Connecting scholarly minds has never been more prevalent then today. Open Archives Initiative (OAI) provides free software for institutions to create OAI-compliant archives (Warner, 2003). This is important because it makes it easier to share research, and get it peer reviewed. It also helps organize data so that it can be more easily found when searching.
Standardizing the way data is put onto the Internet is very important because otherwise the Internet will become uneasy to use. The way research is posted on the Internet now has perimeters. It is important to remember to stick within them otherwise your research will not be seen.
The only problem is that when you post all of your research online, anyone can see it. You cannot protect your work from plagiarizers. When you post something online, it is for the world to see. Hopefully, those who are viewing your research remember to always follow the rules of academic research.
There is some resistance to OAI by the researchers because they would like to archive their data themselves. But what's the point of researching if no one else can read your work?
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Thursday, April 12, 2007
The Importance of Proper Research
Time and time again, students are told not to plagiarize. So many times throughout High School and college, we are told what plagiarism is, and how to avoid it. This is because it is terrible to steal, especially from others. When the research process begins, there should be a conscious effort to take notes and record where your sources came from.
Using other's ideas to learn and develop ideas is essential as a student. It is a fundamental value to learning. Using these ideas, without proper citation format, leads to failure. As a student, there should always be a constant effort to cite properly.
Even more important is learning. When you steal ideas that are not your own, you cannot learn. You use there thoughts to complete assignments, and you don't develop your own. Not only will you fail, but you will cheat yourself. Always cite properly.
Using other's ideas to learn and develop ideas is essential as a student. It is a fundamental value to learning. Using these ideas, without proper citation format, leads to failure. As a student, there should always be a constant effort to cite properly.
Even more important is learning. When you steal ideas that are not your own, you cannot learn. You use there thoughts to complete assignments, and you don't develop your own. Not only will you fail, but you will cheat yourself. Always cite properly.
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Let's snuff out smoking in Wisconsin
You can’t do it in retail stores, you can’t do it on the bus, you can’t do it in the office, but as of yet, bars and restaurants are fair game for smoking to pollute the air. Governor Jim Doyle has laid out his plan this year for the “Statewide Anti-Smoking Initiative,” and it’s about time we adopt it and snuff out smoking.
A recent report from Tobacco Control says people who smoke as few as 1-4 cigarettes daily have significantly more risk of dying than nonsmokers do. It’s not like people these days don’t know that smoking is bad for your health, but it is time to consider a more broad aspect of health, the health of those around you. As Doyle articulates his plan to rid the state of smoking, bars begin to realize the ramifications of a statewide smoking ban.
Milwaukee Alderman Robert Donovan opposes the ban saying it’s unfair to target small bar owners who depend on a regular customer base that includes smokers. Donovan, who receives support from the Wisconsin Tavern League, fails to realize this ban is about health, and no one should profit off of people who smoke cigarettes and risk their own health. Bars that support smoking must realize they are not being singled out, but the public’s health is more important. Millions of dollars a year in Wisconsin are spent on treating people with diseases related to smoking, and even more money is wasted on buying cigarettes which cause these diseases.
According to the American Cancer Society, smoking is responsible for nearly 1 in 5 deaths in the United States. Because cigarette smoking and tobacco use are acquired behaviors -- activities that individuals choose to do -- smoking is the most preventable cause of premature death in our society. The right to smoke should never be taken away, this would be losing our constitutional rights, but to cause others harm because of your own poor decision is not a constitutional right.
Indoor smoking bans have already taken place in major cities including Minneapolis and St. Paul, Madison, New York, and even entire countries such as Scotland, Ireland, and England. It seems as though Wisconsin is dragging its feet. Implementing this new ban will not only encourage people to quit smoking, but also better the health of the people of this state.
People should not be allowed to harm other people’s health, regardless of the situation. A recent case study funded by Cancer Research UK monitored carbon dioxide levels of non-smokers in a smoky atmosphere. Their researched found that carbon dioxide levels significantly rise with only one hour of exposure to secondhand smoke. It is not fair for people to have to endure such smoky conditions, damage their health, and reek of a cigarette all while working at their job.
This statewide smoking ban would end this epidemic and would encourage good health to all citizens. Smoking in bars affects other people, and should not be a right of an individual because it harms others’ health. If a statewide smoking ban was issued, just imagine how many people would quit smoking. It is time to pass the statewide smoking ban in Wisconsin. The ban will make bars and restaurants much healthier places to socialize and work. It will also lower the number of diseases related to cigarette smoking, and lead this state into the 21st century smoke free.
A recent report from Tobacco Control says people who smoke as few as 1-4 cigarettes daily have significantly more risk of dying than nonsmokers do. It’s not like people these days don’t know that smoking is bad for your health, but it is time to consider a more broad aspect of health, the health of those around you. As Doyle articulates his plan to rid the state of smoking, bars begin to realize the ramifications of a statewide smoking ban.
Milwaukee Alderman Robert Donovan opposes the ban saying it’s unfair to target small bar owners who depend on a regular customer base that includes smokers. Donovan, who receives support from the Wisconsin Tavern League, fails to realize this ban is about health, and no one should profit off of people who smoke cigarettes and risk their own health. Bars that support smoking must realize they are not being singled out, but the public’s health is more important. Millions of dollars a year in Wisconsin are spent on treating people with diseases related to smoking, and even more money is wasted on buying cigarettes which cause these diseases.
According to the American Cancer Society, smoking is responsible for nearly 1 in 5 deaths in the United States. Because cigarette smoking and tobacco use are acquired behaviors -- activities that individuals choose to do -- smoking is the most preventable cause of premature death in our society. The right to smoke should never be taken away, this would be losing our constitutional rights, but to cause others harm because of your own poor decision is not a constitutional right.
Indoor smoking bans have already taken place in major cities including Minneapolis and St. Paul, Madison, New York, and even entire countries such as Scotland, Ireland, and England. It seems as though Wisconsin is dragging its feet. Implementing this new ban will not only encourage people to quit smoking, but also better the health of the people of this state.
People should not be allowed to harm other people’s health, regardless of the situation. A recent case study funded by Cancer Research UK monitored carbon dioxide levels of non-smokers in a smoky atmosphere. Their researched found that carbon dioxide levels significantly rise with only one hour of exposure to secondhand smoke. It is not fair for people to have to endure such smoky conditions, damage their health, and reek of a cigarette all while working at their job.
This statewide smoking ban would end this epidemic and would encourage good health to all citizens. Smoking in bars affects other people, and should not be a right of an individual because it harms others’ health. If a statewide smoking ban was issued, just imagine how many people would quit smoking. It is time to pass the statewide smoking ban in Wisconsin. The ban will make bars and restaurants much healthier places to socialize and work. It will also lower the number of diseases related to cigarette smoking, and lead this state into the 21st century smoke free.
Thursday, March 29, 2007
Finding Help and Comfort Online
When you're looking for answers, where do you go?
Recently, my mom had to be hospitalized for endocarditis, and my father told me how he felt like he had become a doctor by searching on the internet for answers.
Imagine the doctor told you about a disease you had, but you had never heard of it before. People these days have access to information only doctors could obtain years ago. The internet can offer people new ways to find comfort at a time that is so painful. Instead of being left with only questions, people can now get answers if they know how to find it.
We are in the second generation of the internet, and people are using the internet to better their hobbies, shopping, and more. Ask a question, any question, and the internet has at least ten web sites with answers.
How can the internet better your life? The possibilities are endless, but where does the future lie with people who now have access to all of the information known to man? Will this benefit mankind, or make it worse? The future will be documented by the internet, and may be modified by it as well.
The article written by Mary Madden & Susannah Fox called Finding Answers Online in Sickness and in Health gives statistics about the recent rise of people who are using the internet to better their lives. This article discussed how people find comfort when their loved ones are in the hospital, and it is really true. I know this from personal experience. The internet has answers, answers that sometimes bring hope, answers that connect you to organized information on anything.
When you're looking for answers, where do you go?
Recently, my mom had to be hospitalized for endocarditis, and my father told me how he felt like he had become a doctor by searching on the internet for answers.
Imagine the doctor told you about a disease you had, but you had never heard of it before. People these days have access to information only doctors could obtain years ago. The internet can offer people new ways to find comfort at a time that is so painful. Instead of being left with only questions, people can now get answers if they know how to find it.
We are in the second generation of the internet, and people are using the internet to better their hobbies, shopping, and more. Ask a question, any question, and the internet has at least ten web sites with answers.
How can the internet better your life? The possibilities are endless, but where does the future lie with people who now have access to all of the information known to man? Will this benefit mankind, or make it worse? The future will be documented by the internet, and may be modified by it as well.
The article written by Mary Madden & Susannah Fox called Finding Answers Online in Sickness and in Health gives statistics about the recent rise of people who are using the internet to better their lives. This article discussed how people find comfort when their loved ones are in the hospital, and it is really true. I know this from personal experience. The internet has answers, answers that sometimes bring hope, answers that connect you to organized information on anything.
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
Hunger: Abroad and in America
It is sometimes hard for citizens of the United States to comprehend the vastly immeasurable problem of hunger because of the luxuries they enjoy. Even hunger, which is so close to home that it lives on the streets of urban areas, can continue unnoticed to the American dream-life. The free market and capitalistic society which the U.S. thrives on somehow justifies looking the other direction when it comes to hunger. The 12 myths about hunger This article explains many different common myths believed by the wealthy American. It is a true eye opener for those who do not seem to realize the effects of hunger.
“The real culprits [of hunger] are an economy that fails to offer everyone opportunities, and a society that places economic efficiency over compassion .” Is this referencing the U.S.’s economy? I do not agree with this statement because no matter where someone is in there life, they can go to work. Look at all of the immigrants from Central and South American that move to the United States and earn a living while they support a family back home. These strong work ethic individuals are the prime example of how anyone can thrive on the U.S. economy. Also, the U.S. is a very compassionate country that is always willing to lend a hand to another country. When the terrible tsunami hit Sri Lanka, Link to article. American military bases aided victims and millions of U.S. citizens donated money to help victims of the natural disaster. The U.S. is a caring compassionate country who will help anyone who supports freedom and democracy.
Another one of the “12 myths” discussed the truth of the benefits from organic farms saying, “Indeed, environmentally sound agricultural alternatives can be more productive than environmentally destructive ones.” I am a true supporter of locally grown foods due to my service learning at the Riverwest Cooperative. The benefits of an organic diet are being discovered by so many people in the U.S., and a greener lifestyle is adapted by many. This shows that many people are realizing their global impact as an extravagant consumer, and are making significant lifestyle changes to be more accommodating.
“It would be better to use our foreign aid budget for unconditional debt relief, as it is the foreign debt burden that forces most Third World countries to cut back on basic health, education and anti-poverty programs.” This was another theory that seemed too radical. Debts can not be left unpaid. This is one of the many values held by U.S. citizens. Our country holds debt just like other countries, but the U.S. pays its debts. If the U.S. relieves countries of their debt, that teaches irresponsibility. We already have many organizations offering relief in third world countries, and even large companies offer programs to third world countries with the RED campaign.
12 Myths About Hunger based on World Hunger: 12 Myths, 2nd Edition, by Frances Moore Lappé, Joseph Collins and Peter Rosset, with Luis Esparza (fully revised and updated, Grove/Atlantic and Food First Books, Oct. 1998)
“The real culprits [of hunger] are an economy that fails to offer everyone opportunities, and a society that places economic efficiency over compassion .” Is this referencing the U.S.’s economy? I do not agree with this statement because no matter where someone is in there life, they can go to work. Look at all of the immigrants from Central and South American that move to the United States and earn a living while they support a family back home. These strong work ethic individuals are the prime example of how anyone can thrive on the U.S. economy. Also, the U.S. is a very compassionate country that is always willing to lend a hand to another country. When the terrible tsunami hit Sri Lanka, Link to article. American military bases aided victims and millions of U.S. citizens donated money to help victims of the natural disaster. The U.S. is a caring compassionate country who will help anyone who supports freedom and democracy.
Another one of the “12 myths” discussed the truth of the benefits from organic farms saying, “Indeed, environmentally sound agricultural alternatives can be more productive than environmentally destructive ones.” I am a true supporter of locally grown foods due to my service learning at the Riverwest Cooperative. The benefits of an organic diet are being discovered by so many people in the U.S., and a greener lifestyle is adapted by many. This shows that many people are realizing their global impact as an extravagant consumer, and are making significant lifestyle changes to be more accommodating.
“It would be better to use our foreign aid budget for unconditional debt relief, as it is the foreign debt burden that forces most Third World countries to cut back on basic health, education and anti-poverty programs.” This was another theory that seemed too radical. Debts can not be left unpaid. This is one of the many values held by U.S. citizens. Our country holds debt just like other countries, but the U.S. pays its debts. If the U.S. relieves countries of their debt, that teaches irresponsibility. We already have many organizations offering relief in third world countries, and even large companies offer programs to third world countries with the RED campaign.
12 Myths About Hunger based on World Hunger: 12 Myths, 2nd Edition, by Frances Moore Lappé, Joseph Collins and Peter Rosset, with Luis Esparza (fully revised and updated, Grove/Atlantic and Food First Books, Oct. 1998)
Thursday, March 8, 2007
The Online World
The Internet has changed the way young people communicate and express themselves dramatically. Life before a cell phone almost seems ancient, but life without the Internet sounds like the end of the world!
Personally, I have more online accounts than I can keep track of. Some of these include Gmail, Yahoo, MSN, UWM, Myspace, Facebook, Xanga, my blog, and so many I cannot remember. It seems strange to think that only three years ago, I barely even used the internet, but now I could barely live without it.
The ability to express yourself online is something that I believe is bringing the world closer together. People from all around the world are communicating at all times of the day. Ideas that people once kept to themselves are now being shared to thousands simultaneously. The world is quickly becoming smaller and smaller.
This digital change comes with higher education, and I believe that the more educated people become, the more powerful the Internet can be. For example, at UWM, students are expected to know basic Internet skills to complete their assignments. In my Enviornmental Geography class, I have to respond to the teacher's questions online. In my Media Writing class, I am expected to know how to create a blog. Without useful online skills, it is nearly impossible to be successful. And at UWM, it is nearly impossible to learn.
The best thing about the online world is that it will continue to change and new forms of communication will continue to be developed. Expressing oneself online has never been easier, and this I feel is what defines this generation.
Here is the link to the article I am commenting on.
The Emerging Online Life of the Digital Native: What they do differently because of technology, and how they do it.
Personally, I have more online accounts than I can keep track of. Some of these include Gmail, Yahoo, MSN, UWM, Myspace, Facebook, Xanga, my blog, and so many I cannot remember. It seems strange to think that only three years ago, I barely even used the internet, but now I could barely live without it.
The ability to express yourself online is something that I believe is bringing the world closer together. People from all around the world are communicating at all times of the day. Ideas that people once kept to themselves are now being shared to thousands simultaneously. The world is quickly becoming smaller and smaller.
This digital change comes with higher education, and I believe that the more educated people become, the more powerful the Internet can be. For example, at UWM, students are expected to know basic Internet skills to complete their assignments. In my Enviornmental Geography class, I have to respond to the teacher's questions online. In my Media Writing class, I am expected to know how to create a blog. Without useful online skills, it is nearly impossible to be successful. And at UWM, it is nearly impossible to learn.
The best thing about the online world is that it will continue to change and new forms of communication will continue to be developed. Expressing oneself online has never been easier, and this I feel is what defines this generation.
Here is the link to the article I am commenting on.
The Emerging Online Life of the Digital Native: What they do differently because of technology, and how they do it.
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Karma: practical or fanciful?
What can be perceived as bad luck to some, can be easily explained by karma, a fundamental doctrine in Buddhism.
Can karma be practically accepted in American consumerism ideology, and if so, how does it fit into daily personal life? Moreover, is karma a legitimate law to incorporate into your own life, or better left for Buddhists?
Karma is very complicated and can only be articulated properly by a true Buddhist, but to get a better understanding of the different functions, here are some of the classifications of karma:
www.buddhadnet.net
- Reproductive karma. This function plays itself out at the time of birth. Was your birth out of happiness, bitterness, rape, or something else? This will ultimately effect your fate.
- Supportive karma. This function can assist in giving health, wealth, and happiness or pain and sorrow depending on your reproductive karma.
- Obstuctive karma or counteractive karma. This function is based on your personal choices and actions which are balanced by good and bad karma.
- Destructive karma. This function is mostly bad and will become prevalent in your life if you continually do evil.
“In this world nothing happens to a person that he does not for some reason or other deserve.” This statement is seemingly irrational at first glance because of the bad things that happen in life. Does this mean that every ‘bad’ thing I do can cause destructive [upaghataka] karma?
I discovered karma when I stopped spitting my gum on the ground. I hated stepping in gum, but then I realized that I was spitting gum wherever I pleased. When I started making sure I spit my gum in the garbage, so that no one could step in my gum, I stopped stepping in gum.
Is happiness truly that easy to obtain? Can we truly escape the evil in life? I think that we can do our best to avoid unhappy things as much as possible. In fact, I have had a change of attitude since I have been exposed to new ideas that have made my existence more pleasant. One idea that I feel follows the laws of karma is that if you want something, go get it. I know it sounds easy, but sometimes it really can be. If your current situation is unhappy or unpleasant, change it. For example, if you wake up not feeling good, do you best to feel better. Satisfy yourself while maintain peace with others.
Unfortunately bad things will still come your way because your life must be balanced with good and bad. Only a devote Buddhist may be able to bypass pain and suffering, because of intense studies of the Four Noble Truths that help them maintain positive energy daily. I do feel it is possible to pleasantly follow the dance of life and enjoy positive energy by following karma,
but also by making good things happen yourself.
Ayn Rand, whom I truly admire, says “No one’s happiness but my own is in my power to achieve or to destroy (798)” I think that her views on rational self interest are somewhat linked to karma because karma says that you can make your own happiness. In this world, all we have is ourselves; therefore, we can only make ourselves happy! The same is true for our misery, we should not bring bad things on ourselves and others. This coincides with the laws of karma because if we bring evil on others, we will also suffer from it.
However, in this consumer driven world of material wealth, karma plays itself out daily because we are solely responsible for our own happiness or misery. The world we live in today continually allows us to follow our own desires. With this freedom, responsibility must follow. You can follow your personal desires as long as they do not bring evil upon others, and this is practicing karma practically. Karma, in its ultimate sense means “all moral and immoral volition.” Remember that everything you choose has a reaction, so make your choices wisely.
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Wikipedia vs. Encyclopaedia Britannica
The Internet revolution? This next generation of the Internet has more and more minds connected. What happens when so many people can join together and create? This does happen on a day-to-day basis at Wikipedia, the first Internet dictionary that anyone can edit, which has become vastly popular. Is it because of good marketing, or just the fact that people love the idea that so many different minds have shaped this dictionary? Personally, I would never quote Wikipedia in a scholarly essay because I do not feel that Wikipedia is a credible source. I would trust an Encyclopaedia Britannica over Wikipedia because Bitannica has been in existence longer, and it is published annually. Reading this article entitled "Internet Encyclopaedias go Head to Head" written by Jim Giles opened my mind about the fact that Encyclopaedia Britannica also has some errors just like Wikipedia, but not nearly as many.
I think that students, especially in late elementary or junior high school really need to be taught about what is and is not a credible source on the Internet, otherwise, these children will not know valuable scholarly skills that will help them succeed using the Internet. The next generation Internet is exciting, but because there are so many websites, it is becoming harder and harder to find what is credible and what is garbage. Wikipedia is still a credible source, but not on the scholarly level. It should be reserved for quick on-line encyclopedia questions that have free answers.
I think that students, especially in late elementary or junior high school really need to be taught about what is and is not a credible source on the Internet, otherwise, these children will not know valuable scholarly skills that will help them succeed using the Internet. The next generation Internet is exciting, but because there are so many websites, it is becoming harder and harder to find what is credible and what is garbage. Wikipedia is still a credible source, but not on the scholarly level. It should be reserved for quick on-line encyclopedia questions that have free answers.
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