Portfolio

English 106 Portfolio via Power Point 2003

Annotated Bibliography

American Nuclear Society. "GNEP: Four industry teams receive funding for design studies." Nuclear News Novemeber 2007: 69-72.

This source contains information regarding finances that the DOE has awarded to GNEP for technology development.

I will use this source for a couple of reasons. First it explains the goal of GNEP and possible roles of future fuel recycling centers. Also, this article will help explain the future of fuel recycling.


—. "GNEP: NRC approves licensing preparation plans." Nuclear News August 2007: 42-44, 128.

This source contains an article with three important sections. First, it discusses the licensing process of Yucca Mountain. Next, the transport of low level waste, and third, a bill proposed by Nevada's Republican Senator which will aide in its construction. I will contrast this with Nevada's Democratic Senator who is the head of the Senate.

I will use the licensing section to display one of Yucca Mountain's many challenges, as well as its progress. Transporting low level waste (LLW) happens frequently, and its complications shed a small light on the issue of transporting spent fuel (HLW) to future repository sites. The last section will show some of the political challenges.


—. "Legislation: Bipartisan bill aids Yucca Mountain and new plant construction." Nuclear News October 2007: 70, 75-77.

This source contains key information on Yucca Mountain's financing.

I will use this source to show the importance of getting the maximum value out of the Yucca Mountain investment.


—. "Plutonium Disposition: DOE looks into possible vitrification plant at SRS." Nuclear News May 2007: 49-50,55-56.

This article explains the process of turning plutonium into glass. It also discusses the possibility of a plant at the Savannah river site.

Plutonium disposal is the most important issue regarding reprocessing nuclear waste. Vitrification is a process to solve this issue. I will use this article to discuss the finances and techniques involved in the process.


—. "Watts Bar: TVA board votes to finish Unit 2." Nuclear News September 2007: 11-15, 19-20.

This article explains the most probable new nuclear power plant in this country.

Though this plant began construction in the 80's, it was never finished and will most probably be the first new nuclear plant in operation in the US today. I will also discuss Brown's Ferry coming online this year, and the importance of solving the waste management issue.


—. "Yucca Mountain: DOE reports summarize public comments about repository." Nuclear News July 2007: 52-54, 61.

This article gives an excellent description of the political view.

I will use this source to explain the public opinion of the repository in Nevada. Public and political support and uniquely tied, and their cohesiveness of opinion is essential for eliminating repository road blocks.


—. "Yucca Mountain: DOE touts assessment." Nuclear News February 2008: 48-50.

This article touches more on Yucca Mountain finances.

Money is the root of every problem and solution faced by today's energy industry. I will use this article to show the magnitude of DOE's investment in Yucca Mountain and again, the importance of maximizing the stakeholder's return.


Fentiman, Audeen, PhD. Interview. Robert Jackson. 8 April 2008.

I had the pleasure of interviewing Professor Fentiman, and this is the most important source on this page. She assisted me in finding many of my sources, as well as shedding a key professional opinion on many of my questions and opinions.

I will use this interview to touch on many subjects in the introduction and subsequent conclusion. Some points I will make do not require sprawling detail included by citations of some of the other sources. The interview citations will serve as a broad overview to many of the additional points I will make. Also, for a visual display I will take a picture of Prof. Fentiman. She deserves all the credit she will let me give her.


Clayton, Mark. "Terror Risks of Nuclear Fuel." 16 March 2006. Christian Science Monitor. 8 April 2008 .

An interesting choice of sources, but Mr. Clayton describes the UREX and PUREX processes perfectly. Also, many risks are explained which will lead to my rebuttals.

UREX is the new technology that will revolutionize nuclear fuel reprocessing. PUREX is the current method. As a skeptic, Clayton shows me exactly what I need to rebut. The point of this source is for me to "know my enemy".


Global Nuclear Energy Partnership. US Department of Energy. 2008. 8 April 2008 .

GNEP is the world alliance on nuclear reprocessing. This website gives more details on the subject to list.

I will show how the United States is not in this proposal alone. Like in war, we have allies and our ability to unite is essential for gaining public opinion here. Other countries have proven that they can reprocess effectively, though ironically, we developed the technology that they currently use. I found through my interview that the production of plutonium in PUREX is not an accident; it's just only inconvenient when you're not trying to make bombs.


Living on Earth. "Recycling Nuclear Waste." 10 March 2006. Living on Earth Public Radio. 8 April 2008 .

This source explains some of the Bush administrations future goals regarding reprocessing and UREX. Also, it is a radio interview containing much information on the technology.

I will use this source to explain the UREX process in its respective paragraph. Also, the Bush administration's goals and future hopes will be discussed in the conclusion.


Office of Civilian Radioactive Waste Management. US Department of Energy. 14 January 2008. 8 April 2008 .

This website contains an excellent illustration of the total fuel cycle. It also contains a paragraph to explain the graphics.

I will include the graphical display as a visual description in my media. The fuel cycle is drastically important to explain the overall process in the introduction for reader education. This will also show why this infrastructure is essential to the future operation of the nuclear industry.

Research Plan

My field of inquiry is nuclear engineering. I plan to argue that reprocessing spent nuclear fuel is a safe, proven method that could help increase the capacity of Yucca Mountain furthering its useful life.


I have identified three journals from which I’d like to draw my information: Nuclear News Periodical, Radwaste Solutions, and Nuclear Science and Engineering. Additionally, I will be interviewing Dr. Fentiman of the department of nuclear engineering here at Purdue.


Intro: In this section I will discuss the proposal to include background information. My focus will not be on Yucca Mountain but on the reduction of heat that occurs through reprocessing.
Source: Radwaste, Interview


Main point 1: European countries reprocess with successful results.
Support 1: Reduction in waste storage (NS&E)
Support 2: % of Nuclear power by each country (Nuclear News)
Support 3: Discuss the required guarding of weapons grade plutonium (wherever I can find information on that, it might be hard)


Main point 2: Urex technology does not produce weapons grade plutonium.
Support 1: Process, facts, testing (Radwaste)
Support 2: Financial Analysis of the process (Internet)


Main point 3: Yucca Mountain is an expensive investment that is costing everyone lots of money. Increasing its capacity is in the best interest of taxpayers and the energy industry.
Support 1: History (Internet)
Support 2: Case study, Prairie Island. (XCEL Energy website)
Support 3: Current planned capacity and the limitations placed on it (Radwaste, Interview)
Support 4: DOE Lawsuits and financial implications of having to build another repository (All sources).


Conclusion: I will restate the problem and the solutions provided by technology. I will discuss the current law preventing reprocessing fuel and a call to action to change it.

In-Class Essay 3

As a stakeholder in the nuclear energy industry, I have a vested interest in helping solve the problem of nuclear waste management. This is the single most important issue that my industry faces today, and I believe that reprocessing spent fuel is the most logical solution. For example, Prairie Island may be forced to discontinue operation if the state does not approve the addition of a new storage cask because the U.S. Department of Energy is still years away from hauling what is already present to Yucca Mountain. What I bring to the table is not revolutionary, but I believe the connection between these two pressing issues (Yucca Mountain and reprocessing) has not been discussed thoroughly. Sometimes if you can convince the public that solving one problem will help solve another, they are generally more interested.

My passion is in nuclear power operations. The words, “The reactor is critical,” followed by the deafening sound of steam marching down the propulsion plant echo in my head as I write this today. The amazing power of nuclear energy has to be harnessed to its maximum extent to free this country of our self-induced dependence on the oil industry. Each time I bring a reactor critical I am single-handedly adding to a problem which currently does not have a solution. For me, there could be no more subjects more important to my future, and there is no better fit for a research proposal essay.

Yucca Mountain depository is a money sponge that has created many problems for the DOE, so much that most of the energy companies in the U.S. have sued their own government for breach of contract. With each passing deadline, the DOE must pay for their broken promises. The problem is that our energy companies have already paid for a product they have not received – Yucca Mountain. The alarming part of this issue is that under our current regulations the empty depository is already full. The heat from the unprocessed nuclear fuel is predicted to be great enough to fill Yucca Mountain to its capacity as soon as the transfer is complete. My proposed connection to these problems, reprocess so Yucca Mountain can serve us for many decades to come, solves two problems at once and may be the leverage Washington needs to reverse the 30 year old law banning this process. Most importantly, I am passionate about this idea, and I believe the product I produce will not only be an excellent paper, but will maybe even help my industry.

Common Sense

The proposal rejecting the English monarch in Common Sense is one of the most motivating historical documents ever written. The call for action and explanations listed in it helped educate and unite the American people. Thomas Paine touched on issues relevant to that time such as comparing and justifying his case in a biblical context. Despite the old English voice, Common Sense illustrates the importance of proposal rhetoric and sets the standard for future comparison.

It is interesting to note that Paine is an advocate for government, but not in monarchy form. He states that it is essential for man's security. This piece is written so well that I wish we still spoke in a similar fashion. To illustrate both points, "Wherefore, security being the true design and end of government, it unanswerably follows that whatever form thereof appears most likely to ensure it to us, with the least expense and greatest benefit, is preferable to all others" (Paine). Security is the design and the people desire this result at the least cost. This still holds true today in our government because the American public demands every liberty given by the smallest amount of political intervention. Our security is the cornerstone of these wants and needs.

In big bold letters, Paine states that the ELECTED should never separate themselves from the wishes of the ELECTOR. Have we forgotten this issue today? That answer can be saved for a future essay, but his point is that leaving this responsibility to a single person, a monarch, is a travesty. One person, one human person can very easily be subject to their own selfish wishes easily losing sight of those of the ELECTOR (especially if he or she was never elected). Divine right may be an absurd notion today, but people in that day really believed that the monarch’s rule was God’s will. Paine attacks this belief on the same religious context, rebutting it.

It is my belief that the people of colonial days respected the value of religion much more than the general public today. The resulting feelings on the subject are irrelevant, but Paine understood this and attacked the reader where he or she would be most attentive. Religious issues in those days usually resulted in someone dying, not just in political groaning. “In the early ages of the world, according to the scripture chronology there were no kings; the consequence of which was, there were no wars; it is the pride of kings which throws mankind into confusion” (Paine). This statement rung through my ears because I did not know that monarchy is a new practice. Also, kings were considered divine but only divinity is without pride. Paine uses religious evidence to persuade the reader to consider a new way of thinking, which is an extremely difficult accomplishment.

In his final two paragraphs, Paine uses relevant and current information to motivate the reader. He brings the issue to their front door forcing them to generate a feeling and a connection on the subject. For example, he states that he has not met a man that does not think that a separation will occur someday; American colonies have governed themselves for years without British rule. In a last example, though there are many more, Paine states that British intervention is motivated by money and not by good intentions, and unfortunately, I don’t know if our democracy has totally cleared up this issue. In his call to action he makes the reader care, most specifically by bringing these issues to their front door step. Common Sense is an excellent proposal and its format is still relevant today.

Common Sense by Thomas Paine

Tech Friday

Frank Fortunato

YouTube Homepage

Purdue vs. Loyola (Ice hockey is sport's gift to the world)






Man Battlestations!

Spring Break

Spring break began with a very long, but relaxing drive to Florida. Well, everything after the blizzard in southern Indiana was relaxing at least. I took my dog because I'm not to sure if I can go a week without her. I'm totally screwed when I go to sea; she and I are absolutely best friends. She has lots of spunk but minds most of the time. My wife and I looked like ghosts compared to my parents. This sunshine striken state has not been kind to the skin color over the winter. I spent 5 days fishing, swimming, eating and drinking - sometimes all at the same time. Florida was fun, the fish were delicious and I can't wait to go back. How long until the semester ends?

Picture of the dog and I

Picture of dinner

Essay 3: Making the Boss Some Money

Who is the one person that you may absolutely hate, but still have to smile at everyday? The relationship between a person and his or her supervisor can be volatile in private, yet appear perfectly normal in public. The workforce spends a great deal of energy trying to impress their boss on a daily basis. The web article, 4 Things You Should Never Say to the CEO, by Bill Lane and published on “Yahoo! News” displays why it is lonely on the top to include some of the pitfalls of GE CEO Jack Welch (Lane). Although the article pinpoints the importance of respecting the relationship between yourself and the boss, it promotes a relationship that is not conducive to fostering a positive, profitable business environment.

“I’ll have to get back to you on that” (Lane). This very common statement is uttered in the workforce everyday when the recipient of a question does not know the correct answer. Information is readily available, so as long as the person finds the correct answer and delivers it in a timely manner, there should be no problem. The fact that this statement is the opening paragraph of the web article in question is a serious problem. The notion that a CEO would rather have uncertain or incorrect information immediately, rather than concrete information at a later time is completely unfounded. “In other words, you don't know and didn't do your homework. Welch fired one vice president who gave that answer several times during a presentation” (Lane). We must be careful not to create an environment such that our subordinates fear us; the difference between fear and respect is divided by a fine line, but the two need not be confused.

Imagine your best employee, Bobby Doe, giving another perfect presentation, and at the end of the presentation he opens the floor for questions. The COO asks Bobby a technical question requiring thought and a little research. Bobby remembers his former boss who was fired for not knowing a similar answer. Placing oneself in Bobby’s shoes, one might consider making something up or lying in fear of reprisal. This may seem like an insignificant fact, but if the CEO’s decision making process was in jeopardy, the company may decide to pursue something unprofitable. It is absolutely imperative that information be accurate for a company to maximize revenues, because the stock-holder’s payday is what keeps the CEO off the unemployment list.

Strangely enough, “Yahoo! HotJobs” published another article titled Earn a Promotion in a Year by Margaret Steen containing successful methods to earn more money; it tells you how to get your bosses job (Steen). “Start doing the job,” and “Help your boss succeed,” are the keys to earning a higher paycheck (Steen). Both of these statements directly contradict the idea of firing someone for telling you that they’ll have to get back to you on some uncertain information. Start doing the job is just another way of saying take on some of your boss’s responsibility. As his workload lightens he will notice that your performance is the cause, and you should be paid more because of this. Not seeing the connection? Well, if you are acting like your boss, doing the job of your boss, and your boss happens to be the CEO, then it is inconceivable that you, as the CEO would create an environment that questions the integrity of your workforce. Why should he be any different? Also, telling the CEO that you require additional information is helping him succeed, and helping your boss succeed will pay everyone more money. An employee’s integrity and ability to deliver timely, accurate information is the key component to maximizing profits – the ultimate goal of every corporation.

Moreover, punishing someone for not being prepared for a question is absurd. When in this position, it is important to swiftly write down the question, apologize, and tactfully request a means to return the answer as soon as possible. If this sequence is professionally executed, no CEO should question the ability of that employee to do their job; accurate information is far more important to the company’s well-being. Managers must require the respect of their employees and also need to know the difference between demanding respect and fostering an environment where reprisal is feared. People can make poor decisions when they feel that their well-being is in jeopardy, and in the business world a liar is far worse than an idiot.

Works Cited

Lane, Bill. "Yahoo! News." U.S. News & World Report. 4 Things You Should Never Say to the CEO. 2008. 02 Mar 2008. .
Steen, Margaret. "Yahoo! HotJobs." Earn a Promotion in a Year. 2008. 02 Mar 2008. .


An experiment for next essay....why did I refer to the CEO as a man all the time?

Cable Proposal

To remedy the problem of dragging anchor chains, we propose the following: Add a chapter to the Navigation Rules International-Inland book. The chapter will include how to pay out an anchor chain safely to less than 10 degrees. At greater than 10 degrees the anchor is reduced to %60 of its maximum holding power. The ship will also be instructed to triangulate its bearing every hour. A change in bearing, even a slight change, can indicate a dragging anchor.

We feel this to be the most cost-effective method to remedy this problem. Adding a chapter to a book is inexpensive. The burden will fall on the U.S. government as it is the governing body for international maritime law. Commercial companies will carry the cost of ensuring their cables do not lie in frequent shipping channels which will prevent cable damage on initial anchor impact. Failure to follow what is known as the navigation "rules of the road" can result in loss of a captain's license, thus removing unsafe mariners from the sea.

Why anchors drag
Checking for a dragging anchor
Navigation Rules

Group: Robert Jackson and Dawn Tatum

Media Project 4

Sprint Commercial

Comic version of Anda's Game

The comic version of Anda's game is a better display of the gaming society than the written version. It is shorter, but I think the pictures help show a chubby girl with many problems. I could follow it better. The point of Anda's game is to show a society that many of us, myself included, did not know existed. Many people, like Anda, find friendship in this alternate world. Some of the graphics were a bit "Batman like" which made me laugh. The "pows" and "swooshes" were funny. Although it was shorter, I the pictures helped me read it from front to back with surprising interest. I think everyone can relate to someone with gaming issues. My brother lives most of his life in that world and has probably met Anda from time to time. In conclusion, I found the comic version easier to follow as the pictures helped mediate the strange language. The gaming world is still a mystery to me, but both versions shed insight on the distinctive qualities of this alternate society. From gold farming to mercenaries, gamers have their fair share of problems. Outside the realm, gamers face health and motivation problems, though this may be a stereotype. Both versions of Anda’s game display these issues clearly.

Essay Challenge 2-20-08

The movie "Break Up" starring Vince Vaughn portrays the damaging effects of virtual communication. An adult man spends hours of his day swearing at a ten-year-old as he "owns" him in Madden Football. Lack of compassion, intimacy, and fear of reprisal lead people to acting out of character in virtual worlds.

A complete stranger is an ear phone away receiving an ear full. The touchdown dance and the antics following are clear through the audio feed. Even if the person on the other end is a friend, the lack of visual communication causes most people to act differently. This lack of intimacy can be compounded by a lack of compassion if the person is a stranger. Although playing a human seems harmless, the inability to retaliate leads to a feeling of power and invincibility. These psychological tendencies present in verbal communication media often result in serious problems.

What some perceive as a game can be interpreted as very realistic to others. In the virtual world, when people act out of character, their interactions are damaging to general interpersonal relations. Virtual interactions contain a very real human component, and these situations should be taken quite seriously.

Anda's Game

Anda's game is a dynamic account of a woman gamer. The use of slang and voice are astounding. I felt as though I had to focus every channel of my attention just to comprehend the passage. Oddly enough, I got better at reading it as time passed. I almost learned the "language". Anda is trying to enter a clan of gamers. I found it interesting that though they stated that women gamers are better than men, all of the women played men characters.

Anda games from four to six hours a day. She idolizes a gamer known as the "Lizanator". The Lizanator believes that she makes better gamers than boys because they are faster, smarter and they play harder. It appears to me that gamers are a very proud and unique group. The language in Anda's game is strikingly different, but it shows that gamers do in fact speak a language that most of us will not understand.

Finally, I think Anda's game shows how people live vicariously through their characters. In real life, the Lizanator is horizontally challenged, but in the gamespace she is a bad guy killing bad ass. She is sexy and wields a big sword. Perhaps gamers feed of the strength of their characters.

This passage is strange, but it opens a door to the gaming community. It shows differences in language and reasons why many people are addicted to gaming. Anda is a girl who seeks the approval of her peers, just as we all do. Gamers are a strange breed whom may warrant more investigation from yours truly.

Media Project Peer Review

Group who went first: It took me a little while to figure out the relationship to the class, but now that I know you were being sarcastic, I really like it. Excellent reflection of logos. Good incorporation of humor and stereotyping.

Group who went second: Wow, excellent media. At first I didn't like the shaking, but it really fit. Nice shot of the Ugg boots. I hate them. Good portrayal of the university, but again I find the direct application to something we have done in the class vague. I assume it is your face to the world, maybe?

Group who went third: Nothing to critique.

Favorite Essay (What got me here)

During my three years in the Navy, I have learned the secret to a happy and successful life: demanding work provides self worth and gratification. Though at times difficult, I cannot think of another job more rewarding than operating and maintaining a Naval Nuclear Propulsion Plant. As a prototype instructor, a watch stander, and a mentor to staff and students alike, I have realized the impact of effective leadership. The decisions I make drive the outlook of those appointed under and over me. This is my motivation for applying to this program. As the Navy increases my level of responsibility, I increase my level of effort. I can make a difference.

The greatest responsibility I ever foresee undertaking is to command a United States Naval Submarine. I would take this opportunity, and every step leading to it, with the courage and commitment required to obtain it. I uphold diligence in the simple things in life in order to excel in those more complex. Consistency and passion for my work are what define me as a nuclear operator. I offer an infinite desire for personal growth, a thrill for learning, and persistent dedication to the Navy and to those who would select me for this great honor.

Revision Analysis

Jen Heldt appreciates the value of peer revision. Her blog, “Revisions” is directed entirely at peer review. I agree that peer editing is an excellent way to hear someone else’s voice speaking your words. That voice may not match your intent, so she states that peer review is an option, not a requirement. However, I will note that peer review is limited in its effectiveness outside a classroom setting. She should consider the method of personal review, as well as its benefits. I would add that sometimes time is the best tool for reviewing rhetoric, regardless of whether it is self or peer review.

Her blogspot link is as follows:

Jen Heldt Comp 106

Essay 2 - Life Without Your iPod: Why Blogging Matters

What if you tried to charge your iPod and nothing happened? Consider the causes of this most dreadful situation. Shit, I forgot to pay my electric bill. Wait, what if it was worse? I don’t have any money to pay my electric bill. The energy market is intriguing to a college student because every one of us will be affected by the industry’s decisions. Everything, I mean everything uses energy, be it electrical or chemical. The unfortunate employer hiring you out of college will want you to know the facts. The Nuclear Energy Institute delivers a random barrage of information on their Nuclear Notes blog. This may not be the best place to learn about the energy industry, but it’s better than what you have now, which is probably nothing. They get an “A” for factual information, but the appearance sucks. Also, it seems that they can’t stay on topic to save their life. I can’t decide whether they want to talk about finance, politics, or what they had for lunch. A better blog website would contain clear, consistent and graphically interesting information because its usefulness to a college student depends on it.

The Nuclear Energy Institute is led by an accomplished fellow. Skip Bowman, admiral, gentleman, freaking really smart dude calls the shots. His list of accomplishments and educational achievements is longer than the two story beer bong hanging from your balcony. Who is NEI? Well, they’re based out of Chi-town, though I don’t think Kanye West is on the payroll. Their mission: “The Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI) is the policy organization of the nuclear energy and technologies industry and participates in both the national and global policy-making process” (About NEI). So, what the hell does that mean? It means that they are the Godfather of nuclear anything. They run the show. The people you elect to make a mockery of their Washington office listen when NEI flexes its big brain. In 1994 NEI was founded as a result of many nuclear industry organizations merging (About NEI). If you’re a Boilermaker engineer, chances are your job will require energy, and the policies set forth by NEI will affect its price and ultimately your paycheck. Though far from perfect, (actually it needs a lot of work) a decent place to double-down on the path to energy evangelism is the NEI Nuclear Notes blog.

NEI Nuclear Notes contains a riveting list containing the top ten environmentalists need-to-knows, and I have no idea what a single one of them are because I didn’t read it. It is accessible via hyperlink only. This notion would be fine if every other blog post was of the same format, but the majority is in-line text. I, like you, am a person of consistency, and I didn’t feel like changing pages because I wasn’t used to doing it up until now. A great blog website contains the same communicative format throughout the entire blog. The color of the site is mediocre at best, but it didn’t give me a headache, so I guess it passes. Pie charts and graphs amuse my meager intellect and attention span, so more of those would have been sweet. All-in-all I give the blog a C. It was average because I learned the ever so important facts but found myself bored and retreated to YouTube at least twice.

So, the world has turned to blogging. I agree, it’s easier, faster, and all-around better, but what makes a good blog website? Consistency, clarity, and graphically stimulating information tops the list. People seek stimulation in absolutely every aspect of their day. Attention resources are limited and attaining them for more than a millisecond requires careful thought and planning. A blog website should flow from one point to another retaining the same format throughout. Blogging is very easy; we are all in agreement, but keep in mind that finding a new blog site is just as effort free. Keeping the reader on track with graphically interesting information can win a few attention points. Think about it - do you want to stare at something that rambles like your drunken stepdad or is uglier than his red-headed son?

Of course, the answer is not on your life. Nuclear Energy Institute’s, Nuclear Notes blog contains lots of facts. Did you know that electricity prices increased due to a rash of cold weather from around eight to ten dollars per mega-watt hour last month? Or how about that crude oil prices fell $3.40 last week to $94.76 per barrel (Bradish)? Do you care? Probably not about this particular subject, but notice something. Are we arguing for crude oil or nuclear power? Clarity matters. I think the NEI Nuclear Notes should stay on topic a bit more and be clear about its argument.


Okay, so if NEI Nuclear Notes gets a C, what is 4.0 material? A great blog is clear with their message. The reader should know what the argument is for and whom it is against. Also, there should be consistency throughout the site, especially with the medium of communication. The blog should contain all links or all in-line text. The user thrives on repetition and no one likes doing something different. Finally, graphics should be sharp, plentiful and visually stimulating. We all have something better to occupy our attention. If NEI Nuclear Notes would have followed these rules, maybe your iPod would be charged, and the distraction of Maroon Five would have helped you finish reading this essay.

Works Cited

Bradish, David. "NEI's Energy Markets Report - January 21-January 25, 2008 " Weblog entry. Blogger. 07 Feb 2008. Google, Inc. 2008.


"Nuclear Energy Institute." About NEI. 2007. 9 Feb 2008. .

In-Class Essay 2

I write to peers, professionals, and supervision every day. I have dual purpose to this topic. On first hand, I write as a student. I learn about writing skills and apply them in essays such as this. Also, I communicate with my military chain of command almost entirely by email. The formality of the two is similar, though the content is vastly different. My work and that of professional American writers differs in voice, style and content, as well as the forum to which it is published. The barriers between my work and that of professional public discourse are decreasing number, and changing technology, furthering my education, and obtaining experience will lead to my first article published in the “Nuclear News” magazine.

I write today to fulfill an assignment or to communicate information. Tomorrow, I may write to educate. In my field, that is the goal of professional public discourse. My current education and experience level limits me from access to the public forum. As I study, innovative ideas regarding the nuclear industry come to mind. My studies are designed such that at a basic level I will understand the majority of the nuclear field. As I progress, I will begin to formulate ideas of my own and test them through research and experience. With each degree conferred, my credibility increases, thus that barrier fades.

Another way to seek credibility is through peer review. Practice, critique and acknowledgement are essential to emulating professional work. There are blog sites online where amateur bloggers may post information. Today’s technology allows for instant exchange and critique of information. The user is limited by how fast he or she can type and read. Blogging is an excellent way to utilize technology and to exercise one’s public voice.

Finally, practical experience is the most essential way to obtain professional writing credibility. One’s experience and field application adds the ability to test hypotheses. Education lays the foundation, but real world application of knowledge leads to the ability to communicate information to others. In a technical field, it is essential to find out what does not work. Most good ideas are derived from a necessity to improve an inefficient process.

As I establish my education, experience and credibility, continuous amateur blogging and peer review will show my progression. Ultimately, I want to be the expert on a certain reactor plant design, be it naval or commercial, and discuss its advantages and disadvantages in the “Nuclear News” magazine. Technology enables instant blogging and online versions of various public works. Practical experience and peer review will one day lead to me establishing myself as a professional writer.

Revision

In the past, I have revised many essays. Most of the revisions consisted of simple gramatic errors, though sentence structure and symmetry is considered. Since high school, every essay I have had to write was length intensive. Writing a short essay is difficult when you have a lot to say.

Revision should start with re-reading and asking yourself, how can I make this sound better?

If it doesn't sound good to you, it won't to the reader. Sometimes it helps to have someone else read over what you wrote. Their voice is different than yours.

Revise until you are satisfied, not until it is perfect. It's never perfect.

Media Assignment 3

Media Assignment 3

Articles

Logos Example

Ethos Example

Pathos Example

Resume

Robert R. Jackson
3228 Runyon Dr.
Lafayette, IN 47909
Home/Office (765) 838-0433
Cell (843) 367-3731
Robjackson03@yahoo.com

Significant Achievements:

Designated as a Master Training Specialist (MTS) by the U.S. Navy
Selected in the FY07 Seaman To Admiral (STA) – 21 Program
Member of the American Nuclear Society (ANS)

Education and Licenses:

Bachelor of Science, Human Resources Management, Milano, The New School for Management and Urban Policy
Certificate, Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program, NPS-Enlisted, NFAS-Machinist’s Mate

Nuclear Propulsion Plant Qualifications:

Engine room supervisor, radiological maintenance technician, engineering safeguards mechanical operator, quality assurance inspector, control point access watch, shutdown roving watch, quality assurance worker, asbestos worker, and general mechanical operator.

Experience: United States Navy

Present-2007 Purdue NROTC, Student Under-Instruction

After six months, nominated as Leading Petty Officer in charge of a division of 16 naval officer-candidates ensuring their personal development and evaluation.

2004-2007 Enlisted Mechanical Operator, Staff Instructor, Moored Training Ship (MTS) 635

Responsible for training Officer and enlisted students in the theory, operation, and maintenance of a nuclear propulsion plant. Completed a pier-side extended maintenance availability under solid plant conditions and five maintenance shutdowns. Achieved the rank of E6 in three and a half years from date of enlistment.

2003-2004 Naval Nuclear Propulsion Enlisted Pipeline, Student-Under Instruction

Enlisted in the Navy May 29, 2003. Graduated from Nuclear Field Machinist’s Mate “A” School, Nuclear Power School, and Nuclear Power Training Unit - Charleston, SC all with honors.

Strengths:

Extensive pressurized water reactor plant operations, maintenance and quality assurance experience. Self-motivated, organized and detail-oriented with good managerial communication skills. Strong problem solving ability with broad-based technical and regulatory background.

Media Assignment 2

Media Assignment 2

Media Assignment 1

The sound is missing due to it running from a CD.

Media Project 1

Essay 1: An Outsider's View of My Face

Revision II – Essay 1

I thumb through my record, searching for an evaluation - FY06 E5 regular “eval”. Or was it FY07 E6 frocked? The sheets are readily apparent, so I grab both. As these thoughts and acronyms roll through my head, it dawns on me. I am speaking another language, and surprisingly, my way of life is conditioned such that I do not notice any abnormality. An interesting notion is to remove this conditioning and to analyze the details of one’s service record. A service member’s record viewed from an outside perspective reveals misconception, misunderstanding, and ignorance which can lead to an unjustified stereotyping of the military way of life.

An entire section of awards can be found on the left side of a service record. They are mere copies, but the print is readable. One Navy Achievement Medal, a gold star in lieu of second award, a Good Conduct Medal, the point is clear. Perhaps one could misconceive this collection as bragging. It is obvious that if one performs adequately at work, he or she does not get a medal. The military way stemms from a tradition of proud people who emulate the most important management skill – publicly praise, privately punish. The original medals were pinned on me in front of my peers.

In contrast, not everything found in a service record is strikingly different. Many people receive periodic evaluations and most retain them to record and track their progress. Performance evaluations are a management tool used to identify trends in performance over a long period of time, and the format of these evaluations meets strict guidelines. One would note that despite a few comments each evaluation looks approximately the same. There must be a basis or regulation to follow such that any officer could open a record, find the required paper, and know exactly what it means. Corporate America may use thousands of different websites to produce performance evaluations. It is much more unforgiving to lack uniformity as long as, “the point gets across.” Surprisingly, even different departments under the same company may use different forms. An outsider may not understand the purpose of uniformity. The Navy spends many thousands extra hours establishing and refining their infrastructure such that its routine is uniformly efficient.

The LES, or Leave and Earning Statement, is one of the most foreign looking hydrographical texts a person may ever come across. An outsider would have absolutely no idea what the dozens of blocks with numbers mean, yet a military member can explain each piece until the puzzle is clear. Ignorance is justified because I spent a half-day at boot camp learning about this form. Again, efficiency is the key. A remarkably complicated form carries an enormous share of information on a single page of paper. Today this is less important as the document can be found online, but in the hard copy days the LES was a service member’s mail delivered monthly pay stub.

Moreover, these mysteries can lead to bias and stereotyping. Anyone who has muttered the term “niner” in a joking manner is guilty of this. Uniformity in language, whether it is written or spoken, is a cornerstone of military communication. Even as our body language and dress is ultimately uniform; our spoken and written language is hard to decipher. Unfortunately, it is common to fear what is not understood, and subsequently, the general inability to recognize the basis behind military processes divides civilian and defense cultures.

This analysis is a reminder that significant differences exist between the U.S. military and the civilians it serves. Many times I come home to my wife, fresh with the language of the workday, and find myself having to translate its initial meaning. Though stereotypes exist, their negativity is limited. Today, people may not understand the numbers on an LES or why my record contains an ominous collection of papers. They do, however, appreciate our ability to serve. That fact is the only misunderstanding we cannot afford.

Athena Davros's Face to the World

A person’s style of music is selective and unique. While keeping in mind emotions and attitude, analyzing the music preferences of another can give great insight into their personality. Athena Davros expresses her face to the world through her music. An analysis of her I-tunes selection, musical likes and dislikes, as well as where and when she listens to music will portray her face to the world from my perspective.

My partner's I-tunes list consisted of a very wide variety. Hip-hop, oldies, and pop were speckled across the selection, though I don’t think a genre was missing. I believe at first glance, the feeling I could identify was that of a well-rounded person. Athena was definitely in tune with her favorites, though her taste in music was not limited. This shows a face of imagination and a willingness to try different things. Also, the music list was well organized and meticulously maintained. It was apparent to me that this underestimated skill ventured beyond her computer and into her daily routine.

An interesting question, I thought to myself, would be to know what song she dislikes the most on her list, and why is it still there? The answer, “More Than a Woman”, displays the importance of matching music to mood, and to ultimately how others see you. Music carries a great deal of meaning and plays into our emotions even more. Even music that is less important has meaning. Athena listens to music for motivation, mood, and maybe even to find insight. This media can be a form of self-reflection. The world may not be able to view one's variety of music, but body language tells the story.

In addition, she synchronizes her daily routine with the beat of her favorite song. Music motivates and rejuvenates her at all times. Perhaps it is easier to examine when she is not listening to music rather than when she is. My partner’s face to the world, her music, encompasses her studies, transportation and meditation. Daily routine and musical interests are combined.

Music is tied to emotions and interests. After a short period, I was impressed by the diversity and depth in Athena's music selection. In further analysis, it was clear that the maintenance of her music indicated a well-rounded and organized person. As viewed from my perspective, passion and detail dominated Athena’s face to the world through this medium.

Works Cited

Davros, Athena. Personal interview. 16 Jan. 2008.

Submarine.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=wX-gLaQwKUA

Article subject, purpose, audience

Robert Jackson

Frank Fortunato

George Vauter

Andrew Hopkins

In class assignment, January 14, 2008

Article URL: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080114/ap_on_el_pr/democrats_race

Subject: Democratic party issues

Purpose: To update the differences of the democratic candidates point of views, to include a comment Hilary Clinton made regarding the impact of MLK.

Audience: General Public

In-Class Essay 1

The military service record is the life-blood of a service member. It contains all information, confidential and open, from the start to finish of a military career. Its creation, upkeep and quality are the single most important reasons why I sit here typing this essay today. My service record, and the choices I make regarding its content, defines the accomplishments and pitfalls surrounding my adult life.

I was motivated to enlist in the United States Navy because I wanted to do something radically different with my life. I found the Navy’s nuclear field and upon entering boot camp a service record was born that will follow me for many years. This medium differs from many in that I do not have control of some of the things that enter and leave it. Performance evaluations, awards, and orders are a few examples of such texts. However, I choose on a daily basis to perform at the highest possible level. I choose to exceed the expectations of my superiors and to be willing to accept additional tasks. Some qualifications that are listed in my service record display my occupational interests. The detail and up-to-date status of my record indicate that I care about my job and desire to succeed.

In addition, the social group I joined is one of the most studied, documented and sought after groups in this country. The U.S. military steals headlines from almost every newspaper every day. I joined the largest fraternity and sorority in the United States. The service record is one thing that every military member has in common, regardless of branch, age or sex. The newest sailor in boot camp to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff both has this record, though the latter is probably much thicker in bulk.

I view my membership to this fraternity much differently than the general public. The U.S. military and its members see themselves as employees of the federal government. Some are patriots, some need education, and some are just lost. All, however, go to work every day to do a job, much like everyone else. The service record tells the story of this job. Whether it is to fix planes, search for terrorists, or operate nuclear power plants, each member’s service record holds a priceless and unique tale.

Mine is a tale of training, dedication and success. I come to Purdue University with motivation that the average college student will not find for years. I have seen the importance of an education and the value of a great education. The choices I make here will not necessarily affect my service record today. However, in two short years I and my record will transform, and together we will start a new chapter. From enlisted man to commissioned officer, I will cherish my time as a college student through this process.