Sarah Fitzpatrick
Eng1050 – 20Writing Journal Assignment #4
I found this article very interesting because I have found myself wondering the same thing at times: what does one do with an English major? The author brought up good points that English is not just about writing books and analyzing poems, but that its part in the business world is crucial. When coming up with slogans or jingles, one must be good at thinking of something that will stick in others’ heads. They must be able to come up with concise rhyme that is also somehow incorporated with their product or business. Being an English major is crucial in gaining this knowledge and qualifications needed for jobs like these. I agree with Ken Steele’s quotation, I think that language is very useful in all ranges of work. You are not considered professional if you use bad English or grammar. I think this is part of the reason almost every college requires students to enter after the completion of four English courses in high school. If one has not had enough practice in English they will not go very far – considering interviews, public speaking and meeting new people. I think that this article proved a very good point, and one that most people do not stop to think about.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Writing Journal Assignment #4
Cameron Foley
Eng1050
Writing Journal Assignment #4
I found this article to be very enlightening. As an economics major in the school of arts and sciences I was very happy to hear about the advantages of going into business with a degree that centers around the liberal arts. People typically emphasize the importance of math and logic when it comes to careers in business, but it makes perfect sense that writing and English would play an equally important role. Being able to write is a skill that people who are good at it often take for granted, but having the ability to accurately portray one's thoughts in an email or memo is extremely beneficial in any work setting. When one is trying to propose something to their boss or supervisor it is very important that someone is able to write without mistakes in spelling and grammar that would make them look uneducated. When applying for jobs it is even more imperative that one is able to write correctly. Having typos or errors in one's resume or job application could rule them out as a candidate before even having an interview. I my mind writing is something that people who attend a school like Villanova have learned how to do well before they even come here and by the time they are applying for jobs it comes second nature to them, but this isn't the case for everyone. Simply because we don't think about it daily does not mean that writing isn't as important as anything else in the workplace.
Eng1050
Writing Journal Assignment #4
I found this article to be very enlightening. As an economics major in the school of arts and sciences I was very happy to hear about the advantages of going into business with a degree that centers around the liberal arts. People typically emphasize the importance of math and logic when it comes to careers in business, but it makes perfect sense that writing and English would play an equally important role. Being able to write is a skill that people who are good at it often take for granted, but having the ability to accurately portray one's thoughts in an email or memo is extremely beneficial in any work setting. When one is trying to propose something to their boss or supervisor it is very important that someone is able to write without mistakes in spelling and grammar that would make them look uneducated. When applying for jobs it is even more imperative that one is able to write correctly. Having typos or errors in one's resume or job application could rule them out as a candidate before even having an interview. I my mind writing is something that people who attend a school like Villanova have learned how to do well before they even come here and by the time they are applying for jobs it comes second nature to them, but this isn't the case for everyone. Simply because we don't think about it daily does not mean that writing isn't as important as anything else in the workplace.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Writing Assignment #3
Sarah Fitzpatrick
Eng1050 – 20
Writing Journal Assignment #3
This is a difficult issue to discuss, as it seems to interfere with the natural rights of men and women in the United States. I would like to say that patients should have the right to refuse treatment, as it alters something going on in their own body; but another point people have to consider is the safety of the community. The studies have clearly shown that mental illness is positively correlated with homicides. I do believe that it would put the community in a safer place if the people released from mental hospitals were required to take medicine. If someone was recovering from a severe physical injury or illness, they would be told to take medicine until they recovered, or to continue to take medicine to keep them strong. Although we are talking about mental illnesses, not physical ones, the studies prove that the medicine improves these peoples’ lives and should be mandatory for the good of themselves and the people around them. At one point, the author pointed out the high percentage of people in state, federal and local inmates who suffer from mental illnesses. A question that arose for me, however, is this: Was this based on their mental state when they arrived at the prison or is it possible that some of these people could have acquired mental illnesses from being locked up in a prison?
Eng1050 – 20
Writing Journal Assignment #3
This is a difficult issue to discuss, as it seems to interfere with the natural rights of men and women in the United States. I would like to say that patients should have the right to refuse treatment, as it alters something going on in their own body; but another point people have to consider is the safety of the community. The studies have clearly shown that mental illness is positively correlated with homicides. I do believe that it would put the community in a safer place if the people released from mental hospitals were required to take medicine. If someone was recovering from a severe physical injury or illness, they would be told to take medicine until they recovered, or to continue to take medicine to keep them strong. Although we are talking about mental illnesses, not physical ones, the studies prove that the medicine improves these peoples’ lives and should be mandatory for the good of themselves and the people around them. At one point, the author pointed out the high percentage of people in state, federal and local inmates who suffer from mental illnesses. A question that arose for me, however, is this: Was this based on their mental state when they arrived at the prison or is it possible that some of these people could have acquired mental illnesses from being locked up in a prison?
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Writing Journal Assignment #3
Kaitlin Chupka
Eng1050 – 20
Writing Journal Assignment #3
After reading, I thought that the article itself was strange. The author included statistics in almost every paragraph, and all of the statistics jumped into different subjects. It made me skeptical of what arguments the author was trying to put forward. I feel, though, that the issue of the article revolves mostly around the healthcare system and availability of proper health care in the US, even to those who may not be able to afford it. It is evident that the level of care that mentally ill patients have been getting has decreased substantially over time. The statistics don't lie, the release of ill patients can cause societal problems with violence, but their cases took place in towns or small cities, not in major metropolises. It is hard for me to think that the numbers these studies came up with can be accurate if they are using isolated cases to explain the rise of mental health-related violence throughout the entire United States. Those with mental illnesses should be required to recieve help, even if it does involve a struggle. Judging from the statistics in the article, though the argument they provide is skeptical, there is a specific population whose impacts we can pinpoint and try to reverse. While it seems to be a growing issue amongst Americans, I think that the care provided to mentally disabled individuals should be looked at more carefully and given more priority.
Eng1050 – 20
Writing Journal Assignment #3
After reading, I thought that the article itself was strange. The author included statistics in almost every paragraph, and all of the statistics jumped into different subjects. It made me skeptical of what arguments the author was trying to put forward. I feel, though, that the issue of the article revolves mostly around the healthcare system and availability of proper health care in the US, even to those who may not be able to afford it. It is evident that the level of care that mentally ill patients have been getting has decreased substantially over time. The statistics don't lie, the release of ill patients can cause societal problems with violence, but their cases took place in towns or small cities, not in major metropolises. It is hard for me to think that the numbers these studies came up with can be accurate if they are using isolated cases to explain the rise of mental health-related violence throughout the entire United States. Those with mental illnesses should be required to recieve help, even if it does involve a struggle. Judging from the statistics in the article, though the argument they provide is skeptical, there is a specific population whose impacts we can pinpoint and try to reverse. While it seems to be a growing issue amongst Americans, I think that the care provided to mentally disabled individuals should be looked at more carefully and given more priority.
Writing Journal Assignment #4
Andrew Connaughton
Eng1050 – 20
Writing Journal Assignment #4
I thought this was a very interesting article, especially because I am a business student. It was a little bit of a realization for me to be shown how English is used in the business world. I have, of course, seen more than my fair share of commercials and catchy rhymes but I never really thought about who was coming up with them. The Business English course that Penn State offers sounds like a class that I would be interesting in taking. I'm sure it teaches more than just how to come up with clever rhymes. For the ad campaigns that work best for me are the commercials with simple slogans and funny commercials. If the slogan is easy to say and remember, I will probably go around saying it to my friends. But long slogans and dry commercials don't really catch my attention, which makes it seem like the English major who comes up with the slogan has their work cut out. Although I found most of the content in the article interesting, the end seemed almost like a plea or a recruitment for English majors. Although it cleverly ended with the Nike slogan, I thought that the article lost some of its credibility because of its informality.
Eng1050 – 20
Writing Journal Assignment #4
I thought this was a very interesting article, especially because I am a business student. It was a little bit of a realization for me to be shown how English is used in the business world. I have, of course, seen more than my fair share of commercials and catchy rhymes but I never really thought about who was coming up with them. The Business English course that Penn State offers sounds like a class that I would be interesting in taking. I'm sure it teaches more than just how to come up with clever rhymes. For the ad campaigns that work best for me are the commercials with simple slogans and funny commercials. If the slogan is easy to say and remember, I will probably go around saying it to my friends. But long slogans and dry commercials don't really catch my attention, which makes it seem like the English major who comes up with the slogan has their work cut out. Although I found most of the content in the article interesting, the end seemed almost like a plea or a recruitment for English majors. Although it cleverly ended with the Nike slogan, I thought that the article lost some of its credibility because of its informality.
Writing Journal Assignment #4
Hello Everyone,
For your fourth Writing Journal assignment, please read the following article: “English: It’s the Real Thing - As a college major, the language has more going for it than just Shakespeare." Lisa Stefany, Philadelphia Inquirer. Friday, August 21, 2009.
- From Falvey Library's homepage (on the left side), choose "Databases A-Z."
- Then choose " Philadelphia Inquirer."
- Write the article’s title in the “Search” data field, and perform your search.
You’re welcome to respond to the article however you wish. I do encourage you, though, to consider the following:
Do you know of any current rhyming advertisements or political slogans that illustrate Lisa Stefany’s ideas, or do you remember any from the past? What are they? What makes them memorable?
Considering the “four words” the author mentions that characterized a political campaign: What is it that makes an advertisement or slogan memorable to you?”
Can you take an advertisement’s slogan (examples— “Just Do It” (Nike) or “Dude, you're getting a Dell”) and turn it into a memorable rhyme?
What do you think about Ken Steele’s quotation? Would you expect her to hire an English major to work in her organization? Why or why not?
Did any of the author’s ideas surprise you? If so, which ones came as a surprise?
Please include the following information as a heading on your work:
Your name
Eng1050 – 20
Writing Journal Assignment #4
Please post your Writing Journal response to this article / topic (200 - 250 words) by Thursday, October 8, 2009.
Have a good day.
Mr. Dierkes
For your fourth Writing Journal assignment, please read the following article: “English: It’s the Real Thing - As a college major, the language has more going for it than just Shakespeare." Lisa Stefany, Philadelphia Inquirer. Friday, August 21, 2009.
- From Falvey Library's homepage (on the left side), choose "Databases A-Z."
- Then choose " Philadelphia Inquirer."
- Write the article’s title in the “Search” data field, and perform your search.
You’re welcome to respond to the article however you wish. I do encourage you, though, to consider the following:
Do you know of any current rhyming advertisements or political slogans that illustrate Lisa Stefany’s ideas, or do you remember any from the past? What are they? What makes them memorable?
Considering the “four words” the author mentions that characterized a political campaign: What is it that makes an advertisement or slogan memorable to you?”
Can you take an advertisement’s slogan (examples— “Just Do It” (Nike) or “Dude, you're getting a Dell”) and turn it into a memorable rhyme?
What do you think about Ken Steele’s quotation? Would you expect her to hire an English major to work in her organization? Why or why not?
Did any of the author’s ideas surprise you? If so, which ones came as a surprise?
Please include the following information as a heading on your work:
Your name
Eng1050 – 20
Writing Journal Assignment #4
Please post your Writing Journal response to this article / topic (200 - 250 words) by Thursday, October 8, 2009.
Have a good day.
Mr. Dierkes
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Writing Journal Assignment #3
Writing Journal Assignment #3
Cameron Foley
Eng1050
I found this article to be the most interesting of the three we have read thus far. While with the other two articles I feel I have had some personal experience with what I was reading about, I had no idea that the topics discussed in this article existed, or at least to this extent. The types of numbers given by the author in regards to the percentage of people who commit homicide and other violent that are also mentally ill. While it makes sense that in many cases it would take someone who is mentally unstable or mentally ill to do something as terrible as kill innocent people, I thought that for the most part violent crimes were carried out for other reasons. The other thing that I found the most astonishing was the fact that many of these people have had the option of getting help, or have been refused help. The idea that help is available for many of these people, without cost to them, was very surprising to me, and what was ever more interesting about was the idea that it is more expensive for the tax payers if these people do not get treatment than if they do.
Another issue brought up at the end of the article that was certainly the most controversial in my mind, was the idea that people can be forced to get treatment. While it makes sense that someone who has been convicted of a crime may have to receive treatment as part of their sentence, I'm not sure if I fully agree with forcing someone to get treatment for an illness if they haven't shown that they are dangerous. We do not force people to get treatment for physical illnesses, so I'm not sure if forcing someone to get treatment for a mental illness is ethical. There are certainly exceptions to this, like having people go to outpatient therapy, but in terms of locking someone up in a mental institution, I find that very wrong and immoral.
Cameron Foley
Eng1050
I found this article to be the most interesting of the three we have read thus far. While with the other two articles I feel I have had some personal experience with what I was reading about, I had no idea that the topics discussed in this article existed, or at least to this extent. The types of numbers given by the author in regards to the percentage of people who commit homicide and other violent that are also mentally ill. While it makes sense that in many cases it would take someone who is mentally unstable or mentally ill to do something as terrible as kill innocent people, I thought that for the most part violent crimes were carried out for other reasons. The other thing that I found the most astonishing was the fact that many of these people have had the option of getting help, or have been refused help. The idea that help is available for many of these people, without cost to them, was very surprising to me, and what was ever more interesting about was the idea that it is more expensive for the tax payers if these people do not get treatment than if they do.
Another issue brought up at the end of the article that was certainly the most controversial in my mind, was the idea that people can be forced to get treatment. While it makes sense that someone who has been convicted of a crime may have to receive treatment as part of their sentence, I'm not sure if I fully agree with forcing someone to get treatment for an illness if they haven't shown that they are dangerous. We do not force people to get treatment for physical illnesses, so I'm not sure if forcing someone to get treatment for a mental illness is ethical. There are certainly exceptions to this, like having people go to outpatient therapy, but in terms of locking someone up in a mental institution, I find that very wrong and immoral.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Writing Journal Assignment #3
Andrew Connaughton
Eng1050 – 20
Writing Journal Assignment #3
I was surprised to see how much mental health care has diminished over the past 50 years, from 559,000 hospitalized in 1955 to 47,000 in 2005. I always thought that in the present day we are a little over-cautious and maybe a little paranoid about disease and illness. I often wonder what it was like 50 years ago when many diseases that we take medicine for now were unknown. Many people are diagnosed with ADD and ADHD today when it wasn't even regarded as an issue several years ago. But the fact that there is less mental health care being provided today that 50 years ago is extremely surprising. I thought that there would be more types of mental diseases, treatments, and requirements today, putting many more people in mental hospitals. If a person is living in a public community and is mentally ill, I believe that they need to be medicated. If they do not, they are putting themselves and everyone else around them at risk, as stated in the article. The sick people should be forced to take medication because if they are unaware that they are ill then they are probably an intensive case. If they continue to refuse medication, then they should either be forced to move out of the community or be put in a mental facility, preferably the latter so that they don't hurt anyone, including themselves.
Eng1050 – 20
Writing Journal Assignment #3
I was surprised to see how much mental health care has diminished over the past 50 years, from 559,000 hospitalized in 1955 to 47,000 in 2005. I always thought that in the present day we are a little over-cautious and maybe a little paranoid about disease and illness. I often wonder what it was like 50 years ago when many diseases that we take medicine for now were unknown. Many people are diagnosed with ADD and ADHD today when it wasn't even regarded as an issue several years ago. But the fact that there is less mental health care being provided today that 50 years ago is extremely surprising. I thought that there would be more types of mental diseases, treatments, and requirements today, putting many more people in mental hospitals. If a person is living in a public community and is mentally ill, I believe that they need to be medicated. If they do not, they are putting themselves and everyone else around them at risk, as stated in the article. The sick people should be forced to take medication because if they are unaware that they are ill then they are probably an intensive case. If they continue to refuse medication, then they should either be forced to move out of the community or be put in a mental facility, preferably the latter so that they don't hurt anyone, including themselves.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Writing Journal Assignment #2
Kaitlin Chupka
Eng1050 – 20
Writing Journal Assignment #2
From reading the opening paragraph of the article alone, I knew the author would be someone I could relate to. I am currently operating seven tabs in my web browser with everything from e-mail to sports scores and, of course, Facebook. This is my usual routine when getting to my dorm room after class -- open up all the websites that I need to check in order to get myself situated. Sometimes I wonder how I got into the habit of having seven or eight things to be looking at all at once. The subject goes along well with our last article about how many Americans have adapted to having all the information they need at their fingertips and no time to wait for it. With that being said, even when I do have all of these windows open on my computer, they usually sit there for a while until I can get to them because I am admittedly an awful multitasker. I don't like doing more than one thing at a time because I know my attention will be drawn away and I will forget about what I was first doing, or I will return to it with less focus. I can relate to Chabris's idea of remembering phone numbers long enough to dial them -- I almost always have to write the number down because I know that if ONE thought pops into my head, the number will be gone forever. I enjoyed reading this article because it is very timely for me, as this is the first task on my seemingly neverending to-do list for today.
Eng1050 – 20
Writing Journal Assignment #2
From reading the opening paragraph of the article alone, I knew the author would be someone I could relate to. I am currently operating seven tabs in my web browser with everything from e-mail to sports scores and, of course, Facebook. This is my usual routine when getting to my dorm room after class -- open up all the websites that I need to check in order to get myself situated. Sometimes I wonder how I got into the habit of having seven or eight things to be looking at all at once. The subject goes along well with our last article about how many Americans have adapted to having all the information they need at their fingertips and no time to wait for it. With that being said, even when I do have all of these windows open on my computer, they usually sit there for a while until I can get to them because I am admittedly an awful multitasker. I don't like doing more than one thing at a time because I know my attention will be drawn away and I will forget about what I was first doing, or I will return to it with less focus. I can relate to Chabris's idea of remembering phone numbers long enough to dial them -- I almost always have to write the number down because I know that if ONE thought pops into my head, the number will be gone forever. I enjoyed reading this article because it is very timely for me, as this is the first task on my seemingly neverending to-do list for today.
Writing Journal Assignment #3
Hello Everyone,
For your third Writing Journal assignment, please read the following article: “Compassion Compulsion and the Mentally Ill" by E. Fuller Torrey, Wall Street Journal. (Eastern Edition). New York, N.Y.: Jun 9, 2008. p. A.17
- From Falvey Library's homepage (on the left side), choose "Databases A-Z."
- Then choose "ABI/INFORM Global (ProQuest)."
- Next, click on the "Publications" tab.
- Choose Wall Street Journal: Eastern Edition.
- Write the article’s title or author in the “Search for articles . . .” data field, and perform your search.
You’re welcome to respond to the article however you wish. I do encourage you, though, to consider the following:
Do you think the ideas discussed in the article need to be treated as a homelessness issue, a mental health issue, or something else? Why?
Consider the arguments both for and against keeping people with severe mental illnesses confined to institutions. Which arguments do you find to be persuasive? Why? Which arguments are weak? Why?
Suppose the medical community determines that a person must take medication, otherwise he may become a danger to himself and others. What can or should be done if he refuses? Do such patients have a right to refuse treatment?
Please include the following information as a heading on your work:
Your name
Eng1050 – 20
Writing Journal Assignment #3
Please post your Writing Journal response to this article (200 - 250 words) by Thursday, October 1, 2009.
Have a good day.
Mr. Dierkes
For your third Writing Journal assignment, please read the following article: “Compassion Compulsion and the Mentally Ill" by E. Fuller Torrey, Wall Street Journal. (Eastern Edition). New York, N.Y.: Jun 9, 2008. p. A.17
- From Falvey Library's homepage (on the left side), choose "Databases A-Z."
- Then choose "ABI/INFORM Global (ProQuest)."
- Next, click on the "Publications" tab.
- Choose Wall Street Journal: Eastern Edition.
- Write the article’s title or author in the “Search for articles . . .” data field, and perform your search.
You’re welcome to respond to the article however you wish. I do encourage you, though, to consider the following:
Do you think the ideas discussed in the article need to be treated as a homelessness issue, a mental health issue, or something else? Why?
Consider the arguments both for and against keeping people with severe mental illnesses confined to institutions. Which arguments do you find to be persuasive? Why? Which arguments are weak? Why?
Suppose the medical community determines that a person must take medication, otherwise he may become a danger to himself and others. What can or should be done if he refuses? Do such patients have a right to refuse treatment?
Please include the following information as a heading on your work:
Your name
Eng1050 – 20
Writing Journal Assignment #3
Please post your Writing Journal response to this article (200 - 250 words) by Thursday, October 1, 2009.
Have a good day.
Mr. Dierkes
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Writing Journal Assignment #2
Cameron Foley
Eng1050 – 20
Writing Journal Assignment #2
After reading the article I find the situation the author describes in the first paragraph to be very similar to the situation I find myself in when I sit down at night to do homework. The second I try to start writing or researching for an assignment I am immediately distracted by email, facebook, and other online tasks. It only takes seconds for me to completely forget about my work and focus in on what entertains me at the given moment. Often times if I really need to take some time to focus and write a paper I force myself to unplug the internet or turn off my wireless switch. It is only by making it impossible for me to access the things that distract me most that I am able to actually do the things that need to be done the most. This occurrence has certainly built up over time though. I initially started out with just one or two sites I would check online prior to getting to work, but overtime the number of internet fixations I have has grown and grown. As people become more involved with the internet, and technology continues to grow at drastic rates I see no stop to the growing number of distractions we face. But at the same time technology also allows us to better manage these growing number of tasks and distractions. The internet allows us to complete tasks much faster than ever before, and access information we would never have been able to in the past. New technologies allow us to sync together all aspects of our online life to make it more convenient to manage them all at once. It seems that while we may not be able to multitask as well as we may think we can, we only think we can multitask so well because there are things out there that help us to cope and deal with the growing number of tasks at hand.
Eng1050 – 20
Writing Journal Assignment #2
After reading the article I find the situation the author describes in the first paragraph to be very similar to the situation I find myself in when I sit down at night to do homework. The second I try to start writing or researching for an assignment I am immediately distracted by email, facebook, and other online tasks. It only takes seconds for me to completely forget about my work and focus in on what entertains me at the given moment. Often times if I really need to take some time to focus and write a paper I force myself to unplug the internet or turn off my wireless switch. It is only by making it impossible for me to access the things that distract me most that I am able to actually do the things that need to be done the most. This occurrence has certainly built up over time though. I initially started out with just one or two sites I would check online prior to getting to work, but overtime the number of internet fixations I have has grown and grown. As people become more involved with the internet, and technology continues to grow at drastic rates I see no stop to the growing number of distractions we face. But at the same time technology also allows us to better manage these growing number of tasks and distractions. The internet allows us to complete tasks much faster than ever before, and access information we would never have been able to in the past. New technologies allow us to sync together all aspects of our online life to make it more convenient to manage them all at once. It seems that while we may not be able to multitask as well as we may think we can, we only think we can multitask so well because there are things out there that help us to cope and deal with the growing number of tasks at hand.
Writing Journal Entry #2
Sarah Fitzpatrick
Eng1050 – 20
Writing Journal Assignment #2
In Christopher Chabris’s article, “You Have Too Much Mail,” he contrasts the capacity of working memory with the amount of tasks we attempt to do at one time. I found this article easy to relate to, as when I was reading it I also had seven tabs minimized at the bottom of my screen. I found it interesting when Klingberg spoke of people who consider themselves “multi-taskers” and how this cannot be true from a scientific standpoint. I, myself, am aware that I cannot multitask – even when I’m on the phone, listening to music distracts me and makes me lose my train of thought. At the end of his article, Chabris states that “(Mr. Klingberg ) and other brain researchers are trying to find ways to increase mental capacity,” although I believe that even if they can increase the brain capacity, they will never be able to reach something as complex as their goal. To change one’s ability to take on many tasks at once would require altering the way the brain fires neurons, which I do not believe is possible through simple brain teasers. Chabris’s article is thought-provoking, however, and I realize how much harder it is for me to finish my work when I have to do it on a computer, than when I can put my computer away and do work out of a textbook.
Eng1050 – 20
Writing Journal Assignment #2
In Christopher Chabris’s article, “You Have Too Much Mail,” he contrasts the capacity of working memory with the amount of tasks we attempt to do at one time. I found this article easy to relate to, as when I was reading it I also had seven tabs minimized at the bottom of my screen. I found it interesting when Klingberg spoke of people who consider themselves “multi-taskers” and how this cannot be true from a scientific standpoint. I, myself, am aware that I cannot multitask – even when I’m on the phone, listening to music distracts me and makes me lose my train of thought. At the end of his article, Chabris states that “(Mr. Klingberg ) and other brain researchers are trying to find ways to increase mental capacity,” although I believe that even if they can increase the brain capacity, they will never be able to reach something as complex as their goal. To change one’s ability to take on many tasks at once would require altering the way the brain fires neurons, which I do not believe is possible through simple brain teasers. Chabris’s article is thought-provoking, however, and I realize how much harder it is for me to finish my work when I have to do it on a computer, than when I can put my computer away and do work out of a textbook.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Writing Journal Assignment #2
Andrew Connaughton
Eng1050 – 20
Writing Journal Assignment #2
I found this article interesting because it is very easy for me to relate to. I feel like I hardly ever dedicate my full attention to one thing (work related). When I am playing sports, I obviously focus my attention to what I am doing, maybe because on a field there's not much else to be done. But for example right now I am writing this blog and also listening to music, which I don't feel like has much of an impact on my attention. It may be that I have been multitasking while doing work for so long that it has almost become second nature and I don't realize how much I could be concentrating. I don't agree with the author's belief that technology has hampered our productivity. He mentioned his problem with three phone lines and three e-mail accounts, which could easily be streamlined. Many people now don't have land-lines at their residences, as cell phones are becoming the primary phone. I'm not sure how much of a necessity his work phone is but his cell phone may be able to replace that too. As for the e-mails, one account should be fine, and for all the spam and junk mail that the author is probably receiving, there are filters to slow the influx. I have to agree with the author's point that technology is, "giving us more things to pay attention to and thinner slices of time to devote to each one." I often get overwhelmed by the number of things that I have to accomplish in a day. I find that if I list my priorities it helps me get on track but it is daunting when I need to dive into a long list of various tasks.
Eng1050 – 20
Writing Journal Assignment #2
I found this article interesting because it is very easy for me to relate to. I feel like I hardly ever dedicate my full attention to one thing (work related). When I am playing sports, I obviously focus my attention to what I am doing, maybe because on a field there's not much else to be done. But for example right now I am writing this blog and also listening to music, which I don't feel like has much of an impact on my attention. It may be that I have been multitasking while doing work for so long that it has almost become second nature and I don't realize how much I could be concentrating. I don't agree with the author's belief that technology has hampered our productivity. He mentioned his problem with three phone lines and three e-mail accounts, which could easily be streamlined. Many people now don't have land-lines at their residences, as cell phones are becoming the primary phone. I'm not sure how much of a necessity his work phone is but his cell phone may be able to replace that too. As for the e-mails, one account should be fine, and for all the spam and junk mail that the author is probably receiving, there are filters to slow the influx. I have to agree with the author's point that technology is, "giving us more things to pay attention to and thinner slices of time to devote to each one." I often get overwhelmed by the number of things that I have to accomplish in a day. I find that if I list my priorities it helps me get on track but it is daunting when I need to dive into a long list of various tasks.
Friday, September 18, 2009
Writing Journal Assignment #1
Andrew Connaughton
Eng1050 – 20
Writing Journal Assignment #1
I found the article "Truth: can you handle it?" to be very interesting especially because it is so applicable to me. It made me think back to how many websites I've quoted doing research for various papers and projects. I now wonder whether the "facts" I quoted were even true, someone could have made them up or, even worse, I could have fallen victim to "collateral misinformation." I definitely agree with the popular information idea where facts are now often determined by a majority vote, and not by whether they are true or not. All of my teachers in high school would not accept wikipedia as a source for doing research and this article helped me see why. I think that our generation is used to having everything done much faster than the previous. We have little patience and would rather do a Google search than walk to the local library to take out a book. It is not surprising that Hilary Swain only takes 5 minutes to look for a fact before giving up because we are so used to having all the information fed to us through the Internet. I think that if a student is assigned to research an idea or opinion that is contrary to their belief, they may learn something. Everyone has beliefs and often times doesn't care what the other side believes. If they are forced to see an issue from another point of view then maybe they will become more empathetic and not more ignorant.
Eng1050 – 20
Writing Journal Assignment #1
I found the article "Truth: can you handle it?" to be very interesting especially because it is so applicable to me. It made me think back to how many websites I've quoted doing research for various papers and projects. I now wonder whether the "facts" I quoted were even true, someone could have made them up or, even worse, I could have fallen victim to "collateral misinformation." I definitely agree with the popular information idea where facts are now often determined by a majority vote, and not by whether they are true or not. All of my teachers in high school would not accept wikipedia as a source for doing research and this article helped me see why. I think that our generation is used to having everything done much faster than the previous. We have little patience and would rather do a Google search than walk to the local library to take out a book. It is not surprising that Hilary Swain only takes 5 minutes to look for a fact before giving up because we are so used to having all the information fed to us through the Internet. I think that if a student is assigned to research an idea or opinion that is contrary to their belief, they may learn something. Everyone has beliefs and often times doesn't care what the other side believes. If they are forced to see an issue from another point of view then maybe they will become more empathetic and not more ignorant.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Writing Journal Assignment #1
Kaitlin Chupka
Eng1050 – 20
Writing Journal Assignment #1
I have many times fallen in to the trap Stephen Colbert calls "wikiality." I agree with Monica Hesse 100% when she notes that Wikipedia is often the first hit on any Google search one makes. Although I can not agree with student Hillary Swaim declares "she'll spend about five minutes tracking down an answer before giving up", I can identify with her. Living in the world of blackberries and high speed internet, impatience has grown to where waiting 10 seconds is an eternity. Therefore, when discussing a topic with friends and trying to decide who the first person to win a million dollars on "Deal or No Deal?" was, my first instinct is to type Wikipedias' web address into my browser and begin my search. It is for items like this that I don't feel Wikipedia is a bad source. I'm not researching this topic for a class, so just about any answer will end the dispute. When researching for a paper or assignment I will sometimes use wikipedia, but purely as a starting point. Looking for key terms and other websites cited under this topic on Wikipedia can often be helpful in continuing research at a more "scholarly" level. While many people criticize Wikipedia for providing false information, one could find the same false information on probably ten or more other websites. I think that using the internet in a positive and educational way is something teachers who are concerned about source material should touch on. Many students went through highschool using two main websites: Sparknotes and Wikipedia. So when getting to college, a library looks like a labrynth and students would rather just stick to what they know, unless they are taught otherwise. "Collateral misinformation" is an interesting term that I had never heard of. It makes me wonder how often I have been a victim of such happenings and how many false things I have cited. Hopefully, though, enough research dipicting true facts is available. When being asked to conduct research to complete a paper or assignment, the first thing I do is groan. Especially when some of the research is to be conducted in a print source. But considering this idea of "collateral misinformation," print sources may be a students best option. Yes, it requires getting off your futon and walking to the library, and unfortunately one downfall of conducting this type of research is that it takes time, but many print sources are not open to the public to change. Theoretically, one could decide to offer their own opinions in a print source just as they do on the internet, true or false, but then again, if we don't have time to do print research, who has the time to write an entire book?
Eng1050 – 20
Writing Journal Assignment #1
I have many times fallen in to the trap Stephen Colbert calls "wikiality." I agree with Monica Hesse 100% when she notes that Wikipedia is often the first hit on any Google search one makes. Although I can not agree with student Hillary Swaim declares "she'll spend about five minutes tracking down an answer before giving up", I can identify with her. Living in the world of blackberries and high speed internet, impatience has grown to where waiting 10 seconds is an eternity. Therefore, when discussing a topic with friends and trying to decide who the first person to win a million dollars on "Deal or No Deal?" was, my first instinct is to type Wikipedias' web address into my browser and begin my search. It is for items like this that I don't feel Wikipedia is a bad source. I'm not researching this topic for a class, so just about any answer will end the dispute. When researching for a paper or assignment I will sometimes use wikipedia, but purely as a starting point. Looking for key terms and other websites cited under this topic on Wikipedia can often be helpful in continuing research at a more "scholarly" level. While many people criticize Wikipedia for providing false information, one could find the same false information on probably ten or more other websites. I think that using the internet in a positive and educational way is something teachers who are concerned about source material should touch on. Many students went through highschool using two main websites: Sparknotes and Wikipedia. So when getting to college, a library looks like a labrynth and students would rather just stick to what they know, unless they are taught otherwise. "Collateral misinformation" is an interesting term that I had never heard of. It makes me wonder how often I have been a victim of such happenings and how many false things I have cited. Hopefully, though, enough research dipicting true facts is available. When being asked to conduct research to complete a paper or assignment, the first thing I do is groan. Especially when some of the research is to be conducted in a print source. But considering this idea of "collateral misinformation," print sources may be a students best option. Yes, it requires getting off your futon and walking to the library, and unfortunately one downfall of conducting this type of research is that it takes time, but many print sources are not open to the public to change. Theoretically, one could decide to offer their own opinions in a print source just as they do on the internet, true or false, but then again, if we don't have time to do print research, who has the time to write an entire book?
Writing Journal Assignment #2
Hello Everyone,
For your second Writing Journal assignment, please read the following article: “You Have Too Much Mail" by Christopher F. Chabris, Wall Street Journal. (Eastern Edition). New York, N.Y.: Dec 15, 2008. p. A.17
- From Falvey Library's homepage (on the left side), choose "Databases A-Z."
- Then choose "ABI/INFORM Global (ProQuest)."
- Next, click on the "Publications" tab.
- Choose Wall Street Journal: Eastern Edition.
- Write the article’s title or author in the “Search for articles . . .” data field, and perform your search.
You’re welcome to respond to the article however you wish. I do encourage you, though, to consider the following:
Consider the situation described in the first paragraph. How does it compare to your own experience?
Do you accept the writer’s ideas about technology’s affect on productivity? why or why not?
Do you agree with the writer’s ideas about multi-tasking and our brains’ limits when paying careful attention? why or why not?
Are the writer’s ideas about the “mismatch between our modern lives and ancient brains” persuasive? why or why not?
Please include the following information as a heading on your work:
Your name
Eng1050 – 20
Writing Journal Assignment #2
Please post your Writing Journal response to this article (200 - 250 words) by Thursday, September 24, 2009.
Have a good day.
Mr. Dierkes
For your second Writing Journal assignment, please read the following article: “You Have Too Much Mail" by Christopher F. Chabris, Wall Street Journal. (Eastern Edition). New York, N.Y.: Dec 15, 2008. p. A.17
- From Falvey Library's homepage (on the left side), choose "Databases A-Z."
- Then choose "ABI/INFORM Global (ProQuest)."
- Next, click on the "Publications" tab.
- Choose Wall Street Journal: Eastern Edition.
- Write the article’s title or author in the “Search for articles . . .” data field, and perform your search.
You’re welcome to respond to the article however you wish. I do encourage you, though, to consider the following:
Consider the situation described in the first paragraph. How does it compare to your own experience?
Do you accept the writer’s ideas about technology’s affect on productivity? why or why not?
Do you agree with the writer’s ideas about multi-tasking and our brains’ limits when paying careful attention? why or why not?
Are the writer’s ideas about the “mismatch between our modern lives and ancient brains” persuasive? why or why not?
Please include the following information as a heading on your work:
Your name
Eng1050 – 20
Writing Journal Assignment #2
Please post your Writing Journal response to this article (200 - 250 words) by Thursday, September 24, 2009.
Have a good day.
Mr. Dierkes
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Writing Journal Assignment #1
Cameron Foley
Eng 1050
Writing Journal Assignment #1
After reading "Truth: Can you Handle It?" I wasn't surprised to see the people interviewed to have the opinions that they did. The types of people you would expect to trust books and the library were, as one would most likely expect, the people from older generations, while it was the younger people like the students that found the internet to be much easier and similarly just as reliable. It makes perfect sense that the people who were brought up using computers and technology rely on it so much more than those who went so long without such easy access to information, and at the same time makes sense that those who aren't used to the speed of the internet, assume that just because information is easy to find that its wrong. The fact that Wikipedia has almost the same rate of accuracy in its articles is what did surprise me. In high and college I've always been told that Wikipedia is not a trusted source, and because of this have tried to stay away from it in my writing. The real fact though is that the people condemning the use of the internet may not always be those who know it the best. Sure Wikipedia isn't the best, but it's certainly a good jumping off point, and gives the reader access to the articles used to build the page. At the same time we live in an increasingly fast paced society where in most job fields one will never have the time to go search down a book when they can find something almost as good if not better on the internet. It's far more important for someone to be able to navigate the internet properly in my mind than it is to search for information in the library. This certainly doesn't mean just jumping on Wikipedia all the time to find an answer, but knowing how to decide if a source is credible based on the situation you need it for. When just answering a question to satisfy one's own curiosity then any random web page may suffice, but when working on a major project it's important to find more refutable sources, and it's important for students to understand this. In my mind I feel that it is equally important if not more important to teach students how to use the internet correctly to find information as it is to teach them how to look in a library.
Eng 1050
Writing Journal Assignment #1
After reading "Truth: Can you Handle It?" I wasn't surprised to see the people interviewed to have the opinions that they did. The types of people you would expect to trust books and the library were, as one would most likely expect, the people from older generations, while it was the younger people like the students that found the internet to be much easier and similarly just as reliable. It makes perfect sense that the people who were brought up using computers and technology rely on it so much more than those who went so long without such easy access to information, and at the same time makes sense that those who aren't used to the speed of the internet, assume that just because information is easy to find that its wrong. The fact that Wikipedia has almost the same rate of accuracy in its articles is what did surprise me. In high and college I've always been told that Wikipedia is not a trusted source, and because of this have tried to stay away from it in my writing. The real fact though is that the people condemning the use of the internet may not always be those who know it the best. Sure Wikipedia isn't the best, but it's certainly a good jumping off point, and gives the reader access to the articles used to build the page. At the same time we live in an increasingly fast paced society where in most job fields one will never have the time to go search down a book when they can find something almost as good if not better on the internet. It's far more important for someone to be able to navigate the internet properly in my mind than it is to search for information in the library. This certainly doesn't mean just jumping on Wikipedia all the time to find an answer, but knowing how to decide if a source is credible based on the situation you need it for. When just answering a question to satisfy one's own curiosity then any random web page may suffice, but when working on a major project it's important to find more refutable sources, and it's important for students to understand this. In my mind I feel that it is equally important if not more important to teach students how to use the internet correctly to find information as it is to teach them how to look in a library.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Writing Journal Assignment #1
Sarah Fitzpatrick
Eng1050-20
Writing Journal Assignment #1
After reading Monica Hesse’s article, “Truth: Can You Handle It?”, I found myself thinking about how I, myself, conduct research. I ultimately began to wonder how much false information I have received from sites similar to Wikipedia. When I am researching for a history project or a paper for school, I am sure to utilize databases and library books for accurate information. I realized, however, as I was reading this article, that the sole reason I do not choose to use Wikipedia for this research is so I do not get in trouble or receive a bad grade for using false information. This is an example of Monica Hesse’s comparison of information and knowledge. I use credible sources only when I am doing work for school, yet when I am curious about something – whether it be which medicine is the best for headaches or which song Dave Matthews wrote about his sister – I automatically resort to the first website that pops up in the Google search. This makes me realize that the only time I strive to find the “truthful” answers are when it is necessary for a class. I end up becoming a victim to this “wikiality”, the term that Stephen Colbert coined to mean "a reality where, if enough people agree with a notion, it must be true." I base my personal knowledge on sites like Wikipedia and now I realize how this must seem lazy. It may seem lazy to people of different generations, people who grew up in a different world – a world that did not include internet and quick information always at your fingertips. My generation, however, moves quicker. When Hillary Swain admits that she only has the patience to look through books for desired information for five minutes, this is not surprising, as her friends are probably coming up with the same information online in under one minute. Monica Hesse’s article is interesting and made me think about whether I am being lazy, or merely practical, in this fast-paced world.
Eng1050-20
Writing Journal Assignment #1
After reading Monica Hesse’s article, “Truth: Can You Handle It?”, I found myself thinking about how I, myself, conduct research. I ultimately began to wonder how much false information I have received from sites similar to Wikipedia. When I am researching for a history project or a paper for school, I am sure to utilize databases and library books for accurate information. I realized, however, as I was reading this article, that the sole reason I do not choose to use Wikipedia for this research is so I do not get in trouble or receive a bad grade for using false information. This is an example of Monica Hesse’s comparison of information and knowledge. I use credible sources only when I am doing work for school, yet when I am curious about something – whether it be which medicine is the best for headaches or which song Dave Matthews wrote about his sister – I automatically resort to the first website that pops up in the Google search. This makes me realize that the only time I strive to find the “truthful” answers are when it is necessary for a class. I end up becoming a victim to this “wikiality”, the term that Stephen Colbert coined to mean "a reality where, if enough people agree with a notion, it must be true." I base my personal knowledge on sites like Wikipedia and now I realize how this must seem lazy. It may seem lazy to people of different generations, people who grew up in a different world – a world that did not include internet and quick information always at your fingertips. My generation, however, moves quicker. When Hillary Swain admits that she only has the patience to look through books for desired information for five minutes, this is not surprising, as her friends are probably coming up with the same information online in under one minute. Monica Hesse’s article is interesting and made me think about whether I am being lazy, or merely practical, in this fast-paced world.
Writing Journal Assignment #1
Hello Everyone,
For your first Writing Journal assignment, please read the following article: “Truth: Can You Handle It?" by Monica Hesse, washingtonpost.com April 27, 2008. p. M01
- Go to the website for washingtonpost.com
- Then choose " Web: Results by Google" (next to the SEARCH: data field).
- Next, Type the article’s title in the SEARCH: data field, and perform your search.
You’re welcome to respond to the article however you wish. I do encourage you, though, to consider the following:
Consider Monica Hesse’s points. How does your own experience confirm or disprove what she says about conducting research in the current information age?
Considering the author’s explanation of “wikiality,” what (if anything) can students do to avoid that trap? What are some possible consequences of this phenomenon?
The author mentions the notion of discerning fact from opinion. How do you yourself tell the difference (in your sources for news, for instance)?
What do you think about the amount of time the one student, Hillary Swain, is willing to spend “to track down an answer before giving up”? How much time do you think is reasonable?
What can be done to encourage students to use research as an opportunity to educate themselves and deepen their knowledge rather than a chance to reinforce their own beliefs?
Please include the following information as a heading on your work:
Your name
Eng1050 – 20
Writing Journal Assignment #1
Please post your Writing Journal response to this article (200 - 250 words) by Thursday, September 17, 2009.
Have a good day.
Mr. Dierkes
For your first Writing Journal assignment, please read the following article: “Truth: Can You Handle It?" by Monica Hesse, washingtonpost.com April 27, 2008. p. M01
- Go to the website for washingtonpost.com
- Then choose " Web: Results by Google" (next to the SEARCH: data field).
- Next, Type the article’s title in the SEARCH: data field, and perform your search.
You’re welcome to respond to the article however you wish. I do encourage you, though, to consider the following:
Consider Monica Hesse’s points. How does your own experience confirm or disprove what she says about conducting research in the current information age?
Considering the author’s explanation of “wikiality,” what (if anything) can students do to avoid that trap? What are some possible consequences of this phenomenon?
The author mentions the notion of discerning fact from opinion. How do you yourself tell the difference (in your sources for news, for instance)?
What do you think about the amount of time the one student, Hillary Swain, is willing to spend “to track down an answer before giving up”? How much time do you think is reasonable?
What can be done to encourage students to use research as an opportunity to educate themselves and deepen their knowledge rather than a chance to reinforce their own beliefs?
Please include the following information as a heading on your work:
Your name
Eng1050 – 20
Writing Journal Assignment #1
Please post your Writing Journal response to this article (200 - 250 words) by Thursday, September 17, 2009.
Have a good day.
Mr. Dierkes
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