Gearhead Lorena

Gearhead Lorena: Reverence for the President

2011-09-06T15:32:00.000-07:00

Gearhead Lorena: Reverence for the President

Reverence for the President

2011-09-06T15:30:00.002-07:00

Reverence and the President

I have heard some of the foulest rhetoric from the GOP and the Tea Party regarding the President of the United States. I am shocked at the disregard for our nation leader. Never in the history of America have we seen such disrespect for a sitting president.

Whom do these parties think they work for? I am appalled at blatant disregard that the GOP has demonstrated. The GOP and the Tea Party are a disgrace and deserve no media coverage. I say it is time America stands up for President Obama and look at the issues the Republican Party left him when Bush left office! The Bush Administration walked away knowing the housing crisis was about to erupt and more importantly, left Obama with a declining job market. The facts are clear from the US Dept. Of labor: Obama has increased jobs!

Bush took the economy straight into hell and Obama has proven that no obstacle is too difficult! Since taking office, he has increased jobs in the private sector and, despite the economy, has made improvements.

America needs to take a good, long look at what the GOP has done to this country, and decide if they want to become proactive and make change! President Obama is on a path to change, instilling a work ethic back into this country.

Want change? Get out and work for a party, do something besides complain!

Dump Trump!

2011-07-27T10:00:00.000-07:00

Trump Irresponsible

Donald Trump has once again made a mockery of US Politics with his ill-advised commentary to the Republican Party. His recent advice to allow the US Debt to default in hopes of derailing any Presidential opportunities for President Obama is reckless and presents a danger a to the American public if he is successful.

Donald Trump does not care about the Americans in this country or the impact of financial failure his recommendations would bring upon this country. He has nothing to lose; after all, he is rich. He stands to make money as well if our interest’s rates rise and the debt defaults. His motivations are clear; make money off the poor and let the Democratic Party take all the blame.

Having watched Trump and his Tea Party affiliation, I have seen nothing but immature grandiloquence since he gave a nod to the 2012 elections. Again, he was not serious and like many of the Tea Party candidates, he quit! Trump is an agitator with only two goals; make money and gain notoriety.

Look at the consequences of his behaviors! Big banks and financial institutions would fail. In addition, 52 million Americans on SSI/SSDI/SSA would not receive any entitlements. That equates to no subsidized housing, food stamps, monies to pay for food or shelter, and the impact would explode across American in the form of a major depression! Veterans would not receive any income, Medicare patients would be denied care, and ultimately become homeless. Local food banks would become nonexistent as well as church resources.

This country needs bi-partisanship and for our Congress to take responsibility to stop the default. The last thing this country needs is people like Trump who stand to lose nothing! Compromise does not mean starving the elderly or the poor! Furthermore, Congress needs to take fiscal responsibility as they have a vicarious responsibility to all Americans to balance the budget and not jeopardize our financial sustainability!

The news media needs to start focusing on real solutions and the people who can help! Remember, Trump is nothing more than an agitator looking for recognition!

Tea Party Tyranny

2011-02-22T12:46:00.000-08:00

Tea Party Tyranny

Since the take over of the House in Congress, the Tea Party has been plotting their “tyranny” of control over the Democratic Senate. Announcing a complete shutdown of the Federal Government if they do not get their way, Republicans have resorted to nothing more than tyranny! Fooled were the voters by the simple rhetorical phrases such as, “ I’ll Pay For My House, You Pay For Yours,” or “Limited Government Under GOD.” Exactly what does that mean? According to the Republicans, it means holding hostage the right to be disabled in this country, it means the wounded veterans will be evicted from their homes, it means that the basic, essential needs of mankind will not be respected or tolerated until they get their needs met. They will cut off every American citizen who receives a Federal stipend of any kind to prove their point, which is they are as dangerous as Moammar Gadhafi, who is arbitrarily killing at will. The difference will be if they shutdown the government, it will take weeks for the “trickle” down effect. Homelessness will raise exponentially, food banks will run out of supplies, people will lose their mortgages, kids will live on the streets, and millions will be without basic needs. Sound familiar? Sound like the terror going on in some Middle Eastern Countries? The Tea Party Tyranny is a senseless portrayal of power that must be stopped! Their plans have been in the works for months, methodically planning this pathetic show of force, and for what? America needs to wake up and take their plight to the steps of every Congressman in this country! The Tea Party is nothing more than a bunch of hoodlums that will send this country into the worse depression known to man. Log on to www.congress.org to find your representative and get involved!

Suzuki K15 Hillbilly

2011-01-16T15:35:00.000-08:00

I just recently received my wiring harness, a much needed part for my Suzuki K15 Hillbilly. I literally had to either replace or rebuild every part. With the exception of the handlebars, I think everything was broken, or worn. I have stripped the bike down to its very essence and am looking to begin the trek towards stripping the paint. I desperately need fork seals! I marvel at the simplicity of this machine, although it is the first two-stroke, oil-injected enduro, I believe the bike was built for trails. I run my hands along the cylinder walls and find virtually no scratches or pitting. The bike has been beat to hell and back, and the only thing that is in tact is the cylinder! I ordered a new piston and ring set, and will tank and paint the head. The carburetor has seen better days and I might have to go Italian for a replacement. As with my nephew’s k15 bike, I will have to fabricate the air box with an aftermarket filter set up. I have new rubber and brakes mounted already and will true the spokes as needed. The chrome is in bad shape in places but it adds to the character of the bike. I am tanking the parts, cleaning the crud out of every nook and cranny, to breathe life and restore this machine to its true terror! I love the fact it has a dual sprocket system, although I wonder how many people actually stopped to pop the chain. I have replaced most of the electrical, speedo, and anything that resembled a switch. With my flywheel puller, I shall explore the stator and points, with the expectations of cleaning the rust off after 40 something years. I look forward to the spring as I purchased rally red for the color. I plan to do a custom paint job with classic Suzuki lettering along the fenders. I hope to have the bike completed by late spring.

There are Clouds in my Coffee

2010-11-15T21:51:00.000-08:00

McCloud’s fears of digital application to comics seem real. I say, "comics are just another form of communication and art, waiting to adapt.” As with the last of the cannibalistic tribes of Papua New Guinea, comics, in their present, static form, are becoming outmoded. The terrestrial map that took the pains to drag us along is morphing, becoming smaller. Do we need a map? Maybe accepting the fact that the terrain is flexible, constantly moving, and fluid means comics begin to change. We have to think of all mediums in the digital format and how that will influence or change them. Taking the comic, rolling it up, and swatting the annoying fly is no different than comics going digital. We will draw them in the digital format, roll them up and morph them into flies, but they still need to be swatted from time to time. I feel McCloud is worried as his landscape is changing and the ink will come alive (scottmccloud.com). Yeah! We need new flyswatters, and change the folds of terrain to continue captivating us. Technology will wait for no one. Despite how the contextual format changes, the artist still maintains how far the ink runs! We need to push the boundaries to the point there where they are no longer needed. Comics, static as they are, have always held our imaginations without parameters. As kids, we envision scaling the high-rise, capturing the mighty villains in hopes of seeking truth and justice, and pondering when the next Bat signal will illuminate the night skies. Looking to the future, maybe symbolism will take the place of the cues that textually lay amongst the borders. On the other hand, maybe there will be a new verbal form, a new language, or a presence that guides us through this continuum. We shall evolve! Therefore, shall comics evolve? But how? Is the monitor the focal point in which we view? Maybe the monitor will evolve to disappear! Maybe we have been looking through this restrictive portal because it has four sides and can hold information. Maybe Pandora is suffering from the theory of elasticity, and will begin eroding the walls that we helped her establish! Was that Pandora’s ability all along? Is that why we write about her evils, clinging to our safe, yet allusive walls? Pandora has been flirting with humanity for centuries, tempting them to fall, fail, or maybe just try. I think comics will always find their feet, become accustomed to the terrain, and continue to hold a mystical power over us, despite where they draw themselves. Yes, my tense is transitive! So, how do I know such information? Foss, Foss, and Trapp (My Favorite) bring about the age-old argument of the unknown. The Greek showed distrust for the Sophist because he spoke of new, and startling concepts. He even appealed to the emotional and vulnerable side of man (Foss, et al). Sound familiar? Were the Sophists just another version of a Pandora seductress? Is the digital realm cloaked in an allusive Pandora-like membrane in which we fail to recognize? We have been here before, peering into the restrictive portal, waiting for the instructions. I like to think history will not always repeat itself and we will actually move beyond the boundaries that give us comfort. The best part of the digital realm is everyone has to learn! To question! To keep trying! Pandora will always be waiting to take away the panels, un-color the pens, and poke fun at our insecurities. Nevertheless, fear not! Foss, Foss, and Trapp ease our fears with the notion that rhetoric will save our bacon! We will have the use of symbols and a mode to approach such crazy discourses in the face of the digital world (Foss, et al)

Cited Works

Foss, Sonja. Contemporary Perspectives on Rhetoric. Waveland Press Inc., 2002. PDF

Fournier, Steven. "What Is A Taste of Rhetoric." A Taste of Rhetoric. Web. 26 Aug. 2010.

"Scottmccloud.com - Understanding Comics." Scott McCloud | Journal. 2003. Web. 16 Nov. 2010. .

What about Eve? Blog #6

2010-10-25T13:38:00.000-07:00

I struggle with Lanham and some of his theories. However, if I say communication is defined by words and means of expression, then what about the meaning of intent? Do we discard the purpose? The clarity, brevity, and sincerity of communication are not so easily understood (sometimes by design). Does the electronic book emulate the same context as the hardbound style? I do take a personal offense to calling books, “Stuff.” Nevertheless, Lanham has a point in that what the messages (stuff) convey does not meet well with the digital form of expression (138). If I am to understand Lanham, the “stuff” is affecting the conveyance of the message. Lanham suggests since the invention of printing, the presumption of “stuff-based” humane communication is reinforced. I feel since the beginning of time, society has created the “stuff” to enhance the message. How can we strip away any form of “stuff?” “Go ask Eve!” As for brevity (the politicians could practice this), Lanham discusses how this C-B-S model is not useful in conveying communication (137). I think the author of War & Peace might agree. There is no “sanitized” way to convey or transmit a meaning. Contextually, it would be down right scary to “put it out there” for all to read. That might affect the sincerity and the context! Back to calling things, “stuff.” Lanham suggests that the “stuffy’ old book will share the stage with the electronic version. He states, “The new spaces for words will be competitive and self-conscious” according to Lanham (145). I agree that the new medium is in fact competitive and is inclusive. Like all shifts with technology and the “orality” factor, there is no way to predict the outcomes. The model of communication is outmoded; as with some of the fears, that technology is going to rot our children’s minds. As with Eve, everything is interdependent. Words and language will always question the medium.

Cited Works

Lanham. "DTC|English 355: Schedule." Paul Muhlhauser, Ph,Doctor. 2010. Web. 19 Oct.

2010. .

Welcome To Golekia

2010-10-03T14:09:00.000-07:00

Golekia-Embedded Everywhere!

By 2050 (prediction), the English language will make its first and last appearance in print. Technology will transform language, lifting it off the page and going viral with the world as its medium. Text, mediums, contextual framework, and any sense of form will change. No longer encased, trapped, or contained, the new “Golekia” language will be a “presence.” Technology will rapidly “jump” hypertext off the page, no longer seeking the archival safety of a hard drive, embedding, or containment. Golekia will liberate the world with free-flowing information. Interfaces will no longer be needed, as our world will become the contextual framework for words.

The theory of printed language dying is not a far-fetched concept. Looking back to our history, man has pushed language across every medium thanks to the technology within technology. Now, moving even faster, technology is preparing the print-bound world to end! Imagine the end of putting the pen to the paper, and pushing. Keyboards and text messaging will be rendered useless. This is evident as people are surfing, reading, and integrating information at such speeds, their brains show physiological changes. Digitalism no longer exists in a codified environment. Kalmbach (Professional Writing as Technologically Situated Action) suggests that as text flows off the page to the screen, designers need to anticipate the shape text will dictate (8). Will form or the medium change? He points out that the interaction between text and humans is not solidified in the future (8). Written language is forced to adapt, suggesting there is ever-present indicators that the semiotic relationship man has with text is evolving faster. Just as Gutenberg’s invention of the press catapulted the rapid evolution of the written word, the medium itself was never meant to linger. In the readings of Burbules (Rhetorics of the Web: Hyper reading and critical literacy), the idea that printed text is limited and can only possess so many words suggests limitations (103). Technology will not adhere to boundaries and neither will future generations.

Works Cited

Burbules, Nicholas. "Page to Screen: Taking Literary into the Electronic Era." Ed. Llana Snyder. Oct. 2001. Web. 28 Sept. 2010. .

Kalmbach, James. "Publishing Before Computers." 2002. Web. 28 Sept. 2010

http://www.paulmuhlhauser.org/355/Readings/Kalmbach.pdf.

Blog#4 The Tropes Are Coming!

2010-09-29T21:06:00.000-07:00

A Pigment of My Imagination
To date, I have a good handle on C.R.A.P., or maybe an idea of how to apply the principles. My thoughts about C.R.A.P. were limited until I started reading about “C.R.A.P.” principles in Robin Williams book, Non-Designer’s Design & Type Books (13). Understanding the acronym is easy, but spreading the C.R.A.P. around by design is another. I struggle with the learning curve for good C.R.A.P. in design, and hope I get better at spreading the C.R.A.P.
My last project had firm, solid C.R.A.P. principles, but I failed to hold true to the C.R.A.P. rules. Had I applied the visual images of the C.R.A.P. long enough; my audience might have been won over to my C.R.A.P. persuasion. However, I assumed that my C.R.A.P. images could stand-alone. According to Charles Hill (The Psychology of Rhetorical Images), long-term persuasion messages needed to draw a parallel with the relationship with long-term strategies (36). I created my presentation based on visual effects over content, oh C.R.A.P! I failed to take into consideration how the effects of my flashy C.R.A.P. would possibly be short lived. Hill goes on to state, “an emotional appeal will often result in a new conviction or acceptance of a controversial claim only as long as the triggered emotions last” (39). Had I applied that strategy with my C.R.A.P. principles, my presentation would have been more effective. Surely, this meant my content was not well thought out C.R.A.P.
If I have learned anything, it is that C.R.A.P. principles need to share a relationship with any space, medium, or form. One thing I truly missed was the immediate verbal context. According to Birdsell and Groarke (Toward the Theory of Visual Argument), the verbal context acts as an interpreter to the images (6). I learned that without the proper context to back up my images, my presentation doesn’t mean C.R.A.P!
Identity Theft!
I chose to Google “Google” to see what this entity is all about. The commonality of “Google” has seeped into our everyday lives. The mighty entity falls under the trope of identity. The link, http://www.google.org, is fascinating. Their identity is rather clever, a sort of “hypostasized” world if you will. Following the links, one can look to “Google Flu Trends,” or “Google Power Meter.” If you’re not sick of the “third person” analogies, just keep clicking! The term Google is a world with a world of Google! What? According to Ilana Snyder (Page to Screen), identity trope pushes connectivity across domains, cultures, associations, and through people as well (115). It is as if Goggle has multiple personalities! They cast this incredible net of unity by naming everything Google. Google is a household name, possibly in every country that has the Internet. When you surf Google Trends, do you get trends or Googlized [sic] trends? I think I made up the word Googlized! [sic]. Google could really identify with most of Snyder’s tropes as they have normalized the contextual framework of the web.
Google is not the only troped-up [sic] entity out on the web. Chevy Trucks rocks the term “hyperbole” with their official website (http://www.chevy.com). After turning my calendar to “Truck Month,” I found there really is a “thirteenth” month. Chevy has “cornered” the market on truck sales through their allusive tactics. Does truck month fall after the new tax year? Clicking on the link (Read Our Stories), one would think they are all related at Chevy! This passage came from their story section, “Some "toys" used to abuse parts are highly technical: machines that mimic vibration or glorified refrigerators and microwaves to test how parts react to extremes.” What? How can anyone mimic vibrations like a “glorified refrigerator?” Their stories follow the same rhetoric as the advertisements, and one would deduce they make the stuff up! I really wish someone would invent a “Homework Free Zone” at the end of “Truck Month” so I can follow the “Google Trends” and have more time to work on my “Glorified Refrigerator.”
Works Cited

Birdsell, David, and Leo Groarke. “Toward a Theory of Visual
Argument.” Paul Muhlhauser, Ph,Doctor. 1996. Web 17 Sept. 2010.
http://www.paulmuhlhauser.org/355/Readings/birdandgroar.pdf

Google.org - Google Technology-Driven Philanthropy. 2010. Web. 30 Sept. 2010. .
Hill, Charles. "The Psychology of Rhetorical Images." Paul Muhlhauser, Ph,Doctor. 2004. Web 11 Sept. 2010. .

“Our Stories." 2010 Cars, SUVs, Trucks, Crossovers & Vans | Chevrolet. 2010. Web. 30 Sept. 2010. .

Snyder, Ilana. Page To Screen. Paul Muhlhauser, Ph,Doctor. 2001. Web 24 Sept. 2010. www.paulmuhlhauser.org/475/Readings/Burbules.pdf

Williams, Robin. The Non-designer's Design & Type Books: Design
and Typographic Principle for the Visual Novice; Two Award-winning, Best-selling Books on Design and Type. Berkeley, CA: Peachpit, 2008. Print.

Blog#3-DSM ΙV-Affect Transfer Disorder

2010-09-13T16:20:00.000-07:00

One of the best uses of “affect transfer” in advertisement I found comes from the Web Media Brands website. On this site, students from the University of Texas (Advertising Program) designed an Orion Telescope ad. The students took a symbolic moment in history and exploited it through a series of images.

The intent is clear: Orion sells the best lenses and telescopes. The viewer’s eyes are immediately pulled through the images. Looking at the moon with the viewing power of 200x, the image looks original. At the viewing power of 400x, the viewers see an iconic image of America’s first successful moonwalk, the American flag. Finally, at 800x viewing power, the horrifying reality of the American flag having been produced in China.

The image is manipulative and invokes many emotions. However, viewers might form mental images (based on fear) that China was truly the first nation to make their mark on the moon (Hill 6). In addition, viewers might feel betrayed at concept that America has been outsourcing jobs longer than previously thought. Will the image of the American flag conjure up the idea of Orion Telescopes? According to Charles Hill (The Psychology of Rhetorical Images), advertisers want to “Transform” the consumer (7). The idea is to push consumers to purchase their products without thinking. Hill indicates buying “their product” will eventually become instinctive (7).

Despite what the intentions of Orion or the students from the University of Texas, the image is thought provoking. According to Charles Hill (The Psychology of Rhetorical Images), exploiting images and emotions in advertisement creates relationships (6). The purpose is to persuade viewers to buy their telescopes with effective use of associations. Viewers can only contemplate the many questions of: Does Orion make a telescope that can see the moon? Can anyone buy them? Was the American flag used in the Apollo 11 mission really made in China? Does China know about this? What cultural implication does this have? Has America been outsourcing for years? Is this real?

One thing is for sure; the affect transfer process is now complete. As a viewer, I have been consumed with questions since viewing this photo. I may not buy an Orion telescope, but my thoughts are surrounded by the power of the message and the product. Lastly, Orion drives the point home with the iconic cultural acceptance that their product is American made!

Works Cited

Chump, Matt, and Nancy Jeng. Orion Telescopes: Moon | Ads of the World. Digital image. Ads of the World | Creative Advertising Archive & Community. WebMediaBrands Inc, 2010. Web. 13 Sept. 2010. <http://adsoftheworld.com/media/print/orion_telescopes_moon?size=_original>

Hill, Charles. "The Psychology of Rhetorical Images." Defining Visual Rhetorics. Ed. Charles A. Hill and Marguerite Helmers. London: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, 2004. 25-40.

<http://www.paulmuhlhauser.org/355/Schedule.html>.

Figure 1 http://adsoftheworld.com/media/print/orion_telescopes_moon?size=_original

Off The Grid

2010-09-01T13:09:00.000-07:00

Teachers will soon be returning to higher education; not for continuing educational requirements, but pursuing another career. California is setting a new precedent in the field of education. The “Value-added” model is controversial in evaluating teachers performance on the elementary school level. Teachers will be evaluated solely based on their students standardized test scores in English and Mathematics. I take issue with the constraints of the evaluations and what is not considered.

After working with the impoverished in the field of social services, this is a disturbing trend. The educational system is intertwined with many variables such as poverty, mental health, domestic violence, learning abilities, social status, intercity schools, and money. Teachers today have to be a parent, social worker, a big brother (or sister), a counselor, and be able to wear many hats to educate. The educational system is colliding with a certain populace at a crucial point. It is painting a canvas that is defining and critical to the future of education. Good or bad, the message is clear: The education system is not working.

So whom do you blame? What is the cause? Can children successfully pass standardized testing if they have not eaten prior to the testing? Can one do math homework at a homeless shelter or in the back of a car? Does the educational institution have enough books? Can one drink the water? Are the classrooms overcrowded? What are the social implications? The questions continue to flow about what is wrong with the educational system with no real clear answer.

Do we fire teachers because their test scores are low? Does that define their skills? Unless teachers cannot pass the academic standards set forth by their institution, the problem is more comprehensive.

California’s “value-added” model is nothing more than a “trial-by-fire” process that assigns blame. As a society, we want and demand answers instantaneously. Never mind that the issue is multifaceted, geographical, and generational. Never mind that the media suggests that California is setting precedence, and instilling fear into any student that aspires to become a teacher.

Teachers take notice! Your name is now published online and America is watching! Go back to school and learn new skills. Start a charter school or learn how to adapt to being under-employed. Join the Army, start a business, get a paper route because academia in America is a dying art!

Blog #2 DTC "Hosed"

2010-08-30T17:47:00.000-07:00

Hosed

By Lorena Swift

Miraculously, not all women are blessed with the ability to accessorize. Some might assume that all women can choose color coordinates or select appropriate accessories. Understanding the fundamentals of dressing woman-like would prove arduous for a tomboy like me.

My story begins preparing for the company regalia in the summer of 2002. Driving towards the regalia, I felt overwhelmed with the probability of having to wear a formal dress! At 5’10”, attempting to wear high heels and a dress was terrifying. Never attending a company dinner in my life, and I assumed a magazine photo would provide me with the necessary “womanly” guidelines.

Pulling up to the hotel, I became startled; employees were carrying garment and travel bags. I pulled towards the end of the lot, hiding my “hefty-bag” garment carrier. After checking in to the Hilton, I gleaned my glamour magazine for an appropriate guide to accessorizing. I became horrified when all the ladies were wearing dark stockings.

I needed a plan! I ran through the lobby, jetting out towards the grocery across the boulevard. They had a large selection of hose! I grabbed the Legg’s brand egg and headed back for my transformation to a formal woman. Consulting the magazine, I followed the instructions carefully. The article suggested putting on the hose first, and then dressing at the last moment, avoiding wrinkles. I pondered the slogan, “One size fits all.” Oddly, a small pigmy would have trouble pulling these hose over their hips. The instructions stated, “Roll up each leg and slide over the foot.” I scrunched up the hose, pulling eagerly. I felt a sense of excitement as I entertained the possibility of being “frilly.” That was pre-empted by the run in my hose. My fingernails carved up the hose. “Oh Lord,” I gasped, as the pantyhose stopped abruptly. I stood in the mirror; attempting to overcome this apparatus, I was attempting to pull up. The magazine showed slender; size five models with long legs. I was determined to overcome this obstacle, as the company dinner was a grand affair. With a wiggle and reversal of physics, I managed to pull the hose over my hips. Looking in the mirror, I was faced with what is known in the woman’s world as the “Pigs in a blanket” manifestation. Walking towards the bathroom to retrieve my dress, I was reminded of Steve Martin in the “Jerk.” I looked as if I was having a seizure as the hose twisted, constricting my movements. I had to devise a plan! I put on my dress and it appeared to adequately cover my “compressed” thighs. I strapped on my heels and stood erect. I was easily over six foot and felt like a “linebacker.” I practiced my stride across the room in short, controlled movements. My hose felt tighter as I attempted some control in my walk. Finally, I estimated the ballroom entrance was about fifty feet from the elevators. My goal, walk to my table using slow but elegant strides. As I entered the elevator, I felt a “rope-like” burning down one leg. I looked down and my hose had unraveled. “Just get to the table,” I thought as the elevator opened. There they stood, the boss with all the war council members. I exited the elevator and recited the “slow-glide” instructions from the magazine. “Step forward, using elegance and controlled movements.” My hose began the horrifying act of unraveling completely! As I “glided” across the floor, my movements became erratic! I stumbled in front the mirrored doors picturing Steve Martin. In his movie “The Jerk,” he ran like the village idiot through a parking lot elated his name was published in a simple phone book. I began to lose my balance as I attempted tighten my legs. Frantically, my hips began to gyrate. My boss watched in amazement as I seized and contorted myself into the elevators. By now, my hose had imploded and shreds of nylon trailed down the hall. “Control top pantyhose my eye,” I yelled as I fumbled for my key. Employees gawked as I anxiously opened the door. Entering the room, my hose burst and the nightmare was over. Tears strolled down my face as I peeled off the remainder of hose. I lay back on the bed wondering what to tell my colleagues. I envisioned Steve Martin imitations carrying on at the open bar. As I pulled off my dress, my eyes diverted to the magazine. In bold text, the message could not have been clearer: Beauty takes practice! I thought back to Charles Hill’s article on The Psychology of Rhetorical Images. His readings reminded me of “my” physical presence and how I filled the audiences “field of consciousness” (Hill 29). According to Hill, the goal of any rhetor is to give enough presence to “crowd out” any other influences (Hill 29). Well, I certainly gave enough physical presence to forever influence my audience that night. A lesson learned, and I will always remember that beauty and presence takes practice.

Packing up my “frilly” dress, I flash backed to the evening’s events. I had never attempted or practiced wearing formal clothing or hose. I had learned a very important lesson that night: Practice makes perfect! Driving home, I laughed as I thought of Steve Martin running across the parking lot. As I neared home, I pulled into the video store and rented the movie, “The Jerk.” I thought of my colleagues, my performance, and my hose malfunction. Laughing, I walked out, movie in hand, having persevered over tragedy.

The question how "Amplification through simplification" is interesting. If I simplify my story will anyone grasp the meaning? I will assume the next blog will require me to shorten, comically reduce my actions, and still get the moral of the story across. I am thinking how to shorten my story without losing the character and flow.It will be perplexing!

"The Psychology of Rhetorical Images." Defining Visual Rhetorics. Ed. Charles A. Hill and Marguerite Helmers. London: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, 2004. 25-40.

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Blog #1: Foss, Foss, and Trapp

2010-08-25T17:36:00.000-07:00

I find a rhetoric definition ambiguous in that there are so many accepted versions. After reading Foss, Foss, and Trapp, there are other connotations beyond the obvious negative definitions (1). They indicate that humans create their own sense of reality with the use of symbols (Foss, Foss, and Trapp 2). I think of language as a tool rather than a symbol. I rarely think of language as symbols because I read, write, and speak the stuff every day.
When I think of rhetoric, I think of the formalized and or negative connotations. From a young age, my father believed that politicians debated in a rhetorical format. He argued with the television during elections to no avail. I was quite young when he screamed at news commentators when Nixon was in the running for president. I did not associate (because of age) that the television was not human or that he needed another human to have a verbal argument. The thought creates questions whether the concept of how rhetoric is used in different mediums today. Given that we debate, argue, and convey across many mediums, do all the definitions apply? Do we need more?
My other daily experiences with rhetoric come from the national news. The news entities often state they bring an unbiased version of the “truth.” As it would happen, I find the daily news driven by someone’s agenda. For example, I do not think I ever heard a commentator state, “The Dow Jones fell sharply today” without supposition or conjecture. Most news comes with negative connotations and is biased. I would love it if the commentators read the news as factual. “The Dow and the S&P 500 fell 30 points, and we do not know why,” the anchor reported! Nevertheless, I think because society needs a reason for everything (my opinion), rhetoric will always be associated with negativity.
My Google searches led me to the following links: http://www.presidentialrhetoric.com/ and http://stevefournier01.tripod.com/. Both sites explore rhetoric from both theory and political concepts.
Cited Works

Foss, Sonja. Contemporary Perspectives on Rhetoric. Waveland Press Inc., 2002. PDF
Fournier, Steven. "What Is A Taste of Rhetoric." A Taste of Rhetoric. Web. 26 Aug. 2010.

Obama, Barack. "Race to the Top: Remarks on Education to the National Urban League."
www.PresidentialRhetoric.com. 29 July 2010. Web. 26 Aug. 2010.

Summer is done in!

2010-08-24T14:25:00.000-07:00

The more things you do, the more you can do.
Lucille Ball

Triumphs and Suzuki

2010-07-15T10:58:00.000-07:00

Update: Suzuki has been put on the bench..Working on the Triumph motor...1966 Bonneville...Has seen better days...Stator looks fried but she will run...Soon...Baby Harley is going up forsale...Too many projects...I need parts for my 1972 Honda 250 XL?

Suzuki Summer!

2010-05-23T12:34:00.000-07:00

I am working on a 1967 Suzuki K15 Hillbilly! The bike was in a box and is now on the bench! I am struggling with the wiring harness as it has seen better days, it kind of looks like string! The engine is getting bored 1 over and I picked Rally Red for the paint…Update to come on the specifications and progress!

Final presentations 475

2010-04-30T13:05:00.001-07:00

Brent Rust-Online activities change us
Brent had some interesting ideas about online communities and how we don’t portray our real selves. His point about the older generation being different because of cultural issues is correct. And the younger generations have moved from guarding to let it all hang out is also a good point. I am not sure about businesses still being run by traditional models as thing change so fast. I do think there are many new innovated small businesses that are owned by the younger generations. But I do think he has a good point about the over sharing and transparency. I would ask what has changed and transparency is so prevalent these days. I think he did a great job in presenting all the issues surrounding security, masquerading as others, and sexting. On location awareness, I find that issue somewhat disturbing. He made a good point that by responding to marketing ads through mobile technology, they know your whereabouts. I am not sure if that is what really bothers me or is it that they can manipulate the medium. Culturally, I would also point to what is lost from the shift. Great presentation!

Cynthia-Race and ethnicity-Representations in cyberspace
This was the most interesting topic I found today. That cyberspace gives unrepresented groups more choice about representation through the medium than anywhere else. Cynthia is on target with the lack of minority representation in the media. I remember all the actors in old westerns who played Indians! Most, if not all were white people painted up to represent Indians. I feel her argument is very clear on this because there are so many examples of racism in media today. What I would like to see is her final paper on why this is so important. The need for representation is always rooted in culture. I think society cannot progress without inclusion. Also, what impact does this have on our culture? I would ask what change would bring and how does that affect the predominantly white media. Great topic!

Neil Fastabend- Advantage of smart phones-Narrowing the digital divide
I like how his presentation focuses on developing countries and how mobile phones are narrowing the divide. His stats are interesting showing how many people rely on mobile technology. I wonder how long it will be before the naysayers give up the dependency issue and just accept the technology. I like he presented it as a hybrid space. It clearly delineates the difference of how society views space. His example of the guy who organized for the food shortage is a good support for the paper, a new use for the technology. Good focus on mobility and great presentation! I like the prompt to type!

Josh Cook-Internet Activism\Why is it necessary?
It is necessary in the real world for communication technology and this new trend in shaping political agendas. It is used for fundraising, lobbying, forming protest such as the WTO. But it has a dark side as well. The WTO protesters took over private property and basically held the police at bay for several hours. It could have turned rather violent. But that is no different than any other political activists who have a propensity for violence. I like the examples of the 2008 presidential election—Obama used social media to help him win the campaign. That is an excellent support for the paper. I like the issues of how online spaces are being used for activism for rescue efforts-Katrina and Indian Ocean. The importance of the medium I think is how it works for collaboration and what makes it different. I think you’re on the right track! Good job!

Presentations-04/27/2010

2010-04-29T10:22:00.000-07:00

Dan Anderson-Video games and communities
I am always amazed at the number of video gamers (Xbox live-20 million users). The notion we can play across digital mediums with anyone and anywhere is changing how we communicate. I like the approach that the enhancement in online environments is driven by sharing and the goings-on in the medium, not race or gender. I find it interesting that out of the gaming presentations, learning principles and networking online are correlated as positive. I hope more people realize that gaming is entrenched in learning and has endless potential to teach skills. I think his presentation is focused in Gee which is good. I think the opposition should be well defined as there are so many myths and connotations that are associated with gaming. All which are easy to gain permanency in peoples attitudes. I think Julie’s suggestion to elaborate on the theorists will help bolster the argument. Great presentation!

Mike Payne-Cyber crimes/real vs. virtual
I like that he started the class of with a practical example. I think it is out of the ordinary that cyber crime is thought of as worse than physical crime. It is not a correlation I am used to making. I thought the presentation was filled with a ton of facts and statistics but I had trouble with the so what? It is natural for people to be outraged by crime but it is everywhere. So what makes cyber crime worse? I think is probable to think if we move our lives to the electronic allure that crime will follow. I think it would be beneficial to take the personal experience out of the argument and focus on why this space is more significant than the other. I like some of the ideas he had on how to prevent theft and other crimes but how does that change us? Good presentation!

Lee Kidd-You Tube and perpetuating hate
I struggled somewhat with this concept as there were so many paths to chase. I agree with Maurice to on one thing, the project is trying to prove too much. I think there is an argument in all the research but again, taking personal conviction out of the argument and focusing on the facts of why You Tube is wrong for hate or political slander. I think he has a good foundation to build off of but there are too many issues that cloud the argument. With all the platforms for hate, You Tube is just another medium. I would ask why it grabs the spot light and what about the medium that makes it so significant? I also believe one can’t make people behave (hate mongers) but I think there is something to argument about the medium. Finally, as a big fan of the 1st amendment, that would be a good place for opposition. I like the idea of putting You Tube on trial as a matter of speech, and I think he has plenty of research to focus an argument on the medium being used for other than customary issues. Good job at fielding questions and taking some different perspectives. Good presentation!

Angel Almaraz-Bridging the digital divide through games
I like the concept of integrating learning into gaming through technology and making games more interactive. I think the argument is sound in Gee and using the critical learning, probing, and self-knowledge principals. The challenge is digital literacy and catching up to technology for some. But I find the proposal interesting in that traditional learning styles are so deep-rooted in the K1-12 system it will be interesting on how progressive schools are willing to be. She had great examples by First Lego League and how they promote math and science. I think the opposition should have a game designed for them so they can learn the benefits of gaming. I really liked the proposal and think the argument is strong!

Derrick Nelson-Bridging the gap-Mobile phone Technology
Derrick gave a fast and comprehensive presentation on mobile technology that makes one think. I like the idea that the technology breaks away from the tethered computer desktop and is revolutionizing information and communications. His argument is solid in McCann, Rheingold, and Carvin so I think he will have no trouble making a stand. I know he has a ton of research but is there statistics on how effective mobile technology is for closing the gap? So, great presentation and I learned a lot!

Kristen De La Rosa-Program Hope
I like the proposal on promoting-Access/ Knowledge, and safely on the internet. Also, I think it is a good point on how currently it is a masculine environment. I think Kristen laid out her strategies well and looks at literacy/learning to use tools/and acknowledges the lack of existing programs. It is great that it brings in field experts to learn presentations online and helps to bridge education/over sharing/ theft/ and resists cyber bullying. What a well thought out argument! Involving public schools/Parent nights/volunteer based/Raise public awareness is so needed! I think it faces huge hurdles at Kristen pointed out with the lack of volunteers/support/not available in every school/Access/no perfection in program/ and kids who slip through cracks. Great job!

Presentations-Week 04/19/10-04/23/10

2010-04-23T14:59:00.000-07:00

Mark Milton-Online Enabled Environmental Activism and Computer-mediated communications.
Mark’s proposed that cyberspace gives online communities the ability to become more aware of current environmental issues and provide a new platform for activism. I thought his idea was interesting in that Ecosnoop is a new form of “Watch Dog” entity that uses a digital platform to promote environmentalism. This is not a new idea but a re-invented concept of activism. The EPA, USFW, Green Peace, and many other watch dog’s now have a new platform in which to advocate. Mark indicated the use of electronic lobbying; live web casts, unofficial websites, email, online communities, and eliminates dependence on mainstream media. I would suggest exploring how Ecosnoop works, why it works, and how it given transparency to the global issue of environmental contamination and exploitation. It would be interesting to know what, if any, Ecosnoop has control over. I think the presentation was good and Mark brought something educational to the class.

Sara Fuentes-Presenting yourself differently
I thought her presentation was good and she had a lot of information for her paper. Looking at the virtual extensions of self compared to meat space is interesting in that we get to take a critical view of ourselves. In meat space we don’t carry the big mirror around and compare ourselves nor look at our portrayal of self. I think exploring representation of self in both spaces is important for her paper but I would explore why it is so different. Is our exposure more important in the VR space? I like the fact that Sara is targeting student opinions as well. Practical data brings validity to the argument. I think Sara did a good job with her presentation and research.

Cassie Lane-SM sites in the classroom/ Elementary ed. Major
Argument-Woogiworld and A Really different place should be used by teachers to enhance learning, in different content areas. Also draw students who normally are not engaged. I like the goals of these models in that kids lack many of the fundamentals. I think both sites are a good comparison to internet learning and I especially like that the learning components of government. I think it is a good proposal and I would look for collaborative sites that show outcomes from internet learning tools. I would also focus on Julie’s suggestion to state why these sites are good models and focusing on the teacher perspective. For the opposing I wonder if their argument against has to do with the demographics (age of opposing) or just a change in traditional models. Good presentation!

Dena Lacey-Social Media-Cyber Bullying
Social Media lacks privacy settings and is complicated with legal issues, copyright infringements, defamation of characters, and cyber bullying. Dena stated that regulation and enforcement is the biggest obstacle to overcome on a global scale. Whose job is it to police or regulate privacy issues? Governing body? Collaborative responsibility? She supports her argument with a broad scope though. The focus is on the Communications Decency Act-Amends federal code-Section 230, Megan Myers Cyber bullying act, Digital Millennium Copyright Act, and Phoebe Price case. Her argument is that there is no one to govern or enforce cyber bullying. I like where she is headed but I would focus on one issue and work with that. To play Devil’s advocate-I would say the first amendment protects the very essence of free speech. How is cyber bullying any different that promoting or expressing who or what you are? Of course it is wrong to bully anyone! But if we are to believe that: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances (Wikipedia), then how can anyone enact a governmental agency to protect against what is published or said on the net? Will a cyber law or entity enacted to prohibit bullying infringe upon or protect anyone’s rights? I think your argument will have to be real clear to convince the reader that enforcement should include a governmental entity. The first amendment is a good opposing argument in itself. I would take the stand to argue my point, and if it upsets the first amendment folks, then I think it would be a successful argument! Some interesting thoughts: http://www.edjurist.com/blog/some-preliminary-thoughts-on-cyber-bullying-and-the-first-am.html Good presentation!

Michelle Assink-Interfaces and designs are helping seamless transition to the virtual space.
Human Computer interaction-I found this interesting in that we do treat our machines with a humanistic approach. The implications on our culture is fascinating. Showing the emotional involvement and how it begins to blur the boundaries between the physical and virtual worlds will give credence to the argument. The examples of Second life and the interface that transform things to 3D are good. I think the cultural implications and how interfaces are being used is a good focal point. Good presentation!

Brittany Bogenreif-Mobile location-based advertising
Direct Marketing-The changes in how marketing is approached through mobile technology is interesting. The shift from the traditional snail mail, catalogs, kiosks, mailings and coupon advertisements to mobile locations-phones, internet, using GPS technology shows how profound the change has become. I think Brittany is on the right path with the focus on digital platforms and why location based interaction is revolutionary. I found very useful stuff in this study by IBM for marketing strategies and here is the link: ftp://public.dhe.ibm.com/common/ssi/pm/xb/n/gbe03189usen/GBE03189USEN.PDF

Mark Belben-Argument-World of Warcraft
Blizzard? Allow players to have more access. I found this an interesting topic as I have not played but have watched my nephew. So with limited understanding of the topic I found Blizzard’s changes WWC to make game appeal appealing. The game pushes the learning curve-Forcing players to rely on 3rd party sites. Well, I can see how important the issue is by Mark’s enthusiasm. I think he is on the right track and not knowing enough about the game, I can only say Good Presentation! I think you’re well prepared and informed.

Chris-Digital Divide fragmentation will grow in cyberspace.
Community fragmentation-Perpetuates the digital divide because rigidity of concepts, communities don’t intermingle, and isolation in the electronic village. I like the exploration of the divide being different by the way technology. I never thought of infrastructure of technology changing the divide so much as creating a bigger hole. I don’t think the Utopia will ever happen, and the tools developed in the future shed a different light on how they will affect cultures are fascinating. I wonder if the divide is closable after a certain point, and what does that mean for technology. Great presentation!

Presentations-Round 2

2010-04-16T14:28:00.000-07:00

Katie Shaw-Digital divides in low-income schools
I thought Katie’s presentation was interesting in that many program implementations often focus mainly on the students. Incorporating the administration is a good start! I think the technology aspect needs to be understood from the top down otherwise the administrators might lack the vision it is going to take. I feel the education system is long overdue in supporting teacher’s and technology. Your project is taking a concerted approach in addressing the divide. The use of visual feedback (charts) is a good progression towards fostering support long term. I also like the idea of using conference time for families as well. Often making the family connection gives great insight to the child’s learning environment. I think it would be interesting to see outcomes of a program like this with intercity kids. Great presentation!

Beau Yancy-Gaming - What your mother warned U about
I thought this was a good subject to approach as there is so much misinformation and fear about gaming. The fact some kids or adults have seizures does not mean the gaming community as a whole is affected. If gaming led to depression every kid would be on Prozac! Technology feeds off gaming community is a good point and I think there is not enough awareness on how gaming impacts culture. I think society often confuses technology and gaming have no commonality and will always be separate entities. I like the surgery technology visuals and the military drones. I think it makes the connection that gaming is more than “play.” I think a good point to give emphasis is gaming has many facets and is evolutionary with the faster technology. Also, your point that gaming is no longer a pastime and its many applications in today’s technology is good. Great presentation!

James-Gaming
I thought your approach was interesting because people often do not think about the processes of gaming and learning together. I especially like the exploration into Braille and showing the patterning the brain does to work through strategies. I never thought about 3-D images in the brain and how we map images. Most of us just accept the autopilot process. Your point on representation and imagery becoming stronger through gaming is fascinating. And creating a new era of kids is interesting as well. Kids seem smarter every generation and I think you make a good point in the cultural changes it will have. Learning capacity and comprehension will give good support for your paper and I think you’re on to a great topic! Good job!

Hans- Social networks bridging the chasm
Well I think the sunglasses added the special effects! I like you’re looking at Silva and showing how social networks are more legitimate for schools and working environments. The 3 C’s is a good concept! I like your concept of content-Value correlated to content-Broadens content through connections. Create-Public spaces must be preserved in virtual reality. It made me think of how space is used and consumed. Also proposing that these will interact and bridging the gap of the “chasm” is a good support. Your argument that people interact and utilize content changes culture is interesting. I think a good point you made about connecting across borders. I think digital platforms are only going to get more complicated for some to migrate to, and the future of social media will help bridge that gap. Do you think social media plays a big role in bridging the gap of the divide for challenge (disabled) kids? I thought of this while you were presenting about how social media has opened doors to inclusion for all levels of interaction. Great job!

Spencer Towne- Games impact teens and young adults-Military
What roles do they play?
I liked your approach to how allusive gaming is in giving teens a false impression of actual combat. Often the military glorifies combat and gaming is a seductive tool. I think you have plenty of opposition in that the younger generation has an unrealistic view of the military at times. I think focusing on the tactics and how they build bad habits, enticement, and induce PTSD is good. I like that your contrasting the physical vs. virtual and the effects of both. I would definitely look at studies of social media in recruitment as a support. I would be interested to see if game simulations change the outcomes of real training. I like that you’re exploring the environmental aspects and how gaming creates desensitization. Do you feel gaming has any positive aspects to training? Good topic and presentation!

Presentations: Day one Argumentative Paper

2010-04-09T14:45:00.000-07:00

Sheila: Gender Roles & Social Media
I liked the comparison between the different sites but was intrigued with the Star Dolls site. The fact people actually pay to look virtually better tells me vanity has made the transformation successfully to VR. I thought your presentation was well constructed with the focus of how gender presents or is perpetrated upon users. I wonder if gender is so innate that it can’t help but rear itself no matter the forum. Club Penguin is interesting in that attempting to establish a genderless sight seems to equate to perpetrating gender upon the user anyway. Giving the option of not having gender seems to invoke the need to find it through other means. I think exploring how the different genders “find” each other in the genderless arena is fascinating! Good presentation!
Maurice: Mobility & Agriculture
I found this presentation interesting as the farmer breathes the ebb & flow of life more so than most. I like how one piece of technology can rule the fields. I think you have good supportive resources and have thought through your project well. One thing that might be interesting is to see how local farmers in our region utilize technology, and do they value it versus the traditional ways that farmers have relied on for hundreds of years. I think some of the class suggestions on how they monitor soil and irrigation through technology would enhance your presentation. James made a good comment on how certain crops demanded higher levels of technology. That might be worth exploring as well. Great job!
Corrinda: Educating through gaming
I thought your presentation and research project is awesome! It is interesting how video games are so integrated with learning strategies, and many people cannot grasp that concept. I like that you’re turning this into a lesson plan, difficult! The memory game was a great interactive component and I particularly liked where the class began shouting out help for Dena in her quest for matching dinosaurs. That showed support that gaming incorporates learning and it takes cognitive processing skills. I think it would be good to incorporate studies of traditional learning modalities to newer strategies for contrast. I like that your comparing Gee to Gardner, that will give continuity to your paper. Great job!
Kathy: Politics & Social Media
I like your general concept of how Obama used social media to gain presidency over McCain. I think showing the strategies of how he used the internet to communicate his message is good. I was somewhat confused on your argument regarding traditional methods vs. the internet technology. I think Julie’s question regarding “So what?” is important in that what is so special in the process he used. That would be a great focal point. I think you have good sources and can derive and fine tune your argument further. I also like your statement on how politics have become a marketing campaign but how has that changed? Your background on Dean is supportive. I think you have a good start to your paper. Good job!

Shirky-Epilogue

2010-04-08T14:10:00.001-07:00

Shirky-Epilogue

I particularly liked Shirky’s Epilogue in addressing or re-emphasizing the use of social media tools in the wake of crisis. The effectiveness and rapid ability to cross boundaries that were once closed in a sense are changing with social media applications. With the example of the Sichuan quake in 2008, leaving so any dead or unaccounted, information rapidly changed the way rescue efforts were carried out. The ability to have such instant reporting and updates created a collective group that enhanced the coordination efforts. But as I continue to read all the authors from this course, I find a common theme Shirky addresses, Transparency. With the schools and buildings that collapsed and killed children, the tragedy brought to light the corrupt building practices, lack of oversight, and the countries failure to provide adequate housing for its citizens. Social Media is the new tool that allows for unveiling or exposing atrocities, violations, and illegal acts by official entities. It should be training or learning tool for those who wish to skirt the law, social media is providing an enhanced tool for mankind. But it is more than that… It is how we come together today in groups to take collective action. We have changed how we live and engage through the use of social media. Groups that would have never possibly realized their potential or even met now create this awesome power.

Internet Activism-Blog #10

2010-04-02T14:32:00.000-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X_7qrj1Fr-I
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QQL8QfyzcMs

My recent research for 375 class has enlightened me to how powerful internet activism can be. I was researching copyright laws and intellectual property rights when I came across a compelling situation concerning the Nestle Company. They are one of the largest food manufactures in the world.

The Nestle Company is currently under a political social media war for their threats made towards Greenpeace, consumers, and outrageous behaviors from their PR department. Greenpeace has consistently put pressure on the chocolate bar giant to eliminate the use of palm oil in their food manufacturing, namely KitKat production. Greenpeace has declared that the production of palm oil causes deforestation of the rainforests. Then the environmental group Greenpeace made a parody video connecting Nestle to deforestation and destroying the habitats for orangutans. Nestle countered with a request to have the video pulled from You Tube (They agreed!); then engaged in a “whizzing” dispute with Greenpeace, and eventually with consumers via Facebook. Nestle cited that they have the right to protect their intellectual property and that it was copyright infringement to alter their logos. Consumers became enraged with Nestle and responded through their Facebook account. The video was posted on You Tube and now has gone viral due to Nestlé’s claim of copyright infringement. You Tube has removed the video but many video sharing sites have reproduced the material. Now there is another parody video of Nestle employees discussing copyright infringement. Another parody was produced incorporating the logo of Nestle KitKat bar, replacing the name with the word “Killer.” Nestlé’s Facebook page has approximately 93,000 friends and growing daily. Most are consumers outraged at the negative behaviors of Nestle. Nestlé’s behavior has snubbed thousands of consumers who are threatening boycotts of their products.

The corporate responses came in the form of threats and mocking consumers, making matters worse. At one point, Nestle posted the following quotes on Facebook saying, “To repeat: we welcome your comments, but please don’t post using an altered version of any of our logos as your profile pic – they will be deleted.”

When bloggers and consumers left advice for Nestle on how to embrace social media, they went on to say mockingly, “Thanks for the lesson in manners. Consider yourself embraced. But it’s our page, we set the rules, it was ever thus. You have freedom of speech and expression. Here, there are some rules we set. As in almost any other forum. It’s to keep things clear.”

And they went on with comments such as, “Oh please… it’s like we’re censoring everything to allow only positive comments.”

The PR did not stop there, and went on to correct grammar of the consumers comments, inciting a flurry of political demonstrations. This is when the social media political firestorm transitioned over to the physical world.

Nestle has retracted (at 90 MPH) their statements and apologized to consumers for their less than appropriate behaviors. The fallout from this incident will likely remain an issue as it demonstrates how internet activism can effectively bring global transparency to corporate America and its subsidiaries. Furthermore, Nestlé’s responses and behaviors will likely become a training video for corporate America’s social media departments on what does not work!
Do you think Nestle was correct in their claim of copyright infringement? Could this firestorm of internet activism been prevented? Thoughts?

April Fools?

2010-04-01T09:39:00.000-07:00

"Some things Man was never meant to know. For everything else, there's Google."

Final Project-Censorship

2010-03-26T16:50:00.000-07:00

My final project argues how internet censorship in China negatively affects the flow of two-way information. More specifically, when information is censored, is gives rise to political activism and human rights atrocities. The significance of political activism brings awareness concerning human rights of others, making it a global issue. As China continues to block social media sites such as Google, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, and MySpace, dissidents seek out alternative and better technology, bringing awareness to social inequalities in their country. This is evident in China’s massive demonstrations through social media networks. In addition, many citizens have suffered fines, jail sentences, and persecution for not complying with the rules of the Golden Shield policy. My support for this argument comes from the international concept of human rights applies to everyone. I plan to show specific examples of violations such as examples Liu Xiaobo’s incarceration over the last eleven years and of harsh sentences and inhumane treatment of activists in China. China continues to send the message to the world that any denigration will be stopped and or permanently eradicated. I will show that information is negatively affected through censorship by demonstrating the need for two-way communication, global awareness, and improved technology.

Works Cited

Berleur, J., Markku I. Nurminen, and John Impagliazzo. Social Informatics: an Information Society for All? : in Remembrance of Rob Kling : Proceedings of the Seventh International Conference on Human Choice and Computers (HCC7), IFIP TC 9, Maribor, Slovenia, September 21-23, 2006. New York: Springer, 2006. Print. This book chapter discusses socio-technical censorship practices, the impact of the regulators of information, and understanding information flow on the internet. This information is constructive in it shows the dynamics of censorship and the technology of filtering.

Clayton, Richard, Stephen J. Murdoch, and Robert Watson. "Ignoring the Great Firewall of China." (2006). University of Cambridge, July 2006. Web. 20 Mar. 2010. . The journal article shows the technological tools China relies on for blocking servers and the side effects of denial of service. It shows that China's firewall is not impervious to technological loopholes and through the use of encryption applications. The information is significant in understanding the flow of information.

"Flatter World and Thicker Walls? Blogs, Censorship and Civic Discourse in China." Public Choice 132 (2008): 31-46. Rebecca MacKinnon, 9 Aug. 2007. Web. 21 Mar. 2010. . MacKinnon journal article discusses the impact of internet censorship in China and the actors involved. She reiterates that Western views sometimes have a negative impact in that they focus only on interactions with authorities, not necessarily the political change or discussions. This article shows how blogging and the exchange of information bring increased human rights awareness and the influence of political trends.

Peerenboom, Randall. "Assessing Human Rights in China: Why the Double Standard." Cornell International Law Journal 38. Escholarship. UCLA Public Law Series, UCLA School of Law, UC Los Angeles, 3 Oct. 2005. Web. 22 Mar. 2010. . Randall Peerenboom article looks to the human right violations in China and points out that China is being held to a higher standard globally that its Western parts. The article explores China's civil rights policy and the causes for constraints. This article provides support through the background and poor records of human rights violations and participants involved.

Qiu, Jack L. "VIRTUAL CENSORSHIP IN CHINA: KEEPING THE GATE BETWEEN THE." International Journal of Communications Law and Policy 4 (1999/2000). CIAO. Columbia University Press, Winter 1999. Web. 19 Mar. 2010. . Jack Linchuan Qiu?s journal article provides background on the regulatory process of China's firewall and the current state of rules it abides by. He goes on to discuss the virtual boundaries established by China and the constraints in virtual space. This is supportive in providing a fundamental background in understanding the implications of censorship

Clay Shirky-Balance of Power

2010-03-25T09:46:00.000-07:00

I am amazed at the power of social media and what it will mean for the future. The balance of clout in corporate America and elsewhere is shifting (at times rapidly). The effects of social media and the ability to mass a protest, battle, or give transparency to inequalities is indescribable. Thinking back to the days of Vietnam protests and civil rights protests, the manpower (physically) to amass large crowds was daunting. Shirky points out that collective action differs than individual action in that they are difficult to get started but there is a downside; collective action is harder to halt abruptly. One might think collective action is always a benefit (most of the time), but there is an ugly side of groups turning on corporations with malice intent. Society can bring an institution to their knees with a stroke of a key and a few determined individuals. Learning to use these new tools and harnessing the “power of the people” will be the biggest challenge. People can get involved without ever leaving their homes and maintain an invisible effort for a cause. The idea that most people had to have desire to get involved has changed. The risk of exposure and retaliation has lessened with the advancement of social media. The advantage of consumerism now provides economic strength and is growing stronger every day. Consumers’ realizing they have more clout and the ability to demand accountability is changing how we acquire goods and commodities. We share information and the exchange brings the long-awaited transparency that is overdue. We need to consume, and lessening of the bureaucracy of governmental deterrents and giving a shield to the corporate giants is slowly deteriorating. Technology will only improve, providing better tools and hopefully more accountability and transparency. Society is becoming educated in the power of social media and holds promise for the future. I believe this new medium is one of the significant revolutions for the history books.

Famous women in technology

2010-03-24T12:43:00.001-07:00

Rebecca Boone, Ph.D. 1938-1997

Rebecca Boone forged a path for all women in online communities. Having grown up in the South, Boone was candid about her roots, affiliations, and her passion to make online communities a secure place for all women. She made a big impact with her development of Transformations, Women Online Worldwide, and Qworld forums. I admire the fact that growing up southern; she was able to maintain the southern traditions yet own her identity. Courage and vision characterizes her accomplishments as leading the way in the field of science and technology. Developing online communities for women, she also was influential in establishing and promoting opportunities for the gay community online forums. She was a teacher of “How to persevere” despite adversity. She taught online psychology courses and worked diligently as a volunteer. Her forum, Women Online Worldwide, is a reflection of her vision for women to have individuality in the digital world.

Shirky-Collective Action 375

2010-03-23T10:08:00.001-07:00

I was particularly interested in Shirky’s thoughts on collective action and institutional challenges. Social media and the internet have opened a “Pandora’s” box of transparency and interaction globally. No longer do geographical barriers prevent the dissemination of information. As Shirky’s analogy puts it, “It is like a disease.” Social tools allows for immediate change in informational flow compared to the old communication technology. Information spreads much like disease in that it thrives off contact. The example of the Catholic Church attempting to “ride out” the storm of abuse issues is a good example of old behaviors that no longer work. The decision making that once was limited to the hierarchy of the church is now exposed as parishioners share information within the organization, bringing a collective cohesiveness. Although society now does this virtually, reaching across the globe instantaneously changes our behaviors. Deciding to get involved often meant an arduous process of locating an organization, making contact (snail mail or telephone), and then taking initiative or action. Today, one can jump on the health care debate (for example), and interact with the White House, advocates, or protest in blogs. The transition from letter writing, demonstrations, and gathering in large numbers has changed dramatically. As Shirky’s chapter six states, “Our behaviors have changed.” But as he points out, social tools do not make collective action, just removes the barriers. We are comfortable with easy access and tools that social media and the internet provides. No longer are we restricted to one way communication and having the ability to be heard or connected has created a new form of action.

Revision-Final Paper

2010-03-20T17:32:00.001-07:00

Proposal revision:

Having taken advice from Julie I am revising by proposal, attempting to narrow censorship, China, and the internet. I propose the topic of how censorship and the internet play an active role in political activism despite their differences. Moreover, how they actually can work in concert with one another and give personal representation as well. This is evident within China’s government and the parameters they set for users. Although American views China’s censorship negatively, Chinese users (for the most part) have found a voice within the boundaries established. There are several other countries and specifically users who feel what is happening in China are inherently wrong although users in China work within the system established. I want to explore how both countries differ in internet censorship but share a commonality as they accept the parameters established. I still need feedback from others on narrowing or any advice to give! Thoughts?

Final Paper Proposal 475

2010-03-12T12:30:00.000-08:00

My proposal peers into the censorship perpetrated on the user and the implications. I want to explore the needs for “whitelisting” and how will it impinge on ones identity on the net.

If China is an example of suppression of information technology, where will it stop? Collectively, evolution of information and technology will fragment or slow without encompassing the whole (meaning the world). Constraint is power and apparent on social media sites as well. Who decides and why? If we are to say there is freedom then can we bring it to a standstill? Information for all?

Why is this important? I declare suppression of one or all groups leads to revolutions…good or bad we will not progress as a society without inclusion. Censorship is as old as mankind only now we can propagate across all borders, the willingness to control. We have changed the margins in which we can tolerate autonomy and now get to choose. Do you want a stake in this process? Does it matter? I feel globally there should be no boundary of information for the user. Aside from the governmental need to protect our country, military, and national defense, censorship has no place. It has bled over to our VR world, carrying the same behaviors that invoked inequalities on society.

I would welcome ideas to narrow this down or expand on issues.

Ode of midterms

2010-03-10T23:26:00.000-08:00

O’ mid past beyond the pale

I seethe from the toiling of purple prose,

The purity of my words, a fable.

Make merry on the hours of darkness

For I dance to a different master’

O’ mid past the beyond the pale.

Scoff again at my lumbering prose

For lonely words does not a friendship make?

Still, my purity of words, a fable.

Quail from the cloud of apprehension

I seek out your rhyme of song

O’ mid past beyond the pale.

It is thoughts that my mind avoids doing

Why does my prose flounder?

You jest the purity of my words, a fable.

Hark not you mischievous sprite of the mid terms

O’ mid past beyond the pale

from the time when the purity of my words, persist in fable.

Shirky-Here comes everybody-Sharing is good!

2010-03-04T10:22:00.000-08:00

The point of interest for me in Shirky’s chapter on “Sharing anchors community” was photo sharing and how it has transformed how we see the world. It speaks of transparency and sometimes censorship. As stated on page 26, with the 2006 military coup in Thailand, placing restrictions by governmental authorities seems futile with the convergence technology of cell phones and video/photo capabilities. Someone, somewhere, has the ability and fortitude to capture military unrest, civil disobedience, and or some other action that is news, before we are “allowed” to know. Professional journalists/photographers are quickly taking a backseat globally to technology and the amateur photographer with a camera. There is a down side as information transcends the globe can be taken out of context. But pictures often bring clarity and will speak more effectively in the advent of a crisis. It was most prevalent in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. What we saw was lack of governmental response to a horrific catastrophe. What we heard from our media was “pan-fed” garbage. America and the rest of the world saw firsthand was transparency of FEMA through their inaction, as well as and other agencies. The ability today to aggregate photos and share them globally is putting humanity on the scene long before our faithful news media.

Cyberspace and Societal Norms-Article:Rape in Cyberspace

2010-02-26T16:49:00.000-08:00

Julian Dibell writes with intriguing questions concerning the corollary of violence in cyberspace.

The article discusses virtual rape that took place in the digital world of LambdaMOO. As a factious character, Mr. Bungle committed a heinous crime in a community with no boundaries other than implied. His entrance and development of the VR room in which the attack occurred leaves one to question the purpose of the user. There were no doors when the user exu entered and was violently raped with a knife. And the inability by its VR community to stop or control their surroundings is even more complex. Mr. Bungle went on to perpetrate others in a vicious manner and was free to rein hell upon whomever he saw fit. The community, outraged after witnessing one avatar being violently raped by another, mounted a debate on what to for about Mr. Bungle and what, if anything, did they have control over. Not having developed any sort of legal structure and any form of retribution, Mr. Bungle would remain inherently dangerous. They spoke of “virtual castration” and “toad-ing” him through the efforts of the Wizard. With the ability to modify and change, or eliminate Mr. Bungle they carry the ultimate power. The community made several suggestions to the likes of a lynch mob; their message was clear, Mr. Bungle need to be brought to some form of retribution. The Wizard, acting alone, systematically eliminated Mr. Bungles through Toad-ing. The concern is who has the power, who ultimately decides what is violent, to what extent will the community tolerate violence, and should any one entity have that ultimate power. My question would be, “Who will stop the Wizard if he/she becomes a Mr. Bungles?” He was killed off, banished in a sense from ever returning. Then came the most unusual behavior out of the group I saw, when Mr. Bungle returned in another form and walked into the VR room of the very people he violated. The reaction at first was very cautionary but the community eventually allowed him to observe as he was not a threat yet. It reminds me of conditioning. The crime of rape, although heinous, becomes diluted by the very behavior of the community itself. Should he be killed off again? Would he continue with his past behaviors or was he just merely a voyeur, waiting for post-gratification from the community? The women who were subjected to his initial attacks had ongoing mental health issues in their physical presence and ultimately decided he needed to go, as well did the community. But he left behind a virtual presence, an empty room where he was registering as asleep. Oddly enough, his room was visited periodically to see what, if anything was happening. Had he returned? Was his avatar sleeping? Why would anyone return to the scene, a violent virtual hell to look?

My own thoughts on this are communities, virtual or otherwise, share the same commonality, inquisitiveness. We seem to want to know the dirty details maybe to overcome our fears that it can’t ever happen to us. Society has been led down the path of virtual voyeurism where they can look and investigate. Media is like an addiction, revealing human suffering to the level of absurdity. My own experience with this allure of media was during the Gulf War. I was astounded for the first time war could be piped into my living room 24/7, and I could not control how it affected me. I watched for endless hours as people, homes, and countryside’s were destroyed. I was afraid if I turned it off I would not be part of the current events or be well informed. I was addicted to the commentators and the blow by blow descriptions of death and destruction. My life became stressed as I was consumed with this new found media experience. The Vietnam War was censored and only governmental approved versions hit the airwaves. Eventually, I had to turn off the noise box and set boundaries for me. I think the experience is similar to those in the community that witnessed the rape virtually. The fascination with unbelievable new experiences has us chasing virtual ambulances, wanting to witness or understand. I am not sure but it needs some addressing virtually in how we establish communities and whether we allow total access or govern our behaviors and others. Without even thinking, new communities seem to establish VR worlds in which they have exclusive, understood norms carried over from their physical world. Unlike Blue Laws, where they are on the legal books but never enforced, MOO’s seem to lack some hierarchal governmental controls among users, or at least they use to. As always, society learns to establish a sense of order and what is acceptable in life. It is good these things are under scrutiny and how they affect all in the virtual world. Whether cyber crime can be stopped or restrained is anybody’s guess. Who should be responsible? Why?

Youth, Downloading, and theft Oh My! 375 Tapscott

2010-02-22T15:30:00.000-08:00

In the section, “In defense of our future” I found #5 on the question of youth encouraged to steal interesting. Tapscott states that the industry is operating on the old model of ownership and that it makes no sense to sell music under the current formats. One thing that really is not addressed is that industry standards have been derived out of greed for one, that’s apparent but moreover, artists have suffered from the industry giants. Some artists I have heard of had their works ripped off by producers, industry corporate, and by other artists despite ethical protocols. Imagine writing a song, script, or play that went to the top ten, box office hit, or Broadway hit! You would be enraged if someone ripped your stuff. This often leaves them out of royalties and credit for their work product and creative license. This falls along the same lines because downloading music and ripping work product are essentially the same, just different degrees. They share a common thread as one is derived out of the other. . It matters!

So ownership and illegal downloading? Where does the industry stand? I agree with Tapscott on a monthly fee (much like satellite radio) would resolve the issue when it comes to music. That would eliminate the need to borrow or share or pirate if you will. I think it went unconstrained with the beginning of the Internet and music. Going after downloader’s is ludicrous and not economical.
As for cheating and plagiarism and the internet I think it is rampart among many age levels. Not just the youth at college as some might think. Working in different industry, I saw many out right copy others work and pass it off as their own to meet deadlines. There is not real system of checks and balances if the corporate office does not follow up. My English 102 Teacher at CBC had a great system on essay’s and research papers. If she suspected you plagiarized, she used some program that she just typed in your questionable paragraphs and it would usually show up connected to an author or website. I think plagiarism is just as abundant as it ever was but is easier to get caught now. It speaks to character as well. If that is who you are, then it will manifest itself throughout your life anyway, whether you get caught or not. And, if you plagiarize the wrong person, you might get sued! Ouch!

Turkle-Can you hear me now Article Forbes Magazine 475 Blog#6

2010-02-19T09:58:00.000-08:00

Sherry Turkle describes a scene from a conference she attended in Japan on robotic technology in 2007. The ballroom was packed with audience members engaged with checking email, downloading, and surfing the net all the while the main speaker being ignored for the most part. At times she indicated the audience would lower their laptop out of “digital courtesy. The networking was what she described as being “tethered “ to one’s virtual identity and that it counted more than a physical presence.

She is referring to the how the internet has provided space for “projection of self.” She goes on to say that people found ways to explore the mundane side of their lives and act out fantasies, have virtual sex, let the inhibited side out to play in a certain manner. One caveat of the instant messaging, multitasking, and cell phone communication world is that we have become a culture that is not making time for uninterrupted thinking. Turkle equates this to living in contradiction with life as we so quickly must acclimate to the technological world. She makes a good point of some unable to discern when it is time to pull back from their screen presence (referring to the Blackberry explosion) despite the demands of technology to maintain connectivity.

When addressing the issue concerning youth, the problem is even more critical. The younger generation has not known the sense of independence and has never had the experience of being alone (regarding connectivity) according to Turkle. Where once adolescents relied on peers for feedback, now do so through instant messaging and through cell phones. She shows a relationship with technological feedback to being reformatted to a small screen and a “flattened out” process. The fact that privacy is a major concern with older generations is not an issue with the younger individuals. Turkle suggests the youth are more concerned with socializing and don’t care if that equate to compromising confidentiality to maintain social presentation. The more exposure and gratification is well worth the latter.

Turkle also refers to “Split attention” as more people are connected while talking, driving, during business meetings, visiting, attending classes, or even during dinner with their families. She states the behavior is now quickly becoming “normalized.” Life has changed immensely as we can have avatars stand in for representation; we order almost everything online, thus avoiding having to take time to shop physically. We engage with synthetic voice-recognition protocols to handle troubleshooting and administrative issues through telecommunications. Turkle states that life in forever linked to objects and we interact.

She addresses the issues of how we interact today with computers, how or what they’re used for, and where we are going in the future. Whether society becomes more alienated from physical presence or that technology will enhance and change how we share the physical and virtual worlds will depend on our relationship with machines.
http://www.forbes.com/free_forbes/2007/0507/176.html

Nakamura Chapter 5-Racial Representation

2010-02-16T13:29:00.000-08:00

Nakamura’s referencing of racial representation on the internet according to the PEW survey is troubling. It brings up several issues: The lack of emphasis on Asian position as a culture, and how they use the internet, social spaces, ethnicity, and gender as Nakamura mentions in the introduction (pg. 10). Pew’s survey characterized Asian’s as consumers (pg. 172), thus limiting the responses to what types of things they engage in. She suggests the study failed to address cultural production and types of graphical expression to name a few. This meager representation often creates bias and clearly adds to the digital divide. Pew’s survey’s for their demographics are done primarily through telephone communications and on paper. What are missing are the monolingual Asian populations according to Nakamura. With Asian’s considered the “wired” minority on the internet, this portion of the culture goes unaccounted for. The U.S. Census is attempting to change the way surveys are conducting in population representation and target both non-English Spanish and Asian cultures. But representation on the internet is that they’re the majority is an erroneous belief according to Nakamura. She suggests survey taking should encompass minority participation such as bulletin boards, activist sites, social media spaces for a more accurate depiction of internet use. She asks the question of social spaces and whether representation can be constructed culturally. The theory she suggests is that distinct nuances and concepts need to be developed in order to assess people of color and cultural diversity. This would give identity to the face diversity and culture.

Helicopters and Parenting 375

2010-02-16T10:21:00.000-08:00

When I heard the term “Helicopter Parenting” in the second section of Tapscott’s book, I cringed. Tapscott talks about parent-child connection of the Net Generation. I hope these parents are in small numbers! As described: A parent who hovers over his or her kids and intervenes with teacher and employers, according to Tapscott. The parents, from the time the child’s young, track their children’s progress, test scores, homework, and attendance. This part I can agree with. Accountability wise, schools do poorly with attendance with the so called “Becca” bill, leaving kids falling into the abyss. The law is useless as for the most part in never enforced. I have not heard of any parent on the 6:00pm news in hand cuffs for being in violation. Back to helicopters, parents of these Net kids need to let go a little. Overzealous parents can potentially limit their kid’s ability to make decisions on their own. I am to presume these parents will always be there when something needs to be attended to? I think I am taking this too personal... (Ooops!) Family involvement is one thing but going to your kid’s interview? Arranging for interviews? Negotiating salaries? I am a firm believer in preparing kids for life but letting them jump off the board sometimes is a good thing. I have helped raise two nephews at different formative ages. The most important thing I learned was teach them how and let them try…Often I stood not so far away but I did not intervene. If they fall, help them up, let them go and try again...It’s a rite of passage for youth to learn how to be adults. There is an extreme to my argument as well. I worked for Vision Quest in the Arizona desert. It was based on the Native American rite of passage (Don't try this at home). The boys released to the custody of the program, would have to climb a thirty foot telephone pole. They wore safety harnesses of course. They had to stand, feet together, arms out, and jump (leap of faith junk) towards a rope out a great distance. If they failed, back up the pole again. If they succeeded, they were a man. I watched as this gangbanging kid (about 13), who was tougher than hell; cry uncontrollably as he was so afraid. He could not become a man that day or any other. He ran away the next day and they chased him down with horses and brought him back...Punishment was meted out by his peers. The point is there should be a central point on this continuum from extreme helicopter parents to making a kid jump off a pole to prove he is a man. Controlling or making them conform to black and white thinking is ludicrous. Tapscott has good points on collaboration with family and the security it provides, but there is a limit to parents living by-proxy through their children. I think it is a big issue today…

Nakamura-Whiteness

2010-02-12T16:06:00.000-08:00

Nakamura talks about the visual culture on page 97 as, “long excluded non-Asian people of color, in particular Latinos and African Americans…,” She goes on to talk about the Matrix Trilogy (namely the second and third films) as dealing with “whiteness” in the visual field of new media. Putting into conflict the issue of whiteness generates the same conflict for new media, the creator. Looking back through chapter 3, it was evident that not much has changed over the years with depiction of color, explicitly blacks. Lawrence Fishburne (Morpheus) appears as almost a revelator and exposes Neo to the truth. Despite his laudable role or portrayal as dominate black character, he is still a support, or sustains Keanu Reeves character. What I ascertained was that Nakamura relates racial dominating influence can’t help but permeate the relationship between machine culture and the subject it interfaces with. There has always been a lack of black dominated roles in media and they are predominately clichéd. Looking to Aliens 3, Charles Hutton portrays a heroic yet profoundly disturbed individual on a prison planet that saves Sigourney Weaver from ultimate sexual violence and death. His portrayal supports the starring actress yet cast him in the too often ethnic stereo typing seen in new media and well as old. This unnecessarily conveys a cultural dichotomy that invades every facet of media and computer interfacing. Another influential movie that was my first real indoctrination into the racial divide in film was “A Dry White Season,” by Euzhan Palcy. I was fortunate to be working with my uncle at CBC studios during the music editing, and met some of the cast members and the director. My experience with Apartheid and racial representation in film were null. I was quickly schooled in what it meant to be black in a white world, from a black country in turmoil. My perceptions were so off base (naïve), some due to age but also ignorance. Luckily, I spent long hours watching and learning about how film portrays blacks and the racial implications. I did not realize it at the time but it gave me some early insight and has helped me understand Nakamura. What I did learn and Nakamura points out is that information and the interfaces we use to portray text and visual images are the perception of the visual culture.

Two Generations 375

2010-02-11T21:27:00.000-08:00

The point of “Two Generations: One Thriving, One Failing is of great interest to me. If the digital divide wasn’t wide enough, the educational failure in this country will far surpass technology. Tapscott describes the Net Generation as the most educated Americans to come. The down side is with the minority populations. Money often follows the wealthier neighborhoods as they rely on antiquated funding resources. Funding is based on property taxes. Home ownership is significantly reduced in poor, rural areas as well as intercity. Large industry failures such as the fall of Aerospace, Automotive, and other economic industries further affect the loss of home ownership. In the 1970’s, Boeing literally left whole neighborhoods empty and thousands out of work, and schools suffered. This pattern today is more relevant with the lack of jobs and the housing crisis. Who is going to pay the property taxes? What schools will remain open in these affected areas?

The research study indicated whites in suburban areas graduated at a 76% and blacks at 53.4%, and Hispanics at 57.8%. The numbers are not astonishing as there was a shift in the early 1990’s to education reform. One of the worse slogan’s of the Bush era was “Leave no child behind.” The biggest impacts I saw working as a vocational counselor was young adults with a lack of Adult Basic Education skills. Standardized testing led to the “teaching to the test” and in our state, to the WASL. There aren’t many WASL jobs I know of…One thing it did was shed light on the lack of funding and performance issues plaguing the nation. Achievement was tested through bench marks, giving the same tests, over and over. Those schools who failed lost federal funding. In addition, teachers are severely underpaid across America, rural or suburban. They also discovered teachers without credentials teaching in the south. Even worse, schools in the south (Following Katrina) were found to not have books, adequate water or bathroom facilities. Some teachers have to maintain educational requirements yearly, yet there is minimal support for the social issues they face in schools. This barely scratches some of the issues facing teachers who are not provided with proper technology or support to adapt to a technological world. I could keep going…

How can kids today engage or re-engage in education when standardize testing and lack of modern curriculums are widespread? Teachers cannot be effective with clay tablets! The system fails on many levels. I agree with Tapscott in that the shift from teacher to facilitator of education is important. Ridding the system of “we have always walked uphill both ways” needs to go. The rise in charter schools and home schooling speaks volumes of parents and educators being fed up with the public system. The best teacher I ever had started the year off with giving everyone A’s. She told us,” Now you have to learn how to keep and use it to your benefit.” At first I thought she was daft. I worked harder learning that year because I had felt like I was part of something. I was hooked! Little did we all know learning to keep it was twice the work. I thought the teacher had an excellent idea in that students will work harder if they have stake in the outcome. The current system is broken beyond repair and change is needed to integrate technology, teachers, and students into a unified system…I will step off the soap box!

Burning Chrome Blog #4

2010-02-05T15:17:00.000-08:00

In choosing Burning Chrome, I found myself with questions of cyber security and how we address the issue. Gibson’s book seems as if it written authentically and happing in present day. I found the first short, Johnny Mnemonic, paralleled our modern digital world in a sense. Johnny alluded to having thousands of megabytes stashed in his head yet being unable to retrieve them. He referred to himself as being on a “idiot/savant’ basis. He was trapped with carrying ultra-sensitive information that could cost him his life to transmit.

I think about information with the purpose of going across secured links (We hope), that transcends the ordinary man’s understanding (Or at least mine). Online banking suggests encryption scrambles data and that when the VeriSign Secured Seal is present, the transmission is safe. What is puzzling is what I don’t know about site certificates and their legitimacy. As a digital society, we are trusting with our personal/public information in hopes of never being violated or intruded upon. And what would happen if information was mistakenly placed in our possession? Information is the new currency today, and those who have it become much more valuable. Is this the new norm of the information culture? Far scarier is that Johnny is a courier, a slave to the customers for whom he serves. Ralfi is the one who is storing the information in Johnny’s head, and wants him dead. The entities that disseminate information also store it securely, or do they?

Often I hear of hackers infiltrating banks, credit cards accounts, the private business sectors, and government institutions and installations. Information is a commodity on any market, like the Lo-Teks, Johnny ultimately plays for the underworld. It is easy to contemplate how remarkably insecure one can feel without the knowledge of the new technologies, and even then it is allusive.

I read about the future of cyber security on “Wired,” and reviewed their article on Dual Perspectives. Their article was suggestive of Gibson’s book “Burning Chrome.” The Hackers, criminals, and thieves of the digital world are playing on both sides. Security and crime crosses some blurred boundaries, also representative of cyber space.
I wonder about the shape our culture will take in the future, and what will that mean in both our physical and digital worlds.

Blog #4 Assignment-Gibson

2010-02-04T10:00:00.000-08:00

Hi to all,
I will be reading "Burnt Chrome" for the weekly blog.

Ground Hog Day!

2010-02-02T09:47:00.000-08:00

The mysterious groundhog Punxsutawney Phil has emerged to see his shadow in Pennsylvania once again. My guess is that he has not embarked on a journey to the most dubious Columbia Basin and immersed him/herself in the balmy 49 degree weather in January and February thanks to El Nino; predictions are in the 50 degree range for at minimum 30 days according to NOAA. My daffodils are coming up before the crocuses, and my iris’s are popping up. This is just wrong on many levels. My garden is perfectly timed to bloom all season long with the precise colors…at the precise time…I believe this is due to technology advancing from Y2K…We forgot to set our computers to roll over to double 00? The flipping sky is falling? The pencil? What the? Well, my spring garden is out of whack and El Nino is taking the rap…Poor kid! For the fear mongers, the turn of the century possibly has thrown us off the 23.5 axis and we are all going south…lol:)

The Dot Matrix 375 Better Pencil

2010-02-01T22:28:00.000-08:00

Writing and technology of any kind is intriguing. Granite (Pun Intended), clay writing would be the most grueling and mundane thing on the planet, and everyone would stop writing for the sake of sanity. Thoreau was a good man in inventing a great pencil...Who would of thought of how much technology went into making a pencil? Looks pretty simple...I myself like the pencil, preferably Dixon Ticonderoga black #2…Tastes the best…I prefer the pencil for originality when constructing a short story or paper. I find certain liberation in the connection with pad and pen. I then turn to the computer and repeat the same thoughts only with more distinction. It is an odd method but one I have grown accustom to as I was around before the word processor, or personal computer.
I find it amusing that society found fear in the typewriter. I owned an IBM Selectric and a word processor, and I have to say that Correct ‘O tape was pretty awesome…That Tap, Tap, Tap, sounding like an automatic stapler gone mad was state of the art! The down side was everyone in the office knew you were a poor typist if you backspaced all the time… The dot matrix printer was the most obnoxious of them all…It might have been a rivet gun…Teletypes were quieter with their sound proof enclosures…No Luddites smashing those damn things!
I don’t think handwriting will go obsolete ever…Not unless they bring back clay! I have voice activated software that types faster than I talk…hard to believe…But I still sit in the night, writing with my pencil…Jotting thoughts down…Letter writing I think is becoming a lost art…Composing and conveying by hand to one another whether on a technical basis or just for friendship seems difficult for some…
I think the digital future of writing will be amazing…Hopefully we will just talk to some interface and the thing will actually work! Some things are really stupid though! The digital fridge for instance! Any of my appliances start calling my on the mobile and there will be some short circuiting going on…I am not Mr. Gates! I can tell when the machine no longer functions or starts puking water on the floor…My Grandmother had a Chrysler New Yorker that told her the door was ajar and when the oil or gas was low. What it failed to do was warn her when the carburetor caught fire and to get the hell out! She was able to see smoke and run…Without the computer…I am digressing…I love the digital world but I am not logging onto Tide, or calling up the shampoo company for advice even if you think my hair could use it…There is always those that will say the it is the end of life as we know it…Maybe they should get a job or something…I still chew on pencils and type…

Alt-Computer-aided Design and Bioinformatics Pg. 665

2010-01-29T16:40:00.000-08:00

I chose to blog about Casey Alt’s idea of computer- aided design, Bioinformatics, and new architecture on page 665. This is a great stretch for me as I had difficulty understanding this section of the book. In addition, I decided to pick out the hardest part for myself…Crazy? Well, I had to take it a step further and Google Casey Alt at http://www.stanford.edu/dept/HPST/TimLenoir/Publications/Lenoir_FlowProcessFold.pdf for a better understanding. My brain seems slower in this chapter but UI find the subject fascinating. The chapter talks about how the architects are addressing the issues of philosophical, ethical, and social concerns through the use of IT. Alt states that biology has developed an inexorable (unstoppable) trend that is more exact and tailored in the medical field. By targeting surgical, medical and pharmacology to the patient rather than opting for more generalized medical models of the past has changed the way information technology is used. I clearly give Alt and company credit for assisting me in this blog.
Clearly, I am not the scientific type but I found through the reading that simulation technology included algorithms, enhanced DNA sequencing, computational and statistical techniques, and Genomic research. There are many other variables involved although I will digress at some point. I went a step further and looked up some of the definitions for sequencing and how technology is being used. Large scale sequencing and hybridization could not be accomplished without the use of information and computer-aided technology.
Scientists were limited to the architecture (hypothetical) that modeled the physical sciences. The change came in the ability to make 3-D models. With that said CAD had come from the 2 dimensional formats and allowed for manipulation of the 3-D software applications, expanding modeling programs. As Alt stated, this propelled the computer to become a microscope for examining molecules and a laboratory for measurable outcomes and experiments. This was profound in the area of protein folding.
Cyrus Levinthal at MIT discussed that computer building model CHEMGRAF would allow for the observer (scientist) to minimization process of protein folding, halt it, or significantly alter the process ultimately redefining biology as an information science. Levinthal’s model helped change the process in which computations were made and simplified a once arduous process.
This is only one approach that took considerable time to research. I found myself over my head but had fun learning about the subject. I struggled understanding the science behind it and am not sure I covered it adequately or proper. One thing I did learn was about the importance of information technology and how much there is to learn.

Things Fall Apart 375

2010-01-25T23:19:00.000-08:00

Things fall apart was a difficult read. I read through the slooooow humiliation of the Okonkwo as he ultimately took his own life. A once affluent man reduces himself to the end of a rope shatters ones image of a warrior. I think there was more to his character than a troubled and incapable man.

Through the decimation of his culture by the white man, culturally, the plight of the Umuofia people was destined for failure. What is ironic at the ending chapter is that Okonkwo hangs himself in the village. This is a direct violation of belief and cultural norm for a tribesman. The irony is that no clan member can touch his body as it is considered an “offense of the earth”. It was also considered evil to touch Okonkwo dead body. The very missionaries who brought Christianity, government, and a promise to end the savagery had to bury the savage. The man who ended his life for what I believe was to send the message that the culture was dead. By violating the tribal custom of not killing he became the ends of a means. The argument is old but I think the writer had intended the message. I believe the presence of white men were the ultimate death as in any primitive culture. Look back at the Korowai Tribe and the Dutch missionaries. Upon seeing what the Korowai deemed a “ghost”, they cannibalized, or as rumor has it, ate the missionaries. The Native Americans succumbed to the white man only after they created genocide upon the tribes, reducing their numbers by over 90%. Indigenous cultures with isolated languages and ancient cultures have never been documented as successful. I have to say that is unfortunate and question who the documenter is?

But Okonkwo was deemed a failure for his flawed character and his inability to recognize strength through other means than violence. His fear of replicating his father’s lazy and emotionally inferior behaviors is what he ultimately becomes. But I see another side to his character. As the story talks of the locusts that have come before, Okonkwo may have had insight to the white man’s ways and their destruction. The passage reads:

And at last the locusts did descend. They settled on every tree and on every blade of grass; they settled on the roofs and covered the bare ground. Mighty tree branches broke away under them, and the whole country became the brown-earth color of the vast, hungry swarm (pg.56).

The passage speaks of the white men, missionaries, or colonizers who are all consuming and will keep coming. Okonkwo was unable or unwilling to deal with the changing and ever-present intrusions put upon his tribe. His lashing out in anger, killing the messenger, and his inability to communicate his traditions to his own son suggests a man who can no longer be in command of his surroundings. His language and way of life is ultimately challenged as the colonizers entice tribal members with prosperity by abandoning of tribal traditions. My question in any indigenous culture is what is the final goal? Raping the savage to remove the savage does not make a man.

This is a small fragment of the book but one that stuck with me when Okonkwo took his own life. Was he a failure in his own eyes or sending a message to the tribal council? Suicide is the most selfish act and is not done on a whim. Okonkwo made a deliberate act of death and I feel the message was clear.

Virtual Space Blog #2 475

2010-01-22T12:56:00.000-08:00

My obscure existence in the virtual world may be a little odd to some. I scuttle about on Face Book but dislike the format. I like my friends! I am constantly bombarded by invites to games, trivia, responses to cards, and other stuff. I don’t have the time. I also thrive in the political arenas at time, blogging or exchanging ideas (complaining, grassroots) about the rights of America. I express ideals on Roseanne Barr’s forum, Obama’s, Canada (when they listen to me), and many others. I withdraw pending the flow of issues that are present or no longer important on the mainstream. Does that mean I am not interested? I lose the responsiveness when there is a shift in the news or my time is taken elsewhere. Where I thrive the most is in the mechanical world of Thumper (Motorcycles), Ford Tech, Suzuki Forum, Writer’s digest, Scriptwriting, Honda tech, NW Explorers, Rock hounding, Prospectors, and other outdoor stuff. My interactions mainly have to do with technical support, sharing fabrication ideas, supporting backyard mechanics, and learning old-school techniques for rebuilding cars and bikes. I chat with the geology explorers and learn and share about mining practices, exploring historical mines, and ore values in the mining districts. What separates me from other social realms and friends are the types of virtual groups I hang with. Women are a rarity within these groups and often are not accepted unless they can demonstrate an aptitude of some type. That is unfortunate as it makes it almost exclusionary, and veers off the mainstream. I feel isolated as well. The barriers to these communities are obvious for the most part. Your lack of interest in these hobbies would be a huge barrier. The other thing is that having some knowledge to communicate in specialty areas such as Geology or mechanics. Some do however support newcomers with a desire to learn!

Past and present, orality Post #2

2010-01-21T10:43:00.000-08:00

I was intrigued by Ong’s chapter 4 regarding writing restructure. Writing always seemed a necessity rather than a technology. As Ong poignantly points out, “Plato’s Socrates urges writing destroys memory,” and that writing cannot defend itself. The paramount message screams at me as Plato had to put this to print to covey his thoughts! The fact, as he pointed out is that the debate of one cannot exist without the other is paramount. As a society, we no longer “Go tell it on the mountain” or send a rider posthaste across the continental divide, disseminating information. Writing has brought us out of isolation and has allowed the advancement of mankind if you will. The fact is stated writing is contrived from orality is not synonymous. Just as language was derived out of symbolism, it is the same progression although somewhat distinctive. Writing is truly a technology to be expounded upon and as Ong puts it, “heightens consciousness.” I like the reality that writing may be synthetic in a sense but like any technology, it can’t help but progress.

The other intriguing part of the book I found secondary orality. The electronic world has made it probable that printed information (books, journals, manuscripts) can transcend the parameters that once restricted access. A community in Zimbabwe, for example, can cultivate relationships (hopefully) with more advanced communities, thus increasing their agricultural practices or health issues. In turn, all can benefit from the exchange of the “global” universe in which we now embrace. I often listen to my Grandmother who is 95 years old. She expresses that fear of technology and the destruction of mankind if society does not learn to control the beast as she refers to it. She has witnessed the birth of many technologies, and the same fears are expressed throughout generations. She was raised in the “oral” culture of storytelling and “gabbing” on the back fence with the neighbors. She states it is a lost art. Her isolation equates to resistance to technology and she, much like Plato, struggle with conjuring up what the future might hold. She speaks of an orality that will pass with future generations and that is sad to me. I feel we need both and the interconnectivity in technology.

Orality Chapter 3

2010-01-20T15:46:00.000-08:00

In Ong’s chapter three (Some Psychodynamics), I was somewhat taken back on his depiction of the oral cultures. He discussed the complexity in recall, and the inability to preserve complex thoughts led me to my father’s culture, the Eastern Band Cherokees. Today, as in the past, Cherokees have relied on the orality of their culture to teach throughout generations. Most teachings were retaining traditions, endurance, life skills, where they are from, and adversity. The passing of storytelling is a decidedly praised and much practiced skill among the tribe today. Most historical information is still communicated through the telling of stories despite learning phonics. I did not see the parallel at first that Ong’s description of oral recall. Ong suggests that thoughts “must come into being in heavily rhythmic, balanced patterns, in repetitions or antitheses, in alliterations and assonances, in epithetic and other formulary expressions, in standard thematic settings, ….). But this too broadens that gap between orality and literacy. The Cherokee Tribe was once exclusive to those who belonged, accepted by, or who could speak the language. Now, technology has opened the door and generated a conduit, closing the gap somewhat.

Almost all Cherokee language comes in heavily rhythmic and balanced patterns. Some seem almost poetic or musical but never leaving out meaning. A story or ritual, or way of the past is typically communicated in that method. As any oral language though, it is a dying art form among the younger generations as they turn to technology. Tribal language is now taught online by elders rather than among family or tribal councils. There is some loss of translation of sound, affect, body language, and patterning as the elder reads from a scripted text rather than a story once told to him/her. With writing and print, we are quickly learning a detached, different form of communication. As oral cultures were/are limiting and polarized, technology is changing the way of communicating exponentially. What will be interesting to see is if the written culture can retain or build upon the ancient for of the oral cultures.

Cyberspace First Steps #1

2010-01-15T13:14:00.001-08:00

Ahh! Adjectives….I like this guy already! Benedikt allows me some latitude to “dream a little” when describing what I think cyberspace emerges as or dwells in my mind. I purposely chose, “The realm of pure information, filling like a lake, siphoning the jangle of messages transfiguring the physical world, decontaminating the natural and urban landscapes`, redeeming them, saving them from the chain-dragging bulldozers of the paper industry, from diesel smoke of courier and post office trucks, from jet fuel fumes and clogged airports, from billboards, trashy and pretentious architecture, hour-long freeway commutes, ticket lines and choked subways…from all the inefficiencies, pollutions (chemical and informational) and corruptions attendant to the process of moving information attached to things-from paper to brains-across, over and under vast and bumpy surface of the earth rather than letting it fly free in the soft hail of electrons that is cyberspace."

Wow! As a visual type, the long passage screams of fiction and a great opening to a science fiction flick…There is nothing unadulterated anymore about how society uses information or how it is perpetrated upon any medium. What it is reminiscent of is clear cutting the world of words that once were used submissively for communication but now are pimped on every billboard, sidewalk, airwave, moving vehicle, reader, desktop, bottle, pen, and even your toilet paper. Dragging them to the underbelly of the physical world and letting them fly free is somewhat presumptuous. Nothing is free nor was it ever! But I like the saying, so “fly.” I also like the meaning behind, “Is it real or is it Memorex.” Old school I know. What I derive from Benedikt (What a name!) is that what we see is like the “inward eye.” It is a reflection of what we think, an illusion of what was, something that is not existent but existent. Wordsworth says it the best:

I wandered lonely as a cloud
That floats on high o'er vales and hills,
When all at once I saw a crowd,
A host, of golden daffodils;
Beside the lake, beneath the trees,
Fluttering and dancing in the breeze.
Continuous as the stars that shine
And twinkle on the milky way,
They stretched in never-ending line
Along the margin of a bay:
Ten thousand saw I at a glance,
Tossing their heads in sprightly dance.
The waves beside them danced; but they
Out-did the sparkling waves in glee:
A poet could not but be gay,
In such a jocund company:
I gazed---and gazed---but little thought
What wealth the show to me had brought:
For oft, when on my couch I lie
In vacant or in pensive mood,
They flash upon that inward eye
Which is the bliss of solitude;
And then my heart with pleasure fills,
And dances with the daffodils.

Cyberspace is not this line upon line concrete, tangible entity that we can master or control. It allows us to play within its parameters (whatever that will be) and it is what we are willing to put in and pull out is the thrill of the medium. Finding the right door or door is a challenge at time but it is real I think. The digital age is a new rebellion that will clash with the physical world and is the driving entity of our cyber world.

As a side note, my first computer was a Vic 20 by Commodore (5 K Ram) Smoking!

Bloated Protoplasims

2010-01-13T16:39:00.000-08:00

My first time up on Blogger and it seems a little arduous...As my info states, I am a retired mechanic/vocational counselor/whatever pays the house payment type who has returned to school again. I live in Richland with my two bobtail cats and an occasional stray one. I have worked in many fields and have a degree in paralegal law. I am an avid rock hound and spend time with the "Friends of Geology" club founded by a few of us after a rebelling against CBC's unreasonable club rules. Likes: Rocks, books, Law books, writing, writing, technology, fast cars (Mopar), new tools, cool tools, gardens, gear oil, things that don't make noise, and movies. Dislikes: stupid movies, housework, math, stress, ovaltine, black-eyed peas, okra, overalls, AMC cars, baggy pants, smelly shoes, mowing my lawn, and many other things.
I'm glad to see firendly faces in DTC as it can be tough at times...
I spent some time in LA at CBS studios having a blast working as a gopher for my uncle. I walked on the set of Falcon Crest by mistake smoking a cig...The series died about the time Three Kings came out...A few years back...Sometimes I like/hate being old...I was run off my security for snooping around movie sets and Rosanne Barr's studio lot...I met cool people. I mostly worked my tail off but it was worth it to know you don't sleep or sneek around at Warner.

I love WSU and hope to emerge as a talented writer/digital?