Everyones A Critic

I believe everyone that gave their presentations last week did a great job. I was very impressed with how well knowledged some people were on their topics. Leah and Joey, I thought, had great information and presented good as well, although Joey never did really look up. I was also impressed with Josh's power point. It was well organized and it provided nice visuals. The other presentations were good as well. I learned new stuff and my opinion swayed a little bit after hearing people tell their side. I know I was against animal testing originally, but my opinion changed after hearing Joey talk. A lot of people don't realize that we have to test animals to protect ourselves. It really put that topic in prespective for me.

Oral Presentations

Going into the oral presentations, I was certainly very nervous. I haven't spoke, by myself, in front of the class in a long time. Public speaking makes most people nervous, especially me. I was worried that my point would not clearly come across, and that I would forget what to say. When I actually got up in front of everyone, it really wasn't as bad as I expected. I thought my flow was pretty good and I made my points clear. Im not sure how I was on time, but I believe I was close. I know a clear mistake I made was saying "um" and "ugh" a lot. I tried to not do it, but it is a habit. In the end, I'm glad I got through my presentation with no problems. I am joyed that I got it out of the way when I did; and I am looking forward to Wednesday's presentations.

My Experience

The W131 English Class has defineitly been my favorite college class of the semester. It is the only class that allows me to be creative and express myself. I have progressed a lot throughout the semester. At first, I didn't talk much or particpate in class. Now, I feel like I am more comfortable with my surroundings. The class has changed a lot as well. Several people didn't make it through the semester but I guess that happens in just about every class. Everyone in the class had their own creative thinking, which made the class very interesting. I enjoyed meeting some new people in class, and even made a few new friends. There are still some people in their that I could care less for, but I will not give any names. Overall, 131 was a great experience for me that opened my eyes to a new creative relm. I enjoyed the company of most of the people and thought it was a wonderful class. What a damn shame that it has to end though!!!!

What I learned Hmmmm

Throughout our debates, my opinions swayed a little bit. I think our class did an excellent job of challenging one another. We all presented worthy arguements and main points. Going in to the debates, I was 100% against prostitution. After researching it and learning about it, I wasn't as hard on the idea. It opened my eyes and made me think "Why couldn't it be legal?" I'm not saying I am a 100% supporter now, but the debates did shine a little light on the topic for me. I'm not totally opossed to it like I once was. I learned from my classmates that debates are all about creativity and cleverness. Everyone already knows the big main arguements, but if you can present them a fresh and new arguement that really backs up your opinion, they will be impressed. I really enjoyed watching the first debate. The groups went back and fourth incredibly. Both groups did an excellent job and had well prepared information. I am glad we did the debates because it was a fun yet challenging task that let us use our creativity and cleverness.

PROstitutes

1. Going against the morals of many, I believe prostitution should be legalized. Many hear the word prostitution and don't even consider its pros, they already label it a negative without giving it a chance. Prostitution can bring several positives. It provides jobs, can be taxed, provides a service to those who want it, and can make some people feel better about themselves. Some would tend to say that it goes against the Bible, but i argue that not everyone is Christian. Everyone has different views and their own opinions. Also, sex is not an illegal act, but is supposed to be an enjoyable act that two people consent upon. If two people consent to terms, such as payment, then why can't they legally have sex? If controlled by the government, rules and sanctions would set out age limits, STD awareness, a safe enviornment, and proper payments. If formally organized, it could possibly bring down the crime rate and make communities safer. Also, funds from taxation could be used towards school programs like safe sex and STD awareness. I view this situation sort of similar to those who are against the legalization of marijuana, they label it as morally wrong because that is a normal tendancy. They don't even give it a chance. Perhaps people should be more open minded and hear both sides of a situation before placing judgement. Im out like a fat kid in dodgeball......

Topics Topics Topics

After careful research, I've narrowed my research paper down to a few topics. They are online dating, plastic surgery, and dreams. I belive these are 3 very interesting and debateable topics.
I decided on theses topics because they interest me, and I would like to learn more about them.
Iv'e looked up information on dreams and online dating. I've learned some interesting facts, which also makes it harder to decide which topics I want to chose.
I defintely want to research more on these topics, and I think it would be very interesting to conduct a survey. I believe that would be a fun yet informative way to conduct field research. Now all i have to do is decide which topics I want to chose!

Wrap it Up

After reading Josh Levin's article Rappers and Bloggers: Seperated at Birth, I couldn't help but realize how narrow minded it was. First off, not all rappers are obsessed with themselves and the same is true for bloggers. Second, the rappers that are cocky have a right to be, don't they? The bloggers that are cocky maybe are just confident in their writing. This guy assumes everyone is the same, making him narrow minded.

The internet age does not foster cultural narcissism. Some do, but you can't group everyone together, we are all individuals. For the ones that are narcissistic, I believe there is no direct corralatioin between them and rappers. If a rapper is cocky, that doesn't mean a kid has to be that way. It is his or her own personal choice. Although rappers can be idolized and thought highly of, the decision ultimately comes down to the person.