Hello. My name is Megan Smith and I am living in Bigler Halls. I am from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. I am so excited to be here at Penn State. Since I was little it has been a dream to come here, and I am anxious to experience everything about PSU. My summer was filled with much excitement. Just a few days after graduation I went on Senior Week to Flordia and then visited Aruba with my family. I also took a math class at a local campus in PA and worked about 40 hours a week as a lifeguard. I have played sports all my life and would love to play intramural sports while at college. I hope this semester is a successful one and I can't wait to begin my college life.
**September 4, 2005
Well, this is my second blog and I am still not sure on how I really feel about these. It is hard to put certain things into specific words and thoughts. My goal today was to write my Self-Narrative, but I hit writer's block. There is so much about one's life that you don't know where the right place to start is. Although some may have no problem doing writing assignments, I have always felt as if it was a task. If only I knew what exactly I wanted to say, but I guess I will become better at it as the semester goes on. Okay, now it is time to think about writing that wonderful narrative!!
MegSmithNarrative
September 6, 2005
My first Penn State football game as a student was quite an experience. All my life, my family has shown unending loyalty to Penn State, but I witnessed this pride in a different light at Saturday's game against USF. Everyone was decked out in their blue and white, whether it was their clothes or body paint!! I loved every minute of the game. I was so excited for the season opener, particularly because I went to an all girls high school and we did not have that much school spirit when it came to sports. Although we supported the football team of our brother school, it was different, because it was not our own. I am very glad with my choice to come to Penn State. I now have the opportunity to experience these sporting events for my own school. Hopefully, we will have a good season, even though they have my support no matter what happens.
September 7, 2005
As I came back to my dorm today, I realized something that probably should have hit me awhile ago. College is very different than highschool. In highschool, you were given things to do in a given period of time and basically had no choice. Teachers would remind you of assignments or tests on a daily basis and you were required to do them. High school assignments were also a lot easier. In college you are on your own. It is up to you to check the homework online or check the syllabus daily for what will be discussed in class. Although you have a longer period of time to complete your responsibilities, they are more difficult and challenging. Professors will not remind you of an assignment and it is on you if you forget. There is no make up or extra credit. I guess I'm still getting used to the fact that I am responsible for how my college experience goes. I know I will succeed, but I now know that I will have to work much harder to earn the same grades I did in high school.
MegSmithFinalNarrative
September 10, 2005
Today is a really great day. I have so much to be excited for. First thing this morning, my family showed up at my dorm room and surprised me! I had absolutely no idea that they were planning this. I was so happy to see them because I was not figuring on seeing them until Parents Weekend! They had somehow managed to get tickets and make the trip to witness an exciting football game! After the game, we headed down town and had a nice dinner. It honestly made me feel great because I have never gone this amount of time without seeing them. Although I thought I would be very homesick during the first week or two at school, I have not been! I guess it get easier and easier as the time goes on. I didn't realize that I would be so active and not think about home, but its true and I absolutely love college!
September 11, 2005- Remix of LaXer
“Judge of your natural character by what you do in your dreams." In this quote, Ralph Waldo Emerson proclaims that one's true character, or "natural character," can be seen in his or her dreams. Often times in the tangible world, people hide this character or are too embarassed to show it. A dreamer, however, has no control over what visions or situations present themselves, therefore, a dream is perhaps the only raw portrayal of someone's inner workings. In thinking about some of the dreams that I have had, I now realize how closely they resemble my concious view of my "natural character." My life's experiences have shaped and cultivated the values and character revealed by my dreams.
The earliest memory that I still have is of me in the hospital on the day my sister was born. I was so glad to have a new addition to our family, someone who would turn out to be my best friend. I remember my parents putting me into her crib and me hugging her with such pride. Even though I was only two when my sister was born, I still remember everything surrounding her birth so vividly. The fact that my most distant memories involve my family says a lot about my values. Family by far, is my top priority in life. Everything else seems so miniscule when measured against the importance of family. Along the same lines as Emerson was thinking with his quote, almost every dream that I have involves, or reflects upon, members of my family. I suppose it is accurrate to say that my "natural character" revolves around the value of my family members: my mother, my father, and my sister.
I grew up in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, a young gir of Italian and Irish descent. It was there that my family and I lived seventeen years. I love it there, but, its all I really have known so I guess I have to love it. My twenty four days here at Penn State University have really broadened my horizons and shown me what life was like outside the box that I grew up in. I went to school with pretty much the same group of people my whole life and never had to meet new people. Most people would say that I am very outgoing and full of life. As I went through middle school and high school, I matured a great deal. I have realized my priorities and discovered who I am. I have developed a great group of friends who I consider one of a kind. My best friends are the people who have been by my side from the beginning. The bond we share with eachother is irreplaceable and I consider them to be my family.
It was the summer before the ninth grade. I was about to enter the world of High School and that of school athletics. I had played softball since I was four. My mother was my greatest influence. She grew up in a small suburb of Philadelphia, where there was not any female teams, so she was forced to play with the boys. She learned the sport from playing with her brothers and their friends, so naturally she developed a great talent for the sport. She encouraged me to start playing at a young age and I developed a great love of the game. I continued to play and when I reached high school, I knew I wanted to play at a competitive level. I knew that the level of play in high school was extremely intense, but I felt that I was ready. I worked hard to prove I earned my spot on the team. However strong my love of softball was, something took me away as my high school career went on. I no longer felt the amount of excitement I did about softball as when I was younger. Although I lost the passion I had for softball, I thought I was going to continue and play. I continued to work hard, but something was making me unhappy and finally I decided that I could not force myself to enjoy something I no longer enjoyed. At the end of my sophomore season, I made the decision that I would not finish my last two years of high school softball. It was honestly one of the hardest decisions of my life. As the next two years went on, I missed it more and more, but after talking to former teammates I was informed that the same drama was still going on. I believe the decision I made was the right one and I am happy with it. I know that I will never play on the level I did in high school, but I still enjoy playing. Softball was one of the first things I have truely enjoyed and there will always be a part of me that is still that firely little girl so eager to play.
September 11, 2005
This morning when I came in from being out last night, I realized that it was September 11. I just stopped and thought about it. I can not believe it has been 4 years already. Although the past four years seemed to have gone by so quickly, I can only imagine how slow they have gone for the victims and their families. What happened on September 11 was such a dramatic event for our entire country and to think this could happen all over again is sickening. Innocent people, who were just doing their daily routines were the victims of such horrible actions. I am lucky thay no one close to me was involved and my heart goes out to all who have suffered from this. As the years have past since this tragedy, I realize that we are never truely safe and an ordinary day could turn your life completely around in moments.
September 12, 2005
I just got back from a long day of classes and as I was thinking of what to write about today something hit me that I never even realized before. In my Business Seminar class today we were discussing the many interuptions and distracting you have while trying to do work or be productive in some way. As were talking about our personal distractions, I realized that I really do have them even though I swore I do not. All of these distractions have one thing in common, most of your daily distractions happen in the dorm room. Think about it, people come to your door, instant message you online, call you, etc. all while you are trying to do some work. I think the internet is one of my biggest distractions, but somehow I cannot get away from it. I am always online, even if I am not in my dorm room, I leave an away message on so I can come back to messages telling me what is going on or where everyone is. However, I seem to have a lot of work for certain classes on the internet, which I have decided I do not like. I will set a goal for what I need to get done on the internet, but something else always come up and I put it off again. Although doing your assignments on the internet saves you some time and the effort of writing and handing in assignments, in my opinion it is a bad idea. I guess I will just have to find a way around these distractions and set some stronger priorities.
September 13, 2005
Well, this morning was kind of a bummer. I woke up only to hear the disappointing news that the Eagles had lost against the Falcons last night. I was upset because of the talent they showcased last season. In all honesty though, they deserved to lose. How can a player get in a fight before the game? He knew the consequences of his actions and both his teammates and himself suffered in the long run. Also, I guess we knew there would still be alittle going on with T.O and McNabb, I don't think I would be able to play well considering all the drama that went on at training camp. Finally, the defense was not playing at the top of their game. I guess there is only one thing they can do, suck up the loss, practice hard this week, and come out with a win next week.
September 13, 2005- IM conversation with Mitch
GratePhish: hey my name is mitch, im in ur english class
GratePhish: i got ur SN from facebook, will u have a convo with me
ShOrTE014: oh hey. whats up
ShOrTE014: sure.
GratePhish: i think we have to talk about our final project
ShOrTE014: yea, i knew we had to have a convo for it
ShOrTE014: ugh. not fun!
ShOrTE014: have you thought about what you wanted to do your final project on
GratePhish: ya but i dont know exactly wut it has to be on cuz i wasnt in class on fri
GratePhish: or monday
GratePhish: my bad
ShOrTE014: im jealous! english isnt my favorite subject!
GratePhish: ya, i know wut u mean
GratePhish: i he prob hates me now, cuz i was late one day, and i missed one day already lol
ShOrTE014: its ok. he really can't do anything about it, but im sure he doesnt hate you
GratePhish: ya its all good
GratePhish: ok so wut do u wanna write ur paper on
ShOrTE014: i really have no idea.
ShOrTE014: i think its much easier to be assigned a topic than to think of 1 yourself
GratePhish: ya exactly
ShOrTE014: im not creative like that
GratePhish: alright well we need to post sometihng on our diary thing so
GratePhish: like that we had a convo
ShOrTE014: does it have to be about the project? like actually discussing our topic?
GratePhish: ya i think thats wut he said in the cyllabus
ShOrTE014: ok
GratePhish: alright go ahead lol
ShOrTE014: well what are you interested in doing your project on
GratePhish: well im thinking something political is always good
GratePhish: and its easy
ShOrTE014: hm. i dont kno a lot about politics
ShOrTE014: but i guess i could certainly try
GratePhish: ya its always easy
GratePhish: ok i guess for now, im gonna say why the presidential age should not be restricted to 35
ShOrTE014: does this mean this is definitly what our final project is going to be on or just a choice
GratePhish: im not quite sure
ShOrTE014: ill have this conversation with you, but you have to bring up the points bc i have no idea!
ShOrTE014: but i could always throw in my opinion
GratePhish: ur name is megan right
ShOrTE014: correct
GratePhish: ok megan, all were doing is having a discussion about wut each of us wanna do for our project
GratePhish: like any ideas we have
ShOrTE014: ok sounds good
GratePhish: ok so wut are ur ideas
ShOrTE014: maybe voting, either the age limit, or women's rights..
ShOrTE014: i guess that is considered politcal as weel
ShOrTE014: *well
ShOrTE014: or something with music downloads from the internet..
GratePhish: lol well thats random
GratePhish: alright ya that sounds good
ShOrTE014: haha im just tryin to think of stuff that is related to us in some way
GratePhish: alright well i think were good
GratePhish: i think just copy and paste this into ur diary thingy
ShOrTE014: ok.
ShOrTE014: how many blogs are we suppossed to have like to date?
GratePhish: i just do one every day
GratePhish: just to make it easy
ShOrTE014: yea, i think im alittle behind tho
ShOrTE014: this will only be my 10th
GratePhish: o i think ur good
ShOrTE014: ok nice
ShOrTE014: alright then, im going to go- i will see you tomorrow in class!
GratePhish: make sure u copy and paste that tho
ShOrTE014: im doing it right now, thanks
ShOrTE014: is that all we have to do. do we have to comment on it at the end of our blog?
GratePhish: no one else did
ShOrTE014: ok nice
September 14, 2005
I thought we were suppossed to blog on what we thought knowledge was, but I'm not sure if anyone else is writing about their opinion, but I am going to because I don't have anything else to write about. I believe knowledge is the amount of information you have retained, something that you can remember and will have stored for a long period of time, if not forever. Although a lot of knowledge is gained in the classroom or in an educational setting, there is much information in the real world that I consider knowledge. People who are considered to be the smartest in the world know a wide variety of information, including random facts. Every person has a different mix of knowledge that they have, some more than others. I think that is what makes people different. All people cannot know the same things, nor are they expected to. If every person had the same knowledge or the same amount of knowledge how would other people be expected to learn? I think it would make it quite impossible!
September 15, 2005
Well today has not been an exciting day, rather boring and long to say the least. I knew from this morning that I was not going to have a good day. I work up for my economy class at 8 am and I did not feel well at all. I had a pounding headache, I was losing my voice, and my eyes were burning. I cannot stand getting sick and I know that is coming. Even though I was not feeling well, I had a ton of work to do, from reading to doing about 3 sections of math homework and some spanish. It seemed to take me forever today, just because I was dragging along and would have rather been sleeping and resting up. Now, I am trying to finish studying for my math quiz, but it is hard to do when you don't really have material to go on. I know I am going to end up teaching myself math all semester if I want a good grade, because the class is an absolute joke. Oh well, enough complaining here. Hopefully I will have a better day tomorrow and an even better weekend!
MegSmithDefinitive
September 18, 2005
This weekend was an overall good one. The best part of my weekend was when I went to my friend's family's tailgate. We went over there around 12 o'clock and by the time the game started, I could no longer stand. My legs were killing me, so for the entire first half of the game I was in pain. Finally, I decided that I needed to go back to the dorm and got some rest. I took alittle nap, and I felt great after a 2 hour nap. Saturday night was kind of boring, nothing too exciting was going on. Today, I spent the entire day working on my definitive arguement. I was frustrated a lot because the words were just not following and I do not think I produced the best paper I could of. I think I am going to not look at it for a day or two and then go back to it with a clear head. Hopefully, words will flow better then. It's late and I'm exhausted, so I will see everyone tomorrow.
September 26, 2005
How to Make A Bed
1. Put the bottom sheet(with the elastic bands) on top of the mattress. Tuck the elastic under the mattress so the bottom sheet is laying flat.
2. Place the top sheet on the mattress making sure there is enough sheet to tuck under the mattress. Tuck the sheet in at the foot of the bed and at the head of the bed.
3. Add blanket or comforter.
4. Fold the top sheet over the blanket or comforter at the head of the bed.
5. Put the pillowcases on the pillows.
6. Place pillows on top of blanket or comforter at head of bed. Choose how to place them on the bed, either proped up or lay them flat on the bed.
7. Add decorative pillows if desired.
September 26, 2005
Well, parents weekend is over. It was really good to see my family again, I started to miss them. It was great, they took me out to eat.. and I was so excited to not be eating commons food for once! On Saturday, they wanted to see the new Smeal Business Building and take the tour to Old Main Tower. After we got those done in the morning, I was able to go shopping. I needed so much, but didn't get half of what I needed. I guess it is ok though because when I go back home over Fall Break I will be able to shop at the stores I like. So after a relaxing weekend of spending time with my family and not doing much work, I now find myself stressed with school work for this week. I have one exam this week that I need to study for, but I guess it could be worse, like those who have three. Enjoy the rest of this rainy Monday!
MegSmithFinalDefinitive
September 29, 2005
Well, I just got back from an 8 am Econ exam. I am disappointed. I thought I knew the information a lot better than I did, either that or I just blanked out. It was my first exam, so I guess I just have to learn from this experience. Next time, I will start preparing much earlier and hopefully that will help. Who knows, I could have done well, let's hope for the best. Now, it is time to get some sleep and do some Math homework.
September 30, 2005
I am so happy it is finally Friday. For some reason this week has been hell for a lot of people. I am not sure why, whether it is exams, or just assignments, but I know everyone is glad it is Friday. I must say, I am alittle tired today, luckily I only have two classes and will probably go back to bed after. Tomorrow is going to be a big game and I am excited. It kind of felt weird last weekend not getting up early and going to the stadium. But, the games continue for the next couple of weekends, hopefully we can pull them off! Well, I guess I am about ready to leave for class. See ya!
October 2, 2005
Happy birthday to me! It is so good to finally be 18 since I am the youngest of my friends. This weekend turned out better than I expected since I thought it was going to be bad since my friends from home were unable to come up for the weekend. It's okay though, I know they wanted to be here. The friends I met here are doing a great job and making me have a great birthday. They know that I was upset, but they have totally gone out of their way to make sure I had a great weekend and I am very appreciative. Tonight, I think we may go into town and go out to eat. After, we will probably just come back to the dorms and eat the cake and cookies my parents sent me! It should definitely be a good night!
October 2, 2005
The analogy I will use for this entry is love is like a flower. As we all know there are many different types and colors of flowers, much like there is not just one type or form of love. Flowers have unique colors, scents, and shapes. In the same respect, love is very unique and holds a different meaning from person to person. There is no standard of love because the depth of meaning to each person is completely different. Although people do not consider love and flowers on the same level, they really do have similarities, but also differences. Both love and flowers have many qualities and are original in unique ways.
October 4, 2005
So I have had a pretty busy day. This morning at like 12 o'clock, my friends decide to go to Walmart to get a tent and other items so we can camp outside the stadium. So we start setting up camp at about 1 o'clock this morning, more than 5 days early!! After my 8am class I headed over to relieve those who slept there last night. While there, a lady brought us sandwiches she had made and pretzels, we were interviewed and photographed. I have to tell you, at first I refused to go until Wednesday, but it turned out to be so much fun. Everyone is in a happy mood and so friendly. We have all became friends. So, now I am trying to finish my work before I am scheduled to sleep there tonight. This includes finishing my analogy paper, which I am struggling with. Honestly, papers stress me out and they seem to never end. Once I feel like weight was lifted off my shoulders, I only have to start writing another one. I know this is a required course and it is beneficial, just right now I am very stressed out. Can't wait to finish this one! See you all tomorrow.
MegSmithAnalogyDraft
October 9, 2005
Yesterday was an amazing day! My day started off by heading over to Paternoville at 9am to take down our tent and start bringing some of the stuff back to the dorm rooms. After the trips to clear out our tent space, I went back to the stadium to stand in line for a few more hours while people watched Game Day. When the came to relieve me, I needed to come back to my dorm room to warm up and get something to eat. I planned to shower and relax for two hours, but it was cut a little short by a phone call telling me to get back as soon as I could because people could no longer move towards the front of the line. My friends and I had been camping out since Monday, so we were first in line, but the people behind us were being forceful and not letting people get to their spots easiely. After I pushed through the crowd of people, I had nothing to do, but to stand in a circle for three hours until the gates opened. Once 5:45 came, everyone who had waited in line knew that it would all be worth it! My friends and I were the first people in the gate, and we ran to our seats. We figured we would have first or second row tickets, but somehow we had got sixth row. So we were furious. The event staff in our section could not do anything about it, they said we would need to wait for the people with those seats arrived and talk to them. Finally, after major discussions and explaining our situations those people switched with us and we had our seats back. The game was amazing, there was so much energy throughout the stadium and there was never a dull moment. It was awesome that the whole student sections was wearing white and it looked amazing. Hopefully, we will have as much energy and be as energetic at the next few games as we were for last nights game. Go PSU!!
October 9, 2005
Between the years of 1975 and 1979, the country of Cambodia went through a major tragedy. The Democratic group Kampuchea, led by Pol Pot organized mass killings of about 1.7 million people or one fifth of the population. Pol Pot's regime had unlimited power and controlled its citizens more than any other state in world history. The reason for this mass killing throughout Cambodia was due to the fact that Pol Pot's regime had extreme racism against ethnic Vietnamese and other minorities. The genocide in Cambodia is considered to be one of the most devastating genocides of modern times. I do not feel that Pol Pot's regime had any reason to target these minorites, nor do I believe he had any right to organize a mass killing of innocent people. There was no need for these actions, except to gain more power for their group than they already had.
Web address: http://www.sussex.ac.uk/Users/hafa3/cambodia.htm
MegSmithFinalAnalogy
October 10, 2005-Causal Argument #1
Teen Depression: Signs, Symptoms, and Getting Help for Teenagers Teen Depression Every teenager at one point or another feels down, lonely, and sad, but it is a major problem if a teenager feels this way on a daily basis. A person who is depressed is continuously in a sad mood, is not happy, and seems to be frustrated with everything. Many factors can cause a young person to become depressed. They include: dramatic, life changing events in one's life (usually negative,) previous traumatic experiences that cause a lot of pain and anguish as they become older, stressful situations, mental or physical changes, medical conditions, drug or alcohol abuse, and family genetics, etc. Depression is a serious concern to many teenagers in today's society. When teenagers encounter situations where they do not know how to handle it, they may become stressed out and become down on themselves. It is a serious problem when sadness over a minor issue transforms into a major, life threatening situation. There are many help options available for whatever concerns one may have. Hopefully a teenager is able to recognize their issue and resort to help before it becomes worse and potentially life threatening.
October 11, 2005-Causal Argument #2
'Fat Muscles' may explain obesity According to a study at Duke University, "overweight people may be able to blame their muscles for storing too much fat." It appears that obese people have more room for fat storage in their muscles compared to healthy individuals. This reasoning comes down to a gene and could also explain why obese people cannot lose enough weight even after minimizing calories. The researchers also found that a fat-building enzyme stearoyl-CoA desaturase-1 (SCD-1) was found more in the muscle of obese people. This enzyme slows down the burning of fat and causes that fat to be stored in the muscles. The researchers believe this enzyme is either genetic or acquired due to a poor diet. According to a nutritionist, genes make up 30 percent of obesity and the other 70 percent is the environment and other factors.
October 12, 2005- CaseY7 Causal Argument
Top Recruit Lists Penn State on Top
This article discusses the impact Saturday's Penn State vs. Ohio State football game had on top high school players. According to the article, Maryland star Antonio Logan-El is now listing Penn State as his favorite school and would like to attend next year. Here, "Thesis: the crowd is attributed with changing the player's perspective." Reasons: Because the crowd was extremely enthusiastic and knowledgeable, Logan-El is considering Penn State. The article gives almost no mention to Penn State's on the field success, and rather only really speaks about how impressed Logan-El was with the fans.
I believe this is a valid argument because now players are not only looking for success, but for teams that can help them gain exposure and fame. Penn State's fans this weekend were proof that players will receive the attention they want. For these reasons Logan-El is considering Penn State.
Counter-agrument: Too much noise can cause distractions not only against the opposing team, but to Penn State as well.
Another counter-argument: A prospective student should pick a school based more on academics than on sports and the school's loyal fans.
October 13, 2005- VmAn Causal Argument
http://futurecars.blogspot.com/
This site states that "Thesis: the best way to slow global warming and to lessen america's dependence on oil is to make cars that go further for their gallon of gas."
Reasons: the further distance a car can travel without having to refuel is lessening the pollution within the air. Also can save drivers money in the long run.
Hybrid cars are starting to become more popular, due to the expansion of car models that contain the hybrid engines. The speed of the hybrid cars is being increased, which makes the difference between gas cars much more appealing.
Counter-argument: The hybrid cars have a different physical appearance than gas cars.
Another counter-argument: The price of the hybrid car may be more expensive than gas cars initially, but the money you save from not having to fill your tank with gas makes it worthwhile.
October 16, 2005
It was really good to go home this weekend, even if it was just for a few days. I didn't realize how much I missed my house and the little things about being back home. I feel this weekend went by so fast and that I didn't have enough time to do the things I wanted to do. What I really wanted to do was relax all weekend, but some of my friends came home from their colleges to see me so I spent a lot of time with friends. Then of course, I went shopping and came back with a ridiculous amount of stuff! Now, that I am back at school, I kind of want to go back home again, but I know I will have more fun here! This week may be hectic and I may have a lot of work to do, which I am not looking forward to, but the weekend is one day closer! Hope everyone enjoyed their break. See you in class tomorrow.
October 17, 2005-Stigmergy Remix
Pierre-Paul Grasse introduced stigmergy in the 1950s to describe circuitous communication among people in social insect communities. He showed that the regulation and coordination of the building activity was achieved by working together, not singly. Guy Theraulaz and Eric Bonabeau believed that each individual works as if they were alone, while their collective efforts seem to be coordinated. Istvan Karsai believes that stigmergy is a great way to organize activity over periods of time and space in many systems.
October 18, 2005-Evaluation Argument
http://www.cnn.com/2005/SHOWBIZ/TV/10/18/apontv.saturdays.dead.ap/index.html
This article talks about how Saturday night television shows has dramaticly changed. There used to be a wide variety of shows on Saturday nights including Gunsmoke, Loveboat, Fantasy Island, and Touched by an Angel, but now you flip through the channels continuously and have a poor selection. This problem has reached a serious downfall and has forced ABC to put a prime-time slot open on Saturday nights for any program that can be made for a maximum of $500,000 an episode. Some people believe the downfall is due to Saturday night- "date night." People believe that experimentation is the only way to see if shows are a success and they want networks to air their pilots.
Counter-Argument: It doesn't make much sense to air a new show on Saturday nights because many people are out of the house. Maybe the show should preview on a different night of the week and based on the ratings, move it to Saturday night.
Counter-argument: Some people may not be willing to give Saturday night shows a chance, considering the failure of many that preceded them. They may rather watch a movie at home or go to the theatre.
October 19, 2005- Evaluative Argument
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/9745321/
Instead of being banned from the classrooms, iPods have made a welcomed entry into some classrooms. iPods are now being used as learning tools. Teachers and their students have been making podcasts, which are online radio shows that can be downloaded to an iPod or other portable MP3 players. Students can record poems, book reports, field trips, etc. through a microphone and download it to their iPod so they can have it as a reference. This article says podcasting is just another interactive technology, just like blogging and hand-held computers. Teachers believe by intergrating something students enjoy into their school work, is a way to motivate them. Kindergartners are using iPods as a way to learn their vocabulary. They take home loaner iPods to practice their vocabulary words. Also, students learning English as a second language use iPods to practice.
Counter-Argument: Although beneficial to students, some families cannot afford for their child to have an iPod.
Counter-Argument: If the schools purchase iPods for their students to use, how can they make it fair so that everyone has a chance to experience learning on the iPod? If the students need it to practice vocabulary, is it really fair to take it away at some point during the year when they use it as a learning tool?
October 21, 2005- Plagiarism
Plagiarism is defined as a piece of writing that has been copied from someone else and is presented as being your own. Anything is considered plagiarism, from taking a single sentence to copying an entire paper. You might think that not citing a source is a minor offense, but it goes beyond that.
For the original creator of a piece, it is completely unfair for one to take the short road and use their piece as their own. For anyone who has ever spent countless hours working on something they have every right to be upset if their work was stolen. I believe that is the proper way to explain plagiarism, stolen! If the creator does not give consent for the use of their work and it is not cited, it was stolen.
In college, plagiarism is referred to as "academic dishonesty" and is treated as a serious offense. If a student is caught plagiarizing someone else’s work, action will be taken by the school and it is truly warranted. If no action was taken in these circumstances, some students would go through four years of college, not doing their own work and only passing because someone else took the time to do what they were too lazy not to do. Personally, I have no tolerance for people who plagiarize.
October 21, 2005-Evaluation Argument
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/4355950.stm
Alison Poole, who is a nurse, is campaigning to get NHS funding for herself and other women to be treated with the breast cancer drug Herceptin. For her, the cost of this new drug that could prevent her cancer from returning is a major issue. Her goal is to get North Stoke Primary Care Trust to fund her treatment, but if not, she will pay more than 40,000 Lira of her own money to be treated privately. The reason Herceptin costs so much is because the new technology used to develop the drug is very expensive. Shortly after Alison’s interview, she learns that Devon and Cornwall publicized that they will fund Herceptin for eligible patients in their area. More than 100 women will benefit from this.
I believe Alison Poole is doing the right thing. She is demonstrating to other women that she will not back down from her fight. She realizes that if her efforts are successful, the benefits to herself and other women suffering from breast cancer are far greater than the detriments. If the NHS approves funding for Herceptin, she will be closer to a cancer-free life. It will not only improve her health, but it will enable her to do more things, such as spend time with her family, and work without worrying about her strength, or lack there of.
October 23, 2005
I could not get into the one site about soldiers. I hope other people had trouble too and it wasn't just me who couldn't get in.
October 30, 2005
Ok, I definitely blogged earlier today and now my entry isn't here, but I will just write the same thing again! Well, this was a great weekend. The Parade on Friday was great, I loved everything about it. On Saturday, two best friends from home came to visit me. I was so excited to see them and take them out with me and my friends here! We went to costume parties at a few different frats and I think they had a really good time, which makes me happy! Now they are gone and it is time for classes. Hopefully it won't be as stressful as last week!
October 30, 2005
MegSmithEvaluation
November 1, 2005
Today has been a extremely long day. I feel like it is never going to end. My classes were normal, but I have a lot of work to do. I had to attend a review session for Econ tonight and right after go to a meeting with my business presentation group. I haven't been in my dorm all night and now I have to start my work. Still haven't decided on a topic for the final project, hopefully I think of something good by Friday. Bye, see everyone tomorrow.
November 3, 2005
I started thinking about my interests and it is really hard to think of them, especially when you have to come up with something interesting enough to write a 12 page final paper on. I came to one conclusion: I feel very strongly about abortion and think it should be completely banned. Although I realize there are certain circumstances when abortion is necessary, I also realize that people use abortion as the easy way out of a difficult situation. For these people, I have no sympathy and do not think it is fair for them to take away the life of an innocent child. That child has the same right to life as the mother who is contemplating abortion.
November 4, 2005
MegSmithProposalDraft
November 6, 2005
The proposals I read over were:
JeN14
SkiGirl
November 6, 2005
Information about abortion:
http://www.abortionfacts.com/online_books/love_them_both/why_cant_we_love_them_both_20.asp
November 7, 2005
Today was an extremely long day. All I have done all day was work.. full day of classes and then I studied for my Math exam from about 2:30 until 5 and then finally I had the exam. I was kind of disappointed, I knew everything on the two practice exams and then the material on the test was stuff I had never even seen before. Nothing makes me more mad than that! But, I'm glad it is over. This week should be one of the best weeks I've had in awhile, it seems like the work load has lightened up alittle. Hopefully I can relax and get ready for my friend to come this weekend!! I can't wait to see her!
November 11, 2005
I am kind of mad I had to get up early on a Saturday morning to do yardwork at some place I have never heard of. Community Service is a requirement in my Business Seminar class. I honestly don't mind doing community service, I'm just not thrilled about doing yardwork. It's an all day thing, so I'm sure I'll be exhausted when I get back. I guess I'll have to take a small nap and then get ready to go out. It's kind of disappointing, very few frats are here this weekend, and there is no football game, and no one has any idea what to do. It's the first weekend since August that there wasn't anything going on.. it feels like a ghost town now!! It's ok thought, I think we already figured out some places to go tonight, so I'm happy! Hope everyone has a great weeekend. See you Monday.
November 12, 2005
Another lazy Sunday! I really didn't do anything today. I woke up late and went to brunch with my friends, came back and watched movies instead of studying. I just never have motivation to do anywork on Sundays, so I push it off until during the week. I actually just talked to my friend who just got back from bootcamp today. That was awesome! It was hard saying goodbye, but the time went really fast and I'm glad he's back home. It makes me more excited for Thanksgiving break because I will see a lot of people that I haven't seen since school started.
November 15, 2005
I'm getting sick and I hate it. It is the worst being sick at school, 200 miles away from your house and all you want to do is sleep in your own bed. As you all know, it is much better to be with your family when your sick. Well thats always what makes me feel better and its so hard up here, sure you can talk on the phone, but thats not the same as actually being around them. Today, I had to take a Spanish test. I studied for it and was well prepared, so hopefully I will get a good grade. I am alittle stressed out right now, all I keep thinking about is how many major assignments I have to do within such a short amount of time. Honestly, I cannot wait to actually have a break from school for alittle bit, but I still have another month.
November 17, 2005
So it's another cold day at Penn State. I have to say, this weather is not unusual for me, but at home, it usually does not hit us so off guard. It was weird to have it snow in October here, because at home, we rarely have white Christmas's at home.
November 20, 2005
The weekend went by really fast, which is good because I am excited to go home tomorrow! Friday I went on the PKA hayride and then after went to TKE for their party. I had a good time at both! Yesterday, I basically did nothing all day but watch the game and then got ready to go out. My friend from home was up, so I went to meet him and hang out with him. It was good to see people I haven't seen since I left for college. It's still alittle sad that we don't get to hang out as much, but its as if nothing changes when we are back together. Today, I have to finish up my laundry so I can pack. Also, I want to go to greek sing because I hear it is hilarious and then try to get some work done. Hope everyone had a good weekend, see you tomorrow!
MegSmithFinalProposal
MegSmithBibliography
November 27, 2005
I completely forgot to blog over Thanksgiving break, so now I am alittle behind. This week was great, except for the fact that I was sick for the first half of the week. I got to see all my friends from home that I have't really seen since the end of summer and I got to spend a lot of time with my family. Honestly, I was more excited to just go home and do nothing than anything else. If I could have sat in all day, I would have loved it! Now I am back to school, but this week is going to be very stressful. I have the Gen Ed project for Econ due Thursday that I can not find information for and then of course, the English Final paper. This week should be a lot of fun! I am now looking forward to Christmas break when I will have absolutely no school work to do and I can just relax and hang out with my family and friends. I hope everyone had a great break, see you tomorrow.
November 28, 2005
Today was an extremely long day. I had so much work to do, but of course I could not find the information I needed. I guess I am making progress with my Econ project, little information at a time, but its a start. Hopefully tomorrow my Econ group will want to meet so hopefully we can get more accomplished if we are all together. Also, tomorrow night there is a special information session just for the Econ project that my teacher is having, I hope that will be worth-while and it will benefit our projects. I have to work on this English final for the next 4 days. I cannot wait until this week is over and all the stress to be lifted off my shoulders. Now, to bed so I can rest up for another exhausting day tomorrow.
December 1, 2005
Since it is 12:25, it is now December!! Finally, this means only 15 more days until I can go home for Christmas break without having to worry about one thing. I really am looking forward to this long break, especially after this week. Honestly, this has been the week from hell. Ever since I got back to school on Sunday, all I have been doing with any spare minute of my day has been working on my Gen Ed project for Econ and this final paper. I have been so stressed out, but since my Gen Ed project is due tomorrow morning, I guess alittle stress has been lifted off my shoulders. Now, I have to concentrate on is this final. I am kind of upset about our final paper because it seems like the majority of English 15 students I have talked to, all they are required to do is rewrite a previous paper they submitted or write another short paper. I mean, every teacher is allowed to control their classroom, I just think the school should have more of a general final. So after I have been working on assignments all day, my friends and I made snow flakes. I guess this was good for me because it took my mind off of everything for atleast alittle while. The end of the week is only 2 days away and if I made it through this much, I know I will be alright come Friday night when my last assignment has to be posted. Hope everyones projects are coming along well, good luck!
December 1, 2005
Another full day of writing. Thank God it is almost finished. Taking a break to watch the OC and do some other homework and then I will go back to working on the project. My friends are all going out and I am jealous because I can't go because I have so much work to do. I hear it is suppossed to know this weekend, so that isn't good. It's still alittle early to have snow, but I can't do anything about it.
December 2, 2005
Finally, our project is almost done. We are just finishing up small details and then it will be ready to post. Of course, we will have to revise it some before making it our final copy, but as soon as this draft is posted, the hard part is over and I'm sure it will feel like weight is finally lifted off my shoulders. This has been the week from hell and I cannot wait to go out tonight with nothing to worry about. Hopefully it stops snowing, or we will be keeping our activities inside the dorms!! Have a good weekend everyone!
MegSmithFinalProjectDraft
December 3, 2005
This day was basically a waste. I didn't wake up until about 12, did some laundry and then went to brunch. Besides that, I did nothing until 4 oclock until we decided to go downtown for alittle, but that got cut short because it was so cold. You honestly cannot stay outside for more than a few minutes without getting like wind burnt. I am not sure if I am going out tonight or not because there is really nothing to do, but I still want to go out. We will see what happens, its still kind of early yet. And I still have not received the grade for my Proposal, I thought we were suppossed to have those grades mailed to us by yesterday. I really want to know how I did on that because then I will basically have an idea of how I did for the semester.
December 4, 2005
Last night turned out to be fun. I wasn't planning on going out, I was just going to watch a movie with my friends, but at the last minute I decided to go out and I'm glad I did. After we came in, everyone was outside in the quad having one massive snowball fight. It was really fun actually, and I stayed outside until about 4:45. It did get alittle out of hand because people broke branches off the trees and my one friend got hit in the face with a branch and needed stiches! And the other injured his hand. But, everything turned out ok. Ok, it is time for me to watch Desperate Housewives and Grey's Anatomy! See you tomorrow.
December 5, 2005
Today was a relaxing day. I only had 2 classes and then just hung around the dorm all day. I caught up on alittle sleep that I missed over the weekend and then went to Walmart for a few things. I really don't have much to talk about lately, so I will just stop now. However, I am excited to watch the new Gauntlet at 10!
December 6, 2005
Last night my friend asked me to go to his frat formal on Friday night, of course only a week before the dance. So, today I spent a lot of time downtown looking for a dress and jewerly with my friends that are going to other formals that same night. Only one of my friends found a dress that she bought. I found one that I may go back and buy later this week. So as of now, I have about 2 days to get my outfit together! At first I was skeptical about going to this formal and I really didn't want to go, but I am getting excited now.
December 8, 2005
Ok, well I am about to go out and I figured I would write something really fast since tomorrow is our last class. I am now done with 3 classes, but I still have finals in 2 of them, so I am not officially done until Thursday. I worked alittle on my final project today, so after Monday, English will be done and then I will only have to worry about 2 classes. I hope I did good this semester, which I think I did in except 1 or 2 classes, so we shall see when my final grades come in. After English tomorrow, all my classes will be done and then I will just have a week of studying and catching up on soon sleep. I hope everyone does well in their exams.
December 9, 2005
I am finally done all of my classes, and now all I have to worry about it finals and then I will have successfully completed my first semester of college. Hope everyone has a great Christmas break!
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