The blog comes to and end...or does it?

Is this it for my blog? I've never kept up with one as long as I have for this class. I know that's sad considering there is only a few posts, but now that I have become somewhat accustomed to posting, I'll sort of miss it. Of course there's nothing stopping me from continuing, other than no one will read it and anyone who would I'd feel sorry for them. I hope anyone who did read this over the course of the course enjoyed the absurdity of all my blatherings. I know I did. I think I'll start up a blog on facebook or myspace or adultfriendfinder or one of those places and see where it goes. I'll do one from the perspective of a mail order bride from Scandinavia living in the south who wants to be a senator. Or maybe I'll try writing from a black dude's point of view since everyone in my class seems to think I decend from Africa. Either way, the blogging must continue regardles of audience, ethic, or talent. Good luck to everyone in my class and if I knew what any of you looked like I'd say hi to you in the real world. Until then, accept this virtual high-five and peace be with ye.

Woops. Missed one.

The Strength of Internet Ties. At first I thought I thought this was going to be about virtual neckties and how durable they are, but of course it wasn't. Just when I thought there'd be an article about something I could relate to, along comes another exploration of web relationships. This thing was thick with information, much of which I skimmed over like low-flying aircraft. I guess people are using the internet more profoundly than some people thought. I don't know if I doubted this myself, but I also don't know if I would have thought to research it either. It seems we will never have the rural-Pleasantville-style community again now that the net is up and running at full steam. I never lived in one of those communities where everyone knows each other and is all up in one another's business, but it sounds lovely. If it wasn't for the net, I probably wouldn't keep in touch with any of my old friends. I don't like talking on the phone that much, and I've sent maybe five letters in my life, so the fact I can pop on send a quick "F.U." or "WazzuP DOod?" really helps maintain my meaningful relationships - whether they're a block or 2200 miles away.

Rant in C:\ Major

This article, "How Computers Change the Way We Think", by Sherry Turkle, was pretty dry. For most of it, I didn't really know what Turkle was talking about. So I guess I didn't really agree with most of what she said, but I didn't disagree either. Except for her comments on privacy and how "college students seem uninterested in violations of privacy and in increased governmental and commercial surveillance." I'm a college student and I am sure as hell interested in my privacy being violated by The Man and his buddy, The Business Man. Those guys are always up to something, and it's not my, or any other student's fault that they take every chance they get to peak into our lives. She then says, "In 10 years, ideas about the relationship of privacy and government will require even more active pedagogy." Why in ten years? Why not NOW? One of the main reasons we're in this crazy environment now is that at some point it was decided that the Constitution should no longer be required reading in school. Sure, we'll fly the flag in every classroom, but we don't want those kids learning their rights before we get a chance to take them all away. She also mentions something about when there is more education about silent surveillance, there might be more political engagement with the issue. That's true, but that's not the whole issue. Teens need to be educated on more than the silent spies. They need to know the everyday rights they have, that are taken for granted from lack of awareness, are being quietly stripped away, and soon the only ones to blame for not knowing will be the themselves. Anyways...the rest of her points seem valid, but also seem like she's stretching them out a bit for a better paper.

(A Horse's) Behind

I feel like I'm behind in every class. This weekend is Ketchup Weekend. I will cover myself in tomato paste and get caught up in all my work. I'll be the busiest french fry in the box.