GE's Claims of Arugument

I had a really hard time with this question regarding Toulmin analysis of the GE advertisement. For some reason, analyzing the image was a lot harder than analyzing a written argument. I felt like there was a lot I should be seeing, but was missing. As is, I came up with several claims and evidence, but only a couple reasons and warrants. I could not bridge the gap very easily and see what each individual item was. Really, with this visual argument, I did not see any Toulmin terms left out. They did not really concede a point, but in a photograph, that is not necessary. Toulmin analysis basically states that there is a series of claims, then assumptions drawn from those claims that the author makes. I believe this argument is well presented. Here are my claims, reasons, and evidence that I drew from the image.

Claim1: The Evolution is the cleanest train ever made.

Claim2: GE is at the foremost of technology and preserving the environment.

Claim3: Riding in a GE train like the Evolution promotes a healthy environment.

Claim4: Most people who ride trains want to because it is better for the environment.

Reason1: The train goes through nature without disruption.

Warrent1: What does not disrupt the environment must be good for it.

Warrant2: If a train does not harm the environment, then it must be the best choice to ride on.

Evidence1: The environment is very beautiful and peaceful.

Evidence2: The train does not disrupt the natural, endangered birds in their natural
environment.

Evidence3: There is no smoke or pollution in the image. No tracks cutting though the landscape either.

Qualifier1: Most other trains do not protect the environment.

Analyzing The Argument

Claim: People should honor the true definitions of “Patriotism” and “supporting the Troops,” not the political and media’s definitions.

Qualifier: Most people only understand the political definitions and “hard evidence” definitions.

Good Reasons: Patriotism cannot be limited to commercialism.
People will die for these terms; the definitions should be known.

Warrants: People should understand the difference between the two definitions.
If people are willing to die for something, the reasoning should be known.

Backing: The general public has a need for knowledge and that should not be skewed by any force.

Evidence: People dying for a word.
Government taking advantage of US unity and patriotism.

Authority: Various quotes from known public figures about Patriotism and supporting the troops.

Rebuttal: Some people don’t care about the definitions of words as long as it suits their purposes.

Response: Everyone has the basic need and want of being informed. If they do not wish to listen, they do not have to.

In my opinion, this essay was not suited for a Toulmin analysis. There are too many abstract ideas here, and not enough hard evidence either way. It is an opinionated essay, bound by those ideals. Most all of the facts are supported by opinions. I was able to fill in most of the slots, but am not sure if I completed the activity correctly. In my essay I was not short of evidence, and rebuttal was not needed, but the Toulmin analysis shows I was lacking in both categories.

I guess, if I were to rewrite this paper using a Toulmin style, I would have to construct my arguments on more than just opinion. More information would have to be brought in, this time over factual evidence supporting my claims. Also, I would have to think more in-depth about what I want to get across. Do I simply want to define how I view Patriotism, or do I want others to see that the definition has become grossly disproportioned?

Censorship in our World

I have to be honest; this chapter of the text has to be my favorite so far. I liked the presentation of Toulmin arguments. First of all, it came at a great time in the class; right as we are beginning to write our papers. I believe going over this topic has helped me prepare immensely and I plan on using the Toulmin analysis in writing my paper. Already it has helped me to stay organized and open-minded.

The essay by Alan Dershowz was another highlight of this week. Not only was it a continuation on the topic of censorship and the idea of free speech, but it was also a perfect example of the Toulmin argument style. I love how the essay was reversed, putting the examples and evidence first, then the warrants, claims, and thesis. If I had a better grasping, I would try it myself!

Although this essay was very insightful and well written, I have to say it did not change my views about censorship. Mostly because my views are his- nothing can realistically be censored. If something offensive to one person is banned, then ten million other things that are offensive would have to be banned as well. To censor would be to enter a world like that of Orwell’s in 1984. Nothing is private due to a fear of someone performing a banned action.

All in all, my views coincide with Dershowz’s and those of my peers. Censorship is not the answer to offensive material. Instead, each individual must rise against it, accepting and posing their own arguments. Then all views are heard, offensive or not. It is up to the individual to decide.

So much Information!! - "Will it ever stop?"

Deardorff, Julie. “Technology puts years on young ears.” Chicago Tribune(2005). Academic Search Premier. EBSCOhost. Helmke Lib., Ft. Wayne, IN. 5 April, 2008.
http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=nfh&AN=2W70340603255&loginpage=Login.asp&site=ehost-live&scope=site.

This article details the usage of cell phones and how it effects people’s hearing. It is a well known fact that listening to music too loud will harm your ears and render you temporarily ‘deaf’ but recent studies have shown that talking on cell phones too long and often can result in hearing loss too.

“Last Word On Cell Phone Safety?” Child Health Alert(2007):25.3. Academic Search Premier. EBSCOhost. Helmke Lib., Ft. Wayne, IN. 5 April, 2008.
http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=aph&AN=23714960&loginpage=Login.asp&site=ehost-live&scope=site.

This is another source dedicated to the studies done on Cell phone usage and the possibilities of brain tumors. As it is now, none of the studies are able to prove the fact one way or another. There just is not enough data. Previous studies have indicated that there is no connection, but those were done with older phones, and people who have not been using cell phones from young ages. The main concern now is with children. Does their thinner skull affect the amount of radiation the phones are giving off?

Cramer, Sheryl. Joni Mayer. Sherry Ryan. “College Students Use Cell Phones While Driving More Frequently Than Found in Government Study.” Journal of American College Health(2007): 56.2:181-184. Academic Search Premier. EBSCOhost. Helmke Lib., Ft. Wayne, IN. 5 April, 2008.
http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=aph&AN=27264993&loginpage=Login.asp&site=ehost-live&scope=site.

I decided after gathering my information that I may not have enough research to complete the six to seven pages, so decided to broaden my horizons to include how driving with cell phones constitutes more danger. All in all, cell phones are proving to be harmful to an individual’s heath. This article details the statistics, as well as a study aimed at, driving with cell phones and the impairment because of such. The study has shown that college students are at the highest risk because they drive while using cell phones the most. I figured it would be a good article to include, because it rounds out my research. Cell phones are not just dangerous in regard to mental and brain health; they can be dangerous to your bodily health as well.

Plagiarism - In all its Glory

Due to the advances in technology, even the most basic of things, such as essays, are being transformed. What was once a long, drawn out affair of research, quoting, and explaining evidence has become a much simpler task of searching and adding a hyperlink to a more “reliable and creditable” source. It is still up for debate on whether or not this is a better method than the latter.

When it is all said and done, I liked the essay regarding plagiarism. There is a lot to be said on the topic and it makes it even more real when a well-known professor and author ends up plagiarizing most of her information. But I am not so sure that I enjoyed the format. I am not much for reading online, over a computer screen. Not only that, this essay uses several hyperlinks to inform readers of more information on separate sites, which may or may not be a good thing.

Now, I am not saying this format is bad. In all honesty, I can see several benefits, and the essay flows smoothly. But the format is very unreliable. In more than one case when I attempted to click a hyperlink, it brought up computer errors and would not display the page. This could be due to my computer, but the author should keep that idea in mind; not everyone’s computer will work well with the hyperlink format, therefore not everyone will get the benefits of this method. Also, after time, the links the author has posted may run into disrepair and no longer work. What will his essay be then?

The claim argued here was very well discussed. The author used a lot of quotes and used the hyperlinks in a very supportive manner. He did not rely upon them totally, only used them as backup in case a reader wanted more in-depth information. I believe this is the best method for hyperlinks. If I understood it better, I would probably use the hyperlinks more, just for the simple fact that it allows readers to go to the source, instead of believing the author totally. If I were to question credibility, I could just click the source and see if I was being lied to or not. Hyperlinks help readers with their understanding, so in this case, they are good. The reader just has to keep in mind that with technology, being tricked becomes much easier. Just because one uses a hyperlink does not mean he or she is more creditable. The author could be using false hyperlinks on purpose, just so the reader will attribute the unresponsive page to a computer error, not a false creditable site.

With everything considered, this author does not misuse hyperlinks at all. All of the pages were informative, liked to well-known sites, and worked (for the most part). The argumentation was factual and the author used quotations outside of hyperlinks, supporting his argument. The best use of such was when he liked directly to the plagiarized paper in question. Readers could see directly that Ms. Goodwin paper was plagiarized. It helped to see that he was not just assuming, he knew what he was talking about. Plagiarism is a serious topic, much like that of censorship. It is a topic all college students should be aware of and wary of.

So many Images, So little Space

http://anothermonkey.blogspot.com/2007/04/old-phone-new-phone.html. Personal blog.

This image shows how cell phones have changed over the years. They were once huge, bulky things that had to have their own bag. Now, phones are slim, hand-shaped and easily hidden. This is part of the huge controversy with cell phones. Because they can be hidden, students are using them to cheat on tests, take inappropriate photos, and other things.

http://www.ehso.com/ehshome/cellphonecancer.php. Environment, Health and Safety Online. Updated Feb. 2008.

This image shows the radiation levels in cell phones, compared to other household and everyday items. It is an interesting comparison. As shown on this graph, the radiation from cell phones is very similar to that of televisions and microwave ovens, which have already been determined to not cause radiation damage. The controversy however, is if holding these radioactive elements, no matter how small, up to your brain can cause more damage that just having the radiation floating around. Although the site I found this information on is not purely academic, it has a lot of information and studies that I plan to use, along with this image.

http://weblogs.jupiterresearch.com/analysts/ask/archives/007174.html Personal Blog, October 2006.

This images shows the extent to which cell phones are being used. When I came across it, I was very surprised. The people of Africa, small, secluded tribes at that, are using cell phones regularly. They even sell cell phone cards and such at common market stores! I plan to use the image to relate how wide spread cell phone use is. Not just Americans own phones. Even the smallest, most secluded African tribe has several phones. There is even talk that Iraq and other such nations are wanting to buy into the cell phone craze.

http://cellphoneuse.org/

This image came from a personal website, aimed at exposing the risks of cell phones to the world. Unfortunately, I found the site to be completely biased and no where near useful. All the sponsors did was bash cell phone use, saying it causes cancer, but they did not back up their facts very well. Most of the studies used only show the results saying cell phones and wireless signals are harmful to the brain due to Electromagnetic radiation, but they never concede points. Cell phones can cause damage, but in most case studies it has been proven that the phones only hold small amounts of radiation. The site may be worth more looking into though; maybe some of the links will prove more informative.

Speeches to Move

Oh the inevitable act of taunting others!

In my opinion, these essays state the same thought, support the same opinion; that free speech should be allowed and it is a basic right of all Americans. The idea of trying to limit free speech makes anyone bristle. These people just spoke out against it.

I liked both essays, because they came towards the same idea, only using different approaches. The first essay tried to show all viewpoints; why the hoisting of the two flags could be seen as both an outcry and testament of free speech, as well as how it can be seen as offensive to others. This author gauged his audience and tried to make both sides of the view fair. He held to the view that free speech should be allowed, but that some people need to think of others before blatantly ‘speaking.’ The second essay was a critique of the first, going into detail about how the first essay could have been improved, but how it did a good job of sticking to its view.

In my opinions free speech should always be allowed. But, as stated, it is a hard topic to gage. Just how ‘free’ can speech be if one has to consider all possible reactions before speaking? And how ‘free’ can speech be if there are some topics one cannot broach? The First Amendment kind of contradicts itself here. Everyone has the right to free speech, but then everyone has to be treated equally. So if Person A wants to fly a confederate flag, but Person B finds that offensive and demeaning, Person A would have to take down that flag because it would go against Person B’s rights. How “free” is that?

Free speech is such a broad topic I believe it is limitless, so anything can fall under its protection. But the most publicized is with religion or sexual orientation. I have heard a lot about these topics, though have never experienced them myself. The closest I think I have come is watching the news about how “In God We Trust” may be taken off money, and how the Ten Commandments were going to be banned from display in Government buildings. Here, it never hit home so I never gave it attention.

With the issue of hate speech, my opinion rides to that of the essays. Just let people go and try to ignore it. Most times, people enact hate speech to get a response. There is no ‘fair’ way to draw a line here, no adequate way to say “this is hate speech and this is not” so people need to take it into their own hands. Also, hate speech is all relevant to the listener. I may find being called an Indian degrading and mean, while someone else may think it the regular term.

All in all, the idea of Free Speech is hard to define. No one can say exactly what it is, what it entails, or how to enact it. The terms are just to general for our increasingly specific culture. Someday maybe the terms will be set. But for now, everyone has to just accept them as general, try to live by the general rule of treating others with respect.

The Background Information

“Students With Cell Phones May Take More Risks, Study Finds.” Ascribe Newswire: Health. 3/3/2008. Academic Search Premier. EBSCOhost. Helmke Lib., Ft. Wayne, IN. 26 Mar. 2008.
<http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=hxh&AN=3117025 7&loginpage=Login.asp&site=ehost-live&scope=site>

This is an interesting article that states that a lot of kids feel safer with phones. The article details why kids and adolescents feel safer carrying cell phones, even so much as saying that if the cell was not present, they would not venture outside after dark. I figured I would use this article to support the idea that many parents are wanting kids to carry cell phones, due to all the risks of today’s society.

Parenting. (2008): 22.1:24. Academic Search Premier. EBSCOhost. Helmke Lib., Ft. Wayne, IN. 26 Mar. 2008.
<http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=hxh&AN=2845613 7&loginpage=Login.asp&site=ehost-live&scope=site>

This article is a very short one. It details a poll of mothers asking if they believe children under 12 should have phones and then why or why not. Of the 1,700 polled, 79% said no. This was a surprising fact, and the reasons were just as shocking. Most parents thought kids on cell phones was annoying, so did not want their kids to have them. I figured that parents would have better reasons for kids not using phones, but that did not seem to be the case here. This poll shows different reasons for cell phone use, both under the positive side, and the negative side. I hope to use it in referencing my facts.

“Cell Phones--Do They Put Kids At Risk For Harmful Health Effects?” Child Health Alert (2005): 23: 2. Academic Search Premier. EBSCOhost. Helmke Lib., Ft. Wayne, IN. 26 Mar. 2008.
<http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=aph&AN=2354477 0&loginpage=Login.asp&site=ehost-live&scope=site >

This article details studies done in the past about cell phone usage and tumors. It says that there is no connection in the study of adults and the cell phone use, but that may not hold true for kids. As of now, there is not enough research on how cell phones may affect children, because the technological generation is still so new. The study was done in Sweden as well, not the US, so there may be some huge differences. The studies were inconsistent concerning the adults, because each study got varying degrees of fact. But, through this, the article is a good basis because it shows the idea is out there, and that research is being done.

World in Arguments

Any image can make an argument, as long as it is presented in the proper manner and to the right group. Take this one for example. An advertisement for buying a certain moisturizer cream. They type doesn’t mater, only the image: A pale blue background, chopsticks reaching across the middle with a naked blonde woman stretched along between them. The words “Skin good enough to eat” are placed floating in the blue background. This advertisement seeks to make a very strong argument. They portray the ultimatum of feminine beauty with the basic necessity of food (or do they mean soft skin is a necessity?) It is all about beauty. If you want to have skin good enough to eat and look like this woman, use our lotion. In using this image, the company is testifying to the idea that a sexy image sells and something that is normally taboo(eating another human being) can become a successful way to sell a message. The image works to. It implores women to buy the product on the “fact” that it will make them beautiful and soft, which, of course, all women strive to be.

Images for Claims...Emotion or Fact?

For almost a year, images such as this one circulated vastly. You couldn’t pass a telephone poll or a store front with out seeing the majestic eagle and the scroll of “United We Stand.” The argument is a simple one; The people of the U.S. need to become united. And the emotions of this collage of images stands behind the patriotic ideal - if you support the Red, White, and Blue, you will pay attention to this message. This images evokes a range of emotions, as it should with the range of images. Pride, sadness, fear, regret, all are present due to the flag, military planes, Twin Towers attack, and the crying eagle that are presented in the collage. It persuades people through its suggestions that all Americans should stand behind this message of United People because they are Americans. Not to do so would be to deny the emotions present and the symbols represented in this image. The verbal claim is the same, just unite.

Pictures are worth a Thousand Words

*Image: Wireless Raido towers and antennas across the US. Posted February 8, 2008. <<>>>

This image really struck a cord in me. It is a reading of all of the wireless radio and cellular towers in the U.S. I couldn't believe it when I saw it! I figured I could use this image to show how widespread the wireless world really is, and the risks that may come with it.


*Image: Two girls with new "Firefly" phone. "New York Times" article by Lisa Foderaro. March 9, 2007. << http://www.nytimes.com/2007/03/29/fashion/29cell.html?_r=2&pagewanted=1&oref=slogin >>

This image I plan on useing as an example of the new phones on the market for kids. This phone is the new "firefly" marketed towards children ages six to eight. Kind of sad that a market would target these young ones. They look so young, but phones are just a part of their lives now.

*Image: Three teens with cell phones. Textually.org sponcered site. November 20, 2007.
<<http://www.textually.org/textually/archives/2007/11/018021.htm >>

Another example of the effects of cell phones on teenagers. This image shows them drinking a popular soft drink and hanging out... but none of them are talking to eachother. Instead, they talk on cell phones and this is the new "hanging out." I found it disturbing and sad that the kids no longer talk to each other. If you think about it, most times one can go to the mall and see this everyday. Kids hanging out with one another, but just talking on the phone while walking.

Polls for Thought

The problem with polls and the results from suck is thus: the questions can be biased toward one idea of another. The same question, just with a few words switched or added, can completely change the results obtained. Also, a question can be so loaded with extremes or information that the person polled does not really support either idea asked, but still answers because he or she feels obligated to do such. Here I have tried to shoe there is ideas using my topic and making various claims toward it.

1.) Are you for or against the idea of teens (kids ages 15-19) and preteens (ages 8-12) owning cell phones?

2.) In your opinion, is it beneficial for preteens or teens to own/use cell phones regularly?

3.) As technology increases, more and more kids are using cell phones or other communication methods to stay in touch with friends and family. Is this beneficial or detrimental to these children?

4.)Do you agree or disagree that in an increasingly technological world teens and preteens are becoming dependant upon communication tools such as cell phones?

5.) Would you agree or disagree with the statement “One of Three teens or preteens owns and uses a cellular phone.” Why? – The fact is true/false - The number is too high/too low

6.) What is the reason teen and preteens are spending so much money and time on cell phones? – Want to feel more ‘grown up’, popular, liked - Technology is easier to use -Phones are more affordable for most families -Parents ask children to carry the phones, as a precaution for safety

7.) Why is cellular communication so important in today’s society? -Ease of use Cheaper -more portable -stay in touch easier - want to be “up-to-date”

8.) Do you agree or disagree with the statement “cellular phones are the most used communication device.”?

Its Never Black and White

The bad thing about graphs is they can be interpreted in several different manners, all depending on who is looking at them and at what time in that individual’s life. Looking on the USA Today website made me see that, time and time again. It is a fact that I have always known; graphs and tables can be skewed to fit any perspective. But seeing such a wide variety of graphs and looking at them through the eyes of purposely wanting to see the various facts really brought the point home.

The graph I chose to analyze on the USA Today website is labeled “College students Taking Online Classes.” Unfortunately, I could not figure out how to copy the graph onto my blog. It did not have a save to computer option, and the graphs were all on a kind of slide show. This is the link to USA Today Snapshots, the graph I chose was under the news section, 8 out of 20.

The claims I have laid are as followed. I am not sure if I have approached this the right way, but I will give it a stab.

Claim #1: Despite the advances in computer technology over the past five years, only 10% more college-goers chose online classes than in 2002.

Claim #2: In today’s rapidly changing world, about 20% of college-goers choose online classes verse the traditional campus college due to the requirements of jobs and families.

Claim #3: The percentage of attending online college classes verse the traditional campus college classes is going up year by year. In 2002 only 9.7% of students attending college took online classes; now the number is up to 19.8% in 2006. This number can only be expected to grow, as is proven by the approximate 3% increase yearly.

Support For the Cause

Looking through the Academic search Premier, I found that my topic does hold relevance and I will be able to research several different areas of cell phone effects on children. I was afraid, after searching through the OVRC last week that I would not be able to the topic I wanted about children and the affects of technology. All of these articles can be swayed to go for both how cell phones affect kids, and how the buying of technology affects families. I cited several sites, because many of them were very short and I wanted to be able to have more reference later for our paper.

“Cell-phone-savvy kids.” Knapstein, Karen, Scholastic Parent & Child; Apr2007, Vol. 14 Issue 6, p62-62, 1/2p.
This is a very short article, mainly going into statistics. I thought that this would be good for a back up article, sighting the statistics for cell phone ownership. This article proclaimed that 74 percent of 13-to 18-year-olds owned their own cellular phones, and 26 percent of the 6- to 12-year-olds were owners.

“Child Wants Cellphone: Reception Is Mixed.” By: Foderaro, Lisa W. The New York Times Date. 03/29/2007 Volume: 156 Issue: 53898.
This article goes into the pros and cons of giving kids cell phones; why teenagers want them and the reasons for or against giving in to the demands of cell phones. It has some examples on parents who have given cells and why, then the opposite view, why some parents refuse to give phones. Also, this article details the for profit reasons of selling phones and why companies target teens. What phones are being sold and for what reasons.

Techniques: Connecting Education & Careers; Nov/Dec2006, Vol. 81 Issue 8, p8-9, 2p
This article talks about cell phone usage in schools and the benefits or drawbacks to it. There are a lot of things to consider with phones, you cant just look at the bad. This one goes solely into usage in classrooms, but it does shed light on why kids DO have cells. A lot of parents want to be in constant contact, or at least have that idea available to them.

“Home-Based ‘Digital Divide.’” Trotter, Andrew. Education Week; 10/31/2007, Vol. 27 Issue 10, p5-5, 1/7p
This article details how housing income retaliates to the technology the household has. It is not a very long article, but does site a study and give little hints about why kids clamor for new technology and how technology may play a part in kids lives. Those whose parents cannot afford the latest gadgets will be shunned by peers, resulting in the degrading social life.

“Parents should restrict children's use of mobile phones.” Brettingham, Madeleine. BMJ: British Medical Journal; 1/15/2005, Vol. 330 Issue 7483, p109-109, 1/2p, 1c
This article details the potential risk to a child’s brain when using a cell phone for long periods of time. It states that research is being done to prove or disprove the idea that children using cell phones intensively can lead to damage of that child’s DNA, as well as an increased risk for cancer or brain tumors. Right now, data and experiments are still being preformed, but this article lays the basis for the idea.

Thinking on a New Idea

I knew right off the bat when I saw the article concerning cell phones and the psychological effects on children that I wanted to dig deeper into that subject. It is just a matter of finding the original article and then jumping in from there. I admit, I was not too thrilled about having to do a fourth post, one that to me seemed almost exactly like the previous one. But I guess humoring really does have its benefits. I found through exploring the OVRC that the topic I chose may not have enough solid evidence to do an entire paper on, as interesting as it may seem.

There is a vast amount of information on the OVRC website. At first, I was at a loss and did not know where to start clicking, even with the help of the document we were to read for class. There were just so many different ways to go! But after a few minutes, I got the hang of it and started searching. It was a matter of rephrasing what I wanted to search.

When I finally began searching, I found more than I figured, only not for the exact subject I
wanted. Most all of the articles on the OVRC have to do with kids and cell phones, but more on the business end. The articles talked about how cell phone companies are trying to target younger generations for the big profits, playing on the popularity theme every young teen and preteen adheres to. Most of the articles were very interesting, and helped me to narrow down my topic.

I found, through exploring the OVRC site, that my topic will have to be tweaked a little bit in order for me to find the information I need. I believe I will have to go the route of how cell phones affect the lives of children and their parents by route of buying, instead of psychologically. There just was not enough information on the OVRC. I hope, in researching other sites, I may find more, but I’m not sure.

Searching on the OVRC kind of threw me for a loop. I had my heart set on doing how cell phones affect children in their development, but am no longer sure I can do that topic. Instead, I think I will have to go a secondary route on how cell phones affect people in general, how they have helped and hindered society. It is a similar topic, albeit not as interesting. I am glad we did have to do the extra post. Now I understand the limits of some ideas, and how extra research needs to be done at times to grasp ideas. Hopefully this topic will play out a little better!

Cell Phones and Kids

It is really funny that this paper comes in the semester when it does. I have an argumentation speech to do in Communications too, at the same time! Anyhow, I looked at all of the newspaper sections and could not find a topic I thought was interesting enough to warrant a paper. All of the articles seemed to be about politics, or news on third world countries. Then I stumbled upon an article about cell phones and how they act on the psychological state of today’s kids. I knew that this article was the one I wanted to do my topic on.

Unfortunately enough, I did not copy the link right away. I searched, found the link and wrote my paper, then did not have the opportunity to type it. When I went back to search for the link, I could not find it anywhere. I remember everything but the title though, and still want to do my paper on this topic. Teenagers and the usage of cell phones. How does it affect their psychological and social development?

Psychology is my passion. My major is child psychology, so when I came across the article about how technology may be interfering with today’s children’s development, I knew it was the right one for me. There are so many things affecting kids today. They have to grow up so fast, and the sad thing is they want it. Due to a lot of technological advances in a short time, kids are getting jobs so they can pay for new gadgets; they are talking on cell phones 24/7, and many of them have shaky relationships with parents or other friends because of it. I want to be able to help these children, and the first step is to understanding why they behave like this. Hence, why this topic is one I like and feel a passion towards.

In my opinion, everyone should want to know about his topic, or at least have a basic understanding of it. Anything concerning the future generations, the “youngsters” of today, should be important and on the foremost of everyone’s thoughts. Especially if the problem is with something as common as cell phones. Every person over the age of eleven usually has a phone in one hand, iPod or music player in the other. No one can know what this behavior could lead to, that is why the research needs to be done.

This is an up and coming field, so there should be plenty of research regarding children and the usage of cell phones. Especially now that every child over the age or probably ten or eleven owns one. Cell phones are becoming the panicle of communication. Because of this, the topic of cell phones and kids relates to everyday life in every possible manner. It is important to know if these common communication devices will harm our future generations. How cell phones usage relates to life and why people should care about this topic go hand in hand. There should be plenty of research, and plenty of people interested and concerned for this topic.

Of all of the topics presented on the three newspaper sites, this one is the one I believe I want to present. Cell phones are a major issue in today’s world, one that needs more research and one that people need to know about. Honestly, how many times do you see a kid, talking on a cell phone or texting while walking, hanging out with friends, while in a classroom, or even when talking in person to another? It is becoming a serious issue and a sad one at that. I can easily see that cell phones are harming the psychological development of kids, and interfering with fostering real life attachments. If this is proven true, then the topic needs to be presented, and soon.

The Good, The Bad, and the Beatings

Today’s society is changing in so many ways, most of them all due to technology. It is shocking how fast the world is evolving in these areas. Fifty years ago, cameras took several minutes of still exposure to gain a frame. They were big, bulky, and hard to move around. Same with cell phones. Just to get everything inside to enable cells to send and receive calls they had to be as “big as a brick” and weigh just as much. Today, however, things are completely opposite. Not only are cameras tiny, portable, and immediate, phones are slim as paper, technology friendly, and the two have been combined! One can take photographs, talk on the phone, anything he or she wants from a small piece of technology that everyone holds.

All in all, it is a hard decision to make on whether devices like cell phones, digital cameras, or other technology enhance society or hinder it. There are so many factors to consider regarding them. Technology is rampant in today’s society; anyone over the age of twelve has a cell phone, and those younger know everything top to bottom about things like computers. But to say no one has benefited is a lie. There is a little bit of a “happy medium” in which some are helped and others hindered.

One example is in the case of “police brutality.” Now, by putting this in quotations I am not trying to convey that this does not happen. It does. There are times when police officers get out of hand. But in my opinion, technology such as cell phones or police cams enhance the instances of so called police brutality. It is all a matter of perspective and by recording a video on a cell or some sort, the truth can be twisted.

Say, for instance, you are walking down the street and see an officer arresting an African American man. It looks cool, so you pull out your phone and start recording. But then you hear yelling and the officer appears to be hitting the man, so you move in closer, a crowd coming in behind you. That night you see the clip on the news, similar to the one you shot, under a heading of police brutality, how cops get out of hand. But is that really what was seen? In recording a video, the person recording the video only sees from his or her perspective. That individual has no idea if the man being arrested was fighting, or being vulgar trying to escape. Then there is the idea that the man had seen several people recording him, so decided to “milk” the situation for what it was worth. If he pretended to be getting the worst of the deal, he will probably get off on whatever was originally being charged.

Now please, do not get me wrong. I understand that police brutality does occur, that people are hurt and attacked unwarranted. All I am asking is that people try to see this from every view. If there were not people recording the video, would the same things happen as a result? I also understand that technology is good in many ways. I have seen it. Technology fights death, poverty, cancer, betters money and communication, everything imaginable. In this sense, technology is no where near bad or damaging. But one has to remember the coasts of this.

Technology is a tricky matter. It can be limiting as well as broadening. Technology enhances communication across the world, but limits it within a home or community. Technology may fight cancer, but it may also kill people in the hunt of one cure. Using technology like cell phone videos may prove police are too harsh, but is also may let people get away with crimes, due to a sympathetic public. It is all relevant, and one must keep several aspects in mind when trying to determine the benefits or limitations of technology.

Who concerns what?

If spun the right way, any topic can be suitable for any audience. It does depend on interest, demographical, and situational analysis of audiences for some aspects, but spinning a topic the right way can reach anyone. The topics presented for this question prove that. All of them can be argued to a college audience, and only one or two really need to be targeted to a specific audience.

1. This topic could effect where a college student goes to school, lives, works, or vacations. It can also persuade student into action; either studying hurricanes or raising money to help set up precautions.

2. Cancer is a huge topic. I seriously do not know one person who has not faced its horrors, at least second hand. This topic could easily goad students into perspective lines of study, as well as inform them on how to deal with those horrors.

3. In today’s world, everyone deals with weight loss, from those who are obese to those who just want to “fit in.” This topic can help people understand just what heart disease is, all of its risks and how weight loss and dieting can affect that.

4. This topic is one of the not so much ones. It is hard to argue history to a college student unless they are a history major. Most of us students do not care about the past; its over and done and no longer concerns us. If argued from the stance that everyone must learn from past mistakes to prevent future ones and then expand on that, using Japan as an example, the argument may work. But just talking about Japanese history probably would not be that interesting.

5. This topic is a little iffy. Some people my repel the topic right away due to the subject matter and classification roles. In today’s world there are many male teachers, so the problem is not as prominent. Current education students or undecided majors would be the best subjects here.

6. Though not completely true, this topic is worth arguing. College students are more open to ideas of change and if persuaded that others do not hold as much prejudice, may believe it. The topic may offend some minorities though, who do not believe that they are fairly represented.

7. Very much a Yes to arguing this topic!! If college graduates will not be able to get high paying jobs, what is the point of spending so much on a higher education? The options and choices need to be presented and I think that many will go to an argumentation lecture on this topic.

8. This topic is another that would not be so good to argue. As stated before, college students usually do not care about the past or the distant future. Most of us are living in the moment and find it hard think that far in the future. Unfortunately, it is a topic that we should hear about; just most of us would not pay attention. Fossil fuels are confusing and can be hard to understand.

9. I do not believe that anyone really cares about the religions of past presidents. Unless the topic would have some tie into WHY that one presidents religion made such a difference, I do not think it would be relevant. Religion is a controversial topic as is.

10. This topic you would have to spin the right way. People usually want to know about Free Speech and how it pertains to them, but I do not know if many college students care about the political activists. Unless of course they are part of the movement. College is the chance to explore oneself, so I guess a Political Activists speech would go over well, but one that is solely informative would be hard to pass over.

As I stated before, Any topic can be argued to any audience if spun the right way. From how to fight heart disease, to histories of foreign countries, all the way down to fossil fuels, a college audience would probably be the most open to anything. But it would have to be directed to a certain audience. The great thing about college is anyone can CHOOSE to attend, which makes all the difference. The presenter has the guaranteed attention because those people want to be there. It all depends on audience.

Thinking in a Pink Nature

Pink Think - the womanly ideal that strives to maintain femininity in a world of changing times. It is not simply a matter of history, although with the feminist movement, many will try to say such. Pink Think is still a very strong force in today’s society, with a slight change in focus compared to that of the past and the words of the essay.

First of all, Pink Think is shown in a more stylistic view today. Although most girls strive for the beauty of a supermodel, they do not need to be told how to put a swimsuit on step by step. Most of us have mastered the art of perfect cleavage and showing off our bodies, which is what today’s Pink Think entails. Pink Think in the past was concerned with women facing the basic model of calm, kept together housekeeper, mother, and general picture of innocence. Today however, Pink Think strives towards the no-nonsense kick butt kind of woman who does her job well without ever losing the perfectly sculpted physic.

Everything starts, of course, with the blanket. No one can deny that. As soon as a baby is born, he or she is wrapped in the color that will be the determining factor of their mindset for the rest of their lives; blue for boys, pink for girls. Most parents do not even think of it. Instead, they blindly accept the idea of color patterns for babies. And follow it perfectly. Clothes match the sex. Pastels for girls, bolder, sharper colors for boys. And it keeps going as the child grows.

For girls, Pink Think is enhanced by the toys they are given to play with at a young age; Barbie’s, teddy bears, house sets, and romantic stories that all show the beautiful princess getting swept of her feet by a handsome prince. They are given pretty dresses and encouraged to stay clean and neat, helping mom with the house and younger siblings. As a child gets older, those rules are subtly enhanced. Pretty, smart, successful girls get dates to homecoming dances and Prom. And even if not dating, only the smart ones go to college to pursue Barbie’s dream job into reality.

In today’s society, the Pink Think method is all about sexuality and the body image of women. Everyone knows sex sells, so at a young age, sexuality is pushed on girls, making them strive to become that ’beautiful’ model from storybook land. Every women they see is portrayed as a thin, beautiful, successful woman who knows what she wants and goes after it, but still maintains that sexy charm and wit. Not always does this model have a family, but she is always in the foremost of every man’s thoughts. Jobs model this. Lawyers, doctors, secretaries, home cooking gurus like Rachel Ray, everything deals with a successful woman. And whether they realize it or not, most every woman conforms to these ideals. They want to become that super successful lawyer and when they fall short, fall into depression.

The ideal of Pink Think wears thin on society. Most women realize it is there, subconsciously if not consciously. We know we are being pushed towards the sexy ideal, but have no way to counter it. Whatever society expects, we must conform to, or die trying. And it goes across gender too. Not only woman have these types of subcategories pushed upon them. Thus, my coined phrase Gamers’ Think and the subsequent explanation.

Gamers’ Think is the opposite as Pink Think, in a total sex related view. Gamers’ Think plays on the male perspective from birth to adulthood. Where as girls are given soft pink clothes and pushed towards the “cushion” jobs, boys are given solid colors and pushed into the labor jobs or technological jobs. This is where Gamers’ Think is solidified. It all started with the Nintendo and other game systems that came out when we were kids. Boys were given them for birthdays and Christmas and the trend started. Men held the key to beating the bosses and finishing the games, while girls sat calmly watching with their dolls.

As new technology started to hit the market, Gamers’ Think became more of a reality. New games were designed to capture the boy’s normally short attention span and give them a reason to sit and play. Computers enhanced this aspect with games like Final Fantasy and World Of Warcraft that actually require a notice on the beginning game screen due to the addictively of the games. Advertisements constantly grab the attention of the “geeky” boys, telling them to fit in they must play such games where appearance doesn’t matter, as long as they have the best gear in the game and can “own some noobs.”

These types of ideals pull and grab at boy’s attentions to get them to fit in to the crowd. Anything to fit in for any sex. It is sad really. For women, life is seen outside in the eyes of all. Perfect beauty enhanced by the kick ass attitude that will propel them anywhere. Men on the other hand its technology and games. Trying to fit into a world, any world, because they do not meet the ideal male qualities. Both qualities go hand in hand. Pink Think and the newly coined Gamers’ Think are alive and well in today’s society and will remain so for some time. It is all a mater of what our world plays us for, and how we as the individuals of society play into its hands.

Define this, Define that...

The definition of words…a topic I love, and am so glad we get a chance to explore it in our weekly posts in class. Words are my forte, my chance to express myself and to make others understand exactly what goes on inside my head, as scary as that may seem. The way they can twist and turn, meaning one thing in one moment and then something entirely different in the next depending on the listener makes my head spin! And it makes for great conversations.

First of all, every italicized item on the list from our textbook is controversial, as noted. “Literature,” “journalists,” “free speech,” all of these have very broad subject matters and can be interpreted in several ways. One would be hard pressed to go about listing all of the definitions and possible meanings of each word and the claims they hold. But try I will! This is my definition of fun!

To truly establish a criteria for any of these, research must first be done. One should look into each category, getting a basic understanding of general definitions and then applying them in context to the claim of definition. Then, a personal definition must be drawn up. What, personally, does “serious literature” mean to you? Or “journalists?” Or “marriage?” When you understand what you mean when using the word, you can better understand what others may see, and that is what must be done next. Where as one can view marriage to mean a union between a man and woman, another can see it between man and man, woman and woman, or even as a simple union, be it any type of factor(marriage between business partners).

After the above steps are completed, one must look at the picture as a whole, taking into account his/her own definitions, personal beliefs, the beliefs of others, and all possible meanings of one word. Then and only then can one start to consider the entire phrase and start to form a criteria of definition for that phrase.

All of the phrases in our text are examples of operational definitions. In other words, each phrase defines itself in criteria. For example, “graphic novels are serious literature.” The ‘serious literature’ part can be defined by graphic novels, and therefore would be operational because the speaker of the phrase is defining serious literature by graphic novels. Same can be said for the other phrases. “Marriage” is operationally defined by sex and “civil disobedience” is defined by an act, plagiarism.

In all reality, any word can be defined anyway by anybody. They are all relative. Who is to say the word ‘dog’ has to mean dog as we all know it? Claims of definition are made everyday and one just has to know what to look for when listening to people speak. Otherwise, you may be saying something you do not mean to another person, for the simple reason that they define words differently.

Reflections of a Serious Sort

Honestly, when it comes to the present war our great country is going through, I cannot say I have had much of an opinion. Sure, I remember 9/11. I remember the images on the television, the news reports, and all the tears that came afterward. I was in the seventh grade, music class. Everything is kind of a still frame for that time; I remember that for ever single class for almost a week, all we would do is watch the news. But despite all that, I never really formed an opinion about the situation our country was going into.

Everything feels really disconnected when I try to think about the war and my opinions on it. I do not like fighting; do not like the thought of people dieing, especially for me when I have no idea what the fighting is for. But at the same time, I know I should care and should hold an opinion. It is like a continuum. The war has never touched me personally, has never had a direct event in my life, so I do not feel connected to it. Several of my friends are military wives and have to deal with the horrors daily. I don’t.

For these reasons, I have never held much of an opinion of war. I am not connected, and when I try to understand all the political jargon, I get lost. So I tend to stick to my original statement of not having an opinion. I do not like war, but because I do not understand the purposes or everything involved, I do not place myself in one category or another.

Reading the Military blog has not changed that. These men and women who have taken the time to share their stories and opinions are stronger than I will ever be. But they did not force me to change my views of the war. Instead, they reinforced the idea that I have no clue what is going on, and can never possibly understand the lives of those who live war.

In fact, I feel more than ever that I will never understand. Although the Milblog has not changed my opinion of the war, it has made me more compassionate to those men and women who serve. Supporting war should not be about supporting an idea or belief. It should be about people, individuals and what they live. In my opinion, I do not have to support the war, or be against it even, to feel compassion and a desire to help those who fight in it. My opinion of a war has nothing to do with it. In the long run, I can hate the fighting for a cause I don’t understand till my dieing day, but it will not make a difference. I am one person, one in millions who either support or do not support the conflict our country is in. Instead, I choose to have a neutral ideal, neither hating or liking the war. But no matter what I will support those people fighting. The Milblog has shown me I can do no less for those people that fight for something I will never understand, but they believe in wholeheartedly.

PATRIOTISM

Such a hard word. I never thought about it before, but words really are hard to define and understand. What means one thing to one person may mean something entirely different to another. And even defining a word can become difficult with various meanings.

So here comes the loaded word: Patriotism. To me, it is the love beyond all other to a specific cause or ideal. It does not have to be a country or piece of land. One can easily hold patriotism to religion or even to a family. Patriotism can come at different times, can flare up in dangerous situations, and then can trickle off. When feeling patriotic, one can easily be willing to sacrifice life or other aspects of self to honor the feeling of devotion. To hold patriotism is to love something, that simple. To love something or someone beyond all thought and be willing to sacrifice for that something.

Britney Spears - Essay for the Confused

Ok, Ok, I’ll admit it! I was one of those teenagers who listened to Britney Spears when she first became popular! Though in my defense, my brother started to listen first and then after I got used to the songs, I listened. She was not that bad when she first started off. I think it was only after her first album that her image became super-sexualized in the music videos and concerts.

Anyway, the student essay about Britney Spears was very interesting. I was thinking as I flipped to the pages that both essays would be one of those horrible High School things on how NOT to do an essay. But instead I got a nice shock; both essays were well written and cleverly styled, with a balance of personal opinion and proof that gave credibility and originality. I chose this essay over the Coldplay one, because I can relate better to it. I agree with Ms. William’s ideas on Britney Spear’s image and the influences she has over the younger generations.

As for grading, I would say the Britney Spears essay deserves an “A.” Although it was very well written, had a multitude of facts and support, some of the essay could have done with better structure and thought. For example, the student starts out by writing about her own personal fears of becoming a mother and why that connects to Britney Spears. It is a very good opening that provides a personal insight and attention grabber to a very serious topic, but the student does not continue that thought through the essay. Once, toward the middle, the student comes in with a statement about having children again, but that is all. I believe, if she started out with the idea that Britney Spears made her not want to have children, she should finish with that thought. It does not have to be lengthy, just a simple statement about her fears, or the hope that when she has children there will be better role models than that of Britney Spears.

The length of the essay is good as well. It is not too long, but not too short. The author makes all the points she wants to and manages to keep her voice throughout it all. Merit it is a cynical and slightly hostile voice, but it is the author’s own. Her facts are introduced in the proper places, not out of context or just thrown in. Every fact has a suitable explanation that fits with the paragraph it is placed in. The only problem I saw with the author’s facts is that sometimes she starts off a paragraph with them. In the lecture we were to view about paragraph formatting, it was stated that one should not place a fact in the beginning sentence of a paragraph because it can detract from the author’s voice. This author only does it a few times, and it does not really detract a lot from the essay, but it is something that should be taken into account.

Overall, I enjoyed reading this essay on why this woman hates Britney Spears and the image she has created for young girls. The essay was well written, established a multitude of facts and personal opinions, and kept a true voice throughout. The only things that could make it better are to look through the organization a bit(sometimes the facts seemed a little messy and didn’t fit in), try to keep the beginning thought of having children to the end, and to make sure to put facts toward the middle of a paragraph, not the beginning. I can only hope my essay will be as good this week!

Criteria of Evaluations

The one topic on the list that I know anything about is the Navajo rugs. I am no where near an expert, but I do enjoy looking at them and have researched them before for a Native American class back in High School.

Being able to distinguish between excellence and mediocrity in the area of rug making is a very difficult task for one who has never made a rug before. The task is very time consuming, tedious, and troublesome. So, in my opinion, the time spent of making the rug could be a criteria for evaluation. In order to make an excellent rug, one must spend a large amount of time on the project, making sure it has a nice design and fine quality; quality defined as a smooth transition between color, even weave rows, and not many lumps of material in one area. If someone wove a rug in under a day, I do not believe it could be considered fine quality; more than likely the weave would be uneven and lumpy.

Another criteria for evaluation of excellence would be the knots tied and the pattern portrayed. An excellent rug must have intricate knots and patters with a wide variety of rich, bold colors. Navajo rugs are prided on their rich colors and patterns, using geometry to portray pictures and mythical legends. Intricate can be defined as a unique pattern with difficult figures. Rugs of poor quality usually host simple designs that are easy to make and fail to capture a viewer’s eye.

Finally, I believe the most important quality in defining excellence in a Navajo rug is its ability to stand time. A rug of excellent quality should withstand wear and tear, and retain its natural beauty. Often times I will see on the Antiques Road show (yes, I’m guilty of watching sometimes) a Navajo rug that is hundreds of years old, but still looks new. It still has the radiant color, intricate geometric patterns, and smooth weave discussed above that hold up for an excellent standard of a Navajo rug.

On another note, I know absolutely nothing about NFL quarterbacks. Chalk it up to my dislike of watching sports, but I honestly do not even know what a quarterback does in football. So, this topic would be great for a new research subject.

To start off I would probably just do a general search about the NFL to get some background on what it was and the different areas it encompasses. Then, I would go into positions, researching what a quarterback does and how he holds up the team. After that I believe the way to go would be to look at various quarterbacks throughout time and judge the reaction of other people thinking they were “good” or not.

With this topic, a person’s opinion would figure greatly and the facts would have to be there to back it up. I think to establish a criteria of excellence I would look at several different quarterbacks who have been well-noticed by media and fans, then compile what each of them has in common. If several different men show the same characteristics, and each of them was regarded as a “great quarterback,” then my criteria for excellence should hold.

Oh My God its BIGFOOT!!

The website I chose to critique is the Bigfoot one, Sasquatch. I looked through the one on crop circles, but the background made me dizzy, so I decided to go with Bigfoot! I find this topic a little more off the wall and interesting than that of crop circles. Right now, it is known that people “fake” them (circle art; people go into fields and are paid to make a crop circle design). But with Bigfoot, the field is newer; all the genetic research in the field can someday soon prove or disprove if he really exists.

Anyhow, time for the analyzing. Like I stated above, the previous site seemed a jumble in my eye, the graphics detracted too much and made everything really messy and chaotic(which might be what the designers were going for, but I did not like it), so this site seemed much calmer and better organized. The background is a pure black with the center row holding all of the information necessary for navigation. Everything is lined up in the center of the page, so the eye naturally flows downward in a list-type motion instead of looking all around for what comes next.

That is one of the things I liked best about this page layout. The graphics and texts flowed nicely together. Right off the bat you get an introduction on what the site is about and a cool video explaining the main issues. This makes it easier than having several long paragraphs or photos with captions. Then the site goes downward, following the natural line, listing the various sites and links it is centered around. For instance, recent Bigfoot sightings, where different conventions and sightings are being held, and frequently asked questions.

The photographs balance the text very well on this site. Each photo is balanced by a caption and or a link that takes viewers to a desired site that expresses the set opinion or idea. There is not too much clutter or an excessive amount of links on the page either. Each page worked together to get the message of Bigfoot across. The reader can click one link that brings him/her to a page very similar in layout to the first, main page. This limits confusion and helps a more uniform idea form. Also, the text was well formed. It was easy to see against the dark background and stood out, so that readers could clearly see what different links the site had to offer. The text was not hidden by the photos and did not seem to overly crowd the space. Though there were a lot of images, some of which could have probably made a new link page(like the calendar off to the left side), it was not bad.

Overall, the visual argument is well presented. The makers of the site offer clear statements to what they wish to show and accomplish. Each page is headed with a concise heading, the background information is all there, and the photos balance everything out for a visual experience that appears educated and professional.

Images of the Heart

I could not decide between these two images. In my mind, they go together and after I saw them, I could not separate them. They feel connected, or maybe it is just that they connected themselves in my heart, either way they are staying. I don’t know how many of you have seen this image personally, have stood beside or behind a soldier’s casket as his life was finishing in the final burial. I have. Not in the same manner, no. My soldier was my grandfather. He died after a full life and service to our country whereas this man died in the prime of his life, but it is similar. It is a soldier’s burial.

These photos present a very sad argument; the one of an ending of life and the tears of those who were left behind. Just looking at the images brings up sadness, even if the soldier in the casket is not known. And you can tell, right off the bat, that the body is a soldier. Just from the light they are in, the somber mood and the presentation of the Flag’s colors. Each photo provides a sharp contrast; the rose against the white of the gloves and the sand sprinkled over them and the casket with the man in dress blues against the white room. In this the photos contrast their messages. Even though the images are so sad, so tearful, they also present a subtle hope for the future. They are lit by a bright light, which I take to mean the hope.

These images, when presented, can do a lot. I believe they will be used to enforce political opinion, share grief, show tragedy, and present hope. The images can be used for anything, as long as the correct words are placed behind them. That is the magic with photos…any view can be expressed with any photo that holds the correct atmosphere as these two do.

* Pulitzer awarded to photographer Todd Heisler of the Rocky Mountain News, Denver, Colo.

Exploring The Sandbox

This time, instead of just reading the normal blogs posted in the sandbox page listed in our classroom expectations, I decided to explore the page a little bit. I read the most recent blogs that the soldiers had posted, and then discovered something interesting...in the top left corner you can search for things! (bear in mind I'm not computer savvy, so this was new) My Uncle David is a soldier who was recently in Iraq. He was not one of the men on the front line; he is a career soldier and is as high up as he can go without formal military training, but he was the head of convoys for his last deployment. Anyway, I thought I would search for his name, see if he ever posted on this.

I couldn't find his name, but I found a lot of other cool stuff. I did not realize this site had so much other information. I just assumed it was for military use. But they have everything there; news, politics, art and movies, they have a science page and technology page that list recent articles and advancements, they even have a shopping page!...more than I imagined from the site I deemed as the "Milblog home." I guess its just a matter of taking a step outside what you expect. I only thought this page was for the military and an area for the soldiers to express themselves. Instead, its a community with many different users and audiences. It is worth more clicking around.

Anyway, since I did read the soldier's posts, I feel its only right to share them with you, or share my opinions. From what these people have gone through, I believe they are entitled to that.

HAMID AND THE GIANT PURPLE LIZARD
This post was funny. It brought in some new ideas of faith, and how people will blindly accept what is told to them. The author of the post is talking to a friend who believes in the Qur’an. He is trying to convince this friend that everything one is told may not always be true, that a lot of things are based on faith. But the friend does not understand the idea of faith. So Doug(the author), tells a story about a seeing a giant purple lizard, asking if the friend believes him. Overall, it is a really interesting post about one man trying to explain to another man the idea of faith and how it interacts with life. I have had this dilemma myself, wondering about what I truly believe, but reading it from another perspective was reinforcing.

THE TALE OF TWO MOUNTAINS
This one was a really sad post from a man who lost one of his best friends in the war. About how guilty he feels and how hopeless in a tiring world. The man and his buddy went on two separate raids, both with similar missions and targets. One made it out alive, the other didn’t. He survived and feels guilty for that, because his raid was a fluke…unplanned, under manned, and completely unfocused. Whereas his buddy’s raid was by the book, perfect in any way possible, except the fact he died. These men go through so much, things no one can possibly understand. He said his hometown pinned him up as a hero…and how all he wanted was to forget. It is so hard, and I wish there was more to do for the men and women who sacrifice themselves in such a way. It seems like they tear their hearts out, and we expect them to just go on like nothing ever happened. Its sad.

Hey...Its All Politics

As bad as it does sound, I hate politics. I was never one to get into all the debates or watch the Presidential Addresses. To me, they were all more of an annoyance than something I should make time to be aware of. I disliked the fact that all that political candidates do is make empty promises that no one can guarantee will come true and to bash each other with no remorse. I never realized it was all part of speech strategy until I read the chapter in “Everything’s an Argument” and then browsed some of the political blog sites.

The site I choose to explore is http://wonkette.com/. At first, I was thoroughly confused. I had no idea what the site was about, or how to see what was going on behind all the photos and captions. Truthfully, I was ready to write of the assignment because I had no idea what to do, or even what the site was trying to say. But then I started to click around a little bit more, trying to forget my initial confusion to figure things out. And I realized the site is kind of like a huge blog. A photograph is posted with a caption or news story, and then people can comment on what had been written or was is going on in the world.

The author of the site pretty much lets people go where they want to go. These people post the main idea or topic they want to discuss and then let people go. Its not really a site where the author points out a set point or critiques other sites. Instead, they just post their own opinions, then allow comments. I think this is why I found the site so confusing at first. It is a jumble of links, each going in a different direction or idea. And nothing is definite. It is kind of a place where people can go to just bash or state opinions about what is happening in the political world.

One thing I did notice is that the authors use some of the techniques discussed in the textbook. No, they do not point out when one of these techniques is used in the news or in debates. Nor do they really explain what is going on. Instead, the authors write the little jabs out and assume the reader will understand the message. For example, one of the links I clicked on was about Hillary Clinton and the speech she gave where she “lost her voice and cried about it.” The author of this post put a photograph of Hillary speaking with the caption describing what happened. Then the jab “make no mistake, these tears were real, because the only thing the Clintons will truly cry about is not being able to hear the sound of their own voice.” This is a perfect example of ad hominem, where the author takes a jab at Hillary’s character to prove a point. The author is trying to say that the Clintons only care about themselves and their own opinions, no matter what the case.

The wonkette site has several different listings and blogs where people share their thoughts on political happenings. Each is different and individual, though with the ones I clicked on, none really pointed to direct fallacies in arguments. They used them, to be sure, but did not try to point out when others used them. It is interesting to see how people will twist what is said in the media though, to fit what he or she wants to hear. There were several instances where I clicked on a recent happening to see someone going on about how horrible a comment another person said/wrote was. But when I saw that same news clip, I thought something entirely different. It is kind of like the Straw Man detailed in the book. Someone will take a weak spot in an argument and completely blow it up or twist it to support their own thoughts.

I still do not like politics. I hate when people use these kinds of tricks to get what they want and to made people feel bad. Twisting around words, bashing someone’s character…they are all low tricks that should not be resorted to. Especially by those who have a chance to lead our government. People need an honest leader, one who knows values and does not need to stoop to with. But, it all goes with a grain of salt. One has to know and use these tactics to fight against other people who use them. I still believe, be it naïve or not, that these tactics should not be used. Known about, yes. One has to know them to fight them. But not used.

Wiki Thoughts

The Wiki project is very interesting. At first, I was daunted. I do not like the thought of personal blogs and such. It took me almost two years just to get a myspace page and now I have three…Myspace, Wiki, and the Blogspot. But now I have to say I am changing my opinions. Of course, I am still not all that sure about putting myself out there. But I am having a lot of fun designing my own space. I am sure once I get the hang of it, my Wiki will be awesome and completely reflect me.

Its almost like having something all to yourself. I can create what I want, and then delete it if it doesn’t fit quite right. I am still trying to work out all the bugs, so far my computer likes to freeze up when I download photos or try to add too many links, but I like it. It has potential to be able to share who we really are with everyone else. There are not any limits or parameters like in Myspace. So, here is my Wiki site: <http://nicholen.pbwiki.com>. Feel more than free to tell me what you think

Tears From the Sandbox

Sorry guys, you are going to have to stick with me on this one. Right now, I am a little emotional and all the posts I have read have really set me back. That is why my post is listed “Tears from the Sandbox.” Every single blog post I read from the Sandbox this week made me cry, and not just because of my emotional standpoint. They were truly all sad, in some way, shape and form. A little insight on my predicament: My aunt was just diagnosed with acute leukemia and was given a time limit of only a few weeks to enjoy life. This is the sixth time in four years my “family” (blood and friend extended) has had to deal with cancer and the face of death.

HOPE IS NOT A METHOD
This post was about a father who had to send his eldest son into the military. The father, a veteran himself, had just come back from the war front and was reminiscing on how it affected him. This father knows what his son will face and despite all instincts otherwise cannot save the son from war. The man posting showed his true feelings, the tug-of-war he was experiencing between hurt, sadness, pride, and joy. It is touching to note that a military man is not ashamed to cry or to feel for a child who will be hardened by the same experiences. And that was exactly what made me cry. Too many people fly through life and do not give a thought to others. That a father knows what his son will face, but still must let him go through it and does says a lot. The man cannot fight the war for his son, but must accept what his son has chosen; and that is to follow a great man’s footsteps.

THE FACES
This post was the killer. Right know, I am all to familiar with the hospital scene. The tubes and cables coming out of a loved one, hooking them up to all that keeps them alive and all that makes them different - foreign, the family, sitting around and wishing to God that a miracle will happen, and the doctors that go by, hardly even caring to look up. The fact that the RN nurse was the complete opposite threw me for a loop. She cared enough to stop with the family, to ease the pain of a grieving wife and mother who was sitting by and watching her husband fight for his life. She cared enough to share her story. I am not used to that. I am used to impersonal women and men who look through you, not at you. Men and women who pass by and do not care, because there is little to do for the creature in the bed, hooked up to machines. Then the fact the wounded man woke up…it was more than I could ever ask for. I am glad someone got the satisfaction of life out of a hospital. That someone lived and can now lead a life with those who sat by the bed, waiting and watching.

SUSPECT'S CREED

The quote is what jumped out most. “I will do what makes me proud. I will own up to my mistakes and embrace them because they will make the best memories.” I believe this is the same man that posted the rock music on his blog that my other classmates liked so much. Now, I cannot say I loved the man’s music, but I do enjoy his writing. I like it that he has somewhere to rant and say what he means. Everyone needs that. And he is so brutally honest. This is a man who will do what he knows and loves, he will stay true to himself and his buddies no matter what. But, all in all, he will not take crap from the superiors who “know best.” He will never be one of those men who say “yes sir!” no matter what the request. Instead, he will serve his years that he pledged, then go on with his life. He will honor the commitments he has made and get through it alive. I love his spirit, the fact he will live to the fullest. I wish that for everyone: Live your life…it’s a gift that has been given and should never be taken for granted.