amongst humanity that does God’s will without ever realizing it. His explanation on this concept was so brief and ambiguous, that I was not quite sure what to make of it.

The second chapter is titled, “Nice, nice, very nice”. Here, Jonah expands more on the “karass” concept. He says that God created the “karass” and a “karass” ignores “national, institutional, occupational, familial, and class boundaries.” I see this as an archetypal concept in that many religions claim a similar form of human acceptance.

Jonah ends the chapter with a poem from Bokonon’s “Fifty-third Calypso”. The first eight lines of the poem depict various images of different individuals that “all fit together in the same machine”. The next five lines repeat the phrase “nice, nice, very nice”, ending with the phrase, “so many people in the same device”. The poem portrays a peaceful and coexisting society. Jonah mentions that Bokonon “invites us to sing along with him”. It’s as if Jonah wants the reader to perceive that Bokonon is luring one in to this whimsical idea of an idealistic, almost utopian society.

I need help with these slogans. I know some of them, but I want to make sure I’m right.?

1. There’s only one.
2. Famously fresh.
3. We want you to know.
4. Get well soon.
5. Expect something extra.
6. Uncomplicate.
7. The smart way to shop.
8. For your growing problem.
9. Marine sound. Goes high end.
10. The world’s most perfectly cut diamond.
11. A new statement of style.
12. Real money. For real people. Real fast.
13. Be more.
14. Nutrition for a healthier you.
15. Uniquely yours.
16. Big ideas. Big solutions.
17. The flooring store at your door.
18. We deliver better health.
19. Your world delivered.
20. Just like you like it.
21. Proven.
22. For the two sources of cholesterol.
23. The quilted quicker picker-upper.
24. Easing the pain of business.
25. It’s all about the O.
26. Bathtime made easier.
27. Never stop.
28. Keeping the world cool and dry since 1996.
29. We float.
30. Better TV for all.
31. Driven to perform.
32. Always beautiful.
33. The healing purple pill.
34. The name to trust.
35. Quote. Buy. Print.
36. Start chewing. Start quitting.
37. Live the Florida lifestyle.
38. The reliable one.
39. Watch yourself change.
40. Pride. Our secret ingredient.
41. Live in your world. Play in ours.
42. Reach higher.
43. Trade up.
44. You can’t even imagine what you’ll find here.
45. We know hotels. Inside and out.
46. What a relief.
47. People. Performance. Excellence.
48. Now that’s clean.
49. It’s as close to the grove as you can get.
50. The seven whole grain company.
I phrased the question wrong. I need to know the company names for these slogans.

DS: Dog/human symbiotic relationships: Is it love or is it just survival?

OK, deep subject. So I’ve attached a few links for those that want more information. To provide a bit of background for my question I’ve summarized the assumptions in this theory below by extrapolationg text from the three attached links

Quote/
*****************************************************************************************************
The human/ dog symbiotic relationship is best described as as Mutualistic Symbiosis, an interaction between two organisms where each individual derives a fitness benefit.

Relationships help us grow to optimal self-actualization because they almost always create synergy, a situation in which the whole becomes greater than the sum of its parts.

Most dog owners say that there’s something special about the mutual understanding and empathy that exists between humans and dogs. Though most animal behaviorists agree that it is a mistake to anthropomorphize dogs, these same behaviorists disagree about a dog’s actual motivations, and their ability to experience emotion as we understand it. The question “is it love, or self-serving survival instinct that causes a dog to behave towards humans with apparent loyalty and devotion?” continues to be asked. The debate has raged for centuries, and is likely to continue:

Did Lassie really love Timmy? Or was she only saving him from disaster, time and again, so that he would reward her later with a tasty morsel from the dinner table?

Scientists, veterinarians and dog owners have long questioned the relationship between man and his best friend. Even philosophers have ventured opinions on the idea: Plato described dogs as “lovers of learning” and Voltaire refuted Descartes’ theory that dogs were merely unintelligent machines. (Etter)

The ancestors of our dogs seem to have chosen to live in symbiotic relationship with humans for food, warmth, and eventually, companionship. It is thought that their ability to read social cues began as part of their “pack” lifestyle. It is supposed that those with the most malleable temperament, the intelligence to learn human, as well as canine, social cues, the ability and willingness to assist with human hunts and provide protection for their human companions, were encouraged to remain with the human family-tribe.

But my main emphasis is on pet dogs. Family companion dogs do a marvelous job of keeping their humans happier, healthier , and mentally better balanced while the humans give the dogs companionship and play as well as the mundane necessities of food, shelter, and health care. Some of the health benefits to humans are well proven by research, such as the better survival of heart attack patients who live with any kind of pet. The value of dogs willing work in assisting humans with various disabilities is well known and yet we may only have begun to discover their full abilities in these regards. Because there are so many cases of pet dogs appointing themselves to be seizure warning dogs and to give other forms of handicap assistance, without any consious training from the human involved (though I think the humans almost certainly are giving praise and other rewards when the dog offers these self-invented behaviors), it is clear that the dog is getting some kind of enjoyment out of doing these useful things.
*************************************************************************************************************
The question:

- Does the relationship between dogs and humans evolve into love that extends beyond survival of the fittest?
- Can a symbiotic relationship between dog and human actually manifest synergy and synchronicity leading to self-actualization? For example, does the companionship of a dog actually create happier, more well balanced people?
- Are dogs simply bound to us on primal instincts of survival – ie warmth, shelter, food and its all in our head?

http://www.definingconcepts.net/DefiningConcepts/SYMBIOTIC_RELATIONSHIPS.html

http://people.umass.edu/ebarney/withdogs.htm

http://webspace.cal.net/~pamgreen/domestic_pets_symbiosis.html

OK, I found another link with another theory related to this topic which attempts to explain why humans often suffer from the same illness as their dogs. Ie, owner has a heart murmur, – dog has a heart murmur.

Its a theory that (some believe) manifests from two beings sharing the same energy. Its a similar construct to the observation that people look like their dogs which I wonder – is this another product of symbiotic relationships?

As a lay homeopath, I’m fascinated by this topic, but admit, I’ve not resolved it in my own mind 100% one way or the other. So, the input so far intrigues me.

A quote from the link below:
*********************************************
In his book, The New Work of Dogs, Jon Katz discusses how the “work” of urban and suburban dogs is emotional rather than physical. He discusses how the “job” of being a companion and soothing their human’s anxieties, may be taking a toll on dogs. Having a clear-cut job such as keeping a herd intact or bringing back a
Sorry, so the 4th question would be:

- Does the relationship between dogs living with humans manifest physically in shared illness?

And the 5th question would be:

- If physical manifestation of illness is created through synergy, does this also explain why people often seem to look like their dogs (or vice versa)? Or do we just choose a dog that looks like us because we are narcissistic (smile)?
Link to last quote below (sorry it was truncated)

http://www.homeopathicdoc.com/on-animal-human-relationships/

@UHave2Be: I don’t have an opinion about Jon Katz (didn’t know he existed until I found the link) but I appreciate contrariety. Now I will have to read more to satisfy my own curiosity. Thanks
For the benefit of discussion, I googled the topic and tried to find a diversity of opinion and theories. The purpose in asking a question is to get insight from others. So, be assured, its not a conspiracy theory – just a philosophical discussion.
@AnneB: Yes, I believe symbiosis can be unhealthy (ie human-human or human-dog) and the first link alludes to that – people are born dependent on parents and evolve only when they seek out inter-dependent relationships do they begin to self-actualize. And yes, other species such as birds would no doubt apply. I’m convinced of one thing – the motivations and personalities of the human must affect the outcome in the relationship with their dog and think your post is closer to explaining the divide in opinion. Even dogs bred for profit could be viewed as part of a mutualistic symbiotic relationship – albeit not necessarily bound in spiritual terms. Touche! You make good points. Thanks
@Kelly: I’m fascinated by your references to Greyfriars Bobby and Hachi Ko and wonder if you have links to these or references for further reading. I have talked with persons who owned dogs in war times, and they share similar stories of such allegiance. I have no first hand experience but am open minded and curious.
@Love: Really interesting post and you make an interesting argument. Having spent time as a conservationist, I know many species of mammals feel remorse, sorrow and grief and we humans are only beginning to understand it. RE Lauri – Thanks for the note, I admit I was not sure why, but will be happy to hear from her and I have unblocked. ( I block people that block me – call me a blockhead

Opinions on my essay?

Well this isn’t necessarily an essay. But I take AP Lit. & Comp. and we have to write entries in our “reading journals” every week. I’m reading Cat’s Cradle by Kurt Vonnegut. I find it amazing so far. In my first journal entry, I analyze chapters one and two. It’s already been graded and I am quite pleased with the grade and my teacher’s feedback. Seemingly, I would appreciate the opinions of others as well. I enjoy writing very much and I like to consider myself a good writer for my age. I try to stay humble though, so be brutally honest folks. Oh and feel free to comment on the book, as well, if you’ve read it! Vonnegut is a genius in my opinion.

Before Vonnegut even begins his story, he claims that nothing in his book is true. He follows this statement with the quote, “Live by the foma that make you brave and kind and healthy and happy.” These are four, simple words but Bokonon (the writer of the quote) succeeds in making them express so much more by his use of a polysyndeton. This may all be in my own conception, but to me, the quote almost seemed somewhat Bob Marley-esque. It’s like Bokonon is suggesting a carefree lifestyle for the reader…not necessarily in an apathetic sense, but in a more “go-with-the-flow” type way.

Cat’s Cradle is written in first-person point of view. The speaker is introduced first-hand where he immediately demands to be called “Jonah”. He then proceeds to give a brief explanation of his name and his earlier lifestyle. Both of which are somewhat odd and questionable. He breaks between both explanations with, “Listen:”, before he begins to talk about when he was a “younger man”. This “listen” followed by a colon is so abrupt and demanding, making the reader know how important the next topic must be.

He then expands on the topic of religion. He states that he was once a Christian, but this was before he was aware of the “bittersweet lies of Bokonon”. Perhaps these “bittersweet lies” are related to the “foma” mentioned in the introductory quote, where Bokonon suggests to live by “harmless truths”. In the preceding paragraph, Jonah explains the Bokonian concept of a “karass”, a team amongst humanity that does God’s will without ever realizing it. His explanation on this concept was so brief and ambiguous, that I was not quite sure what to make of it.

The second chapter is titled, “Nice, nice, very nice”. Here, Jonah expands more on the “karass” concept. He says that God created the “karass” and a “karass” ignores “national, institutional, occupational, familial, and class boundaries.” I see this as an archetypal concept in that many religions claim a similar form of human acceptance.

Jonah ends the chapter with a poem from Bokonon’s “Fifty-third Calypso”. The first eight lines of the poem depict various images of different individuals that “all fit together in the same machine”. The next five lines repeat the phrase “nice, nice, very nice”, ending with the phrase, “so many people in the same device”. The poem portrays a peaceful and coexisting society. Jonah mentions that Bokonon “invites us to sing along with him”. It’s as if Jonah wants the reader to perceive that Bokonon is luring one in to this whimsical idea of an idealistic, almost utopian society.

Opinions on my essay?

Well this isn’t necessarily an essay. But I take AP Lit. & Comp. and we have to write entries in our “reading journals” every week. I’m reading Cat’s Cradle by Kurt Vonnegut. I find it amazing so far. In my first journal entry, I analyze chapters one and two. It’s already been graded and I am quite pleased with the grade and my teacher’s feedback. Seemingly, I would appreciate the opinions of others as well. I enjoy writing very much and I like to consider myself a good writer for my age. I try to stay humble though, so be brutally honest folks. Oh and feel free to comment on the book, as well, if you’ve read it! Vonnegut is a genius in my opinion.

Before Vonnegut even begins his story, he claims that nothing in his book is true. He follows this statement with the quote, “Live by the foma that make you brave and kind and healthy and happy.” These are four, simple words but Bokonon (the writer of the quote) succeeds in making them express so much more by his use of a polysyndeton. This may all be in my own conception, but to me, the quote almost seemed somewhat Bob Marley-esque. It’s like Bokonon is suggesting a carefree lifestyle for the reader…not necessarily in an apathetic sense, but in a more “go-with-the-flow” type way.

Cat’s Cradle is written in first-person point of view. The speaker is introduced first-hand where he immediately demands to be called “Jonah”. He then proceeds to give a brief explanation of his name and his earlier lifestyle. Both of which are somewhat odd and questionable. He breaks between both explanations with, “Listen:”, before he begins to talk about when he was a “younger man”. This “listen” followed by a colon is so abrupt and demanding, making the reader know how important the next topic must be.

He then expands on the topic of religion. He states that he was once a Christian, but this was before he was aware of the “bittersweet lies of Bokonon”. Perhaps these “bittersweet lies” are related to the “foma” mentioned in the introductory quote, where Bokonon suggests to live by “harmless truths”. In the preceding paragraph, Jonah explains the Bokonian concept of a “karass”, a team amongst humanity that does God’s will without ever realizing it. His explanation on this concept was so brief and ambiguous, that I was not quite sure what to make of it.

The second chapter is titled, “Nice, nice, very nice”. Here, Jonah expands more on the “karass” concept. He says that God created the “karass” and a “karass” ignores “national, institutional, occupational, familial, and class boundaries.” I see this as an archetypal concept in that many religions claim a similar form of human acceptance.

Jonah ends the chapter with a poem from Bokonon’s “Fifty-third Calypso”. The first eight lines of the poem depict various images of different individuals that “all fit together in the same machine”. The next five lines repeat the phrase “nice, nice, very nice”, ending with the phrase, “so many people in the same device”. The poem portrays a peaceful and coexisting society. Jonah mentions that Bokonon “invites us to sing along with him”. It’s as if Jonah wants the reader to perceive that Bokonon is luring one in to this whimsical idea of an idealistic, almost utopian society.