Social networks have been popular for quite a long time now. I remember first using my first social network in elementary school. At first, I thought it was really cool. I first used Myspace. I thought it was really interesting being able to communicate with friends and family by using the internet. I also remember using Yahoo messenger to communicate with my friends and family too. Today, many new social networks have been added to our society. Twitter, Facebook, and Tumblr is being used. Personally, I like the fact that I get to use these social networks to communicate. That is all I use it for. Other people like to expose themselves using these networks and I think that is a bad habit. Many people don’t notice the fact that they put all their information out there and then they aren’t aware what could happen. There can be serious outcomes because of this. Many people can use the information to expose you or invade your privacy. There is also people who like to hack. They want to have access to your information and use it against you. That is one thing I don’t like about these social networks. The positive thing is building relationships with your lost friends or new friends. It’s good to keep in touch with friends, but people must be careful with what they post online. I am very curious to wait and see if any new social networks will be created. I think there will be more for the future. People who work also have to be careful what they post on these social networks because some companies like to ask for your facebook or check it privately to see what kind of a person you are. You want to give a good impression and have a good reputation, so be careful what you say and how you say it too.
I think copyright and plagiarism is a big factor in the world. Many people tend to be lazy and just copy other people’s work. For example, if a student has to write a paper or do a power point presentation, they can go on google and plagiarize someone’s work. Then the student would assume they would get an easy “A”. Technology has advanced though. Many people know how to tell if someone is plagiarizing right away. I would never think twice about plagiarizing. I know there is no good outcome. Since I am a college student, I wouldn’t dare to plagiarize because I could get kicked out of the school. So it’s not worth it. Some people think it’s okay to use other people’ work, but I just don’t understand that. The person who creates someone originally gets no credit when they are copied of their work. If you are going to use their creations, at least give them credit. It’s the most honorable way. If you think about plagiarizing, remember that you can go to jail and/or receive a fine. You rather not do it now right? A good way to know if someone plagiarizes is when they change a few words or phrases in sentences. It doesn’t matter even if you just change a small portion. It is still consider plagiarizing. It is easy to avoid plagiarizing. You can paraphrase what somebody says. You can also quote and mention the last name of an author. For example, if it’s a book, just put last name and page number in parenthesis. Then you won’t be in danger of getting in trouble with the law or the creator of the source you are using. Many people take it as an offense when they get there work copied. I would feel the same way too. That is why plagiarizing is not a good idea.
Hip Hop has made an impact in the world of music and its listeners over the years. Hip Hop has been portrayed in many ways by the singers and listeners. Back then rappers would rap about how they are better than other men and how they are dominant over women. Also they would talk about money and drugs. Today, I think there isn’t much of a difference. Me personally I use to listen to a lot of hip hop and rap, but as I pay more attention to the lyrics my mood changed. As a result, I hardly listen to any hip hop these days. I listen more to rock now. The reason why I don’t listen to hip hop as I did back then is because of the rappers and lyrics. To me they all say the same stuff in their lyrics. They all tend to sing about money and drugs and women. The thing that I don’t like is that they rap in negative way. I didn’t have a problem until I listened more closely to the music. The documentary I saw today in class about hip hop opened by eyes even more. I am not trying to say hip hop is bad or dumb, but just the way the rappers say things negatively. I learned today that by rappers doing things negatively, they earn more money and viewers. So I think the negativity will remain. I also thought how it was very disrespectful how the rappers portrayed women in their videos and music. They treat the women like they are useless and say things to them that might one think are “cool”. Today I see many of my friends of young teenagers trying to follow the path of hip hop. I think it’s cool that they are trying to do something, but they are caring on the legacy of rapping the same things pro rappers say. Hip hop will always stay the same in my opinion. I might listen to it every now and then, but I prefer rock now.
Many people seek the truth. But what is the truth? To me the truth is everything. I rather find out the truth by the same person than is telling a lie than finding out the truth another way. I have a hard time trusting people because of certain situations that played a key role of me trusting less and less people. People these days get in to trouble that they can’t figure out how to get out of the situation. They rather tell a lie than telling the truth. Why do they lie I ask myself? Why can’t they have the dignity and pride to be honest? I have lost some of my “old” friends because of trust issues. But sometimes you have to put yourself in their shoes. I know at times I had lied to get out of trouble. Did I get caught? Yes. So I dealt with the consequences. I do appreciate for those who are honest. I have total respect for those people. I think people can’t tell the truth because they are afraid of what will happen or they just don’t care what happens at all. I dislike those kinds of people. Sometimes you can’t trust anybody anymore. They will act sincere with you and then the next day they can start making up lies about you to ruin a friendship or a dating relationship that you have with someone. I learned down the road telling the truth is the right way. I also find it wrong when people tell you to tell the truth, but the person telling you can’t tell the truth either . So why should we listen to those people? It’s simple. Don’t listen to them. I also dislike that the “truth” also affects our government. There are some people that cause corruption by not telling the truth. It has happened to former governor Rob Blagojevich. Look at him now. He lost everything. Telling the truth is the right way!
The war on drugs can be looked at many ways. Sometimes I wonder why many people feel it’s necessary to use drugs. I don’t think there is one positive outcome of drugs. I think some people use because of personal problems or an emotional feeling. Other people like to sell drugs because they don’t have a stabled job. The pressure of supporting your family can get to them and they might feel that the only way they can make money is by selling drugs. I think drugs will always exist somehow.
After watching the movie “Tulia” in class this week, I was surprised by many things. I would never thought that racism can play a part of the ‘’war” on drugs. In the movie it was either Hispanics or African Americans being the targets for procession of drugs. I thought it was really unfair for the ones that were innocent and were just getting arrested because of their race. Another thing that surprised me was corruption in the justice system. How is someone going to over use their power just because they are part of the justice system? The undercover cop, who nobody bothered to research about, got away with a lot of things. That wasn’t right. After watching that, it makes you feel that you can’t trust anybody. Not even the people who are supposed to be protecting you. Also the number of years that the guilty victims got was unbelievable. Serving ninety-nine years is outrageous.
In the world we live today, many people are still getting away with selling drugs. I think the cops are doing a better job of taking in the right people. Still we can’t get to overconfident that corruption is not happening. I don’t think there really is a war on drugs because I think it’s just all about money. I think many drug dealers just slang cautiously, so they can get their money quick without getting caught. It can backfire on them though because if something doesn’t go right, your live can be at stake. I know drugs will never go away, but I hope it can be stopped some how.
I have been raised around religion. Both of my parent’s sides of the family are into religion. My dad’s side is Catholic’s. My mom’s side is Christians. I have heard before that the children must take their father’s side of religion. In my case though, I was raised being a Christian. My grandparents (Mother’s parents) are really religious. At first i remember going to church as a kid and just looking around the church. I would stay seated when everyone began to sing. I would also fall asleep during the preacher’s sermon because it didn’t catch my attention when sitting down and hearing him talk for about 45 minutes. Then my mom decided to me in Sunday school. I hated that idea because since i would wake up early on the weekdays to go school, I would have to wake up early on the weekends. I was in Sunday school for about 7 years. Did I pay attention? Yes. Did I pay attention all the time? No. While growing up as a Christian, I had to do my confirmation and my first communion. Now that I think about it, I learned many new things. In my family there is a tradition. We go to church every Sunday and sit in the same exact spot for some reason. My grandparents always tell me when i am in trouble, to pray to god because he will hear and find a way to help you. At first i would ignore them, but based on some situations in my life, I prayed for help. Up to this day, we still sit in the same exact spot at church. Initially, i thought it was crazy of us to do that, but now i don’t really care. I find it amusing. I actually go to church because i want to instead of being told to do so. I am proud to be a Christian!
The world we live in today is getting more advanced in technology. EBooks vs. Print books can be looked at in many ways. In my opinion, I rather pick a print book over an eBook. I rather have a print book because I grew up reading books. Don’t get me wrong. EBooks are cool, but I rather sit back and read a printed material than one online. Many people decide to go with eBooks because it’s cheaper and you won’t be forced to carry a lot of weight with books. That sounds like a fair deal right? I guess you can call me “old school.” I still remember opening my first book and looking at all the fascinating pictures. Since then, I have read many interesting books. I also have read my fair share of eBooks too. I find them more complicated though. I found one difference about me between the two sources. I concentrate better reading a printed book that reading an eBook of an ipad or ipod. It’s probably because I got so use to reading a book when it’s printed than one online. With the emergence of eBooks, bookstores are starting to decline. I feel really bad that many bookstores are closing. I would always go once in a while to the bookstore to buy a book. I can’t do that anymore. Many people chose to buy their books now online using their ipad or laptop. I feel as the more years pass by the more advance the world will get with technology. I don’t necessarily think it’s a bad thing, but I will miss the days we lived in when we would go buy a book at the bookstore. Even though many people didn’t read a lot when there were bookstores, but I sure did. I am very curious to see how the world will be 5 years from now with books. I can’t wait!
I have never been much of a follower of the U.S elections. I also haven’t been interested in politics either. Since I am eighteen now, I have the privilege to vote for the first time. At first I didn’t really think it was a big deal that I could vote. Many people have been telling me that I should vote because it could make a difference. I have always thought why vote? It won’t make a difference right? I have been convinced that it does matter and it could affect my live. Therefore, I will vote this year. I don’t know much about politicians, but I will be watching the debates closely, so I can make my decision on who to vote. As of right now, Barack Obama would get my vote. Many people have been against him because they see as he hasn’t done anything to fix our country. I think he has done something rather than nothing. I give him a lot of credit because even though he makes his fancy speeches, he backs it up most of the time. I would still like to see him be president, so he can do the things he promise to do. I haven’t given up on him. Everyone deserves a second shot. So I would say vote for him. Although I want to vote for Barack Obama, I will pay attention to the other candidates as well. It’s nice to see other people wanting to take the seat to be president because it shows they care about our country and want to help out. I just hope that every time they say something to make us the votes vote for them, to back it up if they win the seat. I really hope Obama wins though because I think he has yet to prove himself to us and himself. Vote for Obama!
English is just another language right? So, why even learn it? The English language is very essential to the whole world. I think that anywhere you go in the world. English might be the only language that lets everyone be able to write or talk to each other. You will find someone who knows English. It is of one the main international language used for communication. The English language also can help everyone communicate in a formal way. But the way you use English is also important. That’s why it’s important to learn Academic English. Students should be grateful that their schools teach them how to write and speak English academically. English well help make everyone’s life easier!
It’s important to learn academic English because it helps you look well-educated and formal. In the U.S it’s important to learn academic English because it will help you succeed in the job field. A company will love to have an employee, who can speak and write English in the correct manner. They can tell right away if you can write academic English based on your resume. A good note that everyone should consider is not using SMS style messages in jobs. A manager wouldn’t think it’s appropriate to write or speak using slang words. Most people these days tend to write “you” as “U”. That is not formal. These days, social networks suffer the most because everyone fails to write academically. Jobs are starting to get information from your Facebook, when you are applying for a job. If they see you write using slang words, chances are that you won’t get the job.
Academic English will take a while to learn properly. But at the end, the result will be positive. Academic English can be a lifestyle. The better you write and speak academically, the better you will be recognized as a person.
My name is Ivan Rodriguez. I am 18 years old and I was born in the U.S. My birthday is on April 5, 1993. I am the only child in my family. I wish i had a brother or a sister but it what it is. My mom could have had more kids but they didn’t make it when my mom was in labor. It was already her fifth time giving birth when i was born. She tried to have kids after me but it didn’t work out. Therefore, she calls me her “miracle child.” My parents are from Mexico. I’m a laid back person and sometimes quiet but it will go away when you really get too know me. I’m a sports guy. I like to watch and play sports during my free time. I stay loyal to Chicago sport teams. My hobbies are hanging out with friends, playing basketball, and going to the gym. My favorite sport teams are the Chicago Bears and Chicago Bulls. I currently work at Jewel Osco. I am trying to earn money to help out my family at home and help pay my college expenses. I took out a loan this year for 3,500. College is expensive but in the end it will all be worth it. I graduated from Lake View high school last year. So far, I like Northeastern. I am still trying to figure out what major I will go for. I’m leaning towards either accounting or finance. I am also thinking about earning a master’s in either accounting or finance too. One reason I am deciding against it is because the time it’s going to take to get it. I am confident enough to work hard to get where I want to be. My goal is to have a job with a good paying salary. I also want to my own family and have good health. These are ideas of who I am.
