Blog Post #5

The motivation to the design for my emblem came from the relationships I have been able to build throughout my life. I think of my relationships I have been able to build as being able to last forever. Whether it is with my friends, teachers, etc.. I believe the relationships I have will always last. Therefore I have used an infinity sign as my emblem to show my relationships are infinite. Also, I like to think as the background of the galaxy showing how vast, and big the world is. Which means there are so many opportunities out there for me, and I want to be able to take advantage of each opportunity. I am so fortunate to have met people in my life who truly care for me, and want to see me succeed. Especially in my first semester of college I have built many relationships, and I hope to continue to build many more. One slogan or motto that I would use to describe my current path in life is "Tough times don't last, Tough people do". I am going to go through many tough times but the toughest people are going to be able to make it, and survive. I motivate myself even through the hardest times to never give up, and strive to be great.

Challenge Check in #3

Completing the challenge I chose helped enhance my understanding of hip-hop by it made me analyze hip-hop more closely. I was able to learn that hip-hop can be really whatever you want it to be. Hip-hop is about self expression whether it is through a dance, song, or art. Also,  I was able to pay attention to details for both Kanye and Jay-Zs' music videos. Being able to analyze every detail of the music videos helped me get a better understanding of what hip-hop really is. The most difficult part of the whole challenge though was being able to compare both music videos. As well as having to pay attention to every detail in the music videos. I had to focus very hard to compare and differentiate the music videos definitions of hip-hop.

Blog Post #4

A.) Going into high school I was petrified; I mean who wouldn't be? Its a whole new adjustment from middle school, and a lot of older kids. One Literacy sponsor though that I was able to meet my freshman year was Mrs.Grosso. She was my language arts teacher my freshman year and she was able to teach me so much. Not just in the classroom, but how to get involved in high school. As well as life lessons, for instance telling me to prepare myself for the SAT and ACT. Another way
Mrs. Grosso was able to support me and help me, was she nominated me for my high school's leadership team. I was so surprised, and it was a great feeling. Then due to her nomination I was able to make the leadership team that ended up changing my life forever. In the classroom though, Grosso was able to teach me so much about writing, and language in general. She was able to help me improve my writing tremendously taking time with me after school. The time she took to spend with me after school really meant a lot to me.

Justification Statement

Overall, domestic violence is a crisis that is present in todays American sports world. The solution I have in plan is the best because it assures that fewer domestic violence charges will occur. Due to the amount of new penalties implemented for example like fines, educational classes, and even a ban from a sport; players will think twice about committing one of these charges. Yet, if they do repeat these charges, and do not learn at all then they could be banned from the sport, or suspended indefinitely. Resulting in them leaving the sport for a sufficient amount of time. A counter argument could be that these harsher penalties implemented could cause an uproar from players due to the tougher penalties: specifically a ban from football. A ban from football would only occur if these players repeat as offenders, if players repeat the same charge then they are not learning anything. Thus the player should not be tolerated within the sport. Most people regarding domestic violence I can assure you would rather see less of the crime rather than more. The benefits of these new consequences could be monumental. Some results could be a dramatic decrease with domestic violence within American sports, as well as a huge increase in the education of domestic violence, and how it can be handled properly. Domestic violence is a violent and unfair crime that shouldn’t be committed in any relationship between two partners. My solution will change the American sports world for the better, butt it won’t make domestic violence disappear. My solution will only be able to lower the amount of domestic violence cases in the American sports world, and help raise awareness.

Challenge Check in #2

MEMO

To: ENC1101, University of Florida
From: Nicholas Alvarez, student <nicholasaalvarez@ufl.edu >
Date: November 17, 2014
Re: Challenge check in #2

As of now the challenge I was given is going very well. Recently I was able to watch “Runaway” by Kanye West, and “Picasso Baby” by Jay Z.  I have been able to analyze both videos very well, and it has been very intriguing.

Both videos display hip-hop in different ways. In Kanye’s video he displays hip-hop with bright colors, and a very interesting mysterious story. While Jay-Z’s video displays hip-hop as an art. He also shows how he interacts with his audience, and how larger or smaller settings differ. Both videos are very different in showing their opinions of hip-hop.

Yet both videos are able to complement themselves still. They are able to show how hip-hop is a kind of art. Also how hip-hop is very expressive; hip-hop allows anyone to be able to express themselves in anyway they would like.

10 solutions to Domestic Violence

Practical Solutions

1. Harsher penalties in the sports world: Most athletes don't receive penalties that are very harsh. Most athletes may get a certain amount of game suspensions. While they should be fined, and not be allowed to play until their issue is resolved. 
2. community service: People who commit domestic violence could also receive community service. This could help them open their eyes and give back to the community, and realize their wrongs.
3. Longer jail time: A way to help lower domestic violence cases could be a longer jail time. This would help create a sense of being more strict with the issue.
4. Create a class to educate individuals on domestic violence: The last practical solution could be an educational class on domestic violence. This could help make people aware of what leads to domestic violence, and how serious it really is. 

Multimedia

1. Tv Commercials: Tv commercials about domestic violence is starting to be a solution today. This helps get the word out that domestic violence is a problem nationally. 
2. Advertise the problem on social media: Social media is a great tool we have that we can use that can help advertise domestic violence. We can use twitter, or any sort of social media to spread knowledge about domestic violence.
3. Create a Domestic Violence Website: A domestic violence website could also be a great assets to help solve the problem. The website could contain facts about domestic violence, and help create awareness.

Research

1. Research into why Domestic Violence occurs: Researching about domestic violence could be a great solution, because we could find out why domestic violence really occurs. Once we find that out we could try to really find a great solution.
2. Research into where domestic violence mostly occurs: Another solution could be researching into where it actually happens. If we find where domestic violence usually occurs then we can help create a plan at that place to help avoid domestic violence.
3. Research the behaviors exhibited by people who commit domestic violence: Lastly, if we find out the behaviors of people who exhibit domestic violence then we can find a solution to that behavior. For instance anger a certain person could then take anger management classes. 

Problem Statement

Recently, many cases of domestic violence have become apparent in today's society. Mainly from professional sports players in the NFL(National Football league),and also the NBA(National Basketball association). First off Domestic violence is a case where a person is abusive, or violent to their partner in a relationship. The first incident that became well known publicly was the Ray Rice domestic violence case. Ray Rice and his wife Janay were in an elevator arguing. Janay pushed Ray causing him to get upset, leading to Ray striking her with a punch causing her to pass out.  Since then many new cases have become well known around the country. For example, San Fransisco 49ers football player Ray McDonald experienced a domestic violence case as well due to his abusive behavior against his fiancee. Also in the NBA, former Miami Heat player Greg Oden allegedly beat up his ex girlfriend. These certain cases should never be acceptable, and should result in harsh penalties. Domestic violence though is not only caused by professional sports players, domestic violence is a world wide problem. Domestic violence is an inexcusable problem resulted typically from men. The cause of domestic violence is due to uncontrollable anger exhibited by these professional sports players, or any man across the world. Also, another reason why domestic violence is becoming more apparent is the lack of discipline these players receive. Ray McDonald in the end had no charges placed against him, resulting in him walking away with no punishment. The NFL, NBA,  or even the federal government needs to implement harsher penalties. Some ways to solve domestic violence could be harsher penalties, anger management classes, or even therapy for someone who experiences anger easily. Domestic Violence needs to be stopped it goes against every ones right of healthy everyday living. Once domestic violence is solved typically men will not have a bad reputation anymore. Also, the NFL or NBA wouldn't be as looked down upon anymore because of the harsher penalties implemented. Resulting in hopefully less cases of domestic violence.

Research Report 3 terms

1. Self-efficacy= Strength of ones belief in their own ability to complete a task or goal.
2. Pedantic= often ostentatiously learned.
3. Modality= A way or mode in which something is done.

Proposal Ideas

1. Isis
2. Ferguson, Missouri
3. Marijuana should be legalized? or not?
4. Domestic Violence
5. FSU recent legal issues
6. Ebola
7. Global Warming
8. Obesity
9. Unemployment rate
10. Drug Abuse

Evaluation Essay Sources

Looking Ahead in Cancer Stem Cell Research - This is article is going to be able to help me with the body paragraph I have of speaking about how stem cell research could be the answer to cancer. This article contains a lot of factual information about the subject.

Stem Cell Research - I chose this article as well because it gives a definition of what Stem cell research is. This article is able to explain what can be cured from stem cell research, and what can not be cured from it. Also, it describes the feelings people around the world have about stem cell research. This article contains so much factual information that could be useful.

Blog post #3

A. Theres one artist that always takes me back to my childhood every time I hear her sing and that artist's name is Gloria Estefan. Gloria Estefan is very well known all over Miami and around the country due to her Cuban background. My dad listened to Gloria Estefan almost everyday when I was growing up. Every time I hear a song by Gloria Estefan whether its her song "Turn The Beat Around" or "Conga" it reminds me of my dad when I was growing up. I remember sitting on christmas eve in my home listening to her album being played all over the house. With my whole family at my house having a great time singing and dancing. Her music takes me back to a time I always will cherish and never forget. I still listen to her music today whenever I can because of the fond memories I have associated with her songs. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RBM3RlgjhQQ

Challenge Check in #1

The challenge I intend to work on in the coming week is 4b. I will be analyzing Kanye West - runaway and JayZ- Picasso baby. I plan to complete the assignment by watching both films closely and analyzing them first. I chose this challenge because I have seen the Kanye West "Runaway" music video before, and it has intrigued me. I want to be able to compare it to other short films.

Counter argument To Stem Cell Research

Stem Cell Research is viewed as many as  a medical breakthrough, yet it is also viewed by many others as wrong. One counter argument which is brought up by many is that stem cell research is "playing against god". They believe stem cell research "plays god" because of the embryos stem cell research needs to become successful. These embryos are believed by many who are against stem cell research, for the sole purpose of reproduction. They don't believe these embryos should be used for medical purposes, or one day even cloning. Many opposers to stem cell research believe there are many different ways to accomplish stem cell research goals. Realistically if one of the opposers family members were to unfortunately suffer from alzheimer's, or even parkinson's they would want a cure. Stem cells could be the only cure, surely people who are against stem cells would switch and become a fan immediately. Most people would do anything for a loved one even if it goes against what they believe. If stem cells could be the only cure for someone who goes against it, they will surely switch immediately, and be all for it.

Evaluation And Short Essay Questions

• Evaluative writing is is writing that establishes an argument. With this argument there are criteria or rules, that can help your argument be more credible. Overall, evaluative writing's purpose is to look at something and judge it based on different aspects.

• Establishing criteria for an evaluative essay is important so you can help make your argument way more credible, and believable. The criteria gives you guidelines, or rules you should follow to help make your essay great.

• Question 1: Rosen's key points of her defense in music and the music industry are music has serves as an outlet for people of all ages. Also, another key point she has is music should be an opportunity to hear and think about how kids are really feeling. She believes we can learn why kids are angry if they are listening to angry, or violent music. Rosen doesn't believe society should blame music for its ills at all.

Blog #2: Family Discourse

A. A strong series of memories I have date back to when I was in high school. As a freshman in high school I was so excited to be able to be more independent. I didn't believe that high school would be challenging at all due to my success in middle school. Well my first biology test I failed it, badly. The first person that I talked to was my dad. My dad was very supportive of me no matter what the grades were. Yet one thing he told me that has stuck with me throughout my life is, " never settle shoot for more". My dad is a perfectionist and he was able to help show me what it takes to succeed. I am forever grateful to him, and because of him I was able to get into my dream University.

B.                                                

This is a picture of me playing high school football, and by analyzing my face you can tell that I am very focused.   Also by looking at the photo you can tell I am about to make a cut or some type of football move. The mood in the photo is intense and serious. Yet the feelings that this photo evokes to me is I miss the sport I loved to play. This photo brings back great memories having fun playing the sport I love but also frustration with the injuries I obtained while I played. I do anything though to get one more chance to play again. It goes by so quickly, and you don't even realize it. 

Definition Of "Hip -Hop"

     There is no definite definition for the term "hip-hop" because it is always changing. Hip-Hop can be described though as many things. I would like to describe Hip-Hop as expressive language. Many artists use Hip-Hop to express how they feel either on a personal, local, or global issue. Another term that I would use to describe Hip-Hop is culture. Hip-Hop combines many different cultures to create music.

      One place here on campus that I always love to see if the graffiti tunnel right by Norman Hall. Through the graffiti tunnel you are able to see many different things people have been able to express. This relates to my definition of Hip-Hop by expressive language. Hip-Hop artists are able to express and let go emotions through their music. When people use graffiti in the tunnel at Norman they too are expressing emotion, and language. 

Music video "Runaway" scene "Dark Fantasy"

Firstly, the whole purpose of the scene "Dark Fantasy" is to begin the music video. The whole scene has a mysterious feel to it. The scenes purpose also is to keep you wondering what is going on. After the first scene "Dark Fantasy" you can't just stop watching the video, you want to know what is happening, and what will happen.

One specific element used greatly in this scene is visuals. The background of the whole scene is very dark with vibrant bright colors. The dark colors mixed with vibrant colors helps the music video appeal to the audience to keep watching it. Also, the setting helps create the mysterious mood since Kanye is driving through a forest.

Blog Post #1 Section A & C: The future Of Prosthetics

picture found at: http://www.cnn.com/2012/05/03/living/gallery/designer-prosthetic-legs/index.html

Section A:

The above image may be weird to some people or insanely creepy, but to me it is the future. The above image is a picture of a women with a prosthetic. A prosthetic is a mechanical device which is used to help hide or substitute for a missing limb. A lot of vets, or people end up without a limb. I want to be able to help give back, and create high tech prosthetics for these people. I want to be able to create the kind of prosthetics that can connect to someones nervous system, and function just like any arm or leg can. I find these inventions so intriguing because of the design that goes into it and just the overall concept. To be able to create arms, legs, or any other limb that can function perfectly really intrigues me. Also what I love about this career is it involves 2 things I love. I love to be able to socialize with different kind of people, and be able to help different people. A career in prosthetics gives me the opportunity to be able to talk to different people and help those people with a missing limb. I would love to be able to have a career in prosthetics, it is my main interest right now, and what I am working towards.


Section C: During my freshman year of high school I had a huge epiphany moment. Wasn't a good epiphany moment, but one that changed my whole outlook. Freshman year of high school I had to take biology class and didn't know what to expect. I just knew I would be fine because of my track record from middle school being able to do well in school. Well after my first test in biology class my whole perspective changed. I failed the biology test receiving a 65 on the test, I was freaking out. After the test though instead of complaining and worrying I had an epiphany moment. I said to myself, "Nick nothing will be given to you, If you want to succeed you have to work hard. Much harder than you ever have." I am actually thankful that I failed that test because it helped me reach my dream of getting into the University of Florida. Also it helped me be able to graduate with high honors something I had always wanted to achieve since enrolling into high school.