Procedural essay: Plumbing Drama

PLUMBING DRAMA:

A GUIDE TO STOP THE CRAP PLUGGING UP SOCIAL PLUMBING

If you haven't joined the social networking band wagon by now, you'd probably never seen the amount of drama presented on many peoples personal pages. Often refered to as "walls" on Facebook, this guide will show you how to refrain from buying into negativity of the social site.It will assist you in posting positivity and also help you cope with what to do when negativity infects your social site.

The first thing you must do is create a Facebook account. To do this, you must first open your web browser. Windows users can hit the windows key and scroll up to the softwares default web browser Internet Explorer. Mac users please scroll to you dock and select Safari. Once the web browser loads, type in the web address www.facebook.com this will take you to Facebook's main site. 

This site will provide a sign up form at the start up page. Proceed with filing out the form and select Sign up. You will be asked to enter various information about yourself. Please take some time to be cautious of what you put in this information. Anything you wouldn't want people to know about you should not be inserted as once it is on the internet, you are never able to take it back.

You will also be asked if you would like to upload pictures and do other various things to make experience more enjoyable. Do so with cation however as the more social you get on the internet, the more drama will incur. 

Lastly you will be asked to add friends. Take this time to add personal friends first. Social networking sites are just that, for social networking. They are not personal hook up sites, nor hot or not profile sites. Rules do imply on social networks sites although some people ignore this fact.

Once your personal friends are added the best thing to do is go to your Privacy settings and adjust your new social network site to be private. This will help drama get ignored and also prevent unwanted people from seeing your information. To do this simply go to "privacy settings"  under "account" in the top right hand corner.

Once that page loads, you will see your settings. "Friends Only" is the optimal setting preference. This will allow only the people on your friends list to see what you post. This however does not guarantee your privacy. If your friends decide to "share" anything you've posted, their friends will have access to it, so once again, be cautious of what you post.

Other settings on privacy can be found on this page as well. This guide is more about learning to keep the drama off your page, so further questions about privacy can be found on the same page near the bottom right. Click LEARN MORE, and Facebook will provided you with lots more on that topic. The "block list" option is also a handy feature which will will go into more deeply later, just remember for now that it is found on the privacy settings page.

Now that your privacy has been protected to some extent, and your friends have been added, you can now start sharing things. The best thing to remember is no one wants to hear negativity. That only allows for negativity to be plastered on you're wall. If you must air your dirty laundry on social sites for your friends to see, I would suggest calling them instead. Try posting highlights of your day. Maybe someone stood out and made you feel good, that would be a great story to share. 

If you can't help but vent your frustrations remember to not include anyone's name. This will prevent other people who might know that person from telling them that your gossiping. It also helps prevent the topic from blowing way out of proportion. When you include names in your frustrations you are directly attacking that person and this causes your mutual friends to pick sides. Also on your post, you might consider using the "lock" feature located left of the "share" icon on the bottom of what your thinking of posting. By clicking this option you can choose who will or will not see your post. If you're knowingly attacking someone, I would recommended hiding the post from that person as well as any and all mutual friends.

When browsing other people's pages you will encounter their own form of negativity. Weather they are complaining about work, school, life, or anything else, it's your choice on what to respond to these posts with. I suggest looking for the silver lining of the post or at the very least offer them some advice or constructive criticism.  Feeding into their negativity will increase the tension and stress on the topic and is causing drama, do not do this. No one wants a "Negative Nancy" as a friend. Also refrain from responding with cruel jokes on certain subject matters that might be deemed inappropriate. This also causes unneeded stress.

Also be cautious of what you post. Anything can and will be used against you if certain people are not adapted to your personality. Remember that cynical personalities or dark humor does not transfer to well onto the internet. The tone of your voice is not able to be portrayed into your text so any approach in this manner might be considered rude or offensive. If you must be cynical remind the readers that you are joking or emphasize the fact that you are being cynical. Remember, other people your friends have on their friends list might see your posts and they do not know how you are.

So what if you find someone who's picking a fight? You will encounter this many times on the internet, especially in social sites. Sometimes they might be your friends, sometimes complete strangers. In either case the best thing to do is not give into their drama. Try first by letting the person know where your stand on your views of the topic and that you respect theirs as well. Sometimes this will defuse the situation, however some arguments might escalate.

In case of an escalation you have a few options. You can either block the member so that you and them have no more further contact.  To block a person you can visit their profile and on the bottom left side, chose the "block" feature. If you need to unblock later you can once again return to the Account options, and choose privacy settings. Then near the bottom, you will see the BLOCK options. Upon clicking that you will encounter a new window with all of those whom you have blocked. Chose the "x" located on the right of their name to remove them from the blocked list.

Another option you have in defusing an escalated user is to use the "Yes" sandwich. This is when you use a nice comment, followed by letting the user know to leave you alone, followed by another nice comment. This will compliment the user and make him look even more of a jerk.  Remember not to give into the drama.

Using these steps will create an almost perfect, peaceful atmosphere for you to enjoy on your Facebook, or any other social networking site. Although nobodies lives are drama free, you will find a decrease in the amount on your page and in your life as opposed to others. If you ever do encounter a dramatic person, try sending them this guide, it might just change their experience.

News Story Analysis Worksheet #1

The headline for this story is "Craigslist Cannibal's Diner plans spoiled by "Main Course."

The effectiveness of this headline is extremely great. It sums the story up in pretty much one sentence.

The article appeared on both MSN.COM and TODAY.COM. The link below is from Today.com. It was written on May 17th by Athima Chansanchai. Craigslist Cannibal

The article does a great job answering the "who, what, where, why" questions.  Apparently Metej Curko wanted to eat someone on may 10th. He was hungry and had some sick fetish. He asked a swiss man who's name has not been released if he'd like to partake in this fetish, the man agreed.

This article follows the "inverted pyramid" nicely as most of the important information is at the top of the article. Towards the end of the article the facts get boring and are tedious.

The writer is extremely opinionated in this article by using colorful vocabulary such as "Grisly" and comparing the crime to show's she's more than likely seen.

The purpose of this article is to keep the public aware of all the sick psychos out there and also to entertain.

The way the article is written is to force you to one side of the issue. It's written to cast dark shadows on the   criminal Curko, while making you feel sympathy for the victim. However, I do not take either side as the victim did agree to let the criminal eat him. The victim wanted to be dinner, and wimped out, that's the victims fault.

I have found a bag of cash and I...

I have found a bag of cash and I slowly turn to the rest of my friends.

"What is it?" they ask.

"Yea, What's in the bag?" another questions.

"Cheesecake." I quickly reply, my eyes shifting from side to side in paranoia. "It's cheesecake!"

"Someone left cheesecake in a bag, in 100 degree temperatures?" Shit, I've been challenged. Jenni has always felt the need to dig deeper into my lies to sort out the truth. I tie the strings of the bag and look at her with as straight of a face as I can create.

"Yes, it's a cheesecake. Cherry as a matter of fact. It's still cold to. I'm going home to enjoy it."

"Oh hell no!" Jenni exclaims. "We want to see what's in that bag, we don't believe you."

"I'm in shock!" I protest, but it came to little to late. My group of friends was already upon me. Their hands stretched out as if they were feeling their way through darkness. With seconds to spare I leaped into a gallop down the road screaming for help...which wasn't the brightest of ideas.

What if my prayers were answered and someone did come to my call? What if they chose to join the mob in their lynching of me for the contents of the bag. What if they owned it?

Runnin farther and father, I took one quick look back. Yep, just as I expected, they're still chasing me. I turned back towards the intersection I was running towards and with my first step into the busy street BLAM.

And that's how I died.

What is my favorite commercial?

My favorite commercial is the "How many licks does it take to get to the center of a tootsie pop." The reason I like this is cause it's funny, and cute, and has lasted through all the years, still being played on nickalodean today.

Learning about your Field

My field of study is Video and Television production. There are three major parts to this field as you are able to work before the production on certain tasks such as casting, location scouting, and other pre-filming concepts. This is called Preproduction. There is also Production in which you shoot what concept was created during the preproduction phase. Lastly there is Post Production which is essentially putting the final pieces together.

My objectives within this field are to become a director and strive to produce quality films that have story and substance. I can’t stand going to the movies and seeing a bunch of remakes taken over by computer FX.

Analysts and leaders see the primary objective of this field is to entertain and inspire. Film and video is just another form of art and that is basically it’s sole purpose.

Some trends, issues, or core values in my field include pushing the envelope of technology as well as story. Art is basically an expression of your own personal values, since there is no one law governing art. My core values are to make films that retrain the ordinary way of thinking.

Future trends in my field are more computer usage, a higher rate of direct-to-DVD releases, more “indie” type films. Challenges in this field include money, industry monopolization and above all else more of a supply than the demand calls for.

The field has changed a lot as things are becoming cheaper and easier making it possible for anyone with video capabilities on a phone to an hand held camera able to create a short film. Special FX has changed dramatically as most stunts and effects is placed into the films during post production. Filming movies is essentially becoming a lazy art.

I don’t fit in with larger trends for I am not one to hop onto the band wagon.  I chose to create my own style.

I remember watching films and the behind the scenes videos on how certain aspects of the film were shot. This gave me my initial spark of curiosity in  this field. During high school, we had a production course which only furthered my influences.

article #1

link: GAY OF THE DEAD

The subject of this article is about writer/director Mark Bessenger. The articles talks about his film "BITE MARKS" which is an indie horror film that centers around the gay community. 

The thesis is that horror films are now becoming "gay" opening them up to a new community.

The writer appeals to logic as it talks about how this will impact both the horror community and the gays as well.

This article was extremely helpful as I now see that films are gradually accepting homosexuals as lead roles and not just crazy sidekicks there to cast stupid jokes.

I will not be able to use any information from the article but it is very inspirational. 

Article #2

link: TIM BURTON DITCHES MALEFICENT

The subject of this article is Tim Burton and how he pulled out from the disney's plan to remake Sleeping Beauty into a live action film.

The thesis of this article  is that without a good director disney is still planning on doing the film.

The writer appears to be emotional, almost as if he's favoring the director.

The article wasn't helpful to me at all. While I do love Tim Burton as he's my inspiration to be in school, the article was only about what his plans are and why he couldn't do the film.

I will not be able to use any information as this article is basically information about the preproduction of this film.

Black Talk and Pop Culture

QUESTIONS FOR CLOSE READING

1) In "Black Talk," author Leslie Savan proses the thesis that the english language has deep roots with black english as well. She states that the American language now is partly due to the black-inspired slang.



2) By using the term "pop language," Savan means that it is the language most commonly found in the streets and often refereed to as slang. Some examples of this pop language would include Micky D's, getting Jiggy with it, and sup.



3) The world cool is characterized by Savan as the most important pop word of all because while other words fade into society never to be spoken again, the word cool has managed to survive this whole time.



4) According to Savan, what's troubling about white mainstream cultures appropriation of black words and phrases is that the white people are basically willing to accept the blacks words but not them. Also that it's not in the white culture to be throwing the words around.

QUESTIONS ABOUT THE WRITER

1) Savan uses so many examples of black talk because he would like to ephisize how many terms of black ebonics actually made it into the mainstream pop culture.

2) The reason Savan discusses the use of black talk in marketing products becuase it seems "fun" and "pops" making it easy on the ears and more exciting.

3) Savan stops the flow of the essay to delve deeper into the terms of black talk because she want's people to understand just how complex black talk is. She calls it black talk instead of black english because it doesn't separate or make it seem racist as much as the other words due.

4)Sacan uses examples from MTV, Such other examples however include the infamous "ecko" and "FUBU" clothing. Rappers often use this "black talk" both on and off stage.

SHORT ANSWER:
1) Eminem is a prime example of a rapper who uses "black talk." Although he is white, he feels since he grew up in the "ghetto" he is apparently part black. This "wanna-be" has even worked with several black artists to ensure that he always has fresh jargon to use.

Favorite meal

My favorite meal is hamburgers. That's all I ever really eat. I hate vegetables, hate pastas and grains. I like MEAT!!!! My favorite place to eat hamburgers from is Lenny's Burger off of 24st and something...ooohhhhh they're so good! Rally's comes in second. Sure we cook at home and I wind up starving myself till all the roommates go to sleep, but as soon as they do I run out and hit up the local fastfood chains for HAMBURGERS!!!!

where do I see myself in 10 years

I try not to look to much into the future, but in 10 years I hope to be at least out of arizona and in California. And not one of those area's in California that are gonna go underwater either. NO. I also hope to have a job working in the industry that I'm going to school for. I plan on at least being stable finically in that amount of time.

Comparison Contrast

The stories "Flavio" and "Sister Flowers" both had some key points or comparison as well as extreme differences. For instance, both Flavio and Marguerite could appreciate the struggle of growing up without a silver spoon in their mouthes. Both characters have learned important life lessons. They also contrast with one another by what obstacles they faced growing up.

The struggle of survival both Marguerite and Flavio faced was growing up at what others think is the bottom. While Flavio didn't have food in his belly, Marguerite had eyes on the color of her body. Each of them faced a common problem that we still see today, and it's a problem we don't like to face. Flavio had to  help his family raise the kids, and in an essence Marguerite had the same task, only given to her by herself.

They each also walked away from their lives as a stronger person. Although Flavio didn't have much time, he still learned that not all of life is fair and sometimes you get the end of the stick. Marguerite, although her lesson was slightly different, learned that education can help over come obstacles so that end of the stick isn't always in your own hands. Both characters endured what problems they faced and with little to no complaints, learning valuable lessons and skills that can only be taught through experience.

Their stories are not all similarities however. While the basic sex of the character, national origin, and time period are all blunt differences, there are a few others. One particular difference is the lesson learned. One character learns about education of oneself, and the other learns the hardships of life. Another difference is the life in which they live. While both are considered outcasts at one point to another in our society, they haven't and will never walk in one another's shoes. Growing up in poverty is completly diffrent they given a life a prejudice. Marguerite would never know how it feels to be Flavio and vise versa.

What is “Film Noir”?

Film noir is a word used to describe the hollywood crime drama. The crime drama's back then were way more complex than they are now a days. The black and white film noir's were dark in contrast and clarity. The stories relied more on the characters over-acting performances rather than the special effects.

Google your name, what do you find?

when I google my name, I see a majority of links to Ricardo Perez M.D or some stuff on Wikipedia...nothing really about me. My name's a real common name so I didn't expect to zone in on me automatically. Also, when doing things online I rarely use my name, especially when signing up for emails, can't have those things running rampant on the internet now can we. Also I've removed myself from sites like Spokeo.com so that people can't look me up, sure there are a few public records on me, but with a name as common as mine it'll be hard.

Tweens

1) The thesis of Tweens is that there is no such thing as preadolescence anymore.

2) The self-image Tweens cultivate is that they are worried about their appereance and how other see them. They're also into fashion and know the fashion industry better than themselves. When they discuss this, it causes other kids to want to join the tween sensation.

3) Hymowitz links the tween phenomenon to dangerous behavior such as drug abuse, sex, and eating disorders.

4) According to Hymowitz, primary causes of the tween phenomenon are music, television, encouragement from parents unknowingly, and society.

Describing my childhood

My childhood was a lot more active than how I'm seeing my nephews and nieces grow up.  I grew up in a small town with five other brothers and sisters so there was never a dull moment. It wasn't a life I'd want to live again, but I wouldn't have it any other way. My father taught me morals and hard work. My siblings taught me how to be strong and fight, and my mother taught me compassion.

what inspires me to come to school

I am inspired to go to school by many things. One is my favorite director Tim Burton. I remember seeing a lot of his films and being blown away by how the film was made. Another reason is that I want to have a lot of what I write put onto film. Also, I am my own motivator. I choose not to become a waste of space and figure I'll actually get an education and learn something!

Banned Books Questions

What is the #1 banned book of 2000-2009?

The most banned book of 2000-2009 was a toss up between Harry Potter and And Tango makes three. They both made #1 three consecutive times within that span.

Do you agree with that book being banned?

Although I haven't read And Tango Makes Three, Harry Potter was a read of mine. I don't feel it's appropriate to ban books of this nature because it's at least getting kids to read.

Which banned books have you read?

I have read a few. Atlas Shrugged, Harry Potter, To Kill a mockingbird, A Hitchhikers guide to the Galaxy

Should books be banned? Explain your answer

No, books should not be banned for the simple fact that if you chose to open the cover, you chose to gain that knowledge. It's sad to ban books over personally opinion we we're not the center of the universe.

What is freedom of speech? Does that include written material?

Freedom of speech is the ability to say/write/create what you want and the message you want to convey without anyone telling you otherwise. I think this includes written material because speech is also the words you write as well as the ones you speak.

"Where one burns books, one will soon burn people."
--Heinrich Heine

Do you agree with this quote? Explain

 Yes, it's happened before with the Salem Witch Trials. We burned people at the stake for their own personal beliefs.

Find one banned book and explain why it has been banned:

 Ulysses was banned for it's sexual content.

Give background information on the author:

 James Joyce was an irish novelist and poet now considered to be one of the most influential writers.

What has this book and author contributed to our society?

the author has contributed a great deal of books and literature why his most popular book Ulysses continues to inspire even to this day

What would be lost if no one could ever again read this book or any books by this author?

a good understanding of one's own personal character, as well as a great story would be lost.

What does my mother mean to me?

My mother means more than I would ever have words for. She had passed away four years ago and since then I have always looked back on each thing she's ever said. If she were here I would want to ask her things I never thought of while she is alive, but she is not. I would want her to teach me how to cook the crap she made, but she can not. You never realize how much you appreciate and rely on her until she's gone.

who is your favorite star wars characters?

I do not have a favorite Star Wars character as I haven't seen the films. Sure I've laughed at all the funny spoofs and what not, but I never actually grasped the concept of why this film has gotten so popular, and never did I actually sit down and watch the films. I tried reading the comics from MARVEL as my mom had them, but when I saw she also had her old cache of Creepshow and Tales from the Vault/Crypt/ect I chose to go the gory route. In no way am I against sci-fi, just not my cup of tea...then again I don't really like tea either. I've seen enough of the commercials and clips to piece together some dude falls in love with his sister-which unless I'm watching a film based off Shakespeare, I do not agree with, and even then it was hard to swallow the fact Hamlet slept with his mother. ANYWAYS, I also know some furry thing and Harrison ford have to go and do something with these incest-loving people...and that some dude doesn't like em and winds up being there father (which is typical, make the dad out to be a jerk) and that the film has spawned numerous sequels as well as created a grove of merchandise that's either collected or found in the dirt of a backyard (much like the one's my sister was given) In any case I've seen and heard enough of this series, and refuse to go back and watch something so long, as I fell asleep during titanic for it's lengthy story telling.

Don't get me wrong, star wars is apparently HUGE and has a lot of fans...unfortunately most of them saw the movie with their parents at young ages, and have now took to living in the basement at the age of 45 and still battling acne. Sure they have conventions on the films, where people dress up and flaunt their favorite characters, and once again, unfortunately psychiatrists are not free or on call for these events...But yea...star wars isn't that big of a film to my career. I respect the fact it was the "best" of it's kind for that time however other than that...it seems kinda boring.

Osama bin ladan and the death of consequences

Osama Bin Ladan's death and life both caused crazy consequences. For starters his life was made up of hatred. He used this hate to gain followers and supposedly "attack" the U.S, weather you buy that story or not is your own belief...but regardless it started a war...
NOW HERE WE ARE, ten years later and the news smothered with talk about his "Death." It's disgusting to me that when it was announced america cheered. REALLY? Cause that's how america works right? NO. Something smells rotten and it's our corrupted government. How are we to know that this person is "dead" and further more why would we shoot an unarmed person? JUSTICE WAS NOT DELIVERED, IT WAS FORGED.