Economics Talk with a Professional in My Field

I went back to my old high school to have a sit down with my Sociology teacher. Coach Hills and I discussed the availability of jobs in our field and the progression of things in the current economic status. We also discussed the downfall in the payment of educators. Wanting to teach high school history and social sciences myself I asked coach Hills about where he thinks our field is headed over the next few years. His responses basically reflected that which I had figured, that although the economic climate was indeed not friendly to those newly entering the work force, teachers are always in demand, especially with the growning population. Education is a field that although underpaid is a relatively stable enviornment to reside in.

24 hr carbon foot print change

(I apologize for the tardiness... Internet was down at home.)

In an attempt to shrink my previously pposted carbon footprint I attempted a two different mini tasks:

*switched to reusable containers and flatware in an attempt to minimize waste
*eliminated excess power usage when in rooms or areas not in use.

After the 24 hour period my foot print with these added changes turned out to be:

3.3planet earths
14.8 global acres

Global Footprints part 1

Start: current lifestyle.....
takes 3.9 earths for resources
takes 17.6 global acres.

24 hours nix technology

Stop

The time without technology was an interesting expierament, I found that I managed to get in touch with my girly side and inner muscian all at once. Playing piano for hours on end and then spent another few hours inthe nail salon for some quality girl time. I realized in this process that I am incredibly dependant on both my cell phone and my musical devices in my daily life, music is what drives me and without it I get this kind of cabin fever type deal.

24hours Nix Technology...

Start

Inspiring Social Change

In today's American society, though we are in fact at war with another force, we are not facing the harsh realities of warfare on our homeland. Our children are not being drugged and brainwashed into the militia forces nor are citizens losing life and literally limb to remain free in life. In Ugnda, Africa however, fleeing for one's life and children being abducted to be turned into soldiers is a part of their daily life. Invisible Children is an organization that rescues these child soldiers and works to resocialize them back into functioning society, giving them back the normal life that was taken from them. American's are overlooking this harsh travesty and it's our duty as a highly advanced society to help those who cannot help themselves. Over the next four years it is my personal cause to aid these children and their families by helping raise awareness here in the states. Donations towards creating schools and safe houses for these innocent civilians.

Video game articles

Article one:

http://www.eurogamer.net/article.php?article_id=228603

This article is a review of the game I chose for project two, I don't really agree with the reviewers stand point on the negativity of the gamers experience while playing. The game challenged me, kept me entertained and interested throughout the entire period. Though the manner in which the game is played could be viewed as played out and as overdone I find the situation refreshing and ethically challenging. The reviewer does in fact express his points thoroughly and articulately.

http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=13236

The second article was one about Bono's involvement in Pandemic Studios, the parent company of Mercenaries 2. The game presents Venezuela in a not so flattering light and the author of the article presents valid points on such relationships. The information to thoroughly cover all bases on this article was presented neatly and openly remaining as objective as possible.

Thesis and Directions for Project 2

Mercenaries 2: World in flames

Thesis :
The ethical choices made by mercenaries are similar to that which are made daily by average men and women only instead of a direct parallel its an abstract parallel.

Points such as:

Search for survival
Drive for success in a given career feild
Monetary stability
Search for prestige in one's feild
Obeying social norms for the given society one belongs to

Outline for Paper One

THESIS:
Examining the overall effectiveness of the use of video games in getting young adults involved in global political and social issues. Providing brief minor supports for each. Segway statement into Body One.

BODY ONE:
Brief description of the actually game "Darfur is Dying". Analysis of the effectiveness of different aspects in the game. Pros and Cons to game's overall design. Segway statement into Body Two.

BODY TWO:
Brief description of the actually game "The Activism Game". Analysis of the effectiveness of different aspects in the game. Pros and Cons to game's overall design. Segway statement into Conclusion.

CONCLUSION:
Basic wrap up of the two games outlining basic effectiveness of each in their struggle to get people (in this case young adults) involved in the cause. Brief summary of the differences and how they made them more or less effective. Closing statement.

Fitting into Genre's: Analyzing Online games

The two games I chose to analyze for this assignment were "Darfur is Dying" and "The Activism Game", two serious games. In the first game (Darfur is Dying) we are confronted with the situation present in today's Sudan. The conflict of a civil war and a geonocide are cause for alarm all over the world but getting people involved is the situation that presents itself. In "Darfur is Dying" the designers allow you to experience a small bit of life in Darfur, including foraging for water while evading the ever present militia forces. Should you be captured, your taken to a refugee camp facing the risk of disease, starvation, dehydration, malnourishment, rape, and even murder. This game is a serious game meant to not so much entertain as inform the player through an interactive manner. Playing off of the emotions of the player it grabs hold of your heart and makes you delve into the conflict whole heartedly. Even presenting the chance for you to take an active role in the conflict in real life, writing to congressmen.

In the second game, "The Activism Game" the player is being pulled into the world of political and social activism running over six minigames at once. Covering subject matter like economics, military, education, and security just to name a few. The game is a hectic whirlwind of franticly trying to appease everyone in each sector. This game allows the player to logically plan out how to balance these important issues as well as making them choose which are more important then others. This game provides an open arena for anyone to take a chance at political and social activism without being eaten alive by the outside world.

In both cases I agree with the manner in which they went about presenting they're subject matter, however I feel that "Dying in Darfur" is not only a better game in concept but better in getting their point across and offering chances to get involved with the cause. Being involved in the conflicts on the African continent myself I feel that this game has the possibilities to reach millions more people in an easier and more convincing way then most simple day to day pamphlets. Getting people to care is often harder then most would think, but this game serves an important purpose and provides a strong stand point for information delivery. "The Activism Game" is not a bad game in concept but simply to hectic to be a positive experience, I myself got frustrated and quit about halfway through. I do however, feel that political and social activism is important to the survival of our world. Finding a cause that you truly belive in and making a difference can be the most rewarding feeling in the world.