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Thursday, June 4, 2009
Table of Contents
Reflection Letter
My name is Melissa Mays and this is my first quarter at Everett Community College. Previously I was attending Edmonds Community College but made the switch because I want to attend the nursing program here at Everett CC. Until recently, English was my favorite subject and I always excelled. English 101D has been the most challenging English course I have ever taken. I feel that I have learned some new information but am glad that it is coming to an end. Although at times I felt frustrated and ready to quit, I learned that through hard work and continuance, work can be completed and the final result is rewarding.
We had three main units this quarter which were identity, community, and tradition My thoughts on identity, and tradition have not changed much, but my ideas on community have changed majorly. Before this class, my idea of community was the town that you lived in. Through the readings and discussion boards, I have learned that any group of people who enjoy the same things are considered a community. I have also learned that traditions are constantly changing and society is challenging traditions because of pop culture.
For an example of my writing that demonstrates my critical thinking skills, I have used our Intermission One timed write. We watched the movie Spanglish and wrote about what it meant to be an outsider. I feel that this was my best score recieved and that these are my true writing skills. For an example of my writing that demonstrates my skills at revision and reseeing my work I have chose my second paper, from the Community Unit. I feel that I did a great job at this paper, but my grade showed otherwise. I will be revising this paper so that I feel that I am still doing a great job while my instructors will see that I can do a good job as well. To illustrate my awareness of audience and voice, I have chosen my discussion board posting from the Tradition Unit, DB2 "Visiting Pop Culture." Another student and I were in discussion about what it means to have the "in" stuff, such as the iphone. We had a great disucussion about what pop culture really means. Finally, for my choice I will be giving the example of my third paper from the tradition unit. I feel that this paper really demonstrated my skills of a writer as a whole and my writing improvements really showed. To conclude, I have carefully chosen each writing from my collection of the quarter. I feel that my writing skills are not done improving, but have made major improvements throughout the quarter.
We had three main units this quarter which were identity, community, and tradition My thoughts on identity, and tradition have not changed much, but my ideas on community have changed majorly. Before this class, my idea of community was the town that you lived in. Through the readings and discussion boards, I have learned that any group of people who enjoy the same things are considered a community. I have also learned that traditions are constantly changing and society is challenging traditions because of pop culture.
For an example of my writing that demonstrates my critical thinking skills, I have used our Intermission One timed write. We watched the movie Spanglish and wrote about what it meant to be an outsider. I feel that this was my best score recieved and that these are my true writing skills. For an example of my writing that demonstrates my skills at revision and reseeing my work I have chose my second paper, from the Community Unit. I feel that I did a great job at this paper, but my grade showed otherwise. I will be revising this paper so that I feel that I am still doing a great job while my instructors will see that I can do a good job as well. To illustrate my awareness of audience and voice, I have chosen my discussion board posting from the Tradition Unit, DB2 "Visiting Pop Culture." Another student and I were in discussion about what it means to have the "in" stuff, such as the iphone. We had a great disucussion about what pop culture really means. Finally, for my choice I will be giving the example of my third paper from the tradition unit. I feel that this paper really demonstrated my skills of a writer as a whole and my writing improvements really showed. To conclude, I have carefully chosen each writing from my collection of the quarter. I feel that my writing skills are not done improving, but have made major improvements throughout the quarter.
Introduction to Critical Thinking Skills
In our first intermission, we watched the movie Spanglish. Our main goal was to realize what it means to be an outsider and to take in different perspectives from different characters. Everyone can feel like an outsider at some point or another. After watching the film, we had a timed write and the assignment was to demonstrate how the film defines what it is to be an outsider and explain how this definition upholds or challenges our own cultural understanding of what it means to be an outsider. I believe I had a very good understanding of the film and interpreted well what it meant to be an outsider. Before watching the film, I understood the term "outsider" well, but I think the film made me realize that most everyone feels like an outsider at some point or another, depending on different situations that they are in. The part of the timed write that I feel best shows my ability to be a critical thinker is when I said "it seems as if Flor feels that Cristina is losing those values by spending too much time around the Clasky's, particularly Deborah, and is becoming too Americanized. When Flor wakes up one morning to find a note, that she cannot read, and her daughter nowhere to be found she finds this very upsetting. She feels like she is losing control and has no say in what is being done with her daughter. She wants Cristina to appreciate life for what it is and who she has been raised to be. She doesn't want her to become anything like Deborah." This part of the movie was not so easy to understand. Through the group discussions and watching the movie time after time, I was able to think about this situation critically.
Spanglish
Spanglish defines what it is to be an outsider by showing that anyone can feel like an outcast in many different situations. This definition challeneged my own cultural understanding of what it means to be an outsider because I had not realized that someone could feel like an outsider from their own family.
First, Flor was an outsider to the Clasky's. When she first arrived at her new job, she didn't know any English. There was a language barrier that never really seemed to bother her until her daughter, Cristina, came into the picture. Cristina could speak both Spanish and English fluently and she seemd to really take a liking to the Clasky's. I think that Flor felt like an outsider because she didn't know any English, and the Clasky's could communicate with her daughter while she couldn't understand. This is what made Flor want to learn English and feel like less of an outcast. Flor wanted to be able to communicate with her daughter better than anyone else in the world could.
The second thing I noticed was that Bernice felt like an outsider to her own mother. I had never thought about it being possible that a child could feel like an outcast from their own parents. Deborah was very persistant in wanting Bernice to lose weight. At the beginning of the movie, Bernice had baked some type of bread and wanted her mother to try it. Of course, Deborah tries it and then has the nerve to say "you could really do without this." Then, Deborah tries to do something nice for Bernice by buying her a ton of new clothes. At first, Bernice sees this as her mother making peace, and then realized that all of the new clothes were size 8, way too small for Bernice. Bernice is crushed by the fact that her own mother doesn't accept her for who she is. I believe that Bernice is also a little intimidated by Cristina, who Deborah takes shopping, takes her to get her hair done, and spends a lot of quality time with. Bernice only wants her own mother to treat her like she is treating Cristina.
Third, Flor feels like an outsider with Cristina. Flor has certain family values that she wants Cristina to keep. It seems as if Flor feels that Cristina is losing those values by spending too much time around the Clasky's, particularly Deborah, and is becoming too Americanized. When Flor wakes up one morning to find a note, that she cannot read, and her daughter nowhere to be found she finds this very upsetting. She feels like she is losing control and has no say in what is being done with her daughter. She wants Cristina to appreciate life for what it is and who she has been raised to be. She doesn't want her to become anything like Deborah.
Lastly, Deborah and John were both outsiders to each other. This definitely challeneged my own cultural understanding of what it means to be an outsider. To me, two people who are married should be closer than any other two people in the world. These two characters were so far apart, it amazed me how they even stayed together. Deborah had issues with John and her not being on the same page. She felt like an outsider because John would make huge decisions without consulting her first. He gave away 20 percent of the restaurant without even talking to her about it first. When she was angry with one of the children, he would tell them it was okay, that he "wasn't mad." John felt like an outsider to Deborah because he couldn't trust her. She was having an affair behind his back and once he found out, it really hurt him. She was always coming home late, and always up to something. This example of being an outsider really challenged my knowledge of what it exactly means to be an outsider.
This movie really portrays what it means to be an outsider. I learned some new things and also built on my previous knowledge of defining what it means to be an outcast. Anyone can be an outcast in any situation, whether it is a child from their parents, two parents, or a language barrier that divides two groups, anyone can feel like an outcast.
First, Flor was an outsider to the Clasky's. When she first arrived at her new job, she didn't know any English. There was a language barrier that never really seemed to bother her until her daughter, Cristina, came into the picture. Cristina could speak both Spanish and English fluently and she seemd to really take a liking to the Clasky's. I think that Flor felt like an outsider because she didn't know any English, and the Clasky's could communicate with her daughter while she couldn't understand. This is what made Flor want to learn English and feel like less of an outcast. Flor wanted to be able to communicate with her daughter better than anyone else in the world could.
The second thing I noticed was that Bernice felt like an outsider to her own mother. I had never thought about it being possible that a child could feel like an outcast from their own parents. Deborah was very persistant in wanting Bernice to lose weight. At the beginning of the movie, Bernice had baked some type of bread and wanted her mother to try it. Of course, Deborah tries it and then has the nerve to say "you could really do without this." Then, Deborah tries to do something nice for Bernice by buying her a ton of new clothes. At first, Bernice sees this as her mother making peace, and then realized that all of the new clothes were size 8, way too small for Bernice. Bernice is crushed by the fact that her own mother doesn't accept her for who she is. I believe that Bernice is also a little intimidated by Cristina, who Deborah takes shopping, takes her to get her hair done, and spends a lot of quality time with. Bernice only wants her own mother to treat her like she is treating Cristina.
Third, Flor feels like an outsider with Cristina. Flor has certain family values that she wants Cristina to keep. It seems as if Flor feels that Cristina is losing those values by spending too much time around the Clasky's, particularly Deborah, and is becoming too Americanized. When Flor wakes up one morning to find a note, that she cannot read, and her daughter nowhere to be found she finds this very upsetting. She feels like she is losing control and has no say in what is being done with her daughter. She wants Cristina to appreciate life for what it is and who she has been raised to be. She doesn't want her to become anything like Deborah.
Lastly, Deborah and John were both outsiders to each other. This definitely challeneged my own cultural understanding of what it means to be an outsider. To me, two people who are married should be closer than any other two people in the world. These two characters were so far apart, it amazed me how they even stayed together. Deborah had issues with John and her not being on the same page. She felt like an outsider because John would make huge decisions without consulting her first. He gave away 20 percent of the restaurant without even talking to her about it first. When she was angry with one of the children, he would tell them it was okay, that he "wasn't mad." John felt like an outsider to Deborah because he couldn't trust her. She was having an affair behind his back and once he found out, it really hurt him. She was always coming home late, and always up to something. This example of being an outsider really challenged my knowledge of what it exactly means to be an outsider.
This movie really portrays what it means to be an outsider. I learned some new things and also built on my previous knowledge of defining what it means to be an outcast. Anyone can be an outcast in any situation, whether it is a child from their parents, two parents, or a language barrier that divides two groups, anyone can feel like an outcast.
Introduction to Revision Skills
Our second unit was on community which, for me, was the most interesting unit we had this quarter. My ideas about identity and tradition did not change throughout the quarter, but my ideas on community changed greatly. I learned that a community does not just mean the town and neighborhood that a person lives in. A community is any group of people who do the same things together. People who work at the same job, work out at the same gym, go to the same park are all considered to be communities. This was not an easy concept for me to grasp. I thought my paper had a strong thesis, but the instructors seemed to believe that my paragraphs did not support my thesis, therefor it was not strong enough. My thesis stated "Although the community of the gaming industry has taken a lot away from many individuals, over the years it has provided people with more employment than ever before due to major rule changes and increased pay." During revision, I tried to tie the paragraphs together by making it more of a "then and now" perspective, or more so than before. This was the main point of the assignment. I think through revision, my paper became much stronger.
The thing I know most about is the gaming industry. I have been a dealer in casinos for six years and have made friends along the way who have been in the industry even longer. I thought this would be the perfect subject for me to write my second paper on. I interviewed my friend, Jim, who has been in the industry since 1986 and learned that the industry has changed so much. I thought my paper was great, but it turns out it could have been better. I chose this piece to revise because I think that it is the paper that I know the most about, so it should be the best paper yet.
The thing I know most about is the gaming industry. I have been a dealer in casinos for six years and have made friends along the way who have been in the industry even longer. I thought this would be the perfect subject for me to write my second paper on. I interviewed my friend, Jim, who has been in the industry since 1986 and learned that the industry has changed so much. I thought my paper was great, but it turns out it could have been better. I chose this piece to revise because I think that it is the paper that I know the most about, so it should be the best paper yet.
A Gambler's Life For Me
Casino life can be two separate realities. On one end of the spectrum there are the gamblers. I have seen many people's lives destroyed by gambling. Some people get sucked in so deep that they actually lose everything that they have. On the other end of the spectrum, there are the casinos, which profit from these people whose lives are ruined. I have worked in a casino for six years and it has proved to be a very steady source of income. Although the community of the gaming industry has taken a lot away from many individuals, over the years it has provided people with more employment than ever before due to major rule changes and increased pay.
I have witnessed firsthand what a gambling addiction can do to a person. I have seen people lose their jobs because too much time is spent at the casino. I have watched people lose every last penny owned, leaving nothing left to make house payments, buy groceries, or pay bills. I have seen individuals divorce over their spouse losing all of their money. Although it is very sad, this is why casinos stay alive and in business. Sometimes “a community’s efforts to maintain stability and uniformity come at a cost to the individual” (Latterell 89). Some can make boundaries and decide when too much is too much. Gambling does not affect all people the same, but I have seen many lives ruined by a gambling addiction.
Although gambling has ruined some lives, the growing need for casinos does employ many. Jim has been in the casino industry since 1986. He started out in a poker room where "there were about three to four employees working at a time." He explained that there were no dealers; instead a customer would pay $2.50 every half of an hour to play poker. Then, the customers would take turns dealing the game. Whoever won would then tip the poker floor and this is how the employees made money. According to Jim, only poker rooms were allowed until the early 1990's. The Indian reservations were then allowed to have table games in their casinos. Not too long after that, mini casinos came along. When the mini casinos were opened, the Washington State Gambling Commission took complete control and enforced many different rules.
The first major rule changes that were made were the positions that must be filled. Each casino is responsible for having a cage/cashier, dealers, pit boss, security, and surveillance at all times that the casino is open for business. Most mini casinos around this area are open from about nine in the morning until six in the morning. Each mini casino also has anywhere from five to twelve table games. If more than seven tables are open at one time, there must be two pit bosses present. Obviously, the rules of gaming have changed over the years. Each shift has about twenty five positions to be filled rather than the three or four there was before. The gaming community provides many jobs.
The second major change that was made in the rules is the procedures that must be followed. Jim said "there were always gaming agents, but they only showed up about once a year. They would walk in; talk with us for a minute and leave." Now gaming agents are assigned to casinos and show up at least once a month. Agents check paperwork, employee's licenses and tip claims, surveillance tapes, watch dealers open and close tables, check procedures for opening new decks of cards and this is only the beginning! If one error is found, they must write up a long report stating everything that happened. Casinos can be fined for a number of reasons. The gambling commission will also do "stings" which consist of sending a minor into the building to see if security will check their ID, if a dealer will let them buy in on a table without checking the ID and if the pit boss will oversee this as well. Since there are so many more rules to be followed, there are also more jobs opened up for gaming agents. There are now more rules and procedures to be followed than there were before.
The third major change is the pay. Jim said that he "averaged about $24 an hour." Now, dealers make minimum wage plus tips, which averages about $200 per night. Most of the shifts I work are seven hours. This averages my wages out to be $37 an hour. This is on an average night. There have been countless nights I have made anywhere from $400 to $600. Average that out and I am making $65 to $94 an hour. Surveillance and security may not make a lot of money like dealers and pit bosses, but the more jobs there are available, the more people that are employed.
To conclude, gaming rules have changed immensely over the years. Small poker rooms started it all. While gambling has ruined many lives, it has provided more US citizens with jobs over the years than ever before. The rules and procedures have become more strict and intense than they were before. However, the gambling community provides thousands of jobs in Washington State.
REVISED TO:
Casino life can be two separate realities. On one end of the spectrum there are the gamblers. I have seen many people's lives destroyed by gambling. Some people get sucked in so deep that they actually lose everything that they have. On the other end of the spectrum, there are the casinos, which profit from these people whose lives are ruined. I have worked in a casino for six years and it has proved to be a very steady source of income. Although the community of the gaming industry has taken a lot away from many individuals, over the years it has provided people with more employment than ever before due to major rule changes and increased pay.
I have witnessed first hand what a gambling addiction can do to a person. Individuals lose their jobs because too much time is being spent at casinos, away from work. Some go in so deep that they lose every penny that is owned, leaving no money left for house payments, groceries, or bills. Gambling has cost some their relationships, leaving spouses so angry that they want to divorce over the money situation. Although it is very sad, this is why casinos stay open and in business. Sometimes “a community’s efforts to maintain stability and uniformity come at a cost to the individual” (Latterell 89). Some can make boundaries and decide when too much is too much. Gambling does not affect all people the same, but I have seen many lives ruined by a gambling addiction.
Although gambling has ruined some lives, the growing need for casinos does employ many. Jim has been in the casino industry since 1986. He started out in a poker room where "there were about three to four employees working at a time." He explained that there were no dealers; instead a customer would pay $2.50 every half of an hour to play poker. Then, the customers would take turns dealing the game. Whoever won would then tip the poker floor and this is how the employees made money. According to Jim, only poker rooms were allowed until the early 1990's. The Indian reservations were then allowed to have table games in their casinos. Not too long after that, mini casinos came along. When the mini casinos were opened, the Washington State Gambling Commission took complete control and enforced many different rules. Comparing the rules and pay from then to now, it has changed completely.
The first major rule changes that were made were the positions that must be filled. Each casino is responsible for having a cage/cashier, dealers, pit boss, security, and surveillance at all times that the casino is open for business. Most mini casinos around this area are open from about nine in the morning until six in the morning. Each mini casino also has anywhere from five to twelve table games. If more than seven tables are open at one time, there must be two pit bosses present. Obviously, the rules of gaming have changed over the years. Each shift has about twenty five positions to be filled rather than the three or four there was before. The gaming community provides countless jobs compared to the beginning of gaming.
The second major change that was made in the rules is the procedures that must be followed. Jim said "there were always gaming agents, but they only showed up about once a year. They would walk in; talk with us for a minute and leave." Now gaming agents are assigned to casinos and show up at least once a month. Agents check paperwork, employee's licenses and tip claims, surveillance tapes, watch dealers open and close tables, check procedures for opening new decks of cards and this is only the beginning! If one error is found, they must write up a long report stating everything that happened. Casinos can be fined for a number of reasons. The gambling commission will also do "stings" which consist of sending a minor into the building to see if security will check their ID, if a dealer will let them buy in on a table without checking the ID and if the pit boss will oversee this as well. Since there are so many more rules to be followed, there are also more jobs opened up for gaming agents. There are now more rules and procedures to be followed than there were before.
The third major change is the pay. Jim said that he "averaged about $24 an hour." Now, dealers make minimum wage plus tips, which averages about $200 per night. Most of the shifts I work are seven hours. This averages my wages out to be $37 an hour. This is on an average night. There have been countless nights I have made anywhere from $400 to $600. Average that out and I am making $65 to $94 an hour. Surveillance and security may not make a lot of money like dealers and pit bosses, but the more jobs there are available, the more people that are employed. The pay has increased greatly since Jim first started in the gaming community.
Gaming rules have changed immensely over the years. Small poker rooms started it all. While gambling has ruined many lives, it has provided more US citizens with jobs over the years than ever before. The rules and procedures have become more strict and intense than they were before. However, the gambling community provides thousands of jobs in Washington State.
I have witnessed firsthand what a gambling addiction can do to a person. I have seen people lose their jobs because too much time is spent at the casino. I have watched people lose every last penny owned, leaving nothing left to make house payments, buy groceries, or pay bills. I have seen individuals divorce over their spouse losing all of their money. Although it is very sad, this is why casinos stay alive and in business. Sometimes “a community’s efforts to maintain stability and uniformity come at a cost to the individual” (Latterell 89). Some can make boundaries and decide when too much is too much. Gambling does not affect all people the same, but I have seen many lives ruined by a gambling addiction.
Although gambling has ruined some lives, the growing need for casinos does employ many. Jim has been in the casino industry since 1986. He started out in a poker room where "there were about three to four employees working at a time." He explained that there were no dealers; instead a customer would pay $2.50 every half of an hour to play poker. Then, the customers would take turns dealing the game. Whoever won would then tip the poker floor and this is how the employees made money. According to Jim, only poker rooms were allowed until the early 1990's. The Indian reservations were then allowed to have table games in their casinos. Not too long after that, mini casinos came along. When the mini casinos were opened, the Washington State Gambling Commission took complete control and enforced many different rules.
The first major rule changes that were made were the positions that must be filled. Each casino is responsible for having a cage/cashier, dealers, pit boss, security, and surveillance at all times that the casino is open for business. Most mini casinos around this area are open from about nine in the morning until six in the morning. Each mini casino also has anywhere from five to twelve table games. If more than seven tables are open at one time, there must be two pit bosses present. Obviously, the rules of gaming have changed over the years. Each shift has about twenty five positions to be filled rather than the three or four there was before. The gaming community provides many jobs.
The second major change that was made in the rules is the procedures that must be followed. Jim said "there were always gaming agents, but they only showed up about once a year. They would walk in; talk with us for a minute and leave." Now gaming agents are assigned to casinos and show up at least once a month. Agents check paperwork, employee's licenses and tip claims, surveillance tapes, watch dealers open and close tables, check procedures for opening new decks of cards and this is only the beginning! If one error is found, they must write up a long report stating everything that happened. Casinos can be fined for a number of reasons. The gambling commission will also do "stings" which consist of sending a minor into the building to see if security will check their ID, if a dealer will let them buy in on a table without checking the ID and if the pit boss will oversee this as well. Since there are so many more rules to be followed, there are also more jobs opened up for gaming agents. There are now more rules and procedures to be followed than there were before.
The third major change is the pay. Jim said that he "averaged about $24 an hour." Now, dealers make minimum wage plus tips, which averages about $200 per night. Most of the shifts I work are seven hours. This averages my wages out to be $37 an hour. This is on an average night. There have been countless nights I have made anywhere from $400 to $600. Average that out and I am making $65 to $94 an hour. Surveillance and security may not make a lot of money like dealers and pit bosses, but the more jobs there are available, the more people that are employed.
To conclude, gaming rules have changed immensely over the years. Small poker rooms started it all. While gambling has ruined many lives, it has provided more US citizens with jobs over the years than ever before. The rules and procedures have become more strict and intense than they were before. However, the gambling community provides thousands of jobs in Washington State.
REVISED TO:
Casino life can be two separate realities. On one end of the spectrum there are the gamblers. I have seen many people's lives destroyed by gambling. Some people get sucked in so deep that they actually lose everything that they have. On the other end of the spectrum, there are the casinos, which profit from these people whose lives are ruined. I have worked in a casino for six years and it has proved to be a very steady source of income. Although the community of the gaming industry has taken a lot away from many individuals, over the years it has provided people with more employment than ever before due to major rule changes and increased pay.
I have witnessed first hand what a gambling addiction can do to a person. Individuals lose their jobs because too much time is being spent at casinos, away from work. Some go in so deep that they lose every penny that is owned, leaving no money left for house payments, groceries, or bills. Gambling has cost some their relationships, leaving spouses so angry that they want to divorce over the money situation. Although it is very sad, this is why casinos stay open and in business. Sometimes “a community’s efforts to maintain stability and uniformity come at a cost to the individual” (Latterell 89). Some can make boundaries and decide when too much is too much. Gambling does not affect all people the same, but I have seen many lives ruined by a gambling addiction.
Although gambling has ruined some lives, the growing need for casinos does employ many. Jim has been in the casino industry since 1986. He started out in a poker room where "there were about three to four employees working at a time." He explained that there were no dealers; instead a customer would pay $2.50 every half of an hour to play poker. Then, the customers would take turns dealing the game. Whoever won would then tip the poker floor and this is how the employees made money. According to Jim, only poker rooms were allowed until the early 1990's. The Indian reservations were then allowed to have table games in their casinos. Not too long after that, mini casinos came along. When the mini casinos were opened, the Washington State Gambling Commission took complete control and enforced many different rules. Comparing the rules and pay from then to now, it has changed completely.
The first major rule changes that were made were the positions that must be filled. Each casino is responsible for having a cage/cashier, dealers, pit boss, security, and surveillance at all times that the casino is open for business. Most mini casinos around this area are open from about nine in the morning until six in the morning. Each mini casino also has anywhere from five to twelve table games. If more than seven tables are open at one time, there must be two pit bosses present. Obviously, the rules of gaming have changed over the years. Each shift has about twenty five positions to be filled rather than the three or four there was before. The gaming community provides countless jobs compared to the beginning of gaming.
The second major change that was made in the rules is the procedures that must be followed. Jim said "there were always gaming agents, but they only showed up about once a year. They would walk in; talk with us for a minute and leave." Now gaming agents are assigned to casinos and show up at least once a month. Agents check paperwork, employee's licenses and tip claims, surveillance tapes, watch dealers open and close tables, check procedures for opening new decks of cards and this is only the beginning! If one error is found, they must write up a long report stating everything that happened. Casinos can be fined for a number of reasons. The gambling commission will also do "stings" which consist of sending a minor into the building to see if security will check their ID, if a dealer will let them buy in on a table without checking the ID and if the pit boss will oversee this as well. Since there are so many more rules to be followed, there are also more jobs opened up for gaming agents. There are now more rules and procedures to be followed than there were before.
The third major change is the pay. Jim said that he "averaged about $24 an hour." Now, dealers make minimum wage plus tips, which averages about $200 per night. Most of the shifts I work are seven hours. This averages my wages out to be $37 an hour. This is on an average night. There have been countless nights I have made anywhere from $400 to $600. Average that out and I am making $65 to $94 an hour. Surveillance and security may not make a lot of money like dealers and pit bosses, but the more jobs there are available, the more people that are employed. The pay has increased greatly since Jim first started in the gaming community.
Gaming rules have changed immensely over the years. Small poker rooms started it all. While gambling has ruined many lives, it has provided more US citizens with jobs over the years than ever before. The rules and procedures have become more strict and intense than they were before. However, the gambling community provides thousands of jobs in Washington State.
Introduction to Awareness of Audience and Voice
The second discussion board in our "Tradition" unit was one that truly interested me. The subject of "pop culture" is something that I feel I can really talk about and have the audience understand me. In this discussion board, we talked about pop culture reflecting the most current trends and interests in society. Talking with other students in this class, I feel that I did a great job discussing and coming up with new ideas along with others. New conversations were sparked and new ideas kept coming up. It was easy for me to relate, for instance, my conversation with Corinna. Corinna stated "if you don't have what's in today, then you are considered an outcast in pop culture." We discussed the iphone and other popular items that are on the market today. This discussion board demonstrates my awareness of audience and voice.
Pop Culture Traditions
Pop culture reflects the most current interests and trends in a society. I think that this is true because most everyone conforms with what everyone else is doing whether it comes to music, clothing, cars that are being driven, or the latest work out trend. It seems that within the last couple of decades, the people who are beginning these trends are celebrities. Our most popular hair cuts, colors, clothing styles, and favorite shoes stem from what these celebrities are wearing or doing at the time. Britney Spears, for instance, has become a huge icon over the past decade for young girls. She says she is "the girl who always claimed she'd never been packaged now says she wants to break free of her packaging" (Sternbergh 374). I find it sad that we look up to celebrities so much that all over the country you will begin to see women and men dressing just like the most popular girl or guy on the big screen. As the trends start spreading, everyone feels like this is how they must look to "fit in." This is how everyone will continue to dress, cut and style their hair, etc. until celebrities change the current trends once again. It is a vicious cycle that I don't see stopping anytime soon.
" It seems like everyone needs to have what is the new trend in our society. For instance, the Iphone. Even though it's expensive it's still popular nowadays and most people have it. If you don't have what's in today, then you are considered as an outcast in the Pop culture. But what if we are just an average person who doesn't have that much money to buy all these expensive things that's so popular right now? Then I think it's not fair for us to be looked down for not being "in" with the Pop Culture. What do you think is the main reason why people still buy these expensive things like Iphone even though we're facing a financial hardships? Is it just for the sake of conforming with the Pop culture to be "in" or they buy it because they really need it for their personal use like at work and at home?" (Corinna Dela-Cruz)
I think people think they need things like the iphone but does anyone really need anything besides water, food and clothing? No! People get ideas in their head that the need these things so it validates their buying them. It doesn't matter if they have to spend $400 on a cell phone that they will probably replace within one year anyway because they think that they need it. "I need the internet at all times for work." Nobody really needs to be working at all times, well most of us anyway. I for one have had the same cell phone for almost four years (I know, it's a miracle)! Of course there are times when I want to go buy the newest, hip phone on the market at the time. But I justify not buying it because mine works just fine and I don't need it. In this day and age, money is not floating around like it did even a few years back. I think people should be less worried about what is "in" and more worried about saving money and making ends meet.
" It seems like everyone needs to have what is the new trend in our society. For instance, the Iphone. Even though it's expensive it's still popular nowadays and most people have it. If you don't have what's in today, then you are considered as an outcast in the Pop culture. But what if we are just an average person who doesn't have that much money to buy all these expensive things that's so popular right now? Then I think it's not fair for us to be looked down for not being "in" with the Pop Culture. What do you think is the main reason why people still buy these expensive things like Iphone even though we're facing a financial hardships? Is it just for the sake of conforming with the Pop culture to be "in" or they buy it because they really need it for their personal use like at work and at home?" (Corinna Dela-Cruz)
I think people think they need things like the iphone but does anyone really need anything besides water, food and clothing? No! People get ideas in their head that the need these things so it validates their buying them. It doesn't matter if they have to spend $400 on a cell phone that they will probably replace within one year anyway because they think that they need it. "I need the internet at all times for work." Nobody really needs to be working at all times, well most of us anyway. I for one have had the same cell phone for almost four years (I know, it's a miracle)! Of course there are times when I want to go buy the newest, hip phone on the market at the time. But I justify not buying it because mine works just fine and I don't need it. In this day and age, money is not floating around like it did even a few years back. I think people should be less worried about what is "in" and more worried about saving money and making ends meet.
Introduction to Writer's Choice
The piece I chose for writer's choice was my last paper of the quarter. The tradition unit was interesting to me and I feel that this paper was the easiest for me to write. I think I demonstrate improvements in my writing skills in this paper. I wrote about the family traditions of eating dinner as a family disappearing and being replaced by fast food. As the health phase our country is going through continues, I think fast food was not an option for many anymore. My paper shows that fast food restaurants are trying to change menu items to accomodate the health kick that is going on. When I stated, "fast food restaurants offering calorie information on all menu items, smaller portioned and lower calorie and/or fat meals, and many options for drinks and sides leave it easier for people on the go to have their 'fast food' in a healthier way" it shows that my skills to develop a strong thesis have improved. This is one thing that I am very proud of as a result of this class.
Fast Food Traditions
It seems as the busier our lives become, the less time we have for family traditions, such as eating dinner as a family. We often resort to fast food for a quick fill, which as most know, is not the healthiest option. As our world has become more health conscious, we have become more aware of the calorie intake from these "fast meals," which led many to start cooking more meals at home or trying to find a healthier way to continue eating food on the go. Being that this makes a loss of business for McDonalds, Taco Bell, Jack-in-the-Box, and other fast food joints, these restaurants knew something had to be done to fit the latest health craze. Fast food restaurants are trying to accommodate the latest health trend by posting all item menu calories, offering low fat and low calories options, and by offering different sides and drinks.
As most have noticed, most fast food restaurants have now been posting all calorie information on menu items. Although this does not stop everyone from eating the unhealthy stuff, it definitely makes people aware of what they are actually putting in their mouths. My favorite meal from Jack-in-the-Box was the crispy chicken ciabatta. The first time I drove to the drive thru, I learned that my favorite meal was a whopping 1360 calories! I never ate it again. Traditionally, families that are always on the run rarely cared how many calories their family was being fed. These traditions are being challenged by the latest health phase. Posting calories may not keep everyone from eating 1000 calorie meals, but it helps many make a health conscious choice.
Many fast food joints now offer low calorie or low fat options. Although it would be healthier to simply cook at home, "differing school times, work times, soccer practice, choir practice, meetings, and a host of competing activities have played havoc with the structure of family dining" (Pillsbury 191). McDonalds went from super-sizing their value meals to offering mini-meals. Not only are mini-meals cheaper, but they are also the correct portion size and range from about 400-550 calories where the super-size meals (which are not even offered anymore) ranged from 1500-2000 calories! Most people would probably rather eat salty fries rather than apple slices or yogurt, but they know that the healthier option is the correct one. Portion size has a lot to do with fast food and why it aids to weight gain. Fast food restaurants offering smaller portioned, lower calorie meals helps America become more health conscious.
Many fast food restaurants are now offering different options for sides. In the past decade or two, most have noticed that obesity is becoming a problem in our country. This is partly because children are learning early that it is okay to eat fast food any time they are hungry and that it doesn’t matter what it is that we eat, as long as we are eating. If thinking this way continued, every child in America would be extremely obese by the time they were ten years old. The message that is now being sent out is that our country needs to take control and make healthier choices. Kid’s meals, for example, now give parents the choice to choose between french fries, apple slices, and granola bars. These sides can be for the adult meals as well, but helping children make healthy choices young can be effective in the long run health choices they make. Instead of the usual soda, customers can now choose to have low fat milk, or a bottle of water. Some fast food restaurants have also added all natural juice boxes for children as well. All of these small decisions, made possible by the fast food industry, have changed the way that we traditionally ate fast food for the better.
The fast food industry has been growing for some time now. People may still be leading busy lives and not have time for home cooked meals anymore, but a healthier option is offered now. Although the fast food industry is leaving it up to us to make the healthy choice, it is now out there. Of course, we should all be cooking healthy meals at home on a nightly basis with fast food being a once in awhile treat. However, with the fast paced world that we are living in today, this is not an option for most. Fast food restaurants offering calorie information on all menu items, smaller portioned and lower calorie and/or fat meals, and many options for drinks and sides leave it easier for people on the go to have their "fast food" in a healthier way.
As most have noticed, most fast food restaurants have now been posting all calorie information on menu items. Although this does not stop everyone from eating the unhealthy stuff, it definitely makes people aware of what they are actually putting in their mouths. My favorite meal from Jack-in-the-Box was the crispy chicken ciabatta. The first time I drove to the drive thru, I learned that my favorite meal was a whopping 1360 calories! I never ate it again. Traditionally, families that are always on the run rarely cared how many calories their family was being fed. These traditions are being challenged by the latest health phase. Posting calories may not keep everyone from eating 1000 calorie meals, but it helps many make a health conscious choice.
Many fast food joints now offer low calorie or low fat options. Although it would be healthier to simply cook at home, "differing school times, work times, soccer practice, choir practice, meetings, and a host of competing activities have played havoc with the structure of family dining" (Pillsbury 191). McDonalds went from super-sizing their value meals to offering mini-meals. Not only are mini-meals cheaper, but they are also the correct portion size and range from about 400-550 calories where the super-size meals (which are not even offered anymore) ranged from 1500-2000 calories! Most people would probably rather eat salty fries rather than apple slices or yogurt, but they know that the healthier option is the correct one. Portion size has a lot to do with fast food and why it aids to weight gain. Fast food restaurants offering smaller portioned, lower calorie meals helps America become more health conscious.
Many fast food restaurants are now offering different options for sides. In the past decade or two, most have noticed that obesity is becoming a problem in our country. This is partly because children are learning early that it is okay to eat fast food any time they are hungry and that it doesn’t matter what it is that we eat, as long as we are eating. If thinking this way continued, every child in America would be extremely obese by the time they were ten years old. The message that is now being sent out is that our country needs to take control and make healthier choices. Kid’s meals, for example, now give parents the choice to choose between french fries, apple slices, and granola bars. These sides can be for the adult meals as well, but helping children make healthy choices young can be effective in the long run health choices they make. Instead of the usual soda, customers can now choose to have low fat milk, or a bottle of water. Some fast food restaurants have also added all natural juice boxes for children as well. All of these small decisions, made possible by the fast food industry, have changed the way that we traditionally ate fast food for the better.
The fast food industry has been growing for some time now. People may still be leading busy lives and not have time for home cooked meals anymore, but a healthier option is offered now. Although the fast food industry is leaving it up to us to make the healthy choice, it is now out there. Of course, we should all be cooking healthy meals at home on a nightly basis with fast food being a once in awhile treat. However, with the fast paced world that we are living in today, this is not an option for most. Fast food restaurants offering calorie information on all menu items, smaller portioned and lower calorie and/or fat meals, and many options for drinks and sides leave it easier for people on the go to have their "fast food" in a healthier way.
That About Sums it Up!
This concludes my e-portfolio. English 101D ended up being the hardest course I have ever taken, at times frustrating. Through hard work and determination I made it! I became a better writer in the process and learned how to work my way through things. Hope you enjoyed my e-portfolio.
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