D#11 HW#3 Develop Evaluative Resources

1. My audience for this project is my professor, fellow classmates, tribal members, officials, and anyone interested in tribal casinos. I think that my audience would want to know the information that supports my answer to my research question. I believe that casinos are good for tribes and for their surrounding communities and I plan on providing supporting documentation and information stating the benefits of them. My audience needs to know of these benefits and the positive impact they have and then they can decide for themselves if they agree with me or not.

2. The purpose is to educate my audience on the positives of tribal casinos. I think that statistical information is what is going to achieve my purpose the most.

3. Casinos are fairly new to most tribes but there are a few that have been around for a long while. I have gathered information from the beginning to the present to have the most detailed information possible. This timeline gives me the chance to discuss the major differences between then and now and how the “older” casinos have made an impact and have paved the way for the “newer” casinos. The history of Native Americans plays an integral role in my research as this history is what makes the tribal casinos possible. My information must also be recent to show the changes that have been made since the beginning of tribal casinos.

4. I really didn’t have to narrow down my research question. I have found plenty of information to answer my question sufficiently and so far I don’t think that any of my research in tangentially relevant. I think everything I have fits into my paper “puzzle” in one way or another, big or small.

5. I do have the flip side of this issue. I have gathered information regarding the negative effects of tribal casinos as I know that this needs to be addressed as well. It is something that each tribe has to deal with and I can give more information as to how they are handling these issues.

6. How they are comparable to non-native casinos. I think it’s been interesting to read about how they are comparing to Las Vegas and Atlantic City. Although I could probably work it into my paper somehow I don’t think that it’s as relevant as stating the positive impact that tribal casinos have on their communities versus stating facts about competing casinos.

D#10 HW#15 Reflection

Well this deadline kind of confused me even more but from what I've been told, if I'm not overwhelmed I'm not doing something right in this research process haha...So, I did great at getting more confused! I do have everything organized though and I'm trying to piece together all the information I have into some sort of order but I know it's going to take me a little bit longer to figure out exactly how I want it to be. This is helping me towards my personal goals as well as the course goals. Slowly but surely I'm getting there, few major bumps in this road but I think I'm going to be ok :)

D#10 HW#14 WP Reflection

The biggest step for me in this writing project was getting everything organized!! I’m not too sure about if I completed everything the right way but I’m glad that I was able to complete it at all. I’m also not sure what I would do different the next time around because I just don’t understand bibliographies. I know what they are for but I don’t know how to write them down. Like I said, I’m just proud to have completed this project. With all I have been through this past month I’m very happy to be sitting here at my computer being able to type my thoughts and feelings. But what I was most concerned with on this paper is the correct way to cite my resources. I know that even with more time I won’t understand how to cite them correctly without some professional help! My reports on Turnitin.com states that I’m not allowed to view the originality report so I guess that’s a good thing I haven’t heard anything from the Professor. In terms of learning about this writing, I worked on describing my resources much better and being able to give an overview of how it would relate to my topic. I do feel that I have improved on that area greatly! The outcome I was working towards was just to basically finish it at all haha…it’s been a long, long month for me and hopefully I can finish this course. Although I’m not too keen on this project I am looking forward to writing the next paper. I hope everything will come together nicely. I feel that I should be able to write a decent paper.

D#10 HW#12 Editing Strategies

I read them all just like I did the last time and I find that Owl is what I like the best. It's hard to proofread and edit when you don't know what you're doing. It seems to make me 3rd and 4th guess everything I wrote so I don't think I would change anything right now as I'm still confused with it. I'll just have to wait and see what happens. UGH!

D#10 HW#9 Construct An Argument

Should Native Americans be allowed to own and operate casinos?
Native American tribes across the United States should be allowed to own and operate casinos because it provides a way for them to become more self-sufficient and it would also lessen the dependency on the federal government for financial assistance.

Ethos:
I believe that I have credibility as a member of a tribe that runs casinos. I know firsthand the benefits of them and can give genuine knowledge as to the improvements in my own life.

Pathos:
History will be a huge part in arguing the pathos of this issue. The history of mistreatment of Natives for centuries will play to my audience’s emotions and maybe they will learn something that they didn’t know before.

Logos:
Logos will complete my ethos and pathos. The research I have found so far is based on stats, expert opinions, personal experience, as well as observations when one drives through a reservation and can see improvements slowly being made possible because of the casinos.

D#10 HW#10 Understand Your Warrants

1. Yes I believe so.
2. Yes I think it does.
3. Yes they should.
The person who read my thesis statement said that it provided a reason for my claim and that the warrant provided connected with my reason.

D#10 HW#8 Develop Emotional Arguments

- I feel like I need to defend my ancestors. People need to know and realize the effects of the past and how it's affecting Native communities across this country. Although mose people support casinos there are people who oppose them and don't understand the reasons behind their necessity. These people are who keep me motivated; I'd like to educate and expand the horizons of these opponents. I want them to try to understand as I know it might not necessarily change their mind and their views on this topic.
- This affects every citizen whether they know it or not because their tax dollars end up on reservations in the form of federal assistance to help run the programs on them. On the other hand, when the money being profited from the casinos is kept on the reservations and/or given back to the tribal members, they put this money right back into the local community. Casinos might affect my audience's families/friends by association or word of mouth. They also might find that they would like to be employed by a tribal casino.

D#10 HW#7 Develop Your Authorial Ethos

- Being a member of a tribe that owns 3 casinos, I benefit directly from them. I can give firsthand knowledge of these benefits and how it has made an improvement in my own life.
- I have many non-native friends that support casinos, some even work there, and they always have questions about how much casinos differ and how the benefits differ from one tribe to another. With this research I will be able to better answer their questions when they arise.
- CQ Researcher offers some studies of tribes before and after casinos, and how it improved/not improved the native communities.
- My whole audience would be persuaded by the research I've found either one way or another. They do come from reliable sources and provide a generous amount of proof for each argument.

D#10 HW#6 Draft a Thesis Statement

Native American tribes across the United States should be allowed to own and operate tribal casinos because it provides a way for them to become more self-sufficient and it would also lessen the dependency on the federal government for financial assistance.

D#10 HW#5 Cluster Map

I'm not sure where to get the cluster map but I can answer the questions about the map I drew on a sheet of paper.

1. Should Native Americans be allowed to own and operate tribal casinos?
2. The possible answers that a couple co-workers came up with are the same ones that I came up with while conducting my research for this question. It seems like I have what I need so far.
3. Everything on my map applies although I have more pros than cons but I do think I have more knowledge being a Native myself.
4. While writing down these possible answers I immediately thought of what I have gathered so far and I have something for every answer on my cluster map. I do believe I'm in decent shape.
5. I always think the worst of any situation just so I don't have any surprises. I do believe that my audience will have questions regarding the cons of this issue so I'm trying to gather as much information as possible on this side of the cluster map.

D#10 HW#4 Define the Rhetorical Situation

- Should Native Americans be allowed to own and operate tribal casinos?
- I'm Native American and I want to be able to answer question that arise when I'm asked what nationality I am. It never fails that someone will ask me where I'm from and if my tribe has casinos and if I'm rich! haha .. I would like to be able to educate based on facts and not assumptions.
- My audience is my professor and fellow classmates and potentially tribal officials, tribal members, other tribes than my own, supporters, opponents as well as anyone who is interested in getting the statistical facts regarding tribal casinos.
- I believe that tribal casinos are good all around and with my traditional background I'm all for the forward progression of Natives everywhere.
- My answers to this assignment are pretty well rounded and interesting facts.

D#9 HW#8 Reflection

Well it's been a while. I swear something always happens to me every semester to make things more difficult than they already are! But I'm grateful to still be alive and I'm very humbled at the present time. So, with all that said I really am just glad to get through this class up to this point. I do have everything that I need and I just need to focus and really concentrate so I can write WP#3, which is pretty hard these days but it is on my personal course goals list to get through this research process. I also believe that I'm doing ok with the course competencies, well I think so anyways, because it all makes sense to me. I'm still kind of stuck with the bibliographies but I think those will come in time. And I'm also understanding this research process more and more with every deadline. Hope everyone else is doin well :)

D#9 HW#4 Citation Style

1. Tribal Casinos
2. APA/MLA
3. APA
4. Not publishing anywhere

D#3 HW#3 Introduce Secondary Resources

- This info is helpful in describing the impact of reservations/tribes on federal spending. It is a huge amount that can be lessened by tribal casinos. This can give my audience who oppose casinos another perspective to think of.
- Peter Katel is the author and although I don't think my audience would know of him I'm sure that his credentials as a writer who covered the southwest region might give him insight as this area is heavily populated with Native Americans.
- Native Americans have relied heavily on the federal government for financial assistance. In Katel's CQ Researcher Report (2006) federal spending on Indian programs of all kinds nationwide currently amounts to about $11 billion, James Cason, Associate Deputy Secretary of the Interior, told the Senate Indian Affairs Committee in February. (p.364)

D#8 HW#9 Reflection

I can honestly say that I am truly starting to understand annotated bibliographies YAY!!!!! I do, however, still have trouble trying to cite them but I hope that I can get some feedback to help me with this issue. So, this week's reading and assignments have been a significant weight off my shoulders! I do have to finish my WP#2 but I didn't want to wait any longer just because of my need to post everything in order hahaha ... I'm working on that for my personal goals. I am proud of what I have been able to accomplish so far in school. It's the middle of the semester and I am still here! Even though I work 20 hours a week and am a single mommy to 3 kiddies I am still finding the time to do homework, how is the question I'm always wondering!! Well, I hope everyone else is doing great as well :) ttfn

Rodas & Bretz HW#4

D#8 HW#6 Cover Sheets

September 23, 2009
“American Indians”
CQ Researcher Online, Vol. 16, Issue 16
Author: Peter Katel
CQ Press, A Division of Sage Publications
Published April 28, 2006
Online Report
Mesa Community College Library
CQ Researcher Online
Summary: Gives a history and statistical information regarding Native Americans.
There is a section in this article that gives information regarding the benefits of tribal casinos and the positive effect they have on the economy of the reservation.
I have printed a copy of this report and have it on hand.
The author is Peter Katel and he is a CQ Researcher staff writer who previously worked for Time and Newsweek and also for newspapers in New Mexico.
I believe the author provided this information for those who would like to know more about the happenings of Native Americans. I don’t believe he was trying to persuade his readers but rather than educate them on the history of Natives and then compare to national statistics to see the problem areas of the tribal communities.
This resource provides me with plenty of information regarding the past of the Native Americans as well as the future due to tribal casinos. I won’t use all of the information in this article but it does give ample evidence and statistics that could be very useful in answering my research question.
This resource in consistent and logical and seems to be similar to my other resources. The only difference with this resource is that it gives different perspectives rather than just one.


October 12, 2009
“Indian Gaming Benefits Tribes”
Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center
Author: Dave Palermo
Editors: David Haugen and Susan Musser
Detroit, MI
Published 2007
Mesa Community College Library
Opposing Viewpoints in Electronic Resources
Casino benefits and the impact they have on tribal communities. Provides a brief history and then goes on to state the changes made in the economic growth of a tribe located in Washington that has a casino.
The author is Dave Palermo and he is a freelance writer and President of Native First Communications, a gaming media consulting firm.
I believe that the author is trying to persuade his readers into supporting tribes who have casinos as they are providing the tribes with additional monies which are then being used to improve reservation life.
I think his audience is more for the skeptical people who are either opposed or undecided on whether or not Native American should own and operate casinos. He chose information that is solid proof on the positive aspects of said casinos and doesn’t provide any information that argues his views.
This resource does answer my research question and clearly supports tribal casinos. This resource is similar to other resources that also support tribal casinos and it is consistent and logical.

D#8 HW#5 Evaluate Validity

I can definitely identify the claim, reasons, and evidence in the resource I chose. Yes the reasons logically support the claim by providing statistical evidence. I do have other resources that share the same perspective and provide additional statistical support to their claims as well. I also have resources that argue these claims. I do believe that the resources that share the same perspective did gather their information the same way and then presented them in a similar manner. There are many benefits of tribal casinos and each resource provides information on the biggest factors that affect the tribal communities in a positive way.

D#8 HW#4 Track Bibliographic Information

The author is Dave Palermo and the name of the article is “Indian Gaming Benefits Tribes.” It was published in 2007 and I found it on October 12, 2009 in the Opposing Viewpoints database located in MCC’s electronic resources.

D#7 HW#12 Reflection

Every deadline I'm gaining more confidence and sometimes I wish that I could just skip to the end and work backwards! It's easier for me to write my paper and then find the research to fit and if I find more information it's a bonus! And the bonus material makes my paper longer. But I'm appreciating the fact that I'm learning a new process even though I may "regress" into my old ways! I know I'm working towards the course competencies even though these annotated bibliographies are a major road block for me!! I will get through this the same way I did this week with my daughter being sick and now me. My personal goal was to not get too far behind this week due to us being ill. I'm always improving on my research and writing skills and thankfully I'm still excited to get started on the next deadline!

Boyd HW#5
Bretz HW#5
Bretz HW#7
Rodas HW#7

D#7 HW#11 Grammar Assignment

Ok, soooo, since I'm having such a hard time with the annotated bibliographies I thought I would delve into this subject for this week's grammar assignment. Well, needless to say I'm just as confused as I was before but I know that I have improved on annotating my resource and how it will help me in my final paper. As I wasn't sure I was right to begin with I don't have anything to edit but I did however change up the way I annotated my sources. I went to the Owl at Purdue and GrammarGirl for information regarding this serious issue of mine!

D#7 HW#10 Annotated Bibliographies

Anonymous. (2009, June 26). Cherokee Nation Enterprises announces creation of hundreds of jobs in 2008. Native American Times, 2. Retrieved October 12, 2009, from Ethnic NewsWatch.

Although the author of this article is anonymous it does come from the magazine titled Native American Times and this is a credible source. This article answers the question of where the casino profits go within the Cherokee Nation. There are questions that are posed regarding the scrupulous spending of the funds that are generated from the operation of casinos and this article goes into specifics of which tribal programs and services benefit from the funds. This article source provides specific statistics as to where the funds are delegated to which makes this a great reference to showcase the positive impact made in the tribal community of the Cherokee Nation.



Ebbott, Elizabeth, & Graves, Kathy Davis. (2007). Indians in Minnesota. Economic Development (chap. 8). Mesa, AZ: Ebrary. Retrieved October 11, 2009, from http://site.ebrary.com.ezp.mc.maricopa.edu/lib/mesa/docDetail.action?docID=10180202&page=144&p00=native%20american%20gaming%20casinos

Ebbott and Graves dig deep into the Minnesota tribes economic past and present. They state how significant casinos have improved the economic stability of the reservations within the state. They also elaborate on the opportunities that are available to all citizens of the state of Minnesota but yet few Native Americans actually take advantage of these opportunities. This chapter delves into the businesses that are being run by the tribes and how they are contributing to the self-sufficiency that seems to be lacking in Indian country. The authors provide more than ample information regarding my topic and the issues that surround it. The information stated in the first paragraph of this chapter is what will be most useful to me and it provides yet another positive outlook on the benefits of tribal casinos.

Palermo, Dave. (2007). Indian Gaming Benefits Tribes. Opposing Viewpoints: Gambling. Retrieved October 12, 2009, from Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center. Mesa Community College database.

The author Palermo is a freelance writer and President of Native First Communications, a gaming media consulting firm. He goes into great detail about the benefits of the casinos and the impact that they have on reservation life. He gives examples of economic growth on a reservation in Washington as well as the pride that was restored to the people after decades of defeat. There are details given in regards to the overall increase of jobs and improvement on reservations in general which will prove useful to answer my research question. This resource is unique in that it provides local information as well as national.

Weier, John W. (2007). The Economic and Social Effects of Casinos. Gambling: What’s at Stake? Retrieved October 12, 2009, from Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center. Mesa Community College database.

The author of this resource goes into great detail on the positive and negative effects tribal casinos have on everyone involved. There are statistics/numbers for the nation as a whole as well as tribal casinos. There are many aspects to the negative side of casinos and this article provides a generous amount of information to fulfill this aspect of my topic choice. This resource is unique in that it gives the positive and negative sides in one place and this will be very useful for my final paper.


WHEW!!! I'm not liking these thingys! :(

D#7 HW#8 Summarize & Paraphrase

This resource describes how the Cherokee Nation Enterprises utilizes their casino profits. It goes into detail about what services and programs benefit the most and also states how the profits are reinvested to generate jobs in the local area. From these profits, the Cherokee were able to join forces with major corporations and expand on their casino businesses. These expansions with their new partners will only increase casino profits and their communities will benefit even further in the future.

My friend read this summary and stated that he was interested in reading the article to see the facts that were given. He said that nothing further was needed as this quick summary grabbed his attention but then again he works in a casino so I think that had a lot to do with his eagerness to read how the Cherokee’s were doing.

Gaming dollars account for the majority of the Cherokee Nation's general fund, which finances these vital services. Without support from Cherokee Casinos, services that rely on the tribes general fund could be cut by more than half.

The Cherokee Nation has a general fund which relies on casino profits to run the programs within the tribe. Without these profits, it’s possible that this fund could decrease by more than 50% therefore decreasing the money directed towards vital services (Native American Times).

I wasn’t sure how to cite the resource at the end of the paraphrase. It was an article in the Native American Times which I accessed through the library database but it was facts that were in the Cherokee Nation’s fiscal report. What do I cite??

D#7 HW#7 Annotate a Resource

1) This article states that the author is anonymous
2) The purpose of the text is to state the reasons behind the success of the casino within the Native community. I believe that the intended audience is the local area of the casino and possible anyone who would like to know where the casino profits for this particular casino are going.
3) The major claim made by this article is how the Cherokee Nation Enterprises created hundreds of jobs in 2008.
4) The main reason behind this claim is the simple fact that the Nation reinvests their money back into their own businesses and dedicates a portion of their profits into creating and maintaining jobs locally.
5) This evidence is provided in an annual report titled “Where the Casino Money Goes 2009” and it gives details on the finances and how it has increased yearly.
6) This resource can be helpful to me in trying to explain how casinos are benefiting tribes and how the profits are increasing and allowing the tribes to expand on their businesses. This resource fits very well with the other resources I have found on this aspect of my topic.

D#7 HW#6 Situate a Resource Rhetorically

The author is Peter Katel and he is a graduate of the University of New Mexico in University Studies. I’m assuming that because he wrote this article for CQ Researcher that they are his employer. He has been affiliated with Time magazine, Newsweek, and worked as a reporter in New Mexico. I believe that he was trying to provide information on how tribes are indeed making progress due to casinos. From what I have read it seems that he has gone to the roots of the tribes he was researching and that helps me to identify the purpose of his work. I think that because he was a reporter in New Mexico that he was in close contact with the tribes there and possibly sympathized with their struggles and through his article he was trying to pass along information to his audience. Maybe his audience was unaware of the constant struggles nor did they understand how casinos benefited or didn’t benefit the tribes.

D#7 HW#5 Reading Purposefully or Rhetorically?

Well, I can honestly say that most of what I have read in the past couple days have been rhetorical readings. I had an application to finish for my Statistics Lab so I had to find reputable, credible stats to fit into my project so my audience (classmates who will see my presentation as well as my professor) would be informed on the data that I collected. So, I did consciously have this goal in mind when reading articles pertaining to my sample question. I also paid lots of attention to the rhetorical elements because the information needed to educate my audience and myself. I think I'm understanding the rhetorical situation for this lab assignment so it was easier to skim through the websites and if the information didn't somewhat answer my question then it wasn't going to be purposeful or useful in my rhetorical situation. Unfortunately, I haven't read anything for this class but from past experiences and deadlines it seems like it has been mostly purposeful reading so I decided not to further read some articles because they couldn't answer my research question.

D#7 HW#4 Ask A Librarian

So I chatted with Trish the "virtual librarian" on Friday, October 9th @ 4pm. I asked her where I could find peer reviewed resources and what other search terms I could use. She was very thourough and was straight to the point! I learned that only peer reviewed resources are in databases and that opposing viewpoints and academic journal will offer a tab that is dedicated to peer reviewed journals. If I'm not in the library and I need to ask a question I will definitely use this tool again. It's better to ask a stupid question than to not ask one at all! So this is my reasoning for using this option again.

D#6 HW#13 Reflection

As always I am slowly working towards the course competencies and I’m grateful to say that I’m understanding this process a whole lot better with every assignment and deadline. I’m hoping that I’ll keep understanding these annotated bibliographies! Sneaky lil things they are! As for my personal goals I have lifted some major weight off my shoulders by catching up so I’m excited to get started on the next deadline. I was wondering why I wasn’t getting any feedback in my blogs, I was sure it was because I was behind everyone else but come to find out the URL address for my name on the main page was wrong!! It had 4 w’s instead of 3 so I’m hoping that you guys will comment me now and give me some feedback =) Like I said in the beginning of this, I’m understanding this process a little bit more with every assignment and deadline! I hope this continues because I’m starting to have fun now!

Bretz HW#3 & HW#8
Boyd HW#3
Palmer HW#5
Klindenberg HW#5
Rodas HW#5 & HW#8

D#6 HW# 11 Writing Project Reflection

My biggest step for this writing project was to collect my thoughts and put them into some sort of order that would make sense to my readers. My proposal was based on what I already know about this topic. I don’t think I would change my writing process for this type of project but I would definitely try to expand on the information I know and give more examples that relate to this subject. I know that there will be more steps in the next project as it is different than a research proposal. The thing that I’m most proud of for this project is that I wrote it based on my own knowledge. It did make it seem a little bit easier because once I start typing it’s hard to stop so it was just a matter of rearranging my thoughts and either adding or deleting some information that didn’t seem pertinent to the issues I was presenting. I do wish I could’ve had some more feedback but I’m ok with what I’ve come up with. I know that I can only improve and to get my work turned in on time will greatly help me too! As for my report on Turnitin.com there wasn’t any. The similarity was 0% so I’m not sure if I was supposed to go elsewhere on the site to find anything. In terms of learning about writing, I specifically work on transitioning my paragraphs to make sure that they “flow” as I would like them to. I’m always going to be working on that aspect of my writing as well as coming up with more sophisticated words. (Being a mom it seems I’ve lost my big girl vocabulary along the way!) I feel that I’m achieving the course outcomes throughout every single assignment and I’m glad to say that I’m understanding everything. It all makes sense to me so that is making it a lot less complicated for me to get through these deadlines. I’m also hoping that for the next project I will continue to click with this research process and be able to prepare a good bibliography. For this current project it didn’t take me too long to finish it so that made me feel good and that was evidence enough for me to realize that I was definitely making progress. In the past it would take me days to finalize a paper due to second guessing and just plain not knowing what I was doing! So hopefully this understanding between me and research will continue. Everything that I have stated here will rollover into the next project and I am constantly working on every aspect of my writing.

D#6 HW#9 Editing Strategies

I went to the first 2 choices to read about proofreading my paper. I do read aloud and in a sarcastic tone when reading over my paper. I know it sounds really stupid to read it sarcastically but it really does help me. I also imagine myself in front of a lot of people. I also take a pencil and circle words or parts of my paper that don’t seem right to me so I can go over them again and again until I figure out how to fix it. The only thing with my paper is that I need to add more examples but I’m really unsure of what those are at this point. I have asked a couple people to read my paper and they said that it was good, they didn’t offer any additional advice so I’m hoping that my mistakes will be minor. So all in all I like the tips that these websites provided because a few of them I have been doing since high school. That makes me feel like I’m doing something right!

D#6 HW#8 What's Your Plan? What Does It Look Like Now?

1) So far I would like to collect information about the positive and negative effects of a casino on tribal lands. How does it affect the Native and non-native community? Has any progress been made in improving the quality of life on reservations? Has employment rates increased? Those are the categories I would break my research down to. It could be further broken down but I will do that as I research because I know other aspects of this topic will arise.

2) I’m going to start with books because it seems the most time consuming yet there aren’t too many books available on this topic. Then I plan on moving to databases such as CQ Researcher and Opposing Viewpoints. I feel these databases will provide an abundance of information! Then I’m going to work on the surveys and interviews as I will be able to prepare more specific questions from the research I have found up to that point. I also plan on looking up newspaper articles from Native resources as well as magazines. I’m hoping to find ample research from these sources.

3) I don’t necessarily have a deadline but I will constantly be working on gathering information and as long as I can keep everything somewhat organized I know I’ll be just fine. It’s hard for me to give a specific date as something always seems to come up in my single mommy life! As the book states, I’m hoping to work more consistently by making my tasks small and just chipping away at this research project.

What does my research plan look like now?
I believe I just answered that above! My primary resources are going to be interviews with tribal officials and tribal members in the communities that have casinos. I might be able to fit in an “observation” of a casino but I’m not sure how I could work that into my final paper. My secondary resources are going to compliment my primary research on each side of this controversial issue. My deadlines are open as I’m just going to work on this project one day at a time but I also understand that it needs to get done in a timely fashion.

D#6 HW#7 Annotated Bibliographies

I know that 3 of these were supposed to be from ebooks or periodicals but I feel that these resources will be more helpful to me in the long run. I felt that it would be a waste of time to look for another ebooks resource as I previously had a difficult time trying to find something that would pertain to my topic. Even if I were to find one I don't think it would work as well as these ones would.

Katel, P. (2006, April 28). American Indians. CQ Researcher, 16, 361-384. Retrieved October 5, 2009, from CQ Researcher Online, http://library.cqpress.com/cqresearcher/cqresrre2006042800.

This report from CQ Researcher provides information on all aspects I would like to incorporate into my paper. It provides an overview then goes into detail with specific details regarding the issues surrounding tribal casinos. CQ Researcher is a reputable source and I will be referring to this site often for information.

Marshall, P. (2003, March 7). Gambling in America. CQ Researcher, 13, 201-224. Retrieved October 5, 2009, from CQ Researcher Online, http://library.cqpress.com/cqresearcher/cqresrre2003030700.

Another report from CQ Researcher that provides information on all casinos in the U.S. with the Native casinos included in this report. It gives statistics on the negative aspects of gambling. This will go good with the opposing views of whether tribes should be allowed to own and operate casinos.

Giago, Tim. "Tribes Have Traded Sovereignty Rights for Casino Profits." At Issue: Indian Gaming. Ed. Stuart A. Kallen. San Diego: Greenhaven Press, 2006. Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center. Gale. Mesa Community College. 5 Oct. 2009 .

This article came from opposing viewpoints in the library database. More than anything it provides additional sources at the bottom of the page and this should lead to further resources. It does provide a glimpse into tribal sovereignty and how it enabled tribes to negotiate compacts with their respective states. This sources is reputable since it comes from the library database.

Krutz, Jonathan. "Casinos Hurt Local Businesses." At Issue: Indian Gaming. Ed. Stuart A. Kallen. San Diego: Greenhaven Press, 2006. Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center. Gale. Mesa Community College. 5 Oct. 2009 http://find.galegroup.com.ezp.mc.maricopa.edu/ovrc/infomark.do?&contentSet=GSRC&type=retrieve&tabID=T010&prodId=OVRC&docId=EJ3010370213&source=gale&srcprod=OVRC&userGroupName=mcc_mesa&version=1.0.

This article states the reasons why some people oppose the operation of casinos by Native American tribes. It also provides additional resources at the bottom of the page which will be useful in gathering additional research.

D#6 HW#6 Search for a Variety of Resources

1) I could use the databases at the campus library to find reputable sources that state the pros and cons of Native tribes owning and operating casinos. I don’t think blogs would help me answer my research question but I think they would be useful in gathering opinions of the community who may have posted a blog(s) about the effects of casinos on them and their community. News-related web sites could definitely help me focus my research as well as periodicals. Books, web sites, periodicals, databases, newspapers, video files from news stations, and journals will hopefully prove to be very useful to me.

2) I think the most authoritive information will be from CQResearcher. The reports offer a little bit of everything and I can usually get more ideas from reading these articles. The only downside is that most of them are 30 pages or more! That’s quite some reading material! But they do offer a lot of information. I plan on using books and websites (static), magazines (syndicated), and interviews and surveys (dynamic).

3) I want to look in .org or .edu websites as they are usually more reputable than .com sites. I’d like to have information that is fairly recent so I won’t be using outdated research unless it pertains directly to the research I’m talking about in my paper, such as the pre-casino Native and non-native communities.

D#6 HW#5 Alternative Key Words & Develop a List of Search Terms

Native Americans and casino
Tribal casinos
Native casinos
Slot profits from Native/tribal casinos
Tribal sovereignty and casinos

Will not work: casino, tribal, native americans because they are way too broad

After talking with the librarian she suggested the key words of Indian gaming, native american gaming, tribal gaming and casinos, tribal casino compacts, native casino compact

She also suggested opposing viewpoints which would give me a wealth of information on each side of this controversial topic. There was so much information that she gave me I had to stop her and tell her that I was already starting to get overwhelmed haha!

D#6 HW#4 Should You Conduct Primary or Secondary Research

I think that both of these methods of research will compliment each other for my topic. Both types will educate my audience on the direct effects of the casino on native and non-native communities alike. Some people may want to know that their money spent at a casino goes back into their own community through the slot profits paid to the state by tribes. I think my audience will value both types as they will give specific information that will compliment the other so both of them put together will be more convincing research. To answer my topic question thoroughly I’m going to need statistics to compare pre-casino to the present state. I have access to plenty of resources regarding this topic so it shouldn’t be a problem finding the right information. The challenge will be picking and choosing which information to put into my final paper. If I have any problems trying to locate information I will ask the people who work at the library to point me in the right direction. Hopefully I won’t get too far off track here!

D#6 HW#3 Essay Thoughts

What I liked about the distance learning essay was that it was short and sweet. It didn’t offer much in examples of why distance learning might replace traditional instruction which I would’ve liked to read about. It did, however, state the reason why one might choose distance learning. This essay wasn’t the required 4-7 pages long, didn’t offer different positions on this issue by potential audience members/parties. The sources stated at the end of the essay didn’t offer the reasons why they are relevant, what the purpose is, and how they relate to the audience. I also didn’t understand the controversy surrounding this issue or how the author is invested in this topic. So, although it seems like a good start I believe that this essay needs more information to fit into the WP#2 assignment prompt.

D#5 HW#9 Reflection

I think I'm getting the hang of this! I'm still working toward the course competencies and as long as I can keep all my information somewhat organized I know that I'll be just fine in understanding what this class is all about .. I'm so excited! I know that I'm still behind and I'm sorry for that but a part of my personal goals this week is to catch up! I'm doing extremely well for everything that is happening in my life right now; it's nothing negative but with still trying to unpack and still get into a routine with my daughters everything seems to be happening all at once! We're doing great so I'm hoping that all will fall into place during this next week :) I hope everyone else is doing well, too! As for this week's work helping me better understand research and writing? I find it more helpful to read my classmates blogs to better understand what it is I'm doing wrong and right. I'm slowly but surely getting on track with the help of them!

Bretz D#5 HW#4
Palmer D#5 HW#4
Klindenberg D#5 HW#6
Boyd D#5 HW#6

D#5 HW#8 Grammar Assignment

I focused on proofreading for this assignment. I took the idea of reading my paper backwards to check for spelling errors and then I re-read it normally to check for commas and other grammatical errors. I did both of these exercises out loud because I find that reading my paper out loud makes more sense to me and I can always change something when I do this. I also circled things that I could change.

“Many Native American governments across this country are building casinos. I belong to the Seneca Nation of Indians and my reservations located in the Western New York area are home to all three of our casinos. I believe that for my tribe, as well as countless others, to thrive in this day in age a solution is needed to help alleviate the economic crisis that has plagued our reservations for decades, if not centuries. With the sovereignty status as a separate government, tribal officials have made or are in the process of making compacts with their respective states for the right to operate Las Vegas style casinos within reservation lands. However, there are many obstacles that have to be overcome in order for these tribes to accomplish their goals. These obstacles are what makes this topic of tribal casinos such a controversy.”

I know that I can probably change something in this introduction but I just don’t know what. It needs something. I did have a friend proofread it for me but he seemed to think it was good. No help for me there! For this assignment I went to Grammar Girl and to Daily Writing Tips. I absolutely love GG as she makes everything seem so simple; this website is very resourceful to me and will continue to be.

D#5 HW#7 Annotated Bibliographies

WIVBTV. (2009, October 1). Senecas Expanding Buffalo Casino [Video file].
Video posted to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2VRFBW4PmUk

Although this video is short it states that the hotel and resort portion of the casino is still on hold. I will be able to use this as a part of the opposing points of casinos.

Foxwoods Resort Casino WIN TV. Podcast retrieved October 3, 2009, from http://www.videopodcasts.tv/mediap.php?feed=590&ep=1

Well I couldn’t view this pod cast correctly. It didn’t state the producer and I was confused by the title/episode and the series. I wrote what information I could about this pod cast. I feel that it could be informative as to what a casino hotel and resort can offer the surrounding communities. It can also offer a glimpse into the casinos themselves and their amenities.

D#5 HW#6 Decide What Primary Data to Collect

I’m thinking that observing a person, place or activity wouldn’t really relate to my paper. Although, I could observe people in a casino and then perhaps conduct an interview on how much they spend, what their views are on the tribal casino and how they feel about tribes owning and operating them. Interviews would be highly resourceful for this topic. I can get specific details on how the profits are being spent and if they are making a difference in the Native communities. I could interview tribal officials as well as tribal members and ask them how they feel about their casinos. With a survey I could get the same information as an interview but on a much larger scale; surveys would provide me with statistics and I would be able to break them down and compare them to the national statistics of all tribes across the country. I do feel that I could conduct surveys in the time left before the final paper is due. If I don’t feel like I could accomplish this by the deadline I won’t be using this aspect of primary research.

D#5 HW#4 Peer Review

http://summer-english102blog.blogspot.com/2009/09/d4-hw9-wp1-draft.html
http://corey2458.blogspot.com/2009/09/d4-hw-9-2.html

This was a fun assignment! I like reading other papers because it give me much insight as to what I’m doing right or wrong whether I really know it or not. I learned from peer reviewing these papers that I need to expand more on my paragraphs and/or my points. I also feel that I could use more complicated words. Being a mom makes me lost my big girl vocabulary! So I need to use the thesaurus more to improve on my wording. I wish I could have comments on my paper but the link on the main page for my blog doesn’t work! I don’t know what do to from here …..

D#5 HW#3 Paragraph Analysis

I started with the fact that tribes must make a compact agreement with their respective states to build and run a casino. This is where the process starts. I then presented in the next paragraph the opposing sides of the casinos once the compacts are approved by the tribes and states. This paragraph is where most of the controversy lies. In the next paragraph I stated the reasons why I’m invested in this topic and I transitioned my further interest in this topic in the next paragraph. I believe my paragraphs all relate to one another but I do feel that I could definitely use better transitions from paragraph to paragraph and I know my paper could always use some improvement. In my final paragraph I stated my research options and my timeline and also the reason(s) why my audience as well as my potential audience would be interested in my research.

D#4 HW#12 Reflection

I’m understanding how to cite the works that I’m finding a little bit better, it seems like it’s different for every article even if it’s in the same genre or category. I did find it very useful to review and post comments on my classmates’ HW#11 as it seemed like they knew what they were doing more than I know what I’m doing. I’m slowly working towards the course competencies but it’s hard when I don’t have anyone to ask and get an immediate answer, but that’s the life on the online class! So I hope that I can make something out of all this overwhelming information that I’m accumulating haha … as for my personal goals, I’m slowly working on that as well. Everything seems to be coming together in my personal life as well as this course so that’s a good feeling. I’m not too good at gathering the information/research first and then putting it all together; I would rather write my paper based on the knowledge that I already know and then find the research to fit my final paper and if I happen to find additional research that makes it better than that’s a bonus! It’s less stressful for me and it doesn’t seem to overwhelm me as much as this process for this class. But I’m up for the challenge and learning a new way to conduct research.

Bretz D#4 HW#4
Bretz D#4 HW#11
Cox D#4 HW#4
Cox D#4 HW#11
Klindenberg D#4 HW#4
Rodas D#4 HW#7

D#4, HW#11 Bibliography Entries

French, Laurence Armand. (2000). Addictions & Native Americans. Indian Gaming and U.S./Indian Policy (chap. 9). Retrieved September 30, 2009, from http://site.ebrary.com/lib/mesa/docDetail.action?docID=5007285&p00=tribal%20casino

This ebook is about the addictions that are common amongst Native Americans. It also has a section that is dedicated to what is being called “the new addiction” which is Indian Gaming. This chapter gives an overview on the pros and cons within the Native and non-native communities.



King, P.. (2008, December 31). Tribal casino Industry 2008. Indian Country Today, p. 11-12. Retrieved October 1, 2009, from Ethnic NewsWatch (ENW).

I retrieved this newspaper article from Ethnic NewsWatch. The last half of this article gives updates on a few tribes and their negotiations with their respective states regarding their status on gaming applications.


I hope that I'm doing this somewhat right! I have always had a problem citing my works.

D#4, HW#9 Draft of WP#1

Should Native Americans be allowed to operate casinos?

Many Native American governments across this country are building casinos. I belong to the Seneca Nation of Indians and my reservations located in the Western New York area are home to all three of our casinos. I believe that for my tribe, as well as countless others, to thrive in this day in age a solution is needed to help alleviate the economic crisis that has plagued our reservations for decades, if not centuries. With the sovereignty status as a separate government, tribal officials have made or are in the process of making compacts with their respective states for the right to operate Las Vegas style casinos within reservation lands. However, there are many obstacles that have to be overcome in order for these tribes to accomplish their goals. These obstacles are what makes this topic of tribal casinos such a controversy.
Some of the nations have made compacts with officials from their respective states to reacquire lands that once belonged to their ancestors and this allows them to build and then operate Las Vegas style casinos on the new “reservation” but at what cost? Some people think that because there are stipulations put on the casinos by the state, the tribe surrenders a part of their sovereignty. Each tribe prides themselves on the fact that they are separate governments so when they agree to these compacts they also agree to pay the state a certain percentage of their profits. It is this stipulation that some believe violates the centuries old treaties made between the tribal and federal governments. This presents a controversy within a controversy.
Also included in another aspect of the casino controversy is whether or not people support gambling; there are also people who give tremendous amounts of support to the tribes in their quest to become financially independent; they view these tribal casinos as a way for Native Americans to finally be self-sufficient and not depend so heavily on federal aid to support their communities. The supporters sympathize with the constant struggles of the Native people dating back to 1492. On the other hand, some critics argue that Natives shouldn’t be allowed to build casinos in the first place as this will affect the non-native communities in a negative way. They feel that casinos are a negative environment and couldn’t possibly be good for their community. I plan on further exploring this aspect of the casino controversy as I don’t know much about this side of it all. Needless to say, it will definitely be an eye-opening experience for me due to the fact that I belong to a tribe that owns and operates casinos.
As I stated above, I am invested in this topic by being born a Native American. When I moved here to Arizona from New York I was wondering if the tribes down here had casinos as well. After meeting a few Native people from this part of the country and learning that they did have casinos located on their reservation, I then became interested in discovering how their tribes built their casinos. I wondered if they had obstacles to overcome as well and I also wondered if their peoples’ way of life had improved or deteriorated. The Native way of life is comparable to that of a third world country. When one drives through a reservation it’s easy to see why there is a great need to generate as much capital as possible to improve Native communities. Tribal officials are constantly looking for ways to improve and enhance their reservations while still being able to maintain their sacred sovereignty, their dignity, and their pride.
I plan on gathering my research through books, online newspapers, periodicals, databases, and/or interviews with tribal officials. I know the research is limited on this topic and could possibly present a challenge but I am confident that the methods of research mentioned above will provide sufficient information when combined together. I will need to accomplish my research as soon as possible so I can have an abundance of information to pick and choose from for my final paper. I’m very interested in how my final paper will come together. I’m also interested in learning about how other tribes, besides my own, have utilized their casino profits. I will then convey this information to my potential audience which may consist of casino supporters, anti-gambling groups, citizens of the communities surrounding the casinos, tribal members, and tribal officials. I know that my audience will better understand the history of Native Americans and will be able to make a conscious decision on whether or not to support tribes across this country in their quest to own and operate casinos

D#4, HW#8 Inventory of What You Know

I believe the central issue surrounding tribal casinos is good old fashioned money!! The controversy is how tribes can build casinos but non-natives aren’t allowed to. Most people disagree with tribes being allowed to build them. I believe that each tribe is trying to not be so dependent on the government for funding of their tribal programs. With casinos a tribe can generate enough money to be very self-sufficient and provide for their own. I have witnessed firsthand the benefits of having a casino as my own tribe has grown leaps and bounds in the past 4 years.

D#4, HW#7 Writer's Place in the Rhetorical Situation

What sparked my interest in this issue is my relocation from NY here to AZ. I seen that there are also tribal casinos here and I wanted to explore how the tribes here are benefiting from them. I only know a little bit about this topic so I wanted to learn more as I cannot answer my own research questions. During preliminary exploration I have been surprised by the difference in how each tribe disperses and allocates their profit. I value this issue because I am a Native American and I want to educate myself on other tribes and their way of life.

D#4, HW#6 Write a Research Question

1) Who really benefits from the casinos?
What happens to the communities surrounding the casinos?
When do casinos help the non-native people who live near them?
Where does the tribe get funding to build these casinos?
How can tribes build casinos off of the reservation?
Why should tribes be allowed to build casinos in the first place?
Should all tribes be allowed to build casinos?
Would casino operations threaten tribal sovereignty?

2) I want to share this information and I am defining the reasons behind the need for tribes to generate major capital by building casinos. I will also be comparing and contrasting how each tribe is different in how they operate their casinos.

3) I am writing to an audience that may be gamblers. Maybe they show their support by putting a few bucks into the slot machines. Maybe after reading my research paper they will know where their money goes and how it benefits tribal community.

4) I could write on any of these questions but with the information that I found earlier today I would focus on the “why”, “should”, and “would” questions.

5) I think that these questions could all work together in my final paper. They can each be answered with tribal sovereignty and the final question actually asks about sovereignty.

D#4, HW#5 Focus Your Research Topic

The things that come to mind when I think about what other people think of tribal casinos is that most of them are resentful for the fact that we get “kickbacks” from our casino and bingo operations. I don’t think these same people realize how much my tribe, along with plenty of other tribes, have gone through or what our ancestors had to endure centuries ago. All they really see is how we don’t pay taxes on our reservations and/or they think we have an easy life. It’s hard for someone to really understand unless they have been to the reservation and have actually seen how we live. It’s not all about the money and glitz, it’s more about preserving our traditional way of life so that our culture will not be forever lost. I’m hoping that it would be interesting for someone who hasn’t had the opportunity to really experience a glimpse into reservation life to read about the reasons behind tribal casinos.

D#4, HW#4 Reflect:How Can I Make a Topic Manageable?

1) I think that the first topic I chose would’ve made a great, informative paper that would help educate my audience on the dangers of the inexpensive nail salons. I just couldn’t find any information and with me being behind on my deadlines I felt that it wasn’t in my best interests to research further and risk not finding anything. With my backup topic I do feel that I can find plenty of research regarding tribal casinos and how it impacts the Native American communities. My tribe has 3 casinos and it would be interesting for me to research how casinos are affecting other tribes across the U.S., so yes I would be satisfying the need that first prompted me to think about this topic in the first place.

2) I’m always interested in my culture and heritage. I think it’s going to be very educational learning how other tribes are doing economically with the addition of their casinos. I’m originally from NY and I absolutely love living here in AZ because I’m learning about the Natives that live here. Even though I’m Native too, the traditions of the tribes down here are different from my own so it’s been a great opportunity to expand my horizons and take in everything I can.

3) The topic of tribal casinos is very broad and there is an abundance of information out there. I narrowed this topic down by exploring how tribal sovereignty was the key that opened the door to tribal casinos. There will be no problem finding information about this topic.

D#4, HW#3 Techno-Tip:Listening to Conversations in Progress Online

I looked through a few topics .. I couldn’t find much on tribal casinos or tribal sovereignty but I did find a couple blogs by Native Americans. One had links to the different media resources targeted for the Native population. I browsed through those links as well and I will be returning to further explore the issues of sovereignty soon! The blogs that I did read were pretty much the same, although one blog had more links to such things as herbal remedies and native recipes. I didn’t learn anything from these blogs but it did refresh my memory on some of the other resources that are available to me through the links provided at the bottom of the blog page.

D#3, HW#12 - Reflection

The assignments for this deadline are helping me to decide which topic is going to be right for me. I did start off very excited about one topic that I came up with but it was hard for me to find reputable information about it! So now I’m at a point where I have to think of one of the other topics I had come up with. Just what I needed when I’m already behind! *ugh* I hope that I can get this together in time and there is a light at the end of the research tunnel as I had found plenty of articles and “research” material in just one day for one of my backup topics! I’m getting excited again =) I know that everything in these deadlines are definitely helping me to better understand research and I’m actually having fun with it all … that was unexpected as I usually loathe educational researching. All in all though, I am on the road to achieving both the course and my personal goals. Happy researching everyone and thank you for helping me to better understand this process!

April Boyd HW#3
Corey Palmer HW#3
Andres Cox HW#4
Andres Cox HW#5
Lorraine Schmidt HW#6
Lorraine Schmidt HW#7
Corey Palmer HW#8

D#3, HW#11 - Annotated Bibliography

Well, I couldn't find a whole lot of information regarding MMA being used illegaly in the nail industry so I decided to go with a backup topic and fortunately I was able to find some good information on that topic. So, I just might change my topic.

Katel, P. (2006, April 28). American Indians. CQ Researcher, 16, 361-384. Retrieved September 23, 2009, from CQ Researcher Online, http://library.cqpress.com/cqresearcher/cqresrre2006042800.

This article covers a wide range of issues in Indian communities across the United States. It delves into the topic of tribal casinos and how it affects the sovereignty of the tribes. The information provided in this article are reputable as it comes from the CQ Researcher website. I know that reading this will help me answer my research question thoroughly!


Marshall, P. (2003, March 7). Gambling in America. CQ Researcher, 13, 201-224. Retrieved September 23, 2009, from CQ Researcher Online, http://library.cqpress.com/cqresearcher/cqresrre2003030700.

As with the other article, I know that this information will help me generate a considerable amount of information that will help me to answer my research question(s) on tribal sovereignty and how it impacts their economic survival which, for some tribes, is based on casino operations. CQ Researcher is a reputable site and I will be referring back to their website often.

D#3, HW#10 - Citations

Gillan, Ian, Ritchie Blackmore, Roger Glover, Jon Lord, and Ian Paice. “Space Truckin.” Machine Head. iTunes. http://www.apple.com/itunes/store (accessed October, 3, 2007).

Gillan, Ian, Ritchie Blackmore, Roger Glover, Jon Lord, and Ian Paice. “Space Truckin.” Machine Head. XM station 41, The Bone Yard. http://www.xmradio.com

I absolutely can NOT do citations!! I'm gonna need some serious help with this. So, the first couple is all I could kind of figure out, I could be so wrong!

D#3, HW#9 - Techno-Tip:Using Technology

Discount nail shops. Hmmmmm, I know that I have had my nails done there before but had I known then what I do know I would’ve never stepped foot in there at all! When I was younger I had my nails done for special occasions so it’s not like I had them done regularly. It wasn’t until I was a married woman living overseas that I had my nails done on a regular basis. She eventually inspired me to become a nail lady myself. I came back to the states to have my third baby and while I was awaiting the arrival of my little one I attended nail school part-time. It was in school that my instructor passed out a small packet of papers that described the dangers of the products being used in the discount nail shops. While reading these papers I ripped off the nails that I had on because I had them done at one of the discount salons! I couldn’t believe what I was reading. I always thought that the nail technicians did an excellent job because my nails never lifted, they never yellowed and it was inexpensive. What I had learned was that these shops were using a product that was from the dental industry. It was illegal to use it in the nail industry but it couldn’t be banned due to the fact that the dental industry used it. It was relatively cheap compared to the professional nail products and because it was meant for your teeth, this is the reason it never lifted nor yellowed. It made perfect sense to me now! I also read in the handout that it could cause serious health conditions if used over a prolonged period of time and the fumes are harmful as well. I’m very interested to see what information is available today. I graduated nail school in January 2000 so it’s been almost 10 years since I’ve read any information on this topic.

D#3, HW#9 - Rhetorical Analysis

What is the research question?
My research question will be along the lines of “Why are nail services heavily discounted in certain nail salons?” or “How do the nails from the discount nail salons differ from the nails of the more expensive salon/spas?”

What is the context?
The context of my projects will be information about good and bad nail products and the health hazards associated with each one.

What is the purpose?
The purpose of my projects is to educate my audience why the nail services of the discount salons are so inexpensive.

Who is the audience?
Everyone! I’m hoping that anyone who reads my final paper will share my research with someone they know. I know that most women either have their nails done now, or have had them done in the past so this information will pertain to them.

How do you fit into the context?
I’m a licensed Nail Technician and I have had my nails done in the discount salons plenty of times! After reading the information about the nail products that are used in said salons, I have not had my nails done there since. I do my own nails with professional products that are specifically designed for nail enhancements.

How do the answers to these five questions affect one another and your understanding of the topic?
The answers affect each other greatly! They are all pieces to the puzzle of understanding why the discount nail shops are so cheap. Hopefully I’ll be able to help everyone who reads my paper understand the difference between nail products and then make an informed decision. I will be able to better understand this topic myself and will be more qualified to educate my clients once this course is completed.

I think my audience for WP#1 will be everyone but my audience will shift more towards women and the professionals in the beauty industry. As for WP#2, I believe my audience will still be everyone (myself, teacher, classmates) due to the fact that I haven’t got to the point of writing my final research paper. This assignment was hard for me to do! I’m not sure if I’m understanding this part of all of this.

D#3, HW#7 - Consider Audience and Purpose

1. I have really been leaning towards the topic of low cost nail salons and my question about them is why are they so cheap? When I was in school learning how to do nails my instructor gave us a handout on the alleged products that are used to perform nail enhancements. I ripped my own nails off as soon as I read the article! I could see why they could offer their nail services at a highly discounted price and I also understood how their product was superior to what everyone else was using. I know my audience would be interested in learning about this topic because everyone knows someone who has had their nails done in one of these nail shops. This is also why this topic would relate to my audience’s experience.

2. The purpose of my research and writing is to inform my audience of the products being used in the discount nail salons. Since I am a licensed Nail Technician in New York and here in Arizona I will definitely be using this research to educate my current clients and also my potential clients. When writing about this topic I need to keep in mind who I am writing to. I want to be able to write a good research paper for educational reasons but I also want to be able to use this paper after this class is completed. I eventually want to take portions of my research and make a brochure to present to my clients. So I need to keep my audience in mind.

D#2, HW#8 - Reflection

All the reading and work for this course is going to help me achieve the course competencies. Research papers are my weakness but this book really helps me to understand and organize my thoughts. It might not be pretty with all my papers and notes all over the place but it's definitely a work in progress. I don't think I've ever heard anyone say that research was neat!

As for my own personal goals, I'm way behind on that! I'm in catch up mode so I apologize to everyone for not having my blog up-to-date. I'm working on it so please bear with me. I am glad to say that I am understanding everything so far so I don't feel like I'm too far behind everyone. I am determined though!

Finally, the work this week doesn't really help me understand better but I do know that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. I know that research is messy and I'm trying not to let that overwhelm me as I am a very neat and organized person (I'm a Virgo!) So, I am just going with the flow and I know that all of this is for a good reason. I can say that I do understand everything I am reading so it's just a matter of me putting all the pieces of the "research puzzle" together in the end!


I replied to ....
Marissa Rhodes D#2, HW#3-6
Marissa Rhodes D#2, HW#7
Summer Bretz D#2, HW#3

D#2, HW#7 - Grammar Assignment

I went to Purdue Owl and read about numbers. I had a draft that I was working on a few months ago and I was having some trouble trying to decide how to write out numbers. After reading this tutorial I realized I was actually doing it correctly, much to my surprise! So, unfortunately, I don’t have anything to correct. I am glad that I did read up on this though because now I won’t have to second guess myself when it comes to numbers.

Secondly, I went to Grammar Girl. I love her! She is so direct and to the point. I can easily understand what she is explaining and that makes it comprehendible. I always have a really tough time with who vs. whom. This site really helped me to understand the difference and it turns out to be really simple. Who knew? (he knew, no “m” so it’s who, haha)

D#3, HW#6 - Generate topic ideas

Illegal nail products used in the nail industry
Tribal sovereignty
Tribal casinos
Prevention of child abuse
Children of divorce / Step parenting
Single parenthood / Getting an education as a single parent
Raising well rounded children
Child Support Issues / Deadbeat Dads


What should a potential client ask their nail specialist about the products they are using? And how will these products affect their health and well-being?
How does tribal sovereignty play a role in a tribes society?
How does tribal sovereignty play a role in the tribal casino?
What should be done to help prevent child abuse?
What should a stepparent do to become an effective stepparent?
What should a single parent do to get an education?
What should a parent do in order to receive the child support their children are entitled to? How can they ensure that the support will be properly collected and how effective is the child support system?

D#3, HW#4 - Find out what's important to you

1. In my home it’s just my daughters and I. We usually talk about the things that happened in their day at school. We also discuss things that are pertinent to their specific age group. I believe that communication is important with my children so we’re always talking about something that happened at school, something in a television program and/or movie and sometimes things that their friends tell them. While at school my instructors engage the entire class in some sort of discussion that will help us learn what we’re studying. Professionally speaking, I’m constantly learning new techniques, new product lines, a new “trick” to make my job a little easier and I’m always meeting new people. So, I discuss what products are good for their specific needs and I also like to educate them on how to make their nail services last longer. I’m really not involved in my community here in Arizona, but back in New York my family is involved with politics so I often attend meetings and fundraisers where the discussions are usually about how we, as a community, can improve.

2. An event that shook me to my core was my children being abused. It is a terrifying experience that I will never forget especially since my girls still have some lingering effects. I will always have questions regarding this issue so I know that it will be a lifetime learning experience. As for my academic community, I’ve experienced many obstacles on my way to my degree and it’s made me doubt my abilities. In my career field it was the revelation of illegal products being used in nail salons that has been the most memorable and has left nail specialists with numerous questions and concerns. In my community back home it’s our sovereignty that raises many questions and concerns for the people, both native and non-native, who are affected by the construction of tribal casinos.


3. My concern with my children being abused is their ability to be mentally strong to overcome the abuse. I’m also concerned about my ability to be strong for them. On my academic journey I have encountered many, many obstacles so I’m concerned about my abilities to finish what I started. I’m finding out what else I’m made of and I’ve been pushed farther in the past 18 months than I have at any other time in my life.
Professionally speaking, I’m concerned with job security due to the economic recession in this country. Within my community there is the issue of casinos. Some people are for it and some people are against it. Again, some are native and some are non-native.

4. Child abuse - my children, myself, their father, their stepmother and the children they share together, my family, his family, her family, my closest friends … this situation has affected an enormous amount of people! I think it’s easy to see why everyone is involved.
Illegal nail products - this discussion would involve my client and myself at first as my client would be receiving a nail service. I would hope that once my client is educated on this topic she would spread the knowledge.

5. Child abuse - I talk to my girls all the time about what happened to them. I then talk to my friends to let out my frustrations and to “vent.” I keep my family updated on how my daughters are doing all the time. As for talking with my ex-husband and his fiance, I don’t. Not to say that I haven’t tried.
Illegal nail products - these discussions take place on the job.

6. Child abuse - I talk to my girls all the time! We never have a set topic of what we discuss, we just talk about what happened in detail and then I can better understand what they went through.
Illegal nail products - the exact name of the “bad” product is methyl methacrylate (MMA). I then continue to tell my clients what little information I know about it and how it’s not a good product to be using on her nails.

7. Child abuse - there was a child abuse case in my small community that resulted in the stepparent taking the life of the child. It’s important to the people in my community to be aware of situations such as this so they can prepare themselves to be able to help those in need. It was a shocking event and the aftermath was unbelievable. I hope that nothing like this would happen in my community again so this research could potentially help many members cope with such circumstances.
Illegal nail products - I think this is significant to the members of my professional community because not many know the adverse effects of these illegal products being used. These products can have potentially dangerous side effects but most people overlook these in favor of the positive aspects of the finished look of their nails. It’s important to educate the professionals and then they can educate their own clients.

8. Child abuse - for me to start to resolve this problem I had to forgive my childrens’ stepmother. If I didn’t I would not be able to help myself learn the techniques required to help my children. Then I can turn to my community to see what they can offer to my family.
Illegal nail products - I think that in order for my career field to resolve this problem we need to get educated! We need to read all that is available and I’m even considering taking some samples to a chemist to really find out what is in the nail products of the cheaper salons. This should make for some good reading material!!

D#3, HW#4 - Identify Kairos

1. The motivation is coming from my determination to finish this course once and for all! I want to do the best that I can but I am also interested in expanding my knowledge in the topics that I’m considering. This research should help in understanding my career field should I choose one subject and with another subject I will expand my awareness in regards to my heritage. Another subject will help me to help my children with what they have had to encounter in the past 18 months so it’s a topic that I can learn from right along with my children.

2. I’m a Nail Specialist and I work in a salon/spa. There are constant improvements being made to the nail products, therefore, I need to stay up-to-date with all this information. There are also certain nail shops that do not use the proper products and I want to learn as much as I can about them so I can relate this information to my own clients. With the other topics, I wish to learn about other Native American tribes and their sovereignty. The last topic I’m considering at this time will allow me to learn how to help children overcome the adverse effects. My children were being abused by their stepmother while I entrusted their care to their father. It is a topic that is close to my heart but I believe that I need to be able to help other children and families who have or are going through a similar situation.

3. I think I answered this question in #2. I guess with the nail products topic, there are so many women/girls that are getting their nails done in the cheaper nail shops not knowing what type of products are being applied to their nails. I want to properly educate the consumers but to be able to do that I need to have reliable information and this class will allow me to do just that. With tribal sovereignty I wish to learn how other tribes have made theirs stronger through the creation of casinos on their lands. And with the child abuse topic I really want to be able to continue to help my children overcome the consequences of their stepmothers choices.

D#3, HW#3 - Essay

I like that she has had experience with both breastfeeding and bottle feeding. I do feel that she could've elaborated on the pros and cons of each choice due to the fact that she has the experience of doing both. She also could've stated the "valid" reasons why mothers make the choice they do. Sometimes women don't always make their decision based on the needs of their baby; they make decisions based on their own needs. With her expanding on it would give her paragraphs a basic outline and more options to research. Other than that I thought it was interesting. I would also have liked to read what her husband thought about this topic. This aspect would give her male audience reason to be interested in her final paper because maybe they just had a baby or are expecting and trying to decide with their wife/girlfriend which choice would be better for them. Good topic though!

D#2, HW# 6 - What are your idiosyncrasies?

1. They enjoy reading what I write and that my papers are easy to read. I can explain things so it's easy to understand where I'm coming from.

2. I feel that when I'm writing I say the same things over and over again!

3. I find myself trying to "upgrade" my words. I also don't think I'm using the right pronouns and I always second guess the subject-verb agreement.

4. I did good in ENG101. Mostly A's with my B papers just needing more examples and/or clarification.

5. My choice of words is elementary. My 14 year old daughter can write better than I can! She's amazing!!

D#2, HW#5 - How do rhetorical situations compare?

1. It's a controversial subject and some people don't have the correct information.

2. Tribal casinos and tribal sovereignty. In the present time on many indian reservations across the States because this is where the casinos are located.

3. Teacher, class, myself, tribal officials

4. My tribe is in the casino business but I don't know too much about this topic. My experience with my audience is for educational reasons. It doens't affect my research.

D#2, HW#4 - How do research processes compare?

PERSONAL

1. My children were involved in a child abuse case. Their stepmother was abusing them physically and mentally so I needed to find out some "guidelines" to help my children overcome the consequences of her actions.

2. How can I help prevent child abuse? How can I be an effective stepparent? How do I deal with children who have been abused? How do abused children heal? How can I help them heal?

3. Online with a few articles and websites, then I branched off of those links.

4. Everything wasn't always just physical and mental abuse, there were a lot of articles that also included sexual abuse which didn't pertain to my situation. It was difficult to find information that was on just the physical and mental aspects. There was so much information out there!

5. I ended up reading books I found while researching. I was able to read them at my leisure and take notes. All-in-all this research was very helpful in helping me with my daughters.

6. I would like to sit down with a mental professional and pick his brain about this issue but everything else was good.

D#2, HW#4 - How do research processes compare?

ACADEMIC

1. In the past, for this class, I researched how to recognize the early signs of depression to be able to help someone in need. I used the library to search the databases.

2. What are the early signs of depression? What are the "blues"? Does depression always require medication(s)? Why do people ignore the signs of depression? How can we learn to help someone with depression?

3. Online

4. I felt I couldn't get conclusive answers so I had to dig deeper and put together all the information I was finding.

5. I had a lot of information and research regarding this issue, it was great!

6. I wouldn't - I was happy with the the things I had found and with the way I had found them.

D#2, HW#3 - How have you conducted research before?

1. I had to research airline flights for my daughters to fly back down here from vactioning in NY. I'm on a tight budget so I wanted to find the lowest priced flight that would allow my youngest daughters (minors) to fly with my 14 year old daughter who was considered an adult passenger. I wanted to know what airline would offer me an affordable flight while still allowing my children to fly all together. I wanted to find out the unaccompanied minors policy for each airline I looked up. I also wanted a non-stop flight or a flight with just one stop.

2. It involved me, my children, and my grandmother since she helped me pay for the tickets. I conducted the research by myself.

3. I went online to specific websites for several different airlines. I also went to hotwire.com, expedia.com, and travelocity.com. I asked my daughters input as to what times they would like to fly and on which airline. One of the airlines offered DirecTV in all the seats! I also gathered information about this specific airline by asking my family and friends back home if they had ever flown with them.

4. I decided to go with JetBlue since it left early in the morning and because they offered DirecTV which my girls loved! They basically chose this one for me.

5. We considered all options since there were pros and cons to each choice. Time wasn't a factor.

6. With each reservation made the website gave me the option of emailing and faxing the itinerary to several people. This was very helpful since my family were going to be the ones to take my daughters to the airport.

D#1 HW#12 - Compare & Contrast

I know that I will be able to pick up any reading material and feel that I could complete a research project for any given topic. With the help of this class I hope to become more interested in the process of researching. I also hope that I will be able to easily accomplish the tasks of preparing a proposal, bibliography, and a final argumentative paper. I just have to keep in mind that it is a process and to handle the task at hand and not think ahead! I hope that I will have a great portfolio at the end of this course and that it will be easy to write .. hopefully!

D#1 HW#10 - Weekly Calendar

I believe that I will have plenty of time to complete my course work during this semester. I am a single mommy but my children are older and they definitely understand that I am going to school so we can have an easier life. They help out with household chores and they have learned how to cook and clean; they are responsible children and I am grateful that they are able to help out in every way that they can! This activity was good for me because it allowed me to really see what time I have leftover after classes and work. I will definitely be hanging this up on my refrigerator! :)

D#1 HW#9 - Introduction

Hello, my name is Denise! I'm in my 2nd year here at MCC on my way to a Psychology degree and hopefully to ASU next fall. I'm taking this class as a part of my transfer requirements and although I love to write papers, I really don't like writing research papers unless it's for my own enjoyment! *haha*


I'm a member of the Seneca Nation of Indians and am originally from a small reservation located about 30 miles south of Buffalo. (think freezing winters brrrrr) I have lived here in the valley of the HOT sun since May 2005 and I love it down here! I'm a licensed Nail Specialist in NY and AZ and I'm currently working at 2 salons AND out of my home. *whew* I am the mother of 3 beautiful daughters who are 14, 11, and 9. Where does the time go?! They are growing up way too fast for me! *another whew*


Well, I guess that's a little introduction to me. Good Luck to everyone this semester!!!!

I had some major issues with trying to embed my animoto video into this blog! Each time my browser stopped working and closed!! Soooo I just added the link and my browser is still working yay! Sorry if this causes any problems for anyone else.

http://animoto.com/play/wLzCxF3xHz0PsPMdQtjLjg?autostart=true

D#1 HW#7 - Questions, Concerns, Suggestions & Help

Nothing to post ... for now!!