Research Journal - Guide and Entry 1

Research Guide:
1. Asphalt roads take less time to pave. Concrete roads last longer than asphalt roads. Asphalt roads get damaged easier. Pot holes ruin/lossen some parts of a vehicle.
2. History of highways and why it changed. How long each type of roads last/weight limit. Cost of construction. Types of damaged to cars by bad roads. Who pays for the constructions.
3. Tax payers, vehicle owners, construction employees and companys, state, and commuters.
4. News, internet, people who uses the roads.
5. Through the website provide (http://libweb.slcc.edu).
6. No.
7. On days off, research topic and several articles sent to my email. Following day read and do annotated bibliography entry. Maximum of 3 hours. Extra time and research on weekends.




Annotated Bibliography Entry 1:
-Cite
"Roads and Highways." Encyclopedia Americana. 2010. Grolier Online. 31 Mar. 2010 .

-Summary
Assertion-Highway now connotes a higher state of developement than roads, but the words are almost interchangable.

Roads and highways purpose is for access and mobility. History of modern highway began when automobile was introduced in 1900's. But dated back from Rome to China in early Christian era, trails were used by caravans of freight animals. Back in Rome roads were built out of small stones. Modern road paving began in France. Description of material that asphalt and concrete is made of. Also, how many passenger per hour a lane can hold. By 1929, all states taxed gasoline, highway users taxes was main source of highway revenues. Since 1956, federal assistant for highway construction was through Highway Trust funds, they reieved revenues from special taxes on highway users and most from fuel taxes.

-Reaction
I would definitely used the information about bituminous pavement (asphalt) and Portland-cement concrete pavement; materials used and how its paved. Also, info on freeway lanes accommodation and some history. I still want to know exact weight litimit the pavement could sustain and more on taxes for construction.

Research Journal - Topic and Questions - Tutorials

Topic:
Concrete pavement should replace asphalt pavement on freeways, main roads, and neighborhood roads.


Questions:
1. How long does each last.
2. Who pays for repair.
3. How much taxes will be raised for repair.
4. Process of laying out road.
5. Damages towards cars from ruin roads.
6. Cost and maintainence for road repairs.


Tutorials:
I listened to some, but some I skipped.

Final-Reflection

First True Love


He was a beauty. The sun glistened off the newly waxed white paint and a carbon fiber hood as a face lift. Reflections beamed off the dark tinted windows. He sat four inches off the ground, hugging the black tar roads as tight as possible with his white sparkling powder coated SI rims, clear corner lights that shined with hyper white bulbs, and a tattoo of a blue Hawaiian lei scented like the cool ocean breeze always hung from the Broadway mirror. Oh, he was a beauty alright! My 1998 five speed manual, three door, LS Acura Integra hatchback known as my Teggie.


Teggie was pretty spoiled for the amount of dough I didn’t have but, work was put into him over time. First, all four original springs were taken out and two and a half coils were clipped off like toe nails. It was slammed! And it caught every eagle eye’s attention that mobbed the streets; at every red stop sign and changing lights. It took every corner and winding road like a dime. But, as sweet as he can be there were flaws of lying so low. Especially when it came to any size speed bumps (XS, S, M, L, and XL), dips in the neighborhood roads, pot holes throughout the city, and uneven railroads tracks. Techniques and swerving maneuver had to be perfected to overcome those obstacles. Brakes were used frequently. Usually slowing Teggie down to a complete stop. Then, hand over hand turning the steering wheel while angling Teggie to a 45 degree angle and slowly crawling at two to five MPH up and over these barriers. Making sure there were no gashes in the front bumper, scratches on the exhaust, or leaving anything behind. These techniques made us popular. Anyone who drove behind us became our number one fan. They cheered by honking their horns and waving their hands in the air with their middle finger saying “Hi!” That wasn’t a bother. All that mattered was that Teggie was more aerodynamic.


Outer cosmetic wasn’t the only thing Teggie had done. Increasing horse power was completed by replacing the stock air filter with a shiny black, blue, and silver INJEN Technology cold air intake. A new GReddy stainless steel headers and a hand me down metallic blue DC strut bar for Teggie’s stability. Oh yeah, a loud roaring ferocious beast he was and a fast one too! Not only did Teggie have a mean engine but a blasting stereo system as well. Connected to a removable red and blue flashing JVC stereo deck was the stock speakers and tweeters. They had long blue and red wires hooked up to an amplifier and a 12 inch Alpine subwoofer box. Boom…Boom…Boom… The system rocked harder than the Rise Against concert at the E Center. The base thump was brutal. So brutal that it rattled both the windows on the doors, readjusted the Broadway mirror to a slant, and vibrated the side view mirrors to no reflection. Teggie was perfect and ready for show and tell!


On warm summer nights, rituals were held every weekend down in the secluded factories of Salt Lake City. Supped up cars from Honda’s, Mitsubishi’s, Nissan’s, Toyota’s, Subaru’s, and all types of vehicles were parked diagonally in a single file line against the curb. As crowds of people of all gender, age, and color scattered along the streets gawking as we lined up neck to neck with another Acura. In front of us was a girl with hair pulled back in a ponytail, short shorts, and a shimmering tank top. Engines were revving, tires were burning, and clouds of smoke filled the air. While the girl threw both her hands over her head, then out to her sides, finally she bends her knees touching both them hands down to the ground. Tires were screeching and nothing was heard for the next quarter mile until we had the windows rolled down. The audience was whistling, hooting, and talking among themselves about our great performance.


Teggie and I participated in several exciting events and performances. But, a life changing predicament occurred on a crisp fall night, after a high scoring game of bowling. The roads were clearer than we had ever seen, not a soul insight as we traveled home on I-15 freeway connecting onto a ramp to I-215. Remembering how uneven the pavement was at the end of the turn gives me chills down my spine because that’s when everything lost control, going too fast over the uneven connecting roads. Spinning round and round making two full 360 degree turns; crossing over five lanes on the freeway. BAM! Colliding the passenger side straight into the cement barrier. My hands were clenched tightly around the gray steering wheel while the white heavy airbags punched me in the face. Then like a boomerang we bounced back rotating in half a circle and crashed the front driver side into the same barrier. Teggie ate it hard and had broken bumpers, lights, inside panels, mirrors, and everything. He was a disaster and didn’t survive. Tears streamed down my eyes as Teggie was being towed away from me, knowing it would never be the same again.


Teggie was wonderful. He took his life and spared mine. I’ll always remember how we rode the streets like we were invincible and how he spoke to me in his rumbling voice. So many remarkable life memories we had together. He was my first true love.

Final-Observation

Interacting


He was ours, the day we took home a four month old, male, Boxer mix Pit Bull puppy. He had short silky black fur with specks of dandruff that scattered from his head to his tail and a white Go T. He had ears bigger than Dumbo, flopped over forward as they dangled pass his brown pouting eyes and a head too big for his body making him look like a bubble head. A shy little fellow we called Jackson. Jackson was the newest member to our family after our bossy three year old daughter, Tylie. And our 15 month old, Momma’s boy, Vincent. Those three were inseparable from that day forth.


The Three Musketeers interacted with each other the moment their wide eyes opened to the morning sunlight and of course after they used the restroom. Tylie came stumbling out of the bedroom door carrying Jackson’s two foot by one and a half foot white cotton ball bed while dragging his green teddy bear blanket over her shoulder. Then, she places his bed on the ground and in the corner next to the chocolate microfiber sectional. Instantly, Jackson made himself comfortable sitting his butt down with a high posture. Meanwhile, Vincent came running out of his room with his legs swinging out to the side up to Jackson. Vincent says good morning to the puppy by rubbing his nose. As a response, Jackson sticks out his pink tongue and licks Vincent’s hands; first, on the palm, in between his fingers, then on the top of his hand, and all over. After morning greetings are done, Tylie gentle placed Jackson’s stainless steel bowl of water and Pedigree food on the ground and yells, “Come get it boy!” As Jackson strolls up to Tylie brushing his wet nose on Tylie’s purple cupcake pajamas. Once Jackson’s food was set down for him, Vincent came huddling over the brown and red pieces. Vincent then used his tiny pretzel size fingers and picked up one red triangular size bit and served it to his puppy. Then breakfast is served to all.


Morning time meant play time. As the kids screamed and yelled effortlessly up and down the hallway and in their room. Jackson would follow right behind them or dodging their every move as they came bolting at him. During one point, Tylie and Vincent went into their room and slammed the white door leaving Jackson hanging on the other side. Jackson rapidly wagged his tail as he got down on his front two legs and hairy butt in the air, barking until someone cracked open the door. Then Jackson pushed his way through. Not only did Jackson want to play with the kids, it was also vice versa. Vincent would grab Jackson’s red and neon green ball with a yellow rope, which smelt like an old dirty wet rag and hammered it on Jackson’s head and forcing the toy in his mouth. Besides being ruthless to Jackson, Vincent would also grip his tiny hands around the slobbering ball and chucked it three feet across the room and Jackson fetches the ball and brings it back to Vincent. Tylie on the other hand was more gentle and sparked conversation with Jackson. Dressed in her sparkling turquoise and pink Ariel custom Tylie asked Jackson, “I’ll be the princess and you be the prince, Okay?” She also teaches Jackson tricks. Holding in her left hand was a little brown piece of Canine Combos beef jerky stick that she hid behind her back. First, she placed her right hand in a fist in front of Jackson and yells her demands, “Jackson, siiit…siiit!” As she steps backwards and straighten out her fist she says, “Stay…Jackson…Stay…” Then, she pats both her thighs and cheerfully says, “Come here boy!” As Jackson listened to her commands he got a little reward.


Jackson became very protective of the kids and guarding their every move by turning his head left and right wherever the kids positioned. Also, anyone who handled the kids roughly Jackson was sure to get in between them and barking. The kids became attached to Jackson as well. Wherever Jackson lay, Tylie and Vincent was sure to be there. Also, Jackson did not mind if the kids lay on his cotton ball cloud with him or climbing and giving him hugs and kisses. Nor did the kids mind Jackson resting his big head on their laps or chasing them around the house. The three of them became very connected to each other and the bonding is still growing as they grow and progress together.

Final-Analysis

Light and Contrast


Lighting and contrast plays a crucial part in the episode of Angel: Are You Now or Have You Ever Been Here? Throughout the episode you can see that the lighting and contrast shows what time period the scene is going to be, what the characters are showing in their roles, and foreshadowing during the episode because of the special effects and shadow enhancements.


At the beginning of the episode we knew the story was going to take place in the past because the photo of the Hyperion Hotel is shown in black and white. A great way of taking us back was slowly adding color to the photo like the green trees and movement to the old classic black and blue vehicles. Also, as the doormen opened the door, he made direct eye contact with me and welcomed me into the past as the scene started to focus in and the music got louder. That concept reminded me of a scene from the Titanic movie, which is a powerful way to engage and grab the viewer’s attention. Another way of changing scenes was when Angel appeared dark in scenery, moving and stumbling around in the present then ended up in the past. Because of the contrast and movement in pitch black it made Angel travel through time more effectively than cutting out the end of the scene and starting a new one.


Another scene when Judy was standing in her room in front of the fireplace, trying to spark a cigarette nervously, this scene shot Judy’s front side dark in contrast implementing Judy has faced and done something wrong. And her back side was bright in contrast stating she is looking for justification in the end. As she started to ramble on impulsively, the room lit up brighter telling me she was ready for confession. This scene is followed by the stolen money Judy took from her previous employer, which foreshadowed her true guilt later on in the episode. Also, when she told Angel, “Because I'm not what I say I am. I've been passing since I was 15 years old.” The lighting made Judy’s skin tone appear darker almost black, revealing her true color underneath her light colored skin. Judy also clearly asked for forgiveness when she said, “Hey, do you think that if – if somehow-the money ended up on the banks doorstep, and they saw that I didn’t spend any of it, you think they’d call off that detective? Maybe I could be free of this whole thing.” As that was being said a beam of light shined down on Judy’s face. The director is telling the audience that God is looking down on her and all her sins will be forgiven. At the very end of this scene it closes in on Angel’s face then slowly fading away the shot. The scene was shot this way because it is indicating there will be a continuing scene later on. Not only that, the way they captured Angel’s face with his pupil centered to his eyes made it so Angel was talking directly to the viewers and stating there will be reassurance to that question.


In the middle of the episode as Judy is being accused of killing the salesman, the hallway lights on the left and right side acted as guidance to the beginning climax of the scene while it illuminated down to the center of the crowd. As Angel stride down the hallway to help Judy out, Angel appeared blackened in the shadow, not able to see any facial features or clothing color. This indicated that he will be the dark evil villain. As tough as Angel is he endured the violent beating from the hotel guest. This was interesting because he could have slaughtered and ate them all up in less than a second, but Angel intended to do that to save Judy’s life. The scene showed it as well because when Angel’s vision blurred out on Judy, it signified Judy’s problem with the hotel guest would fade away and be taken care of by Angel.


In the last scene Judy could not go on because of her guilt. She had blamed the murder of the salesman on Angel and had him killed by the hotel employees and guest. There was no evidence or physical force that kept Judy inside of the Hyperion Hotel safe from harm of her unrighteousness doing. But as Angel laid Judy’s fragile body down, the green walls and ceiling lit up all around Judy and Angel. As Angel slowly pulled back, this showed Judy’s spirit will soon be lifted by Angel. When Angel forgave Judy of the cause of his death we knew Judy’s problem was going to be content because of the slow heavenly music being played in the background and high contrast on Judy’s smiling face as she was lying down. When she passed away, it was a sign that her sins were forgiven and Judy was able to go on. Judy was not the only one who found forgiveness, but Angel as well because he was the one giving it to Judy. With tears about to shed from Angel, which meant he seemed grateful to do so, like he never had done it before. The ability to do such a thing meant he was like any other living soul.


As concluded, foreshadowing is a great way to lead viewers on through the show. Also, light and contrast is an effective way of grabbing attention and letting your audience know what is going on and how things may turn out, if there is enough depth and reading into the scenes.

Self Evaluation-Mid Term

1.The best part of this portfolio was writing about my kids. Also, my reflection paper because I felt I had a good beginning paragraph. Also, I liked the structure of the paper and plenty of sensory details description.


2.I feel like I have several weaknesses. I felt more description and time could have been put into it. Less summary and better concluding paragraphs. I had a hard time coming up with topics and writing a thesis sentence.


3.My goal for the next assignment is to spend more time on writing and revising my own work. Also, in peer review because for some reason I feel rushed to read through others paper (maybe because they finish before me?) Having more description and supporting evidence. Work on grammar and “Local” issues.


4.I believe I deserve a B because I did all the assignments on time, attended all peer reviews, and took advice from your comments. But, I did turn in assignment that didn’t meet the length requirement, probably had some passive sentences after I revised it several time, could have more details and development and less summary.