The first sewing machine invented was in 1970 by a man by the name of Thomas Sur Singer. Named after its inventor, this first innovative sewing machine is called Singer. Similar to that of the sewing machines utilize in today’s world, this sewing machine uses a needle to which a thread can be attached to one end. With a push of a button, this machine runs about a quarter a mile per minute. As seen on the image above, in front of the machine in a large knob that can be turn a clockwise direction to adjust desired patterns, length and width of each stitch. This machine is made of steel and weighs about 30 pounds. It can be detached from its wooden stand for easy storage. A small bobby thread of any color can be used and setting it to the sewing machine can be done in three easy steps: first the bobby is place in a small vertical pole on top of the machine, second is goes around the next notch right above the needle and last, it goes in the hole of the needle. To the left of sewing machine is large rechargeable battery. This 12 volt battery lasts approximately 2 hours. As shown, this first invented machine is particularly used for thick and heavy durable fabric that is usually otherwise difficult to be sewn and stitched by hand. This machine allows for the existence of luxurious materials such as window curtains, blue jeans, comforters, and coats.
Sunday, February 25, 2007
Blog: Best blog of 2006--The History of Buttons
The blog ‘History of the Button’ is exactly as the title states: it is a blog about the use of buttons throughout history. The first blog posted recognizes the use of buttons on ovens that were used in 1950. The oven had various button that lit in different colors depending on how high the temperature was set. The author of this post talks about how a push button oven is still working and still in god conditions after 60 years! The next post was about how the use of buttons on washer and dryer machine came about after the radio. Specifically it states about how the ‘Play pause icon merges, evolve, and migrate’. The ‘play pause’ button was first seen on the radio and as it evolved, it has migrate onto washing machine. This can be seen on the new LG washing machines. As with the older washing machines, ‘start’ and ‘stop’ buttons were used. The next post states all the different kinds of Start and Stop icon from various multifunction printers. Most of which had a diamond image with a vertical line down the center on the start button; whereas a circle with an inverted triangle in it was used in indicate Stop. This proves different manufactures all adopt the same images to indicate Start and Stop. All the post after that include buttons such as ones from recorders, industrial buttons used for jet-ways and airplanes, navi button from multi function photo printer, Sony clock, pinball game machine, phones, and toys. The point made here is that buttons are universal, they are everywhere, and they used daily without much acknowledgement. Buttons are something that was invented before most of our parents were even born and they continue to thrive as of today.
The author of this blog uses similar conventions of many other blogs including mine. In this blog, pictures and hyperlinks were used. In addition, just as in mine, to each post there is a date and time in which the post was posted. To the right of the blog is column that is basically a table of contents for all the different posts of buttons; these were done through the use of hyperlinks. The second set of hyperlinks is important years in which buttons came about. The third set of hyperlinks are of categories in which button are used—examples are such as keyboard, kids, kitchen, Kodak, etc. To the left of the blog are conventions made so audience and readers like us can us the contact the author. In this column there is a hyperlink to contact the author through email. The color that the author used for the blog is a neutral blue color. The text color used is black for easy and comfortable reading. This blog is different from mine in that this blog talks only about button and there is no information about the author, whereas my blog is about all different kind of things depending on our assigned assignment. In addition my blog has a profile link to which my audience can learn more about me.
The author of this blog uses similar conventions of many other blogs including mine. In this blog, pictures and hyperlinks were used. In addition, just as in mine, to each post there is a date and time in which the post was posted. To the right of the blog is column that is basically a table of contents for all the different posts of buttons; these were done through the use of hyperlinks. The second set of hyperlinks is important years in which buttons came about. The third set of hyperlinks are of categories in which button are used—examples are such as keyboard, kids, kitchen, Kodak, etc. To the left of the blog are conventions made so audience and readers like us can us the contact the author. In this column there is a hyperlink to contact the author through email. The color that the author used for the blog is a neutral blue color. The text color used is black for easy and comfortable reading. This blog is different from mine in that this blog talks only about button and there is no information about the author, whereas my blog is about all different kind of things depending on our assigned assignment. In addition my blog has a profile link to which my audience can learn more about me.
Sunday, February 18, 2007
observational essay: The Ceremony Room
It was near noon and I was near to missing the beginning of the Buddhist ceremony that was to be taken place at a Temple located in the Denver Metro area on Federal Street and Iliff Avenue. As I drove into the enormous and crowded parking lot, I realized that today’s Mass was going to be nothing but a full or crowed room. I thought to myself Damn, I forgot it is Sunday. I hope ceremony room does not get too crowded. I quickly parked my car at the far end of the parking lot for all other parking space was already taken. The parking lot was divided into two sections that were separated by a row of trees whose branches seemed to be withering from the weeks of snow storm to which it had withstood.
To the left of the pathway that led to the main entrance was a small building. As I glanced inside, I noticed children from age five to fifteen sitting cross-legged on the bright red carpet staring up at a large overhead. I assumed they are in Class. As I continued to anxiously walk up the pathway towards the main entrance, I noticed the delicate architect of the temple. It was similar to one of those temples in Thailand that I had seen on the Discovery Channel. Each corner of the bright yellow building was arched upward similar to the shape of a crescent moon. As I pulled on the heavy doors I felt a slight breeze from the cool air that was circulating inside. The entry area was very spacious; to the front was a row of shoes that were neatly lined up in rows in front of the steps the led to the ceremony room. I hastily walked toward the step, took off my shoes, and made my entrance into the ceremony room. I remained standing in the back of the room trying not to disturb the ceremony that had already begun.
The room was enormous, much bigger than the entry level. To the front of the room, was an Alter made out of what seemed to be Maple Oak. The Alter consisted of three levels in a shape similar to a pyramid, the top level had a golden deity of Buddha, and it had to be at least four times my size. The golden color of the deity intensified as the glistening sunlight started to set through the windows. The sunlight reflection off the deity gave the whole room a beautiful golden glow giving the room its lively sensation. On the second level of the Alter was at least ten vibrant vases filled with flowers. The vases were evenly distributed around the deity in a half circle. On the third level of the Alter was even more flowers. To the left, however, was a medal metallic bowl which was used as a bell, to the right was a hollow wooden bowl which was used as a drum. In the center was small golden bowl with handles in a shape of a dragon attached to the sides. In the golden bowl were three incense sticks. The incense sticks were lit and as it slowly burned, it released a distinctive aroma throughout the room. Visible smoke could be seen moving away from the burning incense sticks. On each side of the Alter were two smaller Alters. Each of the smaller Alter had approximately 25 x 25 small picture frames hanging from it. In the picture frames were pictures of deceased Buddhists that had past away within the recent years.
The crowd was segregated: women were to stand on the left half of the room and men were to stand on the right half of the room. Everyone was chanting sacred words that were unfamiliar to my ears. The chanting followed the same rhythm as the drum that was echoing through out the room. The chanting was guided by one man, the monk. The monk stood in front of the crowd facing the Alter. A microphone was attached to the yellow robe that gracefully draped over his body. Every single inch of his skin from the neck down except for his hand was covered by the robe. As the sun shined on his head and as the room started to get humid from all the breathing, sweat began running down his head. His head that had some new hair growth sprouting from it since the last time he has shaved it.
An hour have past, the pace of the chanting continued at a steady pace. The majority of the crowd seemed to be getting exhausted. Their posture started to decline as they started to slouch. The room had large tightly sealed windows that allowed the sun to shine in but did not allow fresh air to flow freely in and out to circulate the room. The confined room was making the crowd sweat, their face showed signs of relinquish. The children who came along with their parents have already given up. They were no longer following the praying procedure, they were no longer chanting; instead they were sitting on the ground restlessly waiting for the prayer session to end.
Another half-an-hour past and the sounds of the drum started to slow down. As the drum began to slow down, the chanting slowed down with it. Within minutes the sounds of the drum came to a complete halt along with the chanting. The ceremony also came to an end. The crowd then turned around and calmly exited the room. As people cleared out from the room, the humid air also cleared out with them. Standing there alone I was bewildered. I couldn’t believe what I have just witnessed; I have never seen anything like it. The room was now empty although the aroma from the incense burning was still present and the smell still potent. And there in front of me, the golden deity continued to glow throughout the room as the sunshine continued to reflect its light against it.
To the left of the pathway that led to the main entrance was a small building. As I glanced inside, I noticed children from age five to fifteen sitting cross-legged on the bright red carpet staring up at a large overhead. I assumed they are in Class. As I continued to anxiously walk up the pathway towards the main entrance, I noticed the delicate architect of the temple. It was similar to one of those temples in Thailand that I had seen on the Discovery Channel. Each corner of the bright yellow building was arched upward similar to the shape of a crescent moon. As I pulled on the heavy doors I felt a slight breeze from the cool air that was circulating inside. The entry area was very spacious; to the front was a row of shoes that were neatly lined up in rows in front of the steps the led to the ceremony room. I hastily walked toward the step, took off my shoes, and made my entrance into the ceremony room. I remained standing in the back of the room trying not to disturb the ceremony that had already begun.
The room was enormous, much bigger than the entry level. To the front of the room, was an Alter made out of what seemed to be Maple Oak. The Alter consisted of three levels in a shape similar to a pyramid, the top level had a golden deity of Buddha, and it had to be at least four times my size. The golden color of the deity intensified as the glistening sunlight started to set through the windows. The sunlight reflection off the deity gave the whole room a beautiful golden glow giving the room its lively sensation. On the second level of the Alter was at least ten vibrant vases filled with flowers. The vases were evenly distributed around the deity in a half circle. On the third level of the Alter was even more flowers. To the left, however, was a medal metallic bowl which was used as a bell, to the right was a hollow wooden bowl which was used as a drum. In the center was small golden bowl with handles in a shape of a dragon attached to the sides. In the golden bowl were three incense sticks. The incense sticks were lit and as it slowly burned, it released a distinctive aroma throughout the room. Visible smoke could be seen moving away from the burning incense sticks. On each side of the Alter were two smaller Alters. Each of the smaller Alter had approximately 25 x 25 small picture frames hanging from it. In the picture frames were pictures of deceased Buddhists that had past away within the recent years.
The crowd was segregated: women were to stand on the left half of the room and men were to stand on the right half of the room. Everyone was chanting sacred words that were unfamiliar to my ears. The chanting followed the same rhythm as the drum that was echoing through out the room. The chanting was guided by one man, the monk. The monk stood in front of the crowd facing the Alter. A microphone was attached to the yellow robe that gracefully draped over his body. Every single inch of his skin from the neck down except for his hand was covered by the robe. As the sun shined on his head and as the room started to get humid from all the breathing, sweat began running down his head. His head that had some new hair growth sprouting from it since the last time he has shaved it.
An hour have past, the pace of the chanting continued at a steady pace. The majority of the crowd seemed to be getting exhausted. Their posture started to decline as they started to slouch. The room had large tightly sealed windows that allowed the sun to shine in but did not allow fresh air to flow freely in and out to circulate the room. The confined room was making the crowd sweat, their face showed signs of relinquish. The children who came along with their parents have already given up. They were no longer following the praying procedure, they were no longer chanting; instead they were sitting on the ground restlessly waiting for the prayer session to end.
Another half-an-hour past and the sounds of the drum started to slow down. As the drum began to slow down, the chanting slowed down with it. Within minutes the sounds of the drum came to a complete halt along with the chanting. The ceremony also came to an end. The crowd then turned around and calmly exited the room. As people cleared out from the room, the humid air also cleared out with them. Standing there alone I was bewildered. I couldn’t believe what I have just witnessed; I have never seen anything like it. The room was now empty although the aroma from the incense burning was still present and the smell still potent. And there in front of me, the golden deity continued to glow throughout the room as the sunshine continued to reflect its light against it.
Saturday, February 10, 2007
Blog 1 for wk 4: Uncreative Interlude
Randomly selected words: Aries, bloom, chapel, deck, ego, fish, glide, hoot, ingot, jabber, kibbutz, love, moon, nebula, omega, pain, qualm, rebel, sanctify, truss, universe, vain, wasp, youth, zebu.
The spring equinox, March 21, is the beginning of the new zodiacal year and Aries, the first sign, is therefore that of new beginnings. Once made in pure silk, modern artificial flowers are crafted in a variety of materials to produce the incredibly realistic effects you'll see in top-of-the-range reproduction flowers and plants like ours. At The Chapel, we do believe that God is Real! And we believe God not only wants to do life with us but also wants to transform our lives in rich and meaningful ways. If you are looking for the luxury of low maintenance, you should consider alternative deck materials. Eldorado Gold Corporation (Eldorado) is engaged in gold mining and related activities, including exploration and development, extraction, processing and reclamation. Nothing is more striking than crystal clear sparkling water. Come to a place where unconditional love changes lives every day and hope triumphs over sorrow. It's time to stand up for the little guys. In DC casting, alloyed aluminum flows from the furnace through troughs to the casting station and into molds. Information Week reports on integration between Cisco Unified MeetingPlace and the Jabber Extensible Communications Platform from Jabber Inc. The residential area encompasses carefullytended members' homes and gardens, children's houses and playgrounds for every age group, and communal facilities such as a dining hall, auditorium, library, swimming pool, tennis court, medical clinic, laundry, grocery and the like. Doctor Love knew this so he made another great invention just for the lonely you! The effect is much stronger in the ocean water than in the solid crust so the water bulges are higher. Nebula are currently busy preparing for our flying visit to the midwest. Over 190 full color pages of the latest products for the temperature, flow, environmental, pressure, DAS and heaters market. Practicing pain management physicians provide personal responses to your pain related inquiries. It comes out twice a year, in April and October, and consists of previously unpublished poems contributed by their authors. If you want to join the movement, attend meetings, and help make a difference in your community, please fill out the form below. Our starting price for one of these Custom Banners is $395. Some or all of the joints may be fixed rather than pinned, but the main contribution to the stiffness is provided by the triangulation. The Many Worlds observatory is a proposed mission that would launch a gigantic sun shade into space. Read a word, say a word about the band! The Accessibility Task Force works with accessibility organizations, technology vendors and others to help promote Web accessibility. Over 650 free resources for growing evangelism in your youth ministry. These cattle often did better than the cattle which the colonists had brought from Europe.
The spring equinox, March 21, is the beginning of the new zodiacal year and Aries, the first sign, is therefore that of new beginnings. Once made in pure silk, modern artificial flowers are crafted in a variety of materials to produce the incredibly realistic effects you'll see in top-of-the-range reproduction flowers and plants like ours. At The Chapel, we do believe that God is Real! And we believe God not only wants to do life with us but also wants to transform our lives in rich and meaningful ways. If you are looking for the luxury of low maintenance, you should consider alternative deck materials. Eldorado Gold Corporation (Eldorado) is engaged in gold mining and related activities, including exploration and development, extraction, processing and reclamation. Nothing is more striking than crystal clear sparkling water. Come to a place where unconditional love changes lives every day and hope triumphs over sorrow. It's time to stand up for the little guys. In DC casting, alloyed aluminum flows from the furnace through troughs to the casting station and into molds. Information Week reports on integration between Cisco Unified MeetingPlace and the Jabber Extensible Communications Platform from Jabber Inc. The residential area encompasses carefullytended members' homes and gardens, children's houses and playgrounds for every age group, and communal facilities such as a dining hall, auditorium, library, swimming pool, tennis court, medical clinic, laundry, grocery and the like. Doctor Love knew this so he made another great invention just for the lonely you! The effect is much stronger in the ocean water than in the solid crust so the water bulges are higher. Nebula are currently busy preparing for our flying visit to the midwest. Over 190 full color pages of the latest products for the temperature, flow, environmental, pressure, DAS and heaters market. Practicing pain management physicians provide personal responses to your pain related inquiries. It comes out twice a year, in April and October, and consists of previously unpublished poems contributed by their authors. If you want to join the movement, attend meetings, and help make a difference in your community, please fill out the form below. Our starting price for one of these Custom Banners is $395. Some or all of the joints may be fixed rather than pinned, but the main contribution to the stiffness is provided by the triangulation. The Many Worlds observatory is a proposed mission that would launch a gigantic sun shade into space. Read a word, say a word about the band! The Accessibility Task Force works with accessibility organizations, technology vendors and others to help promote Web accessibility. Over 650 free resources for growing evangelism in your youth ministry. These cattle often did better than the cattle which the colonists had brought from Europe.
Sunday, February 4, 2007
Blog 4
Leading a way to observational essay
I have chosen to do my observational piece on an Alter. An Alter is also known as a shrine to some. It holds our faith, our ancestors, and most important the deity to which we worship. I believe it is important to do my observational piece on this because it is important that people understand other culture and religion. In addition this will give other people an opportunity to broaden their knowledge about the way of Buddhism. There is a technique on how we place our Alter and how we setup up our Alter as you can read on one of Geocites web page.
Buddhism is a religion that originated from India and over many years has spread all over Asia including a vast majority of Vietnam. Buddhism also exist in America as Asian-Americans continue to carry on the same religion as their parents. It has a tremendous influence on my family and me. Buddhism all started by a man name Siddhartha Gautama. Siddhartha was a prince who one day sought to search for answers on human sufferings. He would sit for days without eating in search for inner truth on why we go through our daily routine of struggles and sufferings. He spent many restless nights under a tree in hope for the truth about human suffering. From this it was said that he became “enlightened”. Five major precepts of Buddhism are first is to respect all living organism, all beings have a right to their lives and that right should be respected. This does not apply to only human but also any other living organisms. Second, is to avoid stealing. One should avoid taking anything that does not belong to them. Third, is to avoid sexual misconduct. This precept is often mistranslated or misinterpreted as relating only to sexual misconduct but it covers any overindulgence in any sensual pleasure. Forth, is to refrain from false speech. This goes along with avoiding lying, deceiving, and slander. Finally, is to abstain from substances that cause intoxication and recklessness. These precepts are strictly followed by monks and nuns. I was taught these five precepts; but I don’t strictly follow it, I do try my best to follow some of it.
In Colorado alone, there are more than 10 Vietnamese Buddhist temple; 2 of which are in the Denver metro area. The Alter on which I will be doing my observational piece will be in a Temple of Federal St and Iliff avenue. Temple is unique and can be distinguish from other buildings in America in that the architect have very unique features as can be seen in one of the Temple in New York. The temple architect is influence by Asia. Most famous of these architect are located in Thailand, the temple in Thailand are usually tall and vibrant.
Within each Tempe there is an Alter. An Alter is a place where people can gather and pray. People come here to pray every Sunday in respect to all the deity; they come here to prey when there has been a death with the family in hope that their love one will be able to escape this realm and go on to a better one; they come here to pray in time of distress; and they come here to pray when they feel lost and need guidance.
Blog 3 -- YouTube
Care Bear
In this clip there are Care Bear of different identities each representing plant, rain, sun-shine; all of which are important factor of life. Plant produce an essential element significant to life, it produces the oxygen that we breathe in. Rain is nature’s way of keeping our environment in balance. Sun is our energy, it allows human existence. All of these are essential to life.
Aside from the Care Bear that represents signs that are essential to life, there’s also Care bear that represents optimistic abstracts such as love, wish, and luck. Love is an abstract, it can not be measured nor can it be seen; but none the less it has the power to conquer all. Wish is also an abstract, it gives us hope. Luck is our fortune.
In video clip, Care Bear is the focal point. Each care bear signifies something such as plant, rain, sun-shine, love, wish, and luck. Bears in different colors sing and dance to lively musical songs. Each has different shapes imprinted on their belly; these shapes allow the audience to identify what sign each bear represents.
Through out the video clip, the lyric “Nothing is better than to be a care bear. I want to be a care bear” is also a focal point since it was repeated many times over and over again. The Care bear made a clear point that there is nothing better than being a Care Bear; they stated that they don’t want to be a cook or fire man nor do they want to be in a marching band.
Music is a great source to use when the purpose is capture an audience attention, one reason behind this as it has been proven in scientific study/experiment is that music stimulates the brain. In addition, the uses of vibrant colors are also used as a captivating method for it too takes part in stimulating the brain. In the video clip, the author/producer avoid using dull colors; instead colors like fierce red, sky blue, spring green, sun yellow were used. The clip shows them skipping on the clouds, sitting on the moon, painting balloons, dancing, and sliding down poles. These Care Bear helps us recapture our childhood memories as it remind us our carefree days. They are the days to which we never had to worry about much if at all anything.
The video clip has an important role in helping us recapture our childhood days. It reminds us about the days in which we were also carefree. Addition the video clip reminds of about the important of everyday simple little things such as plant, rain, sunshine, love, wish, and luck. I believe this video clip also hold its importance in reminding us that we all have our own identity of who we are and that we should be proud of who we are and not want to be something else.
This video clip was broadcast on YouTube. YouTube can be seen as a community of on-line viewers and/or broadcasters. It is a website used by millions of people, it allow us to interconnect by enabling us to broadcast our video online so millions of other viewers can view it. Other type of entertainment such as TV does not allow this type of interaction within the community.
In this clip there are Care Bear of different identities each representing plant, rain, sun-shine; all of which are important factor of life. Plant produce an essential element significant to life, it produces the oxygen that we breathe in. Rain is nature’s way of keeping our environment in balance. Sun is our energy, it allows human existence. All of these are essential to life.
Aside from the Care Bear that represents signs that are essential to life, there’s also Care bear that represents optimistic abstracts such as love, wish, and luck. Love is an abstract, it can not be measured nor can it be seen; but none the less it has the power to conquer all. Wish is also an abstract, it gives us hope. Luck is our fortune.
In video clip, Care Bear is the focal point. Each care bear signifies something such as plant, rain, sun-shine, love, wish, and luck. Bears in different colors sing and dance to lively musical songs. Each has different shapes imprinted on their belly; these shapes allow the audience to identify what sign each bear represents.
Through out the video clip, the lyric “Nothing is better than to be a care bear. I want to be a care bear” is also a focal point since it was repeated many times over and over again. The Care bear made a clear point that there is nothing better than being a Care Bear; they stated that they don’t want to be a cook or fire man nor do they want to be in a marching band.
Music is a great source to use when the purpose is capture an audience attention, one reason behind this as it has been proven in scientific study/experiment is that music stimulates the brain. In addition, the uses of vibrant colors are also used as a captivating method for it too takes part in stimulating the brain. In the video clip, the author/producer avoid using dull colors; instead colors like fierce red, sky blue, spring green, sun yellow were used. The clip shows them skipping on the clouds, sitting on the moon, painting balloons, dancing, and sliding down poles. These Care Bear helps us recapture our childhood memories as it remind us our carefree days. They are the days to which we never had to worry about much if at all anything.
The video clip has an important role in helping us recapture our childhood days. It reminds us about the days in which we were also carefree. Addition the video clip reminds of about the important of everyday simple little things such as plant, rain, sunshine, love, wish, and luck. I believe this video clip also hold its importance in reminding us that we all have our own identity of who we are and that we should be proud of who we are and not want to be something else.
This video clip was broadcast on YouTube. YouTube can be seen as a community of on-line viewers and/or broadcasters. It is a website used by millions of people, it allow us to interconnect by enabling us to broadcast our video online so millions of other viewers can view it. Other type of entertainment such as TV does not allow this type of interaction within the community.
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