Wednesday, April 30, 2008

Final Fiction Project

Hey Everybody,

This is my fictional MySpace character. This is a man who came from another country only to get shunned and avoided. The MySpace blog shows the story. I got rid of Tom as a friend. I have been hitting up the My Space chat rooms, but no one want to get involved with an illegal alien. I thought it was a great story and it's a shame that stereotypes are alive and well in America.

Tuesday, April 22, 2008

Fictional Character

I have created a Myspace page for my character which is here.

Monday, April 21, 2008

Snowflake Steps

Step #1 Illegal Alien is an avid Identity Thief, and that it is a human right to have privileges.

Step #2 Battling Immigration and trying to make it in the US the right way and how prejudice and stereotypes keep you from succeeding. Finding Identity theft as a tool to combat this, and the life on the run it leads to. The mental breakdown of the pressure, and the apathy to the law for undervalued people.

Step #3 Gino Shalzballah grew up in country that denies basic civil rights, as he tried to move into a better environment ( to the US) it was determined that he would be stuck in indefinite processing to properly enter the US. Due to his Arabic Ancestry his profile is always flag by people as a trouble maker, Muslim, terrorist, etc. The answer he turns to is identity theft, and works around so that he can afford basic needs. This creates a life on the run and finally the mental breakdown that he wasn't born to have everything that most Americans take for granted.

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

Random Ideas for Online fiction

Create a small ARG for people on campus only, setting up clues around campus and attached to my blog. Or writing a fake blog on the secret life of Jimmy Chunga. Or even having a people decode cryptic messages on secure webpages that were never meant to be seen by the public.

Links to Online fiction

The first is to a post nuclear fallout. I thought it was cool.
The second is to a fantasy novel that I barely started.

Monday, April 14, 2008

The final revision of new Wiki topic.

So after reading the criteria and talking to Roger, I have changed topics and have posted it up after several re-writes on Word and then some formatting issues. Here it is.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/To_the_Best_of_Our_Knowledge_%28_Radio_Program%29#cite_note-0

Wednesday, April 2, 2008

New Wiki Topic

My new wiki topic will be a list of parks in Salt Lake County.
I will provide links to maps and parks and rec website.

Monday, March 31, 2008

Major Wiki Edit

Found a few resources that actually apply to raccoon coats. Filled in the exact facts and also connected a few wiki-articles. I plugged in also some more content. Much harder than I thought this would be. I actually feel more like an editor in this though. When I start my new topic I will be more of a contributor than an editor.

Wednesday, March 26, 2008

Minor Wiki edit

I added a few sentences. It's still considered a stub, but the information is valid.
I also added a picture in an external link of a Norman Rockwell image. This is just a minor edit and I'm still working out how I want to do my major edit for the article. Here is a history link as well.

Sunday, March 23, 2008

Wikimandments

In order to make a better Wikipedia and also create better human understanding of subjects the following commandments have been created.

1. Report sources and how it relevant to the subject.
2. If only opinions are expressed it should be stated as such, and the speculation to what end the reader is supposed to obtain.
3. That if possible multiple references should solidify a point.
4. Links, to follow up on a subject.
5. Pictures, or other media to support and argument.
6. Discussions should be emphasized on the wiki post.
7. Tags should be clear to the subject.
8. Some information about the author, and why his/her viewpoint should be considered.
9. Subjects should generated interest.
10. Future applications on subject should also be posted.

Wiki needs an editor.


I simple found an article at random that needs a makeover according to the wikipedia guidelines.

The subject is about raccoon coats.

The basic thoughts are about this article is:

Where is the references? How is this fact from opinion? What affects did this have? How did the movement affect raccoons? What made them popular; and so forth...

Monday, March 3, 2008

Music Life in a Snapshot.

I was intrigued by my limitless possibilities of this project, so I decided on a subject that I love. MUSIC!!!

This will be review between friends of all the number one songs from the Hot 100 according to Billboard from 1979 to 2007. Tim and I will comment on what we have seen. Comments and memories would be appreciated.

So what is up first on the list.

Well 79' is up and the first is The Knack - My Sharona

THE KNACK My Sharona 1979 ナック マイシャローナ

[via FoxyTunes / The Knack]



It's simply a classic

It sure is and it's old enough now that will will never be overplayed over the radio again.

It true, but I do find that you can only listen to them a few times anyway.

What is next?

Well we have Blondie - Call Me. That was for 1980.

Blondie - Call Me

[via FoxyTunes / Blondie]



That was great, how can you not like this song?

It's got a hypnotic beat to it, but that is really it for me.

Well for 81' we have Kim Carnes - Bette Davis Eyes

Kim Carnes - Bette Davis Eyes

[via FoxyTunes / Kim Carnes]



I really have no clue what this song is about.

It's about a woman that you're interested in.

No wonder I'm single.

Ha ha ha ...

Next we have for 82' is Olivia Newton-John - Physical

Olivia Newton -John

[via FoxyTunes / Olivia Newton-John]



What the hell were we thinking when we rated this one.

The song rocks, but the video was whacked.

Okay, next in 83' is Police - Every breath you take.

The police - Every breath you take

[via FoxyTunes / The Police]



This is our stalker song.

This is still a 80's classic and still well written; some respect please...

For 84' we have Prince and the Revolution - When Dove's Cry

Prince When Doves Cry

[via FoxyTunes / Prince]



It's rather interesting song, you can think about this one all day.

I never paid any attention to the lyrics just the great instrumental.

It's fun nevertheless, so next time pay attention. We have 85' next on the list with Wham!/George Michael - Careless Whisper

George michael - Careless whispers

[via FoxyTunes / George Michael]



So this is a song about a man who had an affair and felt bad for it??

Well yes, but the slow songs provided many a good moment at the school dances.

So it has a similar message to Uncle Kracker - Follow Me.

Yes, it does, sometimes you read to much into this.

Next is an 86' classic Dionne Warwick and Friends - That's what friends are for

That's What Friends Are For

[via FoxyTunes / Dionne Warwick]



It's a mushy song, but it works for a lot of girls when they are having problems.

I just love the harmonica. That's all.

The next is 87' with Bangles - Walk like an Egyptian

Bangles - Walk like an Egyptian

[via FoxyTunes / The Bangles]



Still a great dancing song with high energy and rhythm.

I just remember the dorky dance with the head doing a slow bob and the hands in classic Egyptian form moving back and forth, I love it because I could do it.

Yes, I'm sure you could. Anyways lets go 88' with George Michael - Faith

George Michael Faith

[via FoxyTunes / George Michael]



It another classic song with fun in the music.

Somehow most girls still thinks he's hot.

Go figure, anyways onto 89' with Chicago - Look Away (this is the only video we could find with the music).

Look Away - Chicago

[via FoxyTunes / Chicago]



There are still too many Friends fans.

This is still a popular breakup song even today, but you don't always hear it with company around you know a sort of a private listening.

Man must you be so depressing... Speaking of which is the 90' top fav Wilson Phillips - Hold on

Wilson Phillips - Hold On

[via FoxyTunes / Wilson Phillips]



That is not depressing, this song is instilling hope. Another that you can play at the end of the day.

I guess so, but doesn't that seem corny to go home an purposely play this song.

Yes, but that what the 80/90's radio stations are for. And why people still listen to them. Let move on to 91' with Bryan Adams - I do it for you.

Bryan Adams- Everything I Do

[via FoxyTunes / Bryan Adams]



A cool song to impress the ladies. And a great slow dance song.

I grew past this song, I sort of had a Bryan Adams overload.

Well in 92' we had Boyz II Men - End of the road

Boyz II Men - End Of The Road

[via FoxyTunes / Boyz II Men]



This has to be a R&B classic, and many people will still look on this song fondly.

This is where we start to see the introduction of the boy bands, and I'm still wondering whether it's a good thing or not.

Next on our list of sappy songs is 93' version of Whitney Houston - I will always love you

Whitney Houston - I Will Always Love You

[via FoxyTunes / Whitney Houston]



You nail sappy, but I danced this with my first girlfriend so I love this song.

I guess the reason why we love these songs are because of the memories attached to them.

Next on to one of my favorite in 94' Ace of Base - The sign

Ace of Base - The Sign

[via FoxyTunes / Ace of Base]



This was an ultimate party song whether in the car,working, or after school.

I agree this song has absolutely no flaws.

The next on our list is another heavy bass melody in 95' from Coolio/L.V. - Gansta's Paradise

Gangsta Paradise

[via FoxyTunes / Coolio]



It seemed after this song everyone was a Gangster, and that rap was the new cool. And that this song kept it there.

I love the Weird Al version, but with out this one that would be hard.

The next on the list is 96's Los Del Rio - Macarena ( Bayside Boys Mix )

Macarena-(bayside boys remix)-LOS DEL RIO

[via FoxyTunes / Los Del Río]



Another song that I'm surprised that this made the number one song.

I know who thought two old guys could pull this off.

It's catchy but it amazes me that this stayed so strong through the whole year. Anyways next is 97' the year of tragedy with Elton John - Candle in the wind/Something about the way you look tonight.

Elton John Candle in the wind/goodbye english's rose

[via FoxyTunes / Elton John]



Elton John - Something About the Way You Look Tonight

[via FoxyTunes / Elton John]



In the radio version they combined the two didn't they?

Yes, or it would have been two long. I thought that Princess Diana was a good person, but the world mourning for her went on for months and this song soon lost it's favor in my eyes. But his other song was dwarfed. I would have liked to her it more.

The next song is 98's Next - Too Close

Next-Too Close

[via FoxyTunes / Next]



This was another club favorite, but it really was not an overplayed song due to the suggested sexual content.

I think that is why it was played in the club.

Oh Yeah...

The next is the end of the millennium favorite Cher - Believe

Cher Believe

[via FoxyTunes / Cher]



For how many decades Cher has been through to come out with a song like this is simply incredible.

Cher has been able to capture her audience no matter what. Great song and appropriate for 99' in my opinion.

Next in 2000 is Faith Hill -Breathe.

Faith Hill - Breathe (Video)

[via FoxyTunes / Faith Hill]



This was the first country song in my lifetime to hit the number one spot of the billboard this year.

It was very popular and overplayed, but no one ever complained about this. It was very well written.

Next in 01' was the band Lifehouse - Hanging by a moment

Lifehouse - Hanging By A Moment (Music Video)

[via FoxyTunes / Lifehouse]



Great song and this will always stay a classic song. You can actually play this song and never get tired of it.

You can always overplay a song, but this song does relate to a lot of people on many levels; go Lifehouse.

Next is 02' with Nickelback - How you remind me

nickleback how you remind me

[via FoxyTunes / Nickelback]



This is a perfect song because it carries a great tune and it fits our generation of how we don't quite fit in with the rest of society.

When I think of rock this is one of the songs that comes to mind. It will forever play in every jukebox across America.

03' carries 50 cent - In da Club

50 Cent - In Da Club: MTV Version

[via FoxyTunes / 50 Cent]



I wasn't aware of this one then I tend to avoid swearing in my songs

It carries my memories of lost friends that always used to listen to stuff like this, I guess they all got together this year.

Next is 04' with Usher w/ lil Jon & Ludacris - Yeah

Yeah- Usher Feat. Lil Jon & Ludacris

[via FoxyTunes / Usher]



This was really all over the radio in the clubs, work and everywhere. It drove me crazy.

I wasn't sure if I liked this song or not. I like certain parts but others I found annoying. Here is to 04'

Next is 05' with Mariah Carey - We belong together

Mariah Carey - We Belong Together: Closed Captioned

[via FoxyTunes / Mariah Carey]



We can see that Rap and R&B have been more popular over the past few years. Mariah Carey has always had a great voice.

I really didn't connect with this song of hers I feel like her other songs have been better.

The next is the American Idol end song from 06', Daniel Powter - Bad Day

Daniel Powter - Bad Day

[via FoxyTunes / Daniel Powter]



The simple reason why this was popular was because people could relate to it.

Yes, but it was overplayed. Good but way overplayed and still is.

Last in 07' is Beyonce - Irreplacable

Beyonce-Irreplaceable

[via FoxyTunes / Beyoncé]



Beyonce created a women power song with this one. I have see this song with more breakups around campus than any other.

That is true... my girlfriend listened to this song about 20 times before she dumped me. If I sound bitter then I am.

So that the wrap up for 79' to 07' fort the number one songs. It just amazing to see what changes in tastes and styles from then until now.


Wednesday, February 20, 2008

So what is new rewrite???

This conversation was overheard while walking from class to class on campus around 10:30a.m. and trying to catch up on the conversation while writing everything in shorthand was not easy. They are two guys wearing the almost the same type of clothing and and they seem to know a lot about same subjects this was the brief five minutes that was caught between them. The parenthesis show thought or emotion behind the remarks being made and are not edited because of the shorthand taken and the general authenticity of the conversation.

(casually) So what have you been doing lately.
(standard reply) Nothing, just catching to see what is new on TV
.
(stating a current event with slight disgust) Well with the strike that the writers have going on there is nothing new.
(Agreeing) That is true I have been digging into shows that I used to watch.
(curious) Such as?
(not wanting to go into it) Well you know I have been partially to shows that catch my attention?
(Irritated) Such as?
Veronica Mars (giving in and bringing up the first thing that comes to mind.) cause she was hot and the shows seems cool.
(Probing for interest) Never heard of it. Is it still playing and what actress is in it?
(Saddened reply) No it was canned a few years ago, I think it was cause of a crappy time slot. Actress is Kristen Bell and boy is she sweet. You should check it out.
( Looking for sincerity) Is the plot dumb with a hot chick?
( showing that hey you don't believe me in voice) Nah, She is a P.I.
(Moving on) Cool, anything else that is good.
( Smirking) Well I have DEAD LIKE ME on dvd.
( Pausing for a moment) Dude, I haven't heard of that show either....
( Holding in laughter) Well it cool cause this girl has a toilet seat fall from space and she turns a grim reaper.
( Complete confusion) What the f***!
( Ignoring the last comment) It's just funny you will have to borrow it some time.
( Still reeling from the toilet seat comment) Ohhhh, Okay that would be cool.
( Looking at watch) Yeah, I'll bring it next time.
( Small insight) I never knew you watched so much TV.
( Explanation) Well, when you are a parking lot attendant you too can do homework and watch TV all from the comfort of your laptop.
( Jealousy) You suck that you have a job like that. I'm jealous you know that.
( Setting the record straight) Well the pay sucks and frankly you're cramped inside a booth and when it's hot you cook, and when it is cool your balls frozen solid. Plus it is boring so I have to have some perks right?
( Competing for who has it worse) Okay, so I guess you pay a small price. But for school is still better that cleaning like I do. I'm tired when I come home and still haven't accomplished anything.
( Smiling and seeing through the sympathy) Ah, yes the grass is greener complex.
( Slightly pissed for condensing remark) Your philosophy class has jacked you up.
It's a clear fact that your brain; speaks too much crap.
( Justifying the class) Well frankly, I want to be as broad as possible; there is so much to soak up in the world before you become to old to care to live anymore...
( Wise guy voice) Perspective, right?
( teasingly) Yes, very good your catching on quick grasshopper...
( reply tease) You can be a dick you know that...
( Condescending remark) I'll let you hang on that thought. I'll see you Thursday.
(Parting reply) See you then.

Wednesday, February 13, 2008

Blog Audience

So when asked to find another blog that I could find and appreciate and share some similar stages with. I looked for a similar title as mine. I found it here at Thoughts and Words.

You can tell by it's simple format and easy flow that it's a beginner blogger. There are no links, no other forms of digital media, but simple.

His audience is people like me. Just wanting to know the same things. In this blog he writes about self actualization and the improvement of ones own life. I like that you can catch a little phrase here and there to keep up your motivation for the day. Kinda of like those thoughts of the day in a calendar.

Also I found it interesting that so far that nobody has commented on anything yet. His background is similar to mine and so the audience is around late 20's to late 30's in nature.

Monday, February 11, 2008

So what is new????

This conversation was overheard while walking from class to class on campus around 10:30a.m. and trying to catch up on the conversation while writing everything in shorthand was not easy. They are two guys wearing the almost the same type of clothing and and they seem to know a lot about same subjects this was the brief five minutes that was caught between them.

So what have you been doing lately.
Nothing, just catching to see what is new on TV
.
Well with the strike that the writers have going on there is nothing new.
That is true I have been digging into shows that I used to watch.
Such as?
Well you know I have been partially to shows that catch my attention?
Such as?
Veronica Mars cause she was hot and the shows seems cool.
Never heard of it. Is it still playing and what actress is in it?
No it was canned a few years ago, I think it was cause of a crappy time slot. Actress is Kristen Bell and boy is she sweet. You should check it out.
Is the plot dumb with a hot chick.
Nah, She is a P.I.
Cool, anything else that is good.
Well I have DEAD LIKE ME on dvd.
Dude, I haven't heard of that show either....
Well it cool cause this girl has a toilet seat fall from space and she turns a grim reaper.
What the f***!
It's just funny you will have to borrow it some time.
Ohhhh, Okay that would be cool.
Yeah, I'll bring it next time.
I never knew you watched so much TV.
Well, when you are a parking lot attendant you too can do homework and watch TV all from the comfort of your laptop.
You suck that you have a job like that. I'm jealous you know that.
Well the pay sucks and frankly you're cramped inside a booth and when it's hot you cook, and when it is cool your balls frozen solid. Plus it is boring so I have to have some perks right?
Okay, so I guess you pay a small price. But for school is still better that cleaning like I do. I'm tired when I come home and still haven't accomplished anything.
Ah, yes the grass is greener complex.
Your philosophy class has jacked you up.
It's a clear fact that brain speaks to much crap.
Well frankly, I want to be as broad as possible; there is so much to soak up in the world before you become to old to care to live anymore...
Perspective, right?
Yes, very good your catching on quick grasshopper...
You can be a dick you know that...
I'll let you hang on that thought. I'll see you Thursday.
See you then.



Tuesday, February 5, 2008

Observation Rewrite..

Man A is approximately three feet away from Man B. Man A is wearing a beige raincoat and brown slacks. His curly hair is still drying from outside weather. His eyeglasses are thick and it appears that he has a couple days worth of stubble on his face. Man B has a green and yellow hoodie with a Ducks on it, his pants are carpenter style jeans.

I'm in the Union Building by the food court and I'm around 25 feet away from the subjects. The time is around 4:30pm and the subjects are sitting in the corner of the north west side of the court. I can not make out the words as they sound muffled from here. I can see that they are loud as I can almost see the lips are over pronouncing and the noise that is issuing forth is short and abrupt. I see a head shaking from side to side from Man A, and Man B looks like he is pointing to a certain page in his tennis ball yellow text book.

Man B talks for about five minutes in a tone that each sound comes down in pitch. Man A looks away and wrinkles face. Man A then responds for seven minutes in a soft tone.. Man B eyes roll along with his neck as he slaps his knees. Man B then talks and is louder in pitch and volume and states, "If you are going to be that closed minded then what are you doing here!?!". Man A throw up arms and a guttural noise issues forth. Man B picks up his black cloth backpack immediately and begins to leave as his tucks his books under his left arm and turns east away from me for I'm facing north.

Man A says, "Wait!!!". Conversation again becomes too quiet to hear again. Man B stands and listens to Man A, then they both leave the scene after two minutes heading east.

Tuesday, January 29, 2008

Observation

Man A is approximately three feet away from Man B and talking in a rather loud tone, I'm in the Union Building and I'm around 25 feet away. I can not make out the words as they sound muffled from here. I see head shaking from side to side from Man A, and Man B looks like he is pointing to a certain page in his text book.

Man B talks for about five minutes in a stern tone. Man A looks away and wrinkles face. Man A then responds for seven minutes. Man B eyes roll. Man B then talks and is louder and states, "If you are going to be that closed minded then what are you doing here!?!". Man A throw up arms and scoffs. Man B picks up backpack and begins to leave.

Man A says, "Wait!!!". Conversation again becomes to quiet to hear again. Man B stands and listens then they both leave the scene after two minutes.

Tuesday, January 22, 2008

Writing from recall....







This time of year I think of my daughter Anna, she will be turning 1 on the 5th of February. Most people tend to have there memories blend together, the exceptions are the life changing events. Well anytime you have a new addition to your family it changes things around, and not just a little either. I remember the pacing in the hospital halls before my wife's second c-section, worrying that everything would be fine just like before when Gillian came along just 19 months before. I was worrying that would I ever get through school, and would I be the father I thought I could be. You know the classic things you think of when you scared of change. It not a bad thing just kind of crazy. It was nice for the second time for me to go into surgery and take part in the miracle of creation, and hold my baby girl after she was a minute and a half old. Her little body still clinging to me for safety and protection was all that I needed to remind me that no matter what I was important to her, and even if I make a few mistakes here and there; a hug was still around the corner. Sleep on the other hand was difficult your mind still races, plus Gillian not being in the hospital to stay and not with relatives wasn't easy. Looking back it did give me a sense of accomplishment. I mean how many guys say they can take care of young kids for a week plus. It was only three days in reality, but the c-section help with it seemed a little longer. I remember how proud I was of my wife, and how little she complained of the whole mess, but it was nice that she could order any food of the hospital menu. Just taking Anna home from the hospital in her little car seat and bundled up blankets was just the beginning of a new adventure in our home, but eager with anticipation instead of fear and insecurity.


Here are a few shots of her.

Monday, January 14, 2008

Getting to know me.....

My favorite Web 2.0 app is StumbleUpon, it's a web app that let you random find other websites according to what other users find interesting. You can find it here at www.stumbleupon.com .

I have played the drums and speak Italian. I love to cook and read a good book on occasion. I have two girls of my own Gillian who is 2, and Anna who will be 1 in a month. I will be married for 5 years in April to my wife Rebecca. I'm attending the University of Utah for the Public Relations field, and currently loving it.

Wednesday, January 9, 2008

My new blogging experience

Okay so my name is Justin, and I this is my first blog that I've ever created. I want to start expressing my thoughts and feelings. In addition to having others to see and respond to things in the world that will change our present and shape our future. So a blog to me is a form of expression that can have almost unlimited subjects and various styles, people post and respond to these expressions and can chose to take them as fact or fiction. One blog that I keep my eye on is the NPR News Blog. It can be found here at http://www.npr.org/blogs/news/

I find current events exciting because they affect me and my decision making, they chose to cover more information on the current political candidates and at least by reading on these I can see what candidate has a more "opaque" position and chose to whom I will vote for when it comes down to it. I would love to hear what you would have to say about it.