Friday, July 22, 2011

NO Mercy! Saving a career or serving justice?

Saving a career or serving justice? After reading Malcolm Gladwell’s No Mercy, I do not believe the physicist student was punished appropriately. Although he may have been a critical part to Cambridge University’s science department, his action to poison his teacher was still immoral. The student’s consequences were far from detrimental. Judging from most schools’ codes of conduct, any infraction to critically harm someone else usually results in expulsion. In my opinion, Oppenheimer should’ve accumulated charges for attempted murder as well as expulsion from Cambridge University. Probation as a punishment was not suitable to his infraction with the law. Attempted murder upon a school official should definitely result in banishment from that particular school, and placed appropriately on a personal record. I don’t think restricting the student from every school would’ve been very useful, for the simple fact he was merely a mini genius.
Robert Oppenheimer was the Cambridge University student who tried to poison his professor. In more professional terms, he created the atomic bomb. Oppenheimer studied theoretical physics, which led to him working on calculating the critical mass of uranium. In reference to Cambridge University, their science department probably realized the positive capabilities of Oppenheimer’s fascination with the subject, therefore not kicking him out of the school. In more ways than one, we can definitely conclude that the University in England held the future career objectives of Robert Oppenheimer higher rather than, serving him the justice he ultimately deserved.

Monday, July 18, 2011

Response to "In Praise of the F Word"

According to Mary Sherry’s essay “In Praise of the F Word”, her thesis is states to reveal the trump card of failure to students. As she characterizes objections to flunking, in my opinion it is not very clear. Sherry does not acknowledge the opposing side of the argument clearly, from the student point of view. The “F” word described in the essay is “failing/ failure”. Referring to the words as the “F” word increases curiosity and effectiveness of the essay. From the beginning of the passage the reader is not exactly clear on what the “F” word is. Dropping hints throughout the passage leads the reader on to find out what the word might be.
                Sherry’s passage seems to be directed toward the parents and teachers of all students, regardless of education level. Although the piece does not seem to be directed to students, I understand and agree completely. Often times I have felt “behind” in knowledge due to my previous teachers. However, I have always managed to complete my work and receive good grades. Her audience should also be those students who are currently in school and feeling behind.
                According to the strong point of view held by Sherry in the passage, you could tell that she held these strategies dearly. Reading along, it tells that Sherry is a parent and her son was affected by the threat of the “F” word. Her son was in danger of failing his during senior year, and when he was notified on his academic progress, he quickly tightened up. In my opinion, Sherry is qualified to comment on the potential benefits of flunking students, because she has personally witnessed a positive result to the “F” word threat.  Her way of thinking is accurate because most teachers and college professors grade in on that spectrum. Present day educators usually just give a simple warning if a student is in danger of failing. Students expect more warnings or just a pass with a mediocre grade. Nonetheless the “F” word is a useful tool to scaring students, and will help to stop future semiliterate student from just sailing along.

Thursday, July 7, 2011

Internet Pros and Cons!

For every invention there is always a good or bad sector. The creation of the internet evolved our society in many aspects.  I will list the pros and cons of internet usage.
Internet Pros:
   Research
      The Internet provides an enormous database of information. Students, researchers, and the general public, all use the internet to obtain information they need.
 Entertainment
    Surfing the web can supply entertainment to any populace. Internet usage increases instant awareness of the media and leisure activities; checking horoscopes, blogging, and online gaming.
Display’s Society’s Evolution
Technology has come a long way over the past years. A few years ago people used a dial-up connection to surf the net. That method had many flaws and took long periods of time to connect; it also disabled the usage of house phones while connected. Every day there are new sites becoming popular to use.
Freedom of Speech
Although American citizens have the right to freedom of speech, the internet is a free enterprise to display their right.
Communication
Staying in touch with family, friends, and employers has never been easier. The web has tons of ways to communicate with anyone. Using emails such as Yahoo, AOL and, Google all come with the instant messaging feature. If an email is ineffective there are always social networks. Facebook and Twitter have become extremely popular to the general public.
Simplicity
The World Wide Web may seem like a task to operate, but quite the contraire. Most websites are user friendly and very easy to adapt to.

For every up there is a down, and for every pro there is a con. Although internet is a critical part of today’s society there are still many flaws within it.
Internet Cons:
Spam
Computer hackers create spam, which can slow your computer down. Viruses are also sometimes hidden in pop-up blockers which can be called spam.
Internet Predators
While using social networks, posting too personal information could be severely dangerous. Younger children should always have supervision while surfing the net.

Friday, July 1, 2011

The BEST and WORST about GSU!

Although I have only been at Georgia Southern for a week, I have already learned my likes and dislikes. There are many likes and few dislikes because GSU is a well-rounded school. Here on campus, I really like the friendly and helpful people. Students are always willing to give a helping hand or, give you information if you are not really sure about something. I also like the aspect of students being so involved all around campus, and the numerous ways to get yourself involved somehow. Another strong like is the living arrangements, due to the fact that I am an only child and use to having my own space. Living in Southern Pines, my roommates and I have our own space which is a major plus! Along with the friendly people and the living arrangement, is the academics! Georgia Southern offers many great programs for almost any major. Since my major is undeclared, it is so helpful to me because whichever one I decide on it wont be a bad choice! My indecisive plans about the future made me choose GSU as my number one school. Simply knowing that all these great accredited programs are offered to me, puts me in no rush to select something that I will not be satisfied with years from now.