Technical English 2310:
written response to the Heaven is For Real: Fox & Friend's video
"This response should look into the Academic and persuasive validity of the video"
The first time I saw this video I felt a mix of both confusion and concern. Beyond coming across as yet another "shock and awe" news piece, there are some ethical issues and major holes in the claims that take place in the video.
First of all, there is a disturbing lack of proper academic hedging. There is no way to absolutely prove or disprove what the little boy claims to have seen during an emergency surgery that took place when he was just four years old. But it becomes questionable when both the family and the newscaster are choosing to take this story as absolute fact. Not once was it said that this "may have taken place", "That he might have seen haven" or that "he may have seen John the Baptist." This was all stated as absolute, affirmative truth. The newscaster did not ask any questions to counter what was being said, she did not try to drive to the issue, or ask the father and son why they were on TV now, promoting their new book, years after the actual event had occurred. She seemed more than willing to just add hype and excitement to the interview by being fully, and almost to the point of seeming ignorantly engaged in the conversation. Suddenly this interview has become "entertainment" and is no longer news that is looking for actual facts or important opinions.
There are also issues with the seemingly very Pro-American answers that the father and son gave. In the newscaster's comment about people in heaven, the boy responds with the answer that "... there are no old people in heaven, there are only young people in heaven." The young man also claims to have seen Jesus in heaven and said that Jesus had " ... sea blue eyes ... ", and that in meeting God, that he was so big, he could fit " ... the whole world in his hands ... ". Every wants to hear that Jesus was a handsome, blue eyed savior--from the middle east no less--, has a Father that can hold the world in his grasp, and that we will no longer have weak and aged bodies when we go to heaven. It is also said in the interview that the young man met his two unborn sisters in heaven. What a comfort to know that they are up there, and that every unborn child will be up there, and that he got to meet them.
Once again we have to question the motives behind this kind of publicity. Why are we only hearing about this now? Is this just a publicity stunt to get books sold and draw in more viewers to the network? Was this scripted? Has this family been through so many traumatic events that it has emotionally scarred them to the point that they are having a hard time grasping reality of the tragic and near losses they have had in their family? Why was the mother not there for the interview? Why did the newscaster not try to poke holes in this story? Who approved the airing of this story in such a way?
The potential for serious consequences in the airing of this story is huge. I have no academic confidence in the legitimacy of this story, or the claims there in. Nor am I persuaded to believe it when I see that the young man has trouble seeming genuine in the interview, looking off camera on occasion and seemingly far too comfortable to be in this situation for the first time.
It is possible that there could be a very large out cry either for or against the claims made in this video both by the Christian populous. I could see other networks being very disappointed in Fox & Friend's choice of airing content and standards. It could either tear the Burpo family apart, and could put a major dent in the Fox network's audience and ethos. It could cause financial fall out on the book that was written Heaven is For Real by the Burpo family.
Being a Christan myself, this was hard to watch and analyze. I did not find any proof or anything beyond subjective truth through out the video. There were no major claims that were verbally connected to any scripture from the bible.
In the end this is a highly volatile subject and without further dissection. and substantial proof, it could cause the down fall of an American news casting company and family.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Writing Portfolio Entry 11:
Comments on the legitimacy of a university ed in my field ...
I do believe that Graphic Designers must go to school. There is so much to learn and so many important technical aspects of what we do that it cannot be learned purely by experience.
I believe that it would serve us well if this was a four year program, and in the final year we would spend part of our time working in a local design firm(s) of our choice. I believe that would be a fantastic way to learn hands on. This would also increase the amount of good, up to date design in Kamloops, and drive a weak industry, as well as provide more work for the rest of us when we graduate.
I would prefer to be going to school down at the coast, as Vancouver is the cultural and visual arts center of our province. It would also be nicer to be receiving a degree instead of a diploma when I graduate.
Those are really the only detracting factors, and they are more focussed on the way the program is conducted, not if it has a role in the education system.
I do believe that Graphic Designers must go to school. There is so much to learn and so many important technical aspects of what we do that it cannot be learned purely by experience.
I believe that it would serve us well if this was a four year program, and in the final year we would spend part of our time working in a local design firm(s) of our choice. I believe that would be a fantastic way to learn hands on. This would also increase the amount of good, up to date design in Kamloops, and drive a weak industry, as well as provide more work for the rest of us when we graduate.
I would prefer to be going to school down at the coast, as Vancouver is the cultural and visual arts center of our province. It would also be nicer to be receiving a degree instead of a diploma when I graduate.
Those are really the only detracting factors, and they are more focussed on the way the program is conducted, not if it has a role in the education system.
Writing Portfolio Entry 10:
Comments about my career: What my plans are for my life and why I applied to the DAAD program.
The Early days:
My Father wanted to become an architect in university. I used to pour over his work from time to time with greedy adoration of his technical drawings and beautiful renderings of his favorite cars. Although he did not become an architect, he and my Mum have always been a source of strength and cheer when it came to both mine and my sister's artistic interests.
I was born in North Vancouver, moved to Westbank BC, when I was 3, where my little sister was born. I have been drawing ever since I was little. All through elementary school I would colour co-ordinate my pencils and try to keep up with my best friend Jon, producing more and more art for school. I do not know if he still draws today, but I know that he played a role in keeping me artistically driven.
When we moved to Kamloops, I was turning twelve and started to hit the awkward pre-teen years. So I drew even more fervently from age 14 on, spending time sharing pencils and markers with my little sister on our living room floor. I often felt during those years that I was rather un-remarkable, being of average everything, and would hide and bury my self in my art work to try to ignore the feeling.
People of Influence:
During this time I took lessons at the Art Gallery in Kamloops with local artist,Phillipa Glossip. I spent two years under her excellent instruction. She built into me a great love for the traditional mediums, showing me how to work with water colours and canvas. She also started a life long love of classical art and art history, that is reflected in the Norman Rockwell Collection hard cover, a book on The Pre-Raphaelites, and large book on Annotated art, explaining some of the world's greatest pieces, on my shelf.
In high school I had one art teacher who has remained very special to me, Jennifer Cacasi. She introduced me to the concept of negative space, further exploration of shadow and form, as well as exaggeration in illustrations. She encouraged me to explore a career in illustration after watching me work for a semester. She nominated me for an Artistic Excellence award in my grade 12 year as well, which I proudly received, with one other classmate.
After graduating from SKSS, I volunteered with Phillipa on Saturdays to help her instruct and clean up after a elementary school level art class up at Juniper Elementary school. She had met with another local artist and recommended that I meet with him to talk about school and to show him my portfolio. This was when I met my mentor and current friend of four years, William McAusland.
William was the person who introduced me to the IDEA program since Capilano was his graduating school. He has given me so much insight and knowledge that I have kept a separate file folder for all the emails that he has sent me, just so I can always find them. I find myself quoting advice that he has given me to my current clients and from time to time, my current classmates. I owe him a lot for the gifts that he has so freely given. So in a way every time I put pen to paper, I think about what he might say, or how I look forward to showing him everything that I have worked on in the DAADprogram.
Post Graduation:
I had graduated from South Kamloops Secondary School in 2006, and had been working, sailing with SALTS--the sail and life training society based out of Victoria. I also went to Capilano University for a summer portfolio and foundations course in the summer of 2007. After being part of the IDEAfoundations course I wanted to attend the school for the full three year Graphic Design and Illustration Degree program, at Capilano. In the meantime I was working and was also preparing to fly to Hawaii with my family to both celebrate my parent's 25th wedding anniversary, as well as prepare to sail with SALTS again, across the Pacific Ocean. When I was three days from shipping out, Capilano sent me an email asking me to come to Vancouver for an interview for the IDEA program. I was heartbroken. I could not fly back in time for the interview without putting my sailing venture that I had worked hard to earn for, train for etc. in danger. So I had to turn the interview down with the hope of applying again in the fall.
I had spend almost two glorious months away from all things home, sailing with a crew that can be considered to be almost family. This was the third, and hopefully far from the last time that I will sail with the excellent crew of the Pacific Grace. I went on many hikes. saw many fantastic places, sea creatures, birds, animals and met people from all around the world. Stepping off the ship in Victoria, I was overwhelmed with emotion. I was leaving my home, my training ground and my fellow crew. The video cameras, thousands of people and seeing my family after a long journey was almost too much. I wasn't to sure how to feel until the next day when I awoke from a much needed sleep. I came home to Kamloops and found a surprise party being thrown in my honor, for my belated 20th birthday, since I had spent at sea.
After being on such an adventure I had trouble re-adjusting to a world seemingly filled with mindless and purposeless toil. So I joined a friend of mine out at Pioneer Pacific, a bible camp out on Thetis Island, near Chemainus and North Galiano Island. ( I have been attending bible camps in BC ever since I was 7 and had been counselling since I was 14.) I had missed being part of a team and working with wonderful girls and boys of all ages. Adventuring in the spenders of nature and growing and learning from one another again was such a welcomed treat.
I spent three weeks there, sailing, swimming, teaching archery, counseling, leading cabins of girls, and basking in the summer sun and sweet salty spray of my favorite ocean. I will never forget the sun rises and sunsets across those mountain ranges. I would have come back after my week off, and spent the rest of the summer there, but the cost traveling to and from the camp was more than I could currently afford. So mournfully, I went home in early August.
The Question of Where to Go:
In the fall was back working at the Whitespot in Kamloops and was working away on my portfolio for presentation for Capilano in the spring. I was doing more freelancing, and was keeping on track. But for some reason, God only knows, I became unsure and disquieted about my attending Capilano University. The prospect of having to take out a 30K loan had me reeling, and I could see doors closing in that direction. I was heart broken and frustrated. I had been dreaming of graduating from the IDEA program for years, and the concept of not going to Vancouver for school was hard to swallow. So I began looking at other courses at other Universities. TRU had been low on the list, although I had friends come out of the program, it had never occurred to me to look farther into the course content. Eventually as other schools got knocked off of the list, I came back to the DAAD program. I had my certificate in Illustration and Graphic Design, and the program would take it to the next level with a diploma. Although I would have preferred to have my degree, the finances and the ability to stay home with my family gave me some reason to consider it.
The DAAD Quest:
The DAAD program meant that I could come out of the program debt free, and finished within two years. Not that I had a schedule to keep, but I wanted to start learning. So off I went with portfolio in hand, and was accepted for the program for fall of 2009. Now fast forward a year and a bit add in a load of learning, a ton of growth, truck loads of stress, many sleepless nights and you have been brought to the end of 1st semester 2nd year.
I have learned unbelievable amounts of tricks, tips, guidelines, techniques, disciplines and skills. I am very thankful for this program and that we have one like it locally. It has been quite the adventure, and my classmates as well as my instructors have added to the journey.
I have never worked so hard for something educationally based in my life. Never. Ever. I have a week to go and I feel like I need to pull of the greatest hail-Mary of all hat tricks to at least semi pull this off.
God willing, I will see the end of my final semester and graduate. Preferably without having without having to crawl across the stage and carry my diploma in my teeth, with an ambulance waiting to receive me at the end of the stage. That would be fantastic!
The Greatest Question of Where to Go From Here:
Envisioning April 2011 makes me giddy. I am so ready to be moving on with my life outside of school, that it really is a shame.
I spent a lot of time thinking about what I would like to do in the future and it all tends to boil down to a few different things. Cost of living, is there money to be made there, what kinds of opportunities await me, would I be stuck interning/ volunteering, would I make more money freelancing...etc.
Originally I wanted to work either as the Graphic Designer for a company, like an art director, but more involved, or to be working at a Graphic Design firm. My strengths lie in layout, typography, photography, illustration and branding. My web design skills are growing slowly, as well as my confidence as a designer in general.
Scenario 1:
I stay in Kamloops. I save money to either move away or have my own place. I work freelance or start at one of the Graphic Design firms in Kamloops.
Scenario 2:
I get offered a job in another city. I move there as soon as I can afford it.
Scenario 3:
I move to Kelowna and start working for a GD firm there. Kelowna is naturally more design driven than Kamloops, and I am given an opportunity for a truly fresh, and independent start, while staying close to friends and family.
Scenario 4:
I move to the coast with the rest of the Graphic Designers. Pick up a few jobs here and there, start full time at a firm and rent an apartment with my little sister in North Vancouver. Stay close to friends and family again.
Scenario 5:
I move to Duncan on Vancouver Island, stay with my best friend and her family ( if they thought that it was an okay idea.) and work at the Taiji Brand Group ( if accepted to the team ) which is a short walk away. Close to one best friend, far from family and other friends.
Scenario 6: The dream...
I work freelance in Kamloops. I work hard enough to make a name for myself and buy a Carpentor styled home either in (maybe Kamloops) Wesbank, Kelowna or down at the coast. (Water front with a sailboat.) I keep working hard, while I keep part time work hours for work and part time for a distance business management course. I work hard enough to purchase a local studio for work, and potentially take on staff. Thus the Axis of Easel Graphic Design company would become more than just myself. I start delegating work, and take on projects of my personal strength and interest, and let my team take on the rest.
I start to produce or work with a Canadian (BC) mountain biking magazine, and look after the photos and design. I buy a Honda Ridgeline for my mountain biking passion, and hauling my Belgian Groenendael Shepherds, Pilot and Ace ... In a perfect world, I would be married and have kids by then. But this is the perfect scenario here...
Since I am not in April yet, I am not spending too much time thinking about what I want to do. I know that will easily find freelance work to start off with before I start firm hunting. Part of that is me holding back because of the uncertainty, part of it is the fact that I currently have limited brain power to share with thinking about what I wish to do.
Now you know where I came from, and where in general, I plan to go.
Emily Robertson
Mentioned in this Post:
William McAusland
SALTS
Pioneer Pacific
IDEA program
DAAD program
Taiji Brand Group
Axis of Easel Design
Belgian groenendael shepherd
The Early days:
My Father wanted to become an architect in university. I used to pour over his work from time to time with greedy adoration of his technical drawings and beautiful renderings of his favorite cars. Although he did not become an architect, he and my Mum have always been a source of strength and cheer when it came to both mine and my sister's artistic interests.
I was born in North Vancouver, moved to Westbank BC, when I was 3, where my little sister was born. I have been drawing ever since I was little. All through elementary school I would colour co-ordinate my pencils and try to keep up with my best friend Jon, producing more and more art for school. I do not know if he still draws today, but I know that he played a role in keeping me artistically driven.
When we moved to Kamloops, I was turning twelve and started to hit the awkward pre-teen years. So I drew even more fervently from age 14 on, spending time sharing pencils and markers with my little sister on our living room floor. I often felt during those years that I was rather un-remarkable, being of average everything, and would hide and bury my self in my art work to try to ignore the feeling.
People of Influence:
During this time I took lessons at the Art Gallery in Kamloops with local artist,Phillipa Glossip. I spent two years under her excellent instruction. She built into me a great love for the traditional mediums, showing me how to work with water colours and canvas. She also started a life long love of classical art and art history, that is reflected in the Norman Rockwell Collection hard cover, a book on The Pre-Raphaelites, and large book on Annotated art, explaining some of the world's greatest pieces, on my shelf.
In high school I had one art teacher who has remained very special to me, Jennifer Cacasi. She introduced me to the concept of negative space, further exploration of shadow and form, as well as exaggeration in illustrations. She encouraged me to explore a career in illustration after watching me work for a semester. She nominated me for an Artistic Excellence award in my grade 12 year as well, which I proudly received, with one other classmate.
After graduating from SKSS, I volunteered with Phillipa on Saturdays to help her instruct and clean up after a elementary school level art class up at Juniper Elementary school. She had met with another local artist and recommended that I meet with him to talk about school and to show him my portfolio. This was when I met my mentor and current friend of four years, William McAusland.
William was the person who introduced me to the IDEA program since Capilano was his graduating school. He has given me so much insight and knowledge that I have kept a separate file folder for all the emails that he has sent me, just so I can always find them. I find myself quoting advice that he has given me to my current clients and from time to time, my current classmates. I owe him a lot for the gifts that he has so freely given. So in a way every time I put pen to paper, I think about what he might say, or how I look forward to showing him everything that I have worked on in the DAADprogram.
Post Graduation:
I had graduated from South Kamloops Secondary School in 2006, and had been working, sailing with SALTS--the sail and life training society based out of Victoria. I also went to Capilano University for a summer portfolio and foundations course in the summer of 2007. After being part of the IDEAfoundations course I wanted to attend the school for the full three year Graphic Design and Illustration Degree program, at Capilano. In the meantime I was working and was also preparing to fly to Hawaii with my family to both celebrate my parent's 25th wedding anniversary, as well as prepare to sail with SALTS again, across the Pacific Ocean. When I was three days from shipping out, Capilano sent me an email asking me to come to Vancouver for an interview for the IDEA program. I was heartbroken. I could not fly back in time for the interview without putting my sailing venture that I had worked hard to earn for, train for etc. in danger. So I had to turn the interview down with the hope of applying again in the fall.
I had spend almost two glorious months away from all things home, sailing with a crew that can be considered to be almost family. This was the third, and hopefully far from the last time that I will sail with the excellent crew of the Pacific Grace. I went on many hikes. saw many fantastic places, sea creatures, birds, animals and met people from all around the world. Stepping off the ship in Victoria, I was overwhelmed with emotion. I was leaving my home, my training ground and my fellow crew. The video cameras, thousands of people and seeing my family after a long journey was almost too much. I wasn't to sure how to feel until the next day when I awoke from a much needed sleep. I came home to Kamloops and found a surprise party being thrown in my honor, for my belated 20th birthday, since I had spent at sea.
After being on such an adventure I had trouble re-adjusting to a world seemingly filled with mindless and purposeless toil. So I joined a friend of mine out at Pioneer Pacific, a bible camp out on Thetis Island, near Chemainus and North Galiano Island. ( I have been attending bible camps in BC ever since I was 7 and had been counselling since I was 14.) I had missed being part of a team and working with wonderful girls and boys of all ages. Adventuring in the spenders of nature and growing and learning from one another again was such a welcomed treat.
I spent three weeks there, sailing, swimming, teaching archery, counseling, leading cabins of girls, and basking in the summer sun and sweet salty spray of my favorite ocean. I will never forget the sun rises and sunsets across those mountain ranges. I would have come back after my week off, and spent the rest of the summer there, but the cost traveling to and from the camp was more than I could currently afford. So mournfully, I went home in early August.
The Question of Where to Go:
In the fall was back working at the Whitespot in Kamloops and was working away on my portfolio for presentation for Capilano in the spring. I was doing more freelancing, and was keeping on track. But for some reason, God only knows, I became unsure and disquieted about my attending Capilano University. The prospect of having to take out a 30K loan had me reeling, and I could see doors closing in that direction. I was heart broken and frustrated. I had been dreaming of graduating from the IDEA program for years, and the concept of not going to Vancouver for school was hard to swallow. So I began looking at other courses at other Universities. TRU had been low on the list, although I had friends come out of the program, it had never occurred to me to look farther into the course content. Eventually as other schools got knocked off of the list, I came back to the DAAD program. I had my certificate in Illustration and Graphic Design, and the program would take it to the next level with a diploma. Although I would have preferred to have my degree, the finances and the ability to stay home with my family gave me some reason to consider it.
The DAAD Quest:
The DAAD program meant that I could come out of the program debt free, and finished within two years. Not that I had a schedule to keep, but I wanted to start learning. So off I went with portfolio in hand, and was accepted for the program for fall of 2009. Now fast forward a year and a bit add in a load of learning, a ton of growth, truck loads of stress, many sleepless nights and you have been brought to the end of 1st semester 2nd year.
I have learned unbelievable amounts of tricks, tips, guidelines, techniques, disciplines and skills. I am very thankful for this program and that we have one like it locally. It has been quite the adventure, and my classmates as well as my instructors have added to the journey.
I have never worked so hard for something educationally based in my life. Never. Ever. I have a week to go and I feel like I need to pull of the greatest hail-Mary of all hat tricks to at least semi pull this off.
God willing, I will see the end of my final semester and graduate. Preferably without having without having to crawl across the stage and carry my diploma in my teeth, with an ambulance waiting to receive me at the end of the stage. That would be fantastic!
The Greatest Question of Where to Go From Here:
Envisioning April 2011 makes me giddy. I am so ready to be moving on with my life outside of school, that it really is a shame.
I spent a lot of time thinking about what I would like to do in the future and it all tends to boil down to a few different things. Cost of living, is there money to be made there, what kinds of opportunities await me, would I be stuck interning/ volunteering, would I make more money freelancing...etc.
Originally I wanted to work either as the Graphic Designer for a company, like an art director, but more involved, or to be working at a Graphic Design firm. My strengths lie in layout, typography, photography, illustration and branding. My web design skills are growing slowly, as well as my confidence as a designer in general.
Scenario 1:
I stay in Kamloops. I save money to either move away or have my own place. I work freelance or start at one of the Graphic Design firms in Kamloops.
Scenario 2:
I get offered a job in another city. I move there as soon as I can afford it.
Scenario 3:
I move to Kelowna and start working for a GD firm there. Kelowna is naturally more design driven than Kamloops, and I am given an opportunity for a truly fresh, and independent start, while staying close to friends and family.
Scenario 4:
I move to the coast with the rest of the Graphic Designers. Pick up a few jobs here and there, start full time at a firm and rent an apartment with my little sister in North Vancouver. Stay close to friends and family again.
Scenario 5:
I move to Duncan on Vancouver Island, stay with my best friend and her family ( if they thought that it was an okay idea.) and work at the Taiji Brand Group ( if accepted to the team ) which is a short walk away. Close to one best friend, far from family and other friends.
Scenario 6: The dream...
I work freelance in Kamloops. I work hard enough to make a name for myself and buy a Carpentor styled home either in (maybe Kamloops) Wesbank, Kelowna or down at the coast. (Water front with a sailboat.) I keep working hard, while I keep part time work hours for work and part time for a distance business management course. I work hard enough to purchase a local studio for work, and potentially take on staff. Thus the Axis of Easel Graphic Design company would become more than just myself. I start delegating work, and take on projects of my personal strength and interest, and let my team take on the rest.
I start to produce or work with a Canadian (BC) mountain biking magazine, and look after the photos and design. I buy a Honda Ridgeline for my mountain biking passion, and hauling my Belgian Groenendael Shepherds, Pilot and Ace ... In a perfect world, I would be married and have kids by then. But this is the perfect scenario here...
Since I am not in April yet, I am not spending too much time thinking about what I want to do. I know that will easily find freelance work to start off with before I start firm hunting. Part of that is me holding back because of the uncertainty, part of it is the fact that I currently have limited brain power to share with thinking about what I wish to do.
Now you know where I came from, and where in general, I plan to go.
Emily Robertson
Mentioned in this Post:
William McAusland
SALTS
Pioneer Pacific
IDEA program
DAAD program
Taiji Brand Group
Axis of Easel Design
Belgian groenendael shepherd
Writing Portfolio Entry 9:
How writing creates images:
Writing puts down thoughts, feelings, emotions and experiences. It draws an audience into a moment and directs their thought as they venture through the written piece.
In examples of poetry, we are often brought into a person's childhood, current existence, or a reflection upon the uncertain future. All of which we cannot physically grasp, but are capable of imagining, picturing, and envisioning what the author is trying to give to us.
Historically speaking, stories of heroes long gone were found in spoken word and pictographs. The physical record of these stories, adventures and fables allows for a larger and lasting audience to take part of the same knowledge.
Since the mind and one's imagination is an often private and inconceivable place, reading gives and individual touch to a story that thousands may have read. We are a visual culture. When we are not presented with a visual example, we try to join the adventure by placing ourselves within it. Whether it is a experience of a friend or the exploits of a super star we find that we desire the knowledge of the moment, what it felt, tasted and smelled like. So we retreat to our minds, and join the scene.
The benefit of words, is that they really have no limit. We can seek to describe a person, event, a place or an object with excruciating detail, and every person who reads the piece will find something unique in it. Or they may see it in an altered state, due to a relate-able experience, person, place or thing. Though the hero may be tall, and the villain handsome, every reader will take something different from it, due to personal preference or mental image.
Writing can lead us to a beautiful place of peace, internal turmoil, challenge, suspense or thrill. All because of a few marks or keystrokes on a page. Something so simple can bring us to tears, make us laugh out loud, and can shelter us from the period of difficulty we may find ourselves in.
Some write to entertain, some read to be entertained, but each of them has the desire to divert, inform and draw or be drawn into an adventure, or become empowered through knowledge of another's life.
There is however, some structure to a written piece as far as imagery goes. If a tree is described to have " ... dazzling leaves of amber and golden hued points ... ", the leaves are, and will remain amber and gold on the tree, but the whole scene behind it, the shape of the leaves, the temperature of the air, the time of day, location and environment are all entirely up to the reader.
The images that come forth from a written piece are therefore only limited to the readers experience's and perceivable imagination.
Writing Portfolio Entry 8:
A Piece on persuasion, and its effectiveness, or ineffectiveness: English 2310: Technical English
Persuasion in society, media and in business can find its self either on the line of effective or ineffective results.
When Apple made the change over from Macintosh to just Apple computers, they persuaded their users that this was a positive move, and that they can and should continue to trust the company's products.
This was an excellent example of mas persuasion at its best, as Apple is rising as one of the world's foremost producers of personal computers.
Conversely, we fine ineffective persuasion in the marketing of Windows Vista.
This was an operating system change developed to stay ahead, or at least compete with Apple's Mac OX and Snow leopard. It failed. Miserably. The word got out on the poor security and general failures of the product and the PC loyal populous either stayed with the previous OS, or quickly returned to XP. It took a whole new re-launch, with a new name and set up to convince the PS market users to trust in the Microsoft OS again.
With the release of Windows 7, we can trust that Windows has learned from their mistakes and will ensure that future statements that are geared to persuade buyers, will be backed up with proven and solid results.
Persuasion in society, media and in business can find its self either on the line of effective or ineffective results.
When Apple made the change over from Macintosh to just Apple computers, they persuaded their users that this was a positive move, and that they can and should continue to trust the company's products.
This was an excellent example of mas persuasion at its best, as Apple is rising as one of the world's foremost producers of personal computers.
Conversely, we fine ineffective persuasion in the marketing of Windows Vista.
This was an operating system change developed to stay ahead, or at least compete with Apple's Mac OX and Snow leopard. It failed. Miserably. The word got out on the poor security and general failures of the product and the PC loyal populous either stayed with the previous OS, or quickly returned to XP. It took a whole new re-launch, with a new name and set up to convince the PS market users to trust in the Microsoft OS again.
With the release of Windows 7, we can trust that Windows has learned from their mistakes and will ensure that future statements that are geared to persuade buyers, will be backed up with proven and solid results.
Writing Portfolio Entry 7:
Personal description of persuasion:
Persuasion is the presentation of facts and or potential bias to an audience. This information should be formatted in such a way as to convince the said audience of the relevance and importance, creating a reaction from them that supports the presentations claim's.
Persuasion is the presentation of facts and or potential bias to an audience. This information should be formatted in such a way as to convince the said audience of the relevance and importance, creating a reaction from them that supports the presentations claim's.
Writing Portfolio Entry 6:
Response to the question:
"How ENGL 2310: Technical English will be useful/ useless to me?"
I believe that every English course that I have taken has only contributed to a greater understanding of the technical aspects of the English language, as well as a furthered mastery of its descriptive and professional uses. This is true again for 2310 Technical English. Both in course content and assignments, I have found new skills and tools that I will be using in my career field. Since Graphic Design is a career filled with communication, both written and visual, a strong ability both to compose written material for projects as well as in reports and business writing, is integral to the success of every job. We have been trained to strive for written perfection every time we produce a piece. Both in our typography, and in our structural use of the English language. One would hate to lose a preposition for a contract, or a position in a firm, due to a simple spelling error. So I approach this class with as much fervor and attention as I would any of my other graphic design courses, knowing full well that the content that we are instructed on, could make or break my success as a designer once I have completed my University courses.
"How ENGL 2310: Technical English will be useful/ useless to me?"
I believe that every English course that I have taken has only contributed to a greater understanding of the technical aspects of the English language, as well as a furthered mastery of its descriptive and professional uses. This is true again for 2310 Technical English. Both in course content and assignments, I have found new skills and tools that I will be using in my career field. Since Graphic Design is a career filled with communication, both written and visual, a strong ability both to compose written material for projects as well as in reports and business writing, is integral to the success of every job. We have been trained to strive for written perfection every time we produce a piece. Both in our typography, and in our structural use of the English language. One would hate to lose a preposition for a contract, or a position in a firm, due to a simple spelling error. So I approach this class with as much fervor and attention as I would any of my other graphic design courses, knowing full well that the content that we are instructed on, could make or break my success as a designer once I have completed my University courses.
Writing Portfolio Entry 5:
Our Technical English project today introduced us to the concept of pushing not just our writing skills but our moral, personal and mental envelop as well.
The concept of trying to write a persuasive article, while fiercely disagreeing with what I am "supporting" both fascinates me and makes me ill. Since they are all very opposite to the normal subjects, and guaranteed there will be growth in our skills class-wide, and fascinating results as far as the arguments and points made in the actual documents themselves.
I am in a group with two other gentlemen, and our topic that we were left with out of 7 highly offensive topics, was "The world no longer needs men." Which is based on a few comments of context of where our instructor had gotten this particular "gem". The headline was taken from a commentary that there were "enough sperm donor banks and "samples" to last a few generations of reproduction." Outragious you say?! Absitively, posolutely! This of course is a topic that I detest. I have always loathed the T-shirts that have derogatory comments about men on them that had their hay day of popularity. I believe that it is a very low sense of humor, if any, and really serves no purpose. It does not encourage anyone, nor does it make anyone feel any better about any potential difficulties with a relationship. That level of feminism becomes just as sexist as the traditional commentary that inflamed the feminists from the beginning. But that is a whole other conversation.
I have a huge amount of respect for men of all ages, races and religions. My childhood best friend is in the Canadian Army, I support what he does and what that represents. Not just because we have known each other since we were two, and because I love him like a brother, but because it is what he is passionate about. War is not a pretty thing. War is a form of industry. In our best efforts to save, we can also enslave others. War effects both men and women, so blaming all war on men is not factually balanced, nor accurate.
I was saying to my fellow team mate in the writing process that it really made me sick to my stomach to try to put myself in the position to write this. Being a man, and one with a quick witted sense of humor as well, took this subject quite lightly. He found it humorous how torn up I was inside about working on this. That doesn't bother me at all, since I was more concerned that they would be mildly put off writing an article about how the world no longer needed them. It is funny to think that I, not them, would be the one saying, "I am going to go home and give my Dad a really big hug." as well as " I need to call my bro." Each said with a further pained look on my face.
But in the end, despite my personal hurtles, I do see what my instructor is trying to make us see and do. He is pushing our comfort zones and challenging the norm. If growth and skill came at no cost and did not force us beyond ourselves, it would be no gain.
Today's Musical Selection
The concept of trying to write a persuasive article, while fiercely disagreeing with what I am "supporting" both fascinates me and makes me ill. Since they are all very opposite to the normal subjects, and guaranteed there will be growth in our skills class-wide, and fascinating results as far as the arguments and points made in the actual documents themselves.
I am in a group with two other gentlemen, and our topic that we were left with out of 7 highly offensive topics, was "The world no longer needs men." Which is based on a few comments of context of where our instructor had gotten this particular "gem". The headline was taken from a commentary that there were "enough sperm donor banks and "samples" to last a few generations of reproduction." Outragious you say?! Absitively, posolutely! This of course is a topic that I detest. I have always loathed the T-shirts that have derogatory comments about men on them that had their hay day of popularity. I believe that it is a very low sense of humor, if any, and really serves no purpose. It does not encourage anyone, nor does it make anyone feel any better about any potential difficulties with a relationship. That level of feminism becomes just as sexist as the traditional commentary that inflamed the feminists from the beginning. But that is a whole other conversation.
I have a huge amount of respect for men of all ages, races and religions. My childhood best friend is in the Canadian Army, I support what he does and what that represents. Not just because we have known each other since we were two, and because I love him like a brother, but because it is what he is passionate about. War is not a pretty thing. War is a form of industry. In our best efforts to save, we can also enslave others. War effects both men and women, so blaming all war on men is not factually balanced, nor accurate.
I was saying to my fellow team mate in the writing process that it really made me sick to my stomach to try to put myself in the position to write this. Being a man, and one with a quick witted sense of humor as well, took this subject quite lightly. He found it humorous how torn up I was inside about working on this. That doesn't bother me at all, since I was more concerned that they would be mildly put off writing an article about how the world no longer needed them. It is funny to think that I, not them, would be the one saying, "I am going to go home and give my Dad a really big hug." as well as " I need to call my bro." Each said with a further pained look on my face.
But in the end, despite my personal hurtles, I do see what my instructor is trying to make us see and do. He is pushing our comfort zones and challenging the norm. If growth and skill came at no cost and did not force us beyond ourselves, it would be no gain.
Today's Musical Selection
Writing Portfolio Entry 4:
I have been trying to keep my eyes open to persuasion as it exists around me, as I travel, interact with, and listen to the people and subconscious communications around me. This all happened in the course of one day:
A turned back, cold shoulder and refusal to acknowledge my presence, persuades me to believe that I no longer have relevance in those eyes. A bright smile and friendly whack on the shoulder means that someone still does miss having me around. A tear streaked face filled with fear and apprehension, persuades me to believe that this little girl, having already lost her Dad is frozen over the knowledge of her Mum leaving suddenly in an ambulance, and the concern about her making it home too. A tired but focused face, buried under tight gold curls, persuades me to believe that she is working hard, and is definitely worth hanging around for a few extra minutes to say hi. A pulled out chair and an eager face with bright blue eyes, combined with questions about my week and how I am doing, persuades me to believe that I actually am important and that I am worth knowing and that he wishes to know me better. A huge hug, and that funny look on her face--part guilt part "surprise" while she holds her new kitten-- reminds me that she is becoming one of my best friends and that I really missed her while she was away in Egypt. A short and gently humorous email, reminds me of his kindness and wish for me to be comfortable with this new group of people. A squinting smile reminds me of how much my Father loves me and my goofy side. Seeing glasses being lifted away from a face as well as a book being set down as I walk into the room, persuades me to believe that she did stay up to hear how my evening went, and that my Mum really does love to hear about my individual goings on.
Every twitch, every motion and every glance can persuade as well. So much more is said through physical commentary than the words that we speak. Watch someone’s eyes for an hour, and you will know more about them than just speaking with them alone. I listened to my sister talk for a straight hour about many different things that were either on her mind, or in her heart. I really tried to listen as well as I could, and worked hard to not just interject with wisdom whenever I felt that I had something to short circuit the conversation. Sometimes people want to go the long way around, and should. It might sound a little self righteous, but I was rather proud of myself for listening as well as I did. I am a much better talker than listener. But that is what my sister needed. She persuaded me, both through my love for her, her desire for me to know her, as well as providing factual evidence of why it was so important to her that she was being heard by all those who know her.
Society would love to persuade me to believe, both through advertising and social stigma, that being single means that you are less than worthy. Or that there is something wrong with you to “drive these men from you.” Since I have been single since my first steps on this Earth, advertising would love to pick away at me until I gave into their thoughts or values. I may be single, but I am never alone. I am independent by choice, not because I am a “victim” or are “valueless”. I refuse to be convinced otherwise. I would much rather be happy and alone than be unhappy with someone else. There is nothing to gain in that kind of "convenience".
I am persuaded by duty and determination to get up in the morning and go to class, despite a intense wish to rest, relax, run away, refuse, roll over...etc. My instructors teach us every day, which in turn reminds me of the importance of every class. So I go. To receive the imparted wisdom and life experience. Sometimes we get more than we bargained for, sometimes we leave with less. But that is the chance we all take. More often than not it comes down to how willing we are to have eyes and ears open to knowledge and wisdom, without leaving our morals and integrity out to dry, or have our minds so wide open that everything falls out.
Writing Portfolio Entry 3:
This evening I sat listening to my Father play his old acoustic guitar. It has been ages since I have heard him play. There is something about the guitar that just draws me out of any place I may be and forces me to sit down and listen, blissed right out. It is the closest thing to a siren's song I can think of. It does something to my soul, I cannot even begin to describe.
I found myself relaxing as he hit semi-tones and developed the base for a melody, swept me back to younger years listening, harmonizing to, and most likely dancing to my Father composing in front of one of our many pianos. How I wish now that I had been quick enough to record him playing back then. His musical genius and skill is so filled with beauty and technical ability.
My passion for art and music really does come from him. It feels neat to carry on the creative torch. Both my sister and I carry it actually. If I wasn't so in love with Graphic Design, I may have just pushed to become a theater or musical professional. But I am more than content to have my moments of inspiration combined with my creative drive to work with words and notes on a personal level.
I generally don't share any of my personal compositions or songs. And if I do, I generally leave it to the composition, and don't mention anything. I have sharing-shyness syndrome... I count myself fortunate that I can not only appreciate music but can also play and sing. It makes it even more special knowing that I can join the rest of my family in this as well.
Live music, especially someone playing music right in my home, out in nature, or aboard a boat. I am missing those days.
As I am currently working on an analytical report for my Technical English course, I am studying a newsletter from the society that I crossed the Pacific ocean with. It brings back so many beautiful and excellent memories that I hold so close to my heart. I am very blessed to say that I have experienced this kind of travel. Many will never have that unique memory that I have. I would not trade it for anything in the world.
Now it is late, and I have lost my train of thought...Ah well.
I found myself relaxing as he hit semi-tones and developed the base for a melody, swept me back to younger years listening, harmonizing to, and most likely dancing to my Father composing in front of one of our many pianos. How I wish now that I had been quick enough to record him playing back then. His musical genius and skill is so filled with beauty and technical ability.
My passion for art and music really does come from him. It feels neat to carry on the creative torch. Both my sister and I carry it actually. If I wasn't so in love with Graphic Design, I may have just pushed to become a theater or musical professional. But I am more than content to have my moments of inspiration combined with my creative drive to work with words and notes on a personal level.
I generally don't share any of my personal compositions or songs. And if I do, I generally leave it to the composition, and don't mention anything. I have sharing-shyness syndrome... I count myself fortunate that I can not only appreciate music but can also play and sing. It makes it even more special knowing that I can join the rest of my family in this as well.
Live music, especially someone playing music right in my home, out in nature, or aboard a boat. I am missing those days.
As I am currently working on an analytical report for my Technical English course, I am studying a newsletter from the society that I crossed the Pacific ocean with. It brings back so many beautiful and excellent memories that I hold so close to my heart. I am very blessed to say that I have experienced this kind of travel. Many will never have that unique memory that I have. I would not trade it for anything in the world.
Now it is late, and I have lost my train of thought...Ah well.
Writing Portfolio Entry 2:
Today I fear that I am struggling to grasp at the straws of sanity. The current work load has come crashing down hard, and the potential for failure is far larger than I would like. Having been sick for seven days has set me back, and trying to play catch up with a lost week is impossible. I understand that other people have made it through this course, and have done very well for themselves, but there is a huge cost. Failure is not an option for me. I do not have the financial luxury of time or money that others may have. I have to kill myself now for my work, to enjoy the benefits later on in my career. It seems rather shallow sometimes to complain, and my friends have tried to be understanding that this is NOT your average university course. It does not operate within the normal confines of education and demands. We are having to learn, master and produce all in one go. We must become faster, more proficient and somehow maintain an exceptional reputation with clients, and develop a unique and marketable style. I am only one of many within my class who are probably feeling the same way right now.
There is no time for slip ups, mistakes or do overs. There is also no time for emotional disruptions or for life to get in the way. Am I only being self deceiving thinking that it will be different in the real world? I had a surprise run in with some anger, indignation and a devastating fight or flight response to the shadow of an area of my personal life this morning. I thought that I would be further along the healing path, and I have been, for which I am thankful. It ended up being more of a "How dare you make me feel like that." response. I had no time to sit there and watch tears roll down my arms and become swallowed by disparaging and an overwhelming desire to use whatever energy I currently possessed to pound out on a sparring partner,or via mountain bike. Musically, I was having a Pantera - This Love, moment. ( I was in martial arts for six years, for those of you who are late to the game.) But there I was. Stuck a my couch, weeping my way into a corner for a weight I must work back into place. I am very thankful for a wonderful and comforting Mother who has taken such good care of me. She has helped, cheered and carried me when the chips were down. I also have appreciated the sweetness of my Father, with his ample hugs and my younger sister, for her cheeriness and comfort. When there were days that life decided to drop kick me into a gully of thorns, they were there to pull me out and clean me up.
School on the other hand, is a solo mission. It is all on me to pick up after and for myself when things are going side ways. No matter how much I have tried to stay organized, there has been some technical, and occasionally communication challenges with instructors--class wide. We are human. It happens. But I think that it is the continual feeling like I am behind and cannot keep up or catch up, is starting to hack away at my concentration. I know that there is always the "one bite at a time" method, and I have certainly been trying to do both that and keep up and have a mind on the fact that I have so many other projects to get to and get through. When teacher's start moving deadlines around, it really doesn't help me remember what is due when.
Life comes and goes. It has many seasons, some the same, some so different you can barely even breath. Like anyone else, I hate the feeling that I cannot keep my head above water, and that there are things that I shouldn't care about anymore, nor have a right to bother me at all, that can still reach up and choke me. We can bless and burden people so easily. It takes mere seconds to alleviate a lifetime of pain. A smile, a hug or a job done silently in the shadows to empower someone else can make all the difference. We can also devastate because of our refusal to see beyond ourselves.
Hell and high water already came. I will get through this too. sigh.
Back to work.
There is no time for slip ups, mistakes or do overs. There is also no time for emotional disruptions or for life to get in the way. Am I only being self deceiving thinking that it will be different in the real world? I had a surprise run in with some anger, indignation and a devastating fight or flight response to the shadow of an area of my personal life this morning. I thought that I would be further along the healing path, and I have been, for which I am thankful. It ended up being more of a "How dare you make me feel like that." response. I had no time to sit there and watch tears roll down my arms and become swallowed by disparaging and an overwhelming desire to use whatever energy I currently possessed to pound out on a sparring partner,or via mountain bike. Musically, I was having a Pantera - This Love, moment. ( I was in martial arts for six years, for those of you who are late to the game.) But there I was. Stuck a my couch, weeping my way into a corner for a weight I must work back into place. I am very thankful for a wonderful and comforting Mother who has taken such good care of me. She has helped, cheered and carried me when the chips were down. I also have appreciated the sweetness of my Father, with his ample hugs and my younger sister, for her cheeriness and comfort. When there were days that life decided to drop kick me into a gully of thorns, they were there to pull me out and clean me up.
School on the other hand, is a solo mission. It is all on me to pick up after and for myself when things are going side ways. No matter how much I have tried to stay organized, there has been some technical, and occasionally communication challenges with instructors--class wide. We are human. It happens. But I think that it is the continual feeling like I am behind and cannot keep up or catch up, is starting to hack away at my concentration. I know that there is always the "one bite at a time" method, and I have certainly been trying to do both that and keep up and have a mind on the fact that I have so many other projects to get to and get through. When teacher's start moving deadlines around, it really doesn't help me remember what is due when.
Life comes and goes. It has many seasons, some the same, some so different you can barely even breath. Like anyone else, I hate the feeling that I cannot keep my head above water, and that there are things that I shouldn't care about anymore, nor have a right to bother me at all, that can still reach up and choke me. We can bless and burden people so easily. It takes mere seconds to alleviate a lifetime of pain. A smile, a hug or a job done silently in the shadows to empower someone else can make all the difference. We can also devastate because of our refusal to see beyond ourselves.
Hell and high water already came. I will get through this too. sigh.
Back to work.
Writing Portfolio Entry 1:
Since I have a required written portfolio for my Technical English class, he recommended that we keep in a digital format for printing, so I thought that I would take advantage of it and use it as an opportunity to post up here. Same concept, and hits two birds with one stone.
During our class we were discussing persuasion; its' definition and how it takes form in a written document. We were each given five minutes to get our thoughts down on paper, and I found myself continually editing and changing what I was trying to say. I guess having a Project Management class before English was more influential than I first expected, because upon reflection, most of what I was trying to say sounded so corporate, by the time I handed it in, even I was at a loss to exactly what I was saying.
As much as I can see the greater purpose of taking a Project Management course, the overwhelming conceptual complexity and abbreviations seem to serve as more of a road block than a guide. Although my instructor has said that the terminology isn't important, I fear the lack of comprehension of the language is going to leave me behind. In other words, it the terminology isn't important, why is it still part of the curriculum if it is not relevant? You must excuse me if my mind is a bit behind on this whole concept.
To move us beyond the bitter ramblings of an over taxed brain, I hope to have an understanding of this important information before I am stuck in the corporate wheel of a company and am fumbling to lead a team because of my lack of understanding. In the end, I am thankful for the education of this subject area that I have obviously have never been exposed to before. University is good for that.
Persuasion: convincing an audience to act on either fact or bias that you have presented. Voluntarily. Happily. On your side. With support. Without manipulation or force. You are calling them to move, make a decision or cease an action. Persuading that you know best, or to trust the facts that you have laid before them. Independently working within a whole to come to a conclusion.
We are either following, leading or standing still when it comes to persuasion. Someone needs to come along and present us with a solution, or a message to change where we are going, or to cheer us further on down the road. Status reports on products produced by a company, stopping the current procedures within an organization or announcing business quarter sales. Moving, changing or cheering.
If every word we say is persuasive, should we not then be more careful of what we say? Or is it that we should be more aware of the control that others may have over us?
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