Blog Post Omega

Oh, goodness... these blog posts... I have never been much of a blogger, and I'm guilty of making fun of them before I started attending this class. But I did grow fond of them after Natalie started them up. I'm not saying that I'm head over heels for blogging, but when the prompt is right, I really enjoyed blogging. As far as turning assignments in, the blog did make it much easier. Assignments on blogs were easier to write, and I didn't have to go through the hassle of printing, which obviously is such a hard feat to accomplish. Mainly, I did it for the trees. The only problem is that the blogs made it harder to remember that there was actually an assignment, so that got me a couple of times. Most of the time, I was fine though.

Actually reading other classmate's blogs was probably the best part about blogging (if the prompt was awesome, of course). I liked being able to see what others were thinking, much like a "window into the soul." Seeing others blogs and opinions helped a lot with my other assignments and blogs as well. It helps to see how others are doing assignments, so I can have a rough idea of what to do.

But, alas, this is the final blog post of the semester. And thus we see, I was never a good blogger, nevertheless, the assignments have been completed subpar. And it came to pass that I shall move on, and hopefully keep my attitude positive as life continues on, and judge not others for their blog posts. So farewell, friends. Thus, Christian Rock ends. Adieu, adieu, adieu...

Website Analysis

The website I'll be analyzing is the Harold B. Lee Library site.

One thing to remember about this website is that its purpose is not necessarily to catch your eye, but to make research as easy as possible. So while this website isn't immediately grabbing my attention, it more importantly isn't making me want to gouge my eyes out and cry for help.
The most important things that make this site effective for its purpose is proximity, alignment, and color. Proximity for this site groups all the relatable links next to each other. This is very important for a research site because it puts all different categories in an organized manner. Links that relate, such as reserving a room to study, or to talk to a librarian, are put close to each other. With alignment, the text isn't just all over the place, but placed in an organized manner. That one is pretty straight forward. Color is the best way that this site organizes it's different sections. The way it does this is the color of its text, for both the headers and the text underneath the headers. Headers are red, bringing your attention to what the section is about, and the text underneath is blue, which are the links. This way, the information is much more organized. Also, the colors are not distracting at all.

Websites

My solution to my issue in my paper has been relatively straightforward: Research. And lots of it. Going to the library is a great way to make me focus, and there are many other sources I can find there. Also, Google scholar is fantastic.

Effective Websites:
Apple
Fox News
BYU Harold B. Lee Library
Wells Fargo

Ineffective Websites:
Rate My Professors (I use this regardless)
Sixties Press
Audiko
BeeMP3

Patchwriting is Bad

“We do not in everyday life reflect much on how one people’s ‘myth’ may be another people’s religion or episteme. What ‘we’ label ‘myth’ from other cultures then translates into the ‘that’s just a myth!’ formula that implicitly sustains the value of our own beliefs. Thus trivialized—though in different ways—both outside and within Western culture, ‘myth’ in common English-language usage today is the object of exoticizing amusement or dismissal; it is deprived of its associations with history, knowledge, and vision—what has made myth culturally valuable and has most fascinated scholars of myths and traditional narratives” (Bacchilega 25).


My attempt:


According to Bacchilega, we often forget that what we may think of as fantasy, someone else may regard as truth, or what they truly believe in. We seem to put our own beliefs in the way of others, disregarding what they believe as fiction. This leads to a mindset of "that's just a myth" (Bacchilega 25).


And my biggest problem with my paper is citing sources. Not just putting them in my paper, but actually finding them. It isn't as easy as it looks.

Library Tutorial

Believe it or not, I was actually doing some research, and I was only distracting a little bit by the iPads. But really, I want one of those things...

During Monday's lesson, I was able to learn some great links to aid for research. I have used the library's database before, but I never really went as far in depth as we did this instance. I actually now know where all the links are to databases that would provide more in-depth information on the topic that I'm researching.  I think the best one was the Scholarly Journal section. That is probably the most valuable database I learned to access. But it's not just about the databases. It's also about narrowing my search down, which I also learned how to do for the different search sites. That will help immensely with actually finding applicable information, and not the other articles that lures me in with a cool title. Even books seem easier and more accessible. I was never a really big fan of research through books, but the way the library makes it work is so much simpler. Though I still dislike books, I will have a better time finding them.

Paper Proposal

I apologize for the lateness of this proposal. I just couldn't find any topic that I was interested in. But I think I may have something now:

The topic I think I will be doing is Stem Cell Research, with something along the lines of it being beneficial, to a certain degree. I know that there is controversy on the ethical side of this type of research. I do know that this is one of those really big issues that a lot of people write about, so right now, I'm working on narrowing my topic down to something  that is more relatable to us.

I have not done any research on this topic further than what I know. But my stance is that stem cell research is beneficial for the furthering of medicine, and healing ailments. But the ethic side of stem cell research only goes so far. And there is a point when stem cell research is not ethic.

If anyone would like to input their thoughts, that would be greatly appreciated. I'm still having a hard time narrowing my topic down...

20 Things I May or May Not Enjoy

1. Politics
2. The media's effect on how people view attractiveness
3. The Space Program/Space
4. The Gospel of Jesus Christ :D
5. Today's Music
6. The effects of today's music
7. The falling standards of today's youth
8. The internet's effect on the public
9. Illegal Immigration
10. Science
11. Pirating
12. Oil Reserves in Alaska
13. Dating today
14. The effects of Social Media on communication
15. Effects of sleep deprivation (it's really late right now)
16. Dogs are better than Cats
17. Music in general.
18. Cooking
19. The effects of Video Games
20. Women

My Favorite Movies

It's really unfair to make just one favorite movie, so I agree with Natalie when she has a big list of great movies. Here's mine:

• All the Harry Potter movies
• All the Star Wars movies
• All the Lord of the Rings movies, more specifically Return of the King
• The Dark Knight
• Napoleon Dynamite
• Nacho Libre
• Hot Rod
• Inception
• Apollo 13
• The new Star Trek is definitely up there.
• Mmm... I'm sure there's more, but I'm having a hard time thinking of them

Changes to my Paper

1. There are some places throughout my paper where I get wordy, or I just remain unclear. I'm going to find those (after reading my paper out loud, and looking through my peers' comments) and obliterate the confusion.

2.Throughout my paragraphs, I'm missing a couple things regarding my audience. Such as why they care, or how it applies to them specifically. I'm going to add those where ever I'm missing them.

3. I need some page numbers and my last name with it. Not so important, but it's the correct format, and it makes my paper more aesthetically pleasing.

Love Letter

Keep in mind that I wasn't familiar with Charles Dickens' style, though I've read A Christmas Carol:

Dearest Cleopatra,

I reside presently in Rome, awaiting to see your face once more. This separation has made me rather weary, and the days go, nay, they drag by inch by inch, until I can at last board the boat to see you once more. I can only desire that you wish the same in regards to me.
I wait within Caesar's palace, where he tells me that a surprise will be mine if I wait but a little longer before I depart. I cannot tell him that I have no desire for his prize, all I look forward to is the time I can feel your embrace once more. Like three spirits of the past, present, and future urging me on to forego Caesar's request and return to you, I want nothing more to return to my love, Cleopatra, and away with this palace. Though the halls grand, and the wood laced with gold, all seems but dull in comparison to you, my dearest Cleopatra. I eagerly await the day which  I can return to thee.

Yours Truly,
Mark Anthony

P.S. Stay away from asps. Awful creatures those are.

Similies

1. Their love was as official as a couple making their relationship Facebook official. Ironically enough, this couple did the same thing later that day.

2. Their love was awkward and thick, permeating the surrounding air, much like a silent fart on a crowded elevator.

3. They loved each other like a zombie loves to give hugs. And I'm not referring to a brain-eating zombie, I'm referring to a zombie that actually loves to give hugs. So yes, they really loved each other.

4. Their relationship was like my relationship: Nonexistent.

5. I could only describe their love like a brick loves a tree stump, which is probably not much to say the least.

Enjoy!

My 3 Letters

Dear Judge Judy,
The reason I am writing this letter is to discuss the ticket which I was issued not too long ago. The purpose is to plead my case. This has been my 4th ticket, and license has been taken away. Although it is true that I was pulled over for speeding, there are some aspects of the situation that were not addressed while I was being issued the ticket. First off, I was passing through a school zone before the lights were on, so I was going the correct speed. However, the lights for the speed limit turned on after I was already half way through the school zone, which the officer did not take into account. Second, the officer who pulled me over told me himself that he was having a bad day, which is why we was issuing such a harsh ticket, and to make me lose my license. He said, and I quote, "My day has been horrible, and I want to issue an overly-harsh ticket. You're my victim." This was unfair to me.
I hope you can reconsider this ticket that I've been issued, and help return my license.
Sincerely,
Christian Rock


Dear Mom,
Hello! How are things going on at home? I've been doing good. So, you may want to sit down right about now before you read the rest of this letter. The reason I'm writing this is to tell you that I've been given a speeding ticket... A 400 dollar speeding ticket... And I may have also had my license taken away... But don't freak out, because I'm getting the whole situation sorted out. The ticket was issued to me unfairly, so I'm going to talk to a Judge to get the ticket over-turned, and get my license back. Everything should be okay.
On a side note, do you think you could loan me 400 dollars?
With much love,
Christian Rock


Dear Fellow Classmates,
I'm getting straight to my point. I need you all to rise in rebellion against this ticket issued to me unfairly! This ticket radiates the audacity of 15 elephants dancing a ballet. It's a 400 dollar ticket that was given to me after I was halfway through a school zone, which the lights didn't even turn on until I was halfway through. Not only that, but the Officer that issued the ticket was having a bad day, which made him issue a much worse ticket. And to make matters worse, this is my 4th ticket, meaning my license is being revoked! This needs to be fixed! We need to get a petition starting, in order to show the Judge and Officer how wrong this ticket is in the first place. Rise up, and join me!
Your wronged friend,
Christian Rock

Found Poem

Here's a great found poem. I hope you enjoy it (title isn't part of the found text):

Thoughts on Ionic Substances
a Found Poem, by Christian Rock

If the salt contains
a cation that reacts
         With water
to produce hydronium ions
and an anion that does not react
          With water,
We expect the pH to be
          acidic.
Such is the case
When the cation is a
         conjugate acid
of a weak base
or a small cation
with a charge of
         2+ or greater.
Examples:
    NH4NO3,
       AlCl3,
           Fe(NO3)3


Kudos to anyone who can tell me what this is.

Rhetorical Analysis

Before I start, don't you hate that awkward moment when you find mistakes in your Op. Ed., after you turned it in?

Now to the real deal. For my Rhetorical Analysis post, I decided to write on the essay, "Is Google Making Us Stupid?" (which it seems many of us are choosing). It interested me the most, because it seemed to present a quite compelling argument...

Question 1:
In the case of this essay, the author is trying to persuade the audience that the internet is changing the way we all think. In his essay, Nicholas is showing that because of the internet's style of information flow, we are all beginning to think more sporadically, limited to ever shorter bursts of attention within single topics. Of course, there's more to the essay, but that's the gist of the intent.

Question 2:
This essay to me appears to be flowing with pathos. The whole essay is riding on emotion, using many examples to convey it. Imagery is a big one, by providing examples of how the mind changes with changing technology. More importantly for pathos, it uses all of us as an example. It shows us just how we're changing through different forms of media. And it works really well, since I began to notice it myself. Along with pathos is great logos. Not only do the multiple examples within the essay convey great emotional vibes, it also gives the essay more logical sense. With examples and stories, it's much easier to see the author's point through-out the whole essay. Quotes are also present within his essay, and that's a great way to display logos.

Question 3:
It's hard to judge an audience's reaction, since I haven't seen many people read this and tell me what they think. But judging by how many people chose this to be their article, I'd say it's a very interesting, attention-grabbing article. As far as I'm concerned, I think the article was very effective. It was able to convey a believable message that I had never thought of before. And it used great examples, along with imagery, pathos, and logos, to help convey the message. Not to mention the fact that while I was reading the article, I was literally beginning to notice the effects of the internet while simultaneously reading the essay. I found my attention jumping from place to place. It was a  bit creepy, to say the least...

Bonus Question:
I'd do the bonus question, but it's late, and I want to sleep. Sorry to disappoint.

Assigned to Edit, So I Must Edit

Let me just start off by saying how hard it is for me to find grammatical errors within my own papers. It's the weirdest thing: I only catch them while reading other people's papers, but I'm oblivious to my mistakes. It stinks. But I digress...

Error 1:
"I soon learned I was unable to sign up for any classes, the reason being that Freshman Mentoring requires you pick at least one bundle before signing up for any other classes."
I'm saying this is a run on sentence (hard to catch), as well as just a down-right confusing sentence. Here is my solution:
"I soon learned that I was unable to sign up for any classes, because Freshman Mentoring requires you to pick at least one bundle before signing up for other classes."

Error 2:
"Fixing this could be as simple as making bundles optional but recommended."
This appears to be a comma error, specifically because I did not set off the coordinating conjunction with a comma. Here is the revised sentence:
"Fixing this could be as simple as making bundles optional, but recommended."

Error 3:
"Along with requiring students to sign up for bundles comes problems with classes that some freshman don't want to sign up for intentionally, but end up up doing it anyway."
I believe this is an error similar to Error Two. It's missing a comma. And it also does not set off the introductory element with a comma Here is my revision:
"Along with requiring students to sign up for bundles, problems arise when some freshman enroll in classes that they don't want to register for, but end up registering anyway."

Error 4:
"The problem begins when these classes that would be best saved become freshman bundle."
This sentence isn't technically a grammatical error, since the word "that" makes the next phrase "would best be saved" an essential phrase. Problem is, it's a confusing sentence, so I counted it as an error regardless. Let's make the essential phrase non-essential, and then offset it with a comma:
"The problem begins when these classes, which are best saved for after a mission, become freshman bundles."

Error 5:
"This could be changed by not making the one visit to a Freshman mentor required,..."
The error here is capitalization; The word, "mentor" needs to be capitalized. This is really just because I have been throughout my entire paper, and not capitalizing it would be inconsistent. The error is obvious, so I feel the need to type the revision is a bit counter-intuitive, since we all have eyes.

Peer Mentoring:
I won't lie, when I heard that we would be reviewing each others papers, I became a bit worried. I was worried that I would be no help to everyone, I worried that my paper would be torn to shreds with how horrible it was, and I thought it was a lot of work (I'm lazy). After the whole experience, however, I found it to be quite enjoyable. The process has helped me edit my paper tremendously, for there are things that I would have never caught before. And I also felt pretty darn cool reviewing the other papers. It was like being an editor for a newspaper business, or a publisher. The only thing I didn't like was the work. It felt a little short-noticed, and it was quite a bit of reviewing. Overall, though, I enjoyed myself.

Good night everyone!

Ethos, Pathos, Logos

Fallacies of Ethos, Pathos, and Logos

One fallacy that is very prevalent in today's politics is the fallacy of ethos, known as Ad Hominem. This fallacy is used to describe a personal attack that has nothing to do with the argument on hand. I think one very obvious example of this fallacy is within Mitt Romney's campaign, specifically because he is a Mormon. Here is one example of an article that displays this fallacy: http://www.usatoday.com/news/politics/story/2011-12-28/romney-mormon-christian/52257162/1. The issue is about the difficulty of Romney winning votes in states that have a high percentage of Evangelicals. Now why is this an issue, exactly? Looking at the arguments and issues at hand, faith has very little, if anything at all, to deal with them. The fallacy comes in when the prejudice against Mormons, held by the Evangelicals, begins to affect voting. Though Mitt Romney's faith has nothing to do with the issues at hand, attacks on this aspect of Romney are still very prevalent.

Ethos, Pathos, and Logos from King Henry V

These examples were found from King Henry V's speech. First is Ethos. One example comes from these lines:

"If we are mark'd to die, we are enow

To do our country loss; and to live,

The fewer men, the greater share of honour.

God's will! I pray thee, wish not one man more."

The ethos is slightly difficult to see, but it is there, I assure you. To me, these lines display credibility. Ethos is used when recognizing the opposing viewpoint. Here, King Henry V is recognizing the opposing viewpoint by saying "if we die, then we die and lose this battle." He's not saying that they will win just yet, but he's recognizing that they could die. This makes him sound more credible to me.

I also believe this displays powerful Logos. Logos is logic, and logically, the less people who fought, the more honor each man will receive in turn,

The second Ethos comes from these lines:

"By Jove, I am not covetous for gold,

Nor care i who doth feed upon my cost;

It earns me not if men my garments wear;

Such outwear things dwell not in my desires."

Here, Henry is making himself more credible by telling his audience that he isn't battling for riches. He does not desire to make himself more wealthy. He's battling for different reasons.

The first Pathos comes from these lines:

"That he which hath no stomach to this fight,

Let him depart; his passport shall be made,

And crowns for convoy put into his purse."

This is powerful Pathos because he is letting his audience know that they need not fight if they cannot handle it. They will be allowed to leave if he so desires to. It's almost as if Henry is calling those who do leave not manly at all, and no man wants to be called a wimp, emotionally speaking.

The second Pathos is from here:

"But we in it shall be remembered-

We few, we happy few, we band of brothers;

For he to-day that sheds his bloom with me

Shall be my brother;"

This is great pathos because it is relating to the audience's emotional connection of brotherhood. Henry is stating that anyone who fights together today shall be so close to one another, that they shall all be linked together as brothers, even unto death. This displays a powerful connection of affection and brotherhood for all of Henry's comrades there with him.

The first Logos is stated above

The second Logos is found in these lines:

"Old men forget; yet all shall be forgot,

But he'll remember, with advantages,

What feats he did that day."

Logos is logic. And this is logic because it tells quite accurately of what men will do when they're older on St. Crispian's Day. They will be able to recall what they did for their country, and he will be proud of it.

And this concludes my blog...

Have a great day!

Blogging, eh? Then here's about me.

Excuse me if my blogs sound pretty lame to everyone. I always thought blogging was a little odd (no offense), but I never imagined myself doing it. Hopefully, I learn to like it.
Anyways, let's get down to the nitty gritty. My name is Christian Rock. I come from Grand Junction, Colorado, from a family of 6 boys. And yes, I have no sisters. I am also a triplet, so three of my family members count as one person. We like to tell people that as triplets, we can hear each others thoughts all the time, which may or may not be true... I myself am the "outcast" of my family. While my family walked the path of athleticism, I went to the opposite side of the spectrum, and took up music. I was never good at sports, or maybe I just didn't put enough effort, but I quit early on regardless. I don't regret it, I love music. And I'll always be about to carry it around with me, no matter how old I get. Plus, it doesn't hurt amongst the dating scene.
I guess I'm supposed to put a story now, but I have a pretty good one. Back when I was in seventh grade, my oldest brother, Crosby, had recently sharpen an arrow I received after earning my Arrow of Light years before. We went out to shoot it, and we were having a good time. Seeing as how we were young, immature kids, Crosby looked at me and said "Christian, we're gonna play deer hunter. Start running." I played along and started running away. One second later, I found myself doing a somersault, landed on my back, and wondered what just happened. After I sat up, I looked at my foot. Crosby had shot me on my left foot. The Jerk! Luckily, the arrow only bounced off the bone in my foot, and did not penetrate all the way through. Regardless, we were both worried about what our mom would think, so we kept it secret. We told each other that the incident would not be told to our mom for 5 years. Let me tell you, that is no easy feat. But we managed, until Crosby spilled the beans 2 years later. Looking back, I'd say it was a fun experience, and it also gave me one of my best memories of Crosby later that night.