My Creation Myth

Did you know that some of our last names are based on the occupations of our ancestors?

According to the American Heritage Dictionary, Chapman is “chiefly British A peddler.”

I’d so much rather spring from folks who were inventors, astrologers, or landowners. Royalties from their inventions or celestial visions are placed in the Royal Bank of England, and large pay days from land sold dance in my head.

But we work with what we have, so my male ancestors owned a horse and a cart and went from town to town and house to house selling pots and pans, thread, dishes, and books.

Ah books. Chapbooks are tiny books like those pictured here.

I own about 7 or 8 Chapbooks from the 19^th-century.

My Creation Myth for Marisabell

His name was Al and, as legend holds, he was the first Chapman. Patience should have been his middle name, but, alas, he had no middle name. Why Patience? He sat for 7 days a week, 14 hours a day, on the rough hewn seat of his cart. He slept each night under the cart in a space he dug just as deep as the length of the tip of his pointing finger to the first joint, since the August night of 1712 when wild dogs came upon him and thankfully were drawn to the cart, which was laden with wares, jerky, and licorice, and not Al or his old horse. He had to crawl out of the cart and go back in to turn over.

This was the cause of the Chapman men’s backache that has plagued them for centuries. And a quick aside, those who use the ancient remedies find relief, and those who have money to spend find no relief for the dull constant aching pain.

The Chapman’s journeyed about the British countryside thusly until the advent of the train, which moved goods from cities to every rural hamlet in England. Chapman’s were already slowly becoming characters in books.

It wasn’t until a certain Chapman, Dale Chapman in Atlanta, GA, researched her family tree and found a strange common personality trait among her family that the creation of Chapman’s became known. Many Chapman’s were afflicted with an odd trait that they could not grow out of. Some would call it pure stubbornness. But it was more than that. With one it was a religious conviction that sprang out of nowhere, with another it was a feud that wouldn’t mend, and with still another it was an attachment to land that held her hostage until she died. After exhaustive research, Dale C. found that the book the Chapman’s were reading on their 13^th birthday was the story they lived.

Future Chapman’s beware!

Our Favorite Resturants

I had heard about Pure Taqueria restaurant in Alpharetta, but it wasn't until last week that I went there.

I had the grouper tacos. They were the best tacos I've ever eaten.

I liked the price, too. And any student on a budget would appreciate the 99 cent beer.

The only drawback was the space between tables--not so much!

Where would you recommend that folks on a budget eat?

And who makes the best hamburger? [I'd have to vote for my husband Will's burgers!] Why doesn't Back Yard Burger make them to order? I want mine medium rare, thank you!


http://www.puretaqueria.com/

Pirate Tech & the Brittannic

Yesterday there was a really good documentary in the History Channel on "pirate tech". It was quite interesting, as it explored the technical aspects of piracy, from the way pirates outfitted their ships and what type of vessels they preffered to their weapons and the society they had.

Being a fan of pirate history (personal favorite being "Black" Bartholomew Roberts) I enjoy it when the History channel broadcasts these documentaries.

Another good documentary they showed had coverage on the Britannic, which was the Titanic's sister. Like the Titanic, she also sunk, but the difference was that it happened on her 6th voyage as a cruise-liner turned hospital ship. And unlike the Titanic, which took several hours to sink, the Britanic took only 55 minutes, despite the improvements they did on her.

Has anyone seen these documentaries and what was his/her opinion on them?

What is your definition of success?

I am reading this book, Success is not an accident, and it challenges you to think about what success is to you, it is funny because everyone is obviously different but at the end of the day their answers are about the same. I was just wondering what success meant to you, and do you think it happens by accident?

Decaf vs Real Coffee

I suffer from migraines so my doctor told me not to drink coffee, and recently my mom bought me the decaf version. I think it sucks. I was wondering who from this class likes coffee (besides mrs. Chapman) and if any of you actually like decaf?

Collections

Most people like to collect something. Some collect stamps, others collect coins and a few collect pressed flowers. Is there anything you like to collect?

Gun Control

I am a firm believer in gun control and I am totally against what the government has tried to do to the second amendment. I am against the people that blame a simple tool for the evil of man. I have myself own many different types of firearms and plan on getting many more throughout my lifetime. I am just curious to see what people think of gun control and any other feelings towards firearms in general.

Should Criminals Profit From Their Crimes

I recently read an article about how some criminals are profitting from the crimes they committed. The justice system came to an all time low when O.J. Simpson's publicist announced he was going to write a book about how he would have murdered his ex-wife if he "did it". However, it isn't the first or the last time criminals have or will profit because of their fame. Gacy sold his paintings while waiting on death row, Charles Manson has a music CD, Scott Peterson has his own website and the list goes on. Is human nature and curiosity partly to blame ? Is the judicial system to blame for allowing criminals to profit from their crime and subsequent fame ? We all know serial killers love attention.Are the media moguls to blame as they desperately seek ratings and profits? I think this is crazy and these criminals should not be able to make any profit. What do you think?

Scholarships Available at GPC

Click on this link and see which scholarships you might qualify and apply for. . . .

The first one listed is an essay. As an undergraduate and graduate student, I've won two of those. You can't win if you don't apply!!!

http://www.gpc.edu/Foundation/scholarships.htm

Bottled Water Vs. Tap Water

Read the article found on the website below and let me know what you think.
Thinking it was much healthier and of course out of convenience I would drink bottled water. Now I'll rethink twice about drinking bottled water! What do you usually drink?

The site to go to for the article is:

http://www.rd.com/special-report/the-environment/rethink-what-you-drink/article.html

Creation Myth

Creation myths. Fantastical stories that explain the conception and origins of an individual and the objects surrounding him/her. For the Greeks it began with an egg, out of which was born Chaos and eventually Love, and so goes the story.

Therefore, I propose this challenge: in response to this blog, write a creation myth. It can be any subject, as long as it's new and has the characteristics of creation myths.

"In the beginning there was a universal sapling, which then grew to be the World Tree. Its canopy framed the sky-vault that was the heavens. A fruit, a flower and a seed became the heavenly bodies. The roots formed the lower world below, and the leaves and branches were the living world while the dew on the leaves gathered to form lakes, rivers, and oceans, and the sap, springs."

Does the police force really exist to serve and protect?

In the past two weeks 2 of my friends have gotten mugged at gun point on the same street by the same people on 2 different days. A few of our friends live in an apartment complex along the street they were mugged. It was the same van, the same gun, and around the same time during the evening. They reported this to the police and both gave a very descriptive report, but nothing was done about it. Maybe it was because they were two young college students but not one patrol car has been sent there. I understand that they did not get the license plate number but you would think that at least something would be done about this situation. Not only were my friends mugged but others too have been victimized by these same people. Maybe I am being a little dramatic but shouldnt something be done about this?

Valentine's Day

Valentine's day is comming. Some of us love this day because we either get super sweet gifts and candy, or because we're all luvy dubby with our boyfriend or girlfriend or whoever, our sex partner.
Some of us see it as a waste of time and money, and even a day of hipocrecy...


what are your thoughts on Valentine's DAy?

Illegal Immigration in the United States

Illegal immigrants come to the U.S ,by land, air, water and overstayed, and dispuste in consequenses such as economic, education, social welfare, healthcare, and more. According to New York Times, May 2006, 53% reaction from public that "illegal immigrants mostly take the job Americans don't want." April 2006, NBC/Wall Street Journal concluded 61% of the U.S population would like them to stay if they "could pass a security and pay tax." For example, illegal Vietnamese recently, who are overstayed, face to being departed. The U.S. government pay for their tickets. What are your best suggestions for this social issue that has been going on for decades?

Kathy Pham

Toll of Freshman

I wanted to know how everyone felt about this year? It has been hard for me to learn to keep up with everything, I have five classes going on right now and it is weird, I was in my second year at AXIA college however it seems that nothing I did there could help me get ready for this. There seems to be a lot more work involved in going to G.P.

Disregard of Theft

I am 19 years old and have lived near Atlanta for my whole life. Recently, I moved to an apt. complex off of Ashford-Dunwoody Rd. across from Perimeter Mall. My boyfriend, Josh, of 10 months, who is 22 years old, has been staying with me for the last month because he is in transition between apartment to house. He owns his own landscape buisness and goes to Southern Poly as a full time student. He works so hard for everything he gets. His parents don't help him at all because they don't have the means to. Since he works so hard, he takes pride in everything he owns, mainly his truck. My apartment complex is gated and has security guards. Two weeks ago, he parked his truck (2005 Dodge Ram 1500 Limited Edition Rumble Bee) in the parking garage for the night like he always does. He woke up the next morning to go to school at 9 AM and it was GONE. We called Dekalb County Police and filed a report and they told us that his truck was in the national stolen vehicle system. We went to my apt. complex office and looked at the security footage to see his truck drive out of the ate at 3:06 AM behind a white car. two days later, he called his aunt who is a cop and asked her to check to make sure it was in the system. She looked and said it wasn't. He called Dekalb County and they lied and said that they had put it in the system when we first reported it stolen, but they really just forgot and entered it after we called is what the detective assigned to the case told us. The next day, his truck was found behind a vacant house on Mary Lou Ln. in Decatur. The thieves put it up on cinder blocks and took his wheels, tires, and stereo system. I guess my question is, why would someone steal a vehicle of this type for wheels and the radio system? It is a limited edition truck. Why wouldnt they sell the parts, resell it, or anything. They didnt even take his belongings that were in there either. Why do people steal and risk their future for a few thousand dollars? If they knew how bad it hurt the victim, they would think twice. It doesnt help that the law has no interest in finding justice in the case.

Interesting Study

Read this article and let us know, does this explain how you pick friends?

For me, I like folks to fit in with some of my interests (reading, writing, teaching, politics).

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/12/health/12mimic.html?8dpc

These days, I mostly meet people on the tennis court. Folks who have no passion aren't interesting to me. I like people to have a fire in their belly about SOMETHING.

how often does something make you think

I just got back from Tn to help with tornado effort, and i just couldn't imagine the pain of lossing it all form something that came from nowhere. Its almost like you wouldn't have a chance to stop change even if you came up with ultimate defense. At the end of my stay there I couldnt help but to revisted my own safegruads and figure out what truly could i protect.

How to add images to your posts

(You must have a basic understanding of how to create a post on Blogger to use this tutorial.)

Adding images to a post is an important skill in publishing on blogs. Images help us create vibrant content with greater visual impact than text alone. Wouldn't you prefer a picture of a car with an article rather than just a description?

The following is a quick tutorial of how you can add images to your posts.

While composing a post you will see a toolbar:


Looking towards the right of the toolbar you'll see and then click the "Add Image" button:


A window like this should pop up:

You then have two main options for locating an image file:

Adding an image from your computer: Click the "Browse" button and locate the file on your computer or network.

Adding an image from the internet: To use this feature you must know the URL (address that computers use to find files on the internet) of the image that you want to use. I chose this one:

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/41/105922006_22737aaef4.jpg

after adding the URL into the box I get this:


Below the image selection box you're given options on how the images will be displayed which is called the layout. Putting the images on the left or right will allow text to flow around pictures.
Centering the image will put a picture in its own space and allows the creator the most control of how a post will be displayed on a variety of screens and in different font sizes.

Try experimenting with it, now is the perfect time to learn about the important tool of adding images to your blog posts and making your content eye-catching.

Ancient Supernavies

A few days back they gave an excellent documentary on "Ancient Supernavies" in the discovery channel. It was amazing how people in those days conceived sophisticated warfare that we use today. Has anyone else seen this documentary and what are your opinions on it?

God's Plan

I've always wondered ...

You know how they say God has everyone life planned out? I always wondered about abortions ... when a female has an abortion does that mess up God's plans that he had for her? What do you all think?

Drought

We have been hearing so much about the drought for almost a year now. Everybody is cutting down on the useage of water, which means you can't wash your cars that often, can't water your lawn,etc. Ever since we have done that we have saved an extremely large amount of water, but there are more things we have to worry about. There are so many leaks around this area; I know they are trying to fix them but how? seeing there are so many of them. When summer comes around are the kids going to be able to swim or play around with water hoses? I still think there is a lot we can do to help with this situation.

Super Tuesday

I posted up in front of the tv on Tuesday to watch the polls roll in. McCain is the clear leader for the Republican party, but Hilary and Obama are neck and neck. Are you surprised that they are so close? Who do you think deserves the ballot?

35 people haven't accepted their invitation to this blog

In the 2 days that I've been blog admin I've received 2 complaints and both were related to them not confirming their invites for the blog.

What happened: they both have Yahoo accounts and Yahoo has a bad habit of accidently filtering out useful emails as spam.

If you never received your invite (especially if you have a Yahoo or Hotmail account) it's probably in your spam box (if it hasn't already been deleted).

You can contact me at ofyear2008@yahoo.com rob.petty.admin@gmail.com (that's the last time that I will switch contact emails, yahoo's new measures were ridiculously painful to deal with) if you have any problems.

Do you prefer Pixar or Dreamworks?

PIXARor

DREAMWORKS

which character would you to prefer to explain real life to your child?

Male Influence

I work in an office with 11 other women and all but two of them are in their twenties (including myself). There’s a horrible gossip problem, especially within one clique of girls. All of the gossip creates tension and sometimes feelings are seriously hurt. It makes it very difficult to accomplish much of anything. When I told my mom of the problem, she said that whenever there was a gossip problem in any of the offices she’s worked in the supervisors have intentionally hired a male employee to fill a position within the bull pit. She said it’s always worked to alleviate the gossip. Do you think this could be true? Why would a male influence in an office full of women have such an effect?

Should the use of slang by students be banned in schools?

In America Today, there are so many methods of expression by which individuals express themselves. One of such is the use of slang in conversation. Slang helps individuals express their ideas more vividly and gives a listener familiar with the lingo a broad picture of what is being said. However at the rate at which illiteracy is rising even within schools, one should take time to consider whether this mode of expression is more deleterious to students than it is a way by which they identify themselves. I think its use should be discouraged in schools, as it defeats the purpose of learning. As Students advance the English language gets more complex and if one does not have a good grasp of the basics, learning any subject in general becomes more difficult.
This my take on the subject,what's yours?

Abercrombie & Fitch ad brings obscenity charge

Note: Do not look at site if explicit material will bother you!

What is your opinion about the strore Manager being charged with a misdemeanor?

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22993326/

Wow!! A shocker in the desert!!

The world watched in aw, and the "Nation" (The Boston area is known as "Red Sox Nation") stunned, and all the "Nation haters" happy that the Boston area's quest for the "triple crown of sports" is broken, but one thing is for sure, the New York Giants are the World Champions of Football!!
There was speculation swirling around Quarterback Tom Brady's foot, as well as his shoulder. You do think it was an injury, the Giants hounding defense, or a Patriot meltdown that cost them the Superbowl?

Tech Support Here

By now everyone should be using the blog.

Is anyone confused about any part of the blogging process?

One of the most confusing aspects for new users is the difference between a post and a blog.

Posts are like articles and a blog is like a newspaper.

Just as a newspaper is made of articles, a blog is made of posts.

Other possible problems you might have:

• Starting a new post
• Commenting
• Posting a photo
• What all of the buttons mean at the top of the screen when you're submitting a post
• Picking a subject for your post
• many more

If you're too shy to write your question in the comments contact me through WebCT's email.

(Try to avoid writing your email address on a publicly accessible page. There are computer programs that comb the internet for addresses to be sold to spammers and advertisers.)

Is Immigration the blame for African American not having jobs?

While watching the Democratic debate last night, someone E-mail a statement wanting to know what was the candidate's view on African Americans losing jobs opportunities to immigrants. I thought that was a stupid thing to say. I think that was a poor excuse for the lack of work ethic in some African Americans in this country. If immigrants can come to this country and make it, what about you who was born here. I am an immigrant who came to this country with my family the right way. I have a Greencard and I am allow to live here as long as I want. I pay taxes like every other American, I think I have the right to have the same jobs as every other American with the same qualifications that I have. We immigrants have to work twice as hard to get the same opportunities as African Americans who were born in this country. Let me give you a common example, I am not a citizen yet, so I am not able to recive Federal Aid for school. I work a full-time job to pay for school and I take three classes every semester. I am not trying to say I am better than anyone, but if I can do it, what about the person who is a citizen of this country and can recive federal aid. I see students on this campus everyday spending their class time in the cafeteria hanging out with their friends, with out a care in the world.I am sure they don't have to work and pay for their education.