Saturday, March 7, 2009
Content Analysis #2
While reading newspaper articles and looking for more online information, I have concluded that USI and the Evansville's community is very directly effected by the national occurances. We are all encountering and dealing with the fact that the job loss rate is up to more than 50%, the highest it has ever been. Multiple people are being layed-off, not just business workers, but also the students of USI. Businesses are going out of business because the economy is just spiraling down. Mr. Obama says that he knows the economy will get better now that the stimulus package has been set into motion. Those occurances have also regretably made it possible for the stocks, automobile industry, and the housing markets to decline as well, all of which effect most the local community and the students of USI as well.
Content Analysis #1
As I was trying to understand and analyze just a broad aspect of USI, it's research and assessments on student's profiles, I came across some interesting information. For example, I had concluded that there are about 7,700 full-time students and roughly 2,300 are part-time. Of those full and part-time students, 60% are females, leaving 40% to be males. I would sought it out to be the other way around and that men were more popular rather than women.
However, I was not surprised to see that most of the population here at USI is under the age of 25, but to see that 23% are older than that? Wow... I never would have predicted those results.
What also included my interest was the fact that freshmen made up the majority, follwed by seniors, and sophomores and juniors tied for third. I would have assumed that freshmen would be the majority, as shown, but then it would have been followed by sophomores, then juniors, and finally seniors. My question is: Why does it skip around? I would have thought, as you got older, you would have been more susceptable to not continue, because it just keeps getting harder from then on. Those results startled me.
However, I was not surprised to see that most of the population here at USI is under the age of 25, but to see that 23% are older than that? Wow... I never would have predicted those results.
What also included my interest was the fact that freshmen made up the majority, follwed by seniors, and sophomores and juniors tied for third. I would have assumed that freshmen would be the majority, as shown, but then it would have been followed by sophomores, then juniors, and finally seniors. My question is: Why does it skip around? I would have thought, as you got older, you would have been more susceptable to not continue, because it just keeps getting harder from then on. Those results startled me.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Political Compass
As I was taking the politcal compass test, most of the time I found myself as either agreeing or disagreeing. But, as for some of the questions, they really hit home and I found myself advocating my own views by either strongly agreeing or strongly disagreeing. Overall though, I found that I am Economic Left/Right: -3.00 Social Libertarian/Authoritarian: 2.10. What that means exactly is that I found myself in the authoritarian left quadrant which is that I think the government should closely regulate the economy and individual behavior. There should be better planning of the economy, strict careful overseeing of corporations and markets, and restriction on immoral behaviors. I think those are what make a strong, stable, and productive society.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Bike Rally Opposing Gas Prices
When writing this essay, my main thesis was to not only notice the visible aspects of this situation (the gas prices are to high so we are going to start a bike rally against them), but rather to look into with more detail and information about what all people in general are looking out of our society (to be wanted and heard about our views).
Prior to this bike rally event being held, there were many fliers posted in hallways, on lockers, and on many doorways to notify others and to raise the awareness of rising gas prices in our community. It was just another normal school day when my friends and I were walking up the stairwell to our classes when we saw one of these attention-getting fliers. We stopped and read the flier and were really interested in the event, because we also shared the same idea that the writer of this flier was trying to get across: ALMOST 4 DOLLARS FOR GAS?! THAT'S CRAZY! But while reading the flier, we also noticed that it was on a school day, that also happened to be one of our soccer game days that we had to dress up for. Originally the plan was to ride our bikes from our houses to school, which was perfectly fine with me, because I just lived about 2 minutes away from the school. But when we found out that the concept of this rally was to meet at our Wal-Mart at 7 and ride our bikes to our school (which is about 4 miles, i think), we knew we wouldn't be able to. That would intail that we would have to get up earlier than needed (coach said we would need a lot of rest), and also, we had to dress up for school that day to let everyone know that we had a soccer game so they could come out and support us.
When the morning of the rally finally rolled around, I arrived at school, dressed up, looking nice, and ready for our game afterwards. I was really upset that didn't go to the rally, because I wanted to be one of those people who would get their voices heard about the high-rising gas prices in our community. But when I thought about it, I said to myself... "It would have been silly for me to drive my car (with my bike in the trunk) all the way to Wal-Mart, then ride my bike all the way to school, just to get the gas companies to notice that we don't need gas to travel." But if you think about it, how did they arrive at Wal-Mart? By driving their cars and using gas (just what the gas companies want). Also, how did they expect to get back to their cars? They were already worn out from riding from Wal-Mart to the school. All I am trying to say is that they should have put more thought into this plan.
I do not regret making those decisions and acting upon my thoughts, because all in all I was able to focus more in school and also to play well in the game. The other players who had gone to the rally, admitted to being tired because of the rally. Now that gas prices have gone down a lot and I am not on a sport team anymore, if this event to arise again, I would participate.
I understand now that all the people that participated, did it for a good reason. They just wanted to be heard about how they feel about the situation. I didn't understand then why some soccer players participated when they knew that we had a game that same day. The main point was to get the idea across that we could travel without using gas if we really commited to it. I felt the same way, but I just think that they should have put more thought into the rally so they wouldn't actually be using gas like they said they wouldn't.
I have changed in many ways, including age and maturity. I have let myself grow to try to be the best person I can be to myself and to those around me. I admit to not making smart decisions every once in a while, but I have learned from them and learning from them has made me realize that I can do better and am better for doing so. I am the type of person who DOES care what others think of me and in being so, that does effect how I live my life. I do see myself as a role model to others. I try to make the good grades and set good examples for others that surround me. There are hard times that come and go and I try to deal with them to the best of my ability without fault. Sometimes though, I do catch myself saying, doing, or acting, unlike the normal "me".
I have changed a lot coming out of high school and entering college. In highschool I remember telling myself that I would never drink alcohol. But when I entered college, near the end of the first semester, I started hanging around with my sister's friends that did drink and party. I felt the constant pressure to drink because not only was it the cool thing to do (I know, cliche, right?), but if I didn't drink, this guy named Terry would state that I am "weak" or that I would be so much more cooler if I was older. I didn't really know what he meant by that, but it stuck. But in hanging around with all of those friends of mine, I did meet a lot of other friends and a guy named Jake (we are not dating) who also doesn't like to drink. So whenever we all go over to the house and party, Jake and I just sit back and relax and just talk about whatever, whenever. Jake and I just like to sit back and talk whenever everybody else is getting drunk and joke with others the next morning saying "Oh you remember lastnight when so and so did this? Oh wait, you were drunk and throwing up in the bathroom. That's right, I forgot." We were just kidding and messing with all the drunks. I believe it might be more fun than being drunk in all actuality.
I have stayed the same in some ways. I have been the type of person to try to get the best grade he/she can. I am not okay with getting a 94%, although it is an A... I strive to get the best grade possible. I have stayed the same because I still enjoy playing sports (they're an all-time love) and being active in certain groups and clubs. I am still a huge family person and I believe that will never change. I just simply won't let that happen. I enjoy hanging out with all my friends, even the ones from back home. Even though I have changed in some ways, I still feel that I am the same me.
This even was important to me because I didn't want to have to keep on paying such an amazing amount of money just for gas. Gas is not a necessity. If we all needed, and I mean really needed, to get somewhere without a car or truck, we could do it. We would just need to put our minds to it and in the end it would actually help us with our health. If we were to just get rid of the whole "gas" concept, we wouldn't have cars, lawnmowers, and other stuff. Without gas we could ride bikes to places and reduce our risk of heart disease and such. Without actually "gas" we wouldn't worry about polluting the environment either. Anyway, to analyse this deep down, I think this event was just about letting our voices be heard. We want others to hear the way we feel about a particular matter. We just want to be heard.
This event is important to me now because it has opened my eyes to many more things. Again I say, it has helped me let my voice be heard. It has also helped me recognize all that I am passionate for. It has lead me to believe that if I put my mind to something, then I can do it. Just like the Thomas the Train (I know, cheezy). We just have to believe in ourselves and hope for the best. If not, then what else do we have to live for?
1) Are there any parts/paragraphs in this essay that seem misleading or confusing?
2) How do you feel when reading this essay? Does it lead to you have an agreement or disagreement about the topic? What parts indicate so?
3) Is there much detail or not enough? Is it repetitive or not?
4) Are there any parts of the essay that seem unnecessary? Does it seem like there is not enough information?
Prior to this bike rally event being held, there were many fliers posted in hallways, on lockers, and on many doorways to notify others and to raise the awareness of rising gas prices in our community. It was just another normal school day when my friends and I were walking up the stairwell to our classes when we saw one of these attention-getting fliers. We stopped and read the flier and were really interested in the event, because we also shared the same idea that the writer of this flier was trying to get across: ALMOST 4 DOLLARS FOR GAS?! THAT'S CRAZY! But while reading the flier, we also noticed that it was on a school day, that also happened to be one of our soccer game days that we had to dress up for. Originally the plan was to ride our bikes from our houses to school, which was perfectly fine with me, because I just lived about 2 minutes away from the school. But when we found out that the concept of this rally was to meet at our Wal-Mart at 7 and ride our bikes to our school (which is about 4 miles, i think), we knew we wouldn't be able to. That would intail that we would have to get up earlier than needed (coach said we would need a lot of rest), and also, we had to dress up for school that day to let everyone know that we had a soccer game so they could come out and support us.
When the morning of the rally finally rolled around, I arrived at school, dressed up, looking nice, and ready for our game afterwards. I was really upset that didn't go to the rally, because I wanted to be one of those people who would get their voices heard about the high-rising gas prices in our community. But when I thought about it, I said to myself... "It would have been silly for me to drive my car (with my bike in the trunk) all the way to Wal-Mart, then ride my bike all the way to school, just to get the gas companies to notice that we don't need gas to travel." But if you think about it, how did they arrive at Wal-Mart? By driving their cars and using gas (just what the gas companies want). Also, how did they expect to get back to their cars? They were already worn out from riding from Wal-Mart to the school. All I am trying to say is that they should have put more thought into this plan.
I do not regret making those decisions and acting upon my thoughts, because all in all I was able to focus more in school and also to play well in the game. The other players who had gone to the rally, admitted to being tired because of the rally. Now that gas prices have gone down a lot and I am not on a sport team anymore, if this event to arise again, I would participate.
I understand now that all the people that participated, did it for a good reason. They just wanted to be heard about how they feel about the situation. I didn't understand then why some soccer players participated when they knew that we had a game that same day. The main point was to get the idea across that we could travel without using gas if we really commited to it. I felt the same way, but I just think that they should have put more thought into the rally so they wouldn't actually be using gas like they said they wouldn't.
I have changed in many ways, including age and maturity. I have let myself grow to try to be the best person I can be to myself and to those around me. I admit to not making smart decisions every once in a while, but I have learned from them and learning from them has made me realize that I can do better and am better for doing so. I am the type of person who DOES care what others think of me and in being so, that does effect how I live my life. I do see myself as a role model to others. I try to make the good grades and set good examples for others that surround me. There are hard times that come and go and I try to deal with them to the best of my ability without fault. Sometimes though, I do catch myself saying, doing, or acting, unlike the normal "me".
I have changed a lot coming out of high school and entering college. In highschool I remember telling myself that I would never drink alcohol. But when I entered college, near the end of the first semester, I started hanging around with my sister's friends that did drink and party. I felt the constant pressure to drink because not only was it the cool thing to do (I know, cliche, right?), but if I didn't drink, this guy named Terry would state that I am "weak" or that I would be so much more cooler if I was older. I didn't really know what he meant by that, but it stuck. But in hanging around with all of those friends of mine, I did meet a lot of other friends and a guy named Jake (we are not dating) who also doesn't like to drink. So whenever we all go over to the house and party, Jake and I just sit back and relax and just talk about whatever, whenever. Jake and I just like to sit back and talk whenever everybody else is getting drunk and joke with others the next morning saying "Oh you remember lastnight when so and so did this? Oh wait, you were drunk and throwing up in the bathroom. That's right, I forgot." We were just kidding and messing with all the drunks. I believe it might be more fun than being drunk in all actuality.
I have stayed the same in some ways. I have been the type of person to try to get the best grade he/she can. I am not okay with getting a 94%, although it is an A... I strive to get the best grade possible. I have stayed the same because I still enjoy playing sports (they're an all-time love) and being active in certain groups and clubs. I am still a huge family person and I believe that will never change. I just simply won't let that happen. I enjoy hanging out with all my friends, even the ones from back home. Even though I have changed in some ways, I still feel that I am the same me.
This even was important to me because I didn't want to have to keep on paying such an amazing amount of money just for gas. Gas is not a necessity. If we all needed, and I mean really needed, to get somewhere without a car or truck, we could do it. We would just need to put our minds to it and in the end it would actually help us with our health. If we were to just get rid of the whole "gas" concept, we wouldn't have cars, lawnmowers, and other stuff. Without gas we could ride bikes to places and reduce our risk of heart disease and such. Without actually "gas" we wouldn't worry about polluting the environment either. Anyway, to analyse this deep down, I think this event was just about letting our voices be heard. We want others to hear the way we feel about a particular matter. We just want to be heard.
This event is important to me now because it has opened my eyes to many more things. Again I say, it has helped me let my voice be heard. It has also helped me recognize all that I am passionate for. It has lead me to believe that if I put my mind to something, then I can do it. Just like the Thomas the Train (I know, cheezy). We just have to believe in ourselves and hope for the best. If not, then what else do we have to live for?
1) Are there any parts/paragraphs in this essay that seem misleading or confusing?
2) How do you feel when reading this essay? Does it lead to you have an agreement or disagreement about the topic? What parts indicate so?
3) Is there much detail or not enough? Is it repetitive or not?
4) Are there any parts of the essay that seem unnecessary? Does it seem like there is not enough information?
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Where Has Dad Been?
The writer of this blog represents himself as being a loving and caring stay at home father with a wife and young daughter. The qualities and characteristics that I share with this writer are those of being loving, caring, easygoing, and being a laid back type of person. The writer and I are different in many ways such as he is a husband and has a young daughter and I am just a freshman in my spring semester of college.
Some elements that lead me to believe that the writer is being forthright and honest are those that indicate that he is just a normal man trying to live his life as a stay at home father and enjoying that life to the fullest. Most married men who have children don't normally stay home and watch the children. Most of those men say that those are the wife's chores because of the generalization that women can't do what men can do and that they should take care of household chores, cook the meals, and babysit the children. I did not find any elements that lead me to believe that the writer is not being forthright and honest.
The intended audience of this blog is his blog readers and perhaps other stay are home fathers or mothers. The blog creator assumes that his readers will know the everyday life of a stay at home father, but children or teens would not be a desired part of this audience because those groups very rarely relate to him in this particular situation. Readers visit this blog to be informed and confirmed in some ways. Those readers want to be updated on new progresses, but they also leave the blogger some tips that he could use later on in life. I am not a member of the intended audience. However, qualities that would draw me back to this blog site are those of being well-organized and easy to follow. Some qualities that would deter me from returning are those of not having any relation to the subject matter at hand. The layout of this site is above average as I have already stated that it is well-organized and that it also provides amazing photography.
The writer uses an informal language as if the writer and I were having our own one on one conversation. He is not afraid to tell his readers how he really feels or to let them into his personal life. For example, he mentions "playing Mario cart on a N64". The writer presents information in a conversational way. However, he doesn't include any evidence. He relies heavily on his own opinions and some opinion comments and feedback from other people that also write blogs. The readers of his blog influence the content because some would like to know more about his life, get to know him better and give him advice when he might need it. I react to the content in the same way, but viewing his blog is not a necessity nor do I need a play by play of his normal day routine. The blogs message is to let the readers know that he is celebrating Christmas and the New Year by enjoying his time off and relaxing with his family and friends. He is trying to explain to the reader that he wants to make as many memories as he can with his family.
The only problem that might arise with his blog is that most everything is based upon his opinion. He thinks that dad's should act and provide support in a certain way, such as spending a certain amount of time with the child or buying a specific brand name diaper because it holds just the right amount. Most his information is his opinion and it does not have any support.
Some elements that lead me to believe that the writer is being forthright and honest are those that indicate that he is just a normal man trying to live his life as a stay at home father and enjoying that life to the fullest. Most married men who have children don't normally stay home and watch the children. Most of those men say that those are the wife's chores because of the generalization that women can't do what men can do and that they should take care of household chores, cook the meals, and babysit the children. I did not find any elements that lead me to believe that the writer is not being forthright and honest.
The intended audience of this blog is his blog readers and perhaps other stay are home fathers or mothers. The blog creator assumes that his readers will know the everyday life of a stay at home father, but children or teens would not be a desired part of this audience because those groups very rarely relate to him in this particular situation. Readers visit this blog to be informed and confirmed in some ways. Those readers want to be updated on new progresses, but they also leave the blogger some tips that he could use later on in life. I am not a member of the intended audience. However, qualities that would draw me back to this blog site are those of being well-organized and easy to follow. Some qualities that would deter me from returning are those of not having any relation to the subject matter at hand. The layout of this site is above average as I have already stated that it is well-organized and that it also provides amazing photography.
The writer uses an informal language as if the writer and I were having our own one on one conversation. He is not afraid to tell his readers how he really feels or to let them into his personal life. For example, he mentions "playing Mario cart on a N64". The writer presents information in a conversational way. However, he doesn't include any evidence. He relies heavily on his own opinions and some opinion comments and feedback from other people that also write blogs. The readers of his blog influence the content because some would like to know more about his life, get to know him better and give him advice when he might need it. I react to the content in the same way, but viewing his blog is not a necessity nor do I need a play by play of his normal day routine. The blogs message is to let the readers know that he is celebrating Christmas and the New Year by enjoying his time off and relaxing with his family and friends. He is trying to explain to the reader that he wants to make as many memories as he can with his family.
The only problem that might arise with his blog is that most everything is based upon his opinion. He thinks that dad's should act and provide support in a certain way, such as spending a certain amount of time with the child or buying a specific brand name diaper because it holds just the right amount. Most his information is his opinion and it does not have any support.
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