Electronic Communication

I couldn't agree more with the notion that electronic communication is eroding the distinction between written and spoken word. It is so scary to witness it first hand and know that the only way that things would progressively get better is if and only if we did away with our electronic communication tools. We live in a society that texts, emails, myspaces and instant messages far more often then actual interaction. In surprised we still talk to people face to face.

I see it more and more with people around me. They send me emails and messages that are almost like a transcript. It's extremely informal and almost makes me feel dumb. "Lol," "WTF" and "OMG" have become staples in so many conversations--it's almost amusing to imagine that happening 10 years ago. We would not think that something like this was possible.

It has gotten so bad that most students are lost when it comes to educational writing techniques. I feel like we have been so dumbed down as a generation and it infuriates me! It's almost as bad as a "Poly-mog-ist!" It's obvious that technology hurts us more than we know and it's only getting worse with time.

Hopefully, more people will realize the distinction and the toll electronic communication is taking on us. I'm glad that we understand the difference, but not everyone is that lucky.

PARTY

OK gang, here is the list:

Alexis: Subway
Rae: Chips and dip
Mark: Strawberries and/or fruit platter
Siobahn: Spinach dip
Chris: Plastic ware/napkins/plates
Jackie: Veggie plate
Mike: Drinks
Jenna: Chips and dip
Omar y Janice: Party tray
Mike: Die, I mean pie
Me: Something good n' healthy

Blog

This blog frustrates me more than anything! Ahhhh! Nobody reads it, yet I'm still compelled to write this. Jeez!

Wikipedia Part 2

I was surprised that this round went so quickly! Yesterday, I went onto the Wikipedia page of the film The Labyrinth and changed David Bowie to Elton John.





I woke up this morning and they had fixed it already! I was hoping it would have lasted longer, just because it made me laugh to think of Elton John in that role. Anyways, I'm going to continue to play with Wikipedia and see what happens next.

IDOL

David Letterman:

Slumdog Millionaire

Just a reminder that we are all attending the 7:05 pm showing of Slumdog Millionaire at the Quarry on Monday (Feb. 16th). Don't forget your student ID's!

David After Dentist

Ethics Shmethics:

Wikipedia

I am not quite sure where to start with my Wikipedia reflection. Let me start out by saying that, when in the right hands, Wikipedia is a great educational tool. At the same time, I think that it is also very dangerous, because people tend to believe EVERYTHING they read. I have never really turned to Wikipedia for information, but I know many people who have and love it. I didn't realize how easy it was to go in and change information. I was under the impression that it would be verified before it would be posted--boy was I wrong!

When it came time to change a piece of information, I chose to go onto my friends Wikipedia page (This Will Destroy You) and change their record label from Magic Bullet Records to Disney Records. It lasted a good two days!

It was funny to me just because I knew them and if you heard their music you would see it was very "un-Disney" like. It also freaked me out a little that people could change whatever they wanted and there would be a good amount of time for people to get misinformed. Knowing how easy it is to change information, I would be hesitant to resort to Wikipedia for important information. I tend to do research regardless and I never trust one source.

I am still working on finding a piece of information that is incorrect. They word things so cleverly on Wikipedia that even when you thing something is off, you second guess yourself.

My favorite photo at the moment...

I have a photo shoot on the 22nd and this is the picture I am remaking. I'm excited!

Avatar Reflection

So, I have to admit that I didn't download Second Life. It was taking too long and I just couldn't stomach the thought of having it on my computer. I would, however, love to reflect on it anyway. I know what it is and I know a couple people who enjoy using it, but it's just not my cup of tea.

It is amazing that people in our society today are able to live a "second life" online through little characters, supposedly representative of themselves. It's interesting to see people get married and have families online--it's totally bizarre. I am the first person to laugh at it, but I am also the first person to say that I understand that people have different preferences and that they should do whatever makes them happy!

I just wanted to get that out there before I went on...

First off, you have to have a lot of extra time on your hands to be a part of Second Life. It's pretty intense! Most people who use the program are either shy in real life or they just like using it to meet other people (read: socially backward or attention starved). It creeps me out that people have sex on it and that people get married on Second Life. I don't care if it's your avatar, I would consider that cheating.

Also, I think that programs such as Second Life really damage the social skills of people in our society. Instead of facing their social fears and talking to people, it allows them to get away with not dealing with their antisocial issues. They can pretend to be whoever they want--which is nice--but it takes a toll on their development as human beings. When put into a social situation, they tend to freeze up and not know how to handle the real world.

At any rate, I really think that people should do what makes them happy. If creating a mini-'You' online makes you happy, go for it! As for me, we all know I talk too much, so having an avatar would drive me nuts! I talk way faster than I type.