Friday, 27 March 2009
Blood Clot
I just wanted to say thank you to everyone for being so understanding about my recent condition. It has been a long week and a frustrating struggle with multiple doctor's giving multiple opinions and offering differing advice on treatment. I am trying to stay as caught up as I can from my parent's house down in the cities and I am allowed to return to school with some restrictions for walking on Monday. I hope everyone is doing well and thank you again for your kind words and expressions of concern and understanding. I greatly appreciate it. :-) Just to keep people up to date, I have a DVT which is a clot in my leg and it is in the right femoral vein. I was also just recently scanned for a pulmonary embolism which is a clot in the lung. I am waiting for the results of that testing. I am taking two forms of blood thinning medication right now and will need to be getting my blood checked every few days as the dosages of those medications will need to be adjusted accordingly to my INR. That is all the information that I have right now, if you have any questions about my return or need something from me that I am late on or an idea of when I will be getting back on track, please feel free to contact me at any time.
BLog #2 Analysis
In summary, the blog entitled, "Reappropriate: a personal and political blog written by an angry Asian American woman," is very advanced, in my opinion. She offers a variety of topics that are discussed through her blog posts and those contributing authors. She has a tab bar consisting of, "home, About, Ads, Policy, Contact." There is high-quality imagery of animee on the site. ONe can click on links to the most recent posts and see recent comments of those posts. There are ads on the site. For each post she has a link to a printer-friendly version of the post. She offers an "Archives" section as well as a "blogged ratings" section in which her rating as of now is "8.0" and a link to where you can place your own rating. The author also offers a list with links of some of the blogs that she follows and a "directory" of various blogs. She offers lists of blogs that are broken into such categories as: "Random Amusement," "Vagina Revolution," and, "Yellow and Brown." I would say that of the content of the posts, they mostly focus on topics covering issues revolving around women. She also offers a place for people to search for specific posts, a link to her Facebook page and what her current status is, and a section with a topic that is headlined "Spotlight."
Review:
In reference to the content of the blog postings, one of the major strengths of both of the blogs that I have looked at, is that they cover a range of topics and analyze the content differently than what is being done in mainstream media. This means that they are looking at the questions that are not being asked and analyzing why that is and offering suggestions about what should be being asked. I think that a strength of the posts on this site in particular is that each post is clearly authored by the main author and then there is a link to the comments from contributing authors. This helps to clearly strucutre the site and its posts and everyone is given credit whether it is anonymous or not. I like this. I also like that each post is printer-friendly capable and that she has labeled them into categories which can be found under each posting title. For example, a post entitled, "Bobby Jindal Defend Criticism of Obama," has a category label of, "U.S. Politics and Politicians." This can make your searching easier if you are searching for posts that could be found under a certain category. And this same example also shows how she is looking at not only issues of women of color but also men of color, namely, the President of the U.S. and the racial intolerance of our counrty.
In terms of the site's organization and ease of use, I think that it is immaculate. Everything is very clearly organized in to categories as I have mentioned a few times in the above information. I think that another strength of the site is that under the "About" tab, she offers some specific background information about herself such as, "My name is Jenn. I am female. I was born in August of 1982." The reader at least now gets some sort of an idea of the basics about the author. She goes on to offer information about where she's from, where her parents are from, etc., in the form of a question and answer interview, making it easier to see her answers and the questions being asked. I think that the reader also gets an idea about the reasoning for this site's beginning.
Finally, in reference to the site's weaknesses, I honestly did not see any. I liked that there were various topics represented and that the analysis offered questioned what was being said in the mainstream media and voices. I liked the printer-friendly posts. I thought the site was very well organized and offered places for people to contribute their thoughts. If you wanted to contact her directly she offered you information to do so. I really enjoyed this site and the postings that I read. I have no weaknesses to offer.
Review:
In reference to the content of the blog postings, one of the major strengths of both of the blogs that I have looked at, is that they cover a range of topics and analyze the content differently than what is being done in mainstream media. This means that they are looking at the questions that are not being asked and analyzing why that is and offering suggestions about what should be being asked. I think that a strength of the posts on this site in particular is that each post is clearly authored by the main author and then there is a link to the comments from contributing authors. This helps to clearly strucutre the site and its posts and everyone is given credit whether it is anonymous or not. I like this. I also like that each post is printer-friendly capable and that she has labeled them into categories which can be found under each posting title. For example, a post entitled, "Bobby Jindal Defend Criticism of Obama," has a category label of, "U.S. Politics and Politicians." This can make your searching easier if you are searching for posts that could be found under a certain category. And this same example also shows how she is looking at not only issues of women of color but also men of color, namely, the President of the U.S. and the racial intolerance of our counrty.
In terms of the site's organization and ease of use, I think that it is immaculate. Everything is very clearly organized in to categories as I have mentioned a few times in the above information. I think that another strength of the site is that under the "About" tab, she offers some specific background information about herself such as, "My name is Jenn. I am female. I was born in August of 1982." The reader at least now gets some sort of an idea of the basics about the author. She goes on to offer information about where she's from, where her parents are from, etc., in the form of a question and answer interview, making it easier to see her answers and the questions being asked. I think that the reader also gets an idea about the reasoning for this site's beginning.
Finally, in reference to the site's weaknesses, I honestly did not see any. I liked that there were various topics represented and that the analysis offered questioned what was being said in the mainstream media and voices. I liked the printer-friendly posts. I thought the site was very well organized and offered places for people to contribute their thoughts. If you wanted to contact her directly she offered you information to do so. I really enjoyed this site and the postings that I read. I have no weaknesses to offer.
Blog #1 Analysis
In summary, the blog entitled, "The Angry Black Woman: Politics, Race, Gender, Sexuality, Anger," is very organized and offers critiques that are insightful and question the larger picture of various topics being discussed by multiple women. One example of this would be the "Ongoing Conversations" section with links to various topics that have been discussed multiple times and by multiple people. There is then the main section which offers a scroll-down menu of all of the blog submissions and their content. Then on the right hand side there is a section with links to the latest submissions, simply a quicker way to get to them instead of having to scroll down and then go to the next page of submissions, names and links to "guest bloggers" who regularly participate on this woman's site, a list of links to her "Blogroll" which is the blogs that she is following, and some photos that you can upload from flickr. I think that this site offers a way for people who may feel that their voices are otherwise unheard, to speak about topics that they share within their community and then express issues that may be occurring in some communities and not others and then offers an opportunity to discuss why that is.
Review:
In reference to the content of the material that is discussed on the site, I would have to say that the issues and topics revolve mainly around those that would affect Black men and women, mostly women. For example, one article that nojojojo discusses (which I believe is the main author of the site), is that of new law being passed in Italy after three rapes occurred in one weekend which were believed to have been committed by "foreingers." This law, nojojojo quotes, will include automatic life sentences in the cases of the rapes of minors and those rapes that ended in death. Trials for rape victims will be sped up as well. Nojojojo offers her opinion that these aspects are great, but the last one she mentions, about citizen street patrols by unamed and unpaid volunteers, could be problematic in terms of racism and oppression of certain groups of people. That is merely one example, topics of discussion range anywhere from analysis on why people are so angry at the octuplet mom, to Chris Brown and his domestic violence against Rihanna, to discussion on a racist cartoon found within the Post. I think that this shows that they are talking not only about issues revolving around Black men and women but also women and men of color in general which I find to be a very positive attribute. The writers are also offering different insight than that of what is being offered within the mainstream media which is good since such opinions are rarely heard.
In terms of the way the site is set up and its organization of content; I think that this site is extremely organized and very accessible for its readers and participants. I mentioned this set-up in the summary of the site. I like that links are offered to other sites that the main author follows, as well as to those of the contributing authors. I like that the most recent submissions can be easily accessed through the links and also just by scrolling down. There is also a "category cloud" which we have discussed in class and is useful for people who might searching for a specific topic through keyword search.
Finally, in reference to the author's tabs in her navigation bar. These are helpful if you want to know a little more about the author herself. Under the "About" tab, the reader gets a bold statement about how one can contribute their opinions and stories of interest. The author discusses how, "just because I am angry does not mean I hate everything." The author's opinion about the main reason behind the site is for purposes of anti-racism and anti-sexism, as these are the main reasons behind her anger. She goes on to say that this is a safe space for expression of opinions, even those that oppose what is being discussed but she, "will not tolerate abuse here." Finally, the author refers to her other tabs by stating, "Before you go commenting on this blog, I suggest you refer to the 'Required Readings.' It's required for a reason. I also suggest you check out the 'Rules,' because whether you break them in ignorance or not, you'll still be treated the same way." Thus another example of her bold statements. Some of the readings that the author, "requires," include titles such as, "Anger Does Not Equal Hate," and, "A Concise history of race relations in the USA." Some of the rules that the author states under her "Rules" tab include moderated publishing of blogs on her site because of problems due to racist and sexist publishers, and the ability to remain anonymous because there is no need to register or sign up for the site. I find all of these attributes about this site to be very helpful and keep things organized and shows a sign of respect and creates a safe envrionement for people to have discussions about controversial topics.
Review:
In reference to the content of the material that is discussed on the site, I would have to say that the issues and topics revolve mainly around those that would affect Black men and women, mostly women. For example, one article that nojojojo discusses (which I believe is the main author of the site), is that of new law being passed in Italy after three rapes occurred in one weekend which were believed to have been committed by "foreingers." This law, nojojojo quotes, will include automatic life sentences in the cases of the rapes of minors and those rapes that ended in death. Trials for rape victims will be sped up as well. Nojojojo offers her opinion that these aspects are great, but the last one she mentions, about citizen street patrols by unamed and unpaid volunteers, could be problematic in terms of racism and oppression of certain groups of people. That is merely one example, topics of discussion range anywhere from analysis on why people are so angry at the octuplet mom, to Chris Brown and his domestic violence against Rihanna, to discussion on a racist cartoon found within the Post. I think that this shows that they are talking not only about issues revolving around Black men and women but also women and men of color in general which I find to be a very positive attribute. The writers are also offering different insight than that of what is being offered within the mainstream media which is good since such opinions are rarely heard.
In terms of the way the site is set up and its organization of content; I think that this site is extremely organized and very accessible for its readers and participants. I mentioned this set-up in the summary of the site. I like that links are offered to other sites that the main author follows, as well as to those of the contributing authors. I like that the most recent submissions can be easily accessed through the links and also just by scrolling down. There is also a "category cloud" which we have discussed in class and is useful for people who might searching for a specific topic through keyword search.
Finally, in reference to the author's tabs in her navigation bar. These are helpful if you want to know a little more about the author herself. Under the "About" tab, the reader gets a bold statement about how one can contribute their opinions and stories of interest. The author discusses how, "just because I am angry does not mean I hate everything." The author's opinion about the main reason behind the site is for purposes of anti-racism and anti-sexism, as these are the main reasons behind her anger. She goes on to say that this is a safe space for expression of opinions, even those that oppose what is being discussed but she, "will not tolerate abuse here." Finally, the author refers to her other tabs by stating, "Before you go commenting on this blog, I suggest you refer to the 'Required Readings.' It's required for a reason. I also suggest you check out the 'Rules,' because whether you break them in ignorance or not, you'll still be treated the same way." Thus another example of her bold statements. Some of the readings that the author, "requires," include titles such as, "Anger Does Not Equal Hate," and, "A Concise history of race relations in the USA." Some of the rules that the author states under her "Rules" tab include moderated publishing of blogs on her site because of problems due to racist and sexist publishers, and the ability to remain anonymous because there is no need to register or sign up for the site. I find all of these attributes about this site to be very helpful and keep things organized and shows a sign of respect and creates a safe envrionement for people to have discussions about controversial topics.
Monday, 16 March 2009
Wisdom Teeth
I got my wisdom teeth out last Wednesday and I really want to emphasize that the worst thing about it, is not being able to eat normal food!!! I was worried about how the actual procedure would go, never going under anasthesia before, and the whole process was pretty easy and for the most part pain free. I just hate not being able to eat normal food. I pretty much live on pudding, jello, plain vanilla ice cream, and now I have added scrambled eggs and mac and cheese. I would do almost anything I feel, for a hamburger, chips, and pizza. But what can you do. I also hate that I cannot work out like I normally do. I can walk but I can't do any heavy lifting or overly exerting exercise which I am used to doing about 4 times a week. But I figure there is light at the end of the tunnel and that by friday I should be able to eat a sandwich and maybe possibly some pizza. I am absolutely positive that I do not want to get dry-sockets.
If anyone wants advice here is all that I can give:
*Make sure that you have someone to help you out afterwards, I was really loopy from the medicine for a while.
*If you can avoid taking the prescription meds, I would, because it can make you sick or prevent you from sleeping and believe me you do not want to get sick with stitches in your mouth and you for sure want to sleep.
*Do not worry about the procedure itself, it usually goes better than you think.
*Make sure you ask plenty of questions pertaining to the procedure, the possible problems that can occur, the types of food you can eat, etc. It's better to know more than less and be surprised with a tremendous amount of pain.
These are just my experiences, from everything I heard, it is very different from person to person. This was also my spring break so not exactly the most fun I've had during a break but productive none the less.
If anyone wants advice here is all that I can give:
*Make sure that you have someone to help you out afterwards, I was really loopy from the medicine for a while.
*If you can avoid taking the prescription meds, I would, because it can make you sick or prevent you from sleeping and believe me you do not want to get sick with stitches in your mouth and you for sure want to sleep.
*Do not worry about the procedure itself, it usually goes better than you think.
*Make sure you ask plenty of questions pertaining to the procedure, the possible problems that can occur, the types of food you can eat, etc. It's better to know more than less and be surprised with a tremendous amount of pain.
These are just my experiences, from everything I heard, it is very different from person to person. This was also my spring break so not exactly the most fun I've had during a break but productive none the less.
Monday, 2 March 2009
Gary
Next week my chihuahua, Gary, is getting a tooth pulled and his teeth cleaned next week and this always makes me nervous because he has to go under anaesthesia. I hate that because there is always a chance that something could go wrong and he is only six pounds. He's basically my baby and now my mom's baby as well because he is scared of everyone but her and I. He was abused when he was a little puppy and then I adopted him. He doesn't hardly ever bark unless he's playing and he doesn't bite, he's basically perfect. I love him with all my heart and I hope he makes it through next week alright. Oh and if you're wondering why his name is Gary, he was named after the snail from Sponge Bob Square Pants. Again, yes, I am a dork.Twilight Mania
So I will admit that I am one of many fans of the film Twilight. I saw the film before I had a chance to read the books but I must say I still loved the movie, enough to see it multiple times in the theatre, as much as I did after I read all of the books. I must say that I thought each person who was cast for the film fit perfectly in to my mind as I read each of the books. It is a countdown for me until it is finally released on DVD and I can watch the film as many times as I want. :) I am allowing people to see an extremely nerdy side of me but this is how I get through life and how I deal with things. I watch films, immerse myself into books and the characters when I really enjoy them and associate them to how I am feeling at the time. I think that one of the main reasons why I found these books so intense was because I, as I'm sure many other girls feel, can relate to the main character of Bella. Clumsy, independent, and keeps to herself yet makes friends easily, considers herself average. I think that also because she does not come from a very wealthy family and she never imagines she would be good enough for someone like Edward, she is more relatable than some characters who lead extravagant lives.
I can't wait for the release of New Moon, the film version of the second book which is due out in November. I am also awaiting the release of the books by Stephenie Meyer that are in Edward's perspective.
Enough about this because as I much as I love to talk about this subject, it needs to end and quickly. The picture was taken from www.sizzlingpopcorn.com/.../
April brings Sexual Assault Awareness Month
I am doing my senior project for my Women's Studies major on the effects of sexual assault and rape on college women and how the use of new media has assissted in their recovery process by reclaiming what and when they discuss what they have been through.
If anyone comes across this blog that has experienced any of the above and is willing to discuss this either through contact with this blog or by personal email I would greatly appreciate any information that one would be willing to share. I am trying to come up with a way to share this project with my school campus in order to better address these issues on campuses and include more safety precaustions into the curriculum. If not I hope anyone who has suffered sexual assault and/or rape has a safety net and ways to realize that they are not alone.
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