Friday, February 29, 2008
Thursday, February 28, 2008
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.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
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.
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.
Monday, February 18, 2008
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.
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.
Friday, February 15, 2008
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.
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.
Sunday, February 10, 2008
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
Friday, February 8, 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.
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.
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
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.
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.
Friday, February 1, 2008
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