Wednesday, May 19, 2010


This paragraph is draggable.



This one is not.

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Job Search

In perusing a job one must first delegate a field of interest. Narrowing down a search can help to target jobs that appeal to the person job hunting. It is important that a person understands what they want to do for a career, and what the job title entails. In doing so, one will not waste their time applying for jobs that he or she does not qualify for. He or she should know their own skill level and realize that they need not apply for jobs that are out of their reach. Similarly to applying for colleges, one should have two distinct categories of jobs; namely, safety jobs, or jobs that they feel confident in being able to obtain, and reach jobs or jobs that may be harder to get but are still within their skill level. This will enable a job hunter to successfully find work that applies to their qualifications yet will not leave them aimlessly searching for jobs that are not of interest or are unrealistic. Once a person finds a job of interest, the next step is to contact the department or person advertised in the posting. Usually, e-mail or telephone is the standard means of communication. This will allow for an exchange of contact information as well as personal qualifications that will hopefully spark interest. The idea is to market ones self; one must remember to sound interested and qualified without seaming desperate or erratic. Speak slowly or choose words carefully when writing an e-mail. Make sure to provide all the necessary information without providing "stuff" that is going to cloud the description of you and your talents.

Microsoft Excel Overview

Microsoft Excel has many uses amongst students, teachers, and working professionals alike. It is a program designed with everyone in mind, from the work savvy professional to the first time student. Excels many features makes it a user friendly program that is incredibly compatible for any line of work. Excels endless options, shortcuts and, specialized components is designed with every possibility in mind. Thus, Excel is arguably one of the most versatile programs on the market.In definition, Excel is no more than a spreadsheet tool capable of performing calculations, analyzing data and integrating information from different programs.
Microsoft Excel is comprised of organizational units called workbooks. A standard workbook contains worksheets and chart sheets. Worksheets perform calculations, store and organize data, present graphics and controls.A worksheet in turn is comprised of millions of cells. The job of a cell is to store a formula that performs a calculation or communicates with some other application such as a database. They also store and present data. A chart sheet's job is to present a chart or graph developed from data stored on a worksheet.

Bill Gates

It is evident that Bill Gates is a man of many talents and even more accomplishments. Many might say that Gates is a born leader with the skills and abilities to accomplish anything. I believe that Gates was born with these gifts to create a company as successful and powerful as Microsoft. He certainly displays most if not all of the criterion that classifies a successful strategic leader in our text. Bill Gates displays high cognitive activity on a mental level that has allowed him to continue success over the years. The fact that he is head of such a large corporation yet is still able to lead in a fashion that keeps all employees on track and in line with the vision of the company displays not only his cognitive ability to lead but also his strong sense of the vision. Gates has undoubtedly revolutionized the personal computer industry while enhancing some of its best qualities. Over the years he has continued to make improvements in his company as well as improvements in many peoples lives. Weather through innovation or charitable donations, Gates has developed the ability to anticipate and create a future for the company which allows it to prosper and grow. I believe that Bill Gates is one of the best examples when describing a successful strategic leader.

Legalization of Marijuana

In legalizing marijuana, the benefits will outweigh the negative repercussions. This aticle will prove and demonstrate how legalization of the drug and giving the federal government the power to regulate and control all sales help tremendously in many ways. Legalization will help benefit marijuana and no users similarly in the way that it will relieve smokers from the burden of having their drug of choice be label an illegal substance which will hopefully deter the negative connotation that marijuana users currently get. Also, non smokers will benefit from having safer streets, less illegal dealers, and a decrease in the underground drug market. In addition, marijuana legalization will help to speed up research, testing, and generalized introduction of marijuana as a medical predecessor. There has already by overwhelming evidence and an influx of doctors prescribing the drug, yet many feel total legalization will help push things along in terms of its general acceptance amongst medical professionals. Additionally, with legalization in the form described above, the economy will benefit greatly from new jobs, addition revenue, tax money, and the municipal savings. Lastly, legalization will help to free up an overwhelmed criminal justice system. Our police officers, court rooms, judicial personnel, and jails, will all be relieved from the burden of having too much to handle simply because a majority of today’s crime is focused around the war on drugs, namely marijuana. It is evident that legalization will bring about change for the better. If we continue to allow the federal government to sanction marijuana as an illegal drug, we are only depriving our selves, the economy, and all tax paying individuals from all the good that marijuana has to offer.

Global Warming

Global Warming is the increase in the average temperature of the earth whic has been on the rise since the 20th century. Global warming is mainly due to the increase in green house gas concentrations. The increase in the earth’s temperature will cause the sea levels to ride which will directly result in precipitation as well as climate changes all over the world. Other likely effects include polar melting, extreme weather events and unnatural methane release. The topic of global warming has been under great debate as to weather humans are to blame or whether this is a natural occurrence. Nonetheless, an overwhelming majority of scientist believe that humans are to blame for global warming however they also believe that there is many things people can do to reverse the negative effects that have already taken place.

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Topic of Choice: Vietnam War

The Vietnam War is also known as the Second Indochina War, the Vietnam Conflict, and the American War. It was a cold war military conflict that took place in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia, and lasted from 1959 to 1975. The war was fought between the communists of North Vietnam and the government of South Vietnam. The Sothern Vietnamese were supported by the United States along with other anti-communist nations and the North Vietnamese were supported by other communist allies in the area. The southern Vietnamese known as the Viet Cong were lightly armed and relied heavily on guerilla warfare to fight the anti-communists in the region. While the Northerners engaged in more conventional tactics. The Northern Vietnamese would send large units of military personal into battle controlling the air and the ground with the help of overwhelming firepower and what became known as search and destroy missions. The reason the United States entered the war was largely based on preventing a communist takeover. Their involvement escalated in the early 1960’s, tripling the amount of troupes deployed. The US bombed areas such as Laos and Cambodia. Despite numerous policies and peace accords signed by all parties, the fighting continued through 1973 until the Case-Church Amendment passes by US Congress prohibited direct US military involvement. The capture of Saigon by the North Vietnamese in 1975 marked the end of the Vietnam War and lead to the reunification of the North and South.

How Can Virtual Schools Be a Vibrant Part of Meeting the Choice Provisions of the No Child Left Behind Act

Based on the information presented I believe that virtual education is an adequate substitute to traditional education depending upon the student. Based on the information read, some students have the ability to learn and excel using virtual education. These students yield similar results from virtual education in comparison to more traditional methods. I believe if the student can gain the same amount or more from a virtual classroom as they would from a traditional classroom than it is an adequate substitute. On the other hand, some students do not have the ability to retain information as well when using virtual education methods. In turn, grades, and success usually suffer as a result of virtual learning. For these types of students, a virtual classroom may not be the best pick thus it is not an adequate substitute. I believe some students are fit better for virtual schools than others. An example of someone who is better fit for virtual schooling is someone who cannot attend regular classes due to some special need or reason that prevents them from excelling from traditional methods. With that said, the answer is simple, students such as the ones presented in this article who cannot learn in a classroom for whatever reason may receive a more quality education attending a virtual education program. This will not only allow students like this to receive a better education, but will also decrease the amount of students who might otherwise never receive a formal education. In conclusion, I feel that virtual education can be a good thing and an adequate substitute for those who truly need this style education.

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

1.) Internet as a New Media applied to Education

For today's blog concerning Internet as new media applied to education, I chose to write about facebook and how it has revolutionized the education industry. Being a college student myself, I have used facebook and its services to my advantage on more than one occasion. Having access to anyone imaginable on facebook has given students the ability to connect to one another outside of the classroom. This has not only allowed students to build relationships with their classmates but has also allowed them to consult with others on schoolwork. Questions regarding schoolwork don't always arise in the classroom. It is normal to have questions regarding schoolwork when at home and many students often do not have the resources to contact a classmate for assistance. Having facebook has provided students with the ability to locate classmates by knowing only their name. Searches can be narrowed down by colleges, age groups, and even hometowns. Thus, even if you know very little about someone, you can usually locate them on facebook, assuming they have an account. Having this ability has provided students with the ability to locate, connect, and engage in educational networking with their peers like never before.

Links

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0UPxf_TgkCU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=embgWgjwybc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x5G8whTbpJQ

The Digital Divide

What is the impact on Marcella Morris and her family not having the Internet?
How do you feel about the free wireless internet access project in Charlestown, SC.
Who has benefitted from it?
What would you suggest that they do with the project?

The impact on Macella Morris and her family is not only unfortunate but hard to imagine for most middle class citizens and college students such as myself. The use of broadband Internet has become a way of life for most and its advantages have become somewhat taken for granted by those whoa re fortunate enough to afford its services. As time elapses many are thinking of new ways and innovations that will improve the Internet as we know it, while forgetting about those who are still behind the technology curve. People like Marcella Morris are not only being left behind as technology surges forward, but they are being put at a disadvantage in every other facet of life that relies on the Internet. I feel that instituting free wireless access for the housing project will help bring those like Marcella up to speed in terms of the Internet world. Using the Internet and adapting to life with the Internet can be easily accomplished by taking a hands on approach. However for those who can not afford broadband services, will remain at a disadvantage from the rest of society who can afford broadband. While many might look at this as unfare, especially those who currently pay for broadband, I feel that giving the intrnet free to the less fortunate will ultimately benefit society as a whole. Having the internet access means having the ability to information that might otherwise be unobtainable. Information that internet users currently take for granted can be provided to these people who otherwise couldnt afford it. Assuming that the less privilage use the internet as a resource and a tool, it can only better them as people while making their lives easier. I suggest they keep going with this project in hopes that people will catch on in a sense. Sudden change into the unknown is usually a slow process, but by having the internet available, people can slowly make the trasition into using it. In conclusion, if programs such as free wi-fi for the less fortunate is going to help society as a whole, then I believe these programs are more than beneficial not only to the less fortunate but to the world.

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Who Am We

In a world that teeters on reality and a virtual perspective, it can become easy to fall into the trap of living a life based on a digital identity. With that said, we as people need to learn how to decipher between what is real and what is created. Having the ability to create and live a life that is based on a virtual or digital identity has become easy and more prevalent with growing technology. I can see how people can become so far engaged in their own digital identity that it starts to take president over their real life. I believe that this is a negative aspect of this new world, however if we as people can balance the virtual world with the real world then having a digital identity is not necessarily a bad thing. With any new technologies that allow a person to step outside the boundaries of real life and create a lifestyle of their own, we run the risk of loosing touch with reality. Nonetheless, we as people need to realize that this virtual world in not reality nor will it ever become a reality, thus embracing our real identity is a virtue. I believe that we should teach people how to balance reality with virtual world in order to understand that a very real diferences exist between the two. As long as people can comprehend that these differences exists then we can eliminate the threat of loosing our selves to the digital world. Our born identitie will always be the real one and should always take president over the virtual world, and as long as we realize this, having a digital identity can remain purely entertainment based.

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Internet Communication Impact in Education

Although I have already created a blog similar to this one, I wanted to blog futher reguarding the Internet and its impact on communication, in particular in a school setting. There have been many technological advances made in the communication sector via the internet. Other than e-mail, on-line chats, message boards, and tools of this nature, student now have real time social networking sited such as facebook, twitter, and LinkIn allowing them to stay connected. Use of such tools has allowed the modern student to keep in touch with class mates, and teachers using more than one of these tools. Many student will rely on text messages, or online chats for those whom they need to reach. Others will use sites such as facebook or twitter to locate a particular person and become connected with that person should they need to contact them. This has made communication in the school setting much easier and obtainable for all. It has given students the ability to reach out to classmates and teachers at anytime and from anywhere. It is apparent that use of such tools are beneficial and has revolutionalized the education sector of the internet.

Week 4: Fishing is a Dying Sport

As a fisherman by hobby, I have spoken with many others who agree that the sport of fishing whether salt or fresh water has become a thing of the past. Although many will agree with this statement, it is hard to pin-point why exactly many people are no longer enjoying this great outdoors sport. Other than the obvious fact that people are falling victim to modern society, what other contributing factors are driving this sport underground? In my opinion, kids and children are ofter the deciding factor as to whether past times such as fishing will live on. Today, many children would rather play video games or engage in long hours in front of the television set than get outdoors and cast a line. Being a young adult myself, I lived through the beginning of this change as modern society and technological advances forced away outdoor activities such as fishing, baseball, and camping. Most youths were coaxed in the direction of gaming, Internet, and television. Kid were putting away the bat and glove or fishing pole to engage in the virtual world of sports from the comfort of there bedroom and sofas. Luckily, I only saw the beginning of this revolution, and in addition had family and friends who enjoyed the outdoors as much as I did, thus not allowing me to fall into the trap of Sega, and Nintendo-64. Looking back as a young man, I am thankful that I was able to hold onto my love for the outdoors, in particular fishing. Today I take any chance I get to go to a local pond or stream and fish. However, I see less and less young kids doing the same, and they are the ones who must get out there and keep this sport alive! I would encourage all parents, older siblings, and communities to help open their kids eyes to whats behond the controler and keyboard in hopes that this will spark intrest in outdoor activities such as fishing.

Week 4: How the Internet is Changing the Education Industry

It is clear that the discovery of the Internet has changed the education industry, and in many ways has revolutionized education as a whole. Today I would like to focus on how having the Internet has allowed for many students to take on-line classes and even obtain college degrees and certificate programs using on-line colleges. As most of us know, a majority of classes are now available on-line. The same material we learn from attending an actual in person class is now available via the Internet. More and more colleges and Universities are incorporating on-line class options for students. These classes not only equate to the same amount of credits but are often times similar in price to a standard in person type class. Having online classes makes creating a schedule much more flexible in terms of how each individual chooses to spend their time. Many college students today also have part and full time jobs, internships, extra curricular activities, and sports, as well as a combination of these out of class activities. This can make creating a class schedule very challenging and often times impossible. On-line courses also benefit those who may have a family or a full time job or those who are might be returning to school later in life. Whatever the reason, many of us are simply too busy to have the time to devote to attending an actual class. Having the Internet has made classroom education easily accessible from the comfort of our homes, thus revolutionizing how education is incorporated into our daily lives.

Resources:

1.http://www.usnews.com/articles/education/online-education/2009/04/02/online-education-offers-access-and-affordability.html

2. http://www.worldwidelearn.com/education-articles/benefits-of-online-learning.htm

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Week 3: Why I Believe Everyone Should Go To The Gym

One thing I enjoy to do on an every day basis is exercise. I try to live a healthy life style by attending the gym at least 5 days a week as well as monitoring what I eat from day to day. I firmly believe that going to the gym and exersizing will not only improve longevity but it also increase confidence. Having a work out regiment also ads structure to your dayly routine while allowing for time to reflect on personal endevours. Each day, going the gym will become easier and easier as it becomes like second nature. Before you know it, exerizing will seem more like part of your routine rather than an added chore. In addition, I firmly believe that feeling good, becoming healthy, and changing your body will increase overall confidence. With increased confidence, every aspect of life will also improve. I am living proof that the leading a healthy lifestyl can make you feel better about just about every other facet of life. In conclusion, I hope people will take something from this blog and at least try to live a healthier life style. While I know the gym is not for everyone, I do know that adding some sort of exersize into your everyday routine will help improve your life and your confidence.

Week 3: How the Internet is Changing the Education Industry

This week I chose to discuss how the Internet has changed student and teacher communication. It is without a doubt that student and teachers today have even more communication between one another than ever before. While many students still rely on face to face meetings and telephone, the Internet has allowed for even more communication options. Some examples that the Internet has made possible include real time chats, basic e-mail communication, and web page based question and answer sessions. All these features allow for alternate options to traditional communication methods as well as a more efficient way of getting answers to questions that are more urgent. I personally have benefited from having the ability to communicate with my professors using chat features and e-mail. It is not always easy to meet with a professor during office hours because of schedule conflicts, thus having the Internet has revolutionized communication in the way in which it allows for other methods of communication without time and scheduling barriers.

Resources:

1.)http://www.everythingdsl.com/featured-articles/student-and-teacher-communication

2.)http://www.nsba.org/sbot/toolkit/tiol.html

Week 2: 2010 Winter Olympics Tragedy

Today I chose to research and write about the tragedy that occurred in this years winter Olympic games. For those of you who don't already know, a 21 year old Georgian Luger crashed his luge into a pole at 90 mph during a practice run prior to the actual event. This was Nodar Kumaritashvili first time competing in the Olympics and although he was prepared and ready, the track proved to be too fast according to many professionals. It is reported that Nodars death was a result of his own error however many people including his family are now wondering weather the track was too fast for the racers in this years games. Safety measures have been made, and the area of the track where Nodar crashed has been altered to make it safer for the other racers. In my opinion, this is a classic example of too little, too late. I feel that the track should have been looked over prior to the practice runs in order to ensure its safety.

Week 2: How The Internet is Changing The Education Industry

The Internet has clearly revolutionized the education industry in many ways. This week I will focus on how research in general has been made easier and more accessible for students and teachers alike. The Internet has made all sources of research readily available at the click of a mouse. Articles, news, resources, data, and more can be searched and explained in detail to those who wish to learn more about any topic imaginable. Prior to the Internet, those who wished to research certain topics would have to go to a library and research information using books and encyclopedias. Today, most people own a computer or have access to one at a public library where they can use search engines to find loads of valuable information to further educate them. Having an abundance of information accessible from the comfort of your own home or at a library computer has renationalized how the education industry operates.

References:

1.) http://www.forevergeek.com/2009/01/5_ways_the_internet_changed_education/

2.) http://www.helium.com/knowledge/8730-internet-and-its-effects-on-education

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

iPad's are mad cool

I think that the Apple iPad will most definitely revolutionize the education industry. According to researchers and specialists, the iPad will have the capabilities of a computer and an ipod alike. The hybrid design incorporates all facets of today’s iPod touch as well as those of the apple notebook. Having the ability to download music as well as full texts will enable students to have electronic text books downloaded and stored on their personal iPad. More so, the iPad will be easily transportable, boasting a lightweight streamline design. This will eliminate the need of carrying heavy books around to and from classes while hopefully saving schools and students money. The downloadable electronic texts are projected to be significantly less expensive than paper copies. Inevitably, this will revolutionize the education industry because it will make text books readily available at the touch of a screen and at a fraction of the cost. Additionally, creators hope this will spark and interest in reading as a whole. Not only to I believe this will be the case, but I also think that the iPad will encourage students to engage more closely in terms of research and school work.
Resources
• http://www.betanews.com/article/Free-project-management-beta-community-launches-for-iPhone-and-iPad-developers-and-users/1265233552
• http://news.cnet.com/8301-27076_3-20000018-248.html?tag=mncol;mlt_related

My Island Oasis


This image depicts the perfect vacation in my eyes. As you can see, I like warm, quiet, relaxing places to unwind. I hope to some day make enough money that I can retire to an island oasis like this one, or even buy my own!


Links That Inetrest Me

The links below interest me because these are the sites I frequently visit. The first link is my favorite blog, the second is a site I find funny, and the third is a site I use day to day at work to market the apartments I intend to rent.

www.barstoolsports.com

www.textsfromlastnight.com

www.craigslist.com

Links to Other Sites

Bellow I have included a link that I found interesting. Please enjoy!

Click here to go to my neighbors blog.

I have learned how to create hyperlinks at the site annunziato.org

Course Expectations Etc.

I expect to learn several things from this course in reguards to the internet while obtaining three credits and hopefully recieving a GPA boosting grade. Currently, I am an frequent reader of www.BarStoolSports.com which is a blog some might describe as trashy, unprofessional, and inmature. Nonetheless, BarStoolSports is easy reading that has many topics relevant to my lifestyle and intrests, it also helps to pass the time during a slow day in the office or in a boring class. Many topics intrest me including sports, anything related to the outdoors, movies, music, and current events. In terms of current experience with the internet, I guess you could say it has been limited to school research, social networking, and other general "surfing" to pass the time.

Drew's Life

Hello, my name is Andrew Boujoulian, however my friends and family call me Drew. I am a full time student here at UML pursuing my Bachelors degree in Business with a concentration in Management. I will be graduating in May 2010 and have plans to secure an entry level position with a reputable company in the area. Currently, I work part time for the Boston Land Company as a leasing consultant. My responsibilities at work include all leasing duties as well as being the main point of contact for current residents. Outside of work and school, my interests include weight lifting, fishing, skiing, camping, as well as watching and playing all sports.