Are blogs worth blogging about?

Blogging.
Until the early 1990's no one really had any idea what it was. There were services such as UseNet and Bix that offered online conversation through threads, but that was basically it. Now, with the advances in technology, blogging has become a worldwide phenomenon. Thus giving the opportunity for individuals to post almost anything. They can post be textual entries, pictures, and even videos. Bloggers can also comment on fellow bloggers entries. This has created an entire online community. We have created a blogosphere. From celebrities to juniors at New Trier High School, everyone has seemed to catch a ride on the blogging bandwagon.
Is the blog a form of progress for the world? I would have to say yes. I think that blogs are a technological success. It offers a way to connect with people. People you would never have interaction with outside of cyberspace. It strengthens our rights as individuals due to the fact that we can express anything we choose on our blog page. Most of these ideas we express are simplified and straight to the point. This causing a more generalized idea or one specific thought. It strays from a lengthy proving argument. It can therefore be argued that the blog can take away from a higher learning. David Carr, the writer of "Is Google Making us Stupid", had much to comment on this topic. He comments on the situations of his peers by stating, "The more they use the Web, the more they have to fight to stay focused on long pieces of writing. Some of the bloggers I follow have also begun mentioning the phenomenon." Carr explains that the Internet has caused people to avoid in depth reading, and instead lead us to skim through shorter texts such as blogs. Therefore making us less defined readers because we can no longer manage through long works of literature. It could be argued though that many people read more now than ever before. Different stories and thoughts are much more accessible now. Blogs offer a whole new assortment of reading that even a library shelf cannot offer.
In Carr's article he also states, "Even when I’m not working, I’m as likely as not to be foraging in the Web’s info-thickets’ reading and writing e-mails, scanning headlines and blog posts, watching videos and listening to podcasts, or just tripping from link to link to link." In this argument he is trying to explain how Internet advancements such a blogs, have lead to almost an addiction of searching for quick facts and ideas. We as readers subconsciously choose to read something short. Here Carr is using this as a negative connotation, but I on the other hand, give it a positive spin. Carr is learning something new every time he goes onto the Internet. After his workday is through, a time he would usually spend watching TV or resting, he is now searching the Internet. I think the latter offers much more learning possibilities. Carr definitely makes some great points, and there are negative aspects to blogs. All in all though, I believe blogs to be a progress for the world.

The economic crisis: a world issue

When you are suffering it is hard to imagine others feeling the same pain. In reality, many people have experienced the same situation or one very similar to your own. It seems as if the United States isn't the only country in economic despair. People across the globe are hurting financially as well, specifically China. China's issues appear to be almost a mere image of the problems affecting the U.S.
The U.S, currently amidst an economic crisis, is not at it's financial best, and many companies have fallen under. To help assist the situation a $700 billion bailout plan was created. This bailout plan has helped in the saving of many companies from bankrupcy. Even with this bailout, the economy still seems to be plummeting. During this rough time for the U.S, China is also struggling. Their export and investment growth has slowed, and therefore leading to a depression in stocks. As a result of these problems, many companies have had to close or lay off many workers. In order to help restore the situation China has just implemented a $586 billion Economic Stimulus Plan. This new plan will help assist their country with the rebuilding of railways, subways, and towns hurt by the recent earthquake. The money will be used to help restore the global market as well.
With both major countries experiencing similar problems, it would make sense for them to find a way to work together. The president of China, Hu Jintao, will be traveling to Washington soon to meet with President Bush and other world leaders for a global economic summit meeting. Our new president- elect Barack Obama has also gotten in on the action. On Saturday, Jintao and Obama shared a telephone conversation discussing ways to solve economic issues using each others help.
When I read about this topic, it gave me some hope for the future. I now have a stronger belief that our economy will get stronger. It may take time, but I have faith in what our country and the world can accomplish. I also see a lot of great possibilities for our soon to be president. He is becoming involved in this issue, and paving a path. When the world can come together, problems can be solved.

The intrinsic possibilites of pass/fail

After having discussed extrinsic and intrinsic motives in class this past week, I decided to look into some different methods of grading. I came across the pass/fail system. This idea focuses on in depth learning with a lesser emphasis on the grade. When a student performs satisfactory they pass the class. This puts less pressure on the student because whether they recieve a B+ or an A-, they still pass. This way students don't have to stress about the small differentiations in grades. On the other hand, if they are not up to par, and perform unsatisfactory, they fail. This intrinsic method of teaching allows students to become active in a class because they want to further their own knowledge. This can help cancel out the extrinsic desires to better their own transcipts.

Pass/fail classes have become extremely popular in college curriculums. Colleges such as Yale and Stanford have already begun the pass/fail grading system specifically in their law programs. Their system readies students for the world outside of college. These schools have found great success in their programs, and because of that more schools have decided to follow suit . A new outlook to learning helps the students focus on the class itself rather than their semester report cards. Harvard will also begin to offer pass/fail classes in 2009. The dean of Harvard, Elena Kagan believes that the new system will "promote pedagogical excellence and innovation and further strengthen the intellectual community."

All in all, I think it is a great idea to expand a students outlook on school. They can take classes that allow them to recieve an extraordinary education without as much pressure on the grade. The classes aren't as much about the grade, but more so about what the student gets out of it.

It's hard to be an idealist

Many say that the young generation are the idealists. They see all that the possibilites and goodness the world has to offer. As time passes, and the young grow old, their attitudes tend to change. Though, you can't blame them for transforming to a more pragmatic outlook. When you are young, you view life as problem free. When you start to age, you see a a less clouded picture. You are able to see death and pain along with people's everyday suffering.
This week alone was another reminder that the world we live in is far from perfect. Jennifer Hudson, the famous singer and actress, lost both her mother and brother when they were brutally slain in their Chicago home. Darnell Donerson and Jason Hudson were both shot to death this past Friday, the 24th of October. Julian King, the seven year old nephew of Jennifer Hudson, was abducted that same day. In the news as well was the story of Anne Pressly, a 26-year-old woman who was beaten to death after being attacked in her Arkansaw home. She was killed by whom investigators believe to be a random robber. Along with these events, two Ball State University students students were injured in a shooting this previous week. Nick Serrano and Chadwick Nash were both wounded in the legs by the gunshots. The victims were supposidly not random, but intended by the shooter.
It seems awfully difficult to be an idealist in the world we live in. Everyday there are new pressures and pains to face. It is hard to see the world's flaws, and still believe in dreams and the overall goodness of man. Tragedy happens. Being able to get past it, and live life believing in what seems to be impossible, is one of the hardest feats of all.

The price of making dreams a reality

A common dream for most students at New Trier High School is to get into their top college of choice. The harsh fact is that not all students accomplish this goal, and therefore doesn't become a reality for everyone. As time has passed, and the pressure for school has increased, students have tried almost all methods imaginable to get into college. I came across an article in the Chicago Tribune highlighting the college competition called Students add sabotage to college-entry arsenal. The article focused on a particular method used by students and even their parents. This tactic includes ruining other students in order to help increase their chances of acceptance. This ruining involves notes and/or pictures being sent to colleges and universities that involve other students partaking in illegal activity. There are also letters that simply bash other students that are applying. Students would send letters or emails anonymously that varied in truth.

I couldn't believe that teenagers would resort to such measures in order to achieve their dreams. Dreams are so important to people, that not achieving them isn't an option. The idea of rejection has become too hard to bear emotionally and even socially. From reading this article, I relooked at the word dream. I had always viewed the word as something that people aspire to happen, but don't necisarilly think will actually take place. Now it seems as some people's dreams need to be reached, and because of that, it can justify horrible behavior. People blame their dreams for the reason they commit dishonest or just plain mean acts . I don't believe that the ends justify the means. Is it really worth it to go against moral in order to make a dream a reality?

More than just a race

Over 33,o33 people woke up early this weekend to run 26 miles and 385 yards in surprising eighty degree weather. The 2008 Chicago Marathon hosted runners from across the world. The event was sponsored by the Bank of America, and took place this Sunday over Columbus Day weekend. Evans Cheruiyot from Kenya took first place with the amazing time of two hours, six minutes, and twenty- five seconds. He fought to the end of the race, and didn't have a definite lead until mile 25. His will and determination led him to win this race, and it was an uphill battle the entire way. After the intense heat of last years marathon, many strayed from this years race after hearing the weather report. Though, more stayed and decided to run. They risked a lot to compete, but the runners put on a brave face, and were a part of history in the 31st Chicago Marathon.

I can't help but see the symbolism in this run. After the huge stock market crash the week before, thousands of people were still able to rally together to complete a common goal. The race, a long, hot, crowded, journey to the finish line can represent any countries or individuals struggle through life. Even though these people are battling through horrible pains and obstacles, the manage to bear it. The aches and sores are all worth in it the end, when they cross the line and finish. Life is full of trials that will test you, but making your way through and really living is the prize. Its moments in time like these, that give me hope. I know that it is just a marathon, but the fact that people can overcome obstacles to accomplish something for themselves, gives me faith that even in times of crisis, our country and the world can overcome.

Stress comes in many forms

I came across an article today in the Chicago Tribune that I found some truth in. The article Fans seek soft landing off click playoff slope emphasizes on the common sports fan. The article focused on baseball , and the current playoffs. With Chicago having had two teams in the playoffs, the article grabbed my attention. Writer John Kass, explains how Americans want games that don't come down to the 9th inning, 3rd period, or end of the 2nd half. They want to know the outcome of something before it actually ends. If a team is up by a landslide, then you can judge that they will probably win. That takes off a lot of stress and anticipation. People want to enjoy a game, but with such intense fans nowadays, people cannot seem to watch without the worry of winning. People become so attached to these teams, that they get themselves sick over a game. I can relate being a fan myself, but I have to think that those buzzer beater shots, and last inning home runs make the sport all the more worthwhile. Though, I have to admit, that after those games, I am usually worn out and ready for bed due to the fact that I have probably jumped, screamed, and maybe even prayed for the past 2-3 hours that my team come out ahead.
This article may focus on sports fans, but I think this type of human behavior can relate to all types of people. It goes to show the stress everyday people put on themselves. What is stress and what causes it? It may not be over a baseball game, but maybe a term paper or a performance. People have the overarching desire to want to do well, and the pain felt in not reaching that success causes a great deal of anxiety.
People also feel the common need to be a part of something whether it be a team, a group of friends, or even a country. Everyone wants to feel as if they belong somwhere. At the time of the Puritans, the young girls joined together to save themselves from accusations. During the Great Depression, the poor came together, in order to feel less alone. No one wants to go through something by themselves. It is easier to feel hurt when you know others are going through the same thing. So, when the Cubs got swept it was less difficult for me knowing that I wasn't the only one upset, half the city was too.