Blog Review: mentalfloss.com

Kelila Fitch-Cook

1/28/16

Blog Review: mental_floss

Rated on a scale of 1 to 10

Images: 10

There are images for every headline as well as within the posts themselves. This provides a lot of visual interest and adds to the informative nature of the blog as they are all pertinent to the subject  matter. I also like that they post video in addition to writing.

Description/about: 4

There is not much description of what the blog is actually about and very little (if any) information about the contributors.

Organization: 8

I like that the posts are presented as headlines, rather than sequentially as in a scroll-down model. It's a little busy, but I like that there's a lot to choose from.

Theme: 3

The theme is somewhat indecipherable. It's all over the place from scientific facts to celebrities to weather.

Consistency of style: 7

There is generally a wry humor and sense of excitement that runs through the various posts, which I appreciate, but occasionally there are simply informative and somewhat somber posts. Both are valid, though and I don't notice a huge variance in the writing style between pieces.

Good writing: 8

Most of the posts hold my interest with fun facts and humor, but some are a bit too long for my taste. I think blogs should make things short and sweet.

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Blogger Quality Criteria: http://boingboing.net/

Image Link

Blogger Quality Criteria: http://boingboing.net/



Images: 10

Every article has about one image to a headline to get a reader interested in the topic and once the article is clicked it is consistent to several pictures after the written part to not distract the reader with to much imagery.

Description/About: 9

boingboing is about interesting or "wonderful" news that covers from a range of political coverage from debates to media backlash, to scandals of corporations, and mild entertainment of movies, actors, and trends.

Organization: 10

The layout is easily identifiable with search engine and additional content on top of the page and with the latest blog update below followed by sponsors, interspersed here and there as to not clutter the main articles, or later/older blogs posted underneath.

Theme: 10

The main point of this blog seems to grab content and issues from every part of interests to get a wide range of readers to actively follow new blog posts of their respective interest.

Consistency: 9

The consistency of the blog is good with minute by minute updates to the homepage but has a few ads that could be misconstrued to an article that has similar headline structure. While the articles have the same structure of picture then headline followed by the articles main body paragraphs of support leaving an easy to read from point to point sentences that doesn't hinder the reader.

-Jonathan Martinez

Blog Review: http://wilwheaton.net/

Blog quality criteria on a scale from 1-10 for Will Wheaton's blog

Images: 10

Every blog entry had an appealing picture to related to the topic. The site had a nice header image that wasn't too over stimulating.

Description/ About: 10

The link to an about the author and various other links were very easy to find.  All the links were laid out in a side bar. The side bar was simplistic enough, that it didn't distract the reader from the content of the blog.

Organization: 6

The webpage was set up in a single column view. It is hard to be able to pick and choose which blogs to read without scrolling a whole bunch. However, there is a link in the sidebar that has blog post categories. When clicking on a category it continues to to just pull up the blogs in a single column scroll format. This makes it hard to quickly browse for a blog that catches your eye.

Theme: 8

It is about as simple as it can get.

Consistency of style: 10

Link

Each blog post is essentially laid out the same with the same formatting.

Chapter 3 RR Kelila 1/25

Chapter Three Reading Response 

Kelila Fitch-Cook

1/25/16

I often begin a piece of writing without consideration of what my intentions are. The reading in chapter three prompted me to look more closely at the way I frame my thoughts when I write. What am I trying to say? What is the most logical and effective progression of my thoughts? What is the best way to divide the content? I realize that I often shoot from the hip when I write, but I see how I could benefit from more planning. Outlines exist for a reason.

I appreciate the section on writing introductions. I often get hung up before I even begin writing because I don’t know how to begin. I question the interest it may or may not inspire in the reader and I often feel discouraged when attempting to encompass my main point in one little paragraph.

The layout of chapter three is logically presented and the information is clearly devised. I like that the points presented were accompanied by examples of both what to do and what not to. The sequential progression of the chapter itself exemplified the proper way to format a paper. Also, the description of how to write a formal outline was descriptive and informative.

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Thesis Mini-essay: Edit

Thesis:  Due to the CGI's effects in films to add visual or more practicable options that surpass stunt acting and their superior access of technology and graphic design options stunt acting proves to be a dying breed to movie industries.

Topic: Stunt actors vs. CGI
 Specific supporting statement to CGI:
 1: CGI effects help a film achieve visual beauty.

 2: CGI adds options to Sci-FY and action movies to dangers or impossible through Stunt actors.

 3: CGI often fits into films designed for them.
Arguable statements:
 1: Will the cost of using CGI outweigh the profit margin of the movies gross (make money/not)

 2:Stunt actors are cheaper and add to a realistic feeling for the film.

 3: Possibility of losing story components due to spectacular visual presentation.

Conclusion: With CGI taking a new lead in movie industries with more options for films it seems that stunt acting will continue to slowly die of from film.  

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-Jonathan Martinez

Tentative thesis. Kelila 1/26

Arts in education:
-cognitive improvement/psycho-emotional development
-better academic performance
-self expression/fostering inherent ability
-opposition:under-funding/low test scores

Art fosters a child's cognitive and academic performance and instills a mindset of self-expression, community, and worth.

Mini Essay Topic Proposal

Image from here.

For my essay, I am planning on writing about why I believe it is important to add some Computer Science courses, such as a coding class to early education.

Topic: Education and Technology
Thesis: Computer Science classes should be introduced to students during early education.

Main Points:

1. Technology is dominant in today's society.
1. Possibly a new common language
2. May be a common skill for many jobs. Ex. How knowing how to use basic programs such as Microsoft office is important today
2. It gets kids interested at a young age.
1. Job opportunity is always growing
2. Women in tech jobs is lacking in comparison to the amount of of men.
3. Teaches kids a different way of thinking
1. Logic - If.. then statements

*Edit January 28, 2015:

Outline:

Thesis: Computer Science classes should be introduced to students during early education.

 I. Introduction
    A. Clincher (statistic)
    B,. Thesis
II. Body
       A. Technology is dominant in today's society.

1. Possibly a new common language
2. May be a common skill for many jobs. Ex. How knowing how to use basic programs such as Microsoft office is important today

       B.It gets kids interested at a young age.

1. Job opportunity is always growing
2. Women in tech jobs is lacking in comparison to the amount of of men.

        C. Teaches kids a different way of thinking

1. Logic - If.. then statements

III. Conclusion

    A. Wrap up

    B. Restate Thesis

  

Chapter 3: Arrangement

Jonathan Martinez

Jennifer Zukowski

Eng. 121

01/25/16

Chapter 3: Arrangement

What can be said of knowing how to formulate a well written paper? Through Laurie G. Kirzner's “Patterns For College Writing” Chapter three's “Arrangement” there are many supporting statements that open into view the importance of having a well formulated and great essay, from a reading of assignment, if planed to a well organized thesis, main body paragraphs and conclusion statements as well as other techniques that will lead to a well written paper.

Keeping out for signs such as the types of essays that are assigned to write or what objectives to look at which will lead to where to start on the written paper can help immensely. Having a thesis that will hold what the objective, for a class paper, is about will keep the paper from running off of what the writer will try to argue or prove. It is interesting to know that there were up to eight different types of ways in creating a thesis statement that the paper will follow; allowing people to have many options in finding a way to write a paper. For it is through a thesis that the theme of where the paper will go come from, as well as having guideposts in the form of topic sentences that will help guide each paragraph's main focus. Which with each paragraph not only providing evidence for the thesis but will also help to unify the paper as a whole.

This idea of seeing a union between the thesis, theme, and body paragraphs is good in understanding the importance of the thesis. There is a warning of consistency which must be tied back to the thesis mainly by using keywords or phrases repeated from the thesis itself and well put transitions. While most of the body paragraphs and thesis will be used to create a writer's argument it perplexed me on how it seemed that there is a big context, almost important, missing if there is little to no conclusion. It is easy to understand that the end of any written paper will last longer than the beginning or middle in the objective reader's mind. Although it didn’t seem to explain how it seemed to overshadow a thesis, even though it was described, but it merely is assigned as a summary of the paper as a whole.

All in all there is much to learn how important a thesis statement is due to it being the main point of where a paper will go. With many steps taken such as topic sentences, and keywords and phrases to keep the thesis or theme of the paper on track.

               

Chapter 3 Reading Response

Image from Here

Emily Baker

January 26, 2015

English 121

Reading Response

Chapter 3

      Chapter 3 of Patterns for College Writing is one of those chapters that I know I will be referring back to often throughout my English 121 course.  I always find that the hardest part of writing for me is figuring out how to structure my essays in a clean and coherent way.  This chapter easily explains the different parts of an essay and what is necessary in each part. I especially found the section about conclusions very helpful. I have always struggled trying to figure out how to wrap up the end of the essay. I appreciated the fact that they give examples of different ways to write a conclusion. This way I’m not stuck writing the same old boring conclusion for every essay, which I essentially did for my history papers. It was also very useful that the chapter adds what not to include in each section. I bet if I went back through every paper I have written throughout my lifetime, I have included at least one of the items in the list to my papers. Now knowing how to properly structure an essay, I am hoping that my writing will greatly improve throughout the semester.

      For any student struggling with writing their papers, I’d strongly recommend reading this chapter and memorizing it. This chapter explains the different types of essays and how to structure them. I like the fact that it has a helpful checklist to help you identify what type of essay you need to write. However, no matter what type of essay you need to write it has 3 basic parts, an introduction, a body and a conclusion. This chapter gives multiple examples of ways to start an introduction, which I believe is important to know so all your essays don’t start sounding redundant. This chapter also puts an emphasis on the idea that everything beginning with the introduction, the meat of the essay (the body) and the conclusion must flow coherently. It gives a page full of solid transition words to use to help keep the essay flowing nicely. One thing that this chapter lacked was explaining what a thesis statement is. It mentions the word thesis statement, but never mentioned the purpose or how to write a thesis. Other than that, this chapter is a very useful chapter for those beginning to learn how to write a good essay.

Interview

Chris Seth

Jennifer Zukowski

ENG 121

1/21/2016

  I had the privilege of interviewing Ms. Kelila Rose, she is a fascinating young woman who is attending Front Range for her first semester. The last English class she took was creative writing in her junior year of high school. Kelia finds herself writing shopping lists more than anything else.

  Kelia is trying to pass this class with flying colors so she can focus on the classes she really wants to take. It turns out Kelia and I have Political Science together as well.  We have a common interest in the political world, as we can see how important  politics are even in our daily lives. I'm glad I met a like minded person right off the bat this semester.
   

An Interview with Chris Seth

Kelila Fitch-Cook

1/21/2016

The other day, I was given the opportunity to get acquainted with my fellow classmate, Chris. Though we did not adhere too closely to the list of interview questions provided by our instructor, I did get to know some interesting tidbits about him.

Chris took English 121 during his first year at FRCC...and failed. Hence his attendance in our class. He asserts that he was not yet ready for college. Chris does like to write some, though. He journals to remember life events with the vague intention of, perhaps, writing a memoir some day. He’s also an accomplished speller, having excelled in a spelling bee in the fifth grade, though he was knocked out of the running when he misspelled “misspelled”.
 
Chris and I share some common ground in that we both suffer from anxiety. He describes it as overwhelming his thoughts to the point where his mind goes blank and he forgets things (hence the journaling). He attributes this, in part, to having had to be dutiful and vigilant in caring for a loved one for a time.

Chris’s goals for his second round of English 121 are to not only pass the class, but to improve his ability to formulate his thoughts into words. It’s a useful intention for him to set as he would someday like to become a high school teacher or, even more so, work in international affairs. He also plays bass in a metal band, which is rad.

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Interview with Jonathan Martinez

Emily Baker

January 21, 2016

English 121

Interview

Image found Here

It’s the start of a new semester at Front Range Community College. Many students are returning from a month long winter break; however, this is not the case for Jonathan Martinez. After taking a gap semester, Jonathan is ready to tackle his first semester. He is starting off strong with a full plate of classes, including History, College Algebra, Chemistry and English. Although there are a few setbacks for Jonathan’s educational journey, such as not having any internet at home, there is no doubt that he will be a successful student in English 121. 

   As a recent graduate from Fort Lupton High School and who had taken AP English, Jonathan is already well prepared for the upcoming semester in English 121. Jonathan also enjoys writing in his free time. He enjoys writing a wide variety of modes including poems, essays and short stories. This will be a huge asset for Jonathan this semester because he has had plenty of practice developing his writing skill; however, there are still areas of writing that Jonathan wishes to improve on during this semester.

         
   The short stories and poems may come naturally to Jonathan, but it’s the scholarly essays that give Jonathan a run for his money. One of his greatest weaknesses when it comes to writing essays is developing a strong thesis. Without a solid thesis it is difficult for Jonathan to develop the body of his essay. As a result, he often finds himself spending more time on his essays than he would have like to. Jonathan hopes that taking  English 121 will be able to help strengthen these areas of weakness in his writings. Jonathan’s goals for this class will surely give him the motivation to get the most out of this class and to be a successful student.

      
      Previous English classes, an enjoyment for writing and clear goals create a concoction for success so English 121 should be a cake walk for Jonathan. Once Jonathan gets English 121 out of the way, along with other general education courses, He can begin to focus on what truly interests him. Jonathan hopes that, in the next year or so, he can transfer to either CSU or CU and begin studying mechanical engineering.

Interview One

 Interview One

Jonathan Martinez

Jennifer Zukowski

ENG. 121

01\19\16

Who are we, that is a question that has plagued humanity for ages. Whether it has been asked in the universal sense to individual purpose and clarity. Today Emily Baker has shared to us; thanks to Tuesday's interview, what her role is as a student in this class and as a person in general.

Past experiences; as far as her teachers from last semester here at ( FRCC ) to her high school life back in Longmont Christian High School have been concerned, are good. As they have been helpful in guiding her into a better student today. With her being able to come up with a well thought out outline of where her writing will go thanks from advice given from her teachers. Although this being her second semester at ( FRCC ) she has yet to have joined in the peer workshop leaving her limited to not having any advice from her fellow students. Considering she was in Volleyball, Softball, and Basketball throughout her high school years showing outgoing and group activities. As well as also having access to social networking sites allowing her to be able to communicate with more people.

It seems she has been testing the waters of college life to determine what might best be suited for her. Such as having been previously involved in anime club to help in creating moving images and hacking club to help her in her computer science interest.   

When it comes to Eng. 121 Emily Baker though not a master at writing will be able to handle herself in this class. Due to strong research writing techniques. As well as her good knowledge in Microsoft office applications, having online access at home and her own computer she will be on top of the assignments. Though she has stated that her technical knowledge of computers is still basic, navigational and e-mail proficiency allows her to make up for it.

All in all Emily Bakers; born in the Southern part of Denver, main goal for Eng. 121 is to achieve a passing grade to be able to transfer onto CU Boulder to pursue her degree in Computer Science. Will be determined if she can grow upon her strong suits and improve on her weaker qualities such as structuring her essays well on paper.