Entry #11: My Final Farewell

Soo... It is now time to say farewell to you all. It is been fun reading all the different blogs from everyone in my English 102 class.

I have to admit, although this is my second semester of writing blogs, I still do not enjoy writing! Writing has never been a strong suit for me and it hasn't been something that I have been able to get into. I did take this round much more seriously. My blog posts were much more in depth than the semester before. In each blog entry I made sure to really research my topics and write until I couldn't write anymore!

Even though I don't enjoy blogging, I can definitely see the benefits that are associated with blogging. It has definitely made me push myself to work harder at exploring topics and finding my writing style. It has also brought out the creative side of me. I had to find new ways of being interesting and entertaining to my readers. Some challenges I faced were coming up with topics for the self-generated entries. There are so many things to write about but being to find a topic that I could explore in depth about was challenging.

Through blogging I learned that finding my writing voice and using rhetoric was important. The goal of the blog is to capture readers attention and connect with them. This all translated in the papers I wrote in class. I need the same enthusiasm and rhetoric in my paper.

As a student I learned that is important to stay on top of blogs because if you leave them until last minute to finish you won't be able to put the full time and effort in. Blogs require lots of thought and research and time. You can't rush writing otherwise it show in your writing. So I learned to start several days in advance, so I could be sure to have plenty of time to work on it.

Blogging definitely did help my writing skills in that, the more I write the better I became. If all I ever wrote was just papers for class here and there I wouldn't learn to improve my writing. By having to write several posts a week I was able to experiment with several techniques and ideas.

Overall enjoyed the class. I always had dreaded taking English classes because I thought I was never any good at writing. Once I put the effort and time in, I realized I wasn't too bad at it. I definitely enjoy writing more than I used to...but... it still isn't my thing! :)

Entry #10: Technology For the Good?

"The Internet is so big, so powerful and pointless that for some people it is a complete substitute for life."

It is amazing to look around and see how our world is changing. There are so many advances in medicine, schooling, and most of all technology. Just a few decades back we had the beginning of computers and now we have smart phones that are practically capable of anything!! I don't think half of use realize just how blessed and fortunate we are to have this amazing technology. We are able to communicate with people that are on the other side of the world or have something sent to our phone with just a touch of a button.

But with this technology comes great responsibility and many people today are not using it wisely. Some people are using it for terrorist purposes and others to steal identity. But others become so obsessed with technology that their whole lives start revolving around it. They come to the point where their phones, computers, and video games become more important than the people that surround them.

We are slowly heading backwards if us younger generations keep obsessing over technology like we do. I for one can say that I probably spend too much time on my phone. Although I spend plenty of times with my friends, all those hours I spend on my phone or computer could definitely be spent doing something more productive. While the younger generation is mainly the culprit, the older generation can still learn a thing or two. We need to get off our phones and spend time with people so we can keep up our communication skills. Let's use our technology wisely!!!!!!! 

Entry #9: Is the Media Misleading?

I have never thought in depth about the media nor its affects on me. I rarely watch the news because I have always found it so depressing and usually boring. Stories about local robberies or shootings is usually what is being covered and that's just not what I like to hear! But in all that I have never really thought about the power the media has over its viewers. 

As I have watched the news over the past few weeks I could see how the news could have a pull at people. Remember the Ebola breakout from last year? It had millions of Americans panicking and taking preventative measures. The main cause for panic was because the media knew how to hype up the situation and people's emotions. Just by adding a few more adjectives or telling graphic stories they were able to blow things way out of proportion.

As I discussed what I saw on the news with my family they could totally see where I was coming from. They recalled several of stories they had heard on the news where details had been drastically embellished and maybe exaggerated beyond the truth. They could see the effects the stories had had on family members and friends. Some people experienced rage in what they saw or felt sad. The news is powerful in the way that they can affect people's emotions.

I have decided to rarely think twice about what I see on television and take things with a grain of salt. Should I be angry, sad, happy or even believe the things I am being told. News stations rely heavily on ratings and viewers should keep that in mind when watching. They will do whatever they can and say whatever to grab hold of viewers and we all need to be mindful of that when watching.

Entry #8: Better Lives With Sports

"Sports do not build character. They reveal it. John Wooden, Legendary UCLA Basketball Coach"

All my life I have played sports. Ever since I could walk I had a ball in my hand or a racquet. My parents have always had me in sports so I could stay active physically... but I have found many other positive aspects to playing sports. I went on a couple of sites to see what all the benefits of sports were. I found out that sports play huge impact on not only our physical health but our mental health. It is important that kids even through adulthood be actively participating in sports.

Sports can teach kids how to set goals for themselves. Kids will feel the need to constantly be improving and bettering themselves in their sport and in turn, they will feel more motivated to set and achieve goals in other areas of their lives.

Children will also feel more personal confidence and self-esteem. Kids learnt value of teamwork and positive motivation and feel the need and want to strive to work harder which leads to a happier child. They feel accomplished in their hard work.

I know from personal experience that whenever I was having a bad day or was bored, I would get up and go get some exercise. Sometimes just 15-20 minutes of moving around can really perk up your energy and brighten up your mood. Hitting a tennis ball is good for relieving anger or going out for a jog is a great time to work through some thoughts.

There is all different kinds of sports out there for kids and adults to get into, so there is no reason why  people should make an excuse. Sports can keep you healthy, improve your mood, and your outlook on life.

Entry #7: Dumb Men

Dumb Men

      In the video above a guy just asks for any beer because he didn't and the female bartender completely emasculated because he didn't ask for Miller Lite. Many videos of this nature are shown in the above site called "Dumb Men". The purpose is to show the hundreds of commercials out there that make fun of men.  The captions to these videos are obviously written by a man who is somewhat offended by how men are being portrayed. Using phrases such as  "bitchy bartender" he gets the point across that these commercials don't have his approval nor does he find it funny. As I watched a handful of these videos I never realized how often men were made fun of in commercials. Men are portrayed as the "stupid husband" or just not very useful.

      I don't understand the need now and days to slam people. Do people find slamming each other a source of fun? In the video above the guy asks for any lite beer and he had no preference. The female bartender told him that once he decided to man up and "take his skirt off" that she would give him a miller lite. So because he didn't choose the "right" beer he was emasculated and shamed in front of everyone. I don't know about you, but thats no reason to mock someone. The point that is trying to come across is that if you don't choose miller lite then you are a sissy and no girl wants sissy. This video is trying to be a huge shout out to all the men out there to make the "right" choice in beer. It is obvious to tell because women would give this "I'm too good for you attitude" because you drink a sissy beer. Miller Lite is saying if you drink the right beer you will attract all the hot girls.

     We should be able to tell that a girl is really shallow if she is choosing her man but what beer he drinks. It is definitely a clever approach that draws a man in to think that that is how a girl is won over. Although it wasn't right to emasculate a man they definitely knew what they were doing in the commercial to see their product.

EC: Capitalism At it's Finest

This past week I watched a documentary film called Capitalism: A Love Story. The movie basically talks about corporate greed and the failing economic system in the US. The combination of these two are having a disastrous effects on American lives. He interviews several middle class citizens that have seen first hand the problems of capitalism in their lives. 

"Capitalism-an economic and political system in which a country's trade and industry are controlled by private owners for profit, rather than by the state."

I found it an interesting documentary and thought that Michael Moore did a great job depicting capitalism in America. Although, I did find it ironic that this guy who is complaining about capitalism also has a net worth of $50 Million. Putting that fact aside, Michael Moore did a fabulous job at capturing the emotions of viewers. While watching the documentary I felt anger, sadness, and shock after hearing story after story about different people that were wronged.  I can't believe that people in the United States are so greedy. It made me realize that people will do just about anything for money. In one case it explained that a judge was basically being paid off to send a bunch of kids to juvenile detention. It didn't matter that these kids were getting a fair trial, all the judge cared about was getting a little extra money in his pocket. While the documentary did really capture my emotions it was no so full of feeling that his credibility was compromised. He supported his findings very well by talking to lawyers and receiving first hand accounts from people. Having this kind of research really proved his point that much more and gave him a more compelling case. 

After watching this film, I was actually persuaded that we as a country do suffer from capitalism and it is only getting worse as time goes on. Michael Moore uses amazing components such as ethos, pathos, and logos to not only entertain and inform the viewer but to persuade them. He reaches out to the hard working middle class and really shows how capitalism is destroying middle class citizens. Overall, the movie was very interesting and shed light on a topic I knew little about it. I would recommend his documentary and would be interested in checking some of his other films.

Entry #6: The Terror of ISIS

Many of us are aware of the tragic event that happened this weekend. For those that need to get caught up.. 8 suicide bombers that were armed with assault rifles went to several locations and caused terror on the people of France. Over 150 people were killed in this horrific event and many others were wounded. ISIS is believed to be the culprit of this mass killing.

ISIS is an organized terrorist group of Islamists from Iraq and Syria. Although they have been around since 1999 we have not seen much activity from them until these last few years. They are now known worldwide for their brutal killings and involvement in political activity. It is stated that there are over 52,000 members of ISIS that are located all over the world. All over the world we have seen the devastating effects of ISIS. The link below shows the many terrorist attacks that have been carried out over this past year, several which were by ISIS.

ISIS ATTACKS

This terrorist group is becoming more and more powerful each day and is constantly gaining new followers. What possible attraction this group has to people I do not know. But this organization is something we truly need to be afraid of. They seek world domination and power. Many people think they are just a passing phase and will be easily taken out, but many people underestimate with these people are capable of.

"The End of the World"

We as a country need to be more proactive about making sure that these suicide bombings and beheadings do not become a normal occurrence. Our president has been too lax about ISIS and needs to step up his game or it could become quite possible that our country will be over-run by ISIS. The word needs to be spread about ISIS and if we unite with other nations we can let them (ISIS) know that we will not tolerate their actions and they will not get away with these killings any longer. 

Entry #5: Faster path to careers

ASU to offer more short classes

       Have you ever thought," Ugh, I hate this class and I wish I could just fast forward through it!" I know I have had several classes that, to say the least, were not my favorite classes and I just wanted to get them over with as fast I could. Well, I am pleased to tell you that it is now an option for students at ASU and all over the U.S. Instead of offering the traditional 16 week classes, many colleges are now offering some 7 1/2 week classes.

       What an amazing and wonderful idea for students who are motivated and want to plow through school. I have personally gone through a 7 1/2 week English class before. It was an amazing experience for me and I thought it was a very doable class. Although, the work load may be stressful for some students if they have a tough load of classes. I believe that these shortened classes can do so much more for students then just teach a whole bunch of material. A 7 1/2 week class really taught me important skills such as organization and time management. 

       You would think that everyone would be jumping at the idea of a shortened class, many students and teachers haven't been too excited about these changes. Many teachers believe that some academic courses should not be crammed in 7 1/2 weeks. There is so much material that is to be taught and processed and many teachers feel like it can't be properly taught in that amount of time. Also, some students may feel stressed with the copious amounts of homework they will have.

        I do believe that some classes are best taught when they use the full 16 week classes. That way, the material is thoroughly being taught instead of a few weeks of just cramming a bunch of material that students are most likely to forget because of the overload. Also, if students can't deal with the work load then maybe those classes aren't best for them. But for those of us who are looking to speed through some classes to get them over with, they are perfect. These classes are hoping me complete my classes that much faster and is bringing me one step closer to my degree!

And we can all relate to this...

Entry #4: Motherhood blessings

    Okay... I think we should all pause and take a moment to stare at this little cutie...You done? Yeah.. neither am I...Who is the proud mother of this precious little girl?! I AM! Now, I know it seems like all moms do is brag about their children but now I understand why. Knowing that they are one of you own, sometimes you can't help but to just smile.

"Motherhood-is the state or experience of having and raising a child."

     What a vague description for such an amazing and rewarding experience. I have been a mother for a total of 5 months and let me tell you, it has been the most amazing time of my life. I have spent countless hours up with this precious bundle and have watched her first smiles and her darling attempts at laughs. I am very grateful for this experience because I am well aware that many women all over the world are not able to have children of their own. Around 10% or 6.1 million women in the United States have trouble getting pregnant or maintaining pregnancy. So, I fully understand that my precious little girl is a miracle from God. Being a mother can be so much fun but with it comes great responsibility. Peyton, my daughter, looks to me for her daily needs, and will look to me for guidance as she grows older.  So, it is on me to be a good example from the very beginning. How will my daughter ever learn to be a good mother if I am 
      Every women can be a mother, although some may be biologically incapable of having children, adoption is still an option! Every women who has a desire to raise child deserves a chance to be a mommy. Over 120,000 children are adopted every year in the United States and it would be amazing if the number grew even more. Children deserve to grow up in a home where they can be loved and nurtured by a mommy and daddy. 

Entry #3: Media Bias

WATCH FIRST^^^

      Can you believe what you saw? I didn't realize how liberal our news media is these days. Well... I actually don't watch the news that often but when I did I never picked up to the fact that they were so one-sided. After looking at those statistics and thinking about the different networks I have watched I realized the truth in what was said in the video. Instead of being unbiased and giving a full report on both sides of the party for the midterms, they are choosing to say nothing because the outcomes of the Democratic party are not in their favor. Adrianna Cohen stated it well that these networks are too often acting like private PR firms for the Democratic party. As you saw from the video, during Bush's presidency they made sure to make the public aware of any scandal or drop in approval ratings but you will hardly hear anything about Obama's scandals or approval ratings.

Why does this matter and how is this affecting us? We as citizens and voters are being deceived and are becoming unaware about the truth of elections and midterms if only one side of the story is being covered. If we are being brainwashed by liberal media then obviously people are going to vote for what they see being put out on the media which may not be the best option. People have the right to know the full truth about both political parties. This means showing the GOOD and the BAD no matter what the network's viewpoints are. Networks may be helping the Democratic vote but is ruining their ratings as far as credibility. Who can trust a network that tells half truths? We shouldn't have to put up with this kind of deceitfulness. Stricter guidelines need to be set for media and how they present news to the public. Next time you are watching the news, BEWARE. Are they telling the truth?

Entry #2: Say bye-bye to cyberbullying

 Cyberbullying happens everyday all over the world. Have you ever been a victim or cyberbullying?

Everyday someone is cyber-bullied or is cyberbullying someone. Why people think it is okay to treat someone like that I have no idea. Many people across the world have even ended their own lives due to constant bullying. 

Take the story of Amanda Todd for instance. She was a young girl who had made some unwise choices and was bullied online continually from schoolmates and people she hardly knew. She endured harsh treatment for months and months to the point where she had severe depression, cut herself, and ultimately it led to her death. Amanda Todd was only 15 years old. She was so young and still had so much life to live and because of some rude and hateful people, because of their words, a young girl took her life. Not one person ever stood up for her. 

I would hope that all of us would have the courage to say something if we saw someone being bullied online. It may be just the thing someone needs. You could be that one person that makes a difference in someones life and could ultimately save a person's life knowing that there is a friend out there that cares. Show that you care and be the friend they never thought they would have. #stopcyberbullying

Entry #1: Hey blogger buds

So, I do not have tons of experience blogging but I did spend a semester at school practicing blogging for my English 101 class. That definitely doesn't make me a pro but I am now starting to get the hang of posting! I have learned to not hate blogging so much but it still isn't my favorite thing to do in my free time.I do actually enjoying reading other blogger's posts but whenever I post I feel like my content and style of writing is not interesting to other readers. It could be me just being too hard on myself!

I have gone over three blogs to see how other people write and here are my thoughts of what I saw! :)


The first blog I went through is actually a favorite of mine! She is a mommy blogger that actually lives in here in Phoenix, AZ. Alexa Jean Brown is a mommy in her mid 20's who is a health and fitness fanatic and a fashionista. She has inspired thousands with her motivating posts. Scrolling through her site keeps me motivated to get in shape. Sometimes I feel like I am too busy to work out or take the time to eat healthy but then I see that she is a working mom that has so much on her plate and yet makes time to take care of herself. If she can do it so can I!!!

http://alexajeanfitness.squarespace.com

The second blog I explored was that of Kristy Wicks. Her life revolves around decorating, shopping, gardening, and her friends and family. Her blog is filled with colorful and gorgeous photos of her home and decorating ideas. She is an inspiration to people because she reaches out to the penny-pinchers and the splurgers. Many interior decorators have such an expensive taste that the average American couldn't afford. Kristy changes it up by finding items at flea markets and consignment stores. It showed me that I can have a gorgeous and well put together home and not have an empty wallet by the time I finish.

The last blog that I skimmed over was a sports blog. I am not going to post anything about what all I read. But feel free to read through and tell me your thoughts or interesting thoughts about what you read in the blog.

http://www.sportsblog.com

Hello there mates!

Well hello there lovelies! My name is Alexandria Renee Penner. You can call me Penner, Al, Al-pal, Aly-girl or whatever you feel like calling me! I am a fun and outgoing 19 year old (soon to be 20!). You can pretty much always find me outside hiking, rock climbing, playing tennis and the list goes on. So, I guess you can say I am an exercise freak! I enjoy spending time with my wonderful family and my beautiful 4-month-old daughter, Peyton. God, family, and friends are the most important things in my life. I have a huge heart for people and love to get to know people on a deep level! <3 

As I said above, I really enjoy activities that are outdoors! My real passion is tennis. I have played ever since I was 4 years old. During high school I won 3rd in state and I used to be ranked top 8 in the southwest of the United States. Tennis was my life but I soon got burnt out after 16 years of several hour lessons everyday!

 My glory days are over now. My time is spent working at an OB/GYN office (WOMEN ALL DAY LONG), going to school, and taking care of my little one! These may not sound like fun tasks but they are important to me in pursing my goals. I hope to graduate from GCC with my BSN (There is an RN to BSN bridge program offered). After completing my BSN, I hope to further my education and get my masters. I have a passion for ICU patients and to be able to become an ACNP (Acute Care Nurse Practitioner) is a real dream of mine! It will take lots of time, effort, and sacrifice but the end goal will be so worth it!

Hope you enjoy getting to know me and who I am! :) See you later!