Final Blog Post
1:59 PM | Author: Ryan Schaefer
Here is a list of 10 blog posts that I feel exhibit the most creative, well written and most responded to posts this year.


1.) RoadWork Ahead Posted 1/23/09- This is my first and one of my favorite blog posts. I really stressed out about what my blog was going to be about. This worry didn't live long, because as I learned more about writing for the web- I realized its uniqueness. It doesn't need to be tied down by constraints; it is fluid and free to be as its author commands. This post taps into a personal wisdom that I wished to share with my readership. This post gives my reader's a better perspective on my blog's name as well as a feel for me as a writer.



2.) From "Who am I?" to "Where am I?" - Posted 2/2/09 - After explaining my blog's title I felt obligated to introduce myself thoroughly. But, I wanted to do so creatively. I think this blog post is first attempt, to my knowledge, of someone trying to explain who they are through a location. I think it works and at the same time it gives my readers a weekend destination as well as perhaps interest in befriending me ( but only on facebook).



3.) Not Lost or Found... Just Undiscovered- Posted 2/9/09 - I have this unusual attraction to any kind of talent, thus I found it fitting to enlighten my readers as well as myself and attempt to maybe discover why. American Idol, despite popular dislike, is my favorite program on TV. The purpose behind this blog was to instill appreciation as well an aspiration for talent in my readers. If I were to write this again I would probably just do a video blog post with little text.



4.) Define Love - Posted 2/16/09 - This post I though I would try a creative convention out. The post is all about love- quotes and my personal philosophy trying to explain it. Every time the word "Love" showed up I made it red. I think it's spirited and it adds to the post. I was pretty pleased with the graphics I was able to get my hands on. I also implemented a clip from Across the Universe- simply summarizing , " All you need is love !"



5.) Life on Grass - Posted 2/23/09 - This post came purely out of my own curiosity. One of my friends let me try a wheat grass shot, and afterwards raved about its health benefits. Questioning his credibility, I thought what better way to find out then to test it. I think this post is useful and it definitely appeals to the health nuts out there. I included a YouTube video of a wheat grass expert explaining all the science behind it. I love this post, but I hate wheat grass.


6.) So Easy a Four Year-Old Can Do it - Posted 3/2/09 One day I was watching TV and the infamous Mac vs PC commercial came on. This post came from that - I was trying to understand the computer industries advertising strategies. I ran across a commercial from Windows Vista (PC) with this little girl showing how she can edit and send pictures to her parents. Overall I feel that this is a great analysis of marketing strategies and I also think it is important to take these strategies into consideration , because I

think that it shows how technology is progressing as I also believe that it exposes a glimpse of how future generations and technology will interact. This is very relevant to many topics discussed in class.


7.) Make it What You Want it 4/7/09 - This is a post in response to the weekly prompted discussion for class. It discusses whether google is affecting our intelligence. I believe that as long as you're slightly skeptical and diligent when using the Internet as a resource then you will be fine. However, if you are completely ignorant and naive- then most likely you will be mislead by some of the junk that google brings up. I included a comic of how google censors their searches - I find it fitting as well as funny!


8.) Prom, Promiscuity, and Perspective posted 4/14/09 - I wanted to stray out of the usual words of wisdom that I usually bestow upon my readers, and instead bring some controversy into the mic. This post was inspired by an article that I read in New York Times. It was about how teenagers have less sex now than they did 40 some years ago. I re-read this article about 5 times, because I couldn't believe this claim. This post I feel is very successful, and it is so because it is a blog post. With YouTube and audio people can see my argument through different mediums of media. I think this post is relevant and interesting and I think that my readership enjoyed it.


9.) Dream - Posted 4/27/09 - I wrote a paper about the American Dream not to long ago and I did so because I was curious what it really meant. As of a couple of weeks ago I never realized how ambigous the phrase "American Dream" was to me. I couldn't even answer my own question. I think for some it is an illusion and I think that for other's it is a truth. I wanted to inspire some curiosity in my readers. This post's tone is a bit more formal than my usual tone, but I think it is a refreshing to hear something new. This academic tone is very fitting for finals time :). I tried to include a video of Bill Clinton's speech where he says, " America is more than a place... it is an idea, and that idea is the American Dream. " Overall, interesting blog topic.


And last but definitely not least...

 10.) Farewell Phoenix  posted 5/1/09 - I am transferring schools and have always felt obligated, as the writer that I am, to gain closure on things by wirting about them. I think that it is very important to remember and re-visit what you have learned in life. I love the first post and I love the last post, because they are so similar in nature. I began with my writing my heart and ended with it.

What has Blogging Taught me about Digital Writing?
 Blogging has allowed me to think freely, without pressure or worry of constraints. When I blog I am not worried about paragraph length or whether I cited a source correctly. Instead, blogging has taught me a different writing tone- an intellectual/conversational tone.  It has also taught me how to construct and organize multi-dimensional writing, through the use of graphics, video and linking. 

What have I Learned about Myself as a Writer?

I learned that I might have more to share with people than I originally thought. While working on this blog I often found myself with too many ideas and possible post topics. I also learned that I can adapt my writing voice fairly easy, which wasn't the case before this class. 

What have I Learned about Blogging?

I learned that blogging is a sort of art. A blogger must establish his/her own voice and write in harmonious conjunction with images and links as well as videos. A blogger must always take into consideration the length of their posts- if it's too long your potential readership could suffer, due to the lazy nature of humans.  

How Could the Blogging Experience be Improved? 
Hmm . . . well if time would have allowed me to post more frequently I believe that my "blogging experience " would have been more profound. I also think that if I were to have expanded my readership by posting to other random blogs, that I would have taken more pride and walked away with a higher writing confidence. 

I have enjoyed this project. I like to be able to just write about whatever my heart desires. Overall, I am happy with my blog. I hope my readers enjoyed it. 
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Farewell Phoenix
12:05 PM | Author: Ryan Schaefer

In life there are certain first impressions that are distinctively preserved in our mind’s precious collection of memories. Your first day of school, first love interest, first true friendship . . . We encounter these experiences with heightened senses in order to capture the moment genuinely and seize its entirety.

There will be particular hellos and goodbyes that I will not forget; their impressions will remain vivid throughout my life. Phoenix will be both a “hello” and a “goodbye” that I will not soon forget.

My collegiate education was accompanied with many life lessons:

  • You cannot, I repeat cannot, change someone. Instead, be accepting of your friends. Love them for the good and evil they posses. Take into consideration that humans are profound beings- complete with an entire life history, which is apart of them.
  • Popularity is a temporary vanity that many pursue. Being “cool” does not begin with gaining the acceptance of others; it is contrary to that- it begins with the acceptance of oneself.
  • Guard safe your heart for as long as time will allow. But, when it breaks pay particular attention to the pieces. Familiarize yourself with them – learn how they fit together and get to know the void that is meant for the right person.
  • Be a sponge. If you want to be the best, seek the best mentors. People are equipped with diverse talents and gifts- Absorb.

I can only hope that I used my time here as wisely as possible. I have met a handful of people who I will miss dearly and whose lives I will miss being apart of.

As author of my life story, I will put a close to this chapter on a good note and begin anew. Farewell Phoenix!

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Dream
9:28 PM | Author: Ryan Schaefer
cartoon-3.jpg image by kos102
A dream is realized in the instant that slumberous heads are lift from pillows and it reverberates still in blank stares of daydreamers. A dream is kept safe by many as the most precious treasure of the mind, and yet few realize its differing definitions. For some, a dream is a vision of truth, a hope and glimpse of what should and ought to be; it influences our fundamental intention and purpose; it calls us to live and walk our ordained paths as well as perform the good works we are meant to.
But, to others a dream is an illusion, deceitful in nature; it is a veil lain over eyes to blind the sight of reality and life’s present moment; it is an aspiration masquerading as a distracting vision that may mislead and abandon people, leaving only behind false hope. Taking into consideration these varying interpretations of what a dream is, what interpretation then should the “American Dream” adopt?
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Hybrid Class 11
3:51 PM | Author: Ryan Schaefer

I am sounding like a broken record... But nevertheless for this week's blog I will discuss some aspects of social networking as well as how and why I use some of them. I am a facebook fiend- I am naturally a nosey person, and I think a well informed individual thrives in social environments. Facebook is one of my "social fixes".

The status update is perhaps my favorite aspect of facebook- I don't abuse it but I do love to analyze people from it.

I wrote this paper for a Communications class:

Facebook has become, for many, a vital mean of communication by which users utilize to initiate, affirm, and maintain their relationships. This is essentially what is meant by the term “social grooming.” It is the fundamental and primary use of Facebook. Though true in most of society, college students in particular, often find it difficult to initiate any kind of relationship while attending universities, and it is perhaps the most important communication skill in developing relationships.

Facebook has eased this process by creating particular interest groups that users can join to meet others seemingly like themselves, thus eliminating the tedious and sometimes overwhelming task of finding those most similar to you. Before any Facebook friendship is deemed serious, users are required to publicly assure this particular bond to the public eye of their network. It is similar in nature to a wedding announcement in a newspaper. Initially, the friendship request relaxed typical relationship assurances and made it virtually effortless to be considered someone’s friend.

Recently, the friendship request confirmation is taken very seriously and with more consideration of the trustworthiness of that person, because of the potentially vast amount of personal and sometimes incriminating information on a user’s profile. It is through the relational maintenance function that societal communication influences Facebook. Societal communication is able to able to have this influence due to its unlimited demand for more efficient, customized and convenient upgrades to quench its curiosity.

This demand has influenced Facebook to evolve into a stalker’s paradise, providing anyone with a user’s personal information, just short of his or her social security number. But, this is all at the user’s disclosure, which leads us to Facebook’s secondary function, the presentation of the self.

Some argue that the word Facebook can function as a verb, and that we “Facebook” to construct a “social me”, otherwise defined as an identity. Mead, a social philosopher believed that, “it is through social interaction and socially embedded public or semi-public action that we affirm our relations, construct our status and ultimately produce the social ‘me’.” Users utilize Facebook in the very manner that Mead describes the construction of the “social me.”

Facebook users are in a continual attempt to present themselves through photo alums, profile pictures, interests, religion, race, their wall, and even their status. Facebook has encouraged the use of a slightly more complex “I feel statement,” in the form of a user’s status update. For example, a status could read, “ John Smith is… happy, sad, doing homework.”

There is no limit as to what you can say or how often you can change it. Many users find it necessary to abuse their status rights and utilize their status for emotional management or a GPS point, revealing their every movement to Facebook. One could argue that these abusers may have an identity conflict and dispute within their internal communication, which compels them to say, “Look at me!”

Until Next time -






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Prom, Promiscuity, and Perspective
11:21 AM | Author: Ryan Schaefer

I cannot provide any personal or elaborate details of the 1950’s nor do I possess any reminiscence of sharing malt shakes at Woolworth’s ‘groovin’ to the coin-operated Jukebox. I did not jovially hand jive with the cool cats at any sock hops and I did not sport a finely groomed and greased ducktail.

I missed out.

I was also not a front-row witness to James Dean’s revitalizing discovery of teenage rebellion or the infamous gust of wind, which wrestled through the subway grates-perversely inflating Marilyn Monroe’s white dress.

I was not there.

Despite the absence of these particular pop-culture experiences, I know that in 1956, as a result of a series of hip gyrations, a 19 –year old Memphis truck driver, Elvis Aaron Presley, would lay the foundations of rock-n-roll and revolutionize traditionally held morals and values forever on the “Ed Sullivan Show.” Later in his career, “Elvis the Pelvis” wore outlandish jumpsuits and placed promiscuity into prom with a single thrust. He became the villain and ridiculous reason in some American families for all the “back seat bingo” at Friday’s drive in.

Presley’s smooth movements marked him as a principal figure in the changing American sexuality. He provided society with a new perspective, refocusing the outdated idea of heavily suppressed sexual expression into an idea that only a “hound dog” could grasp. Presley’s appearance, music, and swagger were considered very sexy and his influence epidemically became tantamount to teenagers and worrisome for concerned parents.

Society almost instantly accepts the assumption that each new generation is more innately corrupt. These emerging generations are considered violent from their video games and sexually voracious due to the “hypersexed” environment in which they inevitably inhabit.

Parents have recently become a bit shaken up and are concerned that their children are having sex earlier, but according to a recent article and survey study in NYTimes, this is not the case… statistically at least. Today, fewer than half of all high school students have had sex: 47.8 percent as of 2007, according to the National Youth Risk Behavior Survey, down from 54.1 percent in 1991.

 A musical progression and media analysis would illustrate that over time music has been a direct expression of many human sexual perversities. The statistic becomes additionally complex and harder to comprehend- how is it that female sensations in the music industry have evolved from The Supremes to the The Pussycat Dolls without increasing sexual activity, especially amongst the younger and media obsessed generations?

We as listeners have progressed from enjoying the innocent Chordettes with their hit pop single "Lollipop" --> To listening to rapper, Lil Wayne, singing a song about "Lollipops" - just in a very different sense.


Hopefully the lyrical difference was made apparent considering that we are naturally corrupt.

The Supremes were the doo-wop sensation in 1959. When observing the variances observed in the videos, it is important to keep in mind the direct relationship between societal sexuality and artistic expression.


This is perhaps a statistical error or the greatest example of reverse psychology. Maybe prom really is all about dancing. The 1950’s will never be lived out or experienced again. This groovy decade existed as a brief season and sprouted many new exposures and ideas to society.

 

… The jukebox is blaring and after carefully flipping through the song selections I press “1 – 9 – 4 - 4”. Poodle skirts and ponytails arrive shortly after. My twist is out of this world and I catch the eye of a stacked girl effortlessly doing the stroll. We begin to dance. I arrive at euphoria… I wake up and repeatedly realize.

 

I missed out.

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Homeward Bound
3:33 PM | Author: Ryan Schaefer



There really isn't any place that comes remotely close to what some people consider home. While in the air, I re-ran Dorothy saying, " there's no place like home"- yet another connection to Wizard of Oz, as if my blog wasn't enough for you. After a weekend home, I was yet again in the air, but this time flying away from home. As a result of experiencing a weekend with a Dorothy like mentality- I produced this statement... There is no place like Albuquerque.


For those of you who are unaware- Albuquerque is in New Mexico and yes it is a state, and no you do not need a passport to visit. Albq. is a place of four true seasons, spectacular sunsets, one world renown balloon fiesta, and magnificent mountains. Many travelers either fly or drive through Albuquerque- and that is hardly experiencing the Land of Enchantment's jewel.



Albuquerque is growing larger and catching many eyes. No Country for Old Men, Little Ms. Sunshine, Terminator: Salvation, Observe and Report, Hamlet 2 - All of these movies have been shot in good ol' Albuquerque.
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Hybrid Class 10
11:32 AM | Author: Ryan Schaefer

In past times people, my fellow classmates, referred to me as the " Project- Master." This is mainly due to my mother. She is very artistic, organized and creative. All this to say that when it comes to making things look good and viewer friendly, I don't sweat it (Pat on the back). I haven't yet decided the content of my Multimedia project, but I do have a research paper on the American Dream. So I think that I will choose that as my content. I have made websites for other course projects so I have an idea of how to format them. I will utilize tons of links and video- to supplement my research. I will attempt at making it look clean and user friendly.

Since internet users don't like to read- I will format text so that it is easy to spot keywords and phrases. Oh, and I will make use of bullets to give my information some organized structure.
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Diamond In The Rough
12:42 PM | Author: Ryan Schaefer
Have you ever just thought of a food and immediatelyas the thought enters your mind you begin salivating- Well, whether or not this is a normal occurrence- it is a guaranteed reaction for me at the thought of New Mexican food.

For this week’s blog post I give you, Arizona’s diamond in the rough, Si Senor Restaurant.


Week after week I was patient in my search for authentic New Mexican cuisine, and with the shake of urbanspoon – I was bestowed a much needed blessing, here in Phoenix. It is located near the intersection of N. Alma School and Chandler Blvd. Though its appearance may resemble what many consider “a hole in the wall”, refrain from passing judgment- it is delicious (and clean).

Si Senor’s began in Las Cruces, New Mexico and is famous for their Hatch Green Chile. If you are looking for family oriented environment, low-priced, absolutely divine meal – Go try it out.

Read reviews here.

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Make It, What You Want It
1:50 AM | Author: Ryan Schaefer
Indeed an interesting question- "How is the internet affecting human intellect and thinking processes?" Well I like to think of the internet as the world and users as people- There will be fruitful and gaining times and/or areas of the world and we, as the users, have the freewill to choose our experience accordingly. Basically, you make what you want out of it. The internet, is unlike any other source available - it is: virtually boundless, accurate, inaccurate, beneficial, detrimental- It is worldly- it is not perfect. Yet, we rely on it, and I think that this reliance is justifiable by even the slightest ounce of diligence while delving into whatever answer you seek.

Do I trust google? Yes! But I also understand that it is not perfect, and that I must take the responsibility to to be both diligent and skeptical of whatever it "magically" reveals.

Now a better question might be- "How has the internet changed the ordinary student?"

If I were to personally answer this I would have to say this:
  • I do not read - I skim, thank you sparknotes
  • "And what the Net seems to be doing is chipping away my capacity for concentration and contemplation" (Carr).
  • When I have a question, thank you google or Chacha or Kgb
  • When I am confused about math or spanish - thank you wordreference and forums.

Without it- I would be a fish out of water. I think that the internet has improved my writing, but that is also because I wish to become a better writer, so I inquire the internet accordingly. Social networks like facebook has had a diverse effect on its users- The influence might seem to be problematic, when people can't even make their status a coherent thought- but on the other hand the public nature of facebook maybe pressures people to check spelling and grammar- out of fear of being seen as unintelligent.


Understand yourself- Play life's game, bend the rules and lastly make it, what you want it
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3:57 PM | Author: Ryan Schaefer

My experience with Zines is about as successful as the demonstrated search in class last tuesday. I still cannot find a site where I can view zines that are well-polished and not about politics. The first article we read had me laughing, "The best answer: Yes and no. Some fanzines are sloppy rants produced by psychopaths. (One of these guys sent me a 10-page death threat in 1992; he was unhappy with a review of his "work.")" -This was personally funny, because I have had an experience much similar to this, but perhaps less severe. I had an angry atheist- rant on my blog- granted I did call his blog content pathetic, I believe that is considered "sniping".. whoops. 

I know the content of my zine article -and I think I will write for the Washington Post, or this Art ZineLink - My article has to do with this documentary that I watched called "My Kid Could Paint That." - So I am considering my audience to either be art-inclined  or just skeptically interested in a possible scandal. I know that the press has covered this story and it is nothing "new" but I found it interesting and plan to (Of course) put my own spin on it. I think that my article will need high quality images- as well as video- As for links- the zines I have been able to find- aren't that hyperlink rich. 
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So Easy a 4 year-old Can Do It.
11:00 AM | Author: Ryan Schaefer
 In this day and age it is important to keep up with times. For this post, my principle focus will be advertising trends of PC companies and how they have transformed in response with "keeping up with the times". Gilmore shows us that we, as internet users, are like editors and/or a team of quality control through his example of the faulty Mac- PC ad. I think we can witness a similar trend happening in Wikipedia, though I think that they actually hire "authenticators" to review the accuracy of what is posted. Anyways, this whole Mac-PC deal made me think of how companies in general have adopted one of two advertising philosophies. 

1.) They stress the simplicity of their product, and in terms of technology I feel that infers a easier way to keep up with times and the internet...etc

2.) The more recent strategy is seemingly identical. The Geiko slogan, " So easy a caveman can do it." is influential but I think it is the "child" element that changes the motives of the ad. Here is the new strategy- 


I think that the fact that this child is able to operate a PC is incredible. This is what I think the ad is saying. 
  • It is showing society that the newer generations are adapting quickly- one could argue that it is like an indirect threat to generations that are computer illiterate. 
  • It is also promoting a change in the norms of society. 
  • I think the ad could pressure some individuals to "keep up with the times" 
  • Lastly I think they are definitely trying to say that Windows is so easy " A Four year-old Can Do It"
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Lost in Translation
11:18 AM | Author: Ryan Schaefer

I can't imagine how it would feel to experience being completely surrounded in a culture any different from my own. I guess I have lived a sheltered life or least in a cultural aspect. Two weeks ago, some of my good friends introduced me to two foreign exchange students from Spain. My friends explained to me that these exchange students were having a really difficult time adjusting to everything. They knew that I would be able to take them under my wing and help the whole  "assimilation process" because I speak a good amount spanish.


I have been bombarded with question after to question. The questions range from inquires about american culture to relational dynamics. I have realized, after answering many of their questions, how confusing american culture is. I tried to explain Mardi Gras to them... it didn't go so well. 


They want me to correct and teach them, but I feel like they would be too discouraged if I actually corrected everything they said. After spending half a day with them, I am exhausted. I know that people thus far have not been eager to help and have left them to fiend for themselves in a world they really don't understand. I have no problem helping, I just hope that someone is equally patient with me when I study abroad in Spain. 

Things Learned:

1.) Not very many people are culturally sensitive. If something is slightly our of the realm of normalcy- People deem it weird and consider it socially awkward.

2.) Use Mean Girls as a way to smooth the assimilation process- they will understand. I promise. 

3.) Exchange students worship Skype.  


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Immortal Journalist
2:04 AM | Author: Ryan Schaefer
 For this weeks blog, we are... yet again commenting on how the internet has changed our life and de-dee-dum de-dee-dee. I am known to be a Web Doctor for myself and anyone who is sick around me. I love the virtual chase of rummaging through WebMD and all of someone's symptoms to diagnose them much more severely than appropriate. This is slightly off topic, because they aren't really citizen journalists, but it has to do with blogger credibility. Anyways, so many people post responses to these questions and give specific medical advice to these random people, and I can assure you that they probably did not attend any kind of medical school. While there are obviously some unreliable bloggers- the internet provides a wealth of knowledge that if used diligently, can serve many purposes.
In a semester's time, I have made the conversion of reading the New York Times in paper, to reading it on my Itouch while I lay in bed thinking of what to write on my blog. As we have discussed many times in class, paper is going out of fashion, but technology does have its limits. For example, I would not want to read Harry Potter on an E-book... I just wouldn't... and what if the battery runs out- or I have to charge the dang thing. Am I going to sit by an outlet and read?
 Obama's campaign manager is/was a genius. They made a celebrity out of President Obama by appealing to young voters by "speaking our language" - Smart people. They obviously see how dynamic the internet has become, and I think they also realize how blogging enhances any writing by adding other dimensions... by linking and such. 

 
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Citizen Journalist
3:27 PM | Author: Ryan Schaefer
 When I think of the term " citizen journalist", I can't help but imagine our class reenacting the Sun Devil Football pre-game video... haha  " I.... am a CITIZEN JOURNALIST!" I have been looking for good examples of a citizen journalist blog, I was only able to find examples of the Oscars, which by the way were the absolute best they have ever been. It is interesting to read the point of view of a citizen. I think it adds to the experience and they are able to a different approach to covering a certain story- whether it be through details- or even language. Some languages will interpret things just because there meaning is skewed or "lost in translation" 

I think it is possible for a young blogger to have an influential impact on their readers... why not. I think some good that a citizen journalist might bring to Journalism- is eliminate the "Fluff" of prestigious journalists, and express themselves with- perhaps less political pressure or bias... or maybe not haha.  
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Life, on Grass
3:13 PM | Author: Ryan Schaefer
I left my apartment at around 9 AM, reminding myself to bring a bag. I know the route. It’s easy- down rural and then a right followed by a quick left down a dusty alley. I arrive and I can smell it. The smell alone makes me nervous and I begin to sweat. I think to myself “ How much do I buy again?” “ I hope I remembered the cash on the counter”

I decide on an ounce and I wait at the counter and gently slide the cash on the table to complete the transaction.

I close my eyes, put it to my lips, and take my first wheat grass shot. This week’s blog is about my weeklong journey of “Life, on grass”.

The title might throw you for a loop, thinking this blog would be about marijuana. Well hopefully it doesn’t disappoint you that it’s actually about wheat grass. Have you ever felt like you just need a good detox, or maybe just something healthy? I presume that I am guilty of this. Rumors of wheat grass’s miraculous health benefits provoked my actions this week. I wanted to find out for myself.

After some careful research I constructed a daily routine, to which I would strictly adhere. It went something like this:

1 shot Acai blueberry juice

1 Activa Yogurt

Pineapple

1 One Fiber Bar

8-16 oz. of Green Tea

6-8 glasses of lemon water

1 ounce of fresh wheat grass juice

as for meals- I ate small portions ( the size of my fist) every two hours

All of these things have a specific purpose and all are very important when naturally detoxing.

Why Detox?


Some feel that wheatgrass is a bunch a bolgna, but it is highly recommended by many physicians. Here are 35 health benefits of Wheat grass.

I am an advocate, but I think you just have to try it for yourself.

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Class discussion for Tues.
12:17 AM | Author: Ryan Schaefer
If, as Sullivan says, "A successful blog therefore has to balance itself between a writer’s own take on the world and others," how can you meet the challenges of blogging? Writing in digital spaces is different from writing outside the digital world. Having blogged now for a few weeks and read blogs during that time as well, what can you say about how writing in a digital space such as a blog differs from others kinds of writing you have done?

Gaining readership seems to be difficult for me as of now... being that I don't even think that half of the class follows my blog. But, nonetheless I am still aiming to gain more readership, especially outside of our classroom environment. Personally I feel like these classroom posts lessen the appeal of my page, because I mean, who wants to read about why, when and how I blog- or how I feel about a certain article published in 1995. Obviously I understand that it is an assignment, and while I might think the discussion is interesting, its interest exists only between me and my classmates (general assumption).

Does blogging differ from other kinds of writing I have done? eh- yeah. My blog has a very conversational tone to it. Most of my previous writing is heavily academic, and this makes a clear difference in tone and style as well. But academic writing is boring, and I have always been the english student to really push the envelope with my professors. Many times it results in a professor either absolutely loving my writing, or categorizing my writing as rebellious blasphemy. 

Anyways- either way I don't really intend on dramatically changing how I write- or changing my views - for the sake of readership. Instead I will just keep posting, discerning what people might find interesting. I guess that is my balance. 

Ryan 
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Blog Reflection
3:36 PM | Author: Ryan Schaefer


In this week’s activity- we are doing some personal “me work. “ haha. How do I see myself as a blogger? I might categorize my style and myself, as introvert- I discuss a lot of what is going through my head and life realizations. I think I do this because- for me, when I write something, it’s as though I have processed something in a way my mind agrees with. My friends are always keen to notice the detail or time I will spend on choosing the most correct word to most accurately communicate what I am thinking. In my introvert-ness this attention to detail helps me figure things out.

I think that Rebecca Blood describes what I feel blogs do, “ …weblogs point to, comment on, and spread information according to their own, quirky criteria.”

I notice that some bloggers choose to blog about things that they read about- I approach the blog writing process a little different. I will think of something that I want to figure out or that I think is interesting- and then I will research it and try to find other sources and means of media to communicate in more than one dimension.

As a blogger, I hope to learn to write in slightly different voice, less familiar to me and do so more effectively. My main goal is to just become a better writer in general because it is something that I enjoy and I will continue to practice, as well as pursue my journey to become a “Jedi-Master” of writing. May the force be with me…?

Ryan
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Define Love.
10:45 AM | Author: Ryan Schaefer

In spirit of Valentine’s Day, I thought I would entertain the concept of “love” for this week’s blog entry. When I first sat down to gather my week’s thoughts about love and synthesize them into a blog, I found my self lost in the journey. Questions arose like, “ What is love?”

Research only produced further questions and alternative definitions, which led me to inconclusive understandings.

Perhaps love was created the instant that history began to write itself, or maybe love has always existed. I am unsure of love’s origin, but I am sure that it has existed as a mysterious and magical marvel that society (Primitive to most advanced, Alpha to Beta, and Poor to Privileged)- all have had a difficult time binding love’s meaning to words.

“Love is composed of a single soul inhabiting two bodies.”

Aristotle

“He who is in love is wise and is becoming wiser, sees newly every time he looks at the object beloved, drawing from it with his eyes and his mind those virtues which it possesses.”

Ralph Waldo Emerson

"For stony limits cannot hold love out, and what love can do, that dares love attempt"

William Shakespeare in Romeo and Juliet

“Love suffers long, and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails.... And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.”

The Bible, I Corinthians 13:1-2

These quotes encompass, what I consider, a meager attempt to define love, and I am still unsatisfied with it. I do not believe it can be wholly defined or understood completely. I believe… that love… is written in a unique language of the heart, and that from which it is written, is where it is understood.

So I challenge you (whoever reads this blog) to think about love this Valentine’s Day, because love should be recognized and held higher in thought than a box of chocolates or flowers. Everyday, I learn more and more of the purpose of things- finding that there’s a design.

Live. Learn. Love.

"Love is the only sane and satisfactory answer to the problem of human existence."

- Erich Fromm


-Ryan-

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I am Internet?
3:21 PM | Author: Ryan Schaefer

My inspiration for this week's blog title obviously, or maybe not, comes from the movie I am Robot! Clever...eh maybe, but oh well I tried.

In response to this week’s assignment, I feel more motivated to comment on the subject matter, as it seems to utterly fascinate me. Yes, we as humans are becoming increasingly dependent on technologies- the Internet and all the glorious gifts it bears, but if you stop to think about the transformation process of all of this, it truly is baffling.

This past week, due to a series of unfortunate technological events, my Internet was on/off for long periods of time making my life miserable. As a student, the Internet has become the blood in my veins. My dependency has grown so strong that not only was I not able to work on my online classes that I’m enrolled in, but I was not even able or willing to work on my regular classes. For Spanish I need my wordreference.com, and of course I need my facebook… I mean I could get a notification perhaps or friendship request! I unfortunately relived this experience while reading A Prisoner of Hope in Cyberspace and I thought about how.. I guess.. “Assimilated” I am with the Internet.

Also, I am taking a computer literacy course and I am learning all kinds of things that I have not already taught myself. This came to mind when Jackson said, “New media develops faster than our ability to adapt to the conditions it occasions.” This is so true and I am living proof. It is impossible to develop in a synchronous manner with the Internet, which is basically a compilation of millions of minds… but that is why we all as users are lagging,

Commenting further on Jackson’s article, I found that when he stated, “Our relationship to our world requires metaphysical grounding…” I am somewhat confused at what he is possibly purposing. Going out on a limb, I am guessing that he is saying that technology will advance so much that it will fulfill this desired “grounding” – I don’t think he is saying that it will replace religion- any thoughts?

As for sharing…There are always “Napster Debates” and what not going on… Sometimes I just think that these artists are making more than doctors do and I believe that their contribution to society is, to some, more valued. I don’t really want to get into that. In kindergarten I learned it… In adulthood I am mastering it! J

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Not Lost or Found... Just Undiscovered
12:49 AM | Author: Ryan Schaefer

It goes without question that weekly T.V. shows have under gone some Extreme Makeovers over the past decade. The days of Who Wants to Be A Millionaire are going out of fashion, becoming less popular as each year progresses. There will of course, always exist trash T.V. a.k.a A Shot at Love, Rock of Love... etc all of which I proudly do not watch, but there are also a plethora of talent searching shows. Every channel has its own unique talent show. Some involve dancing; cooking, dieting, fashion/modeling the list has no end. 


On June 11, 2002, American television aired what would become one of the most popular talent hit series ever. This was the day that American Idol charmed itself onto our screens. I tuned into that first American Idol episode and have yet to miss one in 7 years, consequently I have fallen victim to its enchantment.

         With every passing year, there is new talent. They are eager to raise the bar and they’re constantly out to surpass the accomplishments that idols have set before them. Being an avid fan, I cling to the classics, like the Power House, the Spark, and the Unexpected.   Our music industry is filled with American Idol contestants – some may be seen as a flash in a pan, but some contestants have already won multiple Grammy Awards along with having platinum records.

         My appreciation for the show comes mainly from the fact that most of the contestant’s talent is genuine. Little posing occurs on the show. It has always been important to me that respect and recognition fall on individuals who deserve it. We are currently in Season 8 and I have a feeling that America might find a superstar this season. 

For some foreign and strange reason I feel the obligation to leave this post with some words of wisdom. So many people have incredible talents that go through life undiscovered, unrecognized, unappreciated and undeveloped. If I stress anything in this blog it would be - Don't let talent within or around you become UN- anything. Instead discover, recognize, appreciate, and develop talent within and around you and leave this world with the pride that you didn't skip out on anything.

Here's to our gifts... Cheers

Until next time, 

Ryan 
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