BATHROOM BUDDIES

This was a project we (Andrew and I) did about two years ago. We were required to use certain elements and we had to create this video in 24 hours!!!!!! Talk sleep deprivation.

TV Edits make things more entertaining

The GameBoy Timeline

I thought this was neat. Over the years, I've owned three of the different models. I had the original gameboy, then the pocket, and finally the gameboy advanced. I spent many hours on those things, most of which was spent playing pokemon.

The Awesome Atom Website

Here is the link to my group's website...
http://awesomeatom.weebly.com/

A Duel Gone Bad

While surfing the net I came across this crazy story about 2 people dying after a sword fight in Indy. Pretty Crazy.


Police say a second person has died as a result of a sword fight last week in Indianapolis.

69-year-old Adolf Stegbauer was pronounced dead Monday morning of complications from a stab wound.

His sister-in-law, 77-year-old Franziska Stegbauer, was killed Thursday after attempting to stop the fight between him and her grandson.

39-year-old Chris Rondeau is expected to be charged with murder in connection with the incident.

Lake Monroe

Every spring my brother, my dad, and I take a fishing trip to Lake Monroe. It is located by Bloomington, IN. This past weekend we returned to the lake for our tenth trip. It was a bit cold on Saturday, but we still had fun and caught quite a few fish. Between the three of us, we caught about 60 fish. However, in years past we have greatly surpassed that. On more than one occasion we caught about 300 fish altogether. It was a bit early for us to go this year, so the fish weren't quite as lively. It doesn't really matter how many fish we catch, because we still have fun just hanging together.

Charlie (Corey) has quit!!!!

The man that was the face of Charlie's Charter for so long, has quit his job. It is a sad day in Ball State's History.

Freewriting again...

The thought I will start with is structure... writing structure to be more specific. If a paper is structured then the ideas and thoughts it conveys will stay in your mind. If it doesn't have structure, then it is like water that just slips from your mind. Basically, if you want to make a point in your writing, then you must have structure in your paper. A key component to good structure is the thesis statement. What will constantly be reiterated throughout your paper? What is the point you're trying to make? Doing an outline before you write your paper is always a good strategy as well. An outline is like blueprints. Any great architectural feat has blueprints.
I don't really know what else to write. I'm totally ready for school to get out. Random sentences like this are bad for a good structure.

Log

Mon 3/16- Today we did some intensive reviews. Jacob Taylor and Olin Yarger were the two people we reviewed. Jacob's paper was on nuclear power and Olin's was on Oil if memory serves me right. I remember being impressed with points made in both papers. It has become interesting to watch each writer in the class improve and our classmates have a hand in doing that.

Wed 3/18- Today we examined our blogs. Over spring break we were assigned to evaluate the course goals. Personally, after reviewing and evaluating these goals I was amazed at how repetitive and stupid some of them are. This was the opinion of many in the class today. Even Mr. McArdle has some issues with the way these goals are set up.

Fri 3/20- Today we were supposed to have an in class essay, but it was postponed. Instead, we were given time to free write. This activity was very beneficial. It allowed me to just dump all of my thoughts out. After that I saw ideas that I didn't even know were in my mind. We had a discussion on our thoughts towards the end of class.

A Change of Show in the Roman Coliseum

I thought this was pretty neat and inspiring.
The video can't be embedded, but here's the link...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mMVxzEueJ6A

The Octomom

"And I'm free... freewriting" (tom petty)

I would really like to make good revisions to all of my papers, so I will start with my first assignment and work down...

No child left behind. what is it? what are its goals? is it accomplishing goals? does it favor a certain race? does it work well some places and not others? President Obama and current affairs regarding education. revisions. parent reactions. Indiana. test scores. high school success rates. college success rates. how has it affected me, family? watch for generalizations. Many don't support NCLB, use them to advantage. past educational systems. pros/cons. NCLB major problems?

Solving the Problems. who? Obama? Congress? state petitions/action in general? what needs revised? funding. curriculum. textbooks. Start integrating technology. textbooks may become obsolete. different grading scales. what can be defined and graded. Creativity can't necessarily be graded, but what about things related to creativity. Innovation. writing. speech. go back to the training and education system of the Spartans. uhhh... may be not.

Moral Flexibility. what is it? does everyone have moral flexibility. in a sense, most likely. Thank you for smoking. Nick Naylor. has moral flexibility. arguments valid? are moral flexibility and validity related. Gorgias and Naylor similarities. What action or statement defines their moral flexibility?

Course Goals Assignment

English 102 Course Goals
1. Rhetoric has always been important in expressing yourself in society. I’m using how to use it better and better and therefore I know the foundations.
2. There are certain appeals for certain audiences and I’ve learned how different texts are composed to fit those audiences.
3. I’ve developed my own strategies and learned the importance of revision
4. After learning more about the appeal of logos/logic, I can better avoid the logical fallacies.
5. There are many forms of media available to the general publics now a days and I have been applying what I’ve learned concerning text to those forms of media.
6. Implementing and using secondary research to support my writing is something I understand.
7. I’ve learned how to give and receive constructive criticism.
8. As I’ve mentioned I know how to use constructive criticism.
9. I understand that I can only be responsible for my improvement.
10. Throughout the course of my Eng 101 and 02 class I’ve worked with peers on several occasions and believe I can do it well.
11. Well, I’ve used blogs consistently and continue to complete assignments in class that meet this requirement.
12. My writing portfolio is a work in progress right now.

English 102 Course Content & Format
1. So far this semester I have analyzed rhetorical elements in such texts as Enconium De Helen by Gorgias.
2. During our peer reviews I have received and provided good feedback to my peers.
3. I have revised some of my writings based on instructor and peer feedback.
4. I’ve been completing the variety of tasks mentioned and am still working on others to construct a good portfolio.

University Core Curriculum Goals
1. One thing that I’ve learned is that learning never ends. I am able to apply knowledge and use it for intelligent ends.
2. Communication is essential and I believe that I can communicate quite effectively.
3. I have my beliefs others have their beliefs. That doesn’t mean I won’t debate mine. You can be sure I will.
4. I recognize that knowledge can help improve the world around you, especially if you’ve been through failure.
5. I’m a people person. Nuff said.
6. I have my own uniqueness and I’m learning more and more how to communicate in my own way and express myself. After coming to a better understanding of Ethos, Pathos, and Logos I have learned how to express myself even better.

My 2009 Most Anticipated Movies

Below is a list of Movies that I am most excited about for this year. Once I have seen each one I will post my reviews.

(no particular order)

1. Watchmen
2. Star Trek
3. Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince
4. Transformers; Revenge of the Fallen
5. Fast and Furious
6. X-men Origins; Wolverine
7. Night at the Museum;Battle of the Smithsonian
8. Up
9. Terminator Salvation
10. Ice Age; Dawn of the Dinosaurs
11. Public Enemies

I'm sure there are many more. If you want to check out these movies, follow the links.

Watchmen

This is one of the most anticipated movies of the year for me. It comes out March 6th, which is but one day away. I'm very excited. I will make sure to post my review of this movie as soon as I see it.

Elixir

Well, I set out to Wal-Mart today with my pal Andrew to go get some Sobe drinks. There was one flavor in particular that I wanted called yumberry pomegranate. It is classified by Sobe as an Elixir. To be honest, this drink taste exactly like what I imagine an Elixir would taste like. This beverage is simply delicious and has the ability to brighten anyones day. Maybe its a magic Elixir. Anyways, when I got to Wal-Mart they were out of this precious item. Andrew and I decided to find it somewhere else in town for he is an avid pursuer of this Elixir as well. We traveled to seven other places around town to try and find it, but we were unsuccessful. We have had many successful adventures in the past, but those are some elaborate stories for another time. I highly recommend that you try and find this beverage and taste this delectable drink for yourself.

P.S. if you do find it, let me know
Also here is a link to the sobe official website just in case you want to check out some other products. I can't really recommend them, but you could order the yumberry pomegranate Elixir. lol

Tony Perkis

Tony Perkis is the name of a character that Ben Stiller played in the movie Heavyweights. This is arguably one of Ben Stiller's best performances. He is a great actor, and this style of character seems to fit his personality well. In fact, similar acting by Ben Stiller can be seen in his most recent movie, Tropic Thunder, which is a pretty funny movie.

I AM A CASTLE CRASHER

Castle Crashers is one of the most epic games I've played in quite awhile. I give it two thumbs way up. This game provides the nostalgic feelings of old gaming days and also a brand new touch. Thanks to a veteran classmate, James Rasley, this game was discovered and passed onto me, and thus to others as well. I am the blue knight and wield the power of ice. I storm the countryside, volcanic wastelands, and thick forests freezing evil in it's path so I can save my queen and the queens of my three brothers. Truly Epic. If you haven't played this game, then I highly recommend it. Castle Crashers can be downloaded from the Xbox Live Marketplace. Jacob, Andre, and I always upgrade our characters differently. You can upgrade your strength, magic, defense, or agility. I personally upgrade my magic mostly. Anyways, arguments can arise as to which upgrade is the best. Rhetorically, each person can make a valid case. At least try out the demo and see what you think.

Thesis'- An ESSay ESSential

Paper 1- Thesis

"There is a destructive force sweeping through America's educational system bearing the name of The No Child Left Behind Act."
(or)
"The No Child Left Behind Act has most definitely left behind many key factors that make successful education possible." (personally, i think this one is better)

Paper 2- Thesis

"The No Child Left Behind Act has good intentions, but is severely flawed and is damaging our educational system, however, it can be fixed by correcting three big problems."

Outline for Essay #2

Introduction-
-Education is important (transitioning into the NCLB and College Success Rates)
Thesis-The No Child Left Behind Act has good intentions, but is severely flawed and is damaging our educational system, however, it can be fixed by correcting three big problems.

Paragraph 1- State College Preparedness is Low
-How to fix it.

Paragraph 2- Bad Curriculum
-How to fix it.

Paragraph 3- Bad Funding
-How to fix it

Paragraph 4- Summary of Solution

Conclusion- Combination of Solutions= (name for solution)
-Good intentions combined with these revisions will result in increasing success.