Ethos, Pathos, and Logos: Recycling?

Recycle

Being an avid recycler myself, I was surprised when I got here and was told by my roommate that she didn’t think they had recycling bins.  It was only after I asked the housing people that I found out there is one recycling bin in the Wyview housing area.  And on top of that, they only recycle paper and cardboard here, not glass or plastic or metal.  Recycling needs to be acknowledge as an important thing on and off campus

Ethos: The story of the creation is not a new one to many of us.  God created the Earth and everything on it, and when he was done, he called it good.  I still think our Earth is beautiful, and its beauty testifies to me that we have a Heavenly Father, because only he could create something this beautiful.  Because of this, I see it as each person’s responsibility to do their part in keeping the world beautiful.  Although recycling doesn’t seem like a big thing to do, it does a lot.  There are so many land fills and polluted waters because of our waste, and recycling is just one way to reduce this.  Pslams 24:1 says, “The earth is the Lord‘s, and the fulness thereof”.  The Lord intrusted us with the Earth, and we should do our best to take care of it.

Pathos: I have lived in Oregon my whole life and during all those years my family and I have always recycled.  Glass bins, plastic, paper, cardboard – basically anything that could be recycled at my house was recycled.  When I cam to BYU, one of the first things I asked my roommates was where the recycling was, and she had no idea what I was talking about.  I went through almost a week without recycling, and every time I went to put something in the trash that could be recycled, I felt so guilty.  I’m completely willing to walk the 2 blocks to recycle my paper, but it seems like the school could do more to encourage it, after all, I didn’t even hear about it until I asked.  Even on campus, I have noticed minimal recycling, and never the option to recycle glass or plastic or metal. 

Logos: It shouldn’t be a shock to anyone that the big thing for companies is “going green”.  More things are being made out of recycled materials, and even better, more things are being made to last (like reusable bags and the elimination of plastic water bottles).  Recycling converts used materials into new productions to prevent waste.  About 195 million tons of garbage get tossed out each year in American, and a new landfill costs up to $10 million dollars to build, and landfills take up Our lands and waters are already filled with waste. While I understand and acknowledge that there is no way to eliminate our waste, I do think that it is our responsibility to participate in recycling, and do our best to keep this planet healthy and beautiful, the way God intended it.

Ethos, Pathos, Logos

My last blog post was about how marriage is stressed too much in the BYU environment.

Ethos: An example of using ethos in this argument is that I am a BYU student and have experienced this environment. I shared my own personal experience with new student orientation and how they were stressing meeting other people, specifically people of the opposite gender.

Pathos: I tried to appeal to the emotions of other people by sharing my feelings when people were taking bets then explaining why I feel this way.

Logos: You might be a little more convinced if I had looked up the exact number of people that meet and get married at BYU compared to any other university. I had just used an estimate to get my point across.

Community showers

Community Showers in the past have always come with their own sets of cons and hazards. Students should not have to worry about whether or not they are free from receiving any form or health conditions when they step into that community shower. Community showers are used by many different people, some of which carry contagious conditions that they are even sometimes unaware of themselves and because of this, it puts the other students' well being at risk due to the explicit sharing of the same showers over and over again. Although precautions can be made to avoid such occurrences from happening, they are often disregarded leading to an unsafe environment. I feel as though the Helaman Halls Dorms should have showers inside the dorm rooms as opposed to having the community showers set up in the hallways, and it will greatly decrease the risk of any health hazards from occurring and deem more efficient for the students who might be running late for class to "get in and get out" more effieciently and quickly.

Fallacies: in-class exercise, Friday, June 26

Find a way to incorporate a fallacy into the passage below. You can modify an existing sentence, add sentences, etc.

As a comment, post the name of the fallacy and your fallacy.

The Passage: (a letter-to-the-editor in the Daily Herald, Provo's newspaper, published today)

Wholesome Food Alternatives Available

What ever happened to the good old days when the worst things we had to fear on the Fourth of July were traffic jams and wayward fireworks?

According to the USDA's Meat & Poultry hot line, this year's top threat is food poisoning by nasty E. coli and salmonella bugs lurking in hamburgers and hot dogs at millions of backyard barbecues. The hot line's advice is to grill them longer and hotter. Of course, they don't bother to mention that the high-temperature grilling that kills the bugs also forms lots of cancer-causing compounds.

Luckily, a bunch of enterprising food manufacturers and processors have met this challenge head-on by developing a great variety of healthful, delicious and convenient, veggie burgers and soy dogs. These new foods don't harbor nasty pathogens or cancer-causing compounds. They don't even carry cholesterol, saturated fats, drugs or pesticides. And they are available in the frozen food section of every supermarket.

This Fourth of July offers a great opportunity to declare our independence from the meat industry and to share wholesome veggie burgers and soy dogs with our family and friends.

Fallacy Assignments:

Ad Hominem: Colter
Guilt by Association: Douglas
Poisoning the Well: Myriah
False Authority: Jessica
Ad Populum: Sam
Threats/Rewards: Gabe
Red Herring: Kate
Begging the Question: Kindal
Hasty/Sweeping Generalization: Scott
False Analogy: Josh
Post Hoc: Derek
Slippery Slope: Adrienne
Oversimplification: Aaron
Stacking the Deck: Andrew
Appeal to Ignorance: Cameron
Non Sequitur: Jennifer
False Dilemma: Macy
Strawperson: Carli

Global Warming

As many of you read in my last blog post, I thought that meal cards are a rip off. I still do believe that, but I think that it would be easier to debate but I think a more dire issue is at hand. The over use of the phrase global warming.

Global warming is not as bad as the press and all of the environmentalist make you believe. There are in fact many scientists who agree with me, but the environmentalist simply look over their studies and state that their way is the only way.

Ethos: There are many of your "trusted" environmentalist who show CO2 graphs where it starts at about the level of 280, and shows "how much" the CO2 levels have risen over the last thousand years, when in fact they have only fluctuated about to the level of 100 above the base level of 280, but it looks incredibly scary because the graph starts at the level of 280 and where most other points on the graph are around 300-320, the increase up to 380 seems incredibly freaky and scary. So why can't these environmentalist come up with things better then tricks to fool our eyes? It is simply because there is too much information on both sides of the global warming topic to be completely true.

Pathos: I know for a fact that everyone of you has seen at least some commercial on how the polar bears are dying, and how all of the ice burgs are melting near the North and South poles. You have probably also seem pictures of ice burg "calving" this is a completely natural process that occurs when an ice burg grows too large and moves out of its temperature patterns where it can remain the same spot, making it drift into warmer water and letting it go down a more normal size. This is completely normal and there is no need for alarm even though the hype now is that Florida and other areas of the world are going to be flooded because of the amount of ice that is melting. Have any of you even watched ice melt into water? Water is one of the few elements in the world that expands when it forms a solid, thus when it melts it shrinks. The influx of water based on the melting of ice burgs is nearly obsolete.

Logos: Everyone knows about how the environmentalist love to say how bad greenhouse gases are. It just seems that they never tell you what good they do. Because of the greenhouse effect from the ozone layer, we actually are able to live on this wonderful Earth. If we didn't have any greenhouse gases out planet would be like Mars. If you don't believe me simply go talk to Brother Platt in the Geography department. We spent about an hour talking about this in class today. It is fascinating, the greenhouse effect is what allows our home to be warm to have any fluctuation in temperature. Also the hype about the sudden rise in CO2 levels should not be alarming, the earth goes through cycles where the solubility of CO2 in water fluctuates, this has been tested and is proved by many scientists through looking at different CO2 levels in the ice caps in Antarctica and Greenland and areas such as that. This is nothing to be alarmed about.

Honor Code

Through this first week I have heard lots a complaining about the honor code. I thought about a lot of different things to write about but I have finally decided. While often my natural instinct is to rebel against some of the more strict and perhaps ridiculous parts of the code. I decided to take a step back and look at the big picture for this assignment. It doesn't matter that i disagree with something or maybe just that it's taken one step too far. What matters most is that this is my school and I will follow the rules.

Ethos- I don't have much authority in this area but those that made these rules have the ultimate authority as their callings are from our Father in Heaven. He has placed these men in their positions and therefore they ARE the authority at this school.

Pathos- For me following this code is similar to following commandments. I'm sure you all agree that while this is a church institution, it isn't necessarily like a church activity on the Sabbath. Nevertheless I believe the same obedience applies.

Logos- If you really sit down and think about it, you will realize that most of these rules make sense and while we may think they are a little extreme, they help us keep in the right frame of mind for school and our religious obligations.

My arguments are simple and, at this point, not very long but the underlying reason for following the honor code is our commitment to this university and the church as a whole

Censorship in the Dorm Rooms

The dorm experience so far at BYU has been quite simply fun and enjoyable for me. The guys on my floor get along, and for the most part everyone behaves. However, one thing in particular has left me in bewilderment since day one. The Internet restrictions. To tell the truth, ridiculous is the only word that can describe it. Anyone who's ever been on a computer knows that restrictive Internet access can thoroughly disrupt the researching part of any paper. As for the BYU dorms, it's extremely inconvenient to not be able to open certain web pages for whatever arbitrary reason the university can present.

From a parenting perspective, it's understandable for a concerned parent to feel the need to protect their child from possible dangers that can be exposed on the Internet. Nevertheless, that's not a University's responsibility to patrol the Internet, nor should it be. When kids take the step from high-school to college, they take a big step of independence and one of enlisting in the ranks of adulthood. Therefore, students at Brigham Young University should have the right to view whatever Internet page they desire, regardless of whether it's deemed inappropriate or not by the University.

The new bookstore

The new bookstore policy on alphabetizing text books needs to be reversed. They had been organized according to class and section, and they need to return to that method.
Ethos: I have been associated with the university for years as both a student and full-time employee. I have been to the bookstore on many occasions to buy text books for various classes. It has always been very simple and straight forward. This time such was not the case. My father in law has been a professor on campus for over ten years and was also disconcerted by the way in which the text books had been grouped.
Pathos: As an incoming freshman, or a student that has been at the university for a while, it was always nice to be able to find all of your texts for class in the same area. Under the new policy we have the added stress of printing a book list and then searching for those books alphabetically by the authors last name. It is even more confusing when there is no author listed only a publisher, or when there are more than one author listed. In those cases it becomes even more frustrating as you hunt through the shelves for the books you need.
Logos: I am surprised that the bookstore would claim their new policy makes it easier for students. After speaking to many students I have not found one who felt this policy was easier, or made purchasing their books simpler. One of the most confusing things about the new policy is the "pallet zone". This area is where the bookstore has those books that are needed in large quantity. Having these books separated out from the rest defeats the purpose of alphabetizing everything for "convenience".

Diversity

Coming from a very culturally diverse city in California, my first reaction to BYU was the lack of diversity of the school. The campus overall should be more accepting to diversity and people from different backgrounds. When you take a stroll along campus the overwhelming majority of the student population is Caucasian. The study body as a whole should become more welcoming and open minded of other cultures and views. Sometimes I feel that students are often too quick to judge and make assumptions about others because of how they look and where they come from. We should bring individuals from other backgrounds and cultures in order to make the student body as a whole stronger. We can learn and grow from other’s experiences that may be different from ours to help strengthen the campus. By being more aware and accepting of others cultures, and maybe even accepting those of different backgrounds into the campus more, the student body and atmosphere of the campus will benefit. 

Ethos, Pathos, and Logos

I argue that the MTC drop off policy should be changed. For those who don’t know, the up and coming swine flu has hit pandemic proportions all over the world. Because of this, the MTC, or missionary training center, has decided to have a three minute drop off session for all reporting missionaries.
Ethos: I have seen two of my bothers dropped off at the MTC. Friends and other family members have spoken to me about their experience with the MTC and dropping off a missionary. Also, my roommate currently has swine flu and I see no lasting effects it has on me.
Pathos: consider for a second that the next time you see your mom could be the last. What would you say? What would you do? Now, imagine that you’re only given three minutes to spend with her. Overwhelming right? This thought, that you may never see her again, is not only true but most defiantly can happen. I am a witness to that because a little under a year ago my brother left on his mission. When dropping him off it was hard, but we all knew we would see him again and he would see us. Unfortunately months later my mom was diagnosed with cancer and passed away soon after. The devastation that our family went though seemed irreversible. If my brother were too only spent three minutes with my mom before he went into the MTC I know that the wounds that occurred from this tragedy would have become more sever.
Logos: I understand that the MTC is just trying to take precautions but how bad is the swine flu anyways? Yes there are some cases in the United States of deaths occurring from this illness but to the amount of deaths per year caused by the regular flu makes this so called “swine flu” seems small and insignificant. Also, men at there age of nineteen to twenty one have a higher immune system then that of any other humans.

At BYU young parents are seen briging their children to class with them. I believe that a child should not be brought to class. I understand that being a young parent while still in school is hard, but by bringing on this responsibility you should be able to take the responsibility of finding a safe place for your child to stay while you are in class.
Ethos- Since this is still the first week of school I have not experienced this myself , but I have talked to a former BYU student, Reilly Carpenter , who was a young mother while still in school and asked her what she did and what her position was on this issue. She commented that yes it was hard at times but her and her husband worked their schedules out so that someone was always with their child. She also commented that if she had brought her daughter to class, not only would she not have gotten anything out of the lecture but either would the other students and she didn't want to be responsible for students paying for this great education and being distracted and not getting anything out odf the lesson.

Pathos- A study by researchers at the University of California, Berkeley confirmed that short-term memory problems are associated with an inability to filter out surrounding distractions, not problems with focusing attention. So therefore distractions such as a baby in the classroom can cause a problem for students and their classroom preformance.

Logos- I do agee that it is super hard to be a parent while still in school and sometimes there is nothing a parent can do and their child must come to class. So i do have counterexamples such as a quote from a professor who believes that it shouldn't happen but he understands that these young parents sometimes have no other choice and he says it does not distract him from his teaching.

Hip-Hop: Ethos, Pathos, Logos

At BYU I've noticed that hip-hop music is generally looked upon as an inferior, immoral, and unintelligent art form that has nothing positive to impart to its listeners. This mindset concerns me. Hip-hop music has a lot to offer in the way of new and intelligent ideas and shouldn't be looked down upon in the way that it is at BYU.

Ethos: President Barack Obama has stated that he feels that hip-hop has the potential to bring people of different generations and mindsets closer together. He admits that hip-hop has deserved its bad reputation in some cases, but he also recognizes its ability to bridge gaps between people and make a positive influence in society. Speaking of the gap between the young hip-hop fans and the older critics feel that hip-hop is an inferior art form, Obama said, "I've met with Jay-Z; I've met with Kanye. And I've talked to other artists about how potentially to bridge that gap. I think the potential for them to deliver a message of extraordinary power that gets people thinking (is massive)."

Pathos: Isn't it one of our religious duties as Latter-day Saints to seek out the truth? Hip-hop has a bad reputation, but that doesn't mean that we should be so quick to dismiss the whole art form as a negative influence. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints also has a bad reputation among many people. Obviously, we wish that people wouldn't judge us so quickly, but instead, learn more about our beliefs before they make their judgement call. We should give the same respect to all other organizations, genres, and individuals.

Logos: The truth is that there are many hip-hop artists out there who have amazing minds and great values. Check out artists like: Common, Lupe Fiasco, Nosson Zand, Talib Kweli, Matisyahu, and Mos Def. There are many more artists out there that have great morals and ideas that are just misunderstood because people only hear the few curse words when they listen to their songs. One rapper, Lupe Fiasco, even raps in one of his songs about how he used to hate hip-hop because he felt that it degraded women and used too much profane language. He then realized that not all hip-hop was that way and that he could help hip-hop lose its bad rep by writing lyrics with good morals and intelligent ideas. This sounds like the kind of music that people in search of becoming cultured and intelligent should listen to.

Ethos, Pathos, Logos

At BYU many people have different opinions then most people in Lexington MA especially regarding the same sex marriage issue. I think it’s okay for people to have different opinions, however I do not think it is okay to shun and stereotype against homosexuals. Derogatory comments such as “that’s so gay” are offensive and create an anti-gay atmosphere. I’m not saying that I’m pro gay marriage; I just think that an increase in friendliness would be an improvement to our campus.

 Ethos: I have lived in a community where there is a gay straight alliance and several openly gay people. I have had several friends who were gay and I can say for a fact that they are not inherently bad and they should not be treated that way. In my time living in this community I have been able to accept people even though I believe they have made decisions that are wrong. I have also been a member of the church all my life and have studied their position on this issue so I feel like I have a good grasp on both sides of the spectrum. A prophet of the church has the most credibility on an issue, Gordon B. Hinckley said this about the issue; "People inquire about our position on those who consider themselves so-called gays and lesbians. My response is that we love them as sons and daughters of God”. 

 Pathos: I think the idea of treating some one disrespectfully just because they have made certain decisions (even if those decisions are wrong) is against so many things that the church stands for. One thing that we should always remember is that religion should never be used to justify hatred.

 Logos: Due to the horrible backlash against the church after the passage of proposition 8, it seems logical that if we are prejudice against homosexuals then tensions will only increase. Granted it doesn’t help that people have stained our name with awful accusations that the church is extremely anti-gay. However, if we work to prove these statements wrong then a family will be less likely to reject missionaries due to some awful preconceived notion about the church.  

 

 

Youtube Anyone? Ethos, Pathos, Logos

So my argument is that we should be able to access youtube on campus because currently it is blocked to students. I fully understand the reason it is blocked, because most people are aware of the questionable content that fills the internet. There is inappropriate material everywhere pretty much. However, I'd say there are some things that have not been considered in the blocking of youtube.com. As a student living on campus I have first hand knowledge about the ways this affects the students who are living in on-campus housing. Emotionally this could affect students negatively because of the wide range of music content on the internet. Music can provide a necessary release from pressure and stress in the midst of classes, work, and homework. If there are no other ways for students to listen to music when they want to in order to destress it can be frustrating. Also, aside from the music on Youtube, there are many videos that can provide much entertainment and enjoyment for all students. Watching or listening to funny videos can be so much fun and lift any stressed or unhappy spirits. As far as the logic goes, there are so many other videos on Youtube that besides funny ones or music videos that are posted for the purpose of education, uplifting others, and encouraging others. For example, the church has recently sut up and account on Youtube that has conference talks, firesides and addresses from General Authorities so that those resources are easy to access. Another example of educational purposes has to do with actual school lectures. I have had many teachers, especially science teachers for some reason, record and post lecturse online so that not only can the student have notes but also the lecture as well. Even the lectures from my high school biology class are useful to me now so that I can review, but I can't access them on campus.

All Soft Drinks are NOT Created Equal

Ahem...

It is not necessary to prohibit the sale, and consumption of, caffeinated soft drinks on campus. Doing this only deprives one of a potentially beneficial product and one's agency.

Ethos:
Having been active in my LDS ward since before my own baptism, having served a full-time mission to Siberia, and having been at one time the President of a Branch of Saints I feel that I have a good grasp on the beliefs, practices, theology and life of the Latter-Day Saints. I study the scriptures everyday. I watch General Conference. Nowhere, in all of my study and observation, have I seen anything that could validate the caffeine ban that exists on BYU campus.

Pathos:
We've all had one of those days. You know what I'm talking about. You wake up early to get to class after falling asleep late doing that last minute study for the big test. You try your best to be attentive in class and to work hard, but you're honestly feeling a little drained. After class you honor a few commitments to other students, or to your family, until, finally, the time for the test has arrived. But, my friend, you are not whipped you are whooped! You wearily start that long walk south to the testing center thinking, "Man, I could sure use a little pick me up..." But, unfortunately, no such thing exists - at least not on campus. For reasons that you just can't figure out, the authorities of the school have chosen for you: You may not have caffeine.

Logos:
There just aren't any truly logical reasons for this ban. They may argue that caffeine is against the Word of Wisdom: a vital code of health for the Latter-Day Saints. I own the Doctrine and Covenants, and I assure you that caffeine is not listed as a forbidden substance. Also, it has never been officially stated by any modern Prophet or authority. The idea that caffeine is restricted to the Saints is false and assumed. Admittedly, it may be argued that caffeine is addictive, and addictions are forbidden by the spirit and deeper meaning of the Word of Wisdom. This is a point with which I agree. However, the great majority of people I know have no such addiction. They use caffeine as one would use asprin or ibuprofen. when the occasion calls for it. Using caffeine as a medicine when one has a headache, or is fatigued, and not habitually, can in no way be called an addiction. Thus, that argument is devalidated. The ban now serves no other logical purpose than to deprive us of the ability to choose for ourselves what we will drink.

Ethos, Pathos, and Logos

I argued that the Wyveiw housing rules, which limit guests to one person a maximum of three night should be changed.  Wyveiw apartments are large enough to fit more than 1 extra person, but I consider 4 or 5 people to be to many.  Also, I think the 3-day limit should be extended to a week.

Ethos: for ethos I would use the strategy of sharing person information from someone who has been here a while. I haven't yet asked around about this house rule, but I'm sure if I did I could find someone who has a distaste for it as well.

Pathos: for pathos I would use my own situation to appeal to the readers/listener's emotions.  I have 3 friends coming up down from Oregon who wanted to visit me and other friends this summer.  Part of their trip was going to be staying in my apartment (if my roommates were okay with it, which they were) for a couple days.  Because of the rules they could still come down, but now they have no place to stay, which kind of ruins the plans.

Logos: for logos I would point out factors like the size of the room: the couch can fit 2 sleeping people comfortably, and the living room floor is more than big enough for three people; it shouldn't be a big deal of roommates want to have guests of the same gender over to spend the night- not enough  to limit guests and not enough to tack on a $40 fine if said rules are not abided by; if all roommates are okay with it, the housing people shouldn't have a problem with it.

Ethos, Pathos, and Logos

I am a freshman at BYU and think that the visiting hours set forth for the dorms are not enough. I understand the meaning and rules behind the visiting hours, I just think that we should have more time to hangout and converse with other girls and even our own family members in the dorms. I think that there should be a set time for visiting hour’s everyday of the week. As long as all of the rules are followed and the honor code is obeyed, I see no difference in having visiting hours everyday instead of merely two days a week. Doesn’t that sound much more reasonable? In using ethos in my opinion editorial i have interviewed different people around BYU including my RA Colton which is very effective because he is over our dorm and people look up to him and his thoughts. In using Pathos in my paper I have interviewed my roommate Zach who appealed to peoples emotions by saying that its weird to say no to his own mom and sisters that they cant even come up to our dorm. His own mom and sisters, isn’t that a bit ironic! In using Logos in my editorial I have gone around and talked to people about my topic to get other arguments and points of view other than just my own.

Hip-Hop Hooray!

During my time at BYU I've noticed a few things about the music genres people generally listen to — or rather, don’t listen to. I find that a large percentage of the people that I come across don't have a high opinion of "hip-hop" or "rap" music. Granted, there are some people at BYU that are an exception to this generalization, but not many. This topic is one that has intrigued and vexed me for quite some time. I feel that hip-hop has a lot to offer and I would like to explain why I think people should give it a fighting chance; I'm not saying that everybody needs to like it, because we all have different tastes, but just give it a chance. I find the bad reputation hip-hop has received is generally unwarranted. However, I can understand how hip-hop may have received such a bad reputation. A lot of the most popular songs of the genre have featured a lot of cursing accompanied with base, materialistic, and derogatory lyrics. I, however, would like to point out that these songs don't represent hip-hop as a whole. Furthermore, I find that many of these songs are often misunderstood because that are taken out of the context of the culture or general mindset that created them; some songs' lyrics may even literally be taken out of context by the listener as they turn off the piece or get out of earshot without listening to the whole message the artist is attempting to portray. I also feel inclined to note that hip-hop is not alone in producing profane material. Almost all genres produce material that lacks a certain candor. A good percentage of hip-hop music has a lot to offer in the way of instrumentals and thought-provoking lyrics that aren't profane in the least. However, these offerings can only be recognized by someone willing to be daring enough to look past the genre’s bad reputation and give the music a chance.

Respect for Others!

I love having a laptop computer. With the fact that I am from a little place called Custer, MI and came out here for the winter semester by plane a laptop computer was the only type of computer that I could travel with. I find having a laptop a great blessing in my life. I love being able to take it to class to take notes if I have to, having it along on campus to work on an assignment in breaks between classes. However, what I don't love is the fact that students missuse the privilege of having a laptop. Sitting in my classes on campus I find myself seeing other students who have their laptops open pretending to take notes actually watching some sports game on their computer, checking facebook, or something like that. I know that some might say that it doesn't matter what they do on their laptops during class because what they are doing only hurts themselves, but I don't agree!!! I find it distracting to continually see all of these different things going across peoples screens as I am trying to take notes. Also I find it very annoying when the teacher just gets done explaining something very important in class, and one of these students who has been playing around on their computers realizes that something important might have been said so they have to interrupt the teacher from moving on and have them repeat what they just said over and over again until all those who have been playing around finally hearing what was said. Do the other students sitting in class, who have been paying attention really have to be punished for others not paying attention? There is something very simple called respecting others around you, and I just don't find that people are doing that when they keep playing around on their laptops! People, when there is time outside of class, I ask you why are you only thinking of your own enjoyment instead of thinking of those around you and the teacher who has prepared the class for everyone there, and not just you.

Restrictions on Visitors

I haven't even been at BYU for a week, and already I have noticed what a pain the restrictions are for visitors in on-campus housing. For instance, I live in WyView, and visitors from out of town are only allowed to stay for a maximum of 3 nights. I have a couple friends from Texas who want to come visit me this summer, and the drive is a very long and expensive one. If they are going to take the time to come out here, I want them to be able to stay for more than a mere 3 days. Also, I think it is very extreme to say only one guest is permitted per apartment. I can understand how 4 or 5 may be a concern, but any less than that should not be an issue. Particulary in my situation, because there is only one other girl living with me, and therefore there is plenty of extra room. I do agree that visitors should have to fill out a form with the signatures of all the roomates. But as long as all the roomates are in agreement, the issues of "how many" and "how long" should not be monitored by the university. We are college students now, and I think that we should be given more agency to make our own descisions, as long as we are following the honor code.

The Buzz on Drinks

As most of you in the class are new freshman, I feel the need to bring to your attention that Caffeine is not sold on campus. Many students find no problem with this, but I have a few qualms. I feel that (No. 1) Caffeine is not officially prohibited by the Word of Wisdom, nor is it condemned by the Church. I can to to TEMPLE SQUARE and get a Coke if I so chose. Also, (No. 2) I feel that by choosing on our behalf not to offer caffeine on campus, they are robbing us of our agency.

I feel that it is up to each of us individually to choose which herbs and substances we will abuse and which we wont. For me, there are just desperate days when I use caffeine to complete my workload. I for one choose not to guzzle a 64oz. Diet Dew with lunch every day. But even if I did, that is my choice. I can recall one recognizable figure from scripture who sought to take away our freedom of choice, so why is my University striving for the same end?

Babbysitter wanted

One issue that occurs on BYU campus is the presence of babies in the classroom. Due to the fact that students get married young their families begin to grow and parents who are still students find themselves having to bring the children to class. Families are so special and if a couple decides to start a family while still in school all power to them, but bringing the children to class provides a distraction not only to other students but also the professor. Even if the child is quiet students attention goes to the baby. College is tough and students need to be focused and the professor has so much to teach in so little time that there can be no distractions. I love children and can not wait to have a family of my own but a child does not belong in the classroom.

BYU Meal Cards

For any of you who have a Platinum Meal Plan at BYU, where you receive either $30, $40, $50 a week that you can spend almost anywhere on campus, you know how much of a rip off this is. For those who don't have one, which would probably be someone living off campus or in Helaman Halls, you can not accumulate more than $100 on your meal card. If you have not spent that money, it just stops at $100, when you use it after that point, you don't get to gain back the money that you have lost. It is lost forever and you or who ever pays for it, still has to pay for the money that is put on your meal cards. I do not know about you guys, but I already have $50 on my meal card, from last week and this week and I've already finished all of my shopping for a while. I think that it is ridiculous that you can not gain back the money that reaches over $100, but who knows, maybe it's to keep kids from starving themselves just to go and buy an XBox or a laptop from the Bookstore.

Marraige vs. Education at BYU

This is my very first year at college. Yes, i am unfortunately, like most of you, a freashman. When I was first telling everyone in my acquaintance that i would be attending BYU almost right after i graduated high school everyone had the same thing. "Congratulations Adrienne, you are going to be engaged in 6 months!" I found this a VERY disturbing thought. Yes, i have heard the stories of the people who go to BYU just to find the one Mormon boy that they have been looking for all their short little lives, but really now. I've been out of high school for three weeks and people are already taking bets on how long its going to take me to get married? I think BYU should try to eliminate this image. This is a top rate institution, not just a place to meet some man/woman so you can get married.
I know that what they say has some validity. BYU is where half of the adult LDS population met and dated. What i wasn't prepaired for, however, was how much the institution pushes the students to meet others of the opposite gender, to date, and even marriage. For example, most of you probably attended New Student Orientation. The dating game, the two dances, and they even forced you to introduce yourself to at least 15 other people of the opposite gender, need i say more? The first couple of days here at BYU felt more like going back to EFY then it did a college setting.

Home Sweet Home?

When my friends from back home (Oregon) found out I would be attending the summer term of BYU, they were a little disappointed I wouldn't be around for our last summer together.  Although I was mostly glad to be moving myself in a new direction, I found I as also let down that I wouldn't just hanging out this summer with my friends.  A couple weeks ago, I found out that 2 or 3 of my Oregon-buddies were planning a road trip down here to visit with friends (which would now include me).  I was pretty excited when I found out and they already planned on staying in my dorm / apartment (I live in Wyview) with me.  However.... when I first moved in a noticed a BYU Guest Registration form that permitted only one guest in an apartment at a time, and a failure to abide by this rule would result in a $40 fine.  I understand the need to register guests staying in your rented apartment so RA's can know when there are extra people and so a person doesn't end up letting someone else live at their house.  I mean, what kind of world would we live in if everyone didn't know what everyone else was doing all the time? (sarcastic).   I don't see the issue with visitors of the same gender staying over for a night, especially when it's less than 4 people, and if roommates give it the okay.  

It's hard being away from people you're use to seeing everyday, and it's nice to check up on old friends / be checked up on.  I would argue that the housing policy should not put a restriction on the number of guests allowed to stay over in your apartment unless there is excessive noise being made.

Youtube Anyone?

This is my first term at BYU and as a freshman I am living on campus in the dorms. One of my roommates made an interesting discovery just the other night: Youtube is blocked on campus. She expressed her frustration because she does not have an ipod, did not get to bring her computer with her itunes account on it, and now, with the abcense of youtube, she has no way of listening to her music. I understood her frustration because, while i have some of my music on itunes and on my ipod, there is a significant portion of the music I prefer that I dont have. My solution to this problem was my youtube account, where I could create playlists of my favorite music. For me, I use music to help me relax and one of my playlists on youtube was solely comprised of hymns from the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. I listened to this everytime I felt stressed or when I needed to relax. This is very necessary as a college student because it often brings a lot of stress. However, with youtube being blocked on campus I dont have a lot of peaceful music to listen to. While I understand there is some inappropriate material/music videos/content on youtube there are some very good and wholesome videos at the same time. For instance, right before I came this summer, an announcement was made in the Relief Society of my home ward that there is now on youtube a site that has different conference talks and addresses from general authorities. And as far as the bad content goes, it seems that one could find just as much inappropriate material on Facebook as on Youtube, but Facebook is definitely not blocked.

MTC Drop Off

Last week a video was sent to the daily universe online at http://universe.byu.edu/opinion about the recent missionary training center drop off policy. For those who don’t know, the swine flu has hit pandemic proportions all over the world. Because of this, the MTC, or missionary training center, has decided to have a three minute drop off session for all reporting missionarys. Young men and woman are literally being kicked out of the car with little time to say good bye to the family. Being that I have seen two of my brothers dropped off I decided to take a stand on this issue. I understand that the mtc is just trying to take precautions but how bad is the swine flu anyways? Yes there are some cases in the united states of deaths occurring from this illness but to the amount of deaths per year caused by regular flu this so called swine flu seems small and insignificant. In fact, my roommate currently has it and I am in no hurry to get out of the apartment. I believe that the MTC should take on that same attitude and allow familys to spend a little bit more time with their missionaries.

Colter Conway

Minority in the Gospel

I've moved to this campus from Lexington, MA, and I have concluded that Lexington High School and BYU are polar opposites. In many ways this has been a great change for me, the standards that everyone follows provides a much better atmosphere for feeling the spirit and learning. However, one thing I do sometimes miss about Lexington is that fact that I am a religious minority over there. My school has 2000 students and 3 of them are LDS. Many people think that it would be a challenge to be such a small minority and it was. I was constantly challenged on several of the churches views, many were easy to dismiss as myths or past views. However, the majority of my school disagreed on the churches stance on gay marriage and abortion. I believe that it strengthened my testimony to stand up to the arguments and try as best I could to defend the churches policies. During prop 8 I was bombarded with outraged people asking "why do Mormons hate gays" this gave me an opportunity to explain that we would never use our religion to justify hatred. Being a minority in the gospel was a very strengthening experience for me and something I will miss. I am not saying that BYU should change at all I'm simply commenting on something that I'll miss about my home town. 

Visiting Hours

As a freshman i think that in the dorms there should be more visiting hours. I fully agree with the rules behind it, i just think that only two days and for only two hours each time is not enough time to be able to hangout with the other "female" friends and even females in your own families. I think that there should be at least set visiting hours for a little each day. As long as all of the rules are followed and the honor code is obeyed there would be no difference then the visiting hours set already. This would simply be a minor change in adding a few more days to the visiting schedule. Thanks

ZZZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzz

I'm not sure how much of an issue it is but throughout campus I have seen an interesting phenomenon. Upon studying for this assignment, I found that it is addressed in the Daily Universe as well.
Just walking around campus for the last day or two I have noticed a surprising number of students curled or sprawled, seemingly without care, on campus lawns and benches. This was new for my and I must admit, some staring occured. In some ways I understand the sentiment behind it as, often, I feel the need to take a break for twenty inutes or so for a quick power nap. On the other hand this usually takes place in my bed or a couch at home. As odd as this is for me, I find it somewhat intriging as opposed to being apalled at the audacity of the matter. In some ways i look forward to trying it.

Piano Tuning

My writing process is like an old man who's hard-of-hearing trying to tune a piano. The process is painful, takes a long time, and has absolutely no guarantee of producing a good outcome.

During my writing process, I typically like to brainstorm in order to get a strong hold on some ideas before I begin to write a draft. The draft is always written in free-hand because I find it difficult to formulate my ideas when typing. This usually gets down my thoughts, and then the hard part comes. As I read my draft I find my sentences to be like the keys of an untuned piano -- they never sound quite right. Going through and tweaking sentences, paragraphs, and ultimately the entire piece usually yields a decent outcome, but I still like to get more input. It's always helpful for me to have someone proofread my piece for me to catch errors and give me some input on the piece as a whole.

Overall, I feel that my writing process could definitely be improved. I like things to be perfect from the start, and I think that makes this process more difficult for me than it has to be. With some practice though, I feel that there is hope for anyone to become good at anything despite the challenges. After all, look at Beethoven -- maybe a deaf man can tune a piano.

Sourpatch Kids

In my experience writing has been a major outlet to my thoughts and emotions. I've learned all I know about writing from past English classes and teachers. However, I have never really enjoyed writing in school, in spite of the fact that in my free time there is little I enjoy more. For that reason writing is like a sourpatch kid candy to me. The only way you can get to the sweet chewiness inside is to suffer through the intense sour coating. I have been through many unenjoyable English classes and been forced to write about topics I don't like or agree with. But now, I can use my skills to enjoy writing for the purpose of communication. This is the sweetest and most rewarding part to me: when personal writing can be about communication, thought processes, and understanding. But what I've learned is that while the "sour" part of writing might be a pain to get through, it is still essential to being able to effectively communicate with others. Then, after the whole experience of learning new necessary skills and growing, I can write something of my own knowing that the hard work and dedication has paid off and effective communication can be achieved, for my benefit and the benefit of others.

writing metaphor

1)Writing is like a staircase. It keeps building up and the view out the windows keeps getting better.

2)When I have to write a large paper, I first like to find my sources of information. I will then read them and highlight anything i think i will be able to use. Then with this information in mind, i will make an outline-for real, I'm not joking. I've almost never heard of someone else actually doing that unless it was required. After that, i will put each piece of information on an index card and and arrange them in the order that I wish to use them in the paper. When i start writing my paper i will use both my ideas from my outline and the information from my sources. I like to review and reread my papers and change the order, wording, or anything else to make it more accurate or make it flow better. I usually write research papers so i always have to have the research. The most challenging part of writing a paper for me is usually the conclusion. I never really know what to say or how to say it. I have also found that my writing is a lot better on paper then if i just type it up on the computer, so i tend to use a lot of paper but it works for me.

writing is like walking to campus from wyview it takes a very long time.

when I write a paper is I like trying to give the paper as much personality as possible. Many time I use personal experiences to let the reader know a little more about the author. I find it very frustrating to have to sit in one place to write. I walk, wonder and think of the readers, and what I want them to get from my writing. Although I tend to put alot of effort into my writing I always tend to feel like it needs something. But at times I have found that simple is better.

This is not something that I like to do!

Writing is like creating a new recipe, you just start with one ingredient at a time.

Writing for me is just always wried. I am dyslexic, but have never been offically diagnosed so I can't get all of the help that most can get. I first really learned how to read when I was 13 years old, so reading and writting is still something that I am really trying to learn. I may be a few years older then most in the class, but my reading and writting is not as good. So when I start writing a paper I don't always do the typical way of writing. Sometimes I will write the thesis for my paper last, or start writting my paper by writting the conclution. I never really do it the same way that everyone else writes. When I am writting the things that I have found work best for me is to find some wried and unusual thing to start me off with writting, or just picking a subject that I really feel passionate about and then I can really start writting. When I have to revise a paper nine times out of ten I will email the paper to my mother and we will sit on the phone for 2 hours going over my paper word by word revising it. Sometimes we miss things, but she understands how my mind works best so she can help me in revising what I have written. Writing is not something that I really like to do, or will sit down and do a lot of. If I can, I will avoid writing at all cost, but I have to take this class for generals so I am taking it. Hopefully I will learn to like writing a little more, and maybe even get better at it by the end of summer.

Take a break!

Writing is like climbing a mountain. It takes determination and you sometimes need breaks. While writting papers one must be focused and determined to finish and finish strong. A person can not just run up a huge mountain and expect to get to the top without stoping for a little breather. While writting a paper I sometimes get stressed and my brain freezes this is the time I need a break. Just like when a person can not catch their breath up that big hill. By taking a break you are able to refocus your thoughts and come back feeling strong and ready to work and finish without feeling stressed.

Writing? Thats Funny.

For me, writing is like telling a 6 year old to sit inside and read a book when it's a beautiful sunny day. For the six year old, I'm sure the idea of playing outdoors is much more appealing. Whenever I am given a writing assignment, I become like the six year who would rather be doing anything than have his nose stuck in that book. Picking up a pen or pencil and attempting to organize my ADD thoughts on any given subject is probably one of the most unbearable tasks. When I write I tend to jump from one topic to another, and the final product rarely comes together as smooth and uniform flow of ideas. I often wonder what my past English teachers have thought of me after reading a number of my papers. Does this girl belong in public school, or an insane asylum? Writing is typically easier for me when I am given a very general topic, because it allows me to be more creative, while a very specific topic constrains my ability to think and elaborate.

Box of Candy

1) My writing is like a box of sees candy, the majority are terrible with the except for a few!

2. Include a paragraph that describes your writing process in further detail. Be honest, and if you'd like, be creative. You may want to consider the following questions (however, please just don't answer each question one by one):

2) My writing process is usually rushed and unorganized, because I dont take the time to brainstorm and plan it out before hand. Howerver I also write while I am by my computer listening to music and or texting which also takes my focus away from my writng. In the past when i have brainstormed and thought previously about my topic before hand, my final product is much better. Therefore my writing process is a direct reflection of my time management and procrastination. If I simply take the time to work, brainstorm, process the information before writing, and revise what i have written my paper will turn out just dandy.

Writing Process

1. Sitting down at the computer and finally being able to spit out a new story is like finding another person on a desertered island. You're surprised, but you always new someone was there.
2. When I write a news-type report or research paper I usually skip the introduction and go straight to the main part. I like to start with quotations and then put them in a logical order. Then I add transitions in between qutations to make them flow better. Usually by this point I know where I'm going with my thoughts. At this point, most likely after changing things around, I write my introduction and conclusion. The most challenging part for me is finishing the story with an interesting conclusion. Editing is my favorite part (if I remember to do so), and my first attempt at a paper usually becomes marked up in multiple colors that mean different things. This goes on until I'm completely sick of my paper, or I run out of time.

Take a moment and imagine yourself sitting in an English class moments after a huge writing assignment was given out. As your stress level begins to rise, you soon realize that the cute girl you thought you were going on a date with that night needs to be prospoened. But no need to worry, there's a solution to this madness. Too often i see my writing anything and every thing that is on my mind. Although this may work some of the time, it most definitely will not work all of the time. off hand writing will always make assignment longer to finish. So what is the secret to sucessful writing? Well, throughout my educational career I was taught to always make a "web diagram" before doing any kind of writing. I have to admitte I thought this was foolish at first but when i finally found out how to implement orginization to my writing, my grades seemed to go up. Also, i found that if i could orginize my thoughts, the paper that seemed to be holding me back from haveing a social life would cease to have controll. Organized writing is like diving head first into a pool of freezing water then taking a trip to the hot springs. no mater how difficult it may seem at first, there will always be a reward at the end.

My writing process

Writing, for me, is like a visiting a crowded amusement park, long slow waits in line followed by short bursts of excitement. Communication through the written word frustrates me. I fear that miscommunication follows where I write. I sit before the computer in befuddlement waiting for that elusive flash of inspiration. It comes and I type furiously for a while before returning to that lathergic state of before. I work best with noise surrounding me. When all is silent I feel caged. I edit as I go constantly reworking what I write. As my frustration ebbs I know that I am approaching an end-point.

Paper boat

Writing is like a paper boat dropped into a river.
Oftentimes it takes a bit of effort to get started but once i get into the paper the words seem to flow and pick up speed. as my mind warls to the topic it begins to move quickly and much of the time my fingers are not able to keep up. It doesn't really matter where i am or what I am doing because i lose myself in the writing as a boat is lost in a swift river. I try not to ramble on and my organization needs work. often i will draft a paper but the final will turn out completely different as i retype and revise. I would rather have another read and correct my work because i will just skip over mistakes because they are my own words and i know what it is supposed to say.

Riding a Bike

1. Writing is like riding a bike for me, no matter how long I don't write I can always come back to it and get better.
2. For me whenever I am writing a paper it just seems to flow out of me, and I don't have to really think about what I am typing, it just seems to flow and it is the most amazing feeling ever. I love to write any time of day and personally I love just writing in my room with music playing to let me concentrate and focus on what I am doing. I simply just love writing so much, for me essays are so much fun to write and even when I am stuck while writing I just keep on writing until I figure out what is wrong and then I go back and rewrite and reword what wasn't fitting together. Personally I try not to revise and edit anything until I am completely finished with my paper. I always revise first and then I edit, which I love to do both of those, so for me that is one of my favorite parts of writing anything, but my absolute favorite is reading my final paper and having the feeling of sheer accomplishment.

Writing style

Depending on how interested I am in my writing it can vary from pushing a train by myself for a mile or discovering a new natural law. When writing for an English assignment I am usually very frustrated by the rigid format that we are required to write in. While writing my college essays I found it very liberating to write freely, the same way I talk. When I am forced to write within the rigid format I usually write out all of my arguments, evidence and analysis before I start writing. The hardest part for me, and something I enjoyed not doing in my college essays, is thinking of ways I can restate all of my statements because in the rigid five paragraph format you need to state any given argument in: the introduction paragraph, the first sentence of the body paragraph where the argument is used, the last sentence of the body paragraph where the argument is used and the conclusion. This felt like busy work more than a form of art. I usually prefer to do my writing a lot at a time because it is the kind of thing that takes me awhile to get into. Usually I take little breaks in between paragraphs to do something like check facebook or watch something on youtube; I think this actually helps me to write better because a lot of times inspiration comes to me when I'm not trying to find it.

My Writing Process

We've all heard the old adage from our English teachers in High School, "Essays are likes skirts. They should be long enough to cover the subject, but short enough to keep it interesting." I believe this to be true, but beyond that I believe that writing is like trying to paint with a keyboard. I always seem to have colors, shapes, scenes, faces, depth, and a million other flashes of light that all come together as a work of art inside my mind. My challenge lies in trying to paint with the keyboard those visions. They're things that I can barely articulate in words at times let alone put into type.

I've always found that I write best in certain moods. Because I genuinely strive to make my words into art, dull and bored moods generally hinder the creative lines connecting my brain to my fingers. Although I in no way compare myself to him in terms of skill or vision, I honestly believe that, like me, there were just some days that Da Vinci couldn't paint... or write in my case. I find my moods heavily influenced by music, and as such most of my best work comes while I'm listening to music. The music helps bring the visions to life, it excites my subconscious mind so that I can SEE more clearly what I need to describe.

I know that it probably sounds weird, or like I've strayed pretty far from the norm, but what isn't now a days. That's just honestly how it works for me.