Eric Brende titled one chapter as; Pulling in the Reigns. This chapter covered their one weakness is conforming to Minimite ways. They successfully lived without any form of modern technology with one exception; the automobile. The Brendes decide to buy a horse, which they named Isabel, as their form of transportation. Along with it they purchased a wagon, a driving harness, a work harness, and a couple of saddles. Even after the total cost of purchasing these items, they were still ahead of what it would cost to drive their car.
It soon became time for the Brendes to leave their current residence, as this was part of the agreement Eric and Mary had set. It was very hard for them to leave, especially Mary. She had become more attached to the place and the people, the Millers, for example, than she ever thought she would. They spent plenty of time saying goodbyes to others, like the Joneses. Before the Brendes left, Mr. Miller said, "You'll do well wherever you go." This gave Eric and Mary a sense of confidence before their trip back to Boston.
Back in Boston, the Brendes tried getting back into the workforce. They did odd jobs foe awhile. They rented a small apartment and with little expenses. The Brendes did their neighbor's laundry and other jobs for him, which shows what they were willing to do for less expenses. It became harder for them to live without modern technology. They succumbed to the use of a telephone/cell phone, car, power tools, and a washer and dryer. Otherwise, they did not own a computer or television. Their children were indulgers of books.
Eric Brende said that technology itself is not a bad thing. People rely on it too much. He stated that we should let technology work for us, not us working for it. It indeed simplifies life, but he thinks it complicates it at the same time.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Quizzer 202 to End
What were the reasons that Brende ultimately gave up his car? What did they use that money for?
He gave it up because the insurance he would have needed to buy would have become too expensive for their need. They also felt it was time to get the full meaning of minimizing the use of technology and live like the others in the community. They chose to purchase a horse that could pull a buggy for them for their mode of transportation. The horse could be used for minor farming needs and obviously for the Eric and Mary’s primary transportation.
Why was Mary choosing to avoid riding on the horse buggy as the book goes on? What other time in her life did she have similar effects?
She learns that she is allergic to the horse and tries to avoid it at all costs. It put her in a very bad situation considering that it was their only way of mobility now that they don’t have a car. When she was a young girl her bedroom window was facing a horse farm and the wind would carry the dander into her room, she never fully put the pieces together that it was the horses that she was allergic to.
What jobs did Brende and Mary take when they went to live in Boston for a short period of time after their time at the Minimite Community?
Mary took another accounting job to make some income. Brende was actually a taxi driver for a while, and then switched to a rickshaw driver, and at the same time as these jobs they chose to start a Bed and Breakfast out of their house, while also making soap to sell or barter with others.
Did they choose to go back to the Minimite type of lifestyle or choose to go to the present day technologically driven one?
They tried to help start up a new type of minimal use of technology community but it ultimately didn’t work. They then moved into a new village that they could practice very little use of technology and use the techniques they learned from their time at the Minimite farmland. To this day they still stay away from technology like televisions, and computers. They try to come up with alternatives to every form of technology out there and see how far they can get from technology if it would be somewhat productive.
According to Brende what are the three reasons for moving toward a lifestyle of minimization?
1. “A modern automatic machine is no mere inert tool.” It takes a lot of time and money just to keep it working. It gobbles up energy. It costs a lot more money than it would to do a task yourself.
2. “Avoiding Usurpation”- takes away jobs that us humans should be doing.
3. “Recalling the need or end in view” subverts very purpose for which it was deployed. The unforeseen costs and problems may actually slow us down rather than speed up the task at hand.
He gave it up because the insurance he would have needed to buy would have become too expensive for their need. They also felt it was time to get the full meaning of minimizing the use of technology and live like the others in the community. They chose to purchase a horse that could pull a buggy for them for their mode of transportation. The horse could be used for minor farming needs and obviously for the Eric and Mary’s primary transportation.
Why was Mary choosing to avoid riding on the horse buggy as the book goes on? What other time in her life did she have similar effects?
She learns that she is allergic to the horse and tries to avoid it at all costs. It put her in a very bad situation considering that it was their only way of mobility now that they don’t have a car. When she was a young girl her bedroom window was facing a horse farm and the wind would carry the dander into her room, she never fully put the pieces together that it was the horses that she was allergic to.
What jobs did Brende and Mary take when they went to live in Boston for a short period of time after their time at the Minimite Community?
Mary took another accounting job to make some income. Brende was actually a taxi driver for a while, and then switched to a rickshaw driver, and at the same time as these jobs they chose to start a Bed and Breakfast out of their house, while also making soap to sell or barter with others.
Did they choose to go back to the Minimite type of lifestyle or choose to go to the present day technologically driven one?
They tried to help start up a new type of minimal use of technology community but it ultimately didn’t work. They then moved into a new village that they could practice very little use of technology and use the techniques they learned from their time at the Minimite farmland. To this day they still stay away from technology like televisions, and computers. They try to come up with alternatives to every form of technology out there and see how far they can get from technology if it would be somewhat productive.
According to Brende what are the three reasons for moving toward a lifestyle of minimization?
1. “A modern automatic machine is no mere inert tool.” It takes a lot of time and money just to keep it working. It gobbles up energy. It costs a lot more money than it would to do a task yourself.
2. “Avoiding Usurpation”- takes away jobs that us humans should be doing.
3. “Recalling the need or end in view” subverts very purpose for which it was deployed. The unforeseen costs and problems may actually slow us down rather than speed up the task at hand.
Interviews and Video
Here are links to two interviews with Eric Brende.
http://www.libraryjournal.com/article/CA421058.html
http://oldarchive.godspy.com/life/Better-Off-Flipping-The-Switch-On-Technology-by-Eric-Brende.cfm.html
Two links to video of Eric Brende.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cxumsox8jWc
http://video.google.com/videosearch?q=eric+brende&emb=0&aq=f#
Vocab. pg.202-234
Gallivant (p202): to wander about, seeking pleasure or diversion
Tantamount (p203): equivalent in effect or value
Peruse (p203): to read through with thoroughness or care
Kibitzing (p203): to look on and offer unwanted, usually meddlesome advice to others
Coquettishly (p205): a woman who flirts lightheartedly with men to win their admiration and affection; flirt
Equine (p206): of, relating to, or characteristic of a horse
Consortium (p207): any association, partnership, or union
Emanates (p217): To come or send forth, as from a source
Agronomic (p218): Application of the various soil and plant sciences to soil management and crop production
Artifice (p221): trickery; guile; craftiness
Tantamount (p203): equivalent in effect or value
Peruse (p203): to read through with thoroughness or care
Kibitzing (p203): to look on and offer unwanted, usually meddlesome advice to others
Coquettishly (p205): a woman who flirts lightheartedly with men to win their admiration and affection; flirt
Equine (p206): of, relating to, or characteristic of a horse
Consortium (p207): any association, partnership, or union
Emanates (p217): To come or send forth, as from a source
Agronomic (p218): Application of the various soil and plant sciences to soil management and crop production
Artifice (p221): trickery; guile; craftiness
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Journal 4
We have learned a lot about the Minimite subculture of people and the way they lead their lives. The culture is based off minimizing the amount of technology used and finding alternatives to everything involving technology. Brende tries to convey the message that life without most technology is more fulfilling and synchronized. From this book we learn how they got around the use of things like refrigerators, running water, telephones and many other everyday things for all of us. It seemed very interesting that they went to some depths as they did. For example during the child birth they chose not to have any medical care before or during the birth, and they didn’t even have a telephone to use if they needed to get emergency care. From reading this book, it has showed us the experiences that Brende went through and that it is possible to get away from a lot of technology that literally seems to run us rather than the other way around.
We felt his methods for discovering his information were valid and the best way of developing an opinion of a culture and researching them as well. He put himself right into the culture and relied on the others to show him their methods and techniques for the culture. The best way to learn about a certain group of people is to get to know them and put yourself in their situation. Brende definitely does this by living in the community and really getting to know everyone else in the community. There is nothing that seems to be unethical in his way of researching the culture, it isn’t like he is offending the people he is researching, and it is very useful information that he is retrieving. This type of research is much more meaningful than someone who would just research by books rather than experience like Brende. His method of research is strictly living in the culture, he doesn’t do any research except for taking notes on the culture, and doesn’t seem to offend anyone.
Toward the beginning of the epilogue, Brende states that “Technology undoubtedly has, and will always have, some role in making life easier or better, so one shouldn’t exclude it… Technology serves us, not we technology.” Brende then goes on to say, “…it is better to find a non-technological solution than a technological one, or failing that, a less technological solution than a more technological one.” There are three reasons for this. First, “it demands care and maintenance.” Second, to “avoiding usurpation,” and third, “recalling the need or end in view.” He states how Ivan Illich once pointed out “…when hidden costs, labors, and time are added in, leave us moving no faster, and possibly less fast, than we were one hundred years ago in horse-drawn vehicles.”
Brende also says “…technology still has an important place. In our experience, it has come in handy in three main areas.” The first being bodily labor. Brende mentions that it doesn’t make sense to save labor when labor provides the exercise that we need and the time spent with family and neighbors. The second is transportation, and the third is communication. When Brende is talking about communication, he mentions that there really isn’t a need for a phone in a small town. He would rather send the message face-to-face. He also mentions that occasionally, “TV viewing can also become the basis of a mild social experience.”
In the last paragraph of the book Brende says, “There really is no end to the possible uses of technology, nor are there limits to finding a way around it; but in all cases it must serve our needs, not the reverse, and we must determine these needs before considering the needs for technology.”
The final conclusion Brende draws which is the last sentence of the book, “By switching off the electric light, I think we see a bit better,” is analogous to the point that the less we use technology, the better off we are mentally, and physically.
Going into and getting involved with a culture in the way Brende did is the best way to discover the amount of information Brende has. Interviewing a few people who are involved with the culture and observing them in their culture rather than getting involved is a possible way of getting information, but the amount of information gathered this way is limited. Reading books or articles about more specific topics and combining them together to get an idea on what the life of a certain culture is like. For example, instead of Brende living with and getting involved with the culture, he could have read up on what it is like to live without certain luxuries such as a refrigerator. He could then read up on how to grow and make his own food for a year. He would then combine all of his findings to get an idea of how the Amish or Mennonites live. This method wouldn’t be nearly as accurate as Brende’s method. Brende’s method is really the best method in finding the information he wanted. Brende did a great job of developing research and the fact that he actually lived as a part of the community made the book a lot more interesting and fulfilling to read. Rather than just reading about people who were already part of the culture.
We felt his methods for discovering his information were valid and the best way of developing an opinion of a culture and researching them as well. He put himself right into the culture and relied on the others to show him their methods and techniques for the culture. The best way to learn about a certain group of people is to get to know them and put yourself in their situation. Brende definitely does this by living in the community and really getting to know everyone else in the community. There is nothing that seems to be unethical in his way of researching the culture, it isn’t like he is offending the people he is researching, and it is very useful information that he is retrieving. This type of research is much more meaningful than someone who would just research by books rather than experience like Brende. His method of research is strictly living in the culture, he doesn’t do any research except for taking notes on the culture, and doesn’t seem to offend anyone.
Toward the beginning of the epilogue, Brende states that “Technology undoubtedly has, and will always have, some role in making life easier or better, so one shouldn’t exclude it… Technology serves us, not we technology.” Brende then goes on to say, “…it is better to find a non-technological solution than a technological one, or failing that, a less technological solution than a more technological one.” There are three reasons for this. First, “it demands care and maintenance.” Second, to “avoiding usurpation,” and third, “recalling the need or end in view.” He states how Ivan Illich once pointed out “…when hidden costs, labors, and time are added in, leave us moving no faster, and possibly less fast, than we were one hundred years ago in horse-drawn vehicles.”
Brende also says “…technology still has an important place. In our experience, it has come in handy in three main areas.” The first being bodily labor. Brende mentions that it doesn’t make sense to save labor when labor provides the exercise that we need and the time spent with family and neighbors. The second is transportation, and the third is communication. When Brende is talking about communication, he mentions that there really isn’t a need for a phone in a small town. He would rather send the message face-to-face. He also mentions that occasionally, “TV viewing can also become the basis of a mild social experience.”
In the last paragraph of the book Brende says, “There really is no end to the possible uses of technology, nor are there limits to finding a way around it; but in all cases it must serve our needs, not the reverse, and we must determine these needs before considering the needs for technology.”
The final conclusion Brende draws which is the last sentence of the book, “By switching off the electric light, I think we see a bit better,” is analogous to the point that the less we use technology, the better off we are mentally, and physically.
Going into and getting involved with a culture in the way Brende did is the best way to discover the amount of information Brende has. Interviewing a few people who are involved with the culture and observing them in their culture rather than getting involved is a possible way of getting information, but the amount of information gathered this way is limited. Reading books or articles about more specific topics and combining them together to get an idea on what the life of a certain culture is like. For example, instead of Brende living with and getting involved with the culture, he could have read up on what it is like to live without certain luxuries such as a refrigerator. He could then read up on how to grow and make his own food for a year. He would then combine all of his findings to get an idea of how the Amish or Mennonites live. This method wouldn’t be nearly as accurate as Brende’s method. Brende’s method is really the best method in finding the information he wanted. Brende did a great job of developing research and the fact that he actually lived as a part of the community made the book a lot more interesting and fulfilling to read. Rather than just reading about people who were already part of the culture.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Journal 3
Brende does a great job of making the information in this book easy to understand. He uses great detail when describing his experiences. At some points he draws out the same point, making the reading somewhat dry, but it is not overly common and does not take away from the book as a whole. Brende’s use of descriptive words makes the text very easy to read and often enjoyable. He expresses his thoughts clearly and with much detail, illustrating what life in the Minimite community was like. Brende explains the processes employed by the Minimites very well, pulling the reader into the story. The author uses great narrative skill when explaining his experiences in the Minimite community. He keeps the reader’s interest even on somewhat dry occasions. Brende also explains what life for the Minimites is like, and the many problems that they have and the issues within the community. He also does a great job of explaining the many different types of Minimites such as the Amish, the Lancaster Amish, and the Mennonites. A main strategy of Brende’s is to have a strong conclusion to each chapter giving insight into his life and drawing up any points that were not fully explained.
I don’t really find the need to question any information brought up in this book. Considering that Brende lived in this community for an extended period of time, I think his observations are very useful, and truthful. I don’t really have the right to question the information considering that I knew very little on this topic before reading the book. I think each of these Minimite communities is probably different but I haven’t had any background behind this culture so I wouldn’t know what to question. I think for this book, there isn’t too much controversial information brought up considering most of the things that Brende talks about are just his experiences on the farm and the different methods they use to survive. If I did find some information to be false I could easily do some research on it to discover the real truth about the information. The ways I could research it may include reading different things on the internet about the Amish culture and try to find some more information. I could also go to the library and find some books on this culture and determine if some of the things brought up in this book were false. If I was truly bothered by something, I could try to go to a Minimite community and ask them questions and observe the way they actually do things. The last option would be the best way to learn as much information as possible about the topic
More information on this topic can easily be found on the internet. There are a ton of people who would disagree with what Brende says in the book, and how technology does make life easier. There are also plenty of people who would agree with what Brende talks about. Searching for “Minimite living” doesn’t seem to bring up much more about the topic than what is given in the book. Searching for “Amish living” however brings up more results that are related to the book. There are also plenty of books on technology and whether it is helping people or not. Similar topics to look for would be living without a car; living without a refrigerator; home pregnancies; or Mennonite way of life.
I don’t really find the need to question any information brought up in this book. Considering that Brende lived in this community for an extended period of time, I think his observations are very useful, and truthful. I don’t really have the right to question the information considering that I knew very little on this topic before reading the book. I think each of these Minimite communities is probably different but I haven’t had any background behind this culture so I wouldn’t know what to question. I think for this book, there isn’t too much controversial information brought up considering most of the things that Brende talks about are just his experiences on the farm and the different methods they use to survive. If I did find some information to be false I could easily do some research on it to discover the real truth about the information. The ways I could research it may include reading different things on the internet about the Amish culture and try to find some more information. I could also go to the library and find some books on this culture and determine if some of the things brought up in this book were false. If I was truly bothered by something, I could try to go to a Minimite community and ask them questions and observe the way they actually do things. The last option would be the best way to learn as much information as possible about the topic
More information on this topic can easily be found on the internet. There are a ton of people who would disagree with what Brende says in the book, and how technology does make life easier. There are also plenty of people who would agree with what Brende talks about. Searching for “Minimite living” doesn’t seem to bring up much more about the topic than what is given in the book. Searching for “Amish living” however brings up more results that are related to the book. There are also plenty of books on technology and whether it is helping people or not. Similar topics to look for would be living without a car; living without a refrigerator; home pregnancies; or Mennonite way of life.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Quiz pg.171-201
1.) Would you plan to give birth in a way such as the Brendes’?
I would want the mother to give birth in a hospital. I don’t know what the statistics are, but it seems that giving birth without any technical supervision is too risky. I would want to know if something is wrong before the baby comes out instead of finding out after it is too late.
2.) In chapter 17, Sylvan’s brother snickers at Brende. Brende says that Sylvan’s brother thinks he is a free loader. Would you agree with this?
In the book Brende talks more about when he is working when he has help. He doesn’t talk about working by himself as often. Compared to the Minimites that live in the community, Brende is new and still adjusting to the work load. To me it seems he could be a little more productive.
3.) When Brende is at all Sylvan’s, some of the men working there start mocking Brende for his inexperience and perhaps laziness. Do you think the men are just pocking fun at him, or do you think that there is some truth to it?
The men are most likely just poking fun at Brende. They know he grew up and grew accustomed to using technology. With every season comes different jobs and different chores. Brende hasn’t yet reached the point where he knows exactly what to do and when to do it. They can’t expect him to just know what to do.
4.) While Mary was in labor, Brende used the car. Buggies are the only mode of transportation (other than walking) that the Minimites have available. Do you think Brende should be able to use the car in a situation like this?
I think in serious situations such as Brende having a baby, it would be ok to use the car. Mary and Hans’s (the baby)lives sort of depended on Brende using the car. I think it would have been too extreme if he hadn’t used the car. He is only there to see if it is possible to be as happy, if not happier, without all of the technology.
I would want the mother to give birth in a hospital. I don’t know what the statistics are, but it seems that giving birth without any technical supervision is too risky. I would want to know if something is wrong before the baby comes out instead of finding out after it is too late.
2.) In chapter 17, Sylvan’s brother snickers at Brende. Brende says that Sylvan’s brother thinks he is a free loader. Would you agree with this?
In the book Brende talks more about when he is working when he has help. He doesn’t talk about working by himself as often. Compared to the Minimites that live in the community, Brende is new and still adjusting to the work load. To me it seems he could be a little more productive.
3.) When Brende is at all Sylvan’s, some of the men working there start mocking Brende for his inexperience and perhaps laziness. Do you think the men are just pocking fun at him, or do you think that there is some truth to it?
The men are most likely just poking fun at Brende. They know he grew up and grew accustomed to using technology. With every season comes different jobs and different chores. Brende hasn’t yet reached the point where he knows exactly what to do and when to do it. They can’t expect him to just know what to do.
4.) While Mary was in labor, Brende used the car. Buggies are the only mode of transportation (other than walking) that the Minimites have available. Do you think Brende should be able to use the car in a situation like this?
I think in serious situations such as Brende having a baby, it would be ok to use the car. Mary and Hans’s (the baby)lives sort of depended on Brende using the car. I think it would have been too extreme if he hadn’t used the car. He is only there to see if it is possible to be as happy, if not happier, without all of the technology.
Graphic Organizer 169-201
During these chapters, the Brendes experience the fruits of their labor. They sell a nice amount of pumpkins that they can be proud of. They made several thousand dollars on the pumpkin sales. That was their largest profit. Selling sorghum molasses, they were not as successful. The sorghum was easy to store and sell at anytime, which they took advantage of. They sold the jars over the course of the winter, which brought a profit to the Brendes. The last fruit of their labor, literally, was the birth of their son Hans. He was born on Easter day, right in the comfort of their own home. All things considered, the Brendes had a successful winter season.
Friday, March 13, 2009
Journal #2
Better Off: Flipping the Switch on Technology
1. The author of the book is Eric Brende. He is well qualified to write a book, being a graduate of Yale, Washburn, and Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He has received a Citation of Excellence from the National Science Foundation and a Graduate Fellowship from The Mellon Foundation in the Humanities. He has been a major user of electronics and present technology, just like all of us. He then decided that he wanted to learn what it is like to not have any of those “luxuries.” We think from his time at M.I.T. it caused him to actually become a critic of technology. In his personal interview of the book, he talks about the technology he has been a part of. Specifically, he remembers his father getting one of the first word processors. Its purpose was to speed up the time of writing, but he recalls his father being attached to the machine at all times.
2. We feel that he wants to determine whether technology actually makes life easier, or if it just complicates it. He also says the purpose of the book is to determine how much technology in life is actually necessary. He says numerous times in the book, that living without the technology seems to make life simpler, and the use of technology speeds an already complicated life up. He decided to look into these things because he found himself developing more questions than answers, in his time at MIT. This gave him the idea to actually see what it would be like to live without these so called “everyday needs.” He brings up how technology seems to run our lives. We are constantly staring at the T.V., computer and make an average of 11 car trips a day. Says technology in small amounts helps us, but in large amounts it fragments life.
3. He gets married to Mary, and they decide to move into the Minimite community and experience a more simple life. He plans on learning the information by submersing himself in the culture and doing everything all the members of the community do. He would also learn the information by talking to people in the community and learning their ways. They live in a house that doesn’t have any running water, heat, A/C, or any other power ran amenities that we all take for granted. He learns his methods and habits from the people in the community. We do see some flaws in the way he is collecting his information. He only lives in one certain Minimite community. All of those communities throughout the country may not do everything the same. He could have traveled to different communities and found whatever differences there were in each of them.
4. After reading several reviews they all seem correct. Especially the review that talks about his writing being a little too wordy. I definitely agree with the review on the website, Fire and Knowledge(1). It sums up the book very well and it talks about him possibly being a little wordy. I definitely agree about Brende using too extravagant of words for the story. I have noticed numerous parts in the book, where he just uses chains of huge words that seem worthless. But like the review says, there are faults to just about every book and that may be one of this book. Other than that, the book seems pretty informative and interesting. The other article we looked at was from School Library Journal(2), on the Amazon website. It just talks about how the book isn’t about how to dig a hole, but rather about their experiences on the farm. We feel that his review does a good job explaining that the book is about his experiences and comparing it to the technological life. Instead of just about how to complete some of the tasks that farmers complete.
MLA, Works Cited
1. Sowin, Joshua P. "Book Review of Better Off: Flipping the Switch on Technology ::." Fire and Knowledge. 18 Oct. 2005. 13 Mar. 2009
2. McAloon, Judy. "Amazon.com: Better Off: Flipping the Switch on Technology (P.S.): Eric Brende: Books." Amazon.com: Online Shopping for Electronics, Apparel, Computers, Books, DVDs & more. 13 Mar. 2009.
1. The author of the book is Eric Brende. He is well qualified to write a book, being a graduate of Yale, Washburn, and Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He has received a Citation of Excellence from the National Science Foundation and a Graduate Fellowship from The Mellon Foundation in the Humanities. He has been a major user of electronics and present technology, just like all of us. He then decided that he wanted to learn what it is like to not have any of those “luxuries.” We think from his time at M.I.T. it caused him to actually become a critic of technology. In his personal interview of the book, he talks about the technology he has been a part of. Specifically, he remembers his father getting one of the first word processors. Its purpose was to speed up the time of writing, but he recalls his father being attached to the machine at all times.
2. We feel that he wants to determine whether technology actually makes life easier, or if it just complicates it. He also says the purpose of the book is to determine how much technology in life is actually necessary. He says numerous times in the book, that living without the technology seems to make life simpler, and the use of technology speeds an already complicated life up. He decided to look into these things because he found himself developing more questions than answers, in his time at MIT. This gave him the idea to actually see what it would be like to live without these so called “everyday needs.” He brings up how technology seems to run our lives. We are constantly staring at the T.V., computer and make an average of 11 car trips a day. Says technology in small amounts helps us, but in large amounts it fragments life.
3. He gets married to Mary, and they decide to move into the Minimite community and experience a more simple life. He plans on learning the information by submersing himself in the culture and doing everything all the members of the community do. He would also learn the information by talking to people in the community and learning their ways. They live in a house that doesn’t have any running water, heat, A/C, or any other power ran amenities that we all take for granted. He learns his methods and habits from the people in the community. We do see some flaws in the way he is collecting his information. He only lives in one certain Minimite community. All of those communities throughout the country may not do everything the same. He could have traveled to different communities and found whatever differences there were in each of them.
4. After reading several reviews they all seem correct. Especially the review that talks about his writing being a little too wordy. I definitely agree with the review on the website, Fire and Knowledge(1). It sums up the book very well and it talks about him possibly being a little wordy. I definitely agree about Brende using too extravagant of words for the story. I have noticed numerous parts in the book, where he just uses chains of huge words that seem worthless. But like the review says, there are faults to just about every book and that may be one of this book. Other than that, the book seems pretty informative and interesting. The other article we looked at was from School Library Journal(2), on the Amazon website. It just talks about how the book isn’t about how to dig a hole, but rather about their experiences on the farm. We feel that his review does a good job explaining that the book is about his experiences and comparing it to the technological life. Instead of just about how to complete some of the tasks that farmers complete.
MLA, Works Cited
1. Sowin, Joshua P. "Book Review of Better Off: Flipping the Switch on Technology ::." Fire and Knowledge. 18 Oct. 2005. 13 Mar. 2009
2. McAloon, Judy. "Amazon.com: Better Off: Flipping the Switch on Technology (P.S.): Eric Brende: Books." Amazon.com: Online Shopping for Electronics, Apparel, Computers, Books, DVDs & more. 13 Mar. 2009
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Summary-Chapters 16-19
Brende is now experiencing the fall season on the farm. The first chapter mentions Brende noticing that his pumpkins have almost completely ripened. It is the end of August and they weren’t supposed to be ready until October; perfect time for selling them. They had to keep them safe and dry for a little while until they could sell them during the halloween season. The pumpkins were one of two cash crops Brende planted to sell. The other plant was "sorghum," they would get the juices from it, and make a sort of molasses out of it. By the time the Halloween season comes, most of the pumpkins are in healthy shape and ready to sell. He ends up selling 400 at full retail price of 15 cents a pound, and 450 wholesale at 7 cents a pound. He totaled up about $1000 from the pumpkins sales and sorghum; he planned on using the money to pay Mr. Miller for rent. The next chapter talks about the down time after fall and that a farmer has to constantly make himself busy in order to stay positive and sane, considering the gray sky and shortness of light during the daytime. He ends up helping to dig a drainpipe in the cow pen, and works with Caleb and gets to know him. Brende then talks about his wife and her delivery of their baby that will come up very soon. He is questioning whether they should spend time in a hospital to make sure everything for the delivery goes well. Ultimately they decide to keep to their goals of not using technology and give birth in their Minimite community. Everything with the delivery ends up going well. Brende looks back and notices the moment of danger wasn’t the delivery, but more of the way he was driving the machine (his car) to get the neighbors for help in the delivery.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Summary pg.132-168
Brende goes to Sylvan’s (Mr. Millers son in law) one day to find he is not there. When Sylvan gets back, Brende asks where he has been. Sylvan tells him that he was at council, but doesn’t say much else, even after Brende asks him more questions about what council is. After piecing together what Sylvan told him and what others had said about it, Brende finds that the council is the Minimite form of self-government. It was at council where they decided what technologies were allowed in the community. It was also at council where they would discuss topics and thoughts as they arose.
Brende and Mary took another trip to find a possible place to live once they were done with the research. They liked the town they had visited besides fro a few things. The town did not have a college. Brende wouldn’t be able to teach for living without the college, and other than teaching, he really didn’t know what to do for a living. He thought about farming, but then wondered how he would take part in the life of the village. He thought of trying a horse drawn cab service, but later learned that it had once been done before, and ended with a horse bolting after a semi had driven by.
At this time in the book, it was time for threshing. The Millers asked Brende if he would like to help with the threshing, and he accepted. While the Brendes were on their trip a heat wave had moved in. Brende had already felt lightheaded before he started helping with the threshing. Brende ended up helping gather sheaves in the field, and with pitching the sheaves onto a conveyor belt high mounded on a wagon. After a couple of rounds someone asked if he was alright. He insisted he was alright and continued with another job. When Brende was finished, his head felt like it was about to split and his skin was dry. He spent the next three days in bed in a feverish delirium.
After getting acclimated to the heat, Brende gave threshing another try. He was more productive this time. He also kept time on how long it took them to get ready, how long they would thresh at a time, how much time they spent waiting for a full wagon to unload. Brende found out that out of seven hours and fifty minutes, four hours and forty minutes were actually spent on physical labor.
Brende and Mary took another trip to find a possible place to live once they were done with the research. They liked the town they had visited besides fro a few things. The town did not have a college. Brende wouldn’t be able to teach for living without the college, and other than teaching, he really didn’t know what to do for a living. He thought about farming, but then wondered how he would take part in the life of the village. He thought of trying a horse drawn cab service, but later learned that it had once been done before, and ended with a horse bolting after a semi had driven by.
At this time in the book, it was time for threshing. The Millers asked Brende if he would like to help with the threshing, and he accepted. While the Brendes were on their trip a heat wave had moved in. Brende had already felt lightheaded before he started helping with the threshing. Brende ended up helping gather sheaves in the field, and with pitching the sheaves onto a conveyor belt high mounded on a wagon. After a couple of rounds someone asked if he was alright. He insisted he was alright and continued with another job. When Brende was finished, his head felt like it was about to split and his skin was dry. He spent the next three days in bed in a feverish delirium.
After getting acclimated to the heat, Brende gave threshing another try. He was more productive this time. He also kept time on how long it took them to get ready, how long they would thresh at a time, how much time they spent waiting for a full wagon to unload. Brende found out that out of seven hours and fifty minutes, four hours and forty minutes were actually spent on physical labor.
Vocabulary 132- 168
Ornate p. 136 elaborately adorned
Undulated p. 140 to move with a sinuous or wavelike motion
Gelatinous p. 141 having the nature of or resembling jelly, esp. in consistency
Glutton p. 141 a person with a remarkably great desire or capacity for something
Subcutaneous p. 144 living below the several layers of the skin, as certain parasites
Solicitously p. 146 anxious or concerned
Raconteur p. 147 a person who is skilled in relating stories and anecdotes interestingly
Crenulated p.152 minutely crenate, as the margin of certain leaves
Harrowing p. 163 extremely disturbing or distressing; grievous: a harrowing experience
Postulating p. 167 to ask, demand, or claim
Undulated p. 140 to move with a sinuous or wavelike motion
Gelatinous p. 141 having the nature of or resembling jelly, esp. in consistency
Glutton p. 141 a person with a remarkably great desire or capacity for something
Subcutaneous p. 144 living below the several layers of the skin, as certain parasites
Solicitously p. 146 anxious or concerned
Raconteur p. 147 a person who is skilled in relating stories and anecdotes interestingly
Crenulated p.152 minutely crenate, as the margin of certain leaves
Harrowing p. 163 extremely disturbing or distressing; grievous: a harrowing experience
Postulating p. 167 to ask, demand, or claim
Graphic Organizer, Chapters 13-15, Pg132-168
The section all starts out with Brende learning about a sort of secretetive meeting called a council. The council is "the Minimites form of self government." People would speak their minds, from the oldest members of society first, then youngest. The main thing discussed at the meetings is the use of technology. In this example it was focused on the use of telephones. Next he joins the Millers to help them with threshing. Threshing, is the process of loosening the edible part of cereal grain from the scaly, the unedible covering that surrounds it. Brende overworked himself in the warm weather and suffered a heatstroke. He gets back to threshing after taking about 5 days off to re-cooperate. He noticed how long it takes to complete the threshing process, and questions whether or not that the society is productive. He comes to a conclusion about the community. While the more advanced farms around were falling, due to competitiveness and financial problems. He noticed that the Minimite community wasnt having these problems as there hasnt been one of these cases since the community was established 15 years ago. The main factor is that the community was debt free, as he said the main currency is labor.Quiz 103-131
1. What was the local social gathering where new residents to the area could meet others?
Local barn raisings. This was one of the best ways to meet people. A lot of people are needed to raise a barn, so a lot of people are in attendance. This made it very easy for Eric to meet locals.
2. Who was the first person Eric met at this point?
Edward. Edward and Eric seemed to have formed an interesting relationship in the sense that was a good working relationship.
3. Who was another person that Eric met at hte barn raising?
Cornelius. He spent some time with Cornelius but not as much as with others.
4. At this time Mary was not feeling well with her pregnancy. What did Mary do to eliminate her sickness?
Eat twice as much food. The growing baby inside of her needed nourishment in the form of food from his mother. She was obviously not used to it, since it's her first pregnancy. As soon as she realized this, she felt much better and did less and less work around the house.
Local barn raisings. This was one of the best ways to meet people. A lot of people are needed to raise a barn, so a lot of people are in attendance. This made it very easy for Eric to meet locals.
2. Who was the first person Eric met at this point?
Edward. Edward and Eric seemed to have formed an interesting relationship in the sense that was a good working relationship.
3. Who was another person that Eric met at hte barn raising?
Cornelius. He spent some time with Cornelius but not as much as with others.
4. At this time Mary was not feeling well with her pregnancy. What did Mary do to eliminate her sickness?
Eat twice as much food. The growing baby inside of her needed nourishment in the form of food from his mother. She was obviously not used to it, since it's her first pregnancy. As soon as she realized this, she felt much better and did less and less work around the house.
Vocab builder, chapters 11& 12, pg.103-132
Neophyte- pg 103 a person newly converted to a belief, as a heathen, heretic, or nonbeliever
Ultraversed- pg 104 not traveled over or through
Stead- pg 108 the place of a person or thing as occupied by a successor or substitute
Gainsaid- pg 112 to deny, dispute, or contradict
Nigh- pg 112 near in space, time, or relation
Inextricably-pg 116 incapable of being disentangled, undone, loosed, or solved
Brusquely-pg 117 abrupt in manner; blunt; rough
Impish- pg118 mischevious, prankish
Pecuniary-pg 119 of or pertaining to money
Raucous-pg120 harsh; strident; grating
Juxtapose-pg122 to place close together or side by side, esp. for comparison or contrast
Ultraversed- pg 104 not traveled over or through
Stead- pg 108 the place of a person or thing as occupied by a successor or substitute
Gainsaid- pg 112 to deny, dispute, or contradict
Nigh- pg 112 near in space, time, or relation
Inextricably-pg 116 incapable of being disentangled, undone, loosed, or solved
Brusquely-pg 117 abrupt in manner; blunt; rough
Impish- pg118 mischevious, prankish
Pecuniary-pg 119 of or pertaining to money
Raucous-pg120 harsh; strident; grating
Juxtapose-pg122 to place close together or side by side, esp. for comparison or contrast
Graphic pg.103-131
“If at a barn raising you got to know many superficially, in a smaller job you got to know one person well.” The main point of this section was meeting neighbors. Brende discusses how he met people and what he learned about them. He got to know Edward a Vietnam veteran. He met Harvey, Mr. Millers eldest, married son, through the settlement of a pig. Harvey wasn’t nearly reserved as his father. He met Cornelius, an older man who admitted no one in the local community paid attention to him, and thought that the standard of living in biblical times was adequate. Brende learned of Edna through Mary’s pregnancy.
5 - Summary
Brende is trying to learn more about the personal and family culture of the minimites. He observes an after-dark hoeing session in which the older boys weed fields. This is followed by the girls from the area bringing them food and refreshments. The groups stay almost completely separate the entire time. Brende discusses the marriage process in which a suitor will send a letter of intent to the parents of the girl in which he intends to wed. If they wish, they will invite him to dinner to meet him. The girl decides in the end.
In the next chapter Brende meets a neighbor of his named Edward. Edward has quite an interesting story compared to some of the other minimites. He grew up in a regular catholic household. After fighting in Vietnam, he becomes disgusted with nearly all institutions and decides to become an Anabaptist. Eric helps him weed his fields while they talk. They discuss many issues and disagree on most instances, but seem to get along well nonetheless. Brende also meets Bill, a farmhand under the employ of Edward. Bill is having trouble getting his own homestead started up. Bill and his wife seem to have some difficulties much of the time. Another neighbor of the Brende’s is Harvey, the Miller’s eldest son. He comes to the Brende house one day to offer Eric a pig for $20. Eric decides to work off the bill instead of paying it. Harvey and his wife Gertie seem like a wonderful couple. They are easygoing with a jolly demeanor. They both seem to eat a lot and work a lot. Eric helps Harvey build a pig pen for his home. Eric visits his friend Cornelius. They discuss many issues about minimite life and Cornelius’ beliefs about their society. He believes that the community should be even stricter and not even allow horses, because the early Christians did not use them. Eric also discusses the condition of his wife and the pregnancy. She is doing very well, but having some back pains. They visit Edna the midwife who gives them some tea that will help her and helps plan the birth. The birth will take place at the Brende home making the Brende’s very happy.
In the next chapter Brende meets a neighbor of his named Edward. Edward has quite an interesting story compared to some of the other minimites. He grew up in a regular catholic household. After fighting in Vietnam, he becomes disgusted with nearly all institutions and decides to become an Anabaptist. Eric helps him weed his fields while they talk. They discuss many issues and disagree on most instances, but seem to get along well nonetheless. Brende also meets Bill, a farmhand under the employ of Edward. Bill is having trouble getting his own homestead started up. Bill and his wife seem to have some difficulties much of the time. Another neighbor of the Brende’s is Harvey, the Miller’s eldest son. He comes to the Brende house one day to offer Eric a pig for $20. Eric decides to work off the bill instead of paying it. Harvey and his wife Gertie seem like a wonderful couple. They are easygoing with a jolly demeanor. They both seem to eat a lot and work a lot. Eric helps Harvey build a pig pen for his home. Eric visits his friend Cornelius. They discuss many issues about minimite life and Cornelius’ beliefs about their society. He believes that the community should be even stricter and not even allow horses, because the early Christians did not use them. Eric also discusses the condition of his wife and the pregnancy. She is doing very well, but having some back pains. They visit Edna the midwife who gives them some tea that will help her and helps plan the birth. The birth will take place at the Brende home making the Brende’s very happy.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Vocab. pg.73-102
Beguilement (p.80): to mislead by trickery or flattery; mislead; delude
Adages (p.80): A saying that sets forth a general truth and that has gained credit through long use
Discomfiture (p.82): frustration of hopes or plans
Importuning (p.82): demand with urgency or persistence
Avowal (p.82): an open statement of affirmation; frank acknowledgment or admission
Banal (p.82): devoid of freshness or originality
Exhortation (p.85): urging, advising, or cautioning earnestly
Conviviality (p.87): friendliness or agreeableness
Bulwarks (p.88): something serving as a defense or safeguard
Cavorted (p.98): to have lively or boisterous fun; romp
Adages (p.80): A saying that sets forth a general truth and that has gained credit through long use
Discomfiture (p.82): frustration of hopes or plans
Importuning (p.82): demand with urgency or persistence
Avowal (p.82): an open statement of affirmation; frank acknowledgment or admission
Banal (p.82): devoid of freshness or originality
Exhortation (p.85): urging, advising, or cautioning earnestly
Conviviality (p.87): friendliness or agreeableness
Bulwarks (p.88): something serving as a defense or safeguard
Cavorted (p.98): to have lively or boisterous fun; romp
4 - Graphic Organizer
The Brende's find that they have far more milk than they can drink, so they make cottage cheese and build a refrigerator of sorts. Mary discovers that she is pregnant and begins to miss her family. Eric takes Mary house-searching to get her mind away from her family. They attend a church service in the community. Eric participates in a barn-raising with the rest of the community.
Pages 73-102
Why was Mary (Brende’s Wife) hunched over and crying? What did they do to get her mind off of this problem? What did they learn from this experience.
She was crying because she was feeling homesick and missing her family and friends. She also was losing her positive attitude toward gardening, and wanted to sleep in. And lastly she missed her church, and community. They decided to scout around, and find placed they might live after this whole stint is over. After looking at the possible new places to live, they noticed that the “Minimite” lifestyle wasn’t so bad, and that it had more of a sense of community. It then says Mary’s homesickness, reversed its arrow.
What was the misunderstanding regarding the “dress code” for the society? What did they realize?
The misunderstanding was about how strict they thought the dress code was at first. Mary wore trousers for a few weeks to find out if she was going against the code. Not many other women wore pants, but Mary asked Sally if it was acceptable. Sally said it was a code just to be a modest dresser, and is based off the person. For Mary jeans were acceptable, but for the heavyset women it may not be acceptable. It says; “Rather than compelling everyone to be the same, it was a means of embracing those who were different. The Brende’s finally realized they had it all backwards. It became easier than ever for them to fit in.
With the large amounts of milk leftover from the Cow what did they do with it?
The family didn’t have a refrigerator so it wasn’t an option to store the milk. They found themselves pouring it out, because they couldn’t drink the massive amount themselves. They came to an idea to start making cheese of all sorts with it. It was a very smart way to use the leftover milk. They found cottage cheese to be the easiest to make, and the best tasting.
While at the barn raising, what did Brende notice about another couple, that was somewhat assuring of his relationship with his wife?
He heard a couple voicing their frustrations at each other and arguing about things. Brende found this comforting in a way because it showed that Mary and himself weren’t the only couple that bickered, he says;”the argument made them feel closer to them than all the nice talk in the world.” Apparently he thought the “Minimites” were perfect people always happy and working together. It was proof that even they weren’t exempt from marriage counseling.
She was crying because she was feeling homesick and missing her family and friends. She also was losing her positive attitude toward gardening, and wanted to sleep in. And lastly she missed her church, and community. They decided to scout around, and find placed they might live after this whole stint is over. After looking at the possible new places to live, they noticed that the “Minimite” lifestyle wasn’t so bad, and that it had more of a sense of community. It then says Mary’s homesickness, reversed its arrow.
What was the misunderstanding regarding the “dress code” for the society? What did they realize?
The misunderstanding was about how strict they thought the dress code was at first. Mary wore trousers for a few weeks to find out if she was going against the code. Not many other women wore pants, but Mary asked Sally if it was acceptable. Sally said it was a code just to be a modest dresser, and is based off the person. For Mary jeans were acceptable, but for the heavyset women it may not be acceptable. It says; “Rather than compelling everyone to be the same, it was a means of embracing those who were different. The Brende’s finally realized they had it all backwards. It became easier than ever for them to fit in.
With the large amounts of milk leftover from the Cow what did they do with it?
The family didn’t have a refrigerator so it wasn’t an option to store the milk. They found themselves pouring it out, because they couldn’t drink the massive amount themselves. They came to an idea to start making cheese of all sorts with it. It was a very smart way to use the leftover milk. They found cottage cheese to be the easiest to make, and the best tasting.
While at the barn raising, what did Brende notice about another couple, that was somewhat assuring of his relationship with his wife?
He heard a couple voicing their frustrations at each other and arguing about things. Brende found this comforting in a way because it showed that Mary and himself weren’t the only couple that bickered, he says;”the argument made them feel closer to them than all the nice talk in the world.” Apparently he thought the “Minimites” were perfect people always happy and working together. It was proof that even they weren’t exempt from marriage counseling.
Summary 71 -102
By this time in the book, it is the middle of summer. The temperature outside is less than comfortable. The Brende's are facing the issue of food preservation, since it is in the middle of thier growing season. One thing that they had difficulty with was theier milk. They couldn't figure out what to do with it. It was Mrs. Miller that who said "Cottage cheese," which fueled thier ideas. Cheese, custard, butter, and cream cheese all were things that could be made with milk. Still, the Brende's were having a hard time. Mrs. Brende wanted to take a break from this lifestyle and search for a house where they were to live the following year. And so they went out looking for some houses, traveled in a car, and realized that where they searched they were forced to have a car.
The Brende's soon realized that they didn't now their community very well. They decided to attend a church service to posssibly reverse that. They, being Catholics, did not have a local option, so they decided to attend a different denomination service. This service became memorable for them. The sermon was best described as boring and it became memorable for Eric when he saw plenty of church members bobbing their heads during it. He couldn't help himself, but to follow suit. It did remind him how separate they as Catholics were from everyone in the area.
A local neighbor had a project to be completed. He wanted to add a section to his already standing barn. This project required help from many people. He decided to go to this barn raising, as it was called. He hoped to get to know neighbors more and show that he could be of help. At first, he didn't do anything but watch. Then he helped pour concrete for the new section's foundation. This was tiring work. A project like this is almost always done in the fall, but the farmer wanted it done now. Eric enjoyed how the rest of it was assembled. Specifically, the wood attachments. Beams were notched out at the ends and assembled like a puzzle in order to create corners. Before long, the wood framing built the entire section of the barn. All of this was done in the heat of the summer, whether comfortable or not.
The Brende's soon realized that they didn't now their community very well. They decided to attend a church service to posssibly reverse that. They, being Catholics, did not have a local option, so they decided to attend a different denomination service. This service became memorable for them. The sermon was best described as boring and it became memorable for Eric when he saw plenty of church members bobbing their heads during it. He couldn't help himself, but to follow suit. It did remind him how separate they as Catholics were from everyone in the area.
A local neighbor had a project to be completed. He wanted to add a section to his already standing barn. This project required help from many people. He decided to go to this barn raising, as it was called. He hoped to get to know neighbors more and show that he could be of help. At first, he didn't do anything but watch. Then he helped pour concrete for the new section's foundation. This was tiring work. A project like this is almost always done in the fall, but the farmer wanted it done now. Eric enjoyed how the rest of it was assembled. Specifically, the wood attachments. Beams were notched out at the ends and assembled like a puzzle in order to create corners. Before long, the wood framing built the entire section of the barn. All of this was done in the heat of the summer, whether comfortable or not.
Graphic Organizer 46-70
The Brendes are getting used to their surroundings. They are still not used to what this Minimite lifestyle requires. Things like figuring out how to cope without a refrigerator show that they are still transitioning. The luxury of living in a community like that, is peace and quiet, which Eric and Mary got used to easily. Work was not too difficult for them at this point.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Section 3 Vocabulary
1. Diminutive (p. 46): small, little, tiny
2. Knack (p. 50): a special skill, talent, or aptitude
3. Sorghum (p. 51): a cereal grass often used for making of a syrup
4. Hirsute (p. 53): hairy; shaggy
5. Tillage (p. 55): tilled land
6. Begrudge (p. 60): to be reluctant to give, grant, or allow
7. Eminently (p. 62): prominent; distinguished
8. Fostered (p. 66): to bring up; nurture
9. Undulating (p. 66): to move with sinuous or wavelike motion
10. Amorous (p. 69): pertaining to love
2. Knack (p. 50): a special skill, talent, or aptitude
3. Sorghum (p. 51): a cereal grass often used for making of a syrup
4. Hirsute (p. 53): hairy; shaggy
5. Tillage (p. 55): tilled land
6. Begrudge (p. 60): to be reluctant to give, grant, or allow
7. Eminently (p. 62): prominent; distinguished
8. Fostered (p. 66): to bring up; nurture
9. Undulating (p. 66): to move with sinuous or wavelike motion
10. Amorous (p. 69): pertaining to love
Quiz pg.46-70
1.) Explain what a “ram” is. If in Brende’s situation, would you consider a ram too technological? Would you use it?
A ram is a water pump powered by water. Water runs down a hill and the power generated could pump itself. I wouldn’t consider it too technological because all a ram requires to work is water and gravity. I would use it. It would save time by not having to walk back and forth from the spring, and it would give more time to spend doing other chores.
2.) If you set out such as Brende to get away from technology, would you bring a car and still use it? Why or why not?
I think that I might bring a car. If I did, I would only use it for emergencies (life or death situations). It doesn’t make sense to me to bring a car with and use it every now and then when trying to get away and live without technology.
3.) One day Brende got home after a vigorous day in the field to find that there hadn’t been a meal prepared for him? Brende reacted by telling Mary “it doesn’t have to be a fancy meal.” He continued on and found himself shouting toward the end. Would you have reacted this way? How would you have reacted?
When I go home after a day of work, I don’t expect a meal to be waiting. If I am hungry I’ll find some food and make something for myself. In Brende’s situation, I would have done the same thing. I wouldn’t shout at Mary like Brende did. She knows that there isn’t any food to make a meal with.
4.) On page 67, Brende says “By speeding through life with technology, you reduce what any given moment can hold. By slowing down, you expand it.” What does Brende mean by this? Do you agree with this statement?
I think what Brende means by this is that with technology, people go through tasks much more quickly, unable to take things from it. Doing those same tasks without technology, people learn and grow closer with others. An example would be after school and work the kids will go on their computers and play video games while the parents may watch television. They aren’t spending time together as a family, they’re not experiencing anything as a family, and they’re sort of growing apart. Without all of the technology they would have more opportunities or would more likely hang out as a family, growing together.
A ram is a water pump powered by water. Water runs down a hill and the power generated could pump itself. I wouldn’t consider it too technological because all a ram requires to work is water and gravity. I would use it. It would save time by not having to walk back and forth from the spring, and it would give more time to spend doing other chores.
2.) If you set out such as Brende to get away from technology, would you bring a car and still use it? Why or why not?
I think that I might bring a car. If I did, I would only use it for emergencies (life or death situations). It doesn’t make sense to me to bring a car with and use it every now and then when trying to get away and live without technology.
3.) One day Brende got home after a vigorous day in the field to find that there hadn’t been a meal prepared for him? Brende reacted by telling Mary “it doesn’t have to be a fancy meal.” He continued on and found himself shouting toward the end. Would you have reacted this way? How would you have reacted?
When I go home after a day of work, I don’t expect a meal to be waiting. If I am hungry I’ll find some food and make something for myself. In Brende’s situation, I would have done the same thing. I wouldn’t shout at Mary like Brende did. She knows that there isn’t any food to make a meal with.
4.) On page 67, Brende says “By speeding through life with technology, you reduce what any given moment can hold. By slowing down, you expand it.” What does Brende mean by this? Do you agree with this statement?
I think what Brende means by this is that with technology, people go through tasks much more quickly, unable to take things from it. Doing those same tasks without technology, people learn and grow closer with others. An example would be after school and work the kids will go on their computers and play video games while the parents may watch television. They aren’t spending time together as a family, they’re not experiencing anything as a family, and they’re sort of growing apart. Without all of the technology they would have more opportunities or would more likely hang out as a family, growing together.
Monday, March 2, 2009
Summary Pages 46-70
The chapters I will summarize are; “the ram,” “the missing refrigerator” and lastly “the sounds of silence.” The first chapter talks about a device called a “Ram,” which works by sending water down a hill, and the power generated is used to pump water in a house. It spends some time mentioning the Miller’s trying to get this device installed, but it ultimately ends up being underpowered. A lot of this chapter talks about how the community determines whether a device is considered too technologically advanced or if it will fit into their communities plan. It says “technology itself is not taboo, only technologies that interfere with this plain sects aim.” They are willing to use the minimum technology necessary to maximize their needs. For example a local blacksmith took the main parts out of a John Deere tractor and engineered it for a horse powered hay bailer. Another is the example of the water mill that powered a rotary saw.
“The missing refrigerator,” talks about the couple really missing the convenience of the refrigerator. They find themselves wasting leftovers because there is no way to preserve them and they find themselves cooking more than needed. They understand how well canning works, but it doesn’t cut it for cooling leftovers. This chapter mentions the different types of methods used for refrigerators in their community. For example, propane refrigerators, caves, and even harvesting winter ice and insulating it to preserve the leftover food. The couple comes up with their own method by noticing many water pails sitting around the house. They figure out the water is around 55 degrees and could easily chill the leftovers long enough to last a day. Their technique consisted of putting the food in sealed jars and submerging them in the water. They planned to hold the jars down with rocks, and felt it would make the food last. This was a brilliant idea, by using the resources around them and not having to revert back to technology to prosper.
And finally, the last chapter focuses on the down time the couple has after every day. It pretty much just points out how rewarding every night is after a hard day of work, and how great it is to relax in their house and focus on nature. It mentions the absence of radio, phones, alarm clocks, tv’s and other things. This couple now lives a more slow paced and relaxing life. I like the last quote of the chapter that states ‘leisure doesn’t end when work begins, but pervades every moment of the day.” It may try to suggest that the people in this type of community don’t wake up every morning and consider going to work as a non leisure activity but rather as a chance to enjoy nature and everything around them.
“The missing refrigerator,” talks about the couple really missing the convenience of the refrigerator. They find themselves wasting leftovers because there is no way to preserve them and they find themselves cooking more than needed. They understand how well canning works, but it doesn’t cut it for cooling leftovers. This chapter mentions the different types of methods used for refrigerators in their community. For example, propane refrigerators, caves, and even harvesting winter ice and insulating it to preserve the leftover food. The couple comes up with their own method by noticing many water pails sitting around the house. They figure out the water is around 55 degrees and could easily chill the leftovers long enough to last a day. Their technique consisted of putting the food in sealed jars and submerging them in the water. They planned to hold the jars down with rocks, and felt it would make the food last. This was a brilliant idea, by using the resources around them and not having to revert back to technology to prosper.
And finally, the last chapter focuses on the down time the couple has after every day. It pretty much just points out how rewarding every night is after a hard day of work, and how great it is to relax in their house and focus on nature. It mentions the absence of radio, phones, alarm clocks, tv’s and other things. This couple now lives a more slow paced and relaxing life. I like the last quote of the chapter that states ‘leisure doesn’t end when work begins, but pervades every moment of the day.” It may try to suggest that the people in this type of community don’t wake up every morning and consider going to work as a non leisure activity but rather as a chance to enjoy nature and everything around them.
Chapter 3 and 4-Graphic Organizer
At the start of the chapter Brende mentions the people to be un social. As he states; "our neighbors remained nearly deadpan. They could have sprung right out of the Amish picture books." He learned differently when they offered t ohelp him and talk with him wehnever needed. Iseemed like the neighbors were always there to help Brende and his wife. Some examples were when the Jones's offered to help them make a bigger garden, to get them through the winter. Another was when the Miller's gave them peaches, and prepared them for the couple. And also the time when the Miller boys brought over a cow for the couple to use for milking. It just seemed like in every instance the community of people was there to help each other out for the long run. The last thing mentioned is how working together and the body's release of endorphins, makes work less repetitive and more enjoyable as a whole. In chapter four we learn about Mr. Miller and that his past was just like Brende's. He was as technologically advanced as anyone else, but chose to leave that lifestyle for the kids sake, and that leaving that lifestyle was an oppurtunity to "lessen his reliance on machines."Vocabulary 30-45
Deadpan- marked by or accomplished with a careful pretense of seriousness or calm detachment; impassive or expressionless: deadpan humor.
Brandishing- To wave or flourish (a weapon, for example) menacingly
Dogmatism- dogmatic character; unfounded positiveness in matters of opinion; arrogant assertion of opinions as truths.
Ravenous- extremely hungry; famished; voracious: feeling ravenous after a hard day's work.
Tumultuous- full of tumult or riotousness; marked by disturbance and uproar: a tumultuous celebration.
Fastidious- excessively particular, critical, or demanding; hard to please: a fastidious eater.
Countenance- a look or expression of the face
Staunch- firm to your principles
Opiates- Any of various sedative narcotics containing opium or one or more of its natural or synthetic derivatives
Endorphins- in brain. Reduce the sensation of pain and effect emotions
Gyrating- to move in a circle or spiral, or around a fixed point; whirl.
Abated- to reduce in amount, degree, intensity, etc.; lessen; diminish
Fickle- likely to change, esp. due to caprice, irresolution, or instability; casually changeable: fickle weather.
Spontaneity- the state, quality, or fact of being spontaneous.
Contrived- to plan with ingenuity; devise; invent
Mennonites- A member of an Anabaptist church characterized particularly by simplicity of life, pacifism, and nonresistance.
Aggregation- a group or mass of distinct or varied things, persons
Predilection- tendency to think favorably of something in particular; partiality; preference: a predilection for Bach.
Impetus- a moving force or impulse
Concession- the act of conceding or yielding, as a right, a privilege, or a point or fact in an argument: He made no concession to caution.
Misconstrue- to misunderstand the meaning of; take in a wrong sense; misinterpret.
Brandishing- To wave or flourish (a weapon, for example) menacingly
Dogmatism- dogmatic character; unfounded positiveness in matters of opinion; arrogant assertion of opinions as truths.
Ravenous- extremely hungry; famished; voracious: feeling ravenous after a hard day's work.
Tumultuous- full of tumult or riotousness; marked by disturbance and uproar: a tumultuous celebration.
Fastidious- excessively particular, critical, or demanding; hard to please: a fastidious eater.
Countenance- a look or expression of the face
Staunch- firm to your principles
Opiates- Any of various sedative narcotics containing opium or one or more of its natural or synthetic derivatives
Endorphins- in brain. Reduce the sensation of pain and effect emotions
Gyrating- to move in a circle or spiral, or around a fixed point; whirl.
Abated- to reduce in amount, degree, intensity, etc.; lessen; diminish
Fickle- likely to change, esp. due to caprice, irresolution, or instability; casually changeable: fickle weather.
Spontaneity- the state, quality, or fact of being spontaneous.
Contrived- to plan with ingenuity; devise; invent
Mennonites- A member of an Anabaptist church characterized particularly by simplicity of life, pacifism, and nonresistance.
Aggregation- a group or mass of distinct or varied things, persons
Predilection- tendency to think favorably of something in particular; partiality; preference: a predilection for Bach.
Impetus- a moving force or impulse
Concession- the act of conceding or yielding, as a right, a privilege, or a point or fact in an argument: He made no concession to caution.
Misconstrue- to misunderstand the meaning of; take in a wrong sense; misinterpret.
Section 2 Quiz
1. Have you ever heard the phrase “Many hands make work light”? Do you agree with this phrase? Why?
I have heard this phrase many times. In my Boy Scout troop, that was the most common saying spoken most of the time. The phrase “many hands make the task light” is printed on the trailers that we use to haul our gear to campouts. I agree with this phrase very strongly. When many people work toward the same goal, the work always seems to get done faster. Even one person can make a major difference.
2. Eric and Mary Brende had much help getting their new lives started. What do you think would have happened without help from the neighbors?
They likely would not have lasted very long with this lifestyle. Many errors were made throughout this section and these problems were almost always fixed or brought up by their neighbors. The Brende’s probably would have ended up buying food from someone else or just giving up without the aid of the Jones and the Millers.
3. Brende mentions the affects of doing this type of work and its rewarding feeling. Have you ever felt this feeling after an accomplishment of yours?
I have felt this feeling many times. Every summer I plant a garden and care for it, though it never quite turns out as good as was intended. No matter what, I still feel glad to have put the work in and tended my garden all summer long.
4. Do you agree with Mr. Miller’s reasons for his lifestyle and the way he raises his children?
I agree with the reasons that Mr. Miller states for living the way that he does. He states that he did this for his children; so that they could grow up in a safe environment. Although I agree with his reasons, I do not agree with the method with which he solves this problem. I do not believe that sheltering his children from the world will fix anything.
I have heard this phrase many times. In my Boy Scout troop, that was the most common saying spoken most of the time. The phrase “many hands make the task light” is printed on the trailers that we use to haul our gear to campouts. I agree with this phrase very strongly. When many people work toward the same goal, the work always seems to get done faster. Even one person can make a major difference.
2. Eric and Mary Brende had much help getting their new lives started. What do you think would have happened without help from the neighbors?
They likely would not have lasted very long with this lifestyle. Many errors were made throughout this section and these problems were almost always fixed or brought up by their neighbors. The Brende’s probably would have ended up buying food from someone else or just giving up without the aid of the Jones and the Millers.
3. Brende mentions the affects of doing this type of work and its rewarding feeling. Have you ever felt this feeling after an accomplishment of yours?
I have felt this feeling many times. Every summer I plant a garden and care for it, though it never quite turns out as good as was intended. No matter what, I still feel glad to have put the work in and tended my garden all summer long.
4. Do you agree with Mr. Miller’s reasons for his lifestyle and the way he raises his children?
I agree with the reasons that Mr. Miller states for living the way that he does. He states that he did this for his children; so that they could grow up in a safe environment. Although I agree with his reasons, I do not agree with the method with which he solves this problem. I do not believe that sheltering his children from the world will fix anything.
Summary pg.30-45
Chapter three starts out with Brende talking about how often the Millers (the family Brende is renting the house from) have been helping out every time they would pass his house and how he expects less that they will continue to help. Brende also mentions how often he hears the Millers say “Many hands make work light.” What the Millers mean by this is the more people working together the less work each person will have to do.
The Jones family stops by and like the Millers, warns Brende of the coming winter and how they will have a lot of work to do in order to last through it. The Jonses helped Brende and his wife add to their gardens so that they would have more food during the winter. Mabel, the Joneses’ only daughter gave Mary a free lesson in hoeing. Brende and his wife later decided to visit the Jonses to see if they needed a hand with anything. The Brende’s would continue to go to the Jonses’ to socialize, but with the purpose of labor.
Caleb and Amos (the two youngest Miller boys) stop by with a cow. The cow gets loose from the rope, and they end up having to chase it. After the cow is calm, Caleb shows Brende how to milk a cow. Brende learns that the more you think about milking a cow while actually doing it, the less successful you will be. Brende says that the cow can tell when the person milking is tense and tenses up itself.
A rainstorm hits and creates a large mess for Brende. Their back porch, chicken coop, woodshed, and farrowing house were covered by runoff. Mr. Miller later stopped by with a bow and started to cut branches from one of Brende’s trees. Brende went out to converse and then ended up helping. Mr. Miller warned Brende that he would need wood for the winter, but Brende procrastinated. After Mr. Miller had left, Brende realized that Mr. Miller had basically given Brende the opportunity to gather wood.
Toward the end of the chapter, Brende finds out from Nate Jones that Mr. Miller had come from Lancaster County and had once lived as modern as anyone else. Brende brings it up with Mr. Miller and he admits to it. Miller says that he did it for the sake of the kids. He had mentioned that the conditions of his former habitat deteriorated. There had been an increase in underage drinking, teenage pregnancy, and drug use.
The Jones family stops by and like the Millers, warns Brende of the coming winter and how they will have a lot of work to do in order to last through it. The Jonses helped Brende and his wife add to their gardens so that they would have more food during the winter. Mabel, the Joneses’ only daughter gave Mary a free lesson in hoeing. Brende and his wife later decided to visit the Jonses to see if they needed a hand with anything. The Brende’s would continue to go to the Jonses’ to socialize, but with the purpose of labor.
Caleb and Amos (the two youngest Miller boys) stop by with a cow. The cow gets loose from the rope, and they end up having to chase it. After the cow is calm, Caleb shows Brende how to milk a cow. Brende learns that the more you think about milking a cow while actually doing it, the less successful you will be. Brende says that the cow can tell when the person milking is tense and tenses up itself.
A rainstorm hits and creates a large mess for Brende. Their back porch, chicken coop, woodshed, and farrowing house were covered by runoff. Mr. Miller later stopped by with a bow and started to cut branches from one of Brende’s trees. Brende went out to converse and then ended up helping. Mr. Miller warned Brende that he would need wood for the winter, but Brende procrastinated. After Mr. Miller had left, Brende realized that Mr. Miller had basically given Brende the opportunity to gather wood.
Toward the end of the chapter, Brende finds out from Nate Jones that Mr. Miller had come from Lancaster County and had once lived as modern as anyone else. Brende brings it up with Mr. Miller and he admits to it. Miller says that he did it for the sake of the kids. He had mentioned that the conditions of his former habitat deteriorated. There had been an increase in underage drinking, teenage pregnancy, and drug use.
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