reaction: birk/kirk

EMBRACE IT

I think that society should embrace it, the times have changed and this is what were use to now. Although, it seems as if we've all become lazy and dependent on our technology devices, it's what we kn0w. If the rewind button was pressed and we had to go back to old ways we would all sit in confusion, so why refuse our embedded ways. we love them, we work for them, and they work for us, literally. In the reading, it mentioned that, these improvements and advanced devices are " extensions of man" which is so true. No one walks around with a phone book in their pockets or purses, instead we prefer our reliable cell phone and not just any phone but the ones that allows you to search the web, pay your bills, listen to music and more. Once again, that creates a visual of laziness.....who likes unneeded labor? No one, so if inventors keep creating easier devices we want them....and now that im writing and listening to myself i feel as though we've become brain dead to work...we dont know how to do for ourselves anymore......in the past if someone wanted to figure out how to make something they would do trial and error of this and that, but now i just pull it up off the internet. For example, my grandmother use to make her own soap wihout any instructions or use of internet, and now thats pretty much impossible to a current generation being. ...so is it true that "we are giving up on wisdom?" maybe but, I still say embrace it

ten issues

Gun control
Teenage pregnancy
Obesity of the entire nation, especially kids
Homelessness
Child hunger
High divorce rate
Same-Sex Marriage
Adoption
Global Warming
Abortion

revised paper

Removing Unnecessary Core Classes

“Congratulations seniors, you have made it this far and your journey is now beginning. You will now walk into the start of a new life, a career, adulthood and salary pay.” That is a short glimpse of what is announced at an high school graduation, a small speech allowing people to think that going into college is total preparation for a career, but it doesn’t mention the unnecessary segments that the state or university requires. The core classes that the majority of times has nothing to do with the field one may be pursuing. Twelve years are spent on stepping up ladders of each subject; algebra, geometry, pre calculus, calculus, trigonometry, biology, chemistry, genetics, social studies, history, government and on and on. So why is it that the college curriculum in the state of Texas wants to add on to the ladder? Coming into college students should be able to start the ladder of their major or career, and work strictly on their degree. Not repeating math, science and social studies and then on to classes that are actually needed. Therefore the state should slash the requirement of unneeded core classes unless it contributes to the career they are seeking.

In the state of Texas, there is a higher education coordinating board that maps out the required courses for Texas college students. Each degree has a different set of requires courses that are transferable to any Texas University. As an example, early education (EC-4^th grade) majors on the state of Texas at the University of Houston are required by state to take eighteen hours of classes that does not enhance or benefit an early childhood educator. The University requires forty-two hours of repeated high school courses in addition to fine arts in humanities, again a dose of unnecessary classes. Therefore, before moving on to the classes an educator needs, sixty hours has to be done first. Meaning each education major has to pay for repeated classes and unneeded classes. Why teach them in college if it is already taught in high school. When is an elementary student ever introduced to statistics or geology?

Nov. 3 post

Removing Unnecessary Core Classes

“Congratulations seniors, you have made it this far and your journey is now beginning. You will now walk into the start of a new life, a career, adulthood and salary pay.” That is sort of what is heard after a high school graduation, a small speech allowing people to think that going into college is total preparation for a career, but it doesn’t mention the unnecessary segments that the state or university requires. The core classes that the majority of times has nothing to do with the field one may be pursuing. Twelve years are spent on stepping up ladders of each subject; algebra, geometry, pre calculus, calculus, trigonometry, biology, chemistry, genetics, social studies, history, government and on and on. So why is it that the college curriculum in the state of Texas wants to add on to the ladder? Coming into college students should be able to start the ladder of their major or career. Not repeating math, science and social studies and then on to classes that are actually needed. Therefore the state should slash the requirement of unneeded core classes unless it contributes to the career their seeking.

As an example, early education (EC-4^th grade) majors on the state of Texas at the University of Houston are required by state to take eighteen hours of classes that does not enhance or benefit an early childhood educator. The University requires forty-two hours of repeated high school courses in addition to fine arts in humanities, again a dose of unnecessary classes. Therefore, before moving on to the classes an educator needs, sixty hours has to be done first. Meaning each education major has to pay for repeated classes and unneeded classes. Why teach them in college if it is already taught in high school. When is a elementary student ever introduced to statistics or geology?

OCT. 27

For my topic I chose to use University oh Houston changing their class requirements. Meaning cut classes out that students dont really need for their majors. This interest me because I do believe it's a waste of money for us students. I am an education major and I have required classes on my degree plan that will never contribute to early childhood education. The only thing that i am unsure about is if this is a school issue or state issue

Oct. 22 blog

In the Daily Cougar, an article written by Wilson Chang titled "Food for Thought: greasy delights lacks originality" stood out to me in particular because it mentioned food and around this time of day, food is on the brain. This article is describing and questioning where did these thoughts of creations come about; the "big mac" a well known burger from "McDonalds," the McGriddle a breakfast sandwhich from the same place.....he's interested in one concern.."what inspired these creations and sarcastically says how original. There was also humor in this article in reference to Taco Bell wanting to sell "cupcakes" (haha), but overall the aricle title caught my attention and the content was just as great..."time to eat"

Another story that screamed "read me" was found in the "Houston News," and titled "These Kids Go To The Best High School in Houston." I decided to read this one because my interest is very limited certain things turn me away and others draw me in such as; child related issues, teaching, schools, football, fashion, food, and hair. Anyways, this article is focused on Debakey and HSPVA two of the high performing high schools that are pretty difficult to get in and expensive. There are different individuals sharing their stories about how their journey led them to these schools and the opportunities they recieve as students. The mention their lifestyle and discipline and overall how they maintain being good students at the two top ranked high schools in houston.

If I had to choose one of the two stories above, I would be more interested in the High School story. As a research question, I would want to know, "what actions should be taken to make other schools equally ranked with the two?" Although I know this would take time, but I would consider finding out about their requirements, the expenses, I would interview, administrators, school board, parents of student, students, teachers, community and surrounding areas.

I've not yet decided on what I want to write about, but an interesting issue came up in my child development class about daycare being funded by the gov. in other countries but not here. In the US and to be local, in Houston, childcare/edu is only secured and coved from pre K-12th gr. and the question is could this be changed?

Causal Argument

The topic that I'm choosing to deal with is Teen Pregnacy. I want to focus on the rise of teen pregnacy which is also commonly referred to as another round of the "baby boomers." Therefore my research topic would probably focus on the influence and contributing causes of teen pregnacy to stray away from accidentally making an action argument. I want to show and explain what contributes to this issue as well as including reactions and consequences.

Teen Pregnacy is nothing new to me. Im a teen mother of one and although I'm the first teen mother in my immediate family and one of very little in my entire family, I've always witnessed the lifestyle. It's has become so common around me that it isn't even an issue to many people anymore. You would think that I would remain quiet on such a topic seeing that I am included in the extremely high count of teen parents, but I DONT condone it. I don't think its ok for teens to get pregnant while they're still children it happens though and when you make your bed you have to lay in it. While pregnant I felt catorgorized and still if mention my child I get crazy looks. This is a close topic because I do want to reach out, i want teen pregnacy to end, is that even possible. Overall my ideas for this paper is to explain why we are reliving the period of the Baby Boomers. The rise in teen pregnacy is highly influenced by media but that's not the only source to blaim.

Visual Argument

http://www.bartcop.com/abortion-evil-dems.jpg

This image is saying is creating the gesture that Democrats freely allow abortions. Although there is more to the story the picture creates a direct image

Glee

In the beginning, I automatically thought it was going to be the typical cheerleading, football highschool show. I immediately compared it to "Bring it On," and later realized that there's a big differnce among the two. I do see a combination of both drama-comedy and musical grounds, but there is something different about the show as well. There is more than one story line going on although most shows do the same each story seemed to have added something.[not sure what exactly] but there was a really passionate married teacher giving more time at school than home, another germophobe teacher with a crush, the serious coach the takes pride in her team, the quaterback with a split life, and the determine one. An additional spark to the show is that there was a mini musical involved.

While I want to say the show is different from others, the stereotypes held me back. There were the "popular cheerleaders, football jocks, the unpopular crowd[glee], the cute teacher, the nasty football coach, the neat one and sometimes the cheap principal." Although interesting and eye catching very similar to other shows. I wouldn't say that it was old and boring but not so new.

When creating a show based on a highschool, writers seem to just write what they think they know not realizing there is so much more going on im highschool other than what everyone is producing. The only thing that changes each one is some of the personalities of the characters. So I would have to say that "Glee" is covering old grounds. Good show but old story.

Doubter

Doubter
I did have many agreeable moments in the article, but as a college student I understand my reasons for attending. I feel that college allows you to have a choice and better opportunities in the workplace compared to others. I made plans before hand to come to college because I knew what I wanted when my time to leave approached. Although, the article challenges the idea of college it did not point out that for some things more than a skill is required. I have plans to become a teacher and I know that in order to do that a college education is going to allow that to happen. Also, being in college is more broad than a training school or other programs you can gain skills from. Im not saying that college is better, im implying that while in college you have to go through so many courses to get to one degree that can be beneficial in many ways as to a training for one particular skill that is primarily focused on one thing.Nothing has greater value except for the cost of education, but in the long run if you have a college degree you will automatically have better opportunities. Lets be honest with ourselves, when going into an interview a major question is going to be based on your education. "Where did you go to gain your skill or degree?" We can not be blind to that it happens daily. So whether you practice a skill or attend someones college or university remember to set your goals and make them work for you.

Believer

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

Believer
After reading the article, I can agree with some things mentioned such as college not being cut out for everyone. Some people may have all the opportunities and requirements for college, but chose another route. I do believe skills are important and that everyone college or no college should be open to learn multiple skills. Recieving a degree and having a "white collar" job does not make anyone smarter or better than a high school graduate going into "blue collar" jobs. Many time people set goals for their futures and not everyones goal is to get into a university. Just as in the article, Keegan Abendschoen has made himself successful through a skill. Although it wasn't stated, he probably planned and set goals for himself so that he could expand his business and create something of his own.Honestly, many people in college who have earned their degree sometimes go into something else that has nothing to do with what they have been working for in a matter of years. Sometimes a skill can get you further than a degree. What ever suits the individual is the best way to go. Don't single out college as the best way to get an education, open your mind to understand that other things; training programs, institutes, etc. are just as valuable. Its what you make it that determines your success.

Hello

Hello. day 1 of blogging .................................