In the course of making this blog, I have mentioned social media a lot. It's a hot topic and it is a part of most people's daily lives. Because of that, I think it is something that deserves a lot of discussions. That being said, I have a bone to pick with social media. From the title, I think it is probably pretty obvious what I have to say and who it is addressed to. To be fair to me, if you have made it far into the post, you're going to have to finish it to understand what I really mean by the title.
To set the scene for you, I am going to paint a picture. You will need to use your imagination, so close your eyes. Now open them; you're going to need to be able to read what you are supposed to imagine! Imagine this: you just finished a long day at school and work and you are sitting on your sofa at home at long last. As you wait for your meal to cook, you pull out your phone and decide to rest your mind by hopping on social media for a bit. You're hoping for some entertainment: maybe your nerdy friend posted the newest Star Wars trailer for you to watch, your weird friend may have posted another series of funny cat memes for you to browse through, or you might find that cute guy or girl you met the other day and try to slide in their DM's. You get through the first few pictures of engagements and you give them their obligatory likes. Now the search for entertainment has begun. But, as you search for funny cat memes and the latest Long Beach Griffy videos, all you seem to come across is people posting angrily about politics. Ranging from logical, infrequent, and written out with pure intention to illogical, daily posts written to anger the public mind, these trumpets of unsolicited opinions cover your news feed, choking out the already rare entertaining posts. Shaking your head, you turn off your phone without accomplishing any of the goals you originally had in mind. With that, our example comes to a close
Now, I don't mean to say that it is a bad thing to use Facebook to share opinions and ideas. But, it also isn't the reason I use Facebook or any other social media. I use social media to stay in touch with friends and to entertain me when my brain is fried and I don't want to do anything else. I understand an occasional political or opinion-based post. However, when that is all I see when I am on social media and when the ideas are poorly thought out or cliche, it really starts to get on my nerves. It kills my desire to use social media and often severely lowers my opinion of the people who posted whatever it is.
For the reasons stated above, I feel like if all you do on Facebook is vent about politics, you need to realize that you are preaching to people who don't care and probably won't be convinced by what you have to say. Which means you should probably go and vent out your ideas somewhere else. And this goes to you as well, news outlets. Any intelligent person will not rely on social media as their main source of political information. Either keep it to yourself or go put it out there where someone cares.
Monday, November 27, 2017
7. Three Specific Reading and Writing Goals For This Semester
Today, we were challenged in my writing class to make some goals for reading and writing during this semester. We got a list of some ideas for improving our reading and writing skills. As I went through the list, there were three that I thought would be really helpful. Specifically, I decided I will take notes, make a purpose question and note down questions about things that I don't understand.
There are a few reasons I chose these three techniques for improving my reading in writing. First of all, taking notes will help me pay more attention while I am writing and will give me more ideas as I start to write. Next, writing down a purpose question for everything I write and for what I am reading will really focus my thoughts and help me to understand the subject more. Finally, writing down anything I don't understand will allow me to search out answers to my questions, helping me to be better informed and more prepared for future reading and writing.
As with all good goals, they need to be based on a plan to implement them. So, I decided I will start this out by having a notebook to write down my notes and questions in. I will start by writing my purpose question at the top of a paper. This will be followed by notes on the subject down the middle column, with questions I may have written in the left-hand margin.
I really believe implementing these techniques in my reading and writing over the course of this semester will help me to improve all my writing and to get more understanding from all the assigned readings that we will have in this class. I really want to get the most out of this class and I think that this is the way to do it.
There are a few reasons I chose these three techniques for improving my reading in writing. First of all, taking notes will help me pay more attention while I am writing and will give me more ideas as I start to write. Next, writing down a purpose question for everything I write and for what I am reading will really focus my thoughts and help me to understand the subject more. Finally, writing down anything I don't understand will allow me to search out answers to my questions, helping me to be better informed and more prepared for future reading and writing.
As with all good goals, they need to be based on a plan to implement them. So, I decided I will start this out by having a notebook to write down my notes and questions in. I will start by writing my purpose question at the top of a paper. This will be followed by notes on the subject down the middle column, with questions I may have written in the left-hand margin.
I really believe implementing these techniques in my reading and writing over the course of this semester will help me to improve all my writing and to get more understanding from all the assigned readings that we will have in this class. I really want to get the most out of this class and I think that this is the way to do it.
6. This Guy Studied How to Have Stronger Families. You Won't Believe What He Found Out!
Bruce Feiler is a normal guy, just like you or me. He puts his pants on one leg at a time, he has to brushes his teeth, and occasionally spends more time on the internet than he probably should. Another thing that makes Bruce a lot like you and me is the fact that he doesn't always have a well-functioning family unit. In his attention-catching article, "The Stories That Bind Us," he describes a scene of complete chaos that ensued his rebuke of one of his nephews at a family dinner.
Unlike most of us, Bruce used this scene to do something quite incredible. He spent years researching and uncovering information about how to make teams, specifically families, function better. What he learned during these years is even more incredible and unexpected: families that have a stronger family narrative tend to be much more stable.
Bruce discovered this surprising information by interviewing the famed Dr. Marshall Duke from Emory University. Dr. Duke had spent years studying kids to find which kids were the most stable. It turns out, according to his research, that kids who know the history of their family tend to be much more stable.
For most people, this is incredibly surprising. However, it is important to note that these findings aren't that far from what The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints teaches. The Church puts particular importance in the work of genealogy, or the study of one's family. This helps members of the church create strong family narratives. It means family traditions and knowledge of what has happened in the family's past is very prevalent among even the children of the family. This heralds back to a scripture that is very familiar to the members of The Church, which states that the hearts of the children will be turned to their fathers. Well, Mormons, it looks like you did it again. Way to focus on building up those families.
Unlike most of us, Bruce used this scene to do something quite incredible. He spent years researching and uncovering information about how to make teams, specifically families, function better. What he learned during these years is even more incredible and unexpected: families that have a stronger family narrative tend to be much more stable.
Bruce discovered this surprising information by interviewing the famed Dr. Marshall Duke from Emory University. Dr. Duke had spent years studying kids to find which kids were the most stable. It turns out, according to his research, that kids who know the history of their family tend to be much more stable.
For most people, this is incredibly surprising. However, it is important to note that these findings aren't that far from what The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints teaches. The Church puts particular importance in the work of genealogy, or the study of one's family. This helps members of the church create strong family narratives. It means family traditions and knowledge of what has happened in the family's past is very prevalent among even the children of the family. This heralds back to a scripture that is very familiar to the members of The Church, which states that the hearts of the children will be turned to their fathers. Well, Mormons, it looks like you did it again. Way to focus on building up those families.
Tuesday, November 7, 2017
5. Ryan Hamilton: The Man, The Myth, The Comedian.
As I listened to Ryan Hamilton discuss his life in a comic manner, I tried to understand who his intended audience was. He began by talking about his uncanny ability to appear chipper and optimistic, even though on the inside he just felt alright. This struck me as entertaining, as it appeared to do for so many others in the audience. I think that the reason so many in the audience, which includes a wide variety of people, can relate to Ryan is two-fold.
First, Ryan has an incredible smile. It is broad, tall and shining white, revealing all his teeth clearly. This kind of smile comes across as energetic, enthusiastic and incredibly happy. So, naturally, many in the audience assume that he is in a very good mood because of his smile. Hearing contrary to what appears to be fact is humorous to all those who watch him say he is doing alright with a huge grin.
The other reason that it appears that Ryan is able to appeal to a general audience is that many people feel like they are putting on a happy face while they really feel differently inside. Because of the context, the audience will laugh, but if this were in a more serious context, they would feel a connection because of the truth in what Ryan is saying. To put it simply, it is very relatable humor for a very large audience, which makes it very entertaining.
In conclusion, there are two types of humor that Ryan uses to appeal to a very wide audience. Ryan appeals to many peoples sense of physical humor with his wide, toothy grin. This naturally brings smiles to the faces of all who see him. The other type of humor that Ryan uses is an appeal to a wide audience by pointing out a relatable problem that many people experience. This is entertaining to people because they feel the same way as him.
First, Ryan has an incredible smile. It is broad, tall and shining white, revealing all his teeth clearly. This kind of smile comes across as energetic, enthusiastic and incredibly happy. So, naturally, many in the audience assume that he is in a very good mood because of his smile. Hearing contrary to what appears to be fact is humorous to all those who watch him say he is doing alright with a huge grin.
The other reason that it appears that Ryan is able to appeal to a general audience is that many people feel like they are putting on a happy face while they really feel differently inside. Because of the context, the audience will laugh, but if this were in a more serious context, they would feel a connection because of the truth in what Ryan is saying. To put it simply, it is very relatable humor for a very large audience, which makes it very entertaining.
In conclusion, there are two types of humor that Ryan uses to appeal to a very wide audience. Ryan appeals to many peoples sense of physical humor with his wide, toothy grin. This naturally brings smiles to the faces of all who see him. The other type of humor that Ryan uses is an appeal to a wide audience by pointing out a relatable problem that many people experience. This is entertaining to people because they feel the same way as him.
Tuesday, October 31, 2017
4. What Works on Research Paper and What Doesn't
As I started my research paper, I felt prepared. I had great sources, good ideas, and a decent notion of how my paper would be organized. However, as my writing took me past the introduction, I found that the sources I had didn't quite fit what I had decided to write about. They were related and interesting, but as what I wrote developed organically, I realized I would have to really stretch the subject of my paper thin, thereby weakening the support of my thesis in the body paragraphs.
I found that I would have to come up with ideas of what I wanted to write in the next sentence or paragraph and then search for papers that supported what I was intending to say. As I followed this pattern, it became more natural and the real shape of my paper became clear to me. I quickly discarded what I found before I started my paper and began to develop my ideas and to search for research on those subjects. It took some time and effort, but I was able to find plenty of research which supported my points.
Another important tool I discovered while writing my paper was technology. This was perhaps one of the most important things I learned during the crafting process. Technology helped me to structure my paper with the proper style, it helped me to find the papers I needed to read to support my arguments, and it helped correct the errors in my grammar and in my spelling.
The use of technology, especially in today's world, cannot be understated. Technology will be used by your reader. They will use it to judge your style, your grammar, your information and they can easily locate your sources. If you do not use technology to aid you in your efforts to craft a well-written research essay, you will struggle to satisfy your reader.
I found that I would have to come up with ideas of what I wanted to write in the next sentence or paragraph and then search for papers that supported what I was intending to say. As I followed this pattern, it became more natural and the real shape of my paper became clear to me. I quickly discarded what I found before I started my paper and began to develop my ideas and to search for research on those subjects. It took some time and effort, but I was able to find plenty of research which supported my points.
Another important tool I discovered while writing my paper was technology. This was perhaps one of the most important things I learned during the crafting process. Technology helped me to structure my paper with the proper style, it helped me to find the papers I needed to read to support my arguments, and it helped correct the errors in my grammar and in my spelling.
The use of technology, especially in today's world, cannot be understated. Technology will be used by your reader. They will use it to judge your style, your grammar, your information and they can easily locate your sources. If you do not use technology to aid you in your efforts to craft a well-written research essay, you will struggle to satisfy your reader.
Tuesday, October 17, 2017
3. Research Paper
For my research paper, I am going to write about the effects of social media on modern social life. My audience is first world populations that frequently use social media outlets to inform, entertain and maintain contact with their social structures.
The audience I am approaching is generally rejecting the idea that social media has negative effects on how well informed they are, as well as the social structures that they participate in. This is largely due to the prevalence they perceive in the use of the social media platforms they enjoy. This is enhanced by the fact that often those who utilize these medias create so-called echo chambers by only consuming social media that agrees with or appeals to them.
The audience who uses the social media often values the appearance of being informed and well-connected. Not only do they consume media produced by others, but they often create media with the aim to increase their social status among their peers. Thus we can understand that they are concerned most to maintain themselves within the social norms promoted by society within the social media services they participate in.
Many of the things that the consumers of social media fear most is being left out. This includes being left out of social norms, being left out of popular entertainment and not know what their" friends" are doing currently. This leads to an almost compulsive use of social media to satisfy the instant desire of being not only entertained but "informed" about the occurrence.
Some of the counter arguments they might purpose include that only an informed person can actively participate in society. They may also claim that this is the best way to build large social circles that are often needed to in today's world. However, these ideas are built upon the false assumption that the information found is true and connections made are beneficial.
The audience I am approaching is generally rejecting the idea that social media has negative effects on how well informed they are, as well as the social structures that they participate in. This is largely due to the prevalence they perceive in the use of the social media platforms they enjoy. This is enhanced by the fact that often those who utilize these medias create so-called echo chambers by only consuming social media that agrees with or appeals to them.
The audience who uses the social media often values the appearance of being informed and well-connected. Not only do they consume media produced by others, but they often create media with the aim to increase their social status among their peers. Thus we can understand that they are concerned most to maintain themselves within the social norms promoted by society within the social media services they participate in.
Many of the things that the consumers of social media fear most is being left out. This includes being left out of social norms, being left out of popular entertainment and not know what their" friends" are doing currently. This leads to an almost compulsive use of social media to satisfy the instant desire of being not only entertained but "informed" about the occurrence.
Some of the counter arguments they might purpose include that only an informed person can actively participate in society. They may also claim that this is the best way to build large social circles that are often needed to in today's world. However, these ideas are built upon the false assumption that the information found is true and connections made are beneficial.
Tuesday, October 3, 2017
2. The 187th Semiannual Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
This last weekend, September 30th and October 1st, 2017, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints held their semiannual general conference. As the name denotes, this conference is open to the general body of the church, as well as any visitors who wish to view the proceedings. The speakers for this conference are drawn from the general authorities and officers of the Church. These speakers are not given a topic to talk about, but rather carefully ponder on what they should say and are guided by the Holy Ghost to the topic they eventually speak on.
The speakers spend copious amounts of time writing and re-writing their remarks. They are careful to listen to the Spirit as they prepare their talk so that the words can be prepared to reach the hearts of those who are listening when the message is delivered. This is a huge blessing to everyone who listens and can often have profound impacts on the lives of the audience.
One talk that was given during this conference was given by Elder John C. Pingree of the Quorum of the Seventy. He gave a talk titled " I Have a Work for Thee." In this talk, he discusses the different roles that people have in their lives and how it can sometimes be difficult to decide what one's role is. In discussing how someone can decide what they should be doing with their life, he offered the following advice: "After pondering for several months, I came across this verse: “If you desire, you shall be the means of doing much good in this generation” (D&C 11:8). The Spirit helped me understand that the primary purpose of divine assignments is to bless others and to do “much good.”"
Powerful messages like this help member of The Church, as well as others, across the world, to develop their lives and to feel more joy because they appeal to fundamental desires that many people have. In the case of this talk, it appeals to the need to have a meaningful role in life. This is something that many people spend a lot of time thinking about. Because serving others feels good, the advice that is given here will appeal to the audience it is given. This is especially true because the audience, the members of The Church, are typically trying to find ways to do more good in the world.
The speakers spend copious amounts of time writing and re-writing their remarks. They are careful to listen to the Spirit as they prepare their talk so that the words can be prepared to reach the hearts of those who are listening when the message is delivered. This is a huge blessing to everyone who listens and can often have profound impacts on the lives of the audience.
One talk that was given during this conference was given by Elder John C. Pingree of the Quorum of the Seventy. He gave a talk titled " I Have a Work for Thee." In this talk, he discusses the different roles that people have in their lives and how it can sometimes be difficult to decide what one's role is. In discussing how someone can decide what they should be doing with their life, he offered the following advice: "After pondering for several months, I came across this verse: “If you desire, you shall be the means of doing much good in this generation” (D&C 11:8). The Spirit helped me understand that the primary purpose of divine assignments is to bless others and to do “much good.”"
Powerful messages like this help member of The Church, as well as others, across the world, to develop their lives and to feel more joy because they appeal to fundamental desires that many people have. In the case of this talk, it appeals to the need to have a meaningful role in life. This is something that many people spend a lot of time thinking about. Because serving others feels good, the advice that is given here will appeal to the audience it is given. This is especially true because the audience, the members of The Church, are typically trying to find ways to do more good in the world.
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