Moments in Time

A Personal Side of Me: What You May Not Know

2011-03-11T17:45:00.001-06:00

What does it mean to live a good life? What matters most in life? What are the things that are essential to life that we find that can create an impact on us? What is my purpose as a human being? Such questions soar through my head daily.

I’m just an ordinary person living the life of an average person. Not everyone is the same. While I am misunderstood sometimes because of my way of thinking on what matters to me, it seems like others find them meaningfulness. What matters to me is living the good life. If my smile can change someone’s frown upside down, then that simple random act of kindness makes me day even brighter. Living the good life means to dig down within myself to find what motivates me to continue on to pursuing my goals. Appreciating the simple the things in life -and what I have and don’t have- are important to me.

Being an altruistic person matters to me; it’s a unique personality trait that I can see shining within me. Altruism exists when someone does a favor for someone they do not expect anything to be given back to them as appreciation. I look at this as a random act of kindness; expecting the unexpected. Isn’t that we are suppose to be towards each other? We do a favor for someone and don’t really expect for it to be returned but yet they will give us something in return. It is called doing the right thing. Yet some people do wrong, but as long as I’m doing right and setting an example, it matters. It’s the thought that counts. I find quite a few things (music, books, quotes, movies) along with family and friends that keep me motivated and inspire to find my purpose and to allow myself to continue staying positive.

They say the grass is greener on the other side. Some people have worse days than I do. I don’t think a person can live a perfect life, but life is what we make it, and like the cliché goes “life isn’t fair.” Sometimes my goals and things I hope to accomplish are bigger than the shoes I can fill. Because the dreamer I am, some goals and things I want to do is simply wishful thinking and a plenty of daydreaming.

There is this show on MTV called The Buried Life that deals with four friends traveling across North America on their purple bus named Penelope while they complete their 100 list of “things to do before you die.” In each show they complete an item off their life list and even help a stranger to go after their dream or something they always wanted to do. One simple question can leave an impression about the show: “What do you want to do before you die?” MTV might not be for everyone, but I find this show to be worth watching. It inspires me to want to achieve my goals and dreams before I die whether they are silly, serious, something simple, and or just a random thought. If I could help a stranger out with the resources that I have then I know that I’m living the good life because I’m giving back to make a difference in someone’s life and perhaps this is apart of my purpose.

In a sense, if the guys in the television show can go complete things off their list and help a stranger out in each episode, then I’m sure I can accomplish the goal of becoming a teacher. Perhaps at this point this is what I’m questioning myself about whether I want to continue to be a teacher or not. Since the third grade, I’ve said that I wanted to be an English teacher. Throughout my years in school, I have had the privilege to be taught by teachers that have really cared about educating me and hundreds of other students to come to class and learn; to be a productive citizen of this country. They all have been encouraging educators.

In my family and some of my friendships, I’m known as the one that will become the teacher or the college professor of English. Past experiences in high school deepened my interest in teaching; however, I usually have second thoughts about being a teacher. I’m not sure if I want to teach public schools or venture into writing or a career in some other career. But I can’t imagine myself not teaching something. Never the less, I want to be like the teacher, Erin Gruwell in Freedom Writers. She was brave enough to teach those inner-city students who came from different ethic background and knew nothing when they stepped into her classroom. No matter what happened to her and the students, through all obstacles, she never gave up with giving them a well rounded education. That ambition inspire me to become a teacher because there are students that are needing to be taught and school systems are lacking teachers since not many people want to join the teaching field. But someone has to do it. To change the way students are taught and making a difference in someone’s life matters.

What I’ve said so far matters to me. It’s a side where you have to get to know me because I don’t reveal or talk about myself much. I totally don’t care if I get the look or that doubt that I can’t be a person that can help change the world. I shouldn’t care but I do. And I don’t know why I care so much, but I do. I may feel like I’m in a world of my own with dreams of wanting to be a person of change, an educator, a person who wants to leave in a society where people can just live without no worries or problems, people should live in the country where the laws are to help and not to bring people down. I daydream a lot, and I think of big dreams. Sometimes I feel like they are dreams bigger than my shoe size. I want to change the way people may look at me, not that what they think matters, but I want them to think of me as I want them to be. I want to make friends that will always be my friends. People change and so do their agendas. It appears that nothing stays the change. Just maybe we just drifted off into our own lives and never thought about one another and checking in to them to see how they are doing in life. Sometimes meeting strangers and having conversations with them can lead to new friendships. I don’t want any more people I know becoming people I knew.

“Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—

I took the one less traveled by,

And that has made all the difference.”

-- Robert Frost

My Philosophy of Creative Nonfiction Writing

2011-03-09T17:00:00.001-06:00

Creative nonfiction is the way of telling events, memories, truth, honesty, and those moments you want to cherish and sharing it with a broader audience. Of course it isn’t just in the way you write creative nonfiction but also by the way of how you tell it and adding your personalized style. The writer could structurally or just write it freely on whatever comes to mind. Even if it happened or a perhaps it could have happened, I think the story should still be believable. If someone writes something that it is not true, then making it a believable story is reasonable.

Fiction is facts and research whereas creative nonfiction goes beyond the typical norms that we may come to think of. Writing about the real world and what happened to me or someone personally matters. Perhaps writing creative nonfiction is a way to experiment with my writing and improving my skills. In the course, I’ve continue to find my strengths and weaknesses. The mistakes I make over and over as a writer is something I need to work on. Telling a story and my experiences in simple language and not making them complex matters to me. I want to write a story and get straight to the point. Description, or the lack of, is something that I really need to work on. Now that is where I kind of get lazy as a writer. I’ll go into details on a given subject, but it won’t be a colorful description. I’ll just end up touching the surface. I need to be stronger in this area and some of the activities have helped me think out of the box. I believe with creative nonfiction writing, emphasis on dialogue, settings, characters, plot, etc. isn’t too heavily looked for in the different stories. But there will be times when people will either like what is written or find it disapproving.

Like my professor has mentioned several times, most people are rationally thinkers and I’m one of them. One thing I believe that isn’t hard to write was the personal essay. Writing that essay was kind of enjoyable. Yes, it is called a personal essay, but I believe I have told and shared with the class what matters to me the most. It shows that we are similar to each other yet we are different in the experiences and memories that have been written. Not only I had to write about a memory or a segment of life, but it is the way that I told that makes it creative nonfiction; not just saying it, but telling it in a certain style. Sometimes I write from the guts and share things that are may be current societal issues and everyday life that matters to be but expressively people will have different attitudes about whatever I may be writing. On the opposite scale of what I’m use to writing is the lyrical essay. I mentioned earlier that I have trouble doing describing events that may happen when no one else is around and trying to explain to them what took place. With this said, I didn’t really enjoy writing the lyrical essay. I think for that feeling to exist, I had to write an essay that contains poetic devices. I barely like reading poems myself, but to write an essay and include such elements puts me at somewhat of a challenge.

Self discovery is something I also have taken out from this class. Sometimes through writing is when you actually can focus on a segment of your life or personality and really begins to think about our habitual things we do or what different things can stand out in our life. In each of the essays that have been writing throughout the semester has made me think about myself and kind of doing some exploring on my life personal and how I can tell it in a unique way to those who may be absent when things happened. These things are called stories and experiences that will be not be forgotten because some are random incidents that can occur while others are things that mean the most to me at heart. In some our writing exercises we had to write in different points-of-views; especially in third person since I am writing as if I am someone else talking about myself and what I am like. And in the end I’m just talking about myself from a different advantage. I think it is quite impressive to read and write something that is written in third person point-of-view. I’m usually always writing in first or second person. There is nothing with getting out of the comfort zone and playing with something new. After all it is creative nonfiction writing.

Creative nonfiction writing is something I believe I am used to writing since I have not written anything fiction, but I just haven’t notice the formal way of calling it. I do not think this is the end of me writing and experimenting with creative nonfiction. It is truly something I enjoy writing while I am able to add my own writing style. It’s not just me telling the story it is how I tell the story that will engage the readers to want to continue on after reading the first page or two of whatever is written.

So I Need to Vent

2010-09-26T06:06:00.001-05:00

So I have not been myself lately. I usually don't like venting...but I got to some feelings/emotions/stress to release. Trying to keep up with all the homework and assignments given in school and staying focus. I gotta get back on track. Its not like me to fall off the path of success... Often times I may not talk to everything to people. I tend to frequently keep things to myself...but it depends on the situation and if I need to speak up. Sometimes I don't even bother. So much goes on through my mind, that I don't even really care to share. I try my best not to be a burden to people. I try not to bother people for whatever reason. People seem so busy these days. I don't think they got time; time has them!

I don't know if that's good or bad. I've been spacing out and pretty much been preoccupied. I'm pretty much paying attention to where I'm going rather than where I came from! I'm thankful for those that I've gotten to know and even still know them. Its the simple things that matter. Sometimes people we know become people we knew. Those that I do know and once knew, I still think about them, wondering what they are doing in life. That's what people, friends, associates, etc, are supposed to do right? Or maybe I'm just being too nice. Perhaps to some agree people may feel the same or beg to differ.

Okay, so I'm different than most people I know and associate with on some basis. Being different with commonalities is cool because it won't be any fun if we were all the same. I don't set myself apart from others. Rather I'm just being myself. Yep.. just Kelvin! Okay. So maybe there are some things I need to work on about myself. I'm not too keen when it comes to socializing and meeting and greeting people. But that shouldn't be too big of a factor, right?...I don't really talk with a lot of people. Barely get text or phone call...maybe they forgot about me and find time to talk with others. Or even maybe it is just me over thinking things. I do talk on the phone sometimes...if I have something to say or need to for necessary reasons. I'm always thinking about things and trying to tighten up any loose screws in the head. I try not to go insane in the membrane! I try to keep things simple; and making such things not so complicated like I normally do. Sometimes behind the smile you never know what is going on in a person's life. Its the simple small talk, or a smile, or a text, phone call, or something that can make a difference's in someone day or even bring a smile on their face...

To Be an Individual

2010-05-12T23:46:00.001-05:00

And this I believe: that the free, exploring mind of the individual human is the most valuable thing in all the world. And this I would fight for: the freedom of the mind to take any direction it wishes, undirected. And this I must fight against: any idea, religion, or government which limits or destroys the individual. – John Steinbeck

To be an individual… means having personality; differentiating yourself from the others. Often times we all want people to befriend and network that stand out amongst the crowd. We have too many followers in this world. Half of the time they are not following for the good reasons but for the things that they are after that are often associated with the in-crowd, the popular people, the overrated social constructions. No, I’m not saying that everything is constructed by people turns out to be bad. Rather simply saying that don’t be a second version of someone else. What I’m saying is that it tiring to see people become like others as if they are those “so called reality shows” and other programs that air on television that end up having a spin-off show. To be an individual means living an autonomous life. I may not be the person with the most to say, but I have something to say.

Any type of corruption in this country is what the individual seeks to make nonexistent. Every day some group of people are fighting for some sort of freedom to live their own lives in which the government should have less interference. In modern terms, to be yourself in America is the best thing. We need diverse people (not just by natural color), but by the means of exchanging similar or differ ideas, beliefs, moral values, personality, leadership, and bringing all that we have to the table. As people with minds of our own should we not have open minds and reject the perspective of our friends and family, we should learn to “agree to disagree.” True enough we may not all agree on the same thing, but common ground needs to be made. To be our own selves is to be awesome. That means we are enjoying life and making the best of everything, and putting our best foot forward. Whatever we do whether it is an art project, writing, blogging, creating some service, and what have you, the first thing you may tend to add your personality to it. That uniqueness to make whatever you are working on stand out amongst the other similar blogs, writings, services, etc. We all are inspired some way or some how to make life valuable. We accept those challenges and opportunities that will make us all individuals that can work together in such a diverse society.

And when you become individual and figure yourself out, then the changes will be noticed by family and friends. You may end up influencing other people. So much is happening these days that it seems like the truth is hidden and some one around the globe that just want things to be better. Those “things” could be the government -national and local- and even in the education field. We all have own plans (dreams) that we want to purse. Some may not be realistic as most, but it is valuable to be productive in whatever you are doing (hopefully, it is something good and not bad).

Take this post however you want…

To be an individual…

Community Discussion
What makes us who we are? What is your ‘ultimate’ goal in life? Have you ever felt the need to just be quiet and observe? What do you value most in life? What makes a community? Have you ever felt the nee to just be quiet and observe what is happening around you? As always your thoughts and comments are welcome below.

A Gendered Society: Gender Roles in Education

2010-02-24T19:52:00.001-06:00

So here’s an outline of a chapter that we are assigned to do in my Sociology of Gender class. We are assigned into book groups and there are four textbooks. And we each read a chapter from the book that we have chosen according to the group we are in. So I joined a group, read the chapter and created an outline. Then we will present it to the class for a grade as well as class discussion. I believe that this is great information since I do believe what it says is true and that this happens on college campuses and in middle and high schools.Seems like gender is everything in America.

This first part talks about students and their educational experiences. The second part talks about the faculty of colleges and what their role and expectations are for each gender. However, I only provide the first part of the chapter and the outline below.

Book: Gendered Lives: Communication, Gender, and Culture
Author: Julia T. Wood

Chapter 8: “Gendered Education: Communication in Schools”

I. Gendered Expectations and Pressures Facing Students

A. To understand the gendered education system that exists today there are three gendered dynamics that plays as a role in today schools; especially on college campuses.

1. Academics: Both males and females encounter with the gendered expectations and pressure from the time they enter kindergarten all the way through graduate and professional school.

a. Males

1. The author points out that in younger grades, the learning environment is feminine since the adult females outnumber the male teachers. Boys tend to have more physical energy and less impulse to control themselves as they try to adjust to the classroom setting

2. Males are behind in reading and verbal skills and females are more likely to achieve such skills faster. Furthermore, females are more likely to succeed academically whereas 33% of males are likely to drop out.

3. After high school, females are 22% more likely than males to plan to attend college. Today women make up 58% of students in two- and four- year colleges. Minority women are twice as likely to as minority men to earn college degrees.

4. Choices of how to spend time whether studying or doing extracurricular activities plays an important role of both genders level of accomplishment. In schools, they discourage boys and men to develop traditional feminine skills such as caring for others and entering fields traditional for women.

5. Sex combine with race can help cause disadvantages for some male students. Low expectations towards African American males are communicated from the teacher. They are targets of teacher disapproval and unfavorable treatment than their white peers. Therefore, African American males drop out in higher numbers than white males or females of any race.

a. Females

1. Women are faced with the bias and barrier of being less skilled in the field of math and science education that could decrease them getting a career in said fields. Faculty and their peers feel as if they are less able than males in the fields. Women earn 22.6% of undergrad degrees in physics but only 15.5% of doctorates. They earn nearly half of undergrad degrees in mathematics and less than that in getting doctorates.

2. Cultural stereotype of femininity do not include women being skilled in science and math; therefore they are being disapproved are judged incompetent if not extremely successful and perceived as cold, selfish, and manipulative, and not liked they are successful.

3. Sex-related differences in the brain allow males to have slight edge in math and science skills than females. Males are likely to be encouraged to peruse careers in these fields and females should have careers that involved being interacted with people.

B. Gender-Stereotyped Curricula

1. Gender stereotype still exist in the curriculum in schools. For instance, history is taught and only males are the spotlight of lessons and very seldom are the women are noted to their contributions. This is like a lesson that talks about war battles and military leaders.

2. When women are mentioned in the curricular they fall under two categories:

a. The women who fit traditional stereotypes of women: For example Betsy Ross sewed the first American flag.

b. Women highlighted in curricula distinguished themselves on men’s term and in masculine contexts: Mother Jones was a powerful organizer for unions. Women in this category tend to represent as exceptional cases or remain hidden.

3. 1974: Researches identify a hidden curriculum that reflects gender stereotypes and sustain gender inequities by giving less attention and encouragement to female students than to white male students.

4. Historical events are taught in terms of what men did and their effects rather than highlighting the women. They neglect their impact on women and minorities. The major events are not taught on how women gained more opportunities, were considered inferior because they were assumed to have limited capacity to reason and how the Industrial Revolution changed women’s lives, work, and relationships with their husbands.

5. Sexism in education intersects in the other forms of discrimination such as racism, classism, and heterosexism. Certain males are presented as the standard typical white, heterosexual, able-bodied, middle- and upper-class men as the norm in textbooks. Women and minorities are still underrepresented in educational materials.

6. Not only do students learn just only about men and their experiences and perspectives, but they deprived of learning about women and their experiences and contributions to the world.

C. Athletics

1. Today females to have plenty of opportunities to participate in sports due to Title IX. This the section of the Educational Amendment of 1972 that makes it illegal for schools that accept federal funds to discriminate on the basis of sex.

2. Though this is really great, male athletes and coaches of men’s teams receive more support (and financially, too) than female athletes and coaches. Also, the numbers of female athletes have no increased evenly. Only 41% athletes are female and 58% of undergrads are females. And before the passing of Title IX, more than 90% of coaches of women’s sports were women.

3. Division I colleges pay male coaches more than women coaches and a few women’s sports are actually coached by women. Originally the law required schools that receive federal funds to provide equal opportunities to female and male students to participate in intercollegiate competition. To meet this requirement, most schools had to show evidence that their programs accommodate both male and female students’ interests and abilities.

4. In 2005 a court case of this law stated that all colleges had to send students a survey and one even by e-mail about their athletic interests and abilities. If they don’t reply it was assumed that they were satisfied with the present policies. A lot of questions were raised by critics of the new ruling. They worry that not all non-responses indicate satisfaction with athletic opportunities on campus.

D. Gender Socialization in Peer Cultures

1. Once children begin to interact with other children, peers exercise strong influence on gender attitudes and identities. The culture of most campuses today put gendered pressures both men and women. This is the case since men are encouraged to conform to social views of masculinity, and women to social views of femininity. College campus is a training ground for adult gender and peer groups are for socialization.

2. Males are much more insistent that boys do boy things than females are that girls do girl things. Boys learn that in order to fit in they have to be strong though, and aggressive. If they are not up to this standard they are insulted with phrases such as “You’re a sissy!” They are not to show any signs of femininity. The cultural message that masculine is more valuable than feminine: Boys may not act feminine, but girls may act masculine. Male bonding reinforces masculine identification in most boys

3. Males are often engage in drinking and sexual activity to demonstrate their masculinity; especially fraternity brothers. The frat brothers embody extreme versions of masculinity wit heavy drinking, having sex with many women as possible, and talking about women in demeaning ways.

4. Girls often make fun of or bully other girls that may not wear popular name bran clothes or weigh more than what is ideal. Fitting in with the popular crowd is a cornerstone of self-esteem. Children and adolescents do whatever it takes to get approved and acceptance of their peers.

5. Women feel compelled to achieve effortless perfection which is the need to be beautiful, fit, popular, smart, and accomplished without any visible effort. Some college faculty treats women students in gender-stereotyped way such as compliments on appearance instead of their academic work to offers of higher grades for sexual favors.

Social Linguistics

2010-02-18T18:56:00.001-06:00

According to the journal article, “Sociolinguistics is the study of language as a social and cultural phenomenon.” Sociolinguists make a definite distinction between DESCRIPTIVE and PRESCRIPTIVE grammar.

Descriptive grammar is more a type of informal language since it does not really focus on strict rules in different ways in the language of grammar and language. With this in mind, this type of grammar is generally use with writers and speakers in according to exactly the way a sentence is structure, the use of grammar, and not whether the words and sentences are structured correctly with meaning. Descriptive grammar is understood to be our natural language, regular speech. The nonstandard use of English can be stated in the example in casual chat. For example, two students are using slang while having a conversation that shows or gives away their social or cultural status. In other words, this is a good example because not every person may use the Standard English to which the conversation can be used to understand language.

On the other hand, prescriptive grammar is known as the proper English because a person must know the set of rules dealing with the structure and meaning of sentences and language. Linguists believe that prescriptive English have rules that define what is correct and incorrect.
Unlike descriptive grammar where you are able to use it at anytime in different settings, prescriptive grammar is the type of structure English (Standard English) that people should be using. If you think about it, this type of grammar is very similar to what is taught in schools. An example that shows how prescriptive grammar is used can be related to job interviews. This is a good reason because the people that will be hiring the applicant will be expecting the person to know important and correct grammar and not using slang or incorrect English. Also, importantly the dress code will give off the vibe about your job status or personality. With the use of prescriptive grammar and knowing that it should be used in job interviews or formal settings, it will help.

There is much debate currently going on in the Nashville area regarding the “English Only” debate. Historically, increased levels of immigration have given rise to concerns about English as an official language. What traditionally has happened to the heritage language of first and second generation Americans?

I would have to say that the languages they are popular in the respective country should be on a societal scale and also those other languages that may not be known but are in this country. That is, have information and provide every language be given support in every aspect of life. Although English is the language of the United States, it is not official, but to continue to go on with the belief of the country being a melting pot of all cultures, we should not leave anyone out. There are so many languages, but every language that is spoken should be supported. You often see the different product manuals in different languages and in most cases every other thing in Spanish and then maybe French. I remember writing an essay in English 1010 about this issue and I forgot which side I had supported, but it may have been that English should be the official language (I still have a copy of the essay). Nevertheless, I guess the as this country advances, people will reflect on how the past was and how things are now; comparing and contrasting the way of life. Sometimes the heritage language may die out or be overlooked because of other popular languages. In some cases first and second generation Americans could lose their identity or feel as if they did because of how this country is advancing. They think their language is fading away and everyone is being Americanized and the trends are starting up and that they may be left behind.

Briefly describe your idiolect. Where are you from? What unique vocabulary do you use?

I have lived here in Memphis now for a good handful of years; however, I am originally from St. Louis. I say that my idiolect is somewhat different than my peers and those in my age range. I will have to say that often time people may not understand what I am saying because I am talking at a rate to where I sometimes say words not fully or I have problems pronouncing certain words since I did to go speech classes in elementary. I guess the vocabulary I use may not be words or language people around my age may not use and use words such a “nifty” and “totally wicked.” Also my favorite word is “pragmatic” which may slip in conversations. Certainly, I my idiolect is could be distinctive different from others.

How is dialect different from accent?

Dialect is different from accent because to do with the style of language of a person or group of people. It deals with the use of vocabulary, grammar, common words, and the way you speak. On the other hand, accent deals with the way someone pronounces words and the sound of their speaking. Accent (the way speech sounds from a particular person) helps to give someone their unique speaking tone or characteristics. Dialect is the way you deals with language and vocabulary; meaning whereas accent deal with sound and pronunciations.

Mexican Americans

2010-02-17T11:40:00.001-06:00

The United States is known as the melting pot because of all the vast amount of people from different racial groups and ethnical backgrounds. There are also different type of systems in our country – government, education, healthcare, and societal rankings of people. As more international people come from other countries and into the United States they have to adapt to the American way of living how the systems work here. One of the largest subordinate groups, Mexican Americans, is known to have different stereotypical views against them, being employed with jobs that have low pay wages that someone else may not want, the group that have big families with a lot of kids, and they are also viewed as immigrants as they assimilate into a foreign culture and lifestyle in this country.

Mexican Americans are known as immigrants because of the economical and political conditions in their county that creates a driving force that they can no longer withstand that causes them to immigrate to the United States. After the Spaniards try to conquer what is known as Mexico and the southwestern part of the U.S., Mexico won their independence as a country from Spain in 1821. Anglo-American immigrants moved to what is not as Texas once this happened and adapted to the Mexican lifestyle. Before Mexico won its independence from Spain, the Spaniards wanted to take over the country for the reasons of agricultural and mining businesses would make money (J. Feagin and C. Feagin, 173).

Mexican immigrants have always lived or came to the United States, dating back to 118,000 during the 1850s. Unlike to the English colonists moving into the land of Native American territory to take over and impose their culture onto the Native Americans, presently Mexican Americans migrated to the United States because they voluntarily wanted to move into a country because of number of different factors such as poor economic system, lack of education, jobs are scare and political conflicts. And they sought this country for better way of living and possible to have a job. To them America is the land of dreams and opportunities.

The peak immigration periods have been 1910-1930, 1942-1954, and 1965 to the present. Today, 54 percent of immigrants from Latin America live in the U.S and then there 31 percent of Mexicans-born immigrants that are included with the foreign-born population (Tomas, 93). The effect of the living conditions that push Mexican Americans from their own country such as Mexico, for example, has caused many illegal immigrants to find a way to cross the borders. These are immigrants who are undocumented. However, not immigrant come to the United States by cheating the system, you have the immigrants who are official citizens and have Green Cards.

On the opposite scale of Mexicans being known as immigrants unlike most other racial groups, some Mexicans are over here to work and send money back to their family from Mexico. For example, in 1942, the Emergency Farm Labor granted many Mexicans work permits at the employers request; however, this helped for more documented immigrants to come to the country. Today we see many Mexicans working at fast good restaurants and doing other small jobs that plays a part in lives every day that no one else may not want to do. Often times Mexicans are grateful to be able to work and make money. Congress passed an act in 1996 that restricting legal immigration and undocumented immigration called the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act (J. Feagin and C. Feagin, 177). Today Mexican immigration occupies a hot topic in the U.S. legal system and in U.S. public opinion.

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Work Cite

Feagin, Joe, and Clairece Feagin. Racial and Ethnics Relations. 2nd Custom Edition. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Pearson Custom Publishing, 2008.

Tomás, Jiménez. "What Different Generations of Mexican Americans Think About Immigration from Mexico." Generations 32.4 (2009): 93-96. Web. 6 Dec 2009.

Englekirk , Allan, and Marguerite Marín. "Mexican Americans." Gale Encyclopedia of Multicultural America. 2nd ed. vol. 2. Detroit: Gale Group, 2000.

My 22nd Birthday is TODAY!!

2010-02-15T04:01:00.001-06:00

It’s my birthday… my 22nd birthday! I’m so grateful to be turning (or have turned) 22 years old. I can not believe that I at that age. Put your Mr. Rogers sweater on because it’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood and a cold one at that. Happy birthday to me!!

Book Giveaway!! “Conversations: Find Your Niche”

2010-01-04T18:02:00.001-06:00

Hello! Hello! I’m proud to announce this great book giveaway. This first of its kind and the first to be on this blog as well. What a way to start the New Year by winning a book for yourself or give it to a friend or family member. You just might need it one day. Winning free stuff is fun, right? Of course it is! So this giveaway is for those who may need that book that will help you or someone else find that right job that you have been seeking or just want to know the jobs other people like you have for a living. This contests will last for TWO WEEKS!! That is a lot of time to enter the contest and spread the word around to everyone you know. More than enough chances to enter the contest this contest and win a cool book! So now on to the contest details…

Conversations: Find Your Niche!

Editor: Van Twelves

This book is the ultimate tool to help you decide on a career that’s right for you! Here are the three key tools that can help that are ALL included in Conversations: Find Your Niche!

A demonstrated research and decision-making procedure called the Find Your Niche Roadmap
Focused, in-depth interviews with 150 working professionals from the full spectrum of career fields about the nature of their jobs all in a fun, conversational format
Six special appendices offering you an invaluable collection of critical career information and hard to find resources that will save you months of research

How to Enter

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A New Year. It’s 2010!

2010-01-02T03:08:00.002-06:00

Happy New Year!! It's 2010. Amazing. Look out because I'm stronger, bolder, bigger & better like never before!

This is my first post for New Year 2010! I still find it amazing to write and say the the dates with the new dated suffix 2010. Unlike 2009, 2010 has a special ring to it. In some ways it means something. And later this month, I will mark my 2 years of blogging. How cool is that!?! I believe that this year we are opening new chapters, creating new books. The pages of either one are blank, but we are the ones that will put the words in the chapters and books. I have not really made any new year resolutions. I never have in the past few years. However, this year I want to continue to be the person I intend to be in every aspect of my life – socially, physically, mentally and academically as I continue my collegiate years at the Univ. of Memphis. I want to continue to be the better person that I’m striving to become. I don’t really do resolutions because I tend to see them as goals that I may not realistically meet. However, it would not hurt to even attempt to accomplish the resolutions if I were to make any.

I read somewhere online about someone making the statement that it is a new year, but same problems that normally happen. Maybe it is true… maybe its false, but anyway it matters I believe that it is a new leaf for everyone. I can’t imagine what could happen this year, but I can imagine the music that will be dropped by different artists and the awesome movies that will come out. Maybe a few sequels to come that have already been made or even some that will rock our socks off. Anyway it goes, entertainment is always on the rise on all level imagine. Next month I will be turning 22. That is exciting for me. A year older, but yet I’m still in my “youthful era.” All in all I believe everyone is exciting for it to be a new year and a new month.

As I conclude this first post for the year and the month, happy new year to each and every one of you!

Just Some Thoughts

2009-12-27T22:14:00.002-06:00

Sorry I am on my soapbox again. It can be true or be evident that we do good things at our greatest and best work when we are inspire to do what we are passionate about. If you are passionate about something, then it will show and others will notice. And if not in most cases, in some cases, we may not do well under pressure or certain circumstances. Other times what we do comes natural. There is something special for each of us. This reminds me of that famous poem by Robert Frost that tells us that we should take the path not taken instead of the one that has been walked on before us. Then we should not go where the path led us but instead leave a trail.

The reason why the world lacks unity, and lies broken and in heaps, is, because man is disunited with himself. – Ralph Waldo Emerson

I think in 2010, a wonderful resolution is evolve into the person we intend to be. I think that will be a good one for me to accomplish in my social, academic and personal life. It’s not often I jump on my soapbox, but I felt like that this is something I need to tell someone… for my sake and to let others that they are not alone. I always feel like I want to give up and throw the town in, but I always keep my head up and remember why I’m going through certain situations. But at times I just dislike when people are not real. I mean they seem like they aren’t themselves…maybe they have to put on another persona in front of all the fame and fortunate, but up close and personal they may just be a different person. Hhmmm… knows because I don’t surely do not. Often times I want to go the place where I belong. I like that song Home by Daughtry. The band has pretty good songs. But I’ve heard the popular ones and not the ones that are not played from the rest of their albums. And I also think it would be sweet for me to find that special person next year. Yep. I have been riding the single train. And on the train are other people single, too, but I have not met the match yet, but I am sure that will change sometime soon. I don’t have nothing else to do so I decided to write and yes, I know, its long over due, but heck I had to give in from not writing. I was not purposely trying not to write, but there are days where I have those days. You know? I’m sure you have those days as well.

A Reflection of Some Sort

2009-12-27T15:10:00.001-06:00

So this is a reflection… The holiday that happens once a year, but the spirit that we have should occur ever day; not just observed on one day. The way some people act around Christmas, “I wish we could put up some of the Christmas spirit in jars and open a jar of it every month (Harlan Miller).” As every one counted down the days until they are able to spend time with family and give and receive presents of all sort. However, this year seems to be a bit different. Something about the season was a bit different, but I wasn’t a Scrooge nor the Grinch, but I was in the holiday spirit, but Christmas was different. Now that is just me… I don’t know how it was for you. Or maybe I just lost that state of mind this year. But Christmas really has felt very different this year. However, never the less, since after Thanksgiving I have fallen in love with Christmas music. I don’t think you can be in the Christmas mood without the music. One of my favorite song is Felize Navidad. I will break out with that song in a heart beat. But sometimes the holidays can’t be too fun and charitable for everyone because less fortunate will be out on the their mischievous adventures robbing cars, people, and stores, for whatever presents they may have.

Peace on earth will come to stay, when we live Christmas every day. – Helen Steiner Rice

Similar to what they say about Thanksgiving that we should not be thankful for just that one day, but every day and throughout the year. I know that may sound cliché, but it is true. I’m learning that not everyone will have the same feeling or the way you have for the holidays. We are some days away from ending 2009 and celebrating the year 2010. I believe that this year has been such a year that I want to leave everything that happened in the past and look to the hills for the year 2010. I can not actually believe that it will be twenty-ten soon. That’s unimaginable to be saying. I am excited to see what surprises and things will happen next year. I know for a fact that I’m a bit thrilled to be turning 22 on February 15th. I don’t believe that I will be that old. I will be growing older, but growing up is a different story. And with the year comes the resolutions. I really don’t make any sort of resolutions. Why make them if you can’t successfully fulfill them? I think to some extent they are overrated. I’m sure people will be making them if they have not started already.

Ring out the old, ring in the new,
Ring, happy bells, across the snow:
The year is going, let him go;
Ring out the false, ring in the true.
- Lord Alfred Tennyson

‘Tis the Season to be Jolly

2009-11-28T09:55:00.001-06:00

Happy, happy Christmas, that can win us back to the delusions of our childish days; that can recall to the old man the pleasures of his youth; that can transport the sailor and the traveller, thousands of miles away, back to his own fire-side and his quiet home! - Charles Dickens

Ahh the holidays are here. Thanksgiving is one day of the year where we not only show our appreciation and gratitude for being alive, but for having such wonderful friends and loving family. It is usually said that we should not be not thankful just on Thanksgiving day, but every day. Students enjoy being out of school (and I’m really enjoying my break), Black Friday and the other holiday sales to encourage to buy, buy, buy everything for low prices (Christmas presents), the delicious food, cold weather, and memories occur doing the holiday season. I got so many text messages, and random ones, many Facebook statues, and blog posts all saying the same thing in different ways wishing people a happy holiday and showing how much they thank their family and friends for being in their lives. That is what Thanksgiving is about- thanks for giving and giving thanks to where it is due. I love the holidays; especially when it is cold and all the leaves on the ground. And I have started listening to Christmas music already since they play it on the soft rock radio station since November 12th. There is something about this time of the year that make me feel warm inside. I just love it.

Christmas is the holiday that has a special meaning just as Thanksgiving does. Christmas brings together the family to one location to celebrate and find true meaning of the reason for the season. Presents are all unwrapped by the children and at young ages some may not think about the meaning of Christmas, but rather than getting toys. When we get together on this day, it brings back childhood memories for everyone. There is nothing like laughing and crying over the stories about different family members and maybe even some stories about you. I enjoy getting gifts, but now I can not seem to know what I want. So I really don’t tell people what I would like rather give me something where I can buy myself something. Gift cards, checks, money orders, cash are acceptable (laugh out loud). But really, I’ll be satisfied with whatever gift I may get and if I don’t get anything, then I will still be happy. Often times it is not all about receiving, but giving unto others-whether big or small-will show that someone care and truly that is just the right thing to do. For if someone can not make it for Christmas for some reason or another, we know they are with us in spirit and a phone or text message away. This is where technology intervenes to allow us to talk to those who are in great distance.

If there is a friend or someone who may not be jolly during this season of Christmas, don’t be a Scrooge. Do something to show that you care and wish them a Merry Christmas or some sort of words of kindness. We should do all we can to help the homeless, being mindful, that some people act homeless because they can always go to a home and have a fancy car and we may not even know because they are on the street holding a sign. But just out of generosity and your heart, help someone out this Christmas. Yes, you may meet other people who want to be Scrooges, but that just may be their personality. They will be who they are and not let our kindness and theme of family and blessings in their way of not liking Christmas for one reason or another. We should not want to steal Christmas for others. These days people forget about Christmas and they go buy presents without even thinking about the season or the meaning. So through all the presents (entertainment wise), be thankful and let us not forget the reason for the season.

And the Grinch, with his Grinch-feet ice cold in the snow, stood puzzling and puzzling, how could it be so? It came without ribbons. It came without tags. It came without packages, boxes or bags. And he puzzled and puzzled 'till his puzzler was sore. Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before. What if Christmas, he thought, doesn't come from a store. What if Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more. - Dr. Seuss

5 Vaguely Helpful Tips to Writing an Amazing Guest Post

2009-11-17T17:42:00.001-06:00

This is a guest post by Joshua A. DeLung.

So, I’ve never met Kelvin Oliver — not in person, anyway. We’ve known each other online for quite some time now, though, and I suppose just the notion that I would refer to him as a “friend I have down in Memphis” might have been a bit absurd only a few years ago. But with the increasing popularity of social media (which has been popular among folks like Kelvin and I for years now), I think it’s becoming more and more common to consider people you’ve never met before, at least loosely, as friends.

And why not? Friends are people we can bounce ideas off of, people we can turn to for advice, people with whom we can collaborate. So when Kelvin asked if I would consider a guest post for Moments In Time, I thought sure, why not, why wouldn’t I write guest post for that friend I have down in Memphis who coordinates a mean synchroblog?

But with writing a guest post comes the need for a topic. I mean, sure, part of guest blogging is an opportunity at shameless promotion of one’s own blog or agenda. But you just don’t want to come up in someone else’s audience and have those readers come away questioning the blog owner’s decision-making skills after you’ve supplied him or her with a dud of a post.

Now, about that need for a topic… oh yes, so here are five tips to a good guest blog post (I think that’s what I was getting at):

1) Have a clever, insightful introduction that mentions the contemporary state of medium.

2) Be sure that you promote the host’s blog in the nut paragraph, not your own! (Until, that is, the end of the guest post.)

3) Pretend as though you were struggling to find a topic, just to keep readers on the edge of their seats (even though everyone knows writer’s block is something only experienced by people who aren’t really meant to be writers… the rest of us always have something to say, whether it has any value or not).

4) Use a sort of how-to list because people probably will not read the rest of the post and will only scroll down to grab some quick tips anyway. (Caught you!)

5) You should probably do some research about the audience of the blog on which you’re posting, chat with the blog owner about expectations, find something useful to say, include fun links, follow the style of the host blog and do a bunch of other technical hoopla.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this post, readers of Moments in Time! Perhaps you found it helpful, entertaining or just plain confusing. Ciao!

Joshua A. DeLung is the creator, owner and primary writer at Relatively Journalizing, where he writes about journalism, public relations, new media, life musings, sports and more. In addition, he also blogs for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Energy Empowers Web site, which chronicles the personal stories of American people whose lives have been touched by energy-efficient and renewable energy technologies.

The views, opinions and any other content created by Joshua A. DeLung on personal or social media sites do not necessarily reflect those of the U.S. government or any other entity and are not approved by or affiliated with those entities.

Written Thoughts

2009-11-10T17:40:00.001-06:00

Often times it is a relief to sit down and write. Sometimes there are no words to describe how life is whether bad or good; hopefully the latter. Writing helps me a lot in the ways that I can express myself through words and sort of have a one-on-one talk with someone. I will say that this particular semester, there aren't really any words that can be used to describe it. One word can be unique, but that is not the word although I'll use it. College can be a journey of self-discovery. Exploring what we want to do, who we are, and being able to do just about anything. Whether or not someone attends a college or university, in whatever they do, they will something about what it is they do to be enjoyable and worthwhile in a way.I can attest to this because this semester (along with the stress and long nights and sleepless nights.. ups and downs), I'm finding out who I am and where I'm going in life.

Since being at the University, I've met some cool people, those that I admire (have not found too many of them), and the ones that set them apart in a group of their own. But all in all, we are here doing what we do for a reason. Maybe the dreams or goals that I aspire to achieve may be too big for me or often times maybe I may get the weird look or feedback of people thinking I may be crazy. I know not everyone wants to be a teacher and not everyone will feel the same way I do, but hey, that is just me. I know there are those who may not want think or dream the same things I do, but that is just me. Maybe I'm thinking about actually want to be person that wants change, but there are others who may not be on the same page. I am not the person I use to be, but I'm the person that is evolving to the person I want to be. Sometimes it is said to be the change you want to be and I don't know that not everything will change, but coming to the realization of true reality and the purpose is something to think about.

There is something I must remember is to stay positive, keep my faith and moral values at heart, and know the reason that I should not fall but keep on going. I didn't want to continue onto the University for nothing. I'm not wasting my time and money for nothing. There's a path I have decided to take and that's a path that is not taken.

Hockey And Blogging Have More In Common Then You Think

2009-10-26T12:14:00.001-05:00

Today is 20 Something Bloggers 6th Blog Swap. So, the members of the community who decided to participate has a partner. My partner is Jennie White, the writer of the blog Generation You. So she is guest posting for me on today and kindly enough have written such an awesome post. Don’t forget to visit her blog to read my post! Now presenting to you, today’s guest writer Jennie White!

Hi Guys, sorry, but this is not Kelvin! I am taking over Moments in Time on this fine Monday. Kelvin has been so generous and awesome to let me guest post over here and I am really excited about it. For about the past week, I’ve been exploring Kelvin’s blog, Moments in Time. I am sure you all know this by now, but our friend Kelvin here is a beautiful writer. He’s deep, descriptive, and thought provoking which are all crucial for a successful Blogger. In Kelvin’s most recent post, “The World of Blogging,” he talked about why he blogs and why blogging isn’t for the faint of heart. It got me thinking, why should we blog?

Why is it important for us to twenty-somethings to sit down and pour out our thoughts on the Internet? We don’t blog to give our problems a microphone, we blog to connect to one another. I’ve “met” or connected with people from all over the world. I mean I am guest posting for Kelvin who lives in Tennessee! Kelvin and I probably would’ve never met had it not been for blogging.

This might sound like a far out comparison, but I often like to compare bloggers to a hockey team. Often people don’t recognize why people blog. They don’t understand the commitment and passion that goes into blogging. Just like I’ve never really understood hockey players waking up at 4 am to skate in a freezing cold ice rink. Hockey players and bloggers alike have a deep routed passion and the support from their teammates or fellow bloggers is key. We keep showing up to our blogs and to the rink because we’re getting this high and rush from the support and feedback of our peers.

Just like a hockey player, bloggers need to be tough. They need to show commitment and show passion. Use your blog to broadcast your commitment and passion. Who knows who will stumble upon it from Google one day? Commit yourself to your readers and your network; blogging is all about supporting one another. Your thoughts are more valuable if they’re out there, available for people to react, agree, and disagree. What good are your thoughts locked up inside that brain of yours? Trust me, we want to hear them!

So yes, maybe I did just compare blogging to hockey, you’ve probably never heard that one before, but I really liked how in Kelvin’s post, “The World of Blogging,” he stressed the importance of staying committed to your blog.

The World of Blogging

2009-10-22T19:38:00.001-05:00

So, I have not written anything lately in this space. On the brighter side, it will be the weekend and tomorrow is Friday! 20 Something Bloggers sent out e-mails for their 6th 20SB Blog Swap to those who are participating, letting us know about our partners. This is my third time joining the fun and swapping posts with other bloggers. It’s a thrill to see what random person I will get partnered up with. So on next Monday, the 26th, you will get a chance to see Jennie’s (her blog is Generation You) post on this blog and mine will be on hers. You can find both of our (awesome) posts on next week!

I’m noticing a trend of comments from anonymous people. I’m not saying that there is nothing wrong with that, but I would like to know who they written by instead making a connection of the authors being random people. Sometimes I find it interesting to read comments from others. I would have to say that. But I think they tend to not want to be known. Sometimes I write things and not think, one some topics, about editing a post. Blogs… if you have one and most do, you have to make it your own. No matter what way you blog, in whatever writing style. It’s your account, your space, make it your own. I believe that a lot of people, from what I read from 20SB, have their own feelings and thoughts when it comes down to reading blogs. But I am not going to talk much in depth about blogging because I’m sure you may have read and talked with others all things blogging. People tend to blog for different reasons and you know the whole deal with that. I do tend to try to blog each week. Even more so I like the conversations and the comments that are left because they help to spark new ideas and perspectives. Not everyone read blogs will comment. Only when they feel needed to comment. There are conversations out there about people leaving useless comments that do not contribute to the conversations. Sometimes the comments may strike up a hardcore debate; whereas others just want to leave their remarks.

You may be wondering exactly what I’m talking about. I’m really not talking about anything specific. Overall, blogging to me is like being able to write and keep an electronic journal publicly or privately-for yourself or those select people. I may not be a complete expert, but I will surely enough give you a best and complete answer to any question that may be asked. But I think my perspective of blogging has changed and still is changing. From classroom blogging in the English Composition class to just continuing blogging on my own.It’s like almost everyone is blogging. Some have been blogging for 4 years while others have started within the last year or few months. I will say that blogging may not be for everyone. Some start off blogging, but then all of a sudden they stop writing and disappear. And this may happen to those who really have a unique style and we enjoy their blog. And the next thing we know, they stop posting and we only get the few posts that are still up to read and cherish. I even have seen this happen a few times. Where the good bloggers stop posting and I wonder where they have gone off to. Johnonline has the statement “Blogging is not a habit. It’s a lifestyle” on this blog. I think that is quite interesting that he makes that statement. Could blogging be a lifestyle and not a habit? A hobby? Or something we think would be fun?

Where Did He Go?

2009-10-10T11:19:00.001-05:00

Well, you may notice that there has not been a post written in a couple of days, more so a week or two. Don’t worry, I have not fallen off the cliff of a mountain.. not yet at least (laughing out loud). But there will be a post soon. So much has been going on over the last few weeks and another week until Fall Break. Woohoo! I’m excited. I hope you all had a wonderful week and the weekend is going good for everyone. There have been a couple of guest bloggers that have accepted the invitation to guest blog for me. Sometimes the blogger needs a bit of creative boost and go away from the work space to muster up the next best thing to write about. To put the cap on this quick update post, here is a video for you to enjoy… It’s one of my favorite.

Guest Post: Flying through Door #4

2009-09-27T07:55:00.001-05:00

It's been awhile since I've sat down and watched TV. Maybe a year or so. But, from when I did, I remember a commercial for Audi. Clearly, this commercial was posed for the young, up-and-coming gen-y. If you don't remember the one, let me give you the run-down:

Behind a stark, stoic desk sat a stark, stoic man. In front of him: a younger man, much less comfortable in the office filled with deep mahogany furniture.

The elder of the two dogmatically laid out the other's life for him.

"You will attend one of these three [Ivy-league] Schools"

"You will enter one of these three [high-paying, upper-echelon] professions"

"You will drive one of these three luxury cars..." and, of course, this is when the Audi pulls up providing the perfect option #4.

What Audi did well was identify a foundational paradigm shift in the mindset of this generation: we're willing to take the chance behind door #4. We are making choices that dumbfound our elders, but seem natural to us, albeit a bit risky from time to time. But that's what excites us. We know this is our life, and we're set on living.

One year ago, I walked - or rather flew - through my door #4. I left the comfort of my hometown, my friends, family, managerial position in retail, roommates and culture to fly to the other side of the world and teach English in Taiwan for a year.

What I learned in that year I will carry with me the rest of my life. My view of culture (both mine and foreign), and my view of myself altered entirely. The details of how and what are chronicled on my blog, but I'm not here to bore you with that.

What I'm here to say is this: the rules of the game have changed. Door #4 is not only a more viable option, but a more accessible one.

On the rise in the US, and already widely accepted in much of Europe and Australia, is the gap year. This is the idea of taking a break from life and doing like I did: getting out. It's generally before entering university, after graduation, or occasionally in between (though the "adult gap year" is on the rise as well).

As the world gets smaller every day, and technology makes life and communication more mobile, leaving for a year (or 6 months, or a month) becomes easier.

There's increasing research that the "gap year" has unseen benefits that employers are taking notice from. Economist.com reported on researchers finding an association between those who have lived abroad and an elevated level of creativity.

But here's my beef with the "gap year" mentality. It leaves the traveler with the idea that the year is a "break" from her/his life.

Let me tell you, that year is as much a part of your life as your 4 years in university. Or getting hired at your dream gig.

Over at The Drift, we have a saying: The Journey is the Destination.

We've been programed to think our life is a succession of events: High School; University; Career; Family; Retirement; Death.

That's boring.

Really.

If I can encourage readers to one thing, it's this: Don't be afraid to do something different. Something you never thought you'd do. And when you do, remember what you do along the way to your "life goals (or "destinations")" is just as much of your life as those big events. Because Life isn't about the big events; life started yesterday, and yesterday is gone. Don't wait for some far off event to start living.

More than any point in history, any generation before us, the door on option number four has blown wide open. The rules of normalcy have changed, and the rise of information and technology have given us the keys to our life. Take them and use them. Find what you're passionate about through your door #4, then walk, no, fly through and live your life.

Because Life is a Journey, friends. And the Journey is the Destination.

-----------------

About the Author: After spending a year in Taiwan blogging at The Taiwan Drift, Chase relocated himself back to sunny Southern California and relocated his blogging endeavors to ChaseAndre.com. Feel free to drop him a line on his blog or on Twitter.

[Photo found here through Flickr's Creative Common]

Synchroblog Round Up: Super Powers, Something We All Want

2009-09-26T18:48:00.001-05:00

So we all have now realized our own super power that we want for various reasons whether in a good way or a bad way. And for some there are many that can may want, but there is that certain one that will gives us that funk we need. Without further distractions, here’s a round-up of who participated in the Synchroblog this month. You see what each of them wanted as a super power if they had one. Go check them out and comment and do a bit of chit-chat. Mingle and meet new people!

Miss Tiff’s choice of super power is the ability to read what others are thinking - “If I had a Super Power” [A Big of Miss Tiff]
Timoteo thinks the ability to have subtitles to see what people are really doing - “Synchroblogging or Subtitles? Please, and thank you” [Canadian Doubles]
Cybeel believes, with the use of imagination and closing the eyes, going to different places in the blink of an eye “i wanna” [Scarlett’s Walk]
Miss Lissy wants to teleport to different places and when certain situations arise - “Teleportation” [College in a Suitcase]
Confessions of My Confusion would want to be a human lie detector in order to help those she loves – “A Super Power??” [Confessions of My Confusion]
Johnonline would want to the power of time and space manipulation - “Tense: If I had a superpower” [Life Inc.]
Alissa wants the power of flight to go green and save on gas and even helping to help those at her job - “Synchroblog: Superpower edition” [Thunked and Befuddled]
Joshua wants first grabs to have the power of highspeed flight - “Synchroblog 4: If I Had a Superpower” [Relatively Journalizing]
Esther would want an UNDO option in life - [Wearing an Invisible Crown]

If you participated and happened to be not on the list, let me know so you can be added.

Until next time… holla!

Reality: I’m Just an Ordinary Person

2009-09-23T18:01:00.001-05:00

We only got one world. Over the last few days I’ve been doing some thinking… thinking about everything that has been going on with me personally and other people. Is it okay to have the days where we can show sadness and not be all happy? Like those days where things may not be going so well? I mean sometimes I feel like I’m alone and what I’m thinking and experiencing, others may not be going through. Okay, I will admit that I had an unusual childhood and even my years in middle and high school had the good and bad experiences and people that I met. And I will say that half of the time though I’m smiling and seem so happy, deep somewhere, I’m not quite the way I appear.

Well, I'm going home, back to the place where I belong
And where your love has always been enough for me
I'm not running from, no, I think you got me all wrong
I don't regret this life I chose for me
But these places and these faces are getting old
So I'm going home, well I'm going home

Home by Daughtry

I’m just an ordinary person living the life of an average person. I mean sometimes I feel like I’m just in this world, but yet in a world of my own. This is reality. This where the line of growing up comes into play and maturing into adulthood. This or these depressive feelings of being overwhelmed because I can’t get any assignments done exists. The feelings of not being an average social person comes and goes. I mean what exactly does it take to express to everyone else to take it slow and not have a big ego. I guess I will have to say that I’m not living the life… pretending that everything is alright, but it’s not.

My heart goes out to those who may be on the wrong path in life. Sometimes I feel like telling people to be themselves and let me be me. Other times I feel like I have done something wrong because I didn’t save a person’s life? There’s so much helping I can offer to everyone. All I ask is to give me a chance. I do apologize for such post, but I feel like these feeling and thoughts must be released. Released by the method of writing. Things should not go in the direction of societal expectations because it will only make things worse for a person. I rather not go with the crowd but in a path of my own.

As Frost’s poem goes, we should take the path less taken. This reminds of the quote on being a leader. It’s not a position but an action. Far too many people want to be leaders but they are not showing action (by the way which is a verb!). They just want the title of being a leader because it looks good on their resume. I hear that a lot. It’s like a newly found cliché. I, again, apologize for spilling my guts. I feel that the expression and feelings and trueness of the writer of the blog should be known. It allows the friends to be closer to the writer if you ask me. This is reality. What is reality? Bring the REAL out of reality. Reality television is not really as it should be. It, the shows has script and all done in a studio in Hollywood or another great American city. If you want reality try going out with a camera and record your every day life. NOW THAT’S REALITY.

I feel like I kind of don’t belong. I feel alone and there’s a song that I can’t think of right now that mentions that there’s someone else that may be feeling the same. And we shouldn’t be feeling left out alone. I mean I’m just an ordinary person. Either people will like you or either they don’t. But all in all I feel that I shouldn’t have to do what others are doing and have almost the same interests as they do in order to make friends with them. I rather be at a place where I belong. Where is that place you may ask? I’m not quite sure. If you know of that place let me know. I’m a person on a mission to achieve life goals. I want to be able to be a person that can contribute to our society in one way or another.

And the Synchroblogging Topic Is…

2009-09-19T12:06:00.001-05:00

“If I Had a Super Power”

Yep. That’s the topic. I wonder what I would if I had a superpower. One may not be enough, but it could also be safer than having multiple powers. What would your super power would be if you have one? Would you want to read the minds of others? Would you want drive a car that could fly everywhere to avoid traffic? How about being able to freeze time and rewind it like a video tape… or more like TiVo? If you had a superpower what would it be?

A few notes:

September 23 is the day your post should be published! You should ink back to this post and post your link to your post. If not, then I will still find it and compile a list of some sort.
You can take the topic and run with it in whatever manner you want. Whether you want to post pictures, do a video, or tell a creative story. The topic + you = one heck of an awesome post.
Anyone is able to join the Synchroblogging. It’s all about having fun! Invite others to participate.

Reality: The State of Being True

2009-09-16T18:25:00.001-05:00

Note: This post contains my ideas and opinions that have not been released to the general public.

But, if you only have love for your own race
Then you only leave space to discriminate
And to discriminate only generates hate
And when you hate then you're bound to get irate, yeah

Those are words to the song Where is the Love by the Black Eyed Peas. I think you should go take a look at the video because I think it is a song you should listen to and the images that are played throughout the video. I believe the video talks about the typical problems and issues that occur every day in the United States. This song is one of my favorite as well since I think it fits in with what goes on in my life and how people are mistreating each other whether within their own racial group or towards the others. I guess I can add education with this, too, because teachers and schooling is where children get influenced by their peers and they are typically what is right and what is wrong. It starts with the parents while they are raising their child. I mean being in college helps me to open up to the real world. The classes, the people, the overall experiences really effect students in several ways. But that’s a different story.

I feel the need to talk about this because I am always thinking about this but I don’t share it with others. Why? Because I know there are some people that may not be open to talking about culture, the racial state of the country and abroad. I do respect that and sometimes I don’t like talking about it depending on the approach of such issue. I think this is a song that helps express how I feel and my philosophical thinking. I guess sometimes I have to speak up and use my voice more often. Because I am in the background, being observant of everything that goes on in every day.

Yo', whatever happened to the values of humanity
Whatever happened to the fairness and equality
Instead of spreading love we're spreading animosity
Lack of understanding, leading lives away from unity

Look at all the negative things that have happened-big or small. Recently, during the Music Video Awards, Kanye gets on stage and really hijack Taylor’s Swift acceptance speech. And then Pres. Obama calls him a jackass. He deserves that and then the apology on the Late Night show… I didn’t really find that sincere. Or maybe it was but he was just a bit tipsy when he messed up other people chances of wining. I mean the song that was nominated was country and I like it myself, but that was down right wrong. I don’t think that was right. What was going through his mind?? Does that fact that someone from “the outside” won an award that usually won by many of other obvious artists? His social behaviors and interactions could be a cause of that incident. At least that just an assumption. Where is the love?

Culture affects what we do and and the person we are. Ethnics are characteristics of culture that are distinguish by a group itself. Sometimes we have to practice what we preach. If I feel like I don’t like what is going on, I should try to speak up and do something. Other times I feel that people should so the same thing as well. If you don’t like what the government is doing with health care, do something about it. But then, the contradiction comes to play, that I’m just an ordinary person. What will little old me do to help solve a big issue. Sometimes you have to work your way up and then deal with issues on the smaller scale. Think about this: Does race matter when determining life chances?

Song lyrics from Let Me Be Myself" by 3 Doors Down

I guess i just got lost being someone else,
I tried to kill the pain
But nothing ever helped
I left myself behind
Somewhere along the way
Hoping to come back around
and find myself some day

Tell me please
Would you one time,
Let Me Be Myself
So I can shine,
with my own light
Let Me Be Myself

Personally, sometimes I feel like I’m alone. I feel like I’m the only person that is not like many others (which is good) but I’m in a world of my own. But I’m still trying to figure out why I feel that way. Maybe because people I know and see every day may not have the same ideas and vision that I have and maybe I’m not like everyone else that do a lot of socializing. I’m trying to figure out myself every day. I guess that goes along with the rest of what this post is about, but then it may not. Not everyone will accept us for who we are. We all make all types of friends. That’s the best part of life. Making friends and hanging out with people that are really there whenever you need them and just people of common interest to talk to. Maybe because those are some close minded people that will not allow new ideas to be formed and allow them to look out the box. Sometimes all I ask is just listen and give chances to those who are capably of doing the job. Also, maybe we should let everyone allow themselves to shine. This world could be a lot better. Don’t you think? At least not better it will make progress and be different than it is now!

I remember when I went to California last summer and really got to experience life out of the city. And I will tell you that there’s so much outside of Memphis that some people may not even recognize. Some people have stayed in their city of origin for years and will not leave… not saying that should get up and move and it’s good they care about their city because we all should; especially the country as a whole. Think about this: Friends that you may have that are not native to the U.S., what do you think their reasons of moving here? What do you think about the international people talking about America and this is the best place to live. Again, this can be all good and yet they could also talk about Americans in a bad way. So there is a serious time to clean up everything that may not be what is best for the minority because the majority gets everything they want.

I made a note at the beginning of this post because what I have said in this post are things I think about through the week, but I never really told anyone nor had the urge to tell anyone. I guess it is not something I would say out of the blue unless I wanted to make conversation. Then, again I’m not too big to talk about said things unless it is needed. We aren’t mind readers so we can’t read what other people are thinking unless we ask them and then that will give an answer. Often times that can be the case and other times they choose not to share, but all in all we have to respect what they have to say because it is valuable. It can be useful because their thoughts can help reason out what may not be working and if anything needs changing to be restructured. If it is not broken, then don’t fix it. If you try, things may go wrong and get very messy.

Guest Post: Wanted: Girlfriend

2009-09-13T07:25:00.001-05:00

It’s been so long that I’ve been single, in its strictest sense, in my life. I could give you a list of why I never had a girlfriend for that long but if I do that I would just give myself an excuse for not having one instead of being on active lookout. Seriously, too, I’m sick of fooling around, flirting with somebody and acting like a boyfriend but in reality I’m just a runner-up, a go-to person when the “cat” is away. It’s an emotional torture for me, though most of these girls do not know how I feel.

Though I’m on a serious hunt for a girlfriend, I think it is not right for anybody to settle for the available of force yourself to like someone. It would be like playing around again, only you have the other party holding on to a make believe commitment. (But at times of desperation, I might believe the concept of learning to love a person with time, and to actually go for the one who is willing.) So it’s just proper to set a qualification, a minimum standard for someone you would go out with (though most of the time, the “love of our life” is the exception to the rule”).

And since I have mention setting up or listing some qualifications for a future partner or just a girlfriend, I might as well list mine here. Okay, it’s such a cliché to include having a great body, perfect vital statistics and such in the list. I mean it’s already given that we would love to hook up with some we can be proud of and would love to spend our intimate moments with an amazing girl, so what’s the use of including those characteristics here. I’m not a very choosy or picky guy. I’m only looking for one great character of a girl- she has to be understanding. How understanding or how long her patience she has to have? Here’s my short list.

First, she has to know that I’m a mama’s boy and my grandma’s favorite. I know sometimes it’s such a turn off but I great girl would understand that. She has to know that when my mom calls me up or my grandma starts to worry of my whereabouts, even if we are in the middle of our date, I have to bill out immediately and go back home the very minute I received the “bat call” or you’ll eat alone and pay our dinner. Okay, not really that quick, maybe after the dinner I would have to go immediately and cancel any further plans for the day/night.
Second, she has to know that every now and then, I go out with my best buddy. Take note, my best buddy isn’t a dog or a guy. She’s Clarysse (Clark, for short) and you read it right- “she”. Well, I won’t really give her any reason to be jealous with Clark. I know where to draw lines and set priorities. Besides, my best friend has a boyfriend and we don’t really like to complicate things further.
Next, she has to realize that I have a very delicate appetite. I only got a handful of vegetables that are edible to me so she has to have that list of mine. Chocolate bars are surprisingly bitter to my taste bud. But I only eat cakes and ice cream with chocolate flavor. That’s how complicated I can be.
And finally, she has to know that I am a child at heart…and will always be. It’s not that I’m immature or that it will take more time for me to grow up. Because to tell you the truth, my being a childish is already a way of life to me, a personality that defines me. She has to live with it. She has to be very caring to me. Her attention must be centered to me as much as possible. I wanted to be spoiled. But I don’t want her to act like my mom or my grandma ‘coz I already got one. She just has to be loving to kids like me.

Now you know how understanding she has to be. You may even conclude that the above are the reasons why I am still single. I won’t argue. But the above are really not that all inclusive. It’s not even a strict rule. Like what I said in the second item, I won’t give my girl any reason to be jealous or be mad. I know how to set priorities and to honor them. And more often than not, the girl we usually end up with are exceptions to the rule. Besides, I’m on a search for a girlfriend, not yet a wife.

By the way, I’m John from the Philippines blogging at Life Inc. In case you’re curious about me or you want to apply, just tell Kelvin. He knows where to find me.

It’s Synchroblogging Time! (Relaunching & Back in Action)

2009-09-10T07:40:00.003-05:00

How are you? I hope your week is as you plan it to be. A few ago, I mentioned a little something about synchroblogging:

I’ve have this idea that I would like to being back to life. It’s called Synchroblogging (until I can find a cool title. Any suggestions?) What happens is every moth everyone writes on the same topic, on the same day. Sounds easy right? Of course. So all bloggers are welcome to join when I do launch it. So you just blog in whatever form you one on the same day as the other participants on the same topic. So that’s the latest thing that will involve the readers and anyone else who wants to add into their blogging experience.

So, that’s just gives you an idea of is suppose to be going on around these neck of the woods. You can also do a search on this by using the search box at the top and notice the early, “experimental” days of this. Now this is where you come in, of course, to help. What I would like for you to help with is the suggestions for a topic. A topic that you and all others will write about. When I get the suggestions, I probably will choose the one I like from those suggested and announce. Or I grab the best ones and let you vote for the topic you want to write. But all in all there will be a topic chosen. Also, if you have a better name for the Synchroblog, then feel free to suggest one. I just couldn’t think of a creative name!

A few guidelines: They are rather simple, they are what helps run the Synchroblog and making sure that everyone knows what to do.

Each month there be a topic and a date for this Synchroblog. The actually days will be announce way in advance. Each blogger will write on the same topic that will be given each month. Supposedly on the same day. (In the past, it was going for an entire week and everyone was given a chance to post on any day of that week). But posting on the same day, should make things work out better and run smoothly. You can be as creative with the topic as you wish. The topic will be given and you just run with it.
In each post (and with most things you participate in any other blogging matters), you should mentioned that you are participating and link back. Sometimes it is best because you don’t want to throw something at you readers and they may not know what is going on.
This is open for any blogger out there who wants to join! So whether or not you are in college, you are more than welcome to join.

Sometimes we forget to join things and we shouldn’t, but I typically may reminders to those who are participating rather by leaving a comment on their blog, or e-mailing them or finding them so other place. So if you want a reminder, that can be arranged as well. I believe to have have given you all the details you need to know and what you may want to know about the Synchroblog. If there's anything else, just let me know!

Two Weeks

2009-09-07T14:22:00.001-05:00

It’s been two weeks since I last wrote a post. During the two weeks I braced myself for another semester and relaxed as much as possible. Finally it was time to start the new Fall semester. I only been in school for a week now and dealing with books and buying them is getting my my nerves. I have five classes this time around and I like them. I like my classes I have this semester. I have one professor who is laid back and likes to teach and get straight to the point and we’re out the door. Now that’s the way to teach. She knows how we feel as students. Sociology will be quite the class. I’m sure it will be interesting, too.

My Algebra class is a challenge…and the work is done online. That adds more work to complete and submit online My online class is so far pretty good. I’ve done some reading and had some music playing in the background so I could read about classroom practices and language assessment without falling asleep. I just have to read a bit more and then actually start on the work that is due next weekend. I think it helps to get through the reading when there is music playing in the background. I don’t know what to say about my Brit Lit professor. And the homework is slowing coming... no complaints yet. I’m also glad that we do not have classes today!! Yes!

Over the last two weeks I have not posted. Not that I did not want to post, I didn’t know what to write about. So much can be written but left in the brainstorming stages. But it happens when there’s nothing really to write about or sometimes go a few days without blogging. Hey it happens. You can’t pretend it doesn’t. Though I have not blogged, I have been in the background of things while I go through the routine of getting back in to school (and located at other places online). I did get a bit lazy to blog, but I didn’t have anything really to post or share. Random side note: The word ‘nonsensical’ is an interesting word. I’m not sure if it is used a lot. All in all it is time to blog again… I surely do not want to go down the path of no return.

It felt like yesterday when the first of August was here. NOW it is September. Gee whiz the days are passing. It’s not too hot, but soon the season will change it and will slowly start to cool down and the leaves changing and all that good stuff. A few days into then new month. And last came and flew by too fast. Unexpectedly. I had a good first weekend of this month, but I’ve been really tired lately. Like I am not getting enough sleep thought I have been up early and go to sleep early. I don’t know. My family call me an old man. I disagree.

How was your weekend? What have you done over the last week?

The Weekend Post

2009-08-22T06:01:00.001-05:00

Hello! How are you? Hope you are having a good weekend.

So it has been a week since I last posted something. I decided after such writing a post of great length to take a few days away to relax. The week kind of by fast. Before I realized it was Friday! But while I have not been blogging, I have been having conversations on Twitter. Sometimes I tweet pointless things and been trying to maintain a good deal on using Twitter in meaningful ways. So far, I’ve just doing tweeting things of interest and sharing with followers everything from personal to news articles and retwitting what others may have said. From the beginning I said that I signed up to experiment and see what this great deal of site is about. Thus far I’ve been meeting some cool cats on the site and enjoying the interaction among those who uses Twitter. There are many things written how such micro-blogging can be used to meet your goals and the proper way of using Twitter. To each his or her own I guess.

Exactly one week until I start preparing to go back to campus (I will be living on campus this year again). So I am hoping to get a good roommate and not some buck wild person, but someone decent and live in an orderly state. I do like living on campus except the part of adjusting to differ roommates that come each year and sometimes maybe a different on in the middle of the school year. I hope meet more wonderful friends this year. I’m sure there will be many Freshman that will be attending the University. So much will be new this year. Of course there is the recent news of the University of Memphis’ men’s basketball team getting their Final Four seasons winnings and money taken away. But the school is appealing and I hope they the case ends in the favor of the University. We are pretty much well known and I think they don’t want use to continue our success from past year; especially the 07-08 season. We have a new coach (the assistant coach got promoted and the former one went to Kentucky) and I surely wish the best for the men’s basketball team.

I didn’t know this happened until I saw it on Yahoo and then on ESPN. I will say that my University made many news appearances and articles written last semester and it was all towards the men’s basketball. We have to get our money somewhere. I’m not a big sports person, so I usually just keep up with the men’s basketball team and all news related to the school. But I also read and hear about other sports players and the things they do. Such said players like Michael Vick and the dog fights and the Olympic person that is either male or female. They are doing gender testing on the person. The individual sound like a man but look like a female. Your guess is as good as mine. I never played sports in high school nor have I when I was growing up. I remember playing my favorite games dodge ball and kick ball in elementary. I was a killer at those games.

I also am still try to win a contest that is going on through out the month and into next month. I mentioned this in a few posts back. So far I still have not won. It prize bundle is an HP dv6 laptop, HP Mini 110, Syncables software and a Timbuk2 customized bag. I may not enter all contests but the ones I do enter I hope to get picked as the winner!

I’ve have this idea that I would like to being back to life. It’s called Synchroblogging (until I can find a cool title. Any suggestions?) What happens is every moth everyone writes on the same topic, on the same day. Sounds easy right? Of course. So all bloggers are welcome to join when I do launch it. So you just blog in whatever form you one on the same day as the other participants on the same topic. So that’s the latest thing that will involve the readers and anyone else who wants to add into their blogging experience.

Enjoy your day!

Get Off the Soapbox

2009-08-14T00:01:00.001-05:00

Back to School Prep

So it isn’t long until I start classes for the semester. Exactly two more weeks of vacation and it will be over… and so will be month, too. Where does the time go?I’m pretty much excited… but more anxious than anything with a bit of nervousness. Though I do not see why I’m nervous. But it is what it is. I can only say I’m ready for a fresh school year and going higher all aspect of life. As the song goes, “life is a highway.” So not much has happening going on with these last few days. I do know I have to so some back to school cleaning; especially my closet. It isn’t too messy though I have boxes to get rid of and go through stuff that is not needed or useful. Hopefully, if I can’t find nothing else, it will look better than what it does now. Why not junk up the closet and close the door than have a messy room. No one, but me should ever go in the closet. I have to make sure I keep my room orderly maintain because it’s the next room after everyone goes in the living and whatever, they come in my room and chill out. But I don’t see nothing special about my room. It’s just a room of all sorts.

So I will be preparing myself for another semester and hope that all those who heading back to school or have already have a great semester. I find a post I read on College Candy that there are 10 types of Freshman that you will meet on campus. And I thought about that I have almost seen those different types of people on campus all the time and anywhere else in the world. I guess we all have to accept each for who we are and be aware of each other. It’s always fun meeting other people. I enjoy it all the time; especially if you find it beneficial for whatever relationship that exist.

Social Networking

Since the last time I have written something here, I have been chatting and reading a few blogs, doing a little bit of tweeting, taking it easy. And I so much goes on with Twitter. Everything else is tweeted and the trending topics… don’t worry about watching the news, you can visit Twitter for everything. Lot of things goes on with that website. Earlier today I entered in the HP Better Together contest, trying to win the prize buddle: HP dv6 laptop, mini 101 laptop, Syncables software and customized Tumbuk2 bag. Hoping I will win at one point during the entire competition one way or another. And I know I have stated this in a previous post!

So I’m not trying to dig into Twitter, but they announced Project Retweet to support Retweets so users can easily “retweet” what others are saying. I know on some websites and blogs they they have a button that you can click to automatically have it on Twitter. I sometimes use that feature if I find something interesting that I read and want to share with others. I saw it as trending topic and read it on Mashable-the social media guide-that has abundance amount of good content (news, lists, information, blogs, chats, and other good stuff))on everything that exists in the social networking aspect. Even Mashable posted and reported about Facebook Lite. So FB is making more changes to a newer version. But I don’t see how much lighter they can get. Facebook developers, do what you got to do. People will complain some more! Okay? Okay. I digress. I’m not all into the social networking and all that. I find cool and but it serves a different purpose for every individual. If it isn’t fix don’t mess it up. Sometimes the changes can be good because I don’t like the current condition and other times it just brings up drama and more commotion and that’s when others start speaking.

Entertainment: Music & Television

On this past Sunday, I watched America’s Best Dance Crew. For the record, I think it a pretty good show and the season will be okay, but not better than the last couple of seasons. On a scale of 1 (lowest) to 10 (highest)… this season receives a big fat 4 from me. For now, I will say that season four is good in the way of the different dance crews are culturally brought, some have similar interests and goals to be on the show, but that’s about it as far me really liking the show. Some of the crews are awesome. I do have my picks out of the ones that were voted off and still on there this week. It’s not what I was expecting, but I may continue to watch. I noticed that do not have the crews set up in the way of representing the different regions of the country like before.

All of a sudden I’ve add the song lyrics “Let’s get physical, physical” from Olivia Newton’s Physical song. I also recently started liking 3 Doors Down’s song Let Me Be Myself. That song helps express how I feel this moment along with many others, but I pick this one. I also heard on another blog, the song Eminem did in response of Mariah Carey did. I think it was from the video she did with her dress as a dude and rapping and whatever. So I assume this along the lines of being correct. I did not bother to pay attention to the foolishness. Adults. They make the children seem more grown up than they do. People, adults, grow the heck up!! This entertainment industry is crazy. If they are not here for us or to reach out for their life long dreams, then why do some of them even act, sing, dance, and entertain us. Maybe for that exact purpose– entertainment. What’s entertainment today?

Side Note: I mean some people get on my nervous. They want to do it big and be known. Who cares!?! California. The place of Hollywood. The place where everything is made. The people that want to be followers. The tread setters! Make YOUR OWN trend. Go on with YOUR OWN life. I mean don’t let others leave your own, not like others run it.

Get off the soapbox.

Second Language Acquisition

2009-08-09T07:19:00.001-05:00

Language is a very interesting topic whether learning a foreign one as your second or third tongue, whether you are learning the complexity of the English language or even how non-native speakers learn English. It’s all fascinating. Of course my major is English and the concentration I have chosen is English as a Second Language (ESL). Why have chosen such major? Good question. It has been my favorite since I don’t how long. And when entering college as a Freshman I surfed my University’s website and read about the different majors and what could be best for me. So I adventured around for a year with the general classes trying to find my place in college. So, now I can’t imagine having another major, but a minor and additional classes that interest be would be of good interest.

The concentration of ESL, so far is interesting because I am start to see how non-natives are trying to learn English whereas I grew up with the language and developed it over time as an American. So far I have only taken one course dealing with language and this semester I will be taking another course dealing with ESL. Both are online classes. So I hope to ace this online course as I have done in the pervious semester. (I’m sure many many people are wondering what I can do with a degree in English… I’m wondering the same thing, too, but I don’t think it is a big deal).

The Methods and Teachings of ESL course has taught me a lot and very new words and given me a better perceptive of language learning. This is the online course I took during the spring semester and I enjoyed it, too. I have really gained a few experiences that I would like more of in the future. What I have obtain can help me in my teaching career or other areas of the humanities field if I may say so. The text we had was easy to follow and provided many theories, concepts, and vocabulary words dealing with Second Language Acquisition (SLA). Simply said, SLA is just the basic foundation of someone of a non-native speaker of any language that is trying to acquire a second language (other than the native tongue).

I am discovering that mostly everything that deals with ESL and second language acquisition (theories and practices) that relates to the learning process of English through immersion of being in the United States and their social and academic skills. At first when I started the class and getting more depth into my major I was not sure what I was getting myself into, but so far I’m enjoying what I’m learning. What I found interesting and cool is the terminology of ESL/SLA. In any instances, the terms read and used in the discussions online are applicable to every day life as well as learning a second language. The common features and thinking process, with experiences of ESL/SLA, has particular terms to name the practices, theories, and human behaviors. In simple terms, the many “colorful” words that can be located through the book that we had used and they research I did. Another thing is the fact that I am “wowed” to think back on amazing concepts and information that can help better my perspective on non-natives speaking English and trying to adapt to the American culture.

I believe that interactive teaching and learning methods are helpful when one is in any type of class; especially to those who are learning a second language. There is nothing like having fun and watching videos and doing group projects and oral presentations in the classroom versus sitting in class or some place and getting put to sleep and not being attentive while there is something going on. This can help with students and adults of any ages. There are many ways to help someone learn English and about our culture.

Since I have obtain so much knowledge so far, there are three areas I would like to focus and learn more about:

One area I would like to know more about is the experience of teaching English whether in a regular English class or in some type of special program. We can only read and hear and even talk to those teachers, but what exactly is it like to walk in their shoes and see why and how learning English can be a challenge for them.
A second area I would like to know more about is culture. I’m curious on how other languages are similar and different than English. The reason why I want to know more about culture is the reason that people are very interesting and good conversations can start with common interests and shared knowledge about different cultures whether talking about it in depth or just meeting someone else with other interests. I can remember that I enjoyed having conversations with my Conversation Partner about the culture and differences from her home country of Colombia and living here in Memphis and other states.
A third area could be more about the English language; especially more in depth from the non-native perspective since I am not in college. Sitting in classes observing for those who are learning English is interesting because I already know English, but I may not know the general information or anything that is taught to non-natives. But it is I thought it was interesting to sit and observe the classes because they are learning what we have learned back in elementary and we are still learning but just in a different manner.

Simply August

2009-08-08T01:21:00.001-05:00

Simply August. Yep.. that is the title of this post. If you ask how did I come up with the title, I could not give you a clear answer. July took it slowest time, but it did take its toll. What comes to mind when you think of August. For me, I think of, hopefully cooler weather, the season of mostly students going back to school. I think of Fall, though it is late summer, television shows. I think of the time of the year where we come back from summer vacation and nestle in back to a daily routine. Of course, as the weeks progress, the season changes to fall. And I return for Fall classes on the 31st. The last day of the month! I’m really excited to start a new semester. The schedule is pretty good. I am done with my classes in the morning and no night classes. It’s not the actual way I wanted but I believe I can manage it. Something different I guess. I’m interested to meet the new professors, people to meet, friends to make, and some of the new courses I will be taking. However, when the the instructors begin to give out homework, readings, projects, research papers, and midterms approaches, I will then be wishing for a desirable break. It happens every semester.

A contest. There is a one going on for those of us that may be and are going back to school; especially for those college students. No, I am not a participating website giving away the prize, but I will hope I enter in a few and be given one to me as a winner. A similar competition happened almost this time last year where they were giving out a cool prize HP notebook. And this time it is a better than last time. I didn’t win the last year so I’m hoping to enter in the giveaway this time around. The contest is called Back to School: Better Together. At that website you will be able to read reviews of both laptops and software and even the bag! I will say that there is 25 chances to win, only once, the following items in the buddle: HP dv6 laptop, HP Mini 110 laptop, a customized Timbuk2 bag, and Syncables software. Be sure to check out the schedule and keep up with each starting and finishing. I really would want to win those that awesome prize buddle. Who wouldn’t want to win what they are giving away? And I could really put them to good use as I can use one for Internet and online usage and for school, homework, research and the other laptop can be use for entertainment wise. So yeah.

On Television. America’s Best Dance Crew (ABDC) is starting a new season this weekend. If I’m not mistaken the new time slot will be Sunday nights. Season 4 premieres Sunday at 9 EST/8 CST. I remember seeing the last season and they had some terrific dance groups. I’ve seen previews for the new season and hope to get a chance to watch some of the episodes on television. If not then I can catch them online. That’s one show I want to watch when time permits. Pretty good to be a dance competition worth watch in my opinion. The show brings everyone together. In my words, I think it is a show that is good to watch. It’s surely not trashy like many other shows I have seen. Paula Abdul is not going to a judge on the next season of American Idol. She will be a guest judge on another competition show. She twitted that she was not going to be on the next season and that she appreciates all the support and love from the fellow judges and fans. In her place, Kara DioGuardi will be the judge for the show’s next season. I’m sure it will be awkward to be on the panel without Paula, but I guess it is what it is. So You Think You Can Dance has offer to let her be a guest judge on one of their episodes. I have not really read anything else about whether she will or not, but most likely I think she may. She will only return as a judge if the deal is offer to her in fair terms. It seems that she wants more money than last year and reject a raise that the producers has offered her. So who knows what will happen next for American Idol.

Movies. I’ve noticed a lot of previews or many a few of some good movies that are soon to be about this month and months ahead. Been a while since I have went to a movie theater. Usually I wait to go to until they come out on DVD. I sort of have a thing about being in very crowded places. I know… it’s weird. I hope that everyone has their plans to go see any of the movies that have already came out an plans to see those that will come out. I would like to see The Final Destination in 3D. I know that will be so thrilling and suspenseful to see the movie pop-out at you. I have seen all the sequels in the movie series. That comes out on the 28th of this month. Also Halloween II is suppose to be coming on the 28th as well. If you have not seen the previews of these movies, then you should go check out the official websites. I think I more so like Final Destination than Halloween though I do like to watch a good horror movie.

Would You Rather….

2009-08-03T04:43:00.001-05:00

So a blogging buddy, Johnonline shared a link to a blog post from another blog that he reads (I believe he reads the blog)… I forgot how it happened, but furthermore it is a post from a young lady named Nic who writes at the blog *PINKICK’S PLANET*. The post she written is a Friday Discussion of “Would You Rather.” And the questions are tough to choose from two different choices to make (would you rather do this or that). So there are 25 questions that could be answered. So I decided to answer the first 15. Whew!

1. Be 4”1' or 7”9'? I would rather be noticed and get around quick so being 7'”9' may seem to help. I’m already tall as it is… so maybe being much taller will be exciting.
2. Live without music or live without TV? Oh no! This is a tough one. I like them both. I can live without music because sometimes I end up listening to everything a million times and rarely stretch the wing out for extras.
3. Have a beautiful house and ugly car or ugly house and beautiful car? This is a hard one. I would rather not decide on an answer. Next.
4. Live in Antarctica or Death Valley? I would rather be at neither place because home sounds a bit safe. Both places are expected to have some sort of life or death risk!!
5. Have three eyes or webbed feet? I wouldn’t mind having an additional one eye to go with the other two. The better to see with.

6. Find true love or a million dollars? I can take both. I really would. Though. I probably will want to find true love. Money can be made anytime.
7. Always have to say everything on your mind or never speak again? I can’t go a day without speaking, so I rather be heard and say what’s on my mind.
8. Be gossiped about or never talked about at all? There’s something to be said about me and there has to be said about something. So I rather not talked about other folks and their own business. Blah.
9. Have x-ray vision or bionic hearing? My hearing is good. I want to have x-ray vision. Cool to see through anything and everyone. Super powers. Woot!
10. Be able to hear any conversation or take back anything you say? I could do both. I would go crazy hearing what others have to say. I want to take back everything I say…. presently said can be quickly taken back.

11. End hunger or hatred? Hungry will be better. Hatred is good too. Sometimes no matter what happens, people will still hate. Shame.
12. Be stranded on an island alone or with someone you hate? I rather be with someone I hate because though I may hate them we still will talk and it’s going to be sooner or later.
13. Have more money or be more attractive? Money isn’t everything, but being more attractive is a great thing to be. I rather be more attractive LOL.
14. Have one wish granted today or ten wishes granted in ten years' time? 10 wishes baby! The more the merrier. Oh…all ten can be flexed together as one.
15. Get free chocolate for one year or free potatoes forever? Totally I want free chocolate for one year. No strings attached.

Early Morning Thoughts

2009-07-27T05:15:00.004-05:00

Often times I would like to be settle and just clear my mind because it is an on-going working machine. I just don’t stop thinking. Thoughts are just floating around in my head. Sometimes I think that when we stop thinking it creates or helps from creativity and other times like going to stop the regular routine helps get ideas on what to write about on blogs. It sometimes, for some and not a lot, to keep up with blogging; especially when they are writing good content and the readers are looking for more of what they blog about. In their own style, I believe most posts on this blog showcase what I am about and who I am and my perspective of different things and aspect of life. They range across different topics, but not too far off the charts. In one hundred something odd days, it will be marked two years of blogging with a self-conscious & day-to-day blogging/writing ideas.

This blog seems to be loosing its shape and form. I know I write about about all sorts of things instead of being in one niche as it is read in various places online. Maybe later I will stick to what exactly suppose to be done. Though this blog has not been out there like many others, but sometimes the hidden blogs are the best ones. The popular ones seem to be terrific but rather you want to find something that suits you well. Only thing I can and will try to do is to keep blogging.

So much is floating in my head on what to write. I wrote a post entitled “I Want to Write a Book & Get it Published” back in April of last year. The idea of wanting to write a book and get it publish is still in the idea…waiting to be thrown on paper and put into action. But writing isn’t exactly what I would like to do. However, it is something I like to do; an interest of writing Of course from the beginning I want to teach. This may be noticed in Thursday’s post on education and many others in the archive. Since I am continuing this blog from classroom blogging, this could be a seen as a start or progress of writing thoughts, ideas, and writing about current events and anything else. Wanting to become a teacher or a college instructor is a reason for me wanting to be in college and that evidence can be possibly be seen. So if I can get into the teaching field and teach for some odd good years I will be happy and then afterward I can always find other jobs that interest me. Then there’s the thing with the money and jobs, but we already know how that comes to play when it comes down to careers.

Even if I don't get to the goal of writing a book of some sort then, that's fine because I would have did anything else that I have have planned an wanted to do. It will be something I would like to do.

Well, I think I will digress and conclude this post.

Making Progress to Change Today’s Education System

2009-07-23T17:34:00.001-05:00

Background Info: In past classes at my University, I was able to do my research paper on school assessment and focus on the rising age of it and it began nationally and state wide. I was also able to take the time to explain what needs to be changed in educational system in this country. Pretty much everything was focused on national issues based on the public schools here in Memphis. This took place in English Composition 1020 (second composition course for Freshman) during Spring ‘08. In Oral Communication class, Fall ‘08, we do write and present speeches to the class. I decided to stick with the topic of education and really tell the class my passion and that this is an issue important in this country just like any other that is being dealt with. So I was gladly to present to the class the issues of education that I thought were most important out of the other problems that occur in schools. You can visited the hyperlinked text to read the main ideas that were presented.

I find education to be a very important aspect of my life and for others, too. No matter if I end up teaching secondary English for high school (and probably teach middle school) or become a college instructor teaching English, I will always have my insight, thoughts, and perspective on the way the education system is today and how it will be in the future. Something is always changing for the better; however, there can be the downfall of the way education is today. There is still room for improvement in all aspect-from the local school to the district as a whole, leadership, learning standards and objectives, and even the No Child Left Behind Act. I think there are some students that have been left behind already.

You should understand why there is a need for change in the education system because one main idea is that “teaching to the test” can be seen as cheating students out of their free education by teaching directly to a curriculum that will help the student pass the class rather than allowing them to have the knowledge of different educational ideas and methods. They are should not be taught the material that will be on the test but instead how to take the test that will have the material that should be covered in class. It should be understand that the state test given to students all over the country should be used effectively that will how the students to promote their learning abilities from inside and outside the classroom to the workplace and beyond. I have not heard much about the No Child Left Behind Act since former Pres. Bush left office, but this can cause students to dropout of school before graduating because the will be pressured to help increase higher test scores at the local school, which reduces the time to allow the teacher to teach. Tests get in the way of actual teaching, schools loosing future students, and the “work like a robot” effect is in place.

I surely can not forget about school safety and how this effects students from learning and putting them at risk of all sorts of danger. Every day students are faced with peer pressure that can cause them to misbehave, do drugs, and ditching school. Violence can also happen when students are bullied, feel unsafe, and take matters into their own hands without parental supervision. It can be noticeable when parents are not involved in their child’s school and their learning lifestyle since, again, the child will behave improperly and how mature they are to meet high expectations. A better school system is the way to go in our to produce better and successful citizen in any country and to get them out of poverty.

To conclude this post, focusing on issues such as mentioned in this post and many others, we should help to improve local, state, and national counterparts within the education system to ensure that this country can compete with the other countries in multiple languages, the business of economics, and hoping that go off to college or some sort of vocational institute that will make them a better person and provide valuable contributions within their family and their community.

Chinatown in New York (20SB Blog Swap)

2009-07-22T10:11:00.001-05:00

Once again I participated in the 20SB Blog Swap. This is not my fifth time, but it is the second time. My partner and the guest writer will be reveal…like right NOW! Mallory from Self-indulgent Ramblings was paired with me in this Blog Swap. Our theme for the posts is based on travel and culture. You can read the her post below and you can also head over to her blog to visit the post that I wrote. As usually leave comments and appreciation on both posts! And so it begins....

When Kipling famously wrote, “East is East and West is West, and ne’er the twain shall meet,” it is obvious that he never imagined the existence of New York City’s Chinatown.

There is much debate about ethnic enclaves within cities among scholars. Culturally exclusive communities can exist in the same city as means to forge and maintain one’s identity. Simultaneously, these communities can also puzzle those outside their comfort zone.

The criss-crossed streets are littered with stores selling fuzzy slippers wrapped loosely in crinkled plastic, glittery hair clips and Hello Kitty headbands, and tiny jade Buddha key chains. Solicitors hiss promises of designer handbags at every corner.

The fact is: Chinatown can be quite intimidating.

There is a distinct stench of fish and cleaning products that lead to the spine of Chinatown. These fish are not the colorful, graceful koi found in the ponds of Japanese gardens. No, these are brutally fresh, heavy silver bodies, with blank, beady eyes Yet there is still familiarity to be found, even in the most metallic, lifeless form of a fish that just had its last breath beaten out of it by the blunt side of a tenderizing mallet

If you look carefully, you will notice the hybrid of cultures: people selling both peanut butter and soy sauce. Among the shrimp flavored chips and soy pea crisps sold next to Pringles, the East can, in fact, meet the West.

It Happens in the A.M.

2009-07-22T03:43:00.001-05:00

Time goes by fast. I did not realize that how long it has been since my last blog post. I was planned to post over the weekend, but things changed (and I didn’t Twitter it). And I was planning on posting on Monday… I had a good weekend. I ended up going to one of the best malls (and the maybe the only) that is in the city. I spent the most part of the weekend with my cousins and Saturday and Sunday night. It was fun! I hardly every have that kind of a weekend. All in all, I had a good one. Did you have a good weekend? I’m sure you did.

Today is the 20SB Blog Swap. I mentioned it a few days ago and the day is finally here. I think everyone who reads this blog comes from the community, if not then you should join. Nevertheless, it’s always good to see what goes on around the blogosphere. With this said, all participants have been paired up at random. The received respective information by email to exchange words and communicate on the topics for the posts and then they are swapped to be posted on each other’s (the partners) blogs. I got in touch with my partner and we talked and swapped posts. So you are in for a treat. I think this is one way of presenting more perspective from others to you. So the guest post will be published soon. And maybe that can lead to other things and ideas that will come into play.

So far I’m liking Twitter as other form of communication and being able to tweet up to the minute news, trending topics, and being able to talk to others using 140 characters. Nothing too too special about Twitter, but it is a nifty site. I try to find some way to make Twitter useful in way or another. Perhaps it gets treated as any other site. Perhaps it is something to experiment. For now I don’t know what to think of Twitter. I think it is another site that has surfaced amongst the many others that are being used today. I am not saying that there is something bad about Twitter; no, not all. I know I may not be addicted to it as many, many others are. I’m logged onto the site through the day (about the same with Facebook) and response and answer to the tweets almost instantly. I think Twitter gives people something to do, but may not be for everyone.

En el verano!

2009-07-16T20:19:00.002-05:00

Where to begin? So far this summer has not been going the way as planned. What a bummer. So only six more weeks until classes start for the Fall semester. I’m a bit excited about returning because it is feeling like the summer is not going to get any time soon. Plus I’ll have something to do and then wishing to have a break and all that. When I am in school, those weekends often go by fast and then it will be that Monday again where we are dreading classes for the week. Plus get to meet new friends and ones I’ve already met and any other professors I enjoyed being his or her class. So yesterday I did join Twitter and tweeting away like a little bird. I did not have the mind to join Twitter.. buutttt I wanted to see what it was about. Now I know. So I’m there if you want to send me tweet. I am also accessible by e-mail and other places on the side bar. Tweet tweet.

Last night or early this morning, (your choice) I did finally fall asleep after being awake for many hours of the day into the night. I went to sleep around 3am Central time and woke up around 6:30am to hear loud, roaring thunder and flashes of lighting. I do not like thunderstorms! I did not know what was going on outside, but it did look a little bit too dark. I did Tweet about it when I woke up.Forgot to check the forecast for the week. And I don’t think the rain cooled the temperature down either. It is surely hot outside. Probably mid to upper 90s here. I like the winter and cooler weather where the sun is out and a crispy breeze. I’ll be really Walking in Memphis at that point.

As of now, I have been up since then. I tried to take a nap, but then I would still be up all night longer than I usually am. Who knows what time I will fall asleep tonight. Earlier, I found a nifty button that count down the days until the next blogoversary. So 189 more day until this blog turns 2 years old. It do not seem that long, does it? It sure does not. Let the good times roll!

Not Another Late Night Post!?!

2009-07-16T00:40:00.001-05:00

Well, this is it. I decided to try out Twitter and see what the hullabaloo is about. With this said, my Twitter page is http://twitter.com/kelvinisonline and accessible in the sidebar. So follow me! See what I’m up to when I’m not blogging or what else may be going on with me. That’s interesting enough. You will enjoy your free trip to discover the good, the bad, the worse, the and other oddities. Nothing spectacular. So fasten your seat beat because this plane is off to a fast and rough take off! So hit me up on Twitter. ‘Cause I’m taking over.

I expect next Wednesday to be the 5th 20SB Blog Swap. As of now, I don’t know who my partner is since we are paired up at random. I do know that has been many, many people to have registered… bigger than the others. The deadline has already passed. Hopefully soon, way in advanced then next Wednesday I will know who my partner will is. Wednesday, July 22nd, expect my partner’s original post to be here and my post I will write will be on theirs. You can read their post here and mine here and comment on both if you’d like. For sure, I will be commenting on my blog at the given blog when I get noticed about. I’m expecting regular readers of this here and his or her readers to visit here. All in all, it is a fun event. I have participated in this Blog Swap as well. This should help bring more perspective to the blog.

♫ Tuuuesday, aaafterrrnoon…oh wait! It’s not Tuesday. Thuuuurrrsday mooorrrning♫… Where did that come from?? ….Oh well. Moving on LOL.

Maybe I do watch too much television, maybe I do not. I feel that I spend the average amount of hours watching television each week. I actually did not fall asleep to be up in the late hours. I am just still awake; not going to sleep…. yet. Yes, my sleeping habits are off and I am away during the night and not so me in the day. That will change when classes start back. I have some taste for some hot chocolate. I sure miss drinking hot chocolate from Starbucks - Grande size. Yum yum.

Late Nights

2009-07-14T01:47:00.001-05:00

Tuesday. In the week hours of the night. 1:03AM. Guess what? I’m not asleep. I am not sleepy…and I may be not slightly sleepy. I’ve been up since 8am Monday morning. Good grief! I’m just flipping through the television and watching some late night shows. Along with that, I’m doing some small chatting on 20SB and instant messengers. Wished I could chat with you. I don’t consider myself watching a lot of TV…. more or less of contradiction. When classes start back, I may not be able to catch up with shows and try to fit some TV in the schedule. We’ll see… Not much is popping on Facebook. Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.

1:26 AM: I decided that I got bored and wanted to whip up a post while I am still up. 21 years old… I can’t believe I will be 22 next February. Wow! I wonder where my buddy Joey is at tonight. I can’t imagine what he have done tonight… or can I? LOL. Interesting chat went on last night and it was crazy. Give up for the night owls. I will say that is quiet around here; meaning here in the living room besides the television being on and the cool air blowing from the vents.

I’m just doing some late night blogging and rambling on about what I am currently doing. Pork steak was cooked for dinner but I did not have any. I had to find something else to eat. As the cold air is blowing out, I have to cover up because there’s no one here to cuddle with on the couch.

1:31AM: Joey just entered the 20 Something Bloggers chat. The hangout spot. People noticed it is dead but they stop to realize it exists or bother to chat. You can meet some cool people there.

1:41: Another episode of Fresh Prince of Bel-Air is on. A classic show that everyone should know about. Before that Family Matters was showing but on a differ channel of course. I don’t know what to do… lonely night but I am not going to complain because it could have been worse! Degrassi Goes Hollywood. I forgot this was The N channel. I’m hungry.

1:53: Not really thinking about watching TV anymore. Maybe I should read a book that I should have finished two years ago.

1:57: A slow night. Late nights.

Food for Your Eyes

2009-07-13T12:15:00.001-05:00

Quote of the Week

“Television: chewing gum for the eyes.” - Frank Lloyd Wright

Plain and simple. Well in this case, our eyes have chewed many different flavors of gum. From the music videos to the reality to shows to the talk shows, our eyes have seen them all. Sometimes I think that all shows are the same. Like VH1… the shows they show are all spinoffs of each other. Someone wants a show. I watch too much TV. Do you? Sometimes it is pointless watching the square box. On MTV there’s this new show that comes on at 11:00am CST/12:00noon EST called It’s On with Alexa Chung! It has the celebrities talk and gossip and live music with interaction with the audience by the use of Facebook and Twitter. I’ve read that this is suppose to be the successor for Total Request Live that was a part of MTV programming. The twenty-five year old host does a good job on the show. I can’t complain about the show it is interesting. I watch it while I am doing something else online. Multi-tasking. Right now Sean Kingston is singing the song “Fire Burning” to end today’s show I like the dance pop-reggae song. [YouTube: the official video]

It appears that television is changing and it is not the same as it used to be. TV shows come and go. MTV’s show Cribs is not bad either. I wished I could have some of those houses.. err… mansions that are featured on the show. Those celebrities are rich. They need to donate the money to me LOL. Country Music Television (CMT) has their version of the show, but I don’t watch it. Over the weekend I saw Teen Cribs. They have it made with those wonderful houses on the beach and some over looking the cities they live in with movie theaters, awesome bedrooms, and kitchens. MTV has other shows that I will end up watching. True Life and MADE are two shows that usually don’t end up missing to watch. Being able to see the producers documentary every day people with different live situations and issues is amazing. Then I am able to see their stories and how others deal with lives. Also, being made into something you always wanted to be; maybe from geek to pimp/ladies man is interesting to see when the guys are on MADE. I like me for whom I am although I wouldn’t mind going on that show to do some person development. Parental Control is not such a bad television show. I can’t leave out Room Raiders.

So there are many different shows I watch on TV. I have mentioned the few classic shows that are still hanging in from way back or a few years since they have been created. I usually watch too much TV and spend a lot of time online. Television is food for my eyes.

Another Night Without Sleeping

2009-07-12T06:05:00.001-05:00

Let’s see… I have been up all night without any sleep. Maybe because I took a nap yesterday evening. I do not like falling asleep during the daytime since I will be up all night although I am up during the night. Oh well. And it seems to be raining with thunderous sound effects. Nothing major, but those small summer thunderstorms. I can tell you that my sleep scheduled is a bit off track, but that will change as it is becomes closer to start back going back to the University. Speaking of the University, I’m a bit ready to start the Fall semester on August 31. Still a chunk of summer break left. How did you guys like the Quote of the Week? It was a light discussion on technology and the usage of the Internet.

I watch television daily. One show that I have find to start back watching is Malcolm in the Middle which has begun to air on Nick at Nite. I like the show and it has a good plot. The typical American sitcom about the Malcolm and his mischievous, adolescent ways. One episode I can recall watching is when the kids were outside playing some kind of sporting game and the ball flew over an old lady’s fence. So they sent Malcolm over to get the ball when the old lady scared him and got her because he pushed her down. So the next thing happens is that he gets the consequences of helping the lady out because her arm is broken. He gets caught driving her car because Malcolm’s friends came over while she was passed out for some reason. She is a mean old lady but in the end she helps him out by saying that he was driving her to the emergency room; therefore driving her car. She saved his butt from more trouble; however, she volunteers him to help her out before school, let alone after school.

Other than watching television all night, I text a few friends and see what they were doing yesterday after I woke up from my nap since getting my hair cut. I also was on 20 Something Bloggers chatting with people there. We talked about a little bit of everything, but I recall talking about this one guy, Joey, playing pool and getting his best bids on winning and playing bowling for fun. He was a bit drunk while chatting LOL. I’ve always meet the regular peeps there and chat with them. A few are readers of this blog. So a shout to all those who are members of 20SB!! And another SHOUTOUT to those who continue to read this blog near and far.

So it has been a restless night for me; however, I’m not surprise because it happens all the time. It is just finding something to do during these types of night.

Computers, Technology, and Socialization

2009-07-06T07:40:00.001-05:00

The Quote of the Week

“Advances in computer technology and the Internet have changed the way America works, learns, and communicates. The Internet has become an integral part of America's economic, political, and social life.” - Bill Clinton

This week’s quote comes from Mr. Bill Clinton and it sums up how technology, specifically, the Internet is shaped up today. I chose this quote for the week because we all should think about how we use the Internet and other technology in our daily lives in every aspect. It is true, too. You know some people leave the house without their phone and they will say that they feel naked without because they are always talking on the phone or texting. Most people do not know the first thing about computers everything else that is becoming popular among teenagers and young people. I read another quote that stated that the Internet is used to send out mass information and news to people since most people spend most of the day online playing games, looking at their stocks, reading blogs about the next presidential election, or just having fun the different social networks and websites that are out there. We can jump online to buy the latest Apple products, ladies can buy a new outfit and shoes, iTunes is the destination to have the ability to buy one song off an artist’s album without buying the CD for that particular song. I’m thankful for that LOL.

Some college applications and other paper items are going digital. Instead of printing and wasting paper, they want you to learn how to read online….although spending too much time the computer will mess your eyes up. The point of this quote is to think about the technology and how the internet plays a role in your daily routine. Think on how things would be like without the computer and Internet. I know I would go crazy! Communication goes beyond just talking on the phone. We can input a little about of information and let the computer and other machines and spits out everything that we need.

As you go on with your week think about the role of computers, cell phone, Internet, and any other technology, and how you use it in your daily routine including getting the latest news, socializing with family and friends to shopping online.

The Formula to Life

2009-07-01T01:20:00.001-05:00

I will be writing this post on and around a quote said by someone famous whether they are known or unknown. The fact is that I like the quote and it fits somewhere in the chapters of life. I hope and plan to choose a quote each week and write something about it. Possibly this could be turned into a weekly feature.

The Quote of the Week

My formula for living is quite simple. I get up in the morning and I go to bed at night. In between, I occupy myself as best I can. – Cary Grant

This sounds like something we all do each and every day. We wake up, go to work, school, hang out with family and friends, and when the night arrives, we are off to bed. Between sleeping and being awake we are living our lives. Can living be less complicated than that? I sometimes read and hear that we must not worry about the past and not even worry about the future; instead we should live in the present? What does that mean? I think that means that we should just wake up and go on our daily routine not trying to figure out what will happen that we may not be able to control.

We should take one day at a time and realize that today is the present. We should not be living in the present and still be in the past. That is history! We should live today and somewhat thinking about tomorrow and planning, but we should not solely live in the future present. A quote Abraham Lincoln states that we “the best thing about the future is that it comes one day at a time.” I find that interesting because tomorrow is the future. We can plan out what we would like to do and what should be done, but only the present helps determine what happens.

I’m going to be starting my third year of college this fall and I dreaded most of the spring semester because every day would be the same schedule: wake up and get ready for an classes, chit chat with friends, homework, and then go to sleep. And living was that “simple.” Everything else was occupying me… all for a good thing because I was in college that semester turning the gears in my head to stay focus wanting to graduate with my BA. I was living trying to achieve the best in life and meet the goals that I have plan.. for the future. I think living in the past is sometimes linked to the bad history, but for me it is history in life – middle and high school – that had good memories and the bad, but I want to live in the present so I can get ready for the future. This is simple for me, as the quote says, because everything between waking up and sleeping is life. I am living in the present, revising past mistakes, preparing for the future.

Where are you living: in the past, present, or future?

Behind the Blog & Inside the Writer

2009-06-25T19:33:00.001-05:00

It’s the end of June and the month is almost over. It’s the summer time and I can feel the heat and humid weather outside. People are on vacations, hanging out at beaches, malls, working to make some money, and even just relaxing and keeping cool. Oh-I can’t forget about the swimming pools… public and those who have one at home. I hope you are keeping yourself cool and getting plenty of liquids. Along with summer plans we all should be able to squeeze in time to blog. This post is more of a reflecting post. A post to write how my thoughts to the public, the readers and anyone else that stumble on. I will try not not bore you.

Regular readers, followers, visitors, and everyone, I will make it my best to publish more posts because I feel that I am “failing” (though in some ways I do not think someone can fail at blogging) or rather pushing at regular, routine blogging as I did in 2008. Though the post counts may not matter, but it can be helpful in other ways as in setting goals or even reflecting on such hard work and the quality of writing and, etc. I wanted to tell you all this because I have not forgotten to post nor any of you who stop by daily to read and check on updates. Motivation & satisfaction.

There are a few ideas that I have thought about doing for the readers and those features that are known at other blogs. Here are a few ideas that have thought about doing:
1. Synchroblog: This was started last fall for a few months but it just stopped on my part; however, I am glad to see that it was very successful and many of you have participated and hope to see more of you to join with us. So during the week schedule, you can choose to post on day of the week on the chosen topic. There has been some discussion on doing it different. Note: Though it started for college students, it is open for anyone and everyone.
2. Guest Posts/Weekly Feature (of some sort): At one point I was on the search for contributions of guest posts to make it a weekly feature to add some sort of perspective and funk to this blog. I posted about this in the past.
2A. Question & Answer: I remember in the archive there was mentioning of readers and visitors asking question and they get answered. I’m not an expert or anything but I will provide answers and an open minded response.

I think these are all the ideas that I’ve had over the last few months and sure more will come. I think that’s about it that I wanted to write in this post. Reflecting back on blogging is what I did as I wrote this post. I think it is an idea to reflect on blogging and how much progress has been made since the first beginning of starting the blog and how it changes up until this point. I think that most bloggers do not really show a “personal” side to their blog meaning that their posts only stay on plan and they do not make a personal post or getting to know the writer sort of thing. So this can be “purpose” of this post but it was my intention in the first place to let you as the reader, participate know what is going on in my mind and how I’m thinking of great things with this blog.

Spread the Links

2009-06-24T23:53:00.001-05:00

Greetings everyone! I wished I could spread the wealth of money; however, the spreading of the links will replace the money. Catchy title that came to mind like not too long ago… I don’t remember creating any sort of links post that directs you to various blogs and sites across the online world. I believe it is time to see what share with you what I read and a few articles & blog posts that I find interesting and pass them on to you. I imagine that like me, you have read many, many different posts that provides you with links to several themed or subject blogs and others are just across the border.

So now I am going to share with you my daily reads and recent discoveries over the last few weeks. Enjoy!

Student Bloggers
6.24.09 featured blogs of the day
6.20.09 featured blogs of the day

PostSecrets
Father’s Day Secrets

PluginID
How Much Of Life Are You Actually Living?
BloggingBlueprint: Your Free Guide to Blogging Success

Relatively Journalizing
What I Learned: Part 1

Kill Jill Goes to College
Eight Things I Miss About College

TheUniversityBlog
Online Education fund to benefit both online and offline?

The Blog of Innocence
Is Social Technology Making Us Smarter?
Is the Internet Killing Culture?

Whys Perspective
Text Relationships, About Text Messaging

Shared Links From Facebook

Teen Outsmarts Doctors In Science Class - NBC Bay Area
Open door: The readers' editor on ... web hoaxes and the pitfalls of quick journalism - guardian.co.uk
SpongeBob's Golden Dream – The Atlantic (June 2009)
Long-Borrowed Library Book Will Be Hard to Forget Now – The Washington Post
Facebook Manners And You – YouTube
Plain White T’s 1234 (Official Video) - YouTube

Some Announcements

2009-06-13T16:21:00.001-05:00

Note from Writer:

Oh darn. The post that was originally here is not accidently gone. The comments are still here, but while in the writing of a new post, this one about the different blog communities – 20 Something bloggers, Student Bloggers, and the Synchroblog Project is gone. Sorry readers but at least we know what this “post” was about.

What About the American Family?

2009-05-28T12:08:00.005-05:00

Abortion, education, economics, illegal immigrants, and governmental policies are very important to our country. They are the well-known issues that are a part of our every day life and the American culture. Far too often the little small things, the American values, which make a difference, are not noticeable and they are the ordinary factor that helps to change the entire society tremendously. One important value of the American culture is family. This group of people has change over time in the perspective of tradition, lifestyle, childhood, and parental control. Every set of parents have their own way of raising their children from the time they are born until they are old enough to go out and have a mature life of their own. As the time change, the family and raising of children has change, too.

In 1946, Benjamin Spock published “Baby and Child Care” that dealt with for parents on how to raise their children. There were many different typical problems he Dr. Spock discussed about in this book that the parents would have to deal with whenever they had their babies. This book was looked as quick advice whenever the father or friends whom were often away were not around at the quickest rate. One idea of this child-rearing literature is the fact that parenthood was given more emphasis on the mother raising the children while the father went out and worked several hours a week. This started to be a psychological issue for both the mothers and towards the children. Advice was also given help to change the way the family was perceived in the manner of placing both single and divorced parents a hand in child raising. By the 1950’s, everyone had access to these different material. This does include the idea of spanking children when they are misbehaving versus not spanking them letting them be out of control

From the article Benjamin Spock: The Public Pediatrician, the author Ray Lewonia mentions that “Spock was certainly human. Maier's biography describes with balance and sensitivity the difficulties that Spock experienced as a husband and father. Spock's early interests in psychoanalysis might have attributed his personal traits to the strict upbringing by his mother, and her rules, catechisms, and obsession with fresh air (Lewkonia).” This could mean that from his time of being raised by his mother, the ideas and childhood could have lead him to form these beliefs and produce so many articles and books on child rearing and the ideas of spanking and how there are other ways around to punishing a child if he or she misbehaves. Nevertheless, parents, especially mothers, were able to find helpful information on just beyond spanking the child, but the smallest thing such as changing a diaper or being able to manage time to spend with the children and form relationships. In an historical sense, families could have wanted their children to perfect such as the mother of Spock. There is a difference between raising the child during the war worlds and the time of Spock’s and how that has changed up until the present century.

Drastically moving into a new century, by 1877 the United States changed politically, economically, and socially. With the changes to overturn the industrial society into an urban society of jazz, the big city life, and education came the changes of the family. During these specific years, parents enforced the Victorian lifestyle through strict standards such as sexual behaviors, mannerism, and how the children dressed. Sometimes when the children got the chance they would run off to be alone with their friends. The clothing they wore reflected the type of family they were—middle-class families. Besides being closeness and strict standards were the religious values of Protestants and Roman Catholics from most church members. While the families were in their Victorian lifestyles, the entire family worked in factories and began to move to the suburbs. Wives were known as the stay at home wives because they had to raise the children while the husband did the work to bring in the money. Historically, blacks, immigrants, and other ethic groups had fewer babies in order to continue to help take care of the family and be the stay-at-home moms (Divine).

The role of parenting and child raising changes significantly in the twentieth century from the strict Victorian parents with children, to the middle-class working wives, and finally the family seems to go into a direction of being nontraditional. This simply means families started to live in the suburbs with a mixture of people white Christians, Jews, and blacks that worked in the factories and in the inner cities like New York. Transportation was important because the families lived a good distance away from the cities since their jobs are located there. Typically the wives went shopping while the husband worked and the children eventually rode the bus to school and played recreational activities. The home was viewed as such in the movie Pleasantville and 1950s sitcoms. Women started the work and played the role of wife and mother. As mentioned before they read Dr. Spock’s and many other how-to magazine and books to help them with their daily routines. Towards, the end of the century, the traditional family is no longer exists and now families are different in the number of children raised by two parents or a single parent or having more then two siblings to live with. Birthrates, divorce rates, and married couple stats increased and declined by 2000. Presently, the American family is much different this century than the last and the way children are being raised from household to household is different and most likely not in a traditional way (Divine). Unlike the past where the mother was generally raising the children and then being able to be a working wife, both parents deal with the misconduct of the children and work while the children are at school.

The raising of a typical American family has changed due to the emerging of cultures and new advancement each year and over centuries help advances our lives until this present day. In a historically sense “these changes led to increased urbanization, greater ethnic diversity, and growing social unrest” (Divine) within the borders of America. Every day there is a new invention, new reading material, and concepts that are being brought off a white piece of paper and into our lives in order to better help us. This is what happened with the raising of children and the role of the American family over the decades.

--------------
Divine, Robert, et al. Americana Past and Present. Brief 7th ed. Pearson Education, Inc., 2007. Print.

Lewkonia, Ray. "Benjamin Spock: the public paediatrician." The Lancet 352.n9130 (Sept 5, 1998): 825(1). General OneFile. Gale. University of Memphis. 24 Mar. 2009
<http://find.galegroup.com/ips/start.do?prodId=IPS>

Spock, Benjamin. 1946. The Commonsense Book of Baby and Child Care. New York. Pocket Books.

"Spock, Benjamin (1903–1998)." Encyclopedia of Children and Childhood in History and Society. 2008. The Gale Group. Web.28 Apr 2009. <http://www.faqs.org/childhood/So-Th/Spock-Benjamin-1903-1998.html>.

Now It's Your Turn: How do you feel about the raising of the American family? How's the child raising life in other countries if you are not from the United States? Are parents loosing their moral values as authority figures? Is there a lack of respect and discipline among the family? The comment section is open to you for discussion!

FDR and the Great Depression

2009-05-28T12:02:00.001-05:00

Key ideas and programs that occurred during the Great Depression.

New Deal is the plan Roosevelt created to help the country get out of terrible condition (The Great Depression). This is similar to modern governmental plans that help get present day Americans out of debt, wars, economic issues, including humanity situations.

Bonus army can be thought as the war veterans who wanted help also out of the Depression since they served during the wars of the country; however, it did not sound as easy because of the Depression caused these people to riot and go crazy.

Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) is the big company that deals with the environmental issues in the Tennessee region and within some other states in the rage. TVA can be thought of as assistance to help advance the Tennessee Valley area and the environment as well from the Depression to the modern times.

National Recovery Administration (NRA) is one of the New Deal programs by Roosevelt to help the business wages and other issues that dealt with workers. This is the recovery plan to bring back the spending of money and the country out of the Depression. This was also a plan of administrating the country’s time of need during the 100 days of FDR’s presidency.

Agricultural Adjustment Administration (AAA) is another plan during the country’s time of need that helps out the farmers and making sure they crops and products are being managed effectively. To help adjust this, the government paid farmers subsidies. With this in mind, this piece of legislation would allow the government to have interest and control the farming.

Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) helped to continue to support Roosevelt’s plans by allowing young men to help with the conservation of the environment and to help preserve the wildlife. These men were unemployed while this plan was for them to earn money and continue to help the country to recovery.

Works Progress Administration (WPA) was established to provide another means to help those who were unemployed by providing jobs to those who need it to survive during the Depression. This was a major impact to many of American lives since they were paid to work and provide basic needs for everyone. Almost like today’s stimulus plan.

Social Security Act a federal, government program as a New Deal legislation for Americans of old age, those who are jobless, and a welfare program. This system was set up so everyone can contribute to the country’s economics as well as contribute to the needs of others by the current generation.

Wagner Act is the legislation that outlawed labor union and to make sure that labor laws were enforced and also everything was and equal to those who are in the working class since fair business practices sounds reasonable and the country work together to recovery. There are guidelines set that the National Labor Relations Board must go by in order to ensure that laws and laborers were treated fairly and with respect.

“Court-packing” scheme deals with the safety and respect of Roosevelt’s New Deal programs by allowing him to add on more justices to the Supreme Court since the constitution does not say limit the size of the Court. In other words, FDR played his to add more people in order make sure his programs were not said to be unconstitutional.

On Blog Hiatus

2009-05-19T14:22:00.005-05:00

Don't worry readers, visitors, followers, I have not fallen off the face of the earth. I've decided to go on a bit of a blog hiatus.... aka "blogger's block." I believe that all bloggers encounter their moments where they need a blog. Been a few months since I have written a post. Don't worry I am still active online and within the blogosphere. Do not fret. I'm still here but I may not post regularly; however, I'm sure to bumped into you somewhere, someplace online.

Feel free to shoot me an e-mail, instant message or a comment. I'm always up for a good chat.

Blog Update

2009-02-14T12:53:00.003-06:00

Happy Valentine's Day to those who are singles and for those people who are in a relationship! Be safe!

I have not blogged in like forever. School has got me in its net like a fish out in the sea. I decided to put everything on a stand still, including future posts for a little longer until I can muster up the energy to stay focus. College can be a drag, but often times, I have to swim my way out. Enjoy the rest of your weekend everyone.

Webcam Software: WebcamMax

2009-01-06T03:06:00.001-06:00

I'm sure you all have heard of the web cam software, WebcamMax and the awesome features it have when you download it to use your webcam to chat with family and friends or to even make videos for YouTube or other social networks. I will say that in the past I have used this very handy program and I believe it is the best out there. If you think being on your webcam you should try WebcamMax with the great features such as sharing pictures, having a fun avatar that represents you, being able to play movies for those you are chatting with, having different video effects that can work for the popular messengers applications and some of the different web sites that you allow the usage of the web cam. The best part about WebcamMax is that you can doodle directly on your video in real time! Isn't that awesome?

Another feature that I like is the Picture in Picture (PinP) feature that you have on televisions, it goes right along with live web cam chats with this product. You even have the ability to use virtual webcam to fool friends thinking that the fake video is not the real webcam. On the site, the developers offer screen shots of what the program will look like on your cam. Many, many cam effects can be downloaded and different neat features that will help spice you your next video. It even works for all webcams.

I think I would like to try this software out and make a video using the different features for fun and games. Take a stab at this software and you may never know, you may end up being addicted to it. I can not find any other program that is, on my scale, a 10 out of 10 stars. It is recommended that you go download the software and even buy it after you have tried the trial out because there is no other software like WebcamMax. You might not know what you are missing out on. You will not regret trying this fun software out and taking the the typical, average (because it is not your average program most others will use) webcam to the next level with so many features and effects that help you with your next video chat or project. It is worth your time to get comfortable and find out what WebcamMax has to offer you!

Happy New Year Everyone!

2009-01-02T10:56:00.001-06:00

I hope everyone will have a happy new year. After all, it is 2009! New things come in big packages. A new hear comes special things. I will hope to have good news for all regular readers and visitors.

Synchroblog: The Season of Christmas

2008-12-02T22:08:00.014-06:00

It is a new month and one great holiday has passed and our thanks have been given to others. Now it is time to enter winter wonderland for the season of love, family, more giving presents, and the time of snow and just a good time in life. We all have good memories and other times they are not so great. We may end up thinking about those children who need presents but unable to receive them because of a tragic event in their lives. Often we think of Santa Clause, snow, the classic movies, and the cold wintry being associated with this season. To this end, it is the time of given, especially to the Salvation Army the donation bucket is sitting outside the shopping malls and the bells being shaken. With this said, this lead us to this month's topic. . .

"The Season of Christmas"

Have favorite memory of any pastimes spending Christmas with the family? Want to give expressions or remarks about the season known to children for Santa Claus? Think about spending a day, or vacation or, special moments with family and friends. Think about the 25th day known as a tradition of being able to give unto others and not worry about receiving gifts back. You should talk about the season of Christmas. Whatever your heart desires, think carefully on what you think the meaning of Christmas is all about. Why is special about the winter time? Is there anything special about December besides just Christmas? It is up to you to talk about whatever you like about in any direction you want.

Guidelines:

The time will be Decemeber 9-16, 2008. This allows you to post on any chosen day.
In each post you should link up to other participants/posts. This allows your readers to know who else is participating in the Sychroblogging.
Though this may involved with college bloggers, anyone is welcome and able to join in the fun as well.
Be sure to invite two more people to join the Synchroblogging.

Book Review: "Stressed Out Students’ Guide to Handling Peer Pressure"

2008-12-01T02:02:00.001-06:00

This helpful student guide to handle peer pressure turns out to be a book that is easy to read and understand. The Stressed Out Student's Guide to Handling Peer Pressure is helpful for both parents and children because it is provides plenty of good information arranging from not worrying about stressing out when a student is trying to fit with the "in crowd" to reaching out to the youth on why alcohol is not a cool liquid to drink. I recommend any parent who has a teenager to buy this book to read and for any teenager to read the book for him or herself. The author Dr. Lisa Medoff, PhD is a child psychologist and column writer who understands the how peer pressure affects a young person's life through the temptations of sex, using drugs, stealing, and making fake identification cards.

This book is filled with illustrations , quotes from different students, parents, educators, and real world facts about the different issues of today's modern teenager. Within the pages of the book, you will find different tips and websites that will point you in the right direction for credible information about sex and health issues. I think you should read this book because you are going to learn something that you can share with family and friends. There is nothing like reading a book that will educate our young people. I find this book to be really helpful and awesome to read. Dr. Medoff gets straight to the point on heavy subjects without beating around the bush and without writing the book in a "lecture" format.

Schizophrenia

2008-11-24T19:40:00.001-06:00

A common psychological disorder that causes people to have a very high thought process is called schizophrenia. If someone has this disorder, they would be noticed as schizophrenics. While those without the disorder may face the reality of the word, others schizophrenia will be in their own little word trying to find out the meaning of certain events or they just may be a little frightened. There is a 1.1 percent of young adults eighteen years and older that may have schizophrenia. In order to overcome this “split mind” of any such person and to help gain their sense of disordered life, you must know the symptoms of schizophrenia (1)***. To briefly discuss the symptoms of schizophrenia, they are generally classified as positive symptoms, negative symptoms, and cognitive deficits. Positive symptoms are when people have that sense of reality with a little bit of their own world as their psychological behavior. The symptoms are not really supposed to be there in their daily behaviors. Such symptoms are hallucinations when the sense of the real world nowhere near their human thought process. If a person is experience hallucinations, they may be hearing voices that the normal people are not hearing. They could also see things that may not exist to the eyes of other people. Negative symptoms are those signs of decreased or lost of normal functions. People with this classification of negative symptoms do not have any facial expressions and emotions. These are characteristics that normal people have that they are missing. This could be known as the flat affect where people show no emotions and unable to maintain facial expressions. Someone who fits this description may not show the expression of laughing a funny joke is told or they may show that they are mad. Lastly, cognitive symptoms deals with the way of thinking and the ability to hold use their memory systems and make reasonable decisions. (1, 2)***.

There are four types of schizophrenia: disorganized, catatonic, paranoid, and undifferentiated. The first type of schizophrenia is disorganized. When people have this type of disorder, they have an unclear thought process of seeing imaginary things with inability to find meaning in what may be doing on around them. All of the person’s emotions are shaken up into a mixture of different behaviors. Someone could say this person is going crazy if they laughed while the light turns green or if they act childish at an adulthood age. Also, the disorganized schizophrenia can be caused by isolation as the person grew up during the teenager stages. The next type deals with the crazy movements and the inability to control their motor skills; including to not having the full control of what they say since they could be repeating what is being said over and over. People at this level may need a stay-at-home nurse since they may not be able to take care of themselves; especially they are outside of the home. If someone is acting a little bit beyond normal and they are having delusion that may not be true, then that person has paranoid schizophrenia. They may have the delusion that a certain event can be a message that is about their lives or people are plotting to kill them. This call goes against their beliefs and religious views since they have the thought disorder of being the opposite of normal (1)***. The fourth type of schizophrenia is undifferentiated. When someone has this type of schizophrenia, they may not have a couple of characteristics or description of the other types, but they have the symptoms of disorganized behavior, seeing things, having delusions, or any other type of schizophrenia. People of this nature are in a category of their own. (1, 3)***.

There are many different causes of schizophrenia whether they are biological factors or dealing with the mind, and environment. In a biological aspect, those who may have direct relations with someone who already has schizophrenia will most likely have a ten percent chance of getting this disorder where as the general population is one percent. It is rare for someone to attract themselves to schizophrenia since you can not be exposed to it nor pass it on too others, but genetics help influence the disorder to be involved. If a woman is pregnant and is having a baby, stress can raise the hormone cortisol and later in the development of babies can be a cause of this disorder. It is very interesting to see that identical twins have a higher rate of developing schizophrenia. Low oxygen level at birth, exposure to a virus, and sexual abuse can also be leading causes of schizophrenia. The regulation of neurotransmitters can also help the development of this rare disorder since the brain can get too much of dopamine and the lack of glutamate is being released into the body (4)***.

Schizophrenia is treated with different medicines and therapy treatment that meets the patient’s needs. However, to help treat the psychological disordered minded patients there are antipsychotic meds that reduces people from hallucinations, thinking in a way where they could be stalked because of their twisted mind, and help them to become more social. Along with the efforts to take the medicines to treat schizophrenia, there are some side effects such as dry mouth, dizziness, muscle spasm, and abnormal body movements. Psychotherapy helps with patients who are not emotionally stable. If a patient gets treated medicine it is to help control their behavior and lower the schizophrenic symptoms. Not only these affected people have individual sessions with a professional, they can also attend sessions with psychologists and other similar people, schizophrenic people will be able to share their stories and have discussions to help them become more social and gain the skills to act like a normal person. Any type of support group should be recommended in order to keep the person under controlled conditions and “normal” functions (5)***. If the person with schizophrenia gets too crazy and beyond their state of mind, they may get need to check into the hospital for safety reasons and if that does not work, maybe they need to be put into an asylum for those who are paranoid and have delusions. With all of this in mind, the medicines taken help to bring the unbalanced chemicals to a stable stage and psychotherapy helps to treat those with this psychological disorder (6)***.

Sources:

Major Depressive Disorder

2008-11-24T19:39:00.001-06:00

One of the classifications of the depressive disorder is called Major Depressive Disorder or MDD. This type of depression deals with an individual’s emotions, behaviors, and somatic disturbance. However, in most cases, depressed people can overcome their disorder whereas someone with the major depressive disorder can have an episode for at least two weeks and maybe longer. Some of the symptoms of major depressive disorder are the reduce time or energy to activities that are typical done, trouble having sleep at night, feeling doubtful about yourself and worthless, thoughts of harming oneself and suicidal thoughts, just generally being in a depressed mood. Sometimes the case could be the sadness of a close relative that has died in the family (1)***.

There is a link between depression and heredity because people with family members who are depressed or have this disorder are mostly likely to have a greater risk of developing it themselves. This is possible because often there may be a parent who is suffering with any mood disorder and it could be passed down to his or her child. People with bipolar will also have a much increased risk of it being heredity in their families; especially in identical twins (1, 2)***. One aspect of neurobiological abnormality that is found with people who have MDD is the issue of sleeping and brain activity. These people with this problem of sleeping tend to go to sleep at an earlier time than those who are not depressed. This is caused by the feeing of being a slow-wave sleep and rapid eye movement that deals with decreased activity in the brain as they cycle through the depressive phrases (1, 6)***. Also, neuron death and disability is another abnormality because individuals who are depressed how fewer neurons in the prefrontal cortex that improperly send signals to the amygdale.

Within the socio-cultural factors of MDD deals with the proximal and distal interpersonal relationships that will bring back memories to someone who may be predispose to MDD. Those experiences and memories can cause the person to be sad most of any day or just down in the dumps. If a family is living in a lower class or in poverty, that can also be a factor of depression since that family may have to live in a neighborhood of violence, hopelessness, and alcohol (1)***. Women will mostly likely develop depression than men because they may be married or single raising children on their own and have jobs that do be the best responsibility they want. It is also proven that stressed out women will be depression. So there is a bit of gender difference when it comes down to who will be depressed or may end up being exposed to others who are depressed through personal experiences and marriages (3)***.

With all the research and reading of the textbook, I would probably tell a friend that get self help by starting to overcome depression by doing the opposite of the typical symptoms and kind of get out and be a little more social. This is also known as intervention before the depressive emotions get to the state of being suicidal thoughts. A good resource can be attending support groups and psychotherapy will help since it allows the person to gain more social skills and recreate healthy relationships with other people (6)***. Also, doctor offices and health clinics will have brochures that will give information on MDD and how to prevent it. I would also tell my friend tell consequences (or use scar tactics in order for him or her to seek help) of MDD if there is no intentions of wanting to get self help (6)***. Such consequences as drug abuse, being moody or sad all the time, and death by killing self. I could also give my friend advice that can help him or her from preventing MDD going beyond extreme measures. Such advice that can be given is doing activities that will lower stress, go for walks to clear the mind of any sad experiences or deaths of family members, maintaining good eating habits since the mood disorder will factor into weight loss (4)***.

There are several common treatments for any depressive person. From research combined treatment of psychotherapy and medicine can help with the treatment of this mood disorder because it is very effective. Another treatment method is psychotherapy alone because it helps people refocus on building interpersonal relationships with pro-active activities between sessions because it helps with benefits that are gained from sessions with the therapist and the client. Hospital treatment comes to play when the person starts to think about death and suicide and antidepressants are given until the patient is recovered back to normal conditions. This type of treatment also deals with sessions with professional health officials and making sure the patient is able to stay alone without any safety concerns. (5)***.

Sources:

20SB Blog Swap 3

2008-11-19T08:25:00.001-06:00

Todays guest post is brought to you by Nuttycow from Parlez-vous moo? This is all part of the 20 Something Bloggers "Blog Swap 3". Don't forget to go check out my post over at Parlez-vous moo?

Nuttycow's rules on how to write good.

George Orwell had six rules for effective writing.

· Never use a metaphor, simile or other figure of speech which you are used to seeing in print.

· Never use a long word where a short one will do.

· If it is possible to cut a word out, always cut it out.

· Never use the passive where you can use the active.

· Never use a foreign phrase, a scientific word or a jargon word if you can think of an everyday English equivalent.

· Break any of these rules sooner than say anything outright barbarous.

For me, the last rule is the most important. Rules, as they say, are made to be broken (she says, breaking rule number one). Far better to write naturally and fluidly, getting your story across, than stick rigidly to a set of commandments. Please bare this in mind when reading the rest of this post…

Now, I know this subject has been written to death but hell, I should get the chance to share my £0.02 worth too (or, I suppose for American readers, my $0.02 worth).

Spelling: Spell cheque is their for a reason. Of course, it won’t catch all the spelling mistakes you might make, but it’s a start.

Grammar: If you’re not sure on the order of words, when to use “whom” and when to use “who”, look it up. Honestly, it’ll make your writing easier much to read.

Basic knowledge: Our or are? Your or you’re? Their or there? To, two or too? Its or it’s? Learn the difference and where they’re used. Please.

Write as you talk: Ok, this might seem an odd one. Generally, when people speak they don’t pay much attention to syntax, semantics and all of those good things. They just talk. They get the point across. And that’s what your writing should do too. People find it much easier to understand things when it’s not covered in a myriad of long words, sub clauses and waffle.

However… at the same time adopt an appropriate tone: If you’re writing your company’s annual report, conversational style might not be the best way forward. That is, unless your company is of the Google and Innocent mould.

Layout: Writing a long piece? Lay it out properly. This means paragraphs, bullet points, varying length of sentence. Honestly, it makes it a lot easier to read. Be kind to your reader (especially if you’re writing online)

Gobbledygook: Yes, the people you live with may well know that EBM means “Evil Bastard Man” and refers to your ex-boyfriend, your audience may not. Although you might just want to to touch base and talk about some blue sky thinking, everyone else will just think you’re weird. Speak English.

Long words: You may be a naturally verbose individual. You might feel long words somehow make you the eminence grise. However, your circumlocution and affectation for using long words just makes your reader feel a little stupid.

Know your readers: Who’s reading your writing? A 5 year old? A 50 year old? Someone who knows the subject matter as well as you do? Adjust your writing accordingly.

What about you? What do you think makes good writing?

Thoughts from a Writer

2008-11-17T21:21:00.001-06:00

There should be people that can understand each other so we can make a difference, find true friends, and not feel like an outcast or a reject. Often we have the chance to be someone who can reach self-actualization. To understand each other it takes one to know one.

Would it be a pleasant world to live in if we were able to get what we want and need? Could we go a day just not worrying about those fake people, those people who want to be like someone else? What would the country be like in 10 years? How about 5 years? Stop. Think. Stop and think...

At the end of the day we all are different. We can only be humans and just live, enjoy, and make the best of life. You should take that little light of yours and let it Take that second to light another person's light that is not glowing. <u?Let's not contradict with each other, but rather come to the conclusion in order to disagree with other opposite views with respect. Stop. Think. Stop and think...

You are not going to reach self-actualization if you do not get to beyond the point of not reaching the goal of what you want in life. Again, take a second your light and shine it on someone else. They just may need it. Stop. Think. Stop and think...

Take the less taken road. That road that that everyone else has gone may not be the right one for you or you do not recognize the brick walls down that wall; so it is important to find the road less taken and go on adventure.

Your Emotions Are Contagious

2008-11-12T09:38:00.001-06:00

Emotion is a very important aspect of the human being. Without emotion, how can a person be expressive? How can a person show feelings of sadness or excitement? We all show our emotion verbally and nonverbally. Our emotions and how we express them can influence others and be passed on as contagious emotions. With this in mind, the facial feedback hypothesis can be viewed as the facial emotions and how we reflect them to be interpreted to others. For example, when professional models have to do their photo shots they must show a precise emotion such a being happy with a big open, smile showing all the white pearls and dimples or they may be just laughing. You have to understand this because when people are actually being happy or acting all serious, that person can allow the other person to be the same way (1)***. If someone feels really sad and depressed often the other people around them can feel the same way. An example, of this is when the football played got killed and the day after the University opened back up, the campus felt really sad and dead. Students were not in class and the day was moving slow. I could actually feel the contagious emotion of this tragic event. If someone is feeling happy and hyper, then they can pass that emotion on while they are having leisure time with his or her friends. Gender influence the meaning of contagious emotions because society has a set standard that males are to act like one way and females are most likely to pass on to females; possibly males as well. Stereotypical people have certain expectations of how gender affects the behavior of humans (1)***.

From research, those who are really hyper and bouncing all off the wall (or just happy) will most likely to pass on that feeling to someone else because they will tell the others how they feel and make the other person be the same way as well. Along the same lines, people who are depressed and tell an emotional story can cause that feeling to fall one someone else (2)***. When people are having conversations with each other, their feeling, especially facial expressions, are being mimic at every second with no regards of consciously thinking. This deal with in instinct of reacting emotionally whether one is sad or happy. This is evidence that emotions can be contagious and be passed on to others (1, 3)***. This can happen to students in the classroom between the students and teachers since they do know each other. The classroom may not be a healthy place to learn if there is violence or angry students throughout the class (6)***. In therapy, you are speaking with the psychologist or doctor to get help so the mood of the happy psychologist or doctor will be passed onto their patient because they are there to help them with whatever problems they may have and not make things worse. Also, if the doctor is serious and tensed, then the patient will feel that vibe and be nervous or scared because the doctor is not too friendly.

To talk about the contagious emotions in the workplace, by the workers bringing their moods and feelings from home to the workplace and not being considering to keep the atmosphere positive. Furthermore, if a person has a boss that is generally happy and positive on the job and making sure all the employees are doing their job correctly and satisfying the customers and the next day he appears to be to have a look on his face as if something is bothering him, then one of the workers will mostly likely respond to his facial expression. In other words, his concerned, worried look will cause another coworker to be concerned too since the boss is usually happy, and excited to be at work; instead the bad news of having to lay off some of the employees is the main concern will lead to a contagious emotion go spread. (4)***. Another instance is when a coworker, student, or anyone wakes up on the wrong side of the bed and bring their angry to the normal working environment and everyone noticed. When asked what is wrong, the angry person will start yelling because he or she does not want to be bothered. When this happens everyone else will be angry to because they were yelled at for someone else bringing personal problems to the working environment instead of having a positive attitude and not be a negative person for that day. This will have a cause and effect situation with everyone since the angry emotion was passed on from one person to the next (5, 7)***.

With the knowledge that emotions are contagious can could influence others to be the same way as we are feeling, I think that there can be a difference shown in others if we lead with a positive outlook or we have an positive attitude towards different experiences. Leading with a positive attitude can also help those who may feel sad when a tragic event happens. If you come visit them at their house or get them out the house and having fun, then you will respond emotionally to what they are feeling at the present moment (8)***. Also, in the future, it is important to mange and control my emotions rather let the emotions control me. In other words, instead of allowing someone else feels one way while I am in a happier mood, I could stop and know that they could be manipulating me to feel the same way as you. They could trying to push how they feel about a situation on me rather me having my own emotionally reaction to situation from another perspective (8)***. This can also mean that I will understand concept of display rules that relates to how I am suppose to expressed my emotion during the when, where, and how during a given situation. This could also mean that I can catch another person’s emotion by allowing them to set the mood or do something that will make me feel the same way (1)***. The understanding of contagious emotions and different situations, and every day conversations when they occur, they can an affect one me and as well as everyone else.

Sources:

Issues in Education

2008-11-11T00:32:00.002-06:00

In my Oral Communication class we have to give speeches on any chosen topic. I decided to keep the issue of education from English Composition 1020 class and present speeches informing, persuading and calling of actions to help change the the difficulties we are having currently in the education field. With this said, I am sharing you what I believe are some issues that should be changed in the American school system. You may agree or disagree with me, but nevertheless, we should take a step up to provide ever student a quality education like in the past (maybe even before No Child Left Behind). Below you will find different notes on different issues in education that are current happening somewhere across the country. I am sure that we all need to be ware of the education system whether it does not pertain to us, but it does to your children, nieces, nephews, and cousins, and everyone else.

SCHOOL ASSESSMENT

Education is like a button on a coat; we all need it to help us in any field of studies and even the workplace.
Improving education is important because we all should meet the standards of providing the best education possible future citizens of today’s society in America.
When researching background information on school assessment and where it branched out, I found out that during the 1930’s, the College Entrance Examination Board created the SAT test. The SAT was the first, single test for college admission.
During the 19^th century, teachers were interviewed by board members and a member from the church on order to make sure none of the students showed any immoral conventional views or beliefs of their religion (Ravitch).
The idea of “teaching to the test” is cheats the students out of their free education by teaching directly to a curriculum that will help the student past rather than allowing them to have the knowledge of different educational ideas and methods (Jamie McKenzie).
I agree with Linda Bond, director of North Central Regional Educational Laboratory that we should use standardized effectively to promote the learning abilities from outside the classroom to workplace and beyond.

NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND

Robert Lynch, president and CEO of Americans for the Arts, really does a good job saying that “reading and math, while essential, are simply not enough.
A better American school system is the way to go in order to produce successful citizens and to get them out of poverty.
An increase of the debate NCLB can cause students to dropout of school before graduating because they are pressured to make the school have higher scores and which reduces the time to allow the teacher instruct the class.
Tests get in the way of actual teaching, schools losing future teachers, and the “work like a robot” effect is in place and they are able to do the best they can.

SCHOOL SAFETY

Many schools across the nation and including in Memphis are filled with violent students and putting everyone, including the teachers at risk.
The National Education Association documents that there are problems at home such as children feeling guilty for the situations in the household and students who are being bullies to their peers. (NEA, 2008).
Focusing on issues of school assessment, the NCLB Act, and school safety will ensure students that we are working to provide them with the education they can possibly receive in this country.
The professor and psychologist Dr. Lisa Medoff formulates in her book that students are faced with peer pressure that cause them to misbehave, do drugs, and ditch school.
Violence can also happen when students are bullied, feel unsafe, and take matters into their own hands

----------------

References

Lynch, Robert L. “No Child Left Behind Act Wrongly Left the Arts Behind.” http://thehill.com. February 2008.
Stiggins, Richard J. “Assessment, Student Confidence, and School Success.” Kappan Professional Journal. November 1999: pgs. 191-198. Vol. 88.
Ravitch, Diane. “A Brief History of Testing and Accountability.” Hoover Digest. Hoover Institution. http://www.hoover.org/publication/digest/4495866.html
National Education Assoication, "Safe School Manual: A Resource on Making Schools, Communities, and Families Safe for Children.” 2008 25 Sep 2008 http://www.nea.org/schoolsafety/images/ssm05-background.pdf.
McKenzie, Jamie. "Killing NCLB in 2007." The September Issue of No Child Left Vol. IV No. 8. 09 2006 23 Oct 2008 http://nochildleft.com/2006/sept06killing.html#Reduction%20in%20Time%20for%20Learning.
Bond, Linda. "Critical Issue: Rethinking Assessment and Its Role in Supporting Educational Reform ." North Central Regional Educational Laboratory (1995) 23 Oct 2008 http://www.ncrel.org/sdrs/areas/issues/methods/assment/as700.htm.
Medoff, Lisa. Stressed Out Students. New York, NY: Kaplan Publshing, 2008.

My Humanistic Perspective

2008-11-10T22:02:00.002-06:00

The humanistic perspective continues to evolve around the Maslow’s hierarchy of needs and the positive aspect of human personality. When people have this type of perspective, they are aware how people perceive themselves and the world as well. Though this perspective may focus on, the optimistic side of human behavior, observation occurs to show that the personality develops from motivation to grow and actualize our selves. I decided to choose this perspective because it focuses on the understanding of our freedom of choice, personal growth, and individual abilities to deal with stress or meeting our desires and get a better understanding of ourselves (1). Furthermore, with the understanding of personal growth, freedom to make our own decisions, and just the way we handle the pessimistic view of life and conflict can help us understand the humanistic perspective (2). Choosing this perspective is a valuable aspect since it helps define our personality, social behavior, a way of thinking, the presence of both a good or bad vibe (spirit), and self-awareness (3). Self-actualization can help define our personality since it allows of thinking, being creative, showing our emotions, interaction with others, and overcoming the brick wall (1). This is what the humanistic perspective is all about how it deals with personality.

We all know about Maslow and his approach of self-actualization and the basic needs that we have to meet and will lead us to success. With this in mind, humanistic psychologist Carl Rogers (1902-1987) believes that people were born with a conscious that allows them to make the right choices in life. People are suppose to be show their true selves by realizing their genuine feelings rather than according to societal standards (1). The theory of self-concept is what Rogers concluded as an approach for a humanistic perspective. Self-concept deals with an individual’s overall view of their selves and their abilities to assess human behaviors. Rogers’ approach is that people are not acceptable with their true self. In other words we want to reflect ourselves to be someone we are not in order to have a higher condition of worth. The higher our image is to ourselves and others, the more congruent we are in order to find our real self, worry less about others, and our experiences will be more positive (4). Self-concept relates to the level of someone’s self-esteem; whether it is low, medium, or high, it relates to the concept of a person understand his or self’s personality and perspective (5).

Now that I have read and research about the humanistic perspective and the theory from both Maslow and Rogers, I find it interesting how I can relate to this perspective because in some form I have believe to have this sense of style or thinking that I use in my life. This all seem so complicated with the different perspectives and the different theories of personality. Along with the subject of hierarchy of needs, self-actualization, and self-concept, there are three methods that Rogers proposed to help a person to form a better positive self-concept if they have some negatives in their life: unconditional positive regard, empathy, and genuineness (1). I can relate and analyze myself to these psychological aspects. As an overview, when I am approached by someone that is negative or bring up a topic that could lead into an argument, I try my best to use my beliefs of the humanistic perspective, to sort of push my thinking to change what they may believe to positive. I am a person of positive and I try to meet all needs to reach self-actualization and have the theme of self-concept. I am aware of my personality and the type of person I am. I generally stand out and according to Rogers, asses my abilities to where I am happy and not to be aligned with the stereotype of society. I am reaching self-actualization for myself and not for others (6). I believe that I have the personality of unconditional positive regard because I am open to hearing other people’s opinions and believes and acceptable of them though I may not get along with them or we may have opposite views on any given topic. I usually am accepting to others even if they have an inappropriate behavior; however, I kind of steer away from those types of people to help from more positive self-concept (1, 7).

The next method or characteristic of a positive self-concept is empathy. I am no a perfect person and usually centered about me and usually do not think of others in certain situations. This has happen a few times in my life. Depending on a person’s age and how often I talk to them or in certain situations, I will show empathy because I could understand their perspective versus mine and relate to how they feel. Often, I can not put myself in other people’s shoes per se; however, I am able to listen and help guide a person to a positive image; to make them feel wanted (8). The third method or characteristic is, genuine. When this word comes to mind, I try to be true and transparent as possible. In my life, being genuine and humanistic is important to me since I would want people to see how I really and not try to read. I have to be true myself in order to have a positive self-concept which needs a little tweaking. Nevertheless, I am more positive and opened about different people and situations I observe every day (1).

I have realized that everyone is not perfect, including me, but I can relate this personality of having a humanistic perspective since it sounds like the typical person I am. It somewhat defines the person I am. I am sure that the other perspectives from the textbook contribute to my personality as well. Although I can relate this perspective to my life and enjoyed reading about this very interesting subject, however, it is important that I am able to use this knowledge in my future career, in a relationship, and just in life general that will help be reach self-actualization.

Sources

Wanted: Guest Bloggers/Writers Search

2008-11-03T12:06:00.003-06:00

It has been a week since I really written anything or updated the blog. Days are zooming by quickly. November is the newest month which means only a handful of weeks left before the semester ends. Do I hear a break coming? Thanksgiving will be here soon before we know it as well. Yummy food on that special, grateful day. I really have not been too motivated to write a blog post, but it is usually on my mind on what to blog about. "What do I want to write about that? What do I want you to read" are usually questions that comes to mind when I am sitting at my desk. Hopefully I can obtain answers for those questions.

I have decided open the blog for guest writers or blogggers. As normal, their work appear on the blog and gives them an opportunity to help gain them readers and to help my from losing hits and subscribers in order to keep up the pace of the weekly posts. With this said, I am on the hunt for guest bloggers or writers. You can shoot me an e-mail or instant message and we can begin to communicate.

Thank You for the Synchroblog 2

2008-10-26T20:26:00.001-05:00

Thank you everyone who has joined in with the synchroblog and made it much better than than last month. All the posts that were written had their uniqueness and expressed everyone in his or her own way. Hopefully, you have gotten to see what makes every feel happy from hanging out with best friends to arts and music and even spending quality time with the family. It shows that everyone knows how to have fun and create a sense of the good Samaritan in each person. Again, thanks for helping out and participating. The more the merrier, the happier we will be. This time next month, look out for the next topic. Who knows what you may have to write about. Without YOU this could once a month "event" would not been possible. Now pat yourselves on the back!

Below you will find other bloggers who has participated in this month's synchroblog:

This Side of Tomorrow [Nathan]
Don't Stop Believin' [Nick Brown]
Relatively Journalizing [Josua D]
The University Blog [Martin]
Simply Erin [Erin]
The Voice to be Heard [Sara]
Mamilicious [Amanda]
Thunked and Befuddled [Alissa]
Vacant Lot [Christine]
Right on the Left Coast: Views From a Conservative Teacher [Darren]
An Absolutely Ordinary Rainbow [Caity]
University Scholar [Michael]

Until next time....!

Language and Speech Disorder: Dyslexia

2008-10-24T09:36:00.001-05:00

Dyslexia is when a person has the disadvantage of not being able to read and understand language as a normal person. Although they may act normal and do every day activities, but when it is required to read a text will have difficulties reading the words and sentences and may be comprehend fully what they read (1)***. Dyslexia does not just deal with reading skills, but it is also associated with a person’s intellectual concepts of writing, speaking, and processing information for understanding. Often, children will be teased in the classroom if their peers find out they can not read or they are a slower reader. This is a common learning disability that can be treated and progress to a better level if action is taken an earlier development stages (2)***.

A problem that coexists with dyslexia is the ability to not allowing a person to understand written or spoken language. The basic language sound system is phonemes. The letters and the way they sound when they are spoken together will be a challenge for the person who is trying to read a certain writing piece or any given text. The issue of pronouncing words and trouble with the phonics to sound out words will occur (3)***. Another problem is not being able to solve human functions such as creating a strategic plan, processing and retaining information. Often, with the mention of memory, the occurrences of forgetting how to sound out certain letters and words will happen. For example, a child could forget to say word with more than five letters or if they were to write down the word as the teacher recite them to the class, the student will repeat the word and write it down as they hear their understanding of how the word is pronounce in order to spell it on paper (4)***.

To further explain the disorder to expand the knowledge of a college student, he or she must know that the dyslexic person is having trouble understanding directions from a book and they are book and being misunderstood to produce whatever is given in the book or to read for a class assignment. Also if words and sentences begin to sound funny coming out of the person’s mouth and they are not speaking “English,” then that should be a sign. If some verbs or missing words are left out, then you know the person may not be dumb, but need help with their reading and language skills no matter how old they are; they need help (2)***. As a big effect, especially in children, their self-esteem may decrease once they have made it known to the other peers that they can not read or understand on a normal level. When a dyslexic person become emotional unstable, then you will know that there is something wrong and because they are able to use the talents they possess in another areas of life except for the fact of reading comprehension. They will fear not to continue to read out loud or to themselves, but to give up and become a failure (3, 5)***. Common symptoms for someone who may be dyslexic is the way they are really involved with arts and crafts, sports, building different things, having trouble staying focus and daydreaming (being in a totally different world). The sings of a person gets confused while reading and getting their letters, numbers, and having trouble with reading and speaking language will lead to a doctor to diagnose that someone is dyslexic. They may also have issues with hearing words and sentences and the ability to put them in correct order without stuttering or mispronouncing syllables. I do not exactly how behavior can be connected with dyslexia, but a misbehaving elementary student will be a class clown, get into trouble, disruptive behavior, if they had late development as they were younger, if they were affected in emotional settings whether at home or in the classroom (6)***.

If a person has dyslexia, the treatment option that could be offered is the act of taking training classes or specialized classes that will help target the individual’s needs that show weakness (1)***. If the person is a child in school, they will have to be evaluated to determine the exact problem. Future more, the results of the evaluation will allow the teachers or school officials find out if they have to be placed in special education classes in order to get help with their learning disability or just be in regular classes, but extra time or more advantages than their peers. There are a couple of methods such as the Slingerland Method, the Orton-Gillingham Method, and Project READ that can be used in order to test and allow the child to use their different senses to help build up the weakness that they may have (2)***. Most importantly, the Americans with Disabilities Act allows those dyslexic children to have legal help that will accommodate them in school by allowing them to change from school to another that will better suit them and allowing them to have extra inside and outside class time to complete daily assignments (5)***. It appears that there is not exact medicine or proper treatment for those who may have dyslexia; however, research shows that the continuation of the above methods and strategies will measure by a psychologist who will perform different tests in order to find the right method and recommendation that will help the particular patient. As placing students in special education classes will help the person with dyslexia, speech therapy, and even small group activities will help treat a dyslexic person since they will be able to work with other who have similar problems and they are able to learn from each other (7)***.

The long-term prognosis affects different people on different ranges and variables from mild to severe dyslexia since there are not any exact results or data to be studied. With this said, if dyslexia is treated an early stage such as childhood, then it is most likely they will keep learning and make good progress than being at the disadvantages of not understanding written language properly. A strong, supportive family can be helpful since they are willingly to help the dyslexic person to build up his or her reading skills to perform better in school and every day life. This is a good thing, in fact, since you will do not see anything uncommon that is negative from people with this disability (1)***. If the child is treated or receives any type of help, whether they are dyslexic or just general troublesome problems in school, it is best to help them out an early age because they will build up the foundation of learning and reading and being able to learn it easier than trying to learn at an older age (8)***.

Sources:

Mentally Challenged People

2008-10-22T23:28:00.001-05:00

Intelligent people are living throughout the world. Intelligent people are able to support themselves, think logically, and have the ability to reason. The important aspect of their life is to adapt to their daily lifestyle or any drastic change. Most people are born to highly intelligent. Others are born with and cope with the ability to have the skills of being a talented musician or a star athlete. However, with this in mind, there are a few people who are not on the higher scale of intelligence and having the normal life of self-supporting structures in life. The intelligence quotient (IQ) test measures a person’s abilities to think, reason, and level of understanding. The scores that are below 70 will result in the person being known to have the condition of not being the average Joe. The average score on an IQ test is in the range of 90 to 110. Mental retardation, or MR, is a condition that anyone with below the given score is not able to neither adapt to life nor have the ability to have the mental ability live a normal life (1)***. With this in mind, people with this type of disability are discovered during the stages of development though the age of eighteen. It does not matter what background you are, racial aspects, and education it could occur to anyone (1, 2)***. Mental retardation can also be defined as the incompetence to meet a standardized school test and the effortless ability to want to learn. This will mostly likely occur in elementary children at an earlier age (3)***. This special disability can deal with the youth and their way of going through the human development stages.

I will say that one main criteria used to diagnose mental retardation is going to be the intelligence quotient (IQ) test. In the textbook, it gives a breakdown of different IQs classifications according to the scores of the test. This type of test is called a psychological since test since it allows psychologists to check people for any disabilities or any other body conditions (4)***. The result will show if the person is below the average with any incompatible cognitive and adaptive skills. Often the cases, mental retardation will be diagnosed as a development delay and nothing else beyond those conditions (5)***. Mental retardation can also occur within the family depending on the family history and if anyone else is in this type of condition of being retarded. After a person is diagnosed with being retarded, the results must be put on a scale of how severe the disability may be and this will be different from person to person. The American Association on Mental Retardation does is not based on IQ test scores, but on the level of support for individuals to ensure the best way to help their patients and get them treated properly. They use the four supporting degrees of intermittent, limited, extensive, and pervasive (1, 6)***.

To get straight to the point, schools and other common places will measure or categorize the severity along the lines of mild to moderate and sever to profound. If a person has a mild condition of mental retardation the IQ score will range from 50-69. The weaknesses and the ability to not being able to do everything like being independent and going on with daily life will be noticed able in people with a mild condition of retardation. In children, some reading and writing would be a concern in school; however, this may be the case for other students as well. Adults will be able to manage life on their own and still be independent, but when they do everything, it may be at a slower rate than others. A small affect on speech can be noticeable as well with those who could be diagnosed with retardation. The next degree of retardation is at the moderate level. The person who may have a moderate degree of disability could probably have the IQ score between 35 and 49. At this stage, the person may have the ability to perform simple skills whether or not they are good at what they are doing. When you see a person who may be retarded or diagnosed to be that way, the appearance is not visible, but the social and speech skills will be noticed. This has to do with the inability to not being able to talk with every day people and understand what they are saying. Miscommunication could occur in a conversation or from one person to the next giving the task of directions to completing something. A person who will show a strong sign of being very mental retarded will have a score of 20-34 and this will be at the severe degree. These types of people will have a genetic disorder or down syndrome that deals with the tissues in their body (1)***. People will not be able to comprehend or understand what is going on around them. If the person may be an adult, they will be sent to a group home to live with others. There will be supervision by other adults that may work for a corporation such as Volunteer of America that will care and tend the people who are not able to think right and possible be handicapped in wheel chairs. They could also live with their own families if they want to care for the person who may be sick or unable to live without support (2)***. The last level or degree of retardation is profound. The IQ ranges from 20 and below. Contest care is the key to people in this condition of mental retardation. In simple terms, adults and it could be children as well, are mobilized, the need the help others to watch and care for them. They may be placed in group homes with people of similar conditions. There is really nothing else that can be done except to keep them living and continue working with them from day-to-day (2, 7)***.

There are many different causes of mental retardation; however, to name a few, one possible cause is complication that occurs during pregnancy. This affects the human development of the child and causes the brain to not fully form through the stages of life. For example, if a mother drinks alcohol or smokes, the baby will become retarded as it grows up. If this may be the case, the notice or appearance of not functioning normal or lacking the abilities to think, reason, or have a high intelligence level. The mother puts the baby at risk by doing rudely behavior and the baby may be at a risk of not being born or anything such as HIV infection and chromosome abnormalities. Also, stress to the head of the baby will lead to less oxygen to be provided during birth (8, 9)***. A second cause of someone being mentally challenged is getting diseases and lacking important nutrients for the body. Chicken pox and other diseases that the baby can get will affect the brain. For example, if the baby gets or measles will cause the baby to get meningitis. The inflammation of the membrane that covers the spinal cord gets infection by different bacteria that will lead to meningitis. This also damages the brain and can be treated an early stages with the side effects that will cause the baby to not grow and mature into a normal adult. A third reason that will cause a person to be retarded can be through biological genetic disorders. If one of the parents may have a disorder, the child can inherited it and error or a mix up with of genes can lead to complications. For example, down syndrome can occur within the child. Birth defects occur within the heart and hearing lost, different health related problems will help lead to mental retardation (8, 9)***.

Special education is given to those who may be mental retarded. They have to go through training classes to help improve social skills for them to function as a normal person.

Sources:

Synchroblog: I'm in a Good Mood When....

2008-10-21T04:54:00.002-05:00

Time sure flies. It is time to write about synchroblog post (number 2). This is a good topic. Usually I am in a good mood or sometimes there are certain things that will make happy or put me me in regular place. I do not know where to begin nor how to approach the subject. I'll "free style" this as thoughts come to mind.

- I'm happy and being myself when I am able to sit down and relax. I don't have to rush to complete a certain task; I can just take my time and put effort into the quality rather than the quantity.

- I'm usually in a good mood or being myself when I am able to listen to music. I am open to almost all types of music. I end up listening to the music videos during the mornings or pop on the radio to see the latest happenings around the city. Music relaxes me. Often, it is turned up loud when a favorite song is playing; other times, it is low where it allows to simulate the brain to think functionally and creative.

- I'm usually in a good mood when I am around family or spending time with them after not seeing them during the school week. I'm growing up at the speed of ... of ... a day! It is good to have good conversation with them and seeing them on the weekend. Often, too much time with them will send me overboard.

- I'm being myself when I eat. I enjoy eating and love food. Sometimes I just eat "too much." I mean who doesn't like to eat? Food gives off energy and fills the belly good enough to fall asleep once completing the task of eating a meal. So I'm being myself when I want to eat up everything I see.

- I'm in a good mood when I have done, if not all, but half of my homework. Having that feeling of lifting the burden off my shoulders feels great. It leaves time for social activities and time to be on the computer. Also, Time to coordinate the Synchroblog and this blog.

- I can not forget sleep. I have not been getting much sleep lately, so I usually am in a sluggish; nevertheless, I gear myself into being myself when the lack of sleep occurs. When I am fully rested or slept well, I'm usually in a good mood. A lack of sleep cause me to be on the downside.

I will say there are some a different ways I am being myself and other ways that keep me in a good mood. I have shared with you, not in great details, but a good foundation of understanding of what makes me happy.

Synchroblog 2

2008-10-15T19:53:00.009-05:00

Below you will find other bloggers who has participated in this month's synchroblog:

This Side of Tomorrow [Nathan]
Don't Stop Believin' [Nick Brown]
Relatively Journalizing [Josua D]
The University Blog [Martin]
Simply Erin [Erin]
The Voice to be Heard [Sara]
Mamilicious [Amanda]
Thunked and Befuddled [Alissa]
Vacant Lot [Christine]
Right on the Left Coast: Views From a Conservative Teacher [Darren]
An Absolutely Ordinary Rainbow [Caity]
University Scholar [Michael]

Until next time....!

Memory and Success in College

2008-10-13T08:24:00.001-05:00

In this chapter of memory, I have learned (with great detail research and reading) a good understanding of memory and the different processes of retaining information. Furthermore, the sections of the chapter also gives an in depth look on encoding information, the process of storage the memories or information, the ability to retrieve memories, and failure of encoding involved in the process to retrieve memories (1).*** Although memory is a good concept of human development and the thinking process, it is highly important to use this understanding of memory to become a successful college student by memorizing any and all academic material.

There are many different ways a student could do to studying and retaining class material. Most strategies will work for all whereas others have found a particular favorite strategy that works best for them. Either way, the strategies all should help improve students in their academic performance. As long-term memory is sorted into different levels of theories, students should be able to organize the material they are learning by creating an outline. With this said, not just an outline that does not serve a purpose and use for jotting notes, but one with headings, keywords, and other details that is relevant to future tests or assignments. Properly creating an outline allows the student to study in an orderly manner (2).*** A student that uses this strategy will be active readers. People who may have the visual learning style may adapt to learning and studying by pictures, maps, diagrams, and printed notes. Also, they will be able to picture acronyms as a mnemonic to help them quickly remember. For example, they may want to remember the acronyms for the color spectrum or Great Lakes. Even creating a mental picture of what you are reading will help you better understand what you are studying. (3).*** Another good strategy that helps is not cramming the night before for a test, but study in advance study sessions alone or by yourself or with friends during a study session. With this in mind, these sessions will allow students to take an hour every other day for any given test and have a 10 minute break during the session. Also, instead of wasting the time, using the time available to create flash cards or take notes s and ask yourself questions as you read the textbook (4).***

To help increase academic performance, a student can recite what they have read or any class notes. This does not just mean going over what was read, but this strategy also includes asking yourself what you have read, closing your textbook in order to recite everything in your own words. Seeing what you read or have learned, being able to explain what you have learn to someone else, hearing yourself reciting, and writing what you read goes along with this strategy. In other words a student can use the reciting method of the SQ3R Reading Method (5).*** Lastly, the strategy of grouping items from a larger group (chunking or grouping) into smaller groups allows a person to remember the list or anything into short-term memory. A good example is a use of numbers, words, or letters. This technique works for those who may have short-term memory. It also works with remembering lists or different concepts under the same category (1).***

Each strategy that is listed in the paragraph above will help a student improve their performance in any college course and it also allows them to help process information through the memory system. A person must encode the information before it is stored into short-term, working term, or long-term memory, and then the information has to be retrieved out of the memory system. To better understand how each listed strategy will help improve a student’s memory process, the strategies must be reviewed in the order of the memory system. First, to improve the effort of encoding information students can form study sessions with either a group or alone. To this end, studying with a group or alone allows information to get into the storage of memory. The students are learning new knowledge to help support what they already know from previous years in school to allow the new information to sink into their mind. They are using their sensory memory to help them learn the material and reading everything they have in order to prepare to memorize it. Students must review information before they can memorize it (6).*** To help improve storage of memory, the next stage of the memory process, the strategies of reciting what you have read either out loud several times, writing it down on paper, or telling someone, chunking the information, and outlining helps students improve the storage memory system. The students that will find grouping information or reciting easier because retain information in the way they learn it. Also, they are having fun as they study to retain the information. By doing these strategies they are less likely to forget what they have learned because it is either stored for a short-term use or for long-term. Most important, they are and will be aware on how they study and memorize information. If the information is not stored in memory, they will have problems of remembering certain material learned in class for a test or pop quiz. If or when this does happen, poor scores will show how much they remembered and how they were able to chunk the information in order to visually map it out or able to recite certain information that may lead up to the elimination of wrong answers in order to find the right answer (7).***

Now that the information has been encoded and stored, in other to recall information from the storage of short-term and long-term memory, visualizing the information retained or learned will help students perform better in classes. This will help because they will recall the items at the beginning of the list and in the middle. Sometimes they will be prompted to retrieve because a certain memory is stored in one of the memory systems. Often they could have remembered or visually prompted to use their working memory in order recall information. From the context retained, they will retrieve the information in the order they have learned it and is able to repeat it to another person or write it on paper. Depending on their mood, they may also forget or increase their ability to recall stored memory (1).***

The ability for a student to use what they remember and their memory system, they will improve in academic studies and be successful students. Memory will be with us throughout life. Different strategies will work for different students in order for them to understand the multiple functions of memory and how it can be useful for them every day. From encoding, storage, and retrieve information, memory will always play a vital role.

Sources:

King, Laura A. The Science of Psychology.***
http://www.sdc.uwo.ca/learning/index.html?structure***
http://www.accd.edu/sac/history/keller/ACCDitg/SSMT.htm***
http://frank.mtsu.edu/~studskl/memprinc/disprac.html***
http://www.studygs.net/texred2.htm***
http://www.muskingum.edu/~cal/database/general/encoding.html***
http://www.muskingum.edu/~cal/database/general/memory.html***

Alternatives to Punishment

2008-10-08T12:18:00.001-05:00

There are ways to punish a child if they misbehave. The child should not get spanked all the time for every little reason. Therefore, whether using positive parenting skills or finding alternatives for punishments, the child should get punishment and it should be used effectively. It is impossible to punish a child and then the child still misbehaves. This should be a clue to the parents to find other ways of punishing the child. To this end, without physical or emotional harm to the child is the best respect you should give the child. One way of going about an alternative is the parent allowing the child to have choices to make. Allowing them to make choices is teaching them to think and know what is right from wrong (1)***. For example if the child wants something different to eat for breakfast, the parent should not command the child to eat what they already have on their plate, but allow them to eat another morning meal. The parents may not like it if they were not given choices of what to eat; they would be highly upset. Throwing commands at the child is not going to help because you are throwing words at them and making their situation worse. This is not a war. Another way to not have corporal punishment or emotional results is to take the child out of the conflict that is unfolding around them. The child may question the parent to why he or she was removed, but the parent should be able to explain to their child what the conflict is and how it a bad influence (1)***. Instead of punishing the child, this one-on-one talk should help the child realize that there are other ways to handle a problem as the child grows older into adults.

When the parent feels like they need to use the belt or some other manageable object to physical punish the child, the child is at risk of having aggressive behavior. There is no reason to raise more bad people in this world than we have now. Beating the child too much can lead to child abuse. If the parent does not call it abusing their child, later the child will assume that they were abused if they are not physical punished correctly. Abusing the child is just wrong. Physical punishment can also lead to the child to fear the parents and be scared of them for the wrong reason. Children should fear their parents and not be scared of them. There is a difference. Along the same lines of physical punishment could work though there is an unhealthy side of this punishment, parents should avoid spanking the child (2, 9)***. However, positive child guidance can be used by the parents for the child instead of physical punishment. Too far often a child will have a parent who is neglectful, does not care about their child, and even will find the parents not wanting to be an actual parent to them; therefore, the parent should not be too strict and be like a military sergeant, but to use their authoritative skills (3, 8)***. A parent of this nature will be in the middle of the parenting style spectrum and knows what is best for the child.

There are some strategies that will help develop the child with respectful moral and an understanding of being a better person. These are alternatives that will be use to avoid physical punishment. It is good to punish the child, but in a more positive way and it is certainly effective if the child is taught at the age of understanding in order to avoid conflict and being spanked. For instance, parents can set clear and understandable rules. Rules will have loopholes, but it is better to make sure the child knows how to behave in the house and outside the house. Engaging in the child’s daily activities (asking them if you can join) if very helpful and allowing the child to know you care for them to stay out of trouble. Making sure they are learning character education such as being a trustworthy person and being responsible for their personal items and in every day life. If a situation appears to be leading in the wrong direction, the parent should grab their child out of the situation before it leads to violence or gets out of control. Most importantly, teaching the children how their actions and behavior will affect their peers at school, an elderly person, and in most cases even their siblings (4, 7)***.

To help parents understand how to disciple their children, there are a few principles that they must know. This is not only forming a healthy relationship, but to learning how to build a foundation on the principles of discipline (6)***. Though there are debates on how you should get spanked the child and vice versa, there are other ways to solve problems with the child’s behavior with going down the road of physical punishment. There are six principles that parents should consider using when they are going to punish or discipline their children for improper conduct whether be it at home or in the general public. As the first principle, not all negative consequences will help change the child’s behavior, but it will not have an immediate effect. Sometimes the parents will need to use reinforcement when they are going to punish their child. A good way is to punish them and take their toy away, but only give them a positive consequence, but yet teach them a lesson. All children have a favorite toy and if you take it away, the parent can allow them to have less amount of time to play with the toy than they usual do.

The second principle comes in play hen a parent reinforces punishment for the child positively, most likely as they grow older into adults they will learn and know that they should behave in the right way because it is what they are expected to do. In this case, they will not seem to be forced to behave in a certain way because they have been taught how to behave with moral values. At the stage of the third principle, a child has to suffer negative consequences; most likely they will get out of control since they did not do anything to cause them to get punished. For example, if they know that something happened and it is not their fault, they will continue to misbehave in order to get their way. They end up being aggressive and mean.

The fourth and fifth principle deals with positive reinforcement and positive systems. Time out for children will help control behavior in children because it is a positive system that will lead to the child to know not to behave in the way they did that caused them to get put into time out. This method and other positive systems should be used often effectively to teach the child positive values and know how to control their behavior. Lastly, as the sixth principle, the adult should use their firm voice, but still be kind to the child. Often it will take time to get the child to obey and understand what you are telling them. If a parent does not like the though efforts to allow the child to comply with them, then the last result is give them a negative punishment that will teach them a lesson to just go ahead take the punishment and it get over with for their own sake (5)***.

Sources:

http://www.awareparenting.com/twenty.htm#up***
http://www.awareparenting.com/spanking.htm***
Laura, King A. The Science of Psychology.***
http://extension.missouri.edu/xplor/hesguide/humanrel/gh6119.htm***
http://web.wm.edu/ttac/articles/challenging/six.html?svr=www***
http://www.adventuresinparenting.org/2008/02/26/the-foundation-of-discipline/***
http://www.ebasedprevention.org/scenarios/positive-approaches-to-discipline***
http://www.athealth.com/Practitioner/ceduc/parentingstyles.html***
http://www.asfar.org/papers/corpun.php***

Blog-o-sphere News

2008-10-06T10:40:00.002-05:00

Good morning America! The weekend just zoomed on by without notifying me that it was going to end. School is going well and fall break will be here shortly and thereafter (in two months) will be the semester break. I don't know about you, but I am ready for the long wintry, break. I have not gotten to blog as you may have wanted me to, but I have shared with you some very good essays dealing with the human development, the way human learn, and everything about psychology. I hope you have found the essays to be thought provoking. It took some effort to write those essays for class and figure that I would share them with you.

In other news, Friday I had to opportunity to have an interview with Alex who runs the Student Bloggers network. I was very excited to have received the e-mail on last week to answer the questions with responses like none other. I am featured in the latest edition of Meet a Student Blogger. It is a very good interview between Alex and I on blogging, the Synchbroblog, and the future of me blogging after graduation. Go check it out!

The next round of Synchroblog will be later this month. October is back again along with Halloween. The topic may be related to Halloween. However, the topic has not be made yet. but nevertheless you can always suggestion any ideas or topics. However, the suggestion does really have to relate to Halloween, but you're always open to just say whatever you want. There may be some people that are already planning parties, deciding on what costume they want (for the younger children), and even the thoughts of haunted houses. A good thriller movie with your boyfriend or girlfriend would be spice up the romantic evening. And if you are single, then you can scar your own self with the elements of the movies and your imagination! So be on the lookout for the this month's topic.

Positive and Negative Punishment

2008-10-02T18:03:00.001-05:00

When we all were young, punishment came in handy for our parents because they could have spanked us, taken the toy blocks from us, or even help us learn a lesson and from the mistakes of misbehaving. In this manner, parents are most likely to use negative punishment. This is defined as someone’s behavior decreasing because the positive stimulus is not longer present (1)***. An example of negative punishment is when a teacher removes a child from the class because he or she is misbehaving. The result of this the child getting taken out of the positive reinforcement of the learning environment to be separated from the others by being asked to sit in a corner and face the window or another punishment that does not allow the child to be with the rest of the class. In this case, the child gets punished and most likely will not make the mistake again in the future. On the bright, sunny side of punishment is positive punishment. Positive punishment along with negative punishment and all other concepts (listed in the textbook) can be confusing if the topic is not explained clear enough. This type of punishment occurs when a behavior decreases when the stimulus is not good. In other words, you have the behavior plus the stimulus in one way or another, which equals the effect on future behavior of a person. The stimulus is added to help decrease behavior (1)***.

Sometimes the consequences of the actions of the person who is getting punished can be good or bad. It all depends on the situation. Like humans, pets can be trained and punished as well. I have learned through research and the textbook that the punisher is also known as the aversive stimulus (1, 2)***. Sometimes a person can be afraid of the aversive (the human) because he or she knows what may happen although the consequences were thought out before misbehaving. The use of punishment must be effectively with either positive or negative reinforcement because the person with the bad behavior will most likely continue to have the same behavior before getting punished (2)***. Punishment can work with animals, too. Dogs, for example, are smart pets for animal loves; however, they have their own behavioral problems just as people do. The psychologist B. F. Skinner (1938) helped discover the concept of operant conditioning. Operant condition involves with an organism’s activity in the surrounding environment (1)***. With this said, dog owners will help dogs associate their activity or behavior so it will not occur often as it does or they will decrease the behavior so it does not exist any longer. A positive punishment that can be used with dogs is a water gun. This is a good example since it is harmless than other methods such as a shock collar that will cause pain to the dog. Continuing on with the example of the dog and the water gun, if the dog is outside and every time it goes into the owner’s house it gets the floor dirty and just make a mess everyone, the owner can use the water gun to spray the dog. However, just spraying alone will not be any use. Therefore, using verbal words and saying “no” as the dog comes in the house and leading the dog back outside will be a start to the decrease of the behavior. Reinforcement must be used because the punishment will not be effective. After doing this repetitiously, the dog may see the owner with the water gun and not even come into the house because it will know what will happen. (3)***.This is a good example of positive punishment that can be used on dogs as house pets.

To further explain the difference or the types of punishment, two more examples of positive and negative punishment will be given. A positive punishment is the use of time out. This is used in school and home by removing the misbehaving child from the positive environment in order to be placed in isolation (1)***. This happens at school because the child is causing problems with another student or being disruptive. Using time out whenever the child falls out of place, the stimulus (the punisher) must use a firm voice after a warning or two so the child is aware that you mean business. If the adult shows fear or starts to yell, then the time out is a waste of time and it will be used ineffectively (4)***. From using this form of punishment, the child is allowed to think about their actions and the consequences of their actions. Again, the adult who is dealing with the child should be calm and not loud. With this in mind, firm kindness and setting an example for the child is the goal of time out. The child is also learning how to decrease his or her behavior and think before acting in order to not repeat the bad behavior. The parent should keep in mine the location of where the child will be placed when in time out because active play should not be acceptable in this use of discipline. It is said to put the child in time out per minute of the child’s age (5)***. A negative punishment that deals with negative reinforcement is someone driving in heavy traffic trying to go to work or school. This is a negative punishment because it is being reinforced by the effort of avoiding traffic. However, you decide to leave home a lot earlier to avoid traffic because you want to make it one time for whatever is going on with at school or work. You try to go around the consequences of being late and stuck in traffic because you did not learn from your lesson from the day before on not leaving on early to make sure you are on time (6)***. This negative punishment is being reinforced by you avoiding the heavy traffic. We all know what the traffic is like in Memphis. So to these two are examples of two types of punishments.

In a previous class, I wrote on the topic of spanking in the form of punishment and the issues of physical punishment. Spanking can be considered positive punishment because the parent is teaching the child not to misbehave. At most times there is no reinforcement when the child is get spanked or beaten. The parent may just have the excuse of spanking a child because of anger or because they feel that they really need one for unjust causes. Also this is not an effective punishment because the child will get adapted to the parent spanking him or her and just keep misbehaving. That could lead to three or more spankings in one day (8)***. On the other hand, it can also be negative because the child will learn how to be afraid of the parent or fear the adult since he or she may know what the consequence may be if this is unacceptable conduct either at home or at school. Also it depends on how often the child is spanked in order to consider this as true discipline (7)***. Reinforcing the spanking with a firm voice will allow the child to know that the parent is the boss and that they mean what they say and they should do what they say. Either the child will obey or they will get spanked. It is the child’s choice of good or bad (9)***. This is a parent that uses authoritative parenting style. Spanking can go both ways of either type of punishment.

I remember when I was younger, not exactly, per se, but I remember getting punished. I got punished, mostly likely in the form of getting a beaten with the belt or grounded from my unacceptable behavior and a few grads here and there. The punishment was very effective because I learned my lesson and did my best to behave so that I will get the TV or computer taken away from me. I certainly did not want to get hit with the belt. The punishment affected me short and long term because I either learned the lesson or kept misbehaving or I continue to be on the right track of doing good in class and at home. Now from reflecting back on the punishment, I realized that my mother was only teaching me a lesson because she was the only parent in my life.

Sources:

King, Laura A. The Science of Psychology.***
http://www.drlinden.net/CBTLEC10.pdf***
http://www.dogmanners.com/punishment.html***
http://www.keepkidshealthy.com/parenting_tips/discipline/time_out.html**
http://www.kidsbehaviour.co.uk/UsingTimeOutAsPunishment.html***
http://www.mcli.dist.maricopa.edu/proj/nru/nr.html***
http://www.apa.org/releases/spanking.html***
http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/5-ap/45-spanking-child.htm***
http://earlychildhood.suite101.com/article.cfm/spanking_pros***

Peer versus Parent Influences

2008-10-01T17:08:00.001-05:00

Judith Rich Harris believes that a child or anyone can be influenced by someone, in this case a young child, their every day experiences. Not only do children see what the parents do and fall into their habits, but they also are influenced by others such as their peers or outside linking environmental factors (1)***. Harris includes in her book the research data of twins being adopted and they are separated and living a life of their own, children who go to daycare while their parents work and those who actually stay home with them. Most importantly, the viewpoint of those who may be raised in a single household with one parent, and those children with both parents living with them (2)***. In one of her articles, Harris uses the Cinderella story as an example of her beliefs. She uses the story to tell show that Cinderella had two personalities: one at home with her stepsisters and another with the prince. She behaves different and obeys the sisters and does whatever they say and with the prince, he is in love with her and would like to date her and all that good stuff. However, though this is a fairy tale, she gives the readers this example to allow them to better explain what she believes in and to support her case in nurture assumption (2)***. If a child has other siblings it is possible for the parents to raise them all and treat them all equally, but yet they will be less influenced by the parents. This is possible because outside of the home they will be hanging around different group of friends mixed with people of various backgrounds (7)***. There are plenty of issues and debates that will go along with the issue of parents not having an ounce of influence on their child versus influence from the child’s friends.

As research shows, there are plenty of people jumping on Harris’ back about her book as well as what she believes in with child development. One fact that help Harris earn criticism is the information she writes about the genetics of the parent and how their genes are the biological aspect of helping to influence or raise their children (1, 3)***. Along with the genes the parents may have mostly influenced the children through positive parenting (3)***. When the parent is involved, they are helping the child to further develop their social skills and assisting with child development. Through research it appears that everyone is attacking her credentials and background information. Most are criticizing that she is not ready for the job or she is no the right person to do what she is doing and producing these facts and making judgments on influences on peers from each other or their parents. Some researchers criticize Harris on the issue of her believing that nature does not play a factor in child development. It is all about nurture rather than the biological inheritance (1)***. Instead of a certain condition such as breast cancer, sickle cell, or any other condition that pertains to the body, but it could be the nature of the child whether the child is influenced to be good or bad. Along the same lines if the child is influenced by the parent, then the child will act differently according to where they may be at and end up picking up other behaviors. They are responsible for parenting the child, but the child has a choice to take that advice from the parent and use it in life and even through the other stages of human development. (7)***. It does get complicated on others disagreeing with some of the information and conclusions Harris has reached over the last several years.

After doing a bit of research, I think about everything I have read in order to state my stand point on which side of this issue is the strongest. I could go for what Harris has said and everything (with the intention of cherry picking), but I could always end of contradicting myself. So with an open mind, parents can influence make a difference in their child’s life. That is their job. That is what parents are made for. If they are not influencing their child to be right or to be unique or different among all others, then they are not being a good parent. If this may be the case, outside of the home, the pressure from other peers may cause the child to be different. There is a possibility of the child or anyone, even teenagers and college students, and adults, to appear one way towards the parents, one way towards their friends, and another way towards their own selves. Not to digress, but the child must get help from the parent and teachers to start developing their social skills and come to the realizations of their moral values (1)***. Does it really matter if the parents are showing true influence in the family? Could other factors such as financial problems that the family is having and they are struggling, the ethnic background of the child, and peer pressure at school that will influence the child differently than what their family, teachers, and best friends (1, 4)***. In some aspect the parent will raise the child to be a respectful citizen whereas they may be influenced to misbehave at school or some place else?

After reading Harris’ views, I am not quite sure how I might change my own child-rearing practices. To look back on physically punishment, that can be a factor on influence the child to be respectful, aggressive, or a runaway child. However, it would be a good reason to influence my child to be good because that is what parents are for when have a child. Setting good examples is a good parenting influence since I am normally set good examples no matter who I am around. In the future, raising a child, it is important to be involved in his or her life because with less influence and paying attention to the child, he or she will mostly likely face peer pressure and this can lead to behavioral problems (5, 7)***. Parents should do their best to influence and raise their child or children to behave and make moral decisions. Everyone is different and has individual characteristics. However it is the parents to show responsibility to make sure the child or children get their act together to be a better person and to know that they can do anything they want.

Sources:

King, Laura A. The Science of Psychology.***
http://gos.sbc.edu/h/harrisj.html***
http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/books/1998/9811.williams.parents.html***
http://www.psychpage.com/family/library/harris.html***
http://www.oberlin.edu/faculty/ndarling/adpeer2.htm***
http://millennialchild.com/millennialchild/Assuming%20Nothing.htm***
http://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/Marshall1.html***

Physical Punishment and the Child

2008-09-29T01:03:00.001-05:00

There are different methods and ways to punish a child for misbehaving whether inside or outside the house. The need to physically punish a child all depends on the parents and how they have would like to raise the child. The need to discipline a child can vary from parent to parent and it could also depend on how they were raised themselves.

Though this issue a controversial among researchers on how children should get punished whether it be physically or verbally, it allows them to learn from their mistakes and understand it should not happen again. The child will think the parent may be taken an anger issue out on them if they get spanked, too hard or beyond what is needed for the punishment. This will cause the child to be aggressive with the parent (1)***. If the parent is going through an emotional situation then the child will be getting spanked more than what it is needed. When a child gets spanked by one of the parents, it will be shown as aggressiveness towards the child. It could help force the child to become violent in the current stages of human development and as they mature into adulthood (2)***. A second reason children should not be spanked is the ineffectiveness of this punishment. Although spanking is useful, there are other ways to discipline a child (1)***. Isolating a child and putting the child in “time out” is not physically abusing the child. Though may be left alone in the room, it is another way of punishing the child. They should be allowed to think about their actions and behaviors before getting spanked by a parent. Along with this is taking away the personal items and those they enjoy using such as the cell phone or the car that they drive daily. They are not privileged to do certain activities (3)***. A third reason why children should not get spanked is the action and parenting style. Positive parenting allows the parent to sit down with the child to allow them to have the attention that is needed or the attention that they want. Most likely the child wants attention and when they misbehave, they have no sense or idea on how to control their emotions. After the one-on-one session is over, the children should get a better understanding on how they should handle the situation instead of getting out of place. They will also get am understanding of others’ feelings, making moral decisions, and how they are expected to behave (4)***.

Although most people do not believe in physical punishment or never spanked their child before, then they should believe that it can be very useful. If a child get physically punished, then they will learn the how to conduct themselves at school, in public, around family members, and in the general public. Spanking children allows them to be well trained and disciplined. They learn to respect people of higher authority properly. If children are not spanked, sometimes this may be the case, and then teachers will have trouble controlling the child in the classroom. This does take instructional time out from the class and causes the teacher to disciple the child on their own during teaching time (5)***. The next reason why a child should get spanked is to allow them to know they should not misbehave in public, embarrassing the parent. For example, Juanita would not want her child William to be running around and throwing toys around while they are in Wal-Mart. The spanking they will get while in the store will tell let the child be ware that they should not act they way ever again going into any store or elsewhere outside the house (9)***. Lastly, spanking a child will teach them how to obey their parents and teach them how to raise a family of their own. It will always be reasonable to develop moral values and a family oriented child at an early age or when they start to understand the true meaning of family. When an adult discipline a child they are setting an example for them. Children do watch what their parents do and they see how they treat other people. So if a child is misbehaving, they will be set in place on how to behave and stay in a child’s place. It is reality for a parent to respect what the child will do, but they should always have a limit to everything they would like to do (10)***.

Punishing a child physically is often done my many parents. It is an option of punishment or the act of quickly disciple of the children of certain actions. I can not say that I’m against spanking children since it will have to be done by someone whether by school officials or the parents. Spanking teaches children right from wrong. If they misbehave in school, then they need to be the physically punishment. Abusing a child should not ever happen when they are getting spanked. Sometimes a parent does not have to always spank their child of in appropriate conduct (1)***. Positive discipline can be reinforced at the home by having a family meeting once a week and discuss some of the issues the child may be facing that is causing them to suffer the consequences. Instead of always spanking the children, parents should be able to want to teach the child how to be a better respecting person and to help develop good decision making skills. If they are trouble makers, they will gain the sense of being less violent. The child will also understand how to handle challenging situations in a responsible way instead of misbehaving. They should think before they act (6)***. There are always to discipline a child besides getting spanked and having it lead to a case of child abuse.

Parents may not want to be too strict when it comes to raising their child; however, they do not want to seem weak and afraid which may lead to them neglecting their son or daughter. Bad parenting skills do exist in this world. Most likely parents would use the authoritative parenting style since they are not overly restricting their child and they are also being nonviolent in his or her life. Parents as the authoritative figure are going to raise a spoiled child, but let them earn their needs and wants on their own (4)***. A parent of this style may have been raised themselves in this manner offering encouragement when it is needed and learning to do things on their own and not have to depend on someone else. If a child is raised in a traditional household they may not be acceptable at school, but they will show how well mannered and studious they are when report cards goes out (7)***. A parent who is able to handle their child in the authoritative style will not find the need to use physical punishment. The parent will be effective in the raising of their own child and mostly like be appreciated when their child have children of their own to raise. When a child knows that he or she has been granted limited freedom to do what they freely would like to do and being able knows they will have to deal with any consequences from any choice they make, then the child’s self-esteem will be high. A parent that stand his or her ground and give orders, allowing the child to have multiple choices, and having a democratic household will impact their child which leads to a good living environment and a strong family (8)***.

In the future of raising a child, I will use the physical punishment whenever my child misbehaves. If the situation is over the limit of my tolerating the ordeal, then the child will really get more than a spanking. In that case, the spanking will only be viewed as warning. I would use spanking and the beating of the child to support the discipline side of raising my child because he or she should understand right from wrong and learn from mistakes like older people should learn from their past. Using physically punishment will not reach the limit of child abuse because that will affect the child in the way of he or she being scared of me. No child should be really terrified of their parents; however, they should be scared if they know what will happen after getting spanked or told not to do this or that and they still are disobeying. Sometimes I would use different methods to punish the child and maybe even offer choices of punishments. I don’t think I could not go a week without beating on my child or a quick pop upside the head. Things happen, but they should also learn to be a big, mature person and know to think before they act because they all ready know the consequences. So, there are different ways I can punish my child. Physical punishment will come into play when it is actually needed for a child to get hit or scold at for misbehaving.

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The Neurotransmitter: Dopamine

2008-09-29T01:00:00.001-05:00

The brain is a very complex organ of the human body system. It is a very interesting subject on how the each part of the brain works in order to coordinate the rest of our body. There are different resources and technology that allows researchers to understand the structure and function of our brain. It is also interesting how neurotransmitters communicate with the brain and neurons. Of all the neurotransmitters presented in the textbook, I have chosen dopamine. This neurotransmitter is important to the body since it helps body movements and the muscles (freely and voluntarily) and controls human behavior like sleep and mood. It also affects a person’s attention and the ability to learn (1)***.

Low levels of dopamine can deal with Parkinson’s disease. This has to do with the body slowly shutting down because the lack of dopamine. Then body will enter a dysfunctional state (2)***. In general, a person with a low level of dopamine will have trouble, and it could become a problem, with concentrating to complete daily tasks and even moving around as the disease starts to spread. Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) will also show a low level of dopamine. Either the child can be focused on doing something for his or her parents and then run off and do something else or not be attentive of listening to the teacher at school. Also, the child could be very hyper with too much energy or have problems sitting still in one place for a certain period of time (3)***. On the other hand, having too much dopamine can lead to the mental disorder called schizophrenia. People over the age of eighteen would most likely have this psychology disorder. People with this mental disorder will start to go crazy and have an overload of thought process which will lead them to thinking that people are trying to kill them for some reason or another. Also, this patient may think people are controlling them and you could even see them (4)***. They are literally going crazy. They are over thinking and have excess dopamine.

If a person has a low level of dopamine such as Parkinson’s disease, the neurotransmitter is not doing its job to get released and allow the brain and body to get the right about of this chemical substance in order to function correctly. The neurotransmitter has to process through the frontal lube of the brain. In the process of the flow, dopamine can either be released as too little chemical or too much. Too little dopamine cut off most of what frontal lube needs in order to properly function. If there is too much and not equal in the limbic system and not enough in the cortex, then not be successful in understanding what the brain should do in order to allow us to think or use any mental skills (5)***. The frontal lube controls what the dopamine neurotransmitter should allow us to such as thinking, using the muscles, human personality, and our emotions (1)***.

In order to treat any mental illness or disease we must use drugs either legal or illegal. Dopamine receptors are activated by drugs that will make us feel high and sometimes they leave us feeling dreading daily activities and tired. They are to stimulant the brain and allow researchers to conduct various experiments from the effects of using such drugs. Drugs can either be agonist that copies or produce more of what a neurotransmitter does or antagonist that will cause the drug to be blocked and take no effect of the neurotransmitter (1)***.

People with a low level of dopamine or most likely have Parkinson’s disease can be treated with L-DOPA or levodopa. This will help increase the lack of dopamine a person may be receiving. However, the combination of Levodopa-Carbidopa is what will be actually given out as treatment. Levodopa is a central nervous system agent that will convert to dopamine so it will be admitted to the brain and carbidopa will then make sure that the levodopa will not break down as it enters the brain (6)***. This medicine is an agonist since it acts serve as the neurotransmitter. This is also used to treat people who have dystonia that causes the muscles to get out of control and involuntarily be controlling body part (7)***. Some of the side effects that a person could face include, but not limited to vomiting, constipation, a person could also a change of taste for food or the way the food tastes like, difficult swallowing, depression/suicide thoughts, and red blood stools.

There are several drugs that could be given as choices to those who may have schizophrenia or any of the relative symptoms. There are numerous amounts of drugs a person can choose from when they show sign or have schizophrenia. However, they should first check with the doctor to see which drug is best for them and their condition that they may have. There are two main categories of drugs of schizophrenia- first general antipsychotic and second generation antipsychotics and there could also be given a combination of drugs as well. Randomly choosing a drug from the Yahoo Health list, I chose Abilify (aripiprazole) (8)***. Adults and adolescents between 13 and 17 can be treated with this medicine; however, they should be aware of any effects or aftermath once they are in the habit of taking the pill or liquid. Abilify helps to bring the high level of “overdosed” dopamine to a controllable manner. In other words, this drug is to ensure that the unbalanced chemical substance can be brought back down to proper condition (9)***. People who may be hearing voices, depressed, having hallucinations, and thoughts of others are going to kill them can take this drug that will benefit them as an actor of the dopamine neurotransmitter. Possible side effects are serious risk of having a stroke (especially for the elderly), movements of the body that the person is having that they can not control, a dramatic change of the heart rate, and problems with diabetes (10)***.

By looking that all of the side effects and special notes that are listed on the website about Abilify, this medicine could help some and for others it could put their life at risk. I believe I can say from reading and doing a lot of researching that a person can not have either too little or too much of the chemical substance dopamine.

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Synchroblog: College Style! - "This Really Bugs Me" Roundtable

2008-09-19T22:01:00.003-05:00

The topic This Really Bugs Me did not seem like a hard one at all. I'm sure that everyone was needing to let the world know what really bugs them. What really bugs you? This week each blogger offered a different style and perspective on what irritates them in one way or another. Thank you everyone who decided to step up and participate. Hopefully everyone found this to be fun or at least different. Let's have a week in review of those who have written on what bugs them...

Not everyone enjoys hearing people eat and crunch their food, and sometimes it can be very bothersome. To see exactly why Joshua does not like to hear you or anyone chew, you should ahead over to Relatively Journalizing to read for yourself.....

And I thought my pet peeves were a big deal, but Martin at TheUniversityBlog is amusing, happily ranting about has his rage against being overloaded with too much information as well as students not getting their education in critical thinking before college.....

Torie (torriemichelle.com) feels that the people behind the counters have poor customer services skills. I do agree with what she says because it has happen to me and plenty of others. Go see what else she has to say and leave a comment.....

The Chemist at My Chemical Journey has facts and ideas on the popular coffee chain Starbucks and the overall atmosphere it has while you are in one of them. It was very interesting to read what he had to say. I think this is a very good post you should go read for yourself.....

Lisa [Allisa] who is the owner of Thunked and Befuddled listed among others, something in particular: "When someone sees you in real life [and you don't see them] and they don't bother to say hi, but later leave a myspace/facebook comment or message saying that they saw you." Go visit her post to what else is on the list of what bugs her.....

Aaron of ..::mentalTHREESIXTY::.. is a blogger I discovered while reading through some comments. He didn't join this event, but his post on the anatomy of a class in a learning environment that appears to be the same in every class such as the student on the cell phone texting or the girl that will ask a million questions, even the dreadful first day of class introductions. Go check his blog out and see what else you can relate with him.....

Sometimes an object that we couldn't imagine would bother someone and be a bit nerve wrecking. I don not think Nathan (This Side of Tomorrow) would have an issue with people who may have an issue with clearing the timer on the microwave. I admitted I just open it up, close the door, and walk out the kitchen. Can you imagine a problem that small could do so much?.....

Nick who owns Don't Stop Believin' caught my attention with the banner and sleek blog look. Creating a list is easier to read and the quickest want to mention when people do not take responsibility, Internet Explorer 7 crashes, and more! Go visit his blog.....

Lastly, but not least, Tim who owns AnotherGuy's Weblog believes that everyone should be appreciated no matter what they are told to do. Protocol is very important when it comes to handling important business such as school funding. He tells the truth about women that want to date a mature man, actually dates a jerk.....

This is a view from the bird's nest. If there is anyone that may have been left out, please get in contact with me. Also future topics, ideas, and suggestions, are welcome. So get at me!

The Human Genome Project

2008-09-18T13:35:00.001-05:00

The Human Genome Project allows doctors and scientists to look for any flaws in the human genes and DNA in order to find out if people will have any future diseases or conditions that could affect them. It will be possible for mothers of new born babies to find out the risks of diseases or conditions as they get older (1). With the help of this project, doctors can prescribe medication to prevent these causes from happening. An intelligent t and self-driven scientist named James Watson, along with his colleague, started this project in 1951 (2). This project is a joint project between the U.S. Department of Energy and the National Institutes of Health.

The HGP started in 1990 with the effort of trying to sequence all of the human DNA strands. It took about thirteen years to complete this project in 2003. Without the use of advanced technology, this effort of scientific research could have been a fifteen year project. Everyone was very successfully at getting the research done that they were two years ahead of schedule and exactly under budget (4, 5). After all of the hard work these doctors and scientists went through to research biological material, their main purpose was to have the goal of understanding how the human genes are affected in order to provide better strategies and ideas in order to diagnose patients, prevent major diseases and any future conditions, and to treat them medicine and anything else with medical problems (5).

From this project, society will be affected in the way of producing better foods and a more useful environment. Food could be genetically modified from combing genes of two ore more different organisms to produce another product. This could help meet some of the challenges we are facing today. All of this could affect society in one way or another. No matter who we are or what we are doing some of these aspects of food modification are good and bad whether we want it to happen or not. Technology will increase nutrients tolerance, better ways of farming and growing crops. It could also help productivity of common food such as milk, eggs, and meat. On the environment side, chemicals such as bioherbicides and bioinsecticidse could be less harmful, and not scare people away from eating crops that get spread for protection from insects and environment factors (8). While this may help society, it could also harm, or hurt, us in the way of creating a much better source of health risks and unknown factors could harm human health. Major companies could dominate each other once they find a way to improve their materials and products. This can be easily done and we see this happening through several documents about these small harmful industries companies. This project could also lead to foreign exploitation of natural resources in and out of the country. Another aspect of the genome project affecting society is the use of gene therapy. There are different ways doctors could replace a nonfunctional gene with a new one to prevent disease development. However, because of the failed trails during clinical experiments, the Food and Drug Administration has not yet set this product on sale (8).

An ethical issue that relates to the Human Genome Project is the act of keeping confidentiality and privacy with important documents and records. The risk of a patient and outside parities is a safety concern and an issue of who to own and control such information. In other words, there are questions about sharing information on patients to schools, in courts, and even in the military. Psychological concerns includes to changes of one’s belief and identity. By going through these different tests a person change their perceptions about another individual which is a big difference than what was normal before going through the test. This also include minorities and outcasts in society; unacceptable people as well of any gender and ethnic background. In the clinical world the HGP deals with the standard procedures to do genetic therapy with a patient with little to no federal regulation. Also, preparing new professionals to deal with new genetics is an issue and knowing how to promote genetic therapy and surgeries to the general public. Knowing how to approach someone and letting them aware of something that can benefit them but also have the after effects is a risk. There could be a possibility of a health agency getting sued or losing any credentials (9).

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Synchroblog: This Really Bugs Me

2008-09-16T22:22:00.001-05:00

This shouldn't be too hard since it is easy to say what ticks me and what really bothers me. I'm sure this may happen around other campuses or just in the general public. I will do this in the format of a bullet list!

1. Cell phone users: I really abhor those people that like to TEXT and walk directly in front of me. Come on folks! Park your butt and text sitting down. Ugh! It just blows the steam out of my ears. I can be walking around campus and a girl can just be using using her phone and just be walking and just slowly take her time. I just wanted to push her out the darn way. It is not those people that walk fast and use their cell, but those who are taking their time. This also happens in the mall. I do not like it when people are strolling and talking on their phones. Slow people are walking and chit chatting gosh. Go sit down and use the phone.

2. The "I'm all that": Do you get ticked off when people think that are THE STUFF? Wow. It does not take much to get attention, but please be yourself. I hate it when people are loud and they want to be seen and think they are better than anyone else. This reminds me of P Diddy and his TV show. Who would want to work for him? I sure would not. I've seen people locally that are out there and think they are cool. Peer pressure. Get over it. You're like anyone else when you are not around your friends. I'm not jealous or being a hater, but it gets tiresome seeing the same people creating a scene. You know them when you see them.

3. Homework: I can't forget to add this to the list. I do not like the amount of homework I have to do each week. It does not make any sense at all. I'm always doing some professor's assignment outside the classroom. I guess they don't understand that a day of no homework is a relief. I do have other classes. I guess they really don't know how I feel. Writing so much is draining me. If I wanted to, I could change my major, but I may not do it. Homework is just too much. I get a crap load of work to do and only so many hours. UGH!! This really bugs me because I would like to go a day without doing homework. Five classes plus homework equals an nightmare.

There. Three top issues that bug the heck out of me. It may seem like I vented and which I did, but these are the things that really, really bug me.

Synchroblog: College Style!

2008-09-12T12:42:00.006-05:00

The topic This Really Bugs Me. Note: There was a big error in the publishing the posts. The list and original post is lost. However, there is enough information to know what this is all about and contact information listed as well on the blog.

Psychology: Procrastinators Most Likely to Make Poor Grades

2008-09-12T12:07:00.001-05:00

The research topic “procrastinators are most likely to produce poor grades” is relevant since most college students put tasks aside until the last minute. Procrastination can be a habit or could be a psychological aspect of human nature. Besides producing poor grades, procrastination can lead to an unhealthy meal plan, reaching to the level of anxieties and panic attacks, and distracting. Most important is putting aside what is needed to be done such as homework assignments and other priorities. It is easier to get distracted by playing a computer or surf the Internet for leisure. Being unhealthy and overwhelmed is not good for accomplishing goals. Those who put aside “today’s work for tomorrow” are likely to make a lower grade than expected because there will be a lower confidence level in what the student is suppose to be doing to complete any given task. If the college student realizes that the task is not urgent or highly important, then he or she will end up procrastinating and do something else doing that time period. It is much easier to do the task later rather than now. If the student lacks the energy or effort to complete the task, then that is another excuse to procrastinate on a given task that is needed to be completed (2). It is important for college student to realize how much they procrastinate and what level they are on the spectrum of being a procrastinator. Overcoming it and finding ways around this issue will be very helpful and beneficial.

The best way to find data or information on in finding out if college students procrastinates and make poor grades is to use the descriptive research. This type of research method deals with obtaining different information, or input from, surveys given to the public to help gather public opinions to help make better choices on a certain issue or to get general information. Also standardized tests can be another method of the descriptive research. You are getting results from similar people of the same group with different scores in order to find the differences from the people who may have taken a test. The results from the tests can be interpreted from different people among several cultures. Here, you will get different outcomes and opinion from the results (5). Observing under controlled variables and analyzing the outcomes is possible to describe an experiment. Along with observations and surveys is the case study about an individual who may be diagnosed with a certain condition which could lead to further research. With these case studies, a psychology can compare two or more people to gather empirical information about a particular event or unique aspects (3). Observation research deals with observing people in a controlled or natural environment to discover answers to human behaviors or some scientific research. A scientist will be able to find data that may not be provided, in this case, by surveys or focus groups, but my first hand account. The data uncovers human behavior and the evidence can be easily verified by documentation or reviewing the video that may have been used to record the observation (4).

The subtype of descriptive research is survey since it is quick, but it allows a set of questions for everyone that will be unbiased. The questions allow every person to be able to fill the paper out without having any guilt and can be any topic the experimenter wants to make the survey. A researcher can also leave space for additional comments related to the topic of the survey. The surveys can be present over the telephone, Internet, or in person as people walk past you. This is randomly getting people to give input on any research topic (5). With the use of the survey, the data of finding multiple answers is possible and will be unbiased and mixed among all those who have filled one out. The results can be supported with the use of looking back over the survey in order to validate a well rounded research in order to get what researchers are looking for (6).

I choose this method of descriptive research since it could be easier to collect the data if what answering my research question dealing with procrastination producing poor grades and how it affect students. Though most will answer verbally and they may be the typical excuses, it would better to get the results from the survey as students are walking around campus. However, it could also work if surveys where done in different classes so that the data will be different according to the age, gender, and classification. Then, my research question would be answered since we have so many students to a certain amount that have filled out the surveys. When the surveys are sorted, then the data can be present into a graph, chart, or some organized form. Some of the questions I would ask on the survey would be (given the choices of “almost,” “never,” “sometimes,” and “most of the time): I have motivation to complete plans on time, once I wake up, I fall back to sleep easily, there are times when I struggle to complete a task, I work under pressure to beat the clock, when I get ready for school I drag and get half prepared for class (7). Also, they could be given a list of what would be consider procrastinating what is not and let them choose from the different activities or things they would typical do to avoid homework or anything that is needed to be done before the day is over with (8). The survey could be done in different ways besides the ones I would approach.

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Does Altruism Exist in Humans?

2008-09-08T07:59:00.003-05:00

Altruism could be defined in one or more definitions. It could also be explained from general knowledge. On the other hand most people would not know exactly the term means. Personally, I have never heard of this word. If humans can be altruistic, which is an adjective that describes someone and their characteristics or personality, is a controversial issue. Not only can it be controversial, could you explain it to a friend? Before going into further research and after reading the text from the textbook, the follow is what I would tell a friend: To just say that altruism is the random act of kindness that is done every day without knowing is so easy. To take it a step further, I believe that altruism is a human behavior and deals with social interaction (1). It also depends on the situation if a person is fully altruistic or if it happens from time to time. They are some scientists, psychologist, and people of every faith that believes that we are altruistic or just being normal people. However, it is very easy to call any one person altruistic. Are they any motives that allow someone to volunteer their time to help someone out if they are about to go into debt? Are there any motives that will allow someone to save people from a burning people? Not everyone is selfish and then there are some who are will not share an item with another person. I would also tell my friend that being an altruistic person could be done through a reciprocal process. What this means is that we could treat everyone the same and expect them to treat us the same way. However that could be possibly done without anyone trying to boost their ego or just be really cold hearted (1).

Since one can’t really prove how true altruism is in a person, it may not exist since people are able to willingly quickly react in a selfless manner. It is a person’s moral sense to not being altruistic because there are no motivations to be altruistic to allow them to be engaged in a selfless act (2). A stable reason why altruism does not exist is the fact that everyone treats each other the same way. When this happen those kind people will get a different reaction from the receivers. No matter what happens those who give are never going to get the correct response back. They must purposely have a choice to act altruistic. In actuality, they care for those who are suffering rather than those who may need a lending hand with an every day ordeal (3). Since it is the human instinct to help others for good, ethical reasons to do so, altruism no longer exists as value to humans as an act of selflessness. One important understanding that every nonbeliever may think may say that people may be altruistic because if the fact that there is no motive that allows people to be kind or go beyond their own means to help their fellow citizen. Everyone is helping others out because they find pleasure in helping people making it through a situation. Therefore, there is no actual reason for altruism to exist. Why would it is exist when everyone is doing the same thing? They are most likely to exercise their personal interest to benefit their own selves rather than others. This allows them to feel good. Altruism is something you can not practice. You are not expected to put on a performance when someone needs your help. You have to use your conscious rather than motivation (4).

Although most scholars may conclude that altruism does not exist in humans, however, it does without direct thinking or from someone else. Altruism does exist because of a person’s religious teachings, genetics, or the way parents raise their children. Altruism exists when someone does a favor for a neighbor or a very helpless person in need of help and they do not expect anything to be given back to them as appreciation. Sometimes it may also deal with the psychology of humanistic behavior and a person recognizing either sympathy or empathy (5). Furthermore, when a person gives to charity or volunteer their time, they are able to return the favor back to others. This is proof that altruism does exist. It could not be in a good way that someone reacts when people are going beyond their strength, but it does exist. Altruism is a disadvantage of your own interest for another’s welfare. Being altruistic brings the positive out of everyone (2).

Personally, I think that true altruism exists in humans. I take this position because there may not be on exact definition that defines an altruistic person. To not have an open mind about this subject, I would be contradicting myself. I think that wouldn’t be possible without saying one thing and going against what I have said. In this country and all over the world, they are altruistic people some where out there whether in a big city or in a rural location. I want to say that altruism could be seen as another positive psychology, but you can’t be completely positive with altruism when it comes from a negative direction. To say altruism in humans does not exist would be saying that there are not any good people that are amongst us. We would be taken as a negative society. Additionally with my thoughts and ideas, they are pros and cons to altruism (with all sorts of information) on whether people are doing random acts of kindness or truly being motivated to take action when the time calls for someone’s help.

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First Week of Class

2008-08-28T17:43:00.005-05:00

It's almost the end of the first week of school. I feel really good to be in my second year of college. So many Freshman feeling lost and wondering where to go and where to eat. So far my classes are easy and the teachers are cool. I have my Psychology professor who was told that he sound like Ben Stein from the Clear Eye commercial. The whole auditorium started laughing. That was very funny. Imagine listening to him for three days a week. Yikes! I'm totally ready for the weekend and being able to relax and just get some rest from all the ripping and running I've done this week. Believe, I think it is just getting started. Hopefully this will be a good semester and I can ace it all with grades of excellency.

I spent like $600 on books this semester. Agree with me that you may have spent not have spent that much on books outside of college. Though the lines were long, they moved pretty quickly. Well, at least the line I was in. And that the end of the semester the campus bookstore will be seeing by face as I return them all for some money back. In Oral Communication class we have to watch Obama's speech and critique/analyze it for class next week. I really don't want to watch it, but I am sure that I can also find it on YouTube this weekend. That's apart of homework that I have among others. [update: I ended up watching his speech so that I could have been easier for me to critique. Sometimes situations end up where we are tired of hearing about it or ready to move on and it gets tiring. So I'm anxious to get everything over with and for him to win president. I am not really big into politics, but I believe things turn out according to the majority]. I guess this is my week's update on the first of week of being back in school.

Synchroblogging: College Style!

What such an amount of people that are signing up. I was not expecting so many; however it is good to see people are interested in synchroblogging. The first session is September 14-19, 2008. The topic is: This Really Bugs Me. You can go and run with the topic. There's nothing stopping you from freely writing. This should be a good topic whether serious or funny, it should be all fun! I'm sure there is something or someone that bugs the heck out of you. You may have more than one person or little pet-peeve, but whatever it is we want to hear. Be sure to keep everything at the appropriate level. This is an advance note about the first topic. Also, you can be reminded by e-mail or on your comment section of your blog. For future reference, any questions or comments or suggestions for topics, feel free to contact me in any form.

Q&A

Q: What date will our titles (and post URLs) be due?
A: The date to titles and to post URLs will be due Thursday, September 18 via e-mail at kloliver11 [at] gmail dot] com.
Q: What day and time should we all schedule our posts?
A: For now there isn't an exact day and time to schedule the posts. With this being said, for now there is really not day and time you should schedule your posts at the moment. However you should schedule the posts are any chosen day from your normal posting on any chosen day of the week. Afterwards, you should submit your title and URLs.

Introducing Synchroblogging

2008-08-17T06:35:00.004-05:00

Calling all bloggers to participate in a event of Synchroblogging: College Style! It's similar to those blog carnivals that you may have seen throughout the blogosphere. Though this is set up for those who are students in college that blog, Synchroblogging: College Style is open for those who are students that actually blog, bloggers who write about university and college in general. Whether you are in college or not, you are invited to participate. You don't have to be a student blogger, but as long as it relates to college on any level you would like. There's no limit to anyone that can join in on the fun. The first session is scheduled to take place in mid-September.

Guidelines:

Each blogger will write on the same topic that will be given each month. (Supposedly at the same time, same day). However, you are given a week's period to write a post on the given topic.
In each post, the blogger will provide links to other participants. They will let you readers know everyone else that is participating in the Synchroblogging. This is to help you get more hints. There will be a main list of all the participants listed each month here that will allow you to make it easier to find the others.
Though this is for college bloggers, those who aren't in college yet or write about college in general, you may join in with us.

Now ask yourself what do I get out of this Synchroblogging? I'll answer that for you! You will gain more hints on your blog, more readers, discover other bloggers of the same niche or another background, more comments and just the fact of having fun and doing something different.

If you would like to participate, have any questions or anything else, feel free to e-mail, leave a comment, or even IM me.

Evaluating Writing Skills

2008-08-06T02:43:00.004-05:00

I believe that it is a good effort for anyone who, especially college students, to reflect back on previous writing assignments to find the minor and major mistakes in order to enhance their skills. I remember taking English 1010 Composition class for Freshman and we had to write a letter that demonstrated Student Learning Outcomes. Each student had to write an evaluation in a letter form with specific instructions. (I forgot how it happened, but from my class, my letter was chosen to be read from the pool of others written from my classmates). After I have survived different assignments from a year's writing assignment, all the skills I gained from the course will be very helpful in the future. Rather you are in college or still in high school, you should be able to sit and think how you will approach the different types of writing assignments that are given to you by your instructors.

Sometimes after we realize what we have learned from different course, especially those of English, we can use them in every ability possible. With everything said, I would like to my letter to sum of the purpose or point of this me writing this post.

November 3, 2007

Dear Portfolio Evaluator:

This semester I have demonstrated the Learning Outcomes for this English course that helped me developed a foundation of improving and developing reading and writing skills to a higher level.

Analyzing and critiquing a writer's essay is something that is usually done on a simple basis. For example, in high school I remember reading novels in the eleventh grade where the teacher wanted us to think about the purpose that the writer was trying to send to the readers, or the class would have to write an essay about the novel using a rubric. In this English course, I have demonstrated the goal of analyzing an author's essay and discovering the purpose of his or her rhetorical choices. In the essay the "Fourth of July," I have discovered the purpose of why the author uses a word several times and why the author uses an ironic title to talk about her vacation. To help me understand the text I was reading, I highlighted certain words to be used as context in different sections of the essay so that I could dissect everything to find the author's message. After noticing different colors of highlighters, style, and choice of words, tone, and all other elements used in Audre Lorde's essay just popped out of the book. This method really helped me to meet the ability to analyze a writer's essay.

The ability to comprehend the essays which we had to write about was a learning outcome that I felt I met. Taking the quizzes over different essays after reading them helped me with comprehending a college-level text because I found out what I needed to know and what I already knew that could help me understand the essays. To help meet this reading outcome, I believe that my Reader Response essay was something I enjoyed writing since I actually got to be objective and disagree with what the author in one way or another. My essay response to the essay "Real Men Don't: Anti-Male Bias in English" helped me to comprehend the author's purpose of writing the essay. In other words, the dialogue journal with quotes helped me to get a general idea of what I will use for rebuttal. Once I wrote the essay, I reread it to discover the writer's message and what he was trying to tell the audience. The peer review groups allowed another student to evaluate my essay for certain standards. Since the student gave a critique and understood what I was saying in my essay, I concluded that I comprehended the writer's essay through effective method.

From this first-year course, I have demonstrated the skill of thinking of my own ideas and responses and ideas of other authors to quote, summarize, and synthesize their work to respond to their works to prove a point. In my essay, about whether or not to make English the official language in the United States, I used several quotes from the selections to prove my point that I was for the government to make English official. I have never written a synthesis essay until it was explained and assigned to me by my teacher. As a prewriting activity, I read every essay from the book twice and highlighted quotes that were similar to each other among the group of essays discussed. I can use my work as evidence because throughout the essay, there are several quotes to help me develop an idea of explaining my point in forming disagreement with the topic given. Taking ten minutes to read and respond to a reason by using a quote also helped me to complete this learning skill.

Using the writing process has helped me develop and construct essays. Participating in peer review groups allowed me to see what my classmates thought of my writing and if they were able to comprehend what I had written throughout this course. Being able to see what my classmates thought of my ideas and using supporting quotes helped me to revise and edit sentences that contradicted myself or might be unclear. The strategies given to help proofread were used in the case of correcting grammar, spelling mistakes, and other errors allowed me to see what I need to improve in those different areas of writing. I have demonstrated the ability to organize an essay to prove a point, explain an authors purpose, and organize ideas to form an essay to respond to a selection.

I have been familiar with using MLA and incorporating it into essays from high school writing. The ability to continue using MLA is very important that allows me to get better familiar with it on the college level. In ever core essay, I have correctly used MLA to use quotes as a foundation and source to explain formulated ideas. As evidence, I have shown my ability to write a works cited page with the synthesis essay. Cross-reference is another method that I have learned to use versus the regular way of documenting a resource.

The learning outcomes that I developed and have shown as evidence helped me to evaluate my own writing skills. I think I have done a good job in this course.

Sincerely,

Kelvin

Get Out and Vote

2008-07-22T14:19:00.001-05:00

The following writing piece is a response from the article "Let's Not Get Out the Vote" by Robert Coulson. It is archived in the November 1955 issue of Harper's Magazine.

After reading this essay, the idea that comes to mind is that Robert Coulson encouraging people to vote and how a certain amount of people feel about marking a candidate’s name on the ballot. I think the speaker is probably a writer that has been published throughout his life and probably is an editor or a publication writer. From reading the essay, there are no context clues that are meant to be read between the line that signifies if the write is apart of a political party or group. The writer does not really tell us if he is apart of a political party. I can assume if Coulson may not be because he does not actually states anything about it in the essay; however, it can be assumed that he may not be with a political group. Does it matter if we vote? If you did a poll of that question, probably majority of those who are care and really into politics will say yes whereas those who really are confused, lost, or dang on right do not care, will simply vote no.

Coulson grabbed my attention by saying that we should be able to vote wisely and form some sort of opinion about the candidate who is running in the race to be voted a chairperson or a position in a group. Once we form that opinion we should be able to go to the voting booth and mark the candidate’s name without changing our minds at the last minute. There is no certain audience the writer is talking to since this is just about voting and persuading everyone to vote. Perhaps Coulson is talking to the non-voters since the people who do vote make it a “duty, it ceases to be a privilege.”

Though this article was written in 1955, there seems to be not much of a difference in the way people thought about voting than they feel about voting now. In one point of the essay he mentions that people are persuaded to go out and vote. By this being said I mean that often we hear other people around us that will want us to go vote and tell us why it is important for everyone, especially the youth to vote. However, by just telling people to vote, they first have to get familiar with those candidates who are running and why they want to grab the position that is up for bids. The phrase “vote this time or your vote may be gone forever” ties with similar phrases that you hear on TV, political rallies, schools, and even family members. To make it very known that some people feel pressured to vote leads them not to vote since they may not know everything about a presidential candidate or they are fretting to decided which person will get their vote. Though everyone is encourage to vote, not all will vote because they may not care about who because president or have sense enough to vote. The public awareness and pressure of 1955 and today really do not show much of a change.

I find voting important since it is an activity that involves us learning more about the important documents of the United States. I’m not engaged with all the politics and the educational influence of it; however, the person who becomes the next president does matter. The laws, bills, and amendments that will be set forth will matter to use in the long run. When the presidents make a law, I believe it will affect every citizen depending on whom it is being mandated towards a certain age group. If a person does not like what the outcome is like, then he or she should not get mad because their vote did not count since the person did not vote whether they agree or this agree with the new law or amendment. To support that some people do not because they do not, I think that not everyone remembers in American Government the process on how the president is elected or how the your votes get counted in the concept of the electoral college.

If we do not understand how important it is to vote or the voting process entirely, questions should be asked to someone that knows and could help us. Some people are registered to vote, but they do not take the time out to vote. Being this said, they should form an opinion and think twice based on what they know about a person before voting. Going along with the title, let’s not take out the vote, but keep the vote for someone who actually deserves the job and high rank of president or another position in other organizations. Everyone has a chance to vote. Our vote is our voice on paper.

Moments in Time

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My Philosophy of Creative Nonfiction Writing

So I Need to Vent

To Be an Individual

A Gendered Society: Gender Roles in Education

Social Linguistics

Mexican Americans

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Book Giveaway!! “Conversations: Find Your Niche”

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Guest Post: Flying through Door #4

Synchroblog Round Up: Super Powers, Something We All Want

Reality: I’m Just an Ordinary Person

And the Synchroblogging Topic Is…

Reality: The State of Being True

But, if you only have love for your own race Then you only leave space to discriminate And to discriminate only generates hate And when you hate then you're bound to get irate, yeah

Guest Post: Wanted: Girlfriend

It’s Synchroblogging Time! (Relaunching & Back in Action)

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Early Morning Thoughts

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En el verano!

Not Another Late Night Post!?!

Late Nights

Food for Your Eyes

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Computers, Technology, and Socialization

The Formula to Life

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Spread the Links

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Some Announcements

What About the American Family?

FDR and the Great Depression

On Blog Hiatus

Blog Update

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Happy New Year Everyone!

Synchroblog: The Season of Christmas

Book Review: "Stressed Out Students’ Guide to Handling Peer Pressure"

Schizophrenia

Major Depressive Disorder

20SB Blog Swap 3

What about you? What do you think makes good writing?

Thoughts from a Writer

Your Emotions Are Contagious

Issues in Education

My Humanistic Perspective

Wanted: Guest Bloggers/Writers Search

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Language and Speech Disorder: Dyslexia

Mentally Challenged People

Synchroblog: I'm in a Good Mood When....

Synchroblog 2

Memory and Success in College

Alternatives to Punishment

Blog-o-sphere News

Positive and Negative Punishment

Peer versus Parent Influences

But, if you only have love for your own race
Then you only leave space to discriminate
And to discriminate only generates hate
And when you hate then you're bound to get irate, yeah

Student Bloggers
6.24.09 featured blogs of the day
6.20.09 featured blogs of the day

PostSecrets
Father’s Day Secrets

PluginID
How Much Of Life Are You Actually Living?
BloggingBlueprint: Your Free Guide to Blogging Success

Relatively Journalizing
What I Learned: Part 1

Kill Jill Goes to College
Eight Things I Miss About College

TheUniversityBlog
Online Education fund to benefit both online and offline?

The Blog of Innocence
Is Social Technology Making Us Smarter?
Is the Internet Killing Culture?

Whys Perspective
Text Relationships, About Text Messaging