It is hard to admit that without this computer that I am typing on right now, my life would be a disaster. Everything from my school assignments to my calender and my pictures to my music. This computer controls my life. It is crazy to think that 3o years ago computers weren't even around and people lived just fine, but ever since technology advanced it changed peoples lives, some for the better and some for the worse. A good example is my parents. They were both born in the early 60's and lived from what I hear, had awesome times in the younger years. But, as they grew older and technology advanced it changed them into who they are today. My Dad is a successful business man and he seriously not live without the some source of the Internet. If hes not at work hes on the couch with his laptop and if hes not on the couch hes on a ski lift with his I phone. Basically the Internet is is life source. On the other hand, my mom doesn't even know how to turn on a computer. And it sounds crazy but she gets by just fine. 

Now when I read Peter Halls essay and about his experience "Living the Virtual Life," I am not surprised at all about the things he saw. There are a lot of people in the world and a lot of them are just like my old man, and need the Internet to get by. I know girls who check their face book every 5 minutes, so why should I think its weird that Peter saw a giant robot or a cat person. When he said "nothing prepares the uninformed, which I was at the time, for the mind boggling appearances of the SL-ites who openly greet you at your destination." I almost could have guessed what some of the people looked like. I mean its just like an ordinary guy trying to talk business with my Dad. He is going to be confused out of his mind if he asks my Dad about the stock market, i know i was. 

As for the other two readings I agree with Christina Haas when she claims that "technology of words, is a technology that changes how written language is produced, processed, transported and used." But then again this is 2009 not 1815. We don't have to write with feathers and ink or used candles to see our paper. The world changes everyday so of course the writing  will too. And she does a good job a describing this process. She makes it clear in her writing that "writing is technology."

Honestly the last reading is very confusing but I'm going to give it a shot. I want to think that Rashke is saying that no matter how hard we try technology is going to change the course of writing and we just have to adjust to it. All the people trying to prevent it are "attempting to retard the entire course of Western history."

I think Rashke and Haas are dead on.  They both agree that as technology advances so will writing and for the better. Yes I agree with them. I think that with out a doubt that the computers in this class have influenced how I think and how I write in more ways than one. Yes I have advanced my learning. 

Cold

As he stood in the bitter cold not knowing anyone surrounding him, he caught the eyes of a beautiful young woman across the way. It was crowded and noisy, and before he could make his move, the question had been asked. "Hey, are you in a Frat? Being proud of who he was and what he was not, he responded boldly with a "No, but my name is Steve," extending his hand for a formal introduction. She looked down at his hand then at him and qucikly responded with an "Oh!" as she vanished leaving him cold, alone and now confused. As he stood there thinking of a witty response he realized that she was long gone and that the Greeks had won yet another battle. But, let the story be told of the brave young man who would not be known by the name of an organization but by the name in which his parents proudly gave him on the day he was born. That name is Steve.

First off. I have no IDEA how to arrange the photos on this site, but they do represent the story in more ways than one. The top photo is of Steve after the battle. He might have been wounded but in the end he won through pride. The other photo also represents Steve. Its of a tree standing tall and strong ready to take on the storm. In the story the girls words were the storm and even though he might of not been prepared, he stood strong and took the blow. In the end he was victorious. 

Portfolio

My portfolio presents my work to readers in a way that I want them to understand my writing as well as get to know me as the author. I like to think that I have a unique style of writing and it was not until I made a portfolio that I could fully express my writing. Like I said earlier I want my readers to get to know who I am through my style of writing and my way of designing my portfolio. For example, I like to use expressions in my writing that I use in everyday conversations. I like to let my readers think I am talking to them. I also like to try and add little funny remarks to make the reader feel comfortable. 

When it comes to designing the portfolio I also have my own unique ways. I like to keep the colors simple and make the photos stand out. I am big into photography as well as music and like to express my writing through the two. Through Mac I can apply music to a photo, and most of my writing is pretty laid back, so I use laid back music. I like the reader to feel relaxed and ready to read what I have to say. I like them to feel like they don't have to read it, but I want them to want to read it. 

Having my paper online makes me feel important. I have always loved writing but never been too excited on it. Maybe because after the extreme type festival, all I do is print it out, wait for a grade and then never se it again. But, once I have my own website I always look at my pages and always want to improve it. Like I said I feel important and its cool. 

Having my own portfolio and my own website encourages me to be a better writer and present my ideas in a way that encourages people to want to read.