Future Career!

I really want to be an architect, and so I am working to apply for acceptance into the competitive Architecture Master's Program here at USF. I would be graduating in 5.5 years, not the typical four.
I interned in high school with an architecture firm DDP, and so I called the head architect to ask him a few questions. His name is Philip Daimmwood.
He claims that the job outlook is positive for architecture students, because there will be a slight increase in jobs.
After receiving a masters degree, I would need to intern at an architecture firm for a while, and then apply for a licence in the state I would wish to be practicing in. Most states require their own specific licence.
Suggestions from him include becoming involved in research, studying green design, and completing an internship while still in college.

Ecological Foot Print

Start.

The ecologial foot print I received was foru earths before the start of the assignment. I found it fairly hard to decrease my footprint, becasue it mostly life style things that are hard to change like where I live, and where I can get my food from. I only dropped to 3.8 earths by the end of my session, because living in a dorm with a meal plan restrics my energy consumption, living type, and food I eat. However I made a strong effort to focus on recycling and and product packaging.

Loss of communication technology has its definite pros and cons. As a prominent member of the "comm-tel" generation, I find that I support the predominant amount of technology that we posses. But, I can understand the potential downfalls.
Personally, I listen to music on my walk to everywhere. Life seemed a little duller without Jack Johnson lightening the mood while I walked to Acquisition of Knowledge. (CON)
But, While in Class on Monday morning, it was a lot easier to pay attention in lecture class without texting to distract my attention. (PRO)
Homework would be nearly impossible without the use of Internet. For either contact or research, the use of the Internet is impossible to get around, especially in college courses. Some courses are solely based on the Internet. (CON)
Without being able to call or text anyone to see if they were available, it made the day a little difficult to make plans with people I do not live with. (CON)
Our lives have become shaped to not comprehend it without the use of technology.

End!

BOREDOM

I am starting my 24 hours of no technology...

Concern

My primary concern for the next four years is the environment. In the world, united States, and here at USF, there is not enough focus on recycling and other environmentally-friendly, green, methods. I propose that new buildings to be built follow strict codes to be truly considered green, and implementing a better recycling service in the university, especially within the dormitories. Knowledge of safer environmental practices would greatly benefit earth conscious students looking to help.

Ethics in Super Chick Sisters

Direction #1: The mistreatment of animals in preparation of food, as shown in Super Chick Sisters, causes activism and vegitarianism.

Direction #2: Animals in preparation for food are supposed to be held to some standard, but when these standards and animal rights are not met, horrible health problems can occur to the animals, which can be transferred to the people ingesting the animal products.

Direction #3: Animal Rights activists fight for the protection and treatment of animals while being raised and cltivated for food products; the mistreatment of teh animals leads to law suits, food recalls, and protests.

http://www.livescience.com/technology/051204_video_violence.html

This article tells that video games do not have any correlation with violence. The article also goes on to say that all graphic material, including television, doesn’t link to violence. I on the other hand think that playing violent video games is almost an emotional catharsis for teens and young adults. When aggravated or angry, why not take it out on a virtual player in a gun battle. Well, it is proven that erupting emotions in violent acts is detrimental to anyone. If people are using violent video games as method of releasing built up tension, or emotions, they are doing a disservice to their own well being. Catharsis usually alleviates the stress temporarily, but the emotions return, without solving anything.


http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/16099971/#storyContinued

Functional MRIs are used in this study mentioned in the article to compare brain activity. The data collected showed that adolescents playing violent video games had changes in brain activity than the adolescents that played non-violent games. This article backs some views that violent video games can change behavior. Although, the research didn't show if the effect of playing was permanent or not. Also, the research did not show if the changes in the brain activity created more violence. I still believe that the change in mental operation is bad for a person. This change could be due to the emotional expulsion through the video game. The article says the only differece between the games played is violent, or non-violent. But, I feel that there could be more differences to the games that could casue this change in chemicals in the brain.

Thesis and Outline

Thesis:
In order to receive donations, Darfur is Dying and Deliver The nets both effectively educate players by showing their struggles of Daily life, the people in the games need support, and allowing you to help children and families.

Outline:

Intro: thesis and argument
-argument: The main goal of the game is to receive donations.
Paragraph 1: Contrast: Describe Darfur is Dying (DD) and Deliver the Nets (DN)
-Both use arrow keys to move
-DD: 2 rounds (forage for water and camp)
-DN: 1 round (deliver nets until nightfall)
-cartoon
-DD: Choose character
Paragraph 2: Compare: Educational games
-the people in these third word countries need help and here is how...
-learn about genocide
-give statistics about where the money goes
Paragraph 3: Compare: Persuasive games
-seeking donations and how the donations help
Paragraph 4: Compare:
-Pathos: show small children and families needing help
Paragraph 5: Rhetorical Analysis:
-Purpose: to seek donations and educate those who do not know what is happening
-Audience: philanthropic people and people who care about what is happening in the world
Paragraph 6: Compare: Effectiveness
-Both games made me feel sorry for the characters within the game and is a very good way to seek donations.
Closing

Video Games

I played two politically based games "click4Obama" and "Presidential Pong".
Presidential Pong is an persuasive game to teach you some of the "skills" or talents of the candidates for the presidential election, by having them compete in a simple game of Pong. The game allows you to be any of the 2008 presidential candidates. Basically you play the age old game of pong. I did not think the game was very persuasive besides the fact that you could use your candidate to hopefully beat the others. The game technically could be persuading people to get involved with the election.

The game "Click for Obama" teaches facts about American history and current political conditions. I think this game is both persuasive and educational. It is educational because you are learning the facts and playing the game gives "pixels" towards Obama's advertisements. By learning, players are actually supporting the democratic presidential candidate, Barak Obama. This clicking game is also a persuasive game, because it makes the player support Obama. Which the support and clicks help develop his campain.