Oh boy oh boy oh boy. Just thinking about the fantastic topics covered by my fellow class mates on their blogs makes me giddy as a school girl. Some of the highlights this semester have to be the many posts about "not feeling well" and "going home for the break" and who can forget the ever riveting "Let me tell you about my weekend". Of course here I only mention the "about me" portions of the student blogs, but let's face it, no one is reading the other parts. It was truly amazing to see how much I could identify with my peers, with their fears, delights, qualms and circumstances, I really felt that the Blog aspect of the course brought us together as one, big happy blogging family.
The one technological skill I would most like to learn next is how to make micro processing chips. it's these little bad boys that run everything from your microwave to nuclear war heads. Kind of an interesting subject, don't you think? I mean, just imagine, 100 micro processing chips at your disposal is almost equivalent to 100 nuclear warheads at your disposal...minus the nuclear part- and the launching mechanisms...and all things potentially explosive. So, first step micro processing...next step, WORLD DOMINATION!
All of my future educational-technology goals can be achieved through one single device. Well, more like a combination of devises. One part hardware, the other part software. Any guesses? Well, you probably can assume that the hardware is a computer- but the software- now that's the icing on the cake? Are you ready? My future plans for educating my 6th grade Social Studies students on everything the will need to know about American History and culture can be found in a little diddy I like to call: The Oregon Trail. History, Economics, Family Values, Dietary Traditions...any and everything you want to know about America can be found in the Oregon trail. Heck they didn't even need tot o make the sequel, it was perfect as it was. So, in conclusion, Granny Smith apples are the best.
Friday, December 7, 2007
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Post #9
In this versatile age of technological advancement, the evolution of the world wide web has been significantly influential in both the public and private spheres of everyday life. From its initial assent, the Internet has spawned a number of useful tools and web-based resources that can be readily applied to instruction within the classroom. Of all of these tools, however, there is one the clearly outweighs them all in its ability to deliver a monumental amount of viable information to students in a clear, concise and completely accurate way. What is this Internet colossus? I have one word for you: Wikipedia.
Yes indeed. The peer edited and mother approved encyclopedia for every subject imaginable. This site offers articles, pictures, outlines, and a full litany of other functions that provide you, the user, with the best information electricity and a 56k connection can buy. Despite all of its glorious utility, here has been a movement arising almost simultaneously from its birth that staunchly opposes Wikipedia and its constituents. Ironically, this warmongering is lead by the very educational institutions that promote learning and knowledge as the backbone of their existence- but when a learning application hits the public sphere...guess what? It is no longer under their "professional control" and therefore must be "evil" and ultimately skewed and unreliable. In reality, it is actually that very "peer edited" element that Wikipedia promotes that ensures the removal of the biases and pretenses that say a single professor would have in a college class room. Wikipedia offers accountability for fact and truth. In a teacher's classroom, however, they are the only one with authority- projecting a narrower view of events and opinions upon their students. In conclusion, Wikipedia will one day replace all textbooks, articles, and structured curriculum- and the world will be better for it.
The next technological skill I desire to learn, is that of digital map making. You see, I have a craving to venture far into the wild, live by the rushing rivers and thriving forests- and eventually die from excessive frolicking in warm, breezy meadows. However, if I am to find the best and most desirable locations for my jaunting, I shall be in need of some detailed maps to guide me in my search. So, graphic design is where I shall be headed next. Maybe before I finish all of my maps, I will make a simple version of PAC MAN- play it 32 times in a row- and then continue eating my hot-pockets and crafting the longitudinal lines of the Ohio River Valley. In conclusion- corn dogs are better than hot dogs.
The road to success is paved with hard work- blood sweat and tears. It is also paved with lots of money and debt. So, if I am to have the necessary means to reach my technological goals in the classroom- the State of Florida better provide some massive mula. My goals consist of multi-media projectors for each student to take home as gag gifts, individual palm-pilots for the children so that they always have a way to send notes to each other during class, and a mechanical Panda Bear that teaches the class for me while I develop maps using my newly acquired graphic design skills. When it's all said and done, we're looking at an overall cost of $123,987......so are there any doctors out there who'd like to donate 1/2 their yearly salary to the guy whose gonna be teaching your children their fundamentals of speech, while you're on a 2hr lunch break golfing with your buddies? And that's how the cookie crumbles.
Yes indeed. The peer edited and mother approved encyclopedia for every subject imaginable. This site offers articles, pictures, outlines, and a full litany of other functions that provide you, the user, with the best information electricity and a 56k connection can buy. Despite all of its glorious utility, here has been a movement arising almost simultaneously from its birth that staunchly opposes Wikipedia and its constituents. Ironically, this warmongering is lead by the very educational institutions that promote learning and knowledge as the backbone of their existence- but when a learning application hits the public sphere...guess what? It is no longer under their "professional control" and therefore must be "evil" and ultimately skewed and unreliable. In reality, it is actually that very "peer edited" element that Wikipedia promotes that ensures the removal of the biases and pretenses that say a single professor would have in a college class room. Wikipedia offers accountability for fact and truth. In a teacher's classroom, however, they are the only one with authority- projecting a narrower view of events and opinions upon their students. In conclusion, Wikipedia will one day replace all textbooks, articles, and structured curriculum- and the world will be better for it.
The next technological skill I desire to learn, is that of digital map making. You see, I have a craving to venture far into the wild, live by the rushing rivers and thriving forests- and eventually die from excessive frolicking in warm, breezy meadows. However, if I am to find the best and most desirable locations for my jaunting, I shall be in need of some detailed maps to guide me in my search. So, graphic design is where I shall be headed next. Maybe before I finish all of my maps, I will make a simple version of PAC MAN- play it 32 times in a row- and then continue eating my hot-pockets and crafting the longitudinal lines of the Ohio River Valley. In conclusion- corn dogs are better than hot dogs.
The road to success is paved with hard work- blood sweat and tears. It is also paved with lots of money and debt. So, if I am to have the necessary means to reach my technological goals in the classroom- the State of Florida better provide some massive mula. My goals consist of multi-media projectors for each student to take home as gag gifts, individual palm-pilots for the children so that they always have a way to send notes to each other during class, and a mechanical Panda Bear that teaches the class for me while I develop maps using my newly acquired graphic design skills. When it's all said and done, we're looking at an overall cost of $123,987......so are there any doctors out there who'd like to donate 1/2 their yearly salary to the guy whose gonna be teaching your children their fundamentals of speech, while you're on a 2hr lunch break golfing with your buddies? And that's how the cookie crumbles.
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Post # 8
Upon perusing the contents of chapter 5, I must admit that at many a point in my reading, my eyes became dim and fluttered in the face of the surmounting exhaustion and boredom associated with my task. It almost seemed as though sleep would carry me away- when hark! a light through yonder window broke! I came upon a segment pertaining to my area of study, "Social Studies" and the appropriation of computer software programs therein. As I was reading the list of approved Social Studies applications, I was surprised to see some of my favorite pastime computer games on the list! The Oregon Trail, Amazon Trail and even the Carmen Sandiego series were approved as viable resources for the Social Studies classroom! I am now thrilled to know that my role as an educator, now aided by such entertaining and impactful computer software, can go further in reaching into the lives and cultures of my students.
It has now been a few weeks since my last post, however, in corresponding with our current time frame - I'd say at about this point I was enthralled by my newfound expertise in the Power Point application. Retrospectively, I dare say that those weeks in Power Point had to of been some of the most fun filled and beneficial portions of this course as of yet! My favorite tool I learned was the "hyperlink" technique. Not only could I add links to transfer my presentation to an outside website- I could also use said hyperlinks to deliver my viewer into any one of the slides within my presentation. Talk about fun! To celebrate my new found ability, I crafted a "choose your own adventure" story for our Power Point 2 project, which I hope to see published and hitting bookshelves around Summer of 2009.
I wonder reader- right now- are you doing what you truly want to be doing? Or are you merely following along with the "to do's" and demands of life's ever present schedule and obligations? There is little I believe we do today as individuals that is not a result of the outside influences of our daily lives. Sure, we make our schedules- don't we? I mean, we have appointments and tests and agendas and practices and rehearsals and parties and jobs and yard work and a whole litany of things that occupy our time- but...they are for our good, right? These things are important. We are behind the steering wheel after all. Surely no one is telling me what to do. Well- let me ask you to do something. Take a moment, right now or later in your day, and just stop. Stop doing, stop thinking, stop worrying, stop talking, stop laughing, stop moving- stop. Take a breath. What are you doing right now? Nothing? Maybe. Try a little harder. What are you doing right now that you can't help but do? As you read this, the little voice that repeats these words in your head is telling you the answer. You are listening. The car passing by- the chatter of kids crossing the street, the steady drone of drills and hammers on a construction site- even your own thoughts and feelings- all of these things constitute the noise in your life. The things that consciously or subconsciously are directing your day. Listen closer. Is that all you hear? The external, the internal- but somewhere in all of that noise there are gaps aren't there? It's interesting- sometimes we think it is the biggest or most exciting things- like getting a great new job, meeting the love of our life or the birth of our first child that are going to change our lives- but what if what we were looking for was in the silence? Those little gaps in between the mountain tops of our lives. What if they held the secret to the question we answered in the beginning: am I doing what I want to be doing? Am I living the way I should be living? Amidst all the noise of the things that you think will bring you satisfaction, could you be missing the greatest things? Take some time to think about that. I'll close with a story.
In the Old Testament, God had told the prophet Elijah to go up on a mountain top- for he was going to "pass by" him. So, Elijah went up on top of the mountain and waited. All of a sudden, there was a great and powerful wind that swept over the mountain, shattering the earth and tearing at the ground- but God wasn't in the wind. Then, there arose an earthquake under Elijah's feet, but God was not in the earthquake. Soon after there was a terrible fire that descended upon the mountain- but God was not in the fire. Then there came a "gentle whisper"- in Hebrew literally meaning "in the silence". God was in the silence. Reader, sometimes we can find the best things when we are listening in the silence.
It has now been a few weeks since my last post, however, in corresponding with our current time frame - I'd say at about this point I was enthralled by my newfound expertise in the Power Point application. Retrospectively, I dare say that those weeks in Power Point had to of been some of the most fun filled and beneficial portions of this course as of yet! My favorite tool I learned was the "hyperlink" technique. Not only could I add links to transfer my presentation to an outside website- I could also use said hyperlinks to deliver my viewer into any one of the slides within my presentation. Talk about fun! To celebrate my new found ability, I crafted a "choose your own adventure" story for our Power Point 2 project, which I hope to see published and hitting bookshelves around Summer of 2009.
I wonder reader- right now- are you doing what you truly want to be doing? Or are you merely following along with the "to do's" and demands of life's ever present schedule and obligations? There is little I believe we do today as individuals that is not a result of the outside influences of our daily lives. Sure, we make our schedules- don't we? I mean, we have appointments and tests and agendas and practices and rehearsals and parties and jobs and yard work and a whole litany of things that occupy our time- but...they are for our good, right? These things are important. We are behind the steering wheel after all. Surely no one is telling me what to do. Well- let me ask you to do something. Take a moment, right now or later in your day, and just stop. Stop doing, stop thinking, stop worrying, stop talking, stop laughing, stop moving- stop. Take a breath. What are you doing right now? Nothing? Maybe. Try a little harder. What are you doing right now that you can't help but do? As you read this, the little voice that repeats these words in your head is telling you the answer. You are listening. The car passing by- the chatter of kids crossing the street, the steady drone of drills and hammers on a construction site- even your own thoughts and feelings- all of these things constitute the noise in your life. The things that consciously or subconsciously are directing your day. Listen closer. Is that all you hear? The external, the internal- but somewhere in all of that noise there are gaps aren't there? It's interesting- sometimes we think it is the biggest or most exciting things- like getting a great new job, meeting the love of our life or the birth of our first child that are going to change our lives- but what if what we were looking for was in the silence? Those little gaps in between the mountain tops of our lives. What if they held the secret to the question we answered in the beginning: am I doing what I want to be doing? Am I living the way I should be living? Amidst all the noise of the things that you think will bring you satisfaction, could you be missing the greatest things? Take some time to think about that. I'll close with a story.
In the Old Testament, God had told the prophet Elijah to go up on a mountain top- for he was going to "pass by" him. So, Elijah went up on top of the mountain and waited. All of a sudden, there was a great and powerful wind that swept over the mountain, shattering the earth and tearing at the ground- but God wasn't in the wind. Then, there arose an earthquake under Elijah's feet, but God was not in the earthquake. Soon after there was a terrible fire that descended upon the mountain- but God was not in the fire. Then there came a "gentle whisper"- in Hebrew literally meaning "in the silence". God was in the silence. Reader, sometimes we can find the best things when we are listening in the silence.
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Post #5
Indeed. Chapter 6 was such a fun read that it now seems as little more than a blur of excitement in my mind. So many topics for discussion, opinions to state, and technological wars to win. One such struggle highlighted in the chapter has to deal with the continued resistance to technology integration within the class rooms. Bill Gates and others are strong advocates for the implementation of technology within the classroom setting to correlate with the growing application of technology application in the daily lives of students. Many teachers, however, are reluctant to infuse these new tactics into their curriculum- and honestly, I don't blame them. With inadequate time given for planning lessons, training and support and budget constraints, teachers simply don't have the energy or resources to do an overhaul of the educational structure of their classrooms. A lack of experience also makes most teachers hesitant to useing these new skills, and in most places the intervention of the schools administration will be needed to implement technological reform in today's schools.
Online web browsers are no new thing to the 21st century. Most of us are familiar with search engines like google, yahoo or lycos. However, recently I learned how to utilize these programs to maximize the results of my search, and hone in on the specific kind of results I desire. For instance, on the google search engine, there are many sub categories of searches such as "scholar", "images" or "video" which provide their respective results catering to the content you require. In my career as a teacher, I am sure I will find these functions most helpful as I search the web for ideas on lesson plans, research projects and even for my own personal knowledge on my subject matter. In conclusion google is absolutely delicious.
For today's post I would like to share with you the lyrics of one of my favorite songs ever composed. For those of you unfamiliar with the glorious creation that is Veggie Tales, you need to stop reading this blog, go to the library/blockbuster/movie gallery and rent it. This particualr excerpt is called "His Cheesburger". I hope you enjoy.
His Cheeseburger
by Mr. Lunt
He said to her "I'd like a cheeseburger."
"And I might like a milkshake as well."
She said to him "I can't get you either"
He said "Isn't this burger bell?"
She said "Yes it is but we're closed now."
"But we open tomorrow at ten."
He said "I am extremely hungry!"
"But I guess I can wait until then!"
Cuz you're his cheeseburger
His yummy cheeseburger
He'll wait for you. Ya!
He'll wait for you.
Oh, you are his cheeseburger
His tasty cheeseburger
He'll wait for you
Oh, he will wait for you.
He stayed at the drive-thru till sunrise
He may have dozed off once or twice
When he spotted a billboard for Denny's
Bacon and eggs for half price!
How could he resist such an offer?
He really needed something to munch
Cheeseburger, please do not get angry
He'll eat and be back here for lunch!
Cuz you're his cheeseburger
His precious cheeseburger
Be back for you.
He'll be back for you.
Won't be so long, cheeseburger
Oh, lovely cheeseburger
Be back for you
Oh, he'll be back for you.
Cuz he loves you cheeseburger with all his heart
And there's nothin' gonna tear you two apart
And if the world suddenly ran out of cheese,
He would get down on his hands and knees
To see if someone accidentally dropped some cheese in the dirt
And he would wash it off for you
Wipe it off for you
Clean that dirty cheese off just for you!
You are his cheese ... burrrr ... grrrrr!
Online web browsers are no new thing to the 21st century. Most of us are familiar with search engines like google, yahoo or lycos. However, recently I learned how to utilize these programs to maximize the results of my search, and hone in on the specific kind of results I desire. For instance, on the google search engine, there are many sub categories of searches such as "scholar", "images" or "video" which provide their respective results catering to the content you require. In my career as a teacher, I am sure I will find these functions most helpful as I search the web for ideas on lesson plans, research projects and even for my own personal knowledge on my subject matter. In conclusion google is absolutely delicious.
For today's post I would like to share with you the lyrics of one of my favorite songs ever composed. For those of you unfamiliar with the glorious creation that is Veggie Tales, you need to stop reading this blog, go to the library/blockbuster/movie gallery and rent it. This particualr excerpt is called "His Cheesburger". I hope you enjoy.
His Cheeseburger
by Mr. Lunt
He said to her "I'd like a cheeseburger."
"And I might like a milkshake as well."
She said to him "I can't get you either"
He said "Isn't this burger bell?"
She said "Yes it is but we're closed now."
"But we open tomorrow at ten."
He said "I am extremely hungry!"
"But I guess I can wait until then!"
Cuz you're his cheeseburger
His yummy cheeseburger
He'll wait for you. Ya!
He'll wait for you.
Oh, you are his cheeseburger
His tasty cheeseburger
He'll wait for you
Oh, he will wait for you.
He stayed at the drive-thru till sunrise
He may have dozed off once or twice
When he spotted a billboard for Denny's
Bacon and eggs for half price!
How could he resist such an offer?
He really needed something to munch
Cheeseburger, please do not get angry
He'll eat and be back here for lunch!
Cuz you're his cheeseburger
His precious cheeseburger
Be back for you.
He'll be back for you.
Won't be so long, cheeseburger
Oh, lovely cheeseburger
Be back for you
Oh, he'll be back for you.
Cuz he loves you cheeseburger with all his heart
And there's nothin' gonna tear you two apart
And if the world suddenly ran out of cheese,
He would get down on his hands and knees
To see if someone accidentally dropped some cheese in the dirt
And he would wash it off for you
Wipe it off for you
Clean that dirty cheese off just for you!
You are his cheese ... burrrr ... grrrrr!
Post #4
I don't know about all of you guys- but I love video games. Nothing beats coming home after a hard days work, kicking off my shoes and dominating the Halo galaxy. However, when I think of education, I usually put learning and entertainment at odds with one another. Well, not any more! Studies done by Dr. James Gee and published in his book What Video Games Have to Teach Us About Learning and Literacy show that video gaming promotes and facilitates problem solving skills, and offers a medium through which information can be distributed to the student through repetition and practice. We could very well sit in class for 50 minutes writing down the same definition over and over, or students could sit in the cockpit of an F-22 fighter jet and blow those math facts out of the sky! Boy do I love Technology!
This past week I took the exam for the Microsoft Word skill check. During the course of my preparing for the test, I discovered many new and innovative uses for the program which I had previously been ignorant of. One aspect of this revolutionary application that proved particularly useful was the "Header and Footer" function. In the past, I had always been unsettled by the vast amount if unused space left in the margins of my reports and term papers- unavoidably feeling guiltily of all of the innocent trees gone to waste because of those unused centimeters. Did you know that the average American consumes 2780 pieces of 8 1/2" by 11" paper per year? And that for every 3,050,244 sheets of paper printed one North American Long-Leaf Pine is cut down? Makes you feel a little guilty about all of that wasted space- and in order to maximize the output of all my papers, I have decided to utilize the header and footer function to fill up all of the white space within the top and bottom margins. You may think I'm nuts- but will you be laughing when all of the disgruntled homeless squirrels victimized by your wanton neglect of mother nature come knocking on your door? I think not.
In my experience, there are two kinds of people in the world: Pirates and Ninjas. Although this classification has recently been publicized and exploited by the users of "facebook" and other online community networks, the true essence behind these opposing forces stems from a deep history and unique cultural backgrounds. Pirates, also know as brigands, knaves and the "refuse of the sea", hail in origin from the early Phonetician sea fairers and traders who came to dominate the Mediterranean during the 12th century BC. From their various exploits and conquests upon the high seas, these privateers earned a reputation for gluttony, brutally compounded by frequent raiding upon local commonwealths and fisheries. Their ranks swelled and soon spread throughout the globe, seeking riches and very large pirate booty. It would seem that there would be no stopping the pirate menace from engulfing the entire known world- that is, until one wayward pirating crew was shipwrecked on an East Asian island we now know as Japan.
The Japanese have a long tradition and history of self-discipline, serenity, and skillful execution of the combative arts. However, these elements we see today are but mere shadows of the past greatness of the noble and lethal Honshu Ninjas. The ninja arts spawned during the Feudal ages of prehistoric Japan, where these nimble warriors served as guardians of their respective shoguns, and their personal treasuries. A ninja would devote his or her entire life to the welfare of their master, and gladly sacrifice themselves for the sake of protecting the treasure stores of their lord. It is written in one account that a certain ninja, when his master reported having lost a golden ring while casting a fishing net into the sea, was flung into such a rage that he filleted 1000 live tuna with his bare hands to avenge the missing ring (this also marks the origin of sushi).
So, it was on that fateful day that a band of greed ridden vagabonds and these guardians of fortune met in what was to be the beginning of the most epic struggle in all of human history. Ambitious fortune versus noble virtue. The clash of Titans. Although the Pirates remain a sea fairing folk (beware of coastal regions such as Florida), if ever they make landfall, the ninja forces are always there to meet them. Even now that battle rages in this world wide vie for dominance. Republican vs. Democrat, Communist vs. Capitalist, Coco Puffs vs. Frosted Flakes- it all boils down to one side or the other. So, the question you have to ask yourself is- which one are you? A pirate, or a ninja?
This past week I took the exam for the Microsoft Word skill check. During the course of my preparing for the test, I discovered many new and innovative uses for the program which I had previously been ignorant of. One aspect of this revolutionary application that proved particularly useful was the "Header and Footer" function. In the past, I had always been unsettled by the vast amount if unused space left in the margins of my reports and term papers- unavoidably feeling guiltily of all of the innocent trees gone to waste because of those unused centimeters. Did you know that the average American consumes 2780 pieces of 8 1/2" by 11" paper per year? And that for every 3,050,244 sheets of paper printed one North American Long-Leaf Pine is cut down? Makes you feel a little guilty about all of that wasted space- and in order to maximize the output of all my papers, I have decided to utilize the header and footer function to fill up all of the white space within the top and bottom margins. You may think I'm nuts- but will you be laughing when all of the disgruntled homeless squirrels victimized by your wanton neglect of mother nature come knocking on your door? I think not.
In my experience, there are two kinds of people in the world: Pirates and Ninjas. Although this classification has recently been publicized and exploited by the users of "facebook" and other online community networks, the true essence behind these opposing forces stems from a deep history and unique cultural backgrounds. Pirates, also know as brigands, knaves and the "refuse of the sea", hail in origin from the early Phonetician sea fairers and traders who came to dominate the Mediterranean during the 12th century BC. From their various exploits and conquests upon the high seas, these privateers earned a reputation for gluttony, brutally compounded by frequent raiding upon local commonwealths and fisheries. Their ranks swelled and soon spread throughout the globe, seeking riches and very large pirate booty. It would seem that there would be no stopping the pirate menace from engulfing the entire known world- that is, until one wayward pirating crew was shipwrecked on an East Asian island we now know as Japan.
The Japanese have a long tradition and history of self-discipline, serenity, and skillful execution of the combative arts. However, these elements we see today are but mere shadows of the past greatness of the noble and lethal Honshu Ninjas. The ninja arts spawned during the Feudal ages of prehistoric Japan, where these nimble warriors served as guardians of their respective shoguns, and their personal treasuries. A ninja would devote his or her entire life to the welfare of their master, and gladly sacrifice themselves for the sake of protecting the treasure stores of their lord. It is written in one account that a certain ninja, when his master reported having lost a golden ring while casting a fishing net into the sea, was flung into such a rage that he filleted 1000 live tuna with his bare hands to avenge the missing ring (this also marks the origin of sushi).
So, it was on that fateful day that a band of greed ridden vagabonds and these guardians of fortune met in what was to be the beginning of the most epic struggle in all of human history. Ambitious fortune versus noble virtue. The clash of Titans. Although the Pirates remain a sea fairing folk (beware of coastal regions such as Florida), if ever they make landfall, the ninja forces are always there to meet them. Even now that battle rages in this world wide vie for dominance. Republican vs. Democrat, Communist vs. Capitalist, Coco Puffs vs. Frosted Flakes- it all boils down to one side or the other. So, the question you have to ask yourself is- which one are you? A pirate, or a ninja?
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Post # 3
Oh boy, If I thought Chapter's 1-3 were good- I would have to say that chapter 4 was absolutely scrumtrulescent! With so many exciting topics to talk about, it is hard to focus on just one for this blog entry- but if I had to pick, I'd have to settle for the wonderful world of output devices. One out put device in particular I found to be incredibly useful, and is an innovation that has changed the world of document production forever. Of course, I am talking about printers. These state-of-the-art printing presses are hardwired to your computer and are able to take text and graphical information and reproduce them on "physical medium" (paper) right before your eyes! The most common types of printing devices are "non-impact" printers, being divided into two subclasses: ink jet printers and laser printers. Ink jet printers are relatively inexpensive and operate by spraying small amounts of ink onto a page to produce high quality text and graphical images in both black and white and color. Laser printers are a higher-end output device that use ink combined with toner in direct contact with a laser, which electrifies the solutions, transfering it to the paper using heat and pressure. Thanks to this device, I can now stop meticulously hand-writing all of my papers in exact text-like format and allow my Cannon 360 to give me pristine, flawless documents in a matter of seconds. No more hand cramps for me!
Last week, I discussed the potential outcome of a violent encounter between a giant panda and a koala bear. Although the discussion was meant purely for educational purposes, it has come to my attention that some of my readers may feel that I have a disrespect for the animal kingdom- and more specifically- that I must consequently engage in the ill treatment of animals on my personal time. I want to take this opportunity to assure those concerned that I have nothing but the greatest love and respect for our little furry friends, and as often as I am able, display my benevolence towards them. I mean, there is the occasional moment where one might be slightly tempted to speed up instinctively when a daring squirrel is making a dash across the perilous highway. But this is all in good fun, just giving the squirrel a run for his money- I mean, we can't let these little guys go J-walking all around our cities, can we? This scenario runs along the same lines as when you might come across a cat caressing itself on a banister of a very tall stairwell. There is a solitary instant where even the most rational of persons would consider giving that cat a good kick, just to see if it would land on its feet. So, am I a proponent of animal cruelty who should be chastised and locked away in a treatment center somewhere? No- but I do feel that when fluffy decides to have a drink from the old U-bend, there might not be a better time to remember to put the seat down - hard.
As far as new skills acquired, I'll have to say that that Inspiration program we worked with was like nothing else I'd ever seen. I remember since the 3rd grade and "Writes Upon Request" came out, I was always inclined to make a good outline first, and Inspiration delivers just that- but with some extra funk. Thank you for this amazing skill! Amen.
Last week, I discussed the potential outcome of a violent encounter between a giant panda and a koala bear. Although the discussion was meant purely for educational purposes, it has come to my attention that some of my readers may feel that I have a disrespect for the animal kingdom- and more specifically- that I must consequently engage in the ill treatment of animals on my personal time. I want to take this opportunity to assure those concerned that I have nothing but the greatest love and respect for our little furry friends, and as often as I am able, display my benevolence towards them. I mean, there is the occasional moment where one might be slightly tempted to speed up instinctively when a daring squirrel is making a dash across the perilous highway. But this is all in good fun, just giving the squirrel a run for his money- I mean, we can't let these little guys go J-walking all around our cities, can we? This scenario runs along the same lines as when you might come across a cat caressing itself on a banister of a very tall stairwell. There is a solitary instant where even the most rational of persons would consider giving that cat a good kick, just to see if it would land on its feet. So, am I a proponent of animal cruelty who should be chastised and locked away in a treatment center somewhere? No- but I do feel that when fluffy decides to have a drink from the old U-bend, there might not be a better time to remember to put the seat down - hard.
As far as new skills acquired, I'll have to say that that Inspiration program we worked with was like nothing else I'd ever seen. I remember since the 3rd grade and "Writes Upon Request" came out, I was always inclined to make a good outline first, and Inspiration delivers just that- but with some extra funk. Thank you for this amazing skill! Amen.
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Post #2
After a thorough and in depth examination of chapter 3, I found many points pertaining to computer software and its various applications not only entertaining, but potentially useful. Perhaps among all of the softwares, however, there is one whose contributions to the computer world that simply can not be ignored. Of course I am talking about Paint/Image Editing Software. Ever since my childhood, I have mad use of basic image editing software, such as "Paint", which allowed me to create images of my own design with the use of simple tools such as a paintbrush, spray-paint can, and everyone's favorite- the paint bucket! Although I was already spending hours of fun on the Paint program, as Chapter 3 points out, there is more than just one use for image editing software! With today's technology, we can upload digital photos or videos onto our computer, and actually edit them using personal application software! From removing red-eye, to creating light saber battles, the world of image and photo editing software is fast and coming- I just can't wait to see what they think of next! Whoohoo!
Last class was almost life changing. I acquired a number of invaluable skills (not to mention my already amazing bow-staff skills) that will undoubtedly assist me in all of my life goals. For example, I now have mastered the "column" function on Microsoft word, so now I can have not only one row of text, but two...very sneaky. I now have the ability to fool my audiences into thinking they are reading twice the amount of information than they actually are! Ultimately I continue to be thoroughly satisfied with this class, and eagerly await the day that my new founded knowledge will bring me one step closer to world domination.
For this week's "the more you know" in Matt Rousseau's life, I want to share with you what has been an ongoing debate in my intellectual sphere of influence. Where ever I go, I try and pose the following inquiry to those whom I might encounter on my travels- hoping to shed some light on this conundrum. In your honest opinion, who would win in a fight- a giant panda, or a koala bear? Now, don't be deceived by the seemingly simplistic appearance of this question. One must carefully weigh the outcome of this conflict with serious consideration for the various advantages of each animal, and the environment in which they will compete. The panda, who is almost 4 times the Koala's size could easily use its weight to muscle his opponent into submission, and then utilize the alarming biting power of its jaws (normally used to feed upon the immense bamboo shoots of China's eastern highlands) to rip the Koala to shreds. The Kola, on the other hand, has its own bag of tricks in store for its lumbering rival. The Koala, although usually depicted as a docile and slow-moving marsupial in actuality is the world's 3rd fastest land mammal. It can use this to its advantage by incorporating an element of surprise that would render the oft times easily startled panda defenseless for an initial strike. On the offensive, the Koala is armed with deadly 7" claws, filed to a deadly point from a life of tree climbing and mango gathering. The outcome, as one may see, would be incredibly brutal- regardless which side emerged victorious. It is, however, my professional opinion that the Koala would disembowel the panda. Any thoughts?
Last class was almost life changing. I acquired a number of invaluable skills (not to mention my already amazing bow-staff skills) that will undoubtedly assist me in all of my life goals. For example, I now have mastered the "column" function on Microsoft word, so now I can have not only one row of text, but two...very sneaky. I now have the ability to fool my audiences into thinking they are reading twice the amount of information than they actually are! Ultimately I continue to be thoroughly satisfied with this class, and eagerly await the day that my new founded knowledge will bring me one step closer to world domination.
For this week's "the more you know" in Matt Rousseau's life, I want to share with you what has been an ongoing debate in my intellectual sphere of influence. Where ever I go, I try and pose the following inquiry to those whom I might encounter on my travels- hoping to shed some light on this conundrum. In your honest opinion, who would win in a fight- a giant panda, or a koala bear? Now, don't be deceived by the seemingly simplistic appearance of this question. One must carefully weigh the outcome of this conflict with serious consideration for the various advantages of each animal, and the environment in which they will compete. The panda, who is almost 4 times the Koala's size could easily use its weight to muscle his opponent into submission, and then utilize the alarming biting power of its jaws (normally used to feed upon the immense bamboo shoots of China's eastern highlands) to rip the Koala to shreds. The Kola, on the other hand, has its own bag of tricks in store for its lumbering rival. The Koala, although usually depicted as a docile and slow-moving marsupial in actuality is the world's 3rd fastest land mammal. It can use this to its advantage by incorporating an element of surprise that would render the oft times easily startled panda defenseless for an initial strike. On the offensive, the Koala is armed with deadly 7" claws, filed to a deadly point from a life of tree climbing and mango gathering. The outcome, as one may see, would be incredibly brutal- regardless which side emerged victorious. It is, however, my professional opinion that the Koala would disembowel the panda. Any thoughts?
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
