Sunday, April 13, 2008

Learned and Unlearned

All in all this class was very good. I learned lots of important principals about writing that will help me throughout my life. Although there are some ideals I wish I could have learned but didn’t, I still feel that this class was well worth my time as I learned a great depth more about writing than I had before known.

I feel that I could have better learned grammar skills. Going into this class I did anticipate learning grammar skills as part of the regular curriculum. I was quite surprised to be graded for expert level grammar skills without being explicitly taught the principles in class. Grammar is not a weak point for me because most of it makes sense, but little nuances prevent me from making more lucid, concise arguments.

One good thing I did learn was how to properly cite sources in our research paper. I have written several papers over the years, each with weak citations and likely high amounts of accidental plagiarism. Now I can effectively take an idea from another source and legally incorporate it into my own work.

Also with this research paper I learned a better way to commence the research process. Now I know that it is better to go into a research attempt without heavily preconceived notions, but rather to let the research dictate what my argument will be. This allows the paper to be more accurate and truthful because I didn’t throw out sources that didn’t agree with my previous notion.

I do feel that I learned some valuable things about the writing process. For example, the structure and form of my thesis statements have much improved. Now I can write concise directives for my paper that maintain to be interesting. Also, since we had the discussion about conclusions, I feel much better about writing them. Before, conclusions have always been confusing and difficult for me. Now I know about many techniques to bring a paper to a close.

With the peer reviews and teacher reviews of our work, I have learned how to improve my writings skills. I do not feel that I was a bad writer before, but to have 4-6 different people look at my work and offer suggestions has been beneficial. I am able to see patterns in my writing that are strengths and weaknesses. Also, when others read my work, some are confused by ideas that I thought to be clear. If this is intimated to me, I will be able to revise the idea to be more concise, descriptive, and strong.

Hopefully in my future writing ventures, I will be able to incorporate the things that I have learned in this class. I realize that even in the very technical field in which I will be employed, it will be necessary to effectively communicate ideas to others with which I associate. In the next couple of semesters I will be taking a follow-up course for technical writing which focuses more on technical aspects. I do realize, however, that without the general ideas to be gleaned from a first-year writing class I would not have the foundation necessary to be able to effectively discuss technical things in writing.

Wednesday, March 26, 2008

Ironic Levity

“If you want to tell people the truth, make them laugh, otherwise they’ll kill you.”

- Oscar Wilde

What a funny statement of itself –ironic I think. Here Wilde attempts to teach us a simple truth by making us laugh. Surely, however, one would not be martyred for telling a true statement devoid of levity; however, dislike and unpopularity would surround the persistent truth teller.

Wilde’s statement has a couple of important points to it. First, “If you want to tell people the truth…” I have spent a good portion of my life fibbing to people –no lie. I find it entertaining to mess with people. Often, when asked a simple question like, “Where did you get those new shoes?” I might quickly reply, “Oh, I stole them from the store.” I find that I do this more with unnecessary questions.

I have a field day with this when in company of my mother in law. She is always asking questions; namely questions I don’t feel are relevant to anything at all or just to prompt small-talk. To entertain myself I’ll just lie in response to her question. My responses, as shown above, are often so ridiculous and shocking that the untruth is easily spotted, but it keeps me happy and humorous.

The second piece of Wilde’s statement is for the truth tellers out there. There have been times when I feel that someone’s actions are outside of social acceptability. I had this companion (isn’t that how the best stories begin?) who was less than moderate in many of his ideals. I recall a “Bible bash” he had with some random dude on the streets of Sunnyvale, California. As we were riding away, this Elder said, “I’m going to add that guy to my list of people to dust my feet off against!” How absurd. To keep myself from going crazy, I had to say something. So at this time I developed an interesting way to offer correction without being killed by this kid.

As I learned about this Elder’s life, I found that he had had a rough time. All through high school he was ridiculed heavily for being a member of the church. He was used to this opposition and readily accepted a fight. So for me to oppose or ridicule his behavior was wholly ineffective. So, I would just make him laugh while I got my point across by going to the extreme with his ideas. For example, he once said, “I hate gays and liberals,” I replied, “Yeah, we should petition the government for a mass genocide.” He would laugh and realize how extreme he was being and chill out. By proud report, he named me his 2nd favorite companion.

I suppose that there is a third point here made by Wilde. He intimates that if one can make a person laugh while telling the truth, one will not be killed by that person. Is this a truth we can rely on? According to the audio series, “Joseph Smith: Lessons and Insights” by Mark L. McConkie, the prophet was quite the funny man. Even the Prophet himself, in his own account, admits to being “guilty of levity” (Joseph Smith –History 1:28). What became of Joseph?

Saturday, March 22, 2008

Researched

I have accomplished a few good bits of research for my Research Paper. I have found a few digital sources online through the HBLL as well as 2 books so far for my topic, effects of petroleum and natural gas on the environment.

The first book is Drilling Discharges in the Marine Environment. This book is very straight forward in its approach to explain studies on the waste of offshore oil rigs. The preface contains an “Origin of the Study” which states (much like a thesis), “A variety of wastes are generated in drilling oil and gas wells, including drill cuttings and used drilling fluids. The disposal of these wastes is licensed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) (40 CFR 122-125). Permitting such discharges on the outer continental shelf (OCS) has occasioned considerable public debate about how much they may harm the marine environment.”

The book is written in the form of a report. It is about 180 pages in length. As for the effects of drilling on marine pollution I think this book will be my strongest resource. One drawback is the age of the book. Written in 1983, this has likely become an old issue. However, I am aware that these rigs still dump waste into the ocean, posing the same threats as before.

The second book I have is called Response of Marine Animals to Petroleum and Specific Petroleum Hydrocarbons. This book covers, a little more indirectly, the effects of oil drilling on marine life. This text shows the effects of accidental oil spills and oil leaks from boats or drill rigs. The preface contains this statement giving light on the content of this book, “From these investigations has come the increased realization that deleterious impacts of oil on the marine ecosystem may persist long after the visible oil pollution has been cleaned up or washed away.”

This book is written in response to studies and reflects this in its style. It is also about 180 pages long. As for content, it will be a support to the assertions made in the book mentioned above. This book is also older -1981. I have actually had some difficulty finding recent publications on this topic.

One compelling online source offers a downloadable PDF titled Statistical Analyses Supporting Final Effluent Limitations Guidelines and Standards for Synthetic-Based Drilling Fluids and other Non-Aqueous Drilling Fluids in the Oil and Gas Extraction Point Source Category composed by the EPA. This is also about 180 pages of information.

At this point my thesis statement will likely resemble the following: “Due to the destructive nature of natural gas and petroleum exploration installation, operation, and waste it is harmful to natural habitats, creatures, and the environment.”

I feel that this is a good topic for me for several reasons. First is that I have a direct investment in drilling operations. I currently work for an exploratory drill bit manufacturer in Murray, UT. I have a slightly more privileged view of the inner workings of the natural gas and oil exploration industry. I am personally curious about this topic.

Also, by virtue of my job, I have access to rig location maps and specialized trade magazines. These things allow me to more accurately and more conveniently assess the realities of modern drilling techniques. Although some of these materials are proprietary and cannot ethically be used or cited in my research paper, I can still gain insight by comparisons of materials, i.e. market expansion, new directions, shifts in trends.

I feel that this fits well with this assignment as well. The best argument for a good fit for this assignment is that it fits well with the outlined specifications; namely: be about the environment. I feel that I will be able to find enough published information about this topic while keeping my topic specific and interesting. I do believe that I can produce a concise essay of 10 pages or more from the materials that are available to me.

Also, I understand that there is an opportunity, if I do well, to have my work once again published. As I understand it, BYU’s environment department is looking for interesting articles for their compiled publication Borrowed Earth. If I feel that my paper topic is relevant and powerful, I will likely submit my work to be considered for publication. Thus, this assignment will have given me the drive and initiative to try to get published in a reputable work. The satisfaction and fulfillment that would come from such an accomplishment may urge me to seek occasion to publish myself again and again throughout my life.

Sunday, March 9, 2008

500 Interesting Words

As I become more acquainted with the world the one thing that interests me most is always changing. Years ago I was very interested in the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. More recently I was most interested in females. Today career opportunities and skills peaks my interest.

I am currently studying the very practical career discipline of Manufacturing Engineering Technology. This discipline promises to give me the skills necessary to run a company, particularly a manufacturing company, of any size from any position. By graduation I will have learned tool design, entrepreneurship, management, as well as beginnings in computer aided design, plastics, and statistics.

The most exciting prospective fruit of my major is the training for entrepreneurship -to one day operate my own business. I plan to find a niche in manufacturing. The potential for earning will be limitless. The hours I have to wrok will be flexible. Most importantly to me is that the problems I’ll be facing and the work I’ll be doing will be undergoing constant change and definition.

I figure I’ll work for a company for at least ten years to get the proper level of work experience for application to my business. My current employer owns two small businesses with a partner. He told me that he worked for a company for fifteen years before starting his company. In his estimation, and mine, real world work experience put him in a solid position to start a business.

Another acceptable choice career path involves the title of CEO. For me, it would be a good fit to be at the top of the company food chain. I feel that I have the proper leadership skills and determination to make such a position worthwhile. I have often felt that I could effectively mold the laborer and the management into a powerful cohesive force of progress. I see the important of the opinion of the little man. When the big picture does not fit the idea of some, I would try to help them understand the big picture.

Whatever my career destination, two things drive my ambitions –happiness and money. The purpose of making a living is to MAKE A LIVING. Many people cannot be happy in meaningless and dead-end jobs. Money however, must be made to support a family. My ambition is to be able to comfortably provide for my family and sustain others with the excess.

One large thing that allows me to choose a career that pays well and keeps me happy is education. I am using this time in my life to work hard to open certain doors of opportunity. Education allows you to start somewhere halfway up the ladder of your career goals instead of at the bottom. I work with a guy who did not go to college but does essentially what I will personally do in the workforce. The difference between he and I is that this position will be starting for me and thirteen years invested for him.

500 Interesting Words

As I become more acquainted with the world the one thing that interests me most is always changing. Years ago I was very interested in the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. More recently I was most interested in females. Today career opportunities and skills peaks my interest.

I am currently studying the very practical career discipline of Manufacturing Engineering Technology. This discipline promises to give me the skills necessary to run a company, particularly a manufacturing company, of any size from any position. By graduation I will have learned tool design, entrepreneurship, management, as well as beginnings in computer aided design, plastics, and statistics.

The most exciting prospective fruit of my major is the training for entrepreneurship -to one day operate my own business. I plan to find a niche in manufacturing. The potential for earning will be limitless. The hours I have to wrok will be flexible. Most importantly to me is that the problems I’ll be facing and the work I’ll be doing will be undergoing constant change and definition.

I figure I’ll work for a company for at least ten years to get the proper level of work experience for application to my business. My current employer owns two small businesses with a partner. He told me that he worked for a company for fifteen years before starting his company. In his estimation, and mine, real world work experience put him in a solid position to start a business.

Another acceptable choice career path involves the title of CEO. For me, it would be a good fit to be at the top of the company food chain. I feel that I have the proper leadership skills and determination to make such a position worthwhile. I have often felt that I could effectively mold the laborer and the management into a powerful cohesive force of progress. I see the important of the opinion of the little man. When the big picture does not fit the idea of some, I would try to help them understand the big picture.

Whatever my career destination, two things drive my ambitions –happiness and money. The purpose of making a living is to MAKE A LIVING. Many people cannot be happy in meaningless and dead-end jobs. Money however, must be made to support a family. My ambition is to be able to comfortably provide for my family and sustain others with the excess.

One large thing that allows me to choose a career that pays well and keeps me happy is education. I am using this time in my life to work hard to open certain doors of opportunity. Education allows you to start somewhere halfway up the ladder of your career goals instead of at the bottom. I work with a guy who did not go to college but does essentially what I will personally do in the workforce. The difference between he and I is that this position will be starting for me and thirteen years invested for him.

Sunday, March 2, 2008

The Paramedic Method for Revising Sentences

The Paramedic Method for Revising Your Sentences

It would be absurd to propose that we ought to rid Brigham Young of ice entirely, especially in this freakish year of snow. It is reasonable and wise however, to isolate these hazards where possible to allow safe passage to our patrons. For this same reason we do not allow strange animals to roam free on campus that would endanger us such as the wild mountain lion from which we take our name.

  1. Bold all prepositional phrases (as, at, in, to, for, from, over, on, to, with, etc.)

It would be absurd to propose that we ought to rid Brigham Young of ice entirely, especially in this freakish year of snow. It is reasonable and wise however, to isolate these hazards where possible to allow safe passage to our patrons. For this same reason we do not allow strange animals to roam free on campus that would endanger us such as the wild mountain lion from which we take our name.

  1. Bold all “to be” forms (am, is, was, were, be, being, been)

It would be absurd to propose that we ought to rid Brigham Young of ice entirely, especially in this freakish year of snow. It is reasonable and wise however, to isolate these hazards where possible to allow safe passage to our patrons. For this same reason we do not allow strange animals to roam free on campus that would endanger us such as the wild mountain lion from which we take our name.

  1. Bold all nominalizations (verbs hiding as nouns, often spotted with suffixes like –ing, –tion, -ment, -ence, etc.) and write possible actions after them

It would be absurd to propose that we ought to rid Brigham Young of ice entirely, especially in this freakish year of snow. It is reasonable (reason) and wise however, to isolate these hazards where possible to allow safe passage to our patrons. For this same reason we do not allow strange animals to roam free on campus that would endanger us such as the wild mountain lion from which we take our name.

4. 4. Find the actor and the action, & 5. Revise the sentence.

An absurd proposal is that we ought to rid Brigham Young of ice entirely, especially in this freakish year of snow. It is reasonable and wise that these hazards are isolated where possible; allowing our patrons safe passage. By reason we do not allow strange animals to roam free on campus that would endanger us like our self-named mountain lion.

Thursday, February 21, 2008

Rhetorical Analysis

This portion of the class is unique because it forces us to write about something we will likely never use... Or does it?

I my estimation, it is important to be able to effectively analyze any important argument we are faced with. At many time in our lives we will be making major decisions based on some argument. It would be nice to be able to tell if there are holes in a seemingly sound topic. For example, when electing a president (of any kind) it becomes pertinent to know and understand some techniques that may be used to fool you.

Other cases many not be so serious, but still offer advantages to the well prepared audience. Just recently, my wife and I attended a sales meeting; allured by a nice "free gift." The salesman was smooth and brought up many good points as to why we ought to buy his product. I could not argue with much of his logic accept one piece. He asserted over and over that if I did not act now, the opportunity would NEVER come my way again. Well, I have done sales myself and recognize the tactic and know that this man would rather have a future sale with us than no sale at all. The point is even basest understanding of rhetoric can elevate us from the bond of ignorance to evaluative genious.

Monday, February 18, 2008

This Class

The biggest problem with our educational situation is that poor classroom. There are never enough tabletops for the students. This discourages proper amounts of note-taking due to awkwardly positioned notebooks on our knees. Aside from the cramped room, the elevators often make tardy people out of normally on-time students because of the wait to ascend/decend. This makes a strain to be ontime for not only one, but two classes. The computer lab does work well for our group as an alternative.
As for the teaching, I see no major issues. I wish Mr. Keeley wouldn't apologize so much. And for some reason I struggle to remember to post my blog on time. Everything else is gravy though. I feel that class is well paced for the novice to moderate writer.

Sunday, February 10, 2008

RA My Talking Stain

So, this year the SuperBowl did not yield very many creative or engaging commercials (which was a large disappointment to me, since that's why I watch). However, between a talking vomiting baby and dancing thriller lizards, Tide came up with a clever ad to promote their "Tide To Go" stain erasing pen that debuted last Sunday. This ad lovingly referred to as the "My Talking Stain" ad by YouTubers can be found @ http://youtube.com/watch?v=vgtfC5LBAW4 .

The premise of the ad is pretty simple. There is a young man in a job interview who is interrupted by his loud talking stain as he attempts to promote himself. Because of the distraction of the stain, the interviewer hears nothing the young man says.

The writer or person sending the message could be a few people. Tide would be the primary presenter of this ad. There are likely however, a large dynamic clave of seasoned interviewers who raise to their feet and clap their hands to see this oft made mistake brought to the forefront of ignorance.

This ad is meant to appeal to all kinds of people. Anyone who wears clothes would be affected by this ad. Also people who care a lot about the appearance of cleanliness and intelligence would be an audience. Businessmen who hang out near the coffee maker often would feel the urgency to go pick up a Tide To Go stain pen.

There are several messages that Tide is portraying here. The message is largely that stains make you look ignorant. Another is that stains are inconvenient and distracting. Another could be that no matter how smart you are, your appearance will speak much louder than you. Also as soon as this young man would notice his stain, he will be embarrassed. One thing right at the end, if you look carefully, is that the ad states that it is a coffee stain that is depicted; likely a common culprit of stained shirts of businessmen everywhere.

The finale of the ad invites us to "Get Famous at MYTALKINGSTAIN.COM." Surely this last little shove gives the viewer curiosity as to how they might "get famous."

All around this is an effective commercial. It reminds us of the importance (and awkwardness) of stainalities. Some might conjure up in their minds memories of similar debasing experiences and rush to the store to avoid any future occurrence.

Sunday, February 3, 2008

Awesome and Neato x 2

First off, I really enjoyed Deigo's introduction. I must sau that my attention was captured by the speeding driver scenario. This is good because it totally applies and we've all seen it. It just put me in the story.
Brad had a great way of defining his enemies, "...now a new, cruel digital TA is
working for the teacher that never sleeps and is constantly bossing students around." That is very entertaining. Also this works effectively to turn us against online quizzes and the like by personifying them as all we imagine in horrible TA's.

Sunday, January 27, 2008

Introduction to... Me

I am Randall John Hendricks. I was born Nov. 16, 1984 in Excelsior Springs, Missouri to Randall Vern and Deborah Jane Wheat-Hendricks. I have one brother, Paul, older than me by 5 1/2 years. I grew up in the small sleepy suburban town of Wood Heights, close to Excelsior Springs. In fact, I lived in the same two-bedroom home for the first 18 years of my life.

School was a wild ride but often a joy for me. I applied myself to do well. Also my big brother, who did very well in school, was a good example of a strong student. In high school I worked very hard and achieved a 3.904 GPA and a 16th rank of 194 graduates. I really enjoyed school.

The Gospel is newer to me than most. During my junior year, at age 17, I began to date a young LDS girl who I worked with named Liz. She began to tell me about temples and prophets and visions. I was skeptical at first. But I couldn't deny the testimonies that I heard; plus Liz's family was always happy. Liz and I parted ways, but not before the seed of curiosity was placed in my mind and heart. I took the missionary discussions and was baptized Dec 15, 2002. I have recently celebrated five years of membership.

I served an LDS mission for 2 years, Feb ’04-’06, in San Jose, California. It was an amazing time that I wouldn't have traded for the world. It was definitely one of the more worth-while and fulfilling things I've ever done. The weight of those two years is likely far greater than that of my life accomplishments for the 19 previous years combined.

It is my testimony that the Book of Mormon is a true book of scripture. If any man would read the Book of Mormon and give it the proper serious reflection it deserves, they would know of its truth. During my own investigation I read some of the Book of Mormon. After just a few verses, I felt that the Book of Mormon was a true book.

Shortly after my mission, this time last year, I met my wife, Christa. We were both out to Utah for school from distant lands. It so happened that we were privileged to live near each other in King Henry Apartments. We had shared a large ward for a whole semester before we were formally introduced.

After the introduction we fell in love quickly. At a UVSC Institute dance we danced together and I knew Christa was special. As the night ended I stole her cell phone like a 4th grade boy so I would have a reason to keep her attention. I declared later that night that I would only return her possession if she would accompany we to a late dinner. Following our dinner date we talked for hours and decided we would date.

After many wonderful experiences, I asked Christa to marry me. We had decided together that marriage was something we wanted for ourselves. Her father flew out to meet me. Shortly after this, before the winter semester had ended, I had a ring and a plan. I took her to Provo Canyon to a park we visited the first night we dated and proposed. We were married July 2007 in the Washington D.C. Temple.

I am currently studying to be a manufacturing engineer. I am a junior at BYU. I work for a manufacturing company in Murray, Utah as a Process Improvement intern. I plan one day to operate and own a manufacturing facility.

Monday, January 21, 2008

Mitt Romney -Faith and Candidacy

I read the article titled "Romney's Speech: The Role of Faith in America." Therein the author explains Romney's position on the role of religion as it pertains to state. The author tells us Romney does not think church and state can be completely separated and furthermore that he will "endeavor to live by it." The author makes this point 4 times.
The kairos to this article would be that now is the most relevant time for such an article to be written. Of course, now is the hot bed of the primary election season. Many are informed about the religious affiliation of Romney, but have not yet made up their minds as to what to do about it.
The intended audience would likely be BYU Daily Universe Readers, members of the LDS faith (trying to rally LDS support of Mitt), and the American voter. This article would likely have a larger effect in a national newspaper; however, it also ought to have a polarizing effect on the LDS reader.
The greatest means of persuasion I could see is the appeal to some sense of religious or moral fortitude. The author deliberately made the point that Romney would not declare "
division between church and state was absolute" as JFK (a revered President) did. This makes Romney somehow more noble and honorable than JFK to the reader.

Wednesday, January 16, 2008

ENG 150 Start

Start of a new semester... GREAT!