Chad's BLog

2006-12-08T21:17:00.000-08:00

What I have Learned
By: Chad Jardine

In revisiting the things we have studied over the past semester I am amazed at how fast this course has gone by. In all, I feel grateful for having stayed in the class. I have thoroughly enjoyed the company and the content. I am especially amazed at my greater openness on some of my writing—emphasis on “some”. I can honestly see improvements in my writing that will benefit me in the future. I feel I can best answer the questions of journal 16 in a question/answer format.
Q. What do you wish we had spent less time on?
A. One thing that was overstated in this class was Liberal Education. I’m not saying I’m against it. What I’m saying is that I never read anything during the course that gave me a reason to. For once I wish we had read an article that denounced liberal education rather than vise versa.
Q. What do you wish we had spent more time on?
A. I found it very helpful to study the sentence structure out on the board. When we did that it helped me visualize my mistakes. It also helped me create more complex sentences because I was able to see how to punctuate and use grammar.
Q. Do you feel you’ve become a better writer?
A. Looking back on the things I’ve worked on I see steady improvement. I think that I have gotten better at comma usage and sentence structure the most. Another thing that I can now do better is recognize errors in my own papers. That alone has given me an edge in expressing myself clearly.
Q. Has this class helped you other classes?
A. I believe that writing in this class has given me the ability to think more clearly and put those thoughts on paper. Especially good for me has been the fact that I am able to write in a more open manner. However, I don’t feel that my personal gains will contribute much to other classes because a one-sided attitude may be required in classes such as business or politics.
My papers have improved overall. Yet, I still need work. I am very grateful for the opportunity this English class has given me in sharing my thoughts and helping me to do better. To everyone I say goodbye. I really have respected my classmates in the help they have offered in things such as peer-review. My best wishes go out to them and my teacher Mrs. Smith. Both the class and the teacher have proven worth my time and efforts. I feel that I am a changed student because of them. Thank you.

2006-12-08T11:45:00.000-08:00

My Inquiry into the Inquiry Method
By: Chad Jardine

It was very interesting a few class times ago when Mrs. Smith decided to demonstrate the inquiry method to our class. That experiment was a learning experience for me, and not in the way you might expect. It taught me how entrenched the classroom structure is. In my observation I noticed that it didn’t matter whether the teacher sat with the class or stood at the front—as is the normal practice. We still looked to the teacher rather than each other. That examination made me seriously scrutinize the validity of the inquiry method.
Can students be expected to change? Can you teach an old dog new tricks? Should we even try? These are the questions and the thought processes that went through my head as I contemplated Mrs. Smith’s trial with the inquiry method of learning. My first assumption is that the traditional teacher at the head of the classroom setting is the most effective. Take, for example, the fact that our 2P.M. class went silent as soon as our teacher “stepped away from the pulpit and joined the pews”. The congregation was speechless for several minutes. It was not until I brought up dialogue with the teacher that the class finally joined in. In other words, we, the students, brought the pulpit back to the teacher. She wanted the congregation to fend for itself and work out its own educational salvation. But under that context…we all went to Hell. Still, the inquiry method has its benefits—perhaps not exemplified with our class—nonetheless, worth pondering.
Consider that students learn in various ways. By allowing the students to ask questions they are changing the way they learn. Some students learn best with visuals, for instance. If a student was to draw a picture to explain what he or she is thinking, and the teacher didn’t understand the picture then that inquiring student is left confused. After all, the teacher is perceived as all-knowing. This is where the inquiry method is handy. If that student was to show that same picture to the class chances are that one of his fellow students would understand him, and thus, would be able to give whatever insight he had to help. Contrasting the singularity of the teacher, the class is a group that possesses varying thoughts. To be short, the more people you have the greater thought that goes into a topic. Rather than have one teacher, that thinks one way, give one explanation, classrooms benefit most when every person is allowed to fully express him or herself outside the umbrella of the instructor’s control.
To be honest, I am not an advocate of either methods of learning. I can’t be. I just don’t know enough. With that being said, I do know that students can succeed in both situations if they try hard enough. Learning is a dual responsibility. Teachers must maintain the proper atmosphere, and students must do what is asked of them. However, students should not expect the teacher to make-up for their lack of preparation and work. If every student went into a course and was committed to succeed, regardless of what the teacher would or would not contribute, then education could still move forward. If students don’t do this, it’s not like the school isn’t willing to fail them. But then again?...

2006-12-01T19:14:00.000-08:00

My Review of Peer Review
By: Chad Jardine
As I have taken this English class I have been impressed with my growth in things such as sentence structure and grammar use. However, I have mixed feelings when it comes to peer review. Yet, I also cannot forget how much my writing has improved from reviewing on a one-on-one basis with Cody Wells. Put together I believe that the most effect review is that which comes from the teacher.
I would be lying if I said my writing hasn’t improved, but I would be lying if I said that was directly from peer review. To be truthful I believe the only peer that I can put my confidence in is Cody because I work with him in several other classes and feel he offers a fresh look into my writing. Consider this simile: peer review is like having one dumb person give his paper to other dumb people to have it critiqued. My point is, student reviews of other students do not seem to be effective because no one can fix the problems of another that he or she suffers from himself.
There is one exception. Cody Wells is the only successful peer that I have found to evaluate my papers. He and I can see mistakes in each other’s work because we spend so much time working together on other writing assignments that both of us can better notice mistakes. To compliment this bonus, I have found that Mrs. Smith has given pointers that have given me the awareness I needed to change my problems. That would make sense since she is the only “smart” person in the room. I just can’t see the logic in having someone review my journal that is struggling with the same, if not more, troubles. And that logic goes for my review of other students.
Peer review doesn’t make sense to me on the grand scale. For my personal situation only Cody and I can understand what the other is trying to say. Also, the teacher can give me pointers because she has experience and is a better writer than any of my fellow classmates. Remember, though, all is not negative. I am seeing improvement and hope my skills in writing will continue to grow. Even though I may disagree with peer review, I can still find room for advancement using it.

2006-11-24T07:35:00.000-08:00

Important!
FYI Mrs. Smith. I will be out of town until saturday morning. You can expect my blog after I get back on Saturday. (We don't have internet down there.) Sorry I didn't get it done earlier, but you can still read it if you want to. Thanks, Chad.

2006-11-17T20:36:00.000-08:00

Research Update
By: Chad Jardine

To be honest, I have not done much research beyond Paper 4’s requirements. However, I have been deeply thinking about what the future will bring concerning a draft. These thoughts first came about when I heard on a news network that Iran was found to have enriched Uranium and Plutonium. Those materials—used to make a nuclear bomb—were found after United Nations weapon inspectors came across them. Up to that point Iran had claimed its nuclear ambitions were peaceful, but the world now knows better. With that fact in mind, and the United States commitment to stop nuclear proliferation among terrorist nations, it seems a draft might be in order if military action is the only remaining choice to resolve the matter.
As many might know, I have been talking to military recruiters with the intent to join. My choice is not merely based on educational benefits. Call me ideological, but I want to join to protect the nation. It would seem disappointing if I was to look back on my life and not have served in the military. Fortunate, for the U.S., my joining will help in a very small way to alleviate the recruitment shortage. It was on that premise that I wrote Paper 4. With limited volunteers and growing threats to national security, a draft seems rational.
My friend Cody and I were at the gym today. It was at this gym that Cody and I started thinking about the likelihood of us being conscripted to serve. It seems that very much could be risked on our part in the future if that is the outcome. War is tough, and I think everyone should be prepared—especially the men—to have life tough if war comes.
I hope that a draft is not needed to solve the challenges ahead. Yet, I also hope we will have the resolve to win and fight to the end if that is our only choice. But, to be honest with myself, the country hasn’t done that with the War on Terror up to this point. I am concerned that anymore war will not turn out as we would hope unless we are willing to make the outcome favorable.

2006-11-10T16:49:00.000-08:00

GET TO CLASS!!!
By: Chad Jardine

I have chosen to write on the subject of school attendance. My question is: how can students turn down their opportunity to learn when they have already paid for their semester hours? This question came to me when I realized how small our English class had gotten during the last week. I think there were, at best, seven or eight people on average during the course of the week. I cannot understand why people are so foolish and rude.
When a student misses every once in a while for a legitimate reason I am understanding of their situation. But I have no pity for those who miss solely because they are bored with the course or don’t feel they can become the thinker Mrs. Smith’s curriculum requires. It is their lack of effort to perform even the most simple of a student’s duties that leads many to end up in a career they would not have otherwise chosen. Those unfavorable future circumstances make those former students incorrectly feel they’ve been cheated out of the “American Dream” because real life happened, and life doesn’t dish out evenly to those who enter into it with a sense of entitlement.
I overheard a conversation between two people today just outside of my biology class and near a computer room. One of them was a white male. The other was a Hispanic-American woman. The two were talking about movies which led them to discuss grades among minorities. The woman—a minority herself—explained to the man how she told her kids never to complain about not getting good grades because they were a minority. She argued it was not acceptable for her children to complain when they had the opportunity to receive minority scholarships. My point for bringing this conversation up is to demonstrate how those who feel they deserve everything for nothing just won’t fly. Fortunately, the children of that mother are in good hands, and will succeed if they follow through with her advice.
Good education begins with the basics. If we want to succeed academically and financially we have to do those things which will best guarantee our future prospects. Just plug the simple numbers (at least those who didn’t skip math class) and you will see how dumb it is to fail a college course when tuition has already been paid. Duh!!! A member of my business team that has not shown up in our class (which starts at ten o’clock A.M.) for weeks, and he is not only suffering but is dragging my group down to some extent with him. All he has to do is come to our meeting and do the assignments delegated to him. I think students are hoodwinkers when such a simple task is passed by for seemingly no reason.
For those who don’t come to class I have no sympathy for your stupidity. It is also rude to do such on account that our teacher spent a lot of time to prepare to teach you. However, I am preaching to the wrong congregation. Those who need to change are probably not going to be reading this journal entry. My sympathies go to our teacher and to those few dedicated students who want to learn. To be truthful I am not perfect. Nonetheless, I appreciate the opportunity to improve, and if you are one who needs improvement in attendance my first suggestion is to get to class. I promise things will be better in the long run.

2006-11-03T20:09:00.000-08:00

I’m Confused and Frustrated!
By: Chad Jardine

In class today (11-3-06) I was frustrated over the writing we are trying to master. With several essays behind me I can’t say that I am any closer to becoming a better writer. As far as I can tell my problems stem from 1) a lack of coherent understanding of where my writing is going and 2) a drastically different perspective on grades. These concerns are arguably “growing pains” as I transition from high school to college. Yet, these worries prompt me to question whether or not I am progressing in this English class.
I am going to be frank—with the exception of Mr. Moizer’s twelfth-grade class, I have never enjoyed any previous English course I have taken. Up until this week I was beginning to think I would break the anti-English cycle. But then Wednesday happened (11-1-06). It was then that I realized the underlying contrasts between me and what I perceived as the way class was heading were ever diverging. Take grades for example.
When Mrs. Smith says something to the effect of “grades don’t matter” I cannot fathom that standpoint. I have been taught that grades DO matter whether that reinforcement comes from my Dad, Mom, or even grandparents. When they ask how college is going a reply like “I’m learning a lot” will only hold them over for a few seconds or maybe a minute. After that they almost always ask how my grades are looking. That’s it. That’s the way my relatives know whether I am doing well. If I were to show my parents a report card with a 60%, for instance, they wouldn’t accept “well…I learned something”. To them grades are the indication of education, and I happen to agree.
Now it may seem from the above that I am advocating against Mrs. Smith’s teaching methods. I assure you I AM NOT! However, I am lost, so to speak, on where I am going. Take this example: I was writing last week’s blog when I suddenly stopped and wondered, “How am I supposed to write this?” That is by far my biggest concern. When I first started our current English class I seriously thought that every essay taught us one method of writing for a particular circumstance. In other words, one essay would be written in a questioning manner when you came across a problem you had no opinion on. Another essay—say one about a problem you had a strong view on—would be written so that you could persuade others to agree with you (which is my favorite form of writing by the way). Unfortunately, I do not know what my final writing style should look like. It seems to me that meshing all of the writing techniques we’ve studied together would yield a hybrid so hideous that it would make the contents of my shorts look good after I found out each individual essay was to be built upon the next. I guess I’ll just have to keep cleaning up the mess—of my thinking that is.
My conclusion is not grim and gloomy. I will try my best, and hopefully I will not only get good grades but will learn something too. I am very thankful for the opportunity to learn, and hope the remaining weeks of English 1010 with Mrs. Smith (who I would recommend as a good teacher of the challenging English language) will be clarifying and helpful in making myself and everyone else—if they work to achieve it—glad they took something from the class and that they were truly changed by it.

2006-10-27T19:10:00.000-07:00

"I Want You!"

By: Chad Jardine

Every time I turn on the television I am bombarded with images or shows on the topic of Iraq and the war in Afghanistan. To me they are not separate wars with separate justifications. To me they are part of one conflict only separated by different battle fronts. One subtopic that has been brought up over the past few years is the draft. That topic is what I am researching. I begin by simply asking, “Should the United States Reinstate the draft?”
A Draft was issued in the Civil, First and Second, Korean, and Vietnam Wars among others. Only after the conclusion of the latter did this country forget that practice. Ronald Reagan came into office in 1981 to a military that was fading in its dominance. Fortunately vast military rearmament during the proceeding 1980’s helped ensure that the draft remain a thing of the past when the first Gulf War broke out. Then the Soviet Union dissolved in 1991 leaving America as the sole superpower. Form then on military spending was cut, the armed forces lost a third of its active duty soldiers, and thus at the time of the September 11, 2001 attacks was only 60% of its size during the Persian Gulf War. With that important background being said, you can probably imagine why talks of drafting soldiers to fill the ranks are currently going on.
I heard some time ago that the army was not meeting its volunteer recruitment goals. It is at this point that my emotions usually get the best of me, but let it suffice to say that I find that detail to be…ridiculous. One argument for the draft is that such shortages would immediately be alleviated. However, is a draft an infringement of one’s right to choose his or her life? Some believe it’s not, but there are those who feel so. In my opinion it’s not fair to sit back and enjoy the rewards of freedom and never take up the responsibility to defend it for yourself and others. There is no such thing as reward without responsibility!
Mark Edmundson’s comments in his essay partly blamed the current generation’s troubles with liberal education on the generation of the Sixties. While my research has nothing to do with education, it does delve into the influence predecessors have on their children. My parents were not Vietnam protesters thankfully. Unfortunately, their peers, to a large extent throughout the country, were. Those people set a precedent for anarchy and the present population follows suit. It’s because of that unwillingness of the people to fight on their own merits that the draft seems to be the only solution.
The draft would affect everyone in America. Either you would be drafted, know someone that was, or you would be related to one. I don’t want to sound like a hypocrite either. I must state that I do not expect others to do what I would not. In fact I have spoken to military recruiters and have an appointment with one on Monday October 30. It is my intention to become a soldier soon after serving an LDS mission. It may even be possible (if the recruiters have explained correctly) to join the armed forces before leaving by taking an extended leave for 26 months. Let me conclude by saying it’s regrettable that we need a draft. If we truly wanted to exercise our freedom for good we would join voluntarily, and God bless those who already have!

2006-10-20T16:24:00.000-07:00

Liberal Education—Yes or No?
By: Chad Jardine

Liberal education was the topic brought up in Mr. Edmundson’s essay, “As Lite Entertainment for bored College Students.” His main issue with that form of learning was the lack of real effort on the part of students who took his classes. He complained that the education system had been taken over by the idea of “consumerism” rather than actual education. Money at universities, not knowledge, was the guiding force. This introduced a question. Should liberal education continue or is it an outdated system?
Many people are for liberal education because it is traditional. It has been taught (if I heard right in class) since the great Greek philosophers hundreds of years ago. Today, like in the ancient past, liberal education is still taught. Some argue it is the greatest form of learning because it allows the teacher to help the student discover for him or herself the subject being studied. But can this freedom invade the authority of the teacher? For example: I was sitting in a class where the students were listening to the lecture but were not under any sort of pressure to raise their hand when asking a question, or to sit up straight when the teacher was talking to them. Could liberal education’s woes have been created by a lackadaisical teacher/student relationship?
Mrs. Smith told us that schools used to hold the final authority rather than students with their money. This meant everyone was not welcome to join a university. It is quite different in the present. Today universities are increasing the number of students they enroll every semester to gain more financial resources. (Notice I used “number” not “amount”). However, could this added financial security be a step in the right direction? More people than ever before in America are going to college. Many ask how that could be wrong. With more money a university can provide a better education and other benefits that enhance a student’s educational opportunities. Yet, those supportive of liberal education could reasonably argue that money spent on benefits should be put into actual learning.
Whether you believe liberal education should remain the cornerstone of the educational system or not, it is an important topic that must be sorted through. Still, one thing is sure. Teachers must remain the unchallenged authorities in the classroom. Also, students must have respect for the opportunity to learn and take those opportunities instead of letting them pass by. Otherwise, like the ancient Greeks themselves, actual education will become a thing of the past.

2006-10-13T18:22:00.000-07:00

Newspaper Article on Business
By: Chad Jardine

The scholarly article I read on week 5 gave me insight on the effect of the virtual world on society and the spread of global business because of it. The article was, “The Driving Forces in the Virtual Society” by Magid Igbaria, published in the journal Communications of the ACM. The newspaper article I found relates to Igbaria’s writings was published in the Salt Lake Tribune and is titled, “In Global Business Talk is Key.” The author’s name is Sheena Mcfarland. Both of these articles are similar in content about global business, but their target audiences are very different.
Newspapers write to explain the topics to the common man. That means (in case you happen to be a common man) that most of the words and structure are put together in a way that is relatively simple to understand. Sheena Mcfarland does this effectively. Her focus was on the way international communication is needed if business students at Utah Universities are to become more successful. She quotes Douglas Anderson, the dean of USU's College of Business, who said, “It's very hard to really talk about business without understanding the linkages between here and overseas. We don't believe a sophisticated business person can succeed without a global perspective, and that's why we're focusing on international business.” Although the newspaper article covered the basic points on global business, it did not ask thoughtful questions. This is one of the main differences between the two articles.
Mcfarland doesn’t give her personal opinion. This is good for journalism, but it doesn’t make the reader think as much. She merely provides the facts and leaves any questions to him or her. Igbaria’s style on the other hand gave facts, questions, and possible solutions. This major disparity affected my interpretation of the two related subjects. The scholarly article made me think harder about how virtual society and global business influence my life. Therefore, it stuck longer. The newspaper story was less involved and only described global business so I will probably forget about its content as soon as I’m done with this assignment. See the difference?
Newspapers and scholarly articles are for different audiences. The more advanced writings of scholars give further insight into issues by asking the reader to think. Newspaper articles only describe what’s happening in the world. For me, each will work at their appropriate times, but I must say I found “In Global Business Talk is Key” boring compared to Magid Igbaria’s essay. This was because it didn’t go deeper into the very important topic of business.

2006-10-06T16:47:00.000-07:00

Summary/Strong Response on “The Damnation of a Canyon”

By: Chad Jardine

I read the writing, “The Damnation of a Canyon”, by Edward Abbey. His essay focused on the down side of the Glen Canyon Dam that holds back Lake Powell. He argued that the majesty of the historic canyon is now only a memory, and that the past seems better then the present. Arguments for his opinion included cheaper recreation in the river rather than the lake, a sense of attachment to the river ecosystem, and a better variety of wildlife. Of course, Mr. Abbey gave arguments that were intended to take away any legitimate reasoning for the dam’s creation. He claimed that the dam’s flood controls would leave “bathtub rings” around the flooded canyon, and that would make it lose its pristine nature.
Edward Abbey also attacked the “wheelchair ethos of the wealthy”; stating how lazy visitors to the lake appear when they argue that the lake waters give added access to more people than before. His writings were very critical of supporters of the lake who believe the energy output of the dam is reason enough for the Glen Canyon Dam’s existence. This author’s rebuttal was one of hope for the future, citing the development of environmentally friendly technologies, such as solar, that could change humans’ dependence on the status quo of resources. However, I have a somewhat…different view.
Mr. Edward Abbey is an admitted, “…butterfly chaser, googly eyed bleeding heart and wild conservative” that has an absurd view of utopianism. His opinion couldn’t be more unrealistic. Without vital Lake Powell, Lake Mead, its counterpart reservoir, would only be at six percent capacity with the harsh reality of the recent drought we faced (and to a great extent, still face). Now I know some tree huggers love wildlife and the canyons they live in, but if you’re like me water is also pretty high on my list of needs. The unarguable truth is that without Lake Powell, and the rest of the many Colorado River reservoirs, human’s (which I consider the most important species of wildlife on earth) would be extremely thirsty right about now. Also, not only does Lake Powell dam up the Colorado, it provides water to the farmlands of states like California that in some cases produce half of this country’s food products-food, another important biggie.
Another argument that I wish to debunk is Mr. Abbey’s flawed opinion that Lake Powell has somehow diminished or destroyed the beauty of the former Glen Canyon. Now I’ve been to Lake Powell (along with Lake Mead, and Flaming Gorge) so don’t tell me I don’t know what I’m talking about. Unless you’re blind, I if I were to send you pictures of the lake, even at half full, I guarantee you it would make you proud to live in this great land called America. The area of land around that lake is indescribable. It makes you unimaginably glad to know God made that part of the world and that he gave mankind the tools to use it. It is a poetic tribute to see God’s work and then see he taught you his trade.
As you can probably tell I love Lake Powell. It is wonderful. I have a completely different view from that of Edward Abbey and his unintelligent friends. He complained that the dam is a waste-just an ugly chunk of concrete. But he couldn’t be more off the mark. When he says he finds the new environment unworthy and repulsive, I say he is wrong. When he says he wishes the Colorado River had never been dammed, I say damn that!

2006-09-29T17:07:00.000-07:00

Why do we Write the way we do?
By: Chad Jardine

I have been staring at my computer screen for about an hour trying to think of what to write my journal on. Back and forth, back and forth is the way it has been going between topics. I then stumbled upon the subtle topic of why we write journals the way we do. Is it really that effective for us to ask questions for the sake of pondering the things we write about?
In every journal that I have done up to this point, I have been contemplating different ways to see things and exploring all of the angles on many issues. In my Communications class this is called dual perspective. That means seeing all points of view rather than choosing one and sticking with it as if it were fact-which is a problem Wells has told me I have, but then I tell him he’s wrong. I wonder, is better to defend your solution or to think deeply about solutions others have? It would seem that spending all of one’s time contemplating a topic would never lead to decisiveness needed in the world. You cannot always have the luxury of time on your hands. Sometimes in life things must be decided in that moment or situations could turn negative. Would it be better to develop an ability to think on your toes rather than always having to make sure every outcome was analyzed?
I have had to make decisions, right or wrong, in a minutes notice or I could lose opportunities. But I must admit that those decisions were never as detailed or precise as those which were made with heavy contemplation. Then again, only a “seat of your pants” choice was plausible in those circumstances. My grandfather told me a saying, “Perfection is the biggest deterrent to progress.” That is to say, if you don’t make decisions solely because you aren’t willing to make mistakes when you do, you’ll never get anywhere. When I write I always assume things. That’s just in my nature. One thing that is certain, however, is that writing in a thoughtful manner has given me insight on how to see others’ views. I have also enjoyed-no been changed-by the experiences of Mrs. Smith’s writing assignments. Yet, with all of her emphasis on exploring topics, wouldn’t it also seem prudent to retain the ability to be quick and decisive? It appears the determining factor is time. And with that there is no question.

2006-09-22T16:47:00.000-07:00

Reading a Scholarly Article on Business
By: Chad Jardine

I have been interested in a Business major for a few months, and while I haven’t committed yet, I still find others’ research in this field to interest me. The article I read was, The Driving Forces in the Virtual Society by Magid Igbaria. Her article, published in the journal Communications of the ACM, focused on the effects of a virtual work environment. The most predominant thing I thought about was the changing world based on technological achievement and its focus on “the functional rather than the physical.” After studying the scholarly journal I was left with a prevailing question. Is technology improving my life and the world of business?
Magid Igbaria wrote a very informative piece. However, she did her research. Her first use of outside information was on the first page. She references two individuals named Grenier and Metes. They give an extended view of what it means to be “virtual”. This immediately clarified for me what this author was going to write about in the vast field of technology in the workplace. Then Igbaria continues throughout her writing to explore the influences virtual society has in physical society. On of the biggest topics she delves into, however, is that of the global economy. This topic was tied into her article because without the current abilities of virtual business a global economy would be unpractical. The essay also questioned the aspects of technology on everyday life. Examples of this would include her explaining how work can now be done to a greater extent at home, or in the car, or sitting in a park, etcetera, etcetera. This reality has its benefits but also its problems on things like family time, and other social interactions. In all, her emphasis is pegged on the new ideas the virtual world is creating for the real one.
Everyone has experienced the seemingly miraculous expansion of knowledge through virtual means, and while those means can vary, the biggest factor on my life has been the internet. This is not only true of the individual, but also the companies that employ them. With all of that added awareness and capability can my simple life remain in tact, or will it be erased by a nimble business market? Business today is either expanding quickly in new markets or shrinking in losing ones. As Magid Igbaria expressed in her writing, this would not be possible at such a rate and level without global technologies. This has many effects, good and bad, on the average person by making, as the author put it, the boarders of trading partners “transparent”. Meaning the clear-cut lines of the past could be removed in exchange for international trade. That would have major implications on individuals counting myself. Will my way of life be forgotten for the needs of large money-making corporations? Will your’s? Or, perhaps virtual business can benefit rather than harm? Time will tell.
Magid Igbaria’s article was very interesting to me-a potential business major. She dug deep into the concerns of people uncertain about the future of business and their private lives. My personal worries were answered in some cases, but not in others. With all of its uncertainty, the virtual world has helped myself and I’m sure many others at one point or another. There is no magic answer for every virtual subject. But writings like those of Igbaria’s will serve to untangle the knots that are left behind.

2006-09-15T17:16:00.000-07:00

A Major in Business
Chad Jardine
I am a freshman that formerly went to Riverton High School. My father owns a custom home construction company named Jar-Con. My father started his company from scratch in an area of business that usually requires heavy investment from outside sources. Although the first years of running for his company were rough, it is currently doing well. It is because of this that I am interested in getting a business major. I have many questions concerning whether or not this is a good idea, mainly-is getting a business degree a good idea?
Many scholars and plain old business owners have many questions about this field of study and its application in the real world. These people ask questions just as I do, however, some of the questions they ask are on a large scale while many of mine focus on the small end of things. Questions they may ask include: “Is globalization good for continued business growth?”, “Can companies support the costs of American workers?”, or “Is big business good for society?” Those questions are meant to be solved by those who are qualified and have the training necessary. With that education they’ve received, I hope that those answers come for the best. I on the other hand am very nervous considering a future in this major.
Whenever I think about choosing to study in business, I become very hesitant. Will, after all, a business major spell s-u-c-c-e-s-s for me? I can only wonder. One uncertainty deals with whether or not I can make a good living by creating a business from nothing rather than in another area of study. Just because I earn the degree doesn’t mean I have a solid foothold in the career world. Another problem deals with my mental ability to endure the hard times that beginning in business brings. Then again, there are many positives to getting an education in business. Many believe that the knowledge a business major would instill would jumpstart my ambitions and put me on a track to a good job. The major could provide a pro-idea atmosphere where my ideas are mixed with those of others-maybe even the scholars who have questions themselves.
Can I presume to make it financially as well as educationally on only a major from a college? I suppose this is the underlying difficulty in making the decision to get a business major. I can only hope for the best and shoot for making it in the world. College will give great insight and further my potential, but will not answer all of my questions. That is my job, and heavy research into those scholars who have made it before me should shed some light. I hope I do well.

2006-09-07T12:16:00.000-07:00

Should Government Provide Funds for Sports Leagues?
Chad Jardine

The decision by Sandy City to provide funds for Real Salt Lake (RSL) is a major one. Before that I had never given much attention to the soccer team. After all, soccer was never a sport I enjoyed watching or going to (unless, of course, someone in my family was playing). When word came of a proposal by RSL urging Sandy to channel tax money into building them a soccer stadium, I began thinking about the purpose of government. Then I had questions and concerns. Among them, should government supply public funds for private enterprises like sports teams?
Those who supported the RSL-Sandy deal were of the opinion that the funds acted more as an investment. Besides that, RSL was ready to leave the state for other places of opportunity unless money was supplied for their project. Supporters also agreed with RSL’s proposal because they felt a stadium would bring in more money to the surrounding community than would have to be spent initially. It was also their belief that the stadium would act as a sort of homing beacon for the state much as the Winter Olympics of 2002 had done earlier. In their minds it was a win-win situation. But not everyone agreed. To contrast the view of the supports, those opposed thought it was very irresponsible for government to use their tax dollars to fund a project unclear of its staying power. They asked, why risk the money for an athletic team?
Those against felt it was unfair for government to swap helping its people directly with helping them indirectly. Shouldn’t government provide the services they paid for? Many of the city were frustrated that money was being shifted elsewhere. Isn’t a government “for the people, by the people” supposed to do just that?
Those opposed felt it was so. Several were of the opinion that funds being transferred to a privately owned team for a stadium was wrong because while the stadium would bring in money, it would leave the people of the community to deal with where to find new money to finance things like education and infrastructure. Thus, they would have more problems on their hands due to the inefficiencies of government. A limited government, in their view, was the cheapest to maintain and most resourceful. In other words, more funding of projects could spell higher taxes. Conversely, backers maintained support. They raised the question why should government pass up a potentially good thing?
With both sides’ arguments established, a few solutions I have encountered come to mind. One suggests that government step back and let happen what will happen to sports franchises regardless of their financial situations. This solution sets the expectation that fans and investors put money into those teams they prefer rather than cities and various government bodies. However, might this bring problems such as: less tourism, fewer events in a particular town or area, and less exposure for a team? Still, the other side of the argument would contend that government should set precedence for supporting private businesses so as to add jobs, thereby bringing in more tax dollars for the government which spent it. They feel one of the only solutions is to let government spend as it sees best for the people, presuming more money will eventually be generated for effected taxpayers later on. But can government be trusted to always work for the people? Some say yes others, no.
Is government best when it is restricted? Or does it provide more for its people by investing the money it has into projects the population can use? The different arguments are filled with problems and diverse solutions. Government’s role can either be big or little, but both levels of involvement bring significant change. Maybe it is best to continue wallowing in the topic and find a solution to the query, what is government’s responsibility when it comes to funding business?

2006-08-31T20:24:00.000-07:00

Is Illegal Immigration Good or Bad for America?
Chad Jardine

Recently I was listening to the news over the radio in my car. The subject was immigration. Unfortunately, both sides of the argument were not covered equally and with equal fervor. So, to my shame, I found myself taking the position that was more vigorously defended. That position happened to focus on all of the negatives of illegal immigration-welfare, lack of loyalty to the United States, immigrants without insurance, crime, and so forth. It wasn’t until the report ended that I regained clarity. I then wondered, is illegal immigration good or bad to America?
I am torn on this issue. On one hand I think illegal immigration is good for our nation as a whole. It provides cheap labor for our businesses. The companies are then able to expand their profits by cutting expenses and use that extra money to expand further in markets both at home and overseas. A steady flow of immigrants also improves the lives of residents in Mexico and other countries. Immigrants make money which they can send back to their native countries where their friends and families live. Those people spend that capital in their communities which boosts the economy of those various nations. This, in turn, creates opportunity for America because those nations with boosted economies are potential areas for U.S. business dealings on a global scale.
Then again, on the other hand, is that level of progress realistic? This is where the second half of me begins to surface which claims illegal immigration is bad and, therefore, should be stopped. My first assumption is that illegal immigration is just that-ILLEGAL. It is the view of most everyday citizens that that is true. Ought laws to be maintained and respected by both members of this country who currently live here and those who wish to? Then again, does that make illegal immigrants criminals or just desperate and/or greedy people who either need or want money? This dimension of the question becomes problematic by introducing a human element to the two-sided equation.
Many want illegal immigration to stop because they feel those coming across the southern United States border are not of a disposition to keep the status quo of American culture. Yet, shouldn’t America live up to the term “melting pot” and incorporate the differences of Latin culture into the mix? Some argue yes because it would diversify our communities and bring added respect to other races. Others feel the answer is no, believing America should be unified under one language, and culture especially in this time of war.
Illegal immigration will continue to be a very important topic until a solution is found. This problem to some and blessing to others that makes up immigration will continue to perplex and interest peoples, politicians, and societies. Perhaps immigration will better the lives of large numbers of immigrants, thereby warranting the continuation of America’s current policies. Or conceivably America will one day crack down on illegal immigration that is often deemed by many as criminal and threatening. Whatever the eventual outcome, this issue will continue to stay in focus and continue to be a clash over what’s best for America. So I must ask myself exactly that question, “What is best for America?”