Strengths and Challenges - Saad Ali
Hits and Misses - Matthew Bickham
Thursday, May 3, 2018
Monday, April 30, 2018
Strengths and Challenges
Writing has always been a touchy topic for me. Sometimes I feel that writing is the most enjoyable part of my academic life, and that--if given the opportunities--could turn into a potential career choice. Other times, however, I remember why in my previous years I have despised writing. Forms of busy work and--in general--disinteresting topics (at least to me) can strongly turn me away. However, no matter the topic or subject, I know that I have to try my best because I know that writing is important, and I know that my writing will make my legacy for me.
I am not going to further explain my opinions on my enjoyment of writing, however, but rather my opinions on the quality of my own writing. Looking back at the last few years of my life where I have started to write seriously and with more importance, I must reflect on my strengths as a writer, but also the challenges that I have faced and will continue to face as my academic writing career continues if I cannot improve my weakest skills. In general, I have always had a problem with unity. In fact, you can scroll down right now and read some of my older blogs and clearly see where I often stray from my topic. Acknowledging this, I always try to focus on every sentence and think of the next sentence strictly in regard to the overall goal of my piece: to answer my "prompt". Accompanied by various, smaller writing mistakes--like common punctuation or even spelling errors--I feel that this is the biggest challenge that I face as a writer. However, on a better note, I would humbly say that no matter what I'm writing or how well-developed it is, I can always find the right word choice. Often aided with a thesaurus, I can not only find quintessential words to use but more importantly, I find the words that fit my rhetorical situation almost perfectly most times. Although this is not is arguably not as important as unity in writing, I have at least this to feel confident about and drive me forward mentally as I continue to write seriously in the coming academic years.
I am not going to further explain my opinions on my enjoyment of writing, however, but rather my opinions on the quality of my own writing. Looking back at the last few years of my life where I have started to write seriously and with more importance, I must reflect on my strengths as a writer, but also the challenges that I have faced and will continue to face as my academic writing career continues if I cannot improve my weakest skills. In general, I have always had a problem with unity. In fact, you can scroll down right now and read some of my older blogs and clearly see where I often stray from my topic. Acknowledging this, I always try to focus on every sentence and think of the next sentence strictly in regard to the overall goal of my piece: to answer my "prompt". Accompanied by various, smaller writing mistakes--like common punctuation or even spelling errors--I feel that this is the biggest challenge that I face as a writer. However, on a better note, I would humbly say that no matter what I'm writing or how well-developed it is, I can always find the right word choice. Often aided with a thesaurus, I can not only find quintessential words to use but more importantly, I find the words that fit my rhetorical situation almost perfectly most times. Although this is not is arguably not as important as unity in writing, I have at least this to feel confident about and drive me forward mentally as I continue to write seriously in the coming academic years.
Hits and Misses
Over the course of this past school year, we have had multiple opportunities to express ourselves through words. As I write this now, I am making an example of how writing has allowed us to share with our peers and teachers what we know, think, and are interested in. As the school year comes to a close, I look back on what we have done this year and reflect on my experiences in various writing activities. I wrote some of my greatest pieces so far this year, but also I fell out of favor with some.
Our introduction to this year was met with a fun, creative assignment: a zine. Never having done a zine before, I allotted some time to it on the weekend and worked no make a great first impression. Although it was most definitely not one of my best pieces of literature, I can say that I enjoyed the assignment more than a lot to come. Next, we made our blogs, which--almost 9 months later--I am still updating and writing on. Some of these blog posts I sincerely had a great experience writing, while others felt more like busy work rather than a platform to truly express ourselves. However, I can say that overall these blogs were not something that I can easily say poorly reflected my writing competency. The significant points in the year, however, were marked by our major papers. However, I will only mention one: my research paper. Although I felt my others were still decent, I feel that my research paper stands out as my most well-developed, written, and--coincidentally--longest piece of writing this year. As I spent multiple weeks in the process, it becomes clear why it is so, but never did I think in the beginning that it would become the epitome of my freshman year English experience. Through the various writing assignments and opportunities that we were given this year, I can say that while I had still "missed" some, I "hit" the ones that counted, and I won't forget them for a while.
Our introduction to this year was met with a fun, creative assignment: a zine. Never having done a zine before, I allotted some time to it on the weekend and worked no make a great first impression. Although it was most definitely not one of my best pieces of literature, I can say that I enjoyed the assignment more than a lot to come. Next, we made our blogs, which--almost 9 months later--I am still updating and writing on. Some of these blog posts I sincerely had a great experience writing, while others felt more like busy work rather than a platform to truly express ourselves. However, I can say that overall these blogs were not something that I can easily say poorly reflected my writing competency. The significant points in the year, however, were marked by our major papers. However, I will only mention one: my research paper. Although I felt my others were still decent, I feel that my research paper stands out as my most well-developed, written, and--coincidentally--longest piece of writing this year. As I spent multiple weeks in the process, it becomes clear why it is so, but never did I think in the beginning that it would become the epitome of my freshman year English experience. Through the various writing assignments and opportunities that we were given this year, I can say that while I had still "missed" some, I "hit" the ones that counted, and I won't forget them for a while.
Thursday, April 19, 2018
Monday, April 16, 2018
PH Reading Response
Purple Hibiscus has taken turns to places which I could not have initially imagined. Beyond being a novel about maturity and the family construct, it strikes on darker, deeper topics in a chaotic world of corrupt politics and poverty. The setting has provided all the story has needed so far to create a frighteningly realistic take on modern life and the family system. The strain on Kambili and Jaja's lives as children, students, and--most importantly--people is clearly seen in this novel of revealed abuse, fear, and struggle.
I believe we have reached the climax of the plot, as the action has accumulated and built up to a momentous final straw for Kambili, Jaja, and Beatrice. As Kambili and Jaja return from their trip to Nsukka, they are changed forever. Jaja and Kambili's growing realization of the lack of happiness and freedom in their lives at home leads to their painful reality check brought by their father, a detrimental reminder of the prison from which they are trapped from within. So far, the plot movements and real-world issues that Purple Hibiscus has struck upon has no less than stunned and obstructed my view of the world and family constructs.
Friday, April 13, 2018
#483: Republican, Democrat, or Independent?
**Let me preface this by saying that this is not a political blog post. I am not going to argue for any specific stance as I did in my last post. This post, instead, will focus on my political identity and how political parties represent political beliefs. Enjoy.**
Two major political parties exist in America today: the Republican Party and Democratic Party. There also exists a small "Independent" Party, made up of a tiny minority of Americans today. The Republican Party is advertised as a party representing conservative views, while the Democratic Party advertises themselves as representing liberal views. However, what separates these parties from the Independent Party is that they neither of them are full, true embodiments of either political stance. Most conservatives identify as Republicans, and most liberals as Democrats, but the Independent Party represents their beliefs more fully than either of these parties. The Independent Party is an advertised "medium" to the political spectrum in America. So, Independent views are essentially a mix of conservative and liberal views with variation in each individual and political topic. As a conservative myself, I can say that I identify as a Republican, but I will explain why being a "Republican" or "Democrat" may not accurately express one's political beliefs fully.
The Republican Party in America currently holds the majority in every branch of the United States Government (Legislative, Executive, Judicial). Although all of these politicians identify as "Republicans" their views are conservative for the most part, but it is not as simple and shallow as that. Being a "Republican" simply means being affiliated with a certain party in America; it does NOT describe one's political views necessarily. For example, our President identifies strongly as a Republican, holding many strong conservative and right-leaning views. However, he also has shown that his views can become questionable as being completely conservative or with the conservative majority. In fact, prior to his candidacy, he identified as an Independent, and some of his children continue to today. A more local example is the majority of Louisiana citizens' political identification. Although we are considered a "red" state, as we have mostly had Republican governors, congressmen, and mayors (up until recently), the majority of Louisiana citizens are actually registered Democrats. However, the generally accepted irony here is that many registered Democrats are actually voting Republican. The current major political parties in America today can be associated with certain political stances, but an individual's association with a political party is not the equivalent of an individual's political stance.
Two major political parties exist in America today: the Republican Party and Democratic Party. There also exists a small "Independent" Party, made up of a tiny minority of Americans today. The Republican Party is advertised as a party representing conservative views, while the Democratic Party advertises themselves as representing liberal views. However, what separates these parties from the Independent Party is that they neither of them are full, true embodiments of either political stance. Most conservatives identify as Republicans, and most liberals as Democrats, but the Independent Party represents their beliefs more fully than either of these parties. The Independent Party is an advertised "medium" to the political spectrum in America. So, Independent views are essentially a mix of conservative and liberal views with variation in each individual and political topic. As a conservative myself, I can say that I identify as a Republican, but I will explain why being a "Republican" or "Democrat" may not accurately express one's political beliefs fully.
The Republican Party in America currently holds the majority in every branch of the United States Government (Legislative, Executive, Judicial). Although all of these politicians identify as "Republicans" their views are conservative for the most part, but it is not as simple and shallow as that. Being a "Republican" simply means being affiliated with a certain party in America; it does NOT describe one's political views necessarily. For example, our President identifies strongly as a Republican, holding many strong conservative and right-leaning views. However, he also has shown that his views can become questionable as being completely conservative or with the conservative majority. In fact, prior to his candidacy, he identified as an Independent, and some of his children continue to today. A more local example is the majority of Louisiana citizens' political identification. Although we are considered a "red" state, as we have mostly had Republican governors, congressmen, and mayors (up until recently), the majority of Louisiana citizens are actually registered Democrats. However, the generally accepted irony here is that many registered Democrats are actually voting Republican. The current major political parties in America today can be associated with certain political stances, but an individual's association with a political party is not the equivalent of an individual's political stance.
Thursday, April 12, 2018
Monday, April 9, 2018
Political Post: 2A and Firearm Control
The article I chose was from The Daily Wire, a more recent news source with accurate representation and uses credible sources from other bigger, as well as more local, sources. This article is about a specific case, but in the larger picture, argues strongly for the Second Amendment to the United States' Constitution.
This specific case mentioned in the article is a coverage of a suburb of Chicago, whose Village Board of Trustees recently passed a ban on "all assault weapons". If a citizen refuses to comply, they can be fined up to $1,000 a day. This ban also grants government officials the rights to confiscate and destroy the guns and magazines owned by (former) law-abiding citizens. This ban on "assault weapons" is actually a ban on all semi-automatic weapons with "assault-style features". The case for this is that it simply will only allow guns "designed for hunting" and other such activities, meaning that the overly-controversial Armalite Rifle 15 (AR-15) has been banned. However, none of the guns described in the ban are actually real assault weapons at all. They all have purposes in "hunting" and other recreational activities, while actual military-grade weapons ("assault weapons") are already banned or require extensive documents and licenses, including all fully-automatic and assault rifles and Personal Defense Weapons (PDWs). This new gun ban, if it is to be taken as what its creators say, is technically a violation of the Second Amendment, as the article by Amanda Prestigiacomo argues.
Around the nation, the stance against guns is becoming increasingly popular, especially in the wake of a recent school shooting in Parkland, Florida. However, there are many groups of people that believe their Second Amendment rights are threatened. In the case of a ban on all guns, yes, it would be. In the case of a ban on all "assault weapons", it depends on the interpretations of the lawmakers as to what an "assault weapon" is. If they are to use the technical and definitive definition of an assault weapon, then lawmakers are not legally admitted to further push gun control as far as it has already gone, according to the Constitution.
As far as gun control is concerned, it would not help further push the anti-criminal agenda on either side of the political spectrum. Making it harder for law-abiding citizens to defend themselves and their community, or even the government (as the Consitution is concerned), is not completely a violation of our rights, but it does not benefit society in any way. Criminals are, by definition, not law-abiding, and so they have all sorts of means of acquiring firearms even if more control is passed. In fact, it will help grow a criminal market for illegal weapons, while law-abiding citizens are left without a way to defend themselves against criminals with firearms. Gun bans and gun control are foolish ways to create a sort of "perfect, violence-free society", a utopia imagined by naïve citizens. As we've seen in history, especially modern history, a perfect society does not exist, and self-defense is the best way to counter it. Prestigiacomo creates a vague outline of these points as she refers to the case of a sad suburb.
This specific case mentioned in the article is a coverage of a suburb of Chicago, whose Village Board of Trustees recently passed a ban on "all assault weapons". If a citizen refuses to comply, they can be fined up to $1,000 a day. This ban also grants government officials the rights to confiscate and destroy the guns and magazines owned by (former) law-abiding citizens. This ban on "assault weapons" is actually a ban on all semi-automatic weapons with "assault-style features". The case for this is that it simply will only allow guns "designed for hunting" and other such activities, meaning that the overly-controversial Armalite Rifle 15 (AR-15) has been banned. However, none of the guns described in the ban are actually real assault weapons at all. They all have purposes in "hunting" and other recreational activities, while actual military-grade weapons ("assault weapons") are already banned or require extensive documents and licenses, including all fully-automatic and assault rifles and Personal Defense Weapons (PDWs). This new gun ban, if it is to be taken as what its creators say, is technically a violation of the Second Amendment, as the article by Amanda Prestigiacomo argues.
Around the nation, the stance against guns is becoming increasingly popular, especially in the wake of a recent school shooting in Parkland, Florida. However, there are many groups of people that believe their Second Amendment rights are threatened. In the case of a ban on all guns, yes, it would be. In the case of a ban on all "assault weapons", it depends on the interpretations of the lawmakers as to what an "assault weapon" is. If they are to use the technical and definitive definition of an assault weapon, then lawmakers are not legally admitted to further push gun control as far as it has already gone, according to the Constitution.
As far as gun control is concerned, it would not help further push the anti-criminal agenda on either side of the political spectrum. Making it harder for law-abiding citizens to defend themselves and their community, or even the government (as the Consitution is concerned), is not completely a violation of our rights, but it does not benefit society in any way. Criminals are, by definition, not law-abiding, and so they have all sorts of means of acquiring firearms even if more control is passed. In fact, it will help grow a criminal market for illegal weapons, while law-abiding citizens are left without a way to defend themselves against criminals with firearms. Gun bans and gun control are foolish ways to create a sort of "perfect, violence-free society", a utopia imagined by naïve citizens. As we've seen in history, especially modern history, a perfect society does not exist, and self-defense is the best way to counter it. Prestigiacomo creates a vague outline of these points as she refers to the case of a sad suburb.
Wednesday, March 28, 2018
Tuesday, March 27, 2018
Free Post: Poem
Carpe Diem
One chance,
my only.
Take it?
Leave it?
I hear the latter
yet my desire is placed
already
in its own arms.
One cannot wish alone,
for time is a valuable thing,
yearning,
leaning,
for the prospect of
satisfaction
in nothing but itself.
One may depart from the desire,
left,
with no regrets.
Desire may depart from it,
yet loiter,
with regret.
To seize the day,
one must lay
siege
to it.
Every day must be taken,
with or without regret,
for the impulsive gratitude of one's
desire.
So, I say,
take it, for it has been waiting
already.
One chance,
my only.
Take it?
Leave it?
I hear the latter
yet my desire is placed
already
in its own arms.
One cannot wish alone,
for time is a valuable thing,
yearning,
leaning,
for the prospect of
satisfaction
in nothing but itself.
One may depart from the desire,
left,
with no regrets.
Desire may depart from it,
yet loiter,
with regret.
To seize the day,
one must lay
siege
to it.
Every day must be taken,
with or without regret,
for the impulsive gratitude of one's
desire.
So, I say,
take it, for it has been waiting
already.
Reading Response: Purple Hibiscus
Purple Hibiscus has been an interesting experience for me so far. Its themes of family values and maturity are not new to me, but they are definitely a great refresher. As I tend to stay away from such serious fiction, I cannot say that I am disappointed or even irritated in reading this novel. The last book I read (fairly recently, in fact) with similar themes was The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls. It also featured a highly dysfunctional family, but instead one that was poor, yet still expressed deep connections. In Purple Hibiscus, however, such luxuries are the few that are not seen.
I often enjoy novels about human nature, and although Purple Hibiscus is more centered specifically on the family level, it seems to outline similar things. A key point of the novel is centered around Kambili and Jaja's father, Eugene. Since Eugene is a mixed bag of generosity and abuse, it becomes hard to see through into him, and that lack of transparency is what helps move the story forward and creates a basis for Jaja's growing defiance. `
I often enjoy novels about human nature, and although Purple Hibiscus is more centered specifically on the family level, it seems to outline similar things. A key point of the novel is centered around Kambili and Jaja's father, Eugene. Since Eugene is a mixed bag of generosity and abuse, it becomes hard to see through into him, and that lack of transparency is what helps move the story forward and creates a basis for Jaja's growing defiance. `
Thursday, March 15, 2018
Tuesday, March 13, 2018
Poem
Suddenly,
the crash is visible.
No longer is it unknown.
The room to act
precedes us.
Scrambling,
searching,
readjusting.
Our instincts are full of themselves.
No longer.
Devices used:
sibilance
assonance
cacophony
onomatopoeia
the crash is visible.
No longer is it unknown.
The room to act
precedes us.
Scrambling,
searching,
readjusting.
Our instincts are full of themselves.
No longer.
Devices used:
sibilance
assonance
cacophony
onomatopoeia
Analyze a Song - Modern Jesus by Portugal. The Man
Lyrics Here
Modern Jesus is part of the Evil Friends album by modern rock band Portugal. The Man. It is a song about not believing in anyone or anything but yourself. It incorporates a number of poetic devices in its verses and chorus, and while the lyrics aren't complicated, they fit together well enough to send its message.
In the first and opening verse, there is heavy assonance on the "long e" sound. However, not the end of every line rhymes with each other, so the rhyme scheme isn't exactly ABAB, but more of an ABCBDEBBBFG, but with some internal and slant rhyme. In the chorus, following the first verse, assonance is also present, but this time on the "us" sound. Almost every line in the chorus ends with an "us" rhyme or another "short u" sound. The rhyme scheme here seems to be along the lines of AAABAA. Each line also ends smoothly, providing a mild euphony. Verse 2 is definitely the heaviest in poetic devices. Assonance is present on three distinct vowel sounds: the "long i", "long a", and the "long o". Being all "long" vowels, of course, this verse as a whole is a strong euphony. However, this verse isn't too heavy on rhyme, unlike the chorus. Finally, verse 3, as its relatives, is also heavy on smooth assonance; specifically, the "long e" and "long u" sounds. This verse is also has a similar rhyme scheme as the chorus, with only one line that doesn't seem to fit the verse's end rhyme scheme. Overall, this song as a whole is heavy with smooth assonance and euphony, and I believe that that helps convey its care-free style and send its message that you only need to worry about yourself.
Modern Jesus is part of the Evil Friends album by modern rock band Portugal. The Man. It is a song about not believing in anyone or anything but yourself. It incorporates a number of poetic devices in its verses and chorus, and while the lyrics aren't complicated, they fit together well enough to send its message.
In the first and opening verse, there is heavy assonance on the "long e" sound. However, not the end of every line rhymes with each other, so the rhyme scheme isn't exactly ABAB, but more of an ABCBDEBBBFG, but with some internal and slant rhyme. In the chorus, following the first verse, assonance is also present, but this time on the "us" sound. Almost every line in the chorus ends with an "us" rhyme or another "short u" sound. The rhyme scheme here seems to be along the lines of AAABAA. Each line also ends smoothly, providing a mild euphony. Verse 2 is definitely the heaviest in poetic devices. Assonance is present on three distinct vowel sounds: the "long i", "long a", and the "long o". Being all "long" vowels, of course, this verse as a whole is a strong euphony. However, this verse isn't too heavy on rhyme, unlike the chorus. Finally, verse 3, as its relatives, is also heavy on smooth assonance; specifically, the "long e" and "long u" sounds. This verse is also has a similar rhyme scheme as the chorus, with only one line that doesn't seem to fit the verse's end rhyme scheme. Overall, this song as a whole is heavy with smooth assonance and euphony, and I believe that that helps convey its care-free style and send its message that you only need to worry about yourself.
Wednesday, March 7, 2018
Monday, March 5, 2018
Free Post: Fortnite - Why the Burst Rifle is Better than the M16
In Fortnite Battle Royale, there currently exists three types of Automatic Rifles: the "Burst Rifle", "Assault Rifle (M16)", and FN SCAR. Of these three, the SCAR is typically recognized as the best choice, as it has the highest DPS and first-shot accuracy that rivals the Hunting Rifle. However, as the SCAR is fairly rare--especially early-mid game--the M16 or Burst Rifles are typically players' most common choices. Currently and for a while, most players have dedicated themselves to the use of the M16. However, a recent trend has taken the community by storm: the growing of the use of the Burst Rifle. It seems that awareness is spreading of the Burst's lethal potential.
In my early days of playing, I used the Burst Rifle myself simple for its superior accuracy, however, I switched to the M16 fairly quickly. Now, I have recommitted to the Burst as I have experienced its power first-hand. The in-game stats list the Burst as slightly inferior to the M16 in terms of DPS, however, the Burst fires in three-round bursts (as the name suggests), and since it is fairly more accurate, it becomes easy to hit all or almost all three shots in a single burst at medium ranges. This, especially if one or more of the shots lands a critical hit, outfires the M16's better damage-per-shot significantly, as it is slower to fire and less accurate. Also, full burst to the head will almost always land in a one-shot elimination or "knock", unless the enemy has full shield and health (but only barely). The M16 may often seem like the better choice, as it is capable of landing devastating critical hits and can outfire some shotguns at closer ranges, the Burst Rifle outcompetes it in every aspect (even in drops).
In my early days of playing, I used the Burst Rifle myself simple for its superior accuracy, however, I switched to the M16 fairly quickly. Now, I have recommitted to the Burst as I have experienced its power first-hand. The in-game stats list the Burst as slightly inferior to the M16 in terms of DPS, however, the Burst fires in three-round bursts (as the name suggests), and since it is fairly more accurate, it becomes easy to hit all or almost all three shots in a single burst at medium ranges. This, especially if one or more of the shots lands a critical hit, outfires the M16's better damage-per-shot significantly, as it is slower to fire and less accurate. Also, full burst to the head will almost always land in a one-shot elimination or "knock", unless the enemy has full shield and health (but only barely). The M16 may often seem like the better choice, as it is capable of landing devastating critical hits and can outfire some shotguns at closer ranges, the Burst Rifle outcompetes it in every aspect (even in drops).
LAUNCH 2018
LAUNCH Day at Episcopal this year was intense. As it was my first, I was shocked at how thorough and interesting each presentation was. I had heard great things about LAUNCH from my older sister of Class of 2017, which apparently had a very impressive LAUNCH. Still, I was not disappointed at all with this year's theses. Overall, I had a lot more fun then I thought I would have listening to the theses of the hard-working Seniors of the Class of 2018.
To try to decide which of the presentations was my favorite, I would have to think for hours. Instead, I must settle on Charles Barksdale's. I particularly enjoyed his for numerous reasons. First of all, it was technically my very first LAUNCH presentation that I experienced. Second, I was impressed by his use (or should I say misuse?) of presentation slides. He had the courage and the confidence in himself and his mind to go up on stage and talk about his thesis, something that must have required more than a little bit of rehearsal.
To try to decide which of the presentations was my favorite, I would have to think for hours. Instead, I must settle on Charles Barksdale's. I particularly enjoyed his for numerous reasons. First of all, it was technically my very first LAUNCH presentation that I experienced. Second, I was impressed by his use (or should I say misuse?) of presentation slides. He had the courage and the confidence in himself and his mind to go up on stage and talk about his thesis, something that must have required more than a little bit of rehearsal.
Wednesday, February 7, 2018
ATDPTI Reading Response
Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian has been a wonderful read for me. I didn’t expect much of it at first, and I thought that I would be annoyed by having to read yet another novel. However, as I started reading, I was entertained much more than I would have thought. I have not thought negatively about this book at all so far, and I am quite impressed with the level of realism expressed in the story. Although it isn’t exactly the model of modern literature, it serves nicely as a casual, fun read when you have nothing else to do.
ATDPTI, although being an informal read, still has many well-written components. First and foremost, its characters, although a little eccentric and silly, have a level of depth that—for the most part—accurately reflects the emotions and situations in the life of a typical teenager. The conflicts are well-outlined, and many times I have found myself entranced with the setting. Throughout the book, the atmosphere, although varying with different events, always seems to have at least a hint of a light and playful tone, even during more serious or tragic scenes. Overall, I definitely have enjoyed this book, and I am simultaneously looking forward to and not looking forward to the near end.
Thursday, February 1, 2018
Thursday, January 25, 2018
Wednesday, January 17, 2018
Free Post - Why eSports Are Still Sports
Recently, eSports have taken the world by storm. With the growing popularity of competitive, online video games, eSports were formed to create a global community and following of these games and their players. eSports covers almost any major online game, and it has grown tremendously with more game developers making games that might one day enter the professional scene. With this in mind, I shall enter my argument for this psot: eSports are sports.
Many people easily contract the extraneous impression that video games are considered simple, non-intensive, casual pasttimes; however, gaming can become more than just a hobby. Professional gamers dedicate their entire lives to (usually) one game (or game series). They train usually a minimum of 8 hours a day, and require a stable physical and mental state to insure that they are at peak performance in every match. To me, all this sounds like a type of sport. It requires commitment, dedication, and passion to play this sport competitively and well. However, many people I know would argue against my opinion. They would argue: "It's not physical," or "It doesn't require as much skill." I completely disagree with both of these. Pro players need to be in good physical condition, otherwise their bodies become weak and they don't consistently have as much energy. Not only this, but as with race car drivers, the human body needs to be trained to sit in a certain position for an extended period of time. As for the latter counter-argument stated above, gaming requires just as much hand-eye coordination and mental focus as any other sport, if not more. Players must always be focused, usually on multiple things at once, and are required to act and think properly and fast. Unlike other sports, instinct is not always your best choice, as it is hard to train your instincts to do certain things when almost every situation can be very different. With this evidence plus the existence of large organizations of gaming known as eSports, I can firmly make my statement that gaming is indeed a sport at most levels.
Many people easily contract the extraneous impression that video games are considered simple, non-intensive, casual pasttimes; however, gaming can become more than just a hobby. Professional gamers dedicate their entire lives to (usually) one game (or game series). They train usually a minimum of 8 hours a day, and require a stable physical and mental state to insure that they are at peak performance in every match. To me, all this sounds like a type of sport. It requires commitment, dedication, and passion to play this sport competitively and well. However, many people I know would argue against my opinion. They would argue: "It's not physical," or "It doesn't require as much skill." I completely disagree with both of these. Pro players need to be in good physical condition, otherwise their bodies become weak and they don't consistently have as much energy. Not only this, but as with race car drivers, the human body needs to be trained to sit in a certain position for an extended period of time. As for the latter counter-argument stated above, gaming requires just as much hand-eye coordination and mental focus as any other sport, if not more. Players must always be focused, usually on multiple things at once, and are required to act and think properly and fast. Unlike other sports, instinct is not always your best choice, as it is hard to train your instincts to do certain things when almost every situation can be very different. With this evidence plus the existence of large organizations of gaming known as eSports, I can firmly make my statement that gaming is indeed a sport at most levels.
Research Update
My research, although early in its stage, has not quite yet proved completely resourceful, but I cannot say that I am ungrateful either. My research process has had its ups and downs, as with any project or assignment, but as of now, my results haven't turned out as I desired.
My research process began well. I had everything little thing planned, but as I continued to work, I realized that changes needed to be made. I then began to try to adapt my research to different things, all the while becoming less and less organized. I have since recovered a bit, but I am still very much lost in some parts of the process. I am not in the worst position that I could be in, nor the best.
My research process began well. I had everything little thing planned, but as I continued to work, I realized that changes needed to be made. I then began to try to adapt my research to different things, all the while becoming less and less organized. I have since recovered a bit, but I am still very much lost in some parts of the process. I am not in the worst position that I could be in, nor the best.
Monday, January 15, 2018
New Semester Reflection
"New Year, New Me," is what they say. With the arrival of a new year as well as a new semester, it seems as though we all get a fresh start; to me, however, it doesn't seem so simple. As this new semester has arrived, right now is the perfect time to reflect and change so we can all become "new" people.
From this past semester, there are a few changes and continuities that I could discuss. First and foremost, I certainly was forced to change my academic habits quite a bit. As the difficulty scaled up tremendously from Middle School, it was a change that took me more off-guard than it should have. I learned to study more thoroughly and to truly seek help when I needed it. One habit that I didn't change, however, is my procrastination addiction. I can't say I tried hard to fix it, and so it has stuck with me since Middle School. Even now, as I realize that I absolutely cannot continue doing it, I am struggling to motivate myself enough. While reflecting and moving on, I can definitely say that I have much higher self-expectations for this coming semester.
New Year's resolutions aren't my thing at all, but I am able to see that some changes will need to take place. So, my goals for this semester are fairly simple and straightforward: a). Stop procrastinating. b). Keep grades at an A. c). Learn to study better. All of these things I know for sure I can do, so the issue is not whether or not I can do these things, but rather IF I will have the self-motivation and desire to do so. "New Year, [hopefully] New Me".
Student Prompt - Favorite Things About My Street
My street is all sorts of things. From neighborhood drama to friendly baseball games, it never fails to entertain me. To say what is my favorite thing about my street is hard, as I cannot quite put my finger on any particular aspect of my street, especially when most things that happen in my neighborhood affect the entire neighborhood rather than just one specific street. However, I can easily say that I have never felt negative about my street, nor have I ever felt unsafe or uncomfortable on my street. So, I can say that my street isn't exactly a specialty, but rather a jack-of-all-trades.
To start, the neighbors on my street are extremely friendly. We've gotten to know almost everyone who lives next to and across from us, and many bonds have been formed between our family and their's. Since we all know each other on our street, when drama occurs, it spreads like the flu. Most of the time it's minor, gossip-like drama, but occasionally we get the sweet stuff. While it's not always a good thing to have lots of drama going on around you, it definitely keeps me entertained and interested in my neighborhood's politics. As a friendly, safe, and pleasant environment for living and relaxing, my street is one that I would never like to move out of.
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