Surveying the masses

We have already talked to some extent about the fact that graphics are extremely important in communication, and that the process of designing graphics is more extensive than we could have ever imagined!

However, one thing I think it is important to touch on is the way that graphics speak to an audience. The graphic above, for example, was created for a workshop. It is very specific to programming, and the 'Clear and Focused' refers to making wise decisions in the face of alcohol and driving.

This graphic is an example of one that is most effective after going through the programming that the graphic was designed around. According to those surveyed, people may not necessarily understand the graphic on its own without additional information. This is so important to understand, in order again to best communicate with our audience.

Riding with a driver

Intoxicate- 1. To stupefy or excite by the action of a chemical substance such as alcohol.

This word is thrown around, but what does it mean exactly. Definition-style. As a self-proclaimed word-smith, I enjoy breaking down words into their meanings. When words get used over and over again, I think sometimes we get numbed to them.

So basically, when you get in the car with an intoxicated driver, you are in 4000 pound vehicle, moving at a speed between 25 and 65 mph, this person is literally 'stupefied'.

Something to think about? Methinks yes ...

Gold star for you!

I must congratulate you. No, really, this is not a trick.

You, my fellow Iowans, are a whopping 9 percent above the average! If you remember from throughout middle school and high school, being above the average is looked upon fondly.

Check out this safety fact sheet (pdf). If you look closely, you will see that in 2009, the national average for those who wore seatbelts was at 84 percent, whereas an average of 93 percent of Iowans take care to snap that belt. That is the highest use rate in the history of the state!

93 percent! In grade terms, this is an A-. Not too shabby guys. However, wearing your seatbelt is the number one prevention method you have, and a simple way to ensure protection. That fashion forward polyester-nylon blend strap keeps your body and head in place. We know we are above average, but is it too starry-eyed to ask for more? An A or even A+? Methinks not, I believe we can do it.

Design Dilemmas

I have way more respect now for the process that goes into design.

I'm the kind of person that either likes or dislikes something. If I want to buy a shirt, I try on 7, and immediately know which one I want.

You would think that the design process would be similar, right? Ooh, lets just pick a pretty color, slap some pretty lettering on it, and botta boom botta bang, we have ourselves the coolest shirt ever.

Close, but no cigar.

There is font, and color, and shade. There is the placing of the imprint, the imprint itself, the ulterior unintended messages that could accidentally happen, oh my!

The end result, of course, is fantastic. However, who would have guessed that six color choices for background, ink choices, paying attention to gender considerations . . .

It makes me tired just thinking about it. So, when you take this shirt after it's printed, wear it with pride. A lot went into its creation. Mwahahaha.

The miracle of a designer!

texting while driving

see past the illusion

face 2 face is the solution

The process - We have gained a designer to our group who has created the wonderful image on the back of the T-shirt. Our job was to come up with a slogan, T-shirt color, imprint color, and think about cost and shipping. After a plethora of discussions we decided on the slogan "texting and driving, see past the illusion, face 2 face is the solution." We chose this slogan because it is catchy and ties our message and image together (stop texting and driving and have that conversation face 2 face).

The next step was the color choice. We decided to choose navy because the white image really popped out. Also, navy is a fairly gender neutral color.

The next problem to tackle was cost. The price of the shirt varies and is dependent on the color, the number of shirts ordered, the number of colors on the shirt, and whether an image is on both the front and back. Production (plus shipping) usually takes 10 days.

Interview with 'The Designer'

Who are you, 'The Designer'?
I am a graphic design student. I like design because for me personally, I am a very creative person. I like all sorts of design. Even designing clever phrases, creating things in your mind. I have a lot of ideas, and I feel like design is the way that I show them. It is the way I communicate.

I think that design is universal, it is up to your own interpretation-- you don't learn it, you look at it and it means something to you. You want people to see what you see in the end. You draw them in with 'this isn't so scary, it's familiar.'

What part of the challenge of designing messages interests you?
I think with any design you want to have big ideas, but you have to simplify your ideas in order for people to understand. You have to understand your audience in order to be able to communicate with them.

What do you think you can contribute to our team?
I think I can contribute unique designs. I like to push the envelope, start off crazy and calm down.

Great, any last words for us?
Nope, that's it!

'cutting-edge' 'ultramodern' and 'state-of-the-art'

Main entry: new
Definition: recent, fresh
Synonyms: brand-new, contemporary, current, cutting-edge, different, distinct, just out, latest, modern, modernistic, modish, neoteric, newfangled, novel, now, original, recent, state-of-the-art, unique, unknown, up-to-date, youthful

So we talked about the old(ies) but goodies. How about the new? What have we come up with that is 'cutting-edge' 'ultramodern' and 'state-of-the-art'? I would like to introduce....

The pens of 2010!

Rotating messages:

AND:

see past the illusion

texting + driving = confusion

your mind doesn't need the pollution

safety is the conclusion

face 2 face is the solution

draw-portfolio-exchange.blogspot.com

Be excited guys! We are!

Oldies but goodies.

Oldies but goodies.

You know. Peace symbol earrings. Environmentalism. Leggings. Or the Beatles.

People are still singing 'All We Need is Love' and rocking purple leggings with boots for a reason.

Don't fix it if it ain't broken people. And so, at our August educational event, we are thinking of utilizing two messages of the past, incorporating ideas that are still important.

One of these ideas is drowsy driving, and the other is distracted driving. We have discussed in our portfolio exchange various distracted driving issues: texting while driving, eating, changing the music, and even drinking while driving (a fairly major distraction).

So should we use these two fabulous T-shirt designs to demonstrate what we have already discussed in our blog-- what do you think?

The old. The new. Is it apropos?

So far in this portfolio exchange, we have discussed a gamet of fascinating topics that the college students of this day and age get to deal with.

Through this process, we have narrowed the main issues we want to talk about at the August welcome event. We are marrying what has been discussed and lovingly designed in the past with the ideas we feel are relevant to discuss now and in the future. Look at these fantastic message items! More to come ...

Proposal

Sorry. I'm not about to pop the question (no matter how fabulous you must look in that Summer tan I know you're boasting).

Instead, I would like to share with you our collective proposal for our planned August event. It is our hope that some of you area colleges in Iowa might be able to use our work and portfolio exchange as a template in the future.

As part of our proposal, we are designing a 'Wheel of Illusion,' a T-shirt (hallelujuah we have a designer on the team now!), and a myriad of lovely message items! More to come... just wanted to let you know what exciting things were on the roster!

Electronic or Face-to-Face?

Have you ever tried to express what you mean through text message or chat and failed to get your point across? When communicating electronically, it is easy to misunderstand what the other person is trying to say because words have multiple meanings and can be taken different ways.

Text messaging, Instant messaging, Internet forums, chat rooms, social networking sites, email, and all forms of computer mediated communication are convenient. The question is whether or not they are the most effective ways of communicating.

As we all know, communication is what makes the world go round. Our task for this project is to determine the best ways to reach our audience. In doing so, we are trying to find the best ways to communicate as a group. The majority of our time is spent communicating face to face, however we have found Google Docs, chat, email, and blogspot to be helpful in collaborating ideas. We want to see what works and what sends effective messages to people working on the project in the future as well as the target audience.

The benefits of face to face communication are endless. For example, Nonverbal reaction cues such as eye behavior, posture, gesture, and touch can tell a lot about how a person is feeling. Face to face conversations are synchronous and more personal making it easier to identify the personality of someone you don't know as well.

All in all, communicating both electronically and face-to-face has benefited for our purpose. The electronic communication has been convenient and face-to-face has allowed us to better understand what one another is thinking. Knowing which way to communicate is important to get the message across.

Riding the wave

Beware, I am starting this post off with a biology lesson. (gasp here with either joy or horror).

Each brain cell, known as a neuron, communicates with other brain cells with electrical transmissions. We can measure the frequencies of these transmissions via an electroencephalogram (EEG). The higher the frequencies, the more activity is occurring in the brain. In most fields, there are 4 types of brain waves

Beta waves (13-38 hz)- the dominant brain wave when we are focused, actively thinking, problem solving.

Alpha waves (8-13 hz) - the dominant brain wave when we are awake and relaxed. For example, when we are reading a book or watching TV

Theta waves- (4-7 hz) - dominant wave when we are drowsy, and the early stages of sleep.

Delta waves- (below 4 hz) - dominant wave during deep sleep.

In a previous post, I mentioned the dissociative state, which is associated with the driver's phenomenon of forgetting the last miles of highway. This is related to our brain's dominant frequency waves. The brain wave that is associated with zoning out on the freeway is the theta wave. Theta waves are also associated with daydreaming, which allows for a flow of ideas, while the task at hand is mentally disengaged. Even though this is a naturally occurring state of mind, behind the wheel, it is a dangerous state.

More on brain waves

The ______ State of Mind

You're in 11 o' clock lecture, already your third class of the day. You begin to listen to your instructor, but then you see the person in front of you updating their Facebook, or you're thinking about how you'd rather be playing Frisbee right now. 50 minutes of "daydreaming" and perhaps a failed pop quiz later, and you're left wondering, "What was I thinking about the last hour? "

Maybe you had a similar feeling on a road trip. You have been driving for a few hours, your mind starts thinking about things that are stressing you out, a song that you want replayed on the radio. You become unaware of your surroundings, and perhaps you miss your exit or fail to notice a stop sign. Again, you're left to wonder the same thing, "What was I thinking?"

This daydreaming state is known as the dissociated state. Dissociation is known as "a state in which the integrated functioning of a person's identity, consciousness, memory and awareness of surroundings, is disrupted or eliminated. "This state allows the mind to compartmentalize and separate certain memories in the brain. But how does one stay focused and avoid this dissociated state?

- Eat a good meal before driving- having a higher blood sugar keeps one alert.

- Stop at a rest stop, get out of the car, and have an exercise break. Stretch and walk around a little.

- Recognize symptoms that you are drowsy or daydreaming, such as yawning, eye strain, and random thoughts.

source

Now What?

What is a Communication Studies major to do upon graduation? Because communication happens in all human interactions, there are many career options. Major courses in the Communication Studies program consist of Theory, Gender, Nonverbal, Organizational, Computer-Mediated, Intercultural, Business, Research, and Interpersonal Communication. Examples of careers in Communication Studies include Human Resource Management, Training, Public Relations, Event Planning, Sales, and international and intercultural relations. The challenge is determining how and where to fit in.

Previously, we discussed the lack of empathy in college students. The courses in Communication Studies help students develop an empathetic perspective toward their surroundings and life in general. They are able to "walk in other's shoes" which allows them to have a better understanding of the people they come in contact with. The electives that a Communication Studies major chooses help to determine the direction of their career. They help to spark interests and gain a worldly perspective.

What can you learn from yoga? Flexibility....

I was a little bit crazy. I was that kid that wrote 20 page book reports every three weeks (10 pt. font, single spaced)... in seventh grade.

I won't go into specifics, but I basically ended up with three minors, two majors, and an honor's concentration (which entails two separate emphasis's), and a premed concentration. In four years, thank you very much.

Why, oh why, would you ever do this?

First of all, I could. I meticulously planned my courses so that I could get the maximum cross-over.

Second of all, I was very reluctant to give up options. I enjoyed everything so much, that I had such a hard time 'picking' a life.

Interestingly, the education that most affected my life-choices were unplanned. The random human rights course I decided to take (which ended up being part of my main major); studying abroad; volunteering in the hospital; taking a unique job I ended up loving. Planning out your education has its benefits, but you have the potential to be surprised by allowing yourself the flexibility to let the unexpected affect you.

Take risk! (Safe, educational type risk, of course.) You never know what will end up shaping you.

Why do I need this?

Three credits of U.S. diversity, three credits of International Diversity, 12 credits of Arts and Humanities and nine credits of Social Studies. That adds up to 27 non-major credits. That is close to two semesters of tuition for general courses that an average student may flush out of their brain after the course is over. Why is this necessary?

Some will say it is to become that Renaissance man (or woman) and obtain a well-rounded education. This is partially true; learning about another culture or subject can broaden one's viewpoint. Others will say it is so the student can explore and allow them to see if they want to do something else. This may be valid as the average student changes majors two to three times.

But a third option may be needed for those who want to learn a basic skill or talent instead of learning about the importance of the cotton gin. Students should have the ability to switch out a history or psychology course for a course emphasizing real-life knowledge, like basic computer repair or how to interview for a job. This way if a person has a computer meltdown before a presentation, or has a big interview with a Fortune 500 company, that student will have a skill that allows them to advance themselves.

General education classes play a role in a student's education, but a choice between learning a skill or learning about Washington crossing the Delaware could be beneficial.

To the future ... and beyond!

One of the things we are emphasizing is discussing our courses and past jobs in relation to our future careers. The message items we are distributing for the August educational event will lead back to this blog. I would like us to talk about our ideas and thoughts on how our own education will be relevant to our careers. What has been effective this far? What is positive, and what could use tweaking? We will each give our own ideas on what has been useful this far in propelling us forward in life.

SLEEP DEPRIVED!

Photo Credit: Driving Tips

Let's face it, everyone gets tired. Unfortunately, there is no test to determine the level of drowsiness. For most, being tired does not stop us from doing our daily and necessary tasks. For instance, it's not generally acceptable to call into work because you're tired.

There are many reasons and excuses that we give for lacking sleep. Minus medical conditions, it all goes back to prioritizing our lives. 35% of Americans get less than six hours of sleep on weekdays according to a recent poll on the National Sleep Foundation website. Whether it be college, career, family, or everyday activities that limit our sleep, prioritizing our daily lives can be difficult. For example, we are forced to focus on multiple timely tasks such as being a full time student and having a part time job, staying up late to study for a mid-term and finishing a ten page paper. You can only imagine how the morning 30 minute commute would be difficult to stay awake for. We must decide what is most important and consider time as a factor.

The National Sleep Foundation suggests the following precautions before you hit the road:

1. Get adequate sleep- most adults need 7-9 hours to maintain proper alertness during the day.

2. Schedule proper breaks- about every 100 miles or every 2 hours during long trips.

3. Arrange for a travel companion- someone to talk with and share the driving.

4. Avoid alcohol and sedating medications- check your labels or ask your doctor.

Riddle me this...

What is not necessarily illegal, yet still very dangerous?

I'll give you a clue. It starts with a 'd' and ends with 'rowsy driving'.

Oh, folks, you are too smart!

This is a tricky topic, because there is not a cut and dry moral or legal ruling behind drowsy driving. Moreover-- how do you measure it? With alcohol there is a BAC: a very objective way of demonstrating how much has been consumed.

However, in some ways, the relevancy and relatability of drowsy driving expands beyond alcohol consumption. Those engineering kids that nerd out in the library (ahem, not that I have done that... multiple times) on a Saturday night may not be at risk for driving drunk. However, going home after studying until 3 am in that warm car is dangerous as well. After all, if you are asleep, your driving reflexes are going to be pretty much ... non-existent.

The sting of culpability in deaths due to driving while sleepy may not be as profound as the stigma of drunk driving, but unfortunately the consequences are the same. So this fourth, as you are heading home after fireworks, please take every precaution and offer every sanctuary to your sleepy friends and family.

It can wait.

What is more important-- that blinking text on your phone, or the immediacy of the road in front of you? Unfortunately, the obvious right answer is not the one that many of us choose.

The answer is 'It can wait'. It being that text that takes your attention from the road. And so begins Iowa's campaign to raise awareness about texting while driving.

Iowa has joined the some other 28 states that are now enacting some type of ban on texting. Today is the first day of this law going into effect. However, according to those most invested in this law, the actual law is not really the concern. It is the people. Read: you!

In an associated press article in Bloomberg Businessweek, the Department of Public Safety Director said, "This new law is not about writing tickets, it is about saving lives. While law enforcement will enforce the new law, the focus is on changing behavior."

The Fence

What can shift us? What can be the 'straw' on the proverbial (and rather abused) camel's back?

We all can think of a moment, or a person, or decision that has rapidly veered us from taking one path in life to taking the other.

The Butterfly Effect- a well-known cliche (or a bad Ashton Kutcher movie)-- do you buy it? Can a three hour conversation, one choice-- have everlasting repercussions? Not to wax poetic on existentialism, but ...

If you are sitting on the fence, what is most likely to affect you? Words? Your own decisions? The decisions of others?

Foreign Concept: Relaxation

How do you relax?

I know this word may seem unfamiliar to you, but it is incredibly important. According to Mayo Clinic, stress is actually normal. It is an alarm system that can protect you and prepare you for fight-or-flight in a dangerous environment. However, if the alarm system does not 'turn off' than stress can lead to serious physical health problems such as heart disease, high blood pressure, ulcers, weight gain or loss. That is why this foreign word is so important: Relax.

Let's peek into the minds of our group once more, and check out how they tackle this strange, strange concept: How do you relax?

Nicole: Listen to music, go for a run or walk or sleep.

Neal: Exercise is the main thing. More competitive sports like raquetball where you can take out frustration. Sometimes just talking to someone, someone to listen. Also I heard of someone cleaning when they are stressed.

Katie: I clean when I am stressed. I also take long walks, or make to-do lists that get all of the ideas out of my mind and onto paper.

So there you have it! I urge you to take this simple and quick stress assessment. Answer the questions honestly, and find your own way to take off the pressure. If you need some ideas, check out the post to come for more relaxation techniques.

A full plate: Contending that 'lazy' is simply 'crazy'

College is super easy, right? It's not like we have life decisions to make, 18 credits of classes to take a semester, a job, family, social life (or lack there-of) to think of ...

Psych!

Of course we do. And amidst the craziness that our very privileged age group gets to deal with, we must decide what is important. Or more important.

Are we really just lazy? Or is it that we have so much on our 'plate' that we have a hard time allotting value.

Family> Friends> School?

Biochemistry>English>Extracurriculars?

Facebook>School>Job?

How do you prioritize your life? And where does 'self' come in?

Under Pressure

Pressure- exams, papers, meeting new people, obtaining loans, building a resume, dealing with choices that will affect one for a lifetime. Pressure (literally and figuratively) is all around us. And how we deal with stress and pressure can sometimes define our lives.

There are multiple ways of dealing with stress. Option one - avoiding pressure- by setting up a schedule, setting priorities, and not procrastinating. But for most college students, this is an option that is unattainable due to our deep desire to be lazy.

That leaves us with the other option- coping with our stress. How we choose to cope with our stress can impact our health and our future. We can let the situation control us, and run away from the problems by smoking, zoning out for hours in front of the TV, over-eating, or drinking to excess. Or we can control the situation and go work out, savor a warm cup of coffee or tea, or listen to music.

Prioritizing expenses

Everything is expensive. But, it is really interesting how we prioritize our expenses.

For example, I am ridiculously proud of the fact that I have changed from a 'Grande mocha, skim milk, whipped cream' on a shameful twice a day basis ($3.55 a pop) to 'Grande cafe au lait, skim milk and honey' ($2.20 a pop) on a twice a week basis.

Despite my willingness to dole out the cash for coffee, I will not buy new shoes unless absolutely necessary, and I am still carting around the same tattered $14 bag from Borders.

Similarly, I have watched people pay 6 or 7 dollars a drink (times 3... 4... 5... 9?) at the club and not be willing to split a cab at 5 dollars a person. Or, spend $150 to $200 dollars on textbooks, but then skip every class.

What are priorities based on when it comes to your wallet? I heard someone say once that the way we spend our money shows where our hearts are at-- Do you think this is true? How do you prioritize your expenses? How do you determine what is important to you? Is it based on risk, habit, necessity? Discuss!

So how can we relate these Quickfire Queries?

The actions we take in everyday life have a big influence on our individual worldviews. As we previously discussed, the talents we dream of, what makes us happy, stores we would like to open, and our experiences in consumer environments help us to think about how we see the world.

Once we discover the common and diverse views of our generation, it will give us a better understanding of how others think. This will allow us to reach out to the audience in the most effective ways possible. However, in order to keep up with the changes around us we need to be in constant search for understanding.

"The noblest pleasure is the joy of understanding" - Leonardo da Vinci

Quickfire Query 3

For most, what do you think is a preferable consumer environment?

Katie: When someone asks to help but then lets the customer shop. Places that have volunteer workers are the best, they're there because they care.

Neal: An environment where the customer can ask for help if they need it and aren't bothered by a million questions from associates.

Nicole: A friendly environment where service people are not pushy. A place where associates are not discussing irrelevant issues and actually pay attention to the customer.

Innocent Bystander: Somewhere that has something new and different.

Quickfire Query 2

What are 5 things you think someone in our generation would want out of life if they could only pick 5 to make them happy?

Innocent Bystander Sucked into Our Discussion:
1) Good Health.
2) Community.
3) Mobility.
4) Being able to understand or interpret the world around them.
5) Purpose.

Neal:
1) Intelligence.
2) Company-- someone to spend the time with.
3) Challenges- they make your life interesting and exciting, they keep it from being dull.
4) The ability to teach, to pass down what you know.
5) The ability to make your own choices.

Nicole:
1) Friends and family.
2) Love and happiness.
3) A job that they enjoy.
4) The ability to travel.
5) A place to call their own, like a garden.

Katie:
1) Travel the world, to see and experience and taste culture.
2) Knowing people, and being truly known. Loving people, and being truly loved.
3) To live surrounded by and in a place that inspires them.
4) A chance to create.
5) To heal in some way damages that have been done.

Quickfire Query

If you could open any type of store in the world, what would it be?
Nicole- travel agency and scrap-booking store
Katie- charity/coffee cafe.
Neal- habachi grill and sushi bar
Innocent bystander- specialty sweater store


If you could learn one talent, what would it be?
Nicole- become a poly linguist
Katie- become the medical MacGyver
Neal- to learn how to play the violin

Quickfire Queries

As you can see, our little group has bonded over moonlit nights, hot cocoa, and singing to each other. Psych!

Okay, so maybe we bonded over discussions on empathy, 'The Smackdown,' and the realization that life is fragile.

However. There is always more to learn, isn't there? And the more we learn, the more we will be open and willing to discuss. The more we are willing to discuss, the more ideas and then . . .

Ideas-> Action-> Change!

(Or. We will just become frightened by the knowledge . . . Pandora's Box?)

On that lovely note: Quick Fire Questions Begin

Round 3: Round-up

Equations- they help us understand the world around us or simplify concepts. In this case, we used them to help spread our message. In our next session, quickfire queries, we will discussing what moves us- our drives, interests and passions.

Round 3: The life we live

The choices we make

+
The risks we take
=

The life we live

Round 3: E=MC2

E= MC2

See, you just THINK that this is the brilliant equation by a one Mr. Albert Einstein (you may have heard of him?)

However, you are quite mistaken.

Instead, this is the basis of the final Smackdown equation in my arsenal. It is the most epic, the most life-shatteringly simple but elegant formula you will ever see.

Everyone is safe= Making Choices 2 protect

Round 3: slogan/equation

Consider the reaction to your every action behind the wheel.

Round 2: Vote on Results

Getting closer to the gold!

“Gold medals aren't really made of gold. They're made of sweat, determination, and a hard-to-find alloy called guts.”- Dan Gable

Personally, I think the results will top anything ever seen in the boxing world . . .

Stay tuned, it's about to get intense.

Round 2: An Ode to Rap

When you're on the road
there's a certain code,
you must follow
so you will not wallow--
in regrets
from taking bets,
with your life
we don't want no strife.
So I'm here to say
in your car today,
you should pay attention
so there will be no tension.
Your morals will be glad
when you get back to your pad
all in one shape
and your car isn't surrounded by yellow tape.
So please listen to me
to have a life filled with glee.
Make good choices,
so another day you will see!

Round 2: Do you have the power?

Can you...

Drive the drive,

Ride the ride,

and
Walk the walk?
All while trying not to talk,
or look at the sidewalk chalk?

Whether you are driving, riding, or walking, distractions can happen. How can you prevent them?

Round 2: equation #2

Round 1: Vote on Results

Okay guys, Round 1 of the Smackdown Challenge has gone down... What do you think? Which equation is the ultimate safety ?

But wait . . . there is more! Best out of three?

May the victor be victorious!

Round 1: Be Alert!

Driving AWARE = Showing you CARE

Round 1: equation smackdown entry

P = F/A
Friends don't apply pressure

Round 1: Ultimate Equation for Driving Safety

Safety belts

+

Attention


-

Texting
-

Alcohol (and other substances)
-

Messy Food
-

Loud Music
-


Creatures in the Road

= A Safe Driving Experience!
Choose this equation, and there is the potential of the following:
- Keep yourself and buddies safe.
- Avoid fines.
- Avoid breaking the law.
- Avoid angry parents/ loved ones.
- Invest in your future!
- It is a 'win-win' to drive safely.

*For photo credits, click on word portion of equations

SMACKDOWN

Nicole, Neal, and I are going to have an epic smackdown of equations.

(To be read in a macho voice:)

Which components added together make up the best traffic safety formula?

Which equation will be the most epic of them all?

Let the games begin!

Take away message

Life is fragile.

Can people change, really?

Where is the line between believing people can change, and seeing people change?

What really, are we fighting for? This group is meant to have us talk and exchange and share our life experiences and the past in the form of what we have learned. We are young now, I suppose, but one day 'Oh, but you are so young!' will not be a factor.

What do you think? Does your youth aide you in the things you fight for? Do you believe that you are accomplishing change. How?

In what ways have you seen people change their behaviors in regards to their own safety? To your safety? To the safety of those around them whom they may not even have realized exactly what has been entrusted to them?

Life is Full of Choices

The other day at work I asked an older gentleman how he was doing. I was quite shocked by his response. He said, "Well young lady, I'm somewhere between excellent and superb." I told him that it's too bad more people don't have a positive outlook like that. He proceeded to tell me the importance of making choices in life. Everyone has control over their attitude and the choice to be happy or not. The choices we make now create the journey to our future. He told me to keep in mind that our choices also affect the people around us. This makes me wonder if people actually think about the choices they make on a regular basis. Do high school and college students who are texting and driving or drinking and driving realize that their individual choices could affect the communities in which they live? Many schools and organizations have programs that focus on making the right choices. The Right Choice program is/was one of the many that provides steps to making the right choices. Do you think these programs would be effective in a college environment? If this were a college program would you participate?

The older gentleman advised me to not worry about the things I have no control over, but to make the best of what I can control. The advice was passed down to him from his father and now he goes around spreading the advice to random strangers. What an inspiration? A lesson learned. We should all be more conscious of the choices we make, because after all, almost everything we do is a choice that we often take for granted.

'non-verbal' communication, online

As we just read, 'communication is key'. We just talked about 'non-verbal' communication, but what about communication via internet?

Everyone (okay, most everyone) has a Facebook, Twitter, or MySpace. Is the way that you are presenting yourself in these forums ways that you can be proud of? Is that picture that Tammy, your roommate's partying friend, posted of you flattering? Is the fact that there are 99 bottles of beer on the.... table... right besides you incriminating in any way?

Do you think that it could affect your career in any way? How can we use these forums for good instead of the information coming back and biting us in the proverbial bum?

Communication is Key!

Photo Credit  Non-verbal Signs

What I have learned during college and continue to carry with me is the importance of communication and keeping in touch with the people around us. This is a topic that I believe everyone has room to improve.

Do you ever think about how you are communicating with others? Think about all the signs and signals you send each day - the head nods, eye contact, posture, and gestures. An important part of communication is learning how to read people's behavior and nonverbal cues. This could potentially save you from a difficult situation, such as deciding whether or not to get in a car with certain people. Nonverbal communication also helps to develop intent and clarity in conversations.

In relation to traffic safety, communication allows us to move from place to place and keeps the world going. How would we navigate without visual cues like road signs and traffic signals?

In the Art of Communication Prerna Salla offers the following suggestions for making a positive impression:
- be confident and practice being able to "gel" in any environment
- be a good listener
- take time to put your thoughts together before you speak
- be aware of current events and the world around you
- embrace opportunities to learn something new
- stay away from gossip
- be yourself

_________ while driving

Eating while driving, texting while driving... and we all know drinking and driving.

What do these things have in common?

All together now! They are _________ (insert-correct-adjective-here).

I would say dangerous. What would your word be?

AND

What other things can you add to this list?

Some food for thought

An experiment at the University of New York-Albany watched 39,042 drivers at 200 sites throughout New York State in the spring of 2002 to study cellphone use and other behaviors that distract drivers. The results posted in the New York Times found that 3 percent of the drivers, or 1,160 people, were using a cellphone, and 15 percent, or 5,733, were engaged in other distracting behavior. The biggest offender was eating or drinking which occurred 1490 times.

Institute for Traffic Safety Management and Research - Cell Phones and Distracted Driving (2006 update)
Caution: Drivers Eating

Cell phones and eating behind the wheel are not the the only forms of distractions behind the wheel, according the Motor Vehicle Department. The list of distractions include

• Grooming
• Reading, including maps
• Using a PDA or navigation system
• Watching a video
• Changing the radio station, CD, or Mp3 player

Statistics and Facts About Distracted Driving

Consider the Brain

Photo credit: Two 20 year old females. Top view of brain, two inches above ears. Colored areas show active brain areas during memory task.

You don't want your brain to coagulate.

Okay, okay, so your brain might not suffer those extremes, but it can literally shrink over time when exposed to too much alcohol, as well as literally make the brain less active in areas of memory.

Now, don't misunderstand. It is not the alcohol itself that is the culprit-- it is the pure amount consumed over a period of time (in the linked study, this is around 5 years). Sometimes, we get fooled. "Meh, I just had one or two drinks last night, my brain is safe!" But realllly, let's be honest. Honey, that Long Island Ice Tea is not one drink... it is around 4.

Take a look at these 'portions'-- what constitutes one drink really? Your body can metabolize around one drink an hour (which is like four hours for the Long Island). The thing that can throw us off is that all drinks are not created equal!

Photo credit: Standard Drinks Guide

So next time you're out and about on the town, consider the brain! Or at least be aware of how much you are really drinking.

Be kind to your mind!

The Misleading Mix

Photo Credit
Western Daily Student Newspaper

Red Bull, Monster, Rock Star. More than likely, one of these energy drinks have helped you pull off an all nighter to study for that big test or to finish twenty pages due the next day. Another use of these drinks that has turned the energy drink business into a $5 billion a year market, is the mixing of these drinks with alcohol, such as the well known "Jager Bomb". This has lead to a misconception that alcohol and caffeine block each other out.

To debunk this misconception, we must look at the basic function of alcohol and caffeine on the brain.

Caffeine keeps a person alert and awake. But why? Normally, when we get sleepy, the neurotransmitter adenosine is at work. Adenosine inhibits the release of two other neurotransmitters (dopamine and acetylelcholine) that play a role in keeping us awake and alert. Caffeine prevents adenosine from activating, allowing one to fight off that drowsy feeling.

Alcohol on the other hand, affects a different set of neurotransmitters. Alcohol elongates the effects of the neurotransmitter GABA, which decreases brain activity. Alcohol also affects the neurotransmitter glutamate, which is an excitatory neurotransmitter that increases brain activity. This combination produces the sleepy feeling or drowsiness from drinking alcohol. Alcohol causes these effects in the parts of the brain responsible for inhibiting risky behavior.

So what is the overall effect of these drinks? The effect can best be described by Dr. Mary Claire O'Brien of the Wake Forest University School of Medicine, who says that mixing the caffeine of energy drinks with alcohol is like "getting into a car and stepping on the gas pedal and the brake at the same time. " It tricks the brain into thinking that you're not as drunk as you are because the stimulant (caffeine) overcomes the sedating effects of the depressant (alcohol). This leads to a wide awake drunk state.

The effects of this can be seen in a study done at the University of Florida. Researchers went to popular bars and clubs and randomly interviewed 800 college-age patrons as they left. The results:

- those who had been drinking energy drinks mixed with alcohol were three times more likely to leave highly intoxicated and four times more likely to intend to drive than bar patrons who had been drinking only alcohol.

- the respondents that ingested caffeine with their alcohol were also less likely to notice that their motor skills and vision were impaired.

University of Florida Study: energy drinks, liquor are a bad mix

What do you think about this new technology?

Photo Credit Electronic Gadgets

I’ve come across this new technology called Key2SafeDriving that prohibits drivers to send or receive calls or text messages while driving. Predetermined and emergency numbers are the only numbers that can be dialed while the car is in motion. Is this something you would agree to? What do you think?

Mildly Morbid Humor?

Comic: Texting while Driving

Incoming Text

First of all, I am guilty.

I am telling you this, because I know what you are thinking. It is just texting. I am not one of those kids that drinks and then decides to drive around for the next 35 minutes dropping people off, I am obeying the speed limit, and I have one eye on the road. No. I am probably just texting my Mom to let her know that Grandma and I are having lunch and then hitting Reiman Gardens to tour the butterfly house. I am texting my brother to see if he needs a ride back from basketball practice, to my sister to see if she wants to see 'The Last Song' at the doller theatre.

The thing is, I don't care if you are texting the president of Amnesty International-- that doesn't magically lower the risk.

And I know, I know-- you are at the stopsign or red stop light, and your fancy phone vibrates and glows and starts spitting rainbows, practically begging you to pick up and stay connected. Oh and then, you start to drive while just finishing up that text-- ten more characters-- because oh man the light turned green, and your best friend NEEDS to know when you are going to be there. 5 minutes? 10 minutes? When?

And I am guilty. Previously, this decision was up to me, to make the risk for myself and for others on the road. The decision was up to me, even if 40 percent of surveyed teens say that they have been in a car with a driver where someone felt in danger due to cell phone usage. Graphic service announcements aside, the fact is that now in Iowa the transition to it being illegal to text and drive is starting. In July of 2010, police will start to give warnings and in July 2011, the full law will come in to effect. This is detailed in House File 2456, and you might want to read about it. This is explained a little better in the Cedar Rapids Gazette.

Despite this, the decision will still be up to you. There will be officers to enforce the law, but it is still your choice whether or not to obey it. So...

What motivates you? The statistics? The risk? The law?

What works?

TTYL ... empathy and texting connection?

Remember our discussion on empathy the other day? I am interested in seeing if you think it relates to something considered the opposite: impersonal.

What could I be talking about? Well, lack of expressions (other than emoticons of course) and 'LOL's; TTYL's; and I <3 u!'s'... what is it? Texting!

Which, is debatable of course. Whether or not texting is impersonal.

But the real question is... can we have enough empathy for each other to not text if it could cause us danger? Mmmm... Think on it, and we will discuss soon.

Lack of Empathy? Really?

Photo courtesy Rainbow120

So, we are trying to figure out this generation. First of all, what is expected of us? What do people think that we are capable of? Because, I know we are capable of great things, but does everyone else agree?

According to a study at *University of Michigan, 'College students don't have as much empathy as they used to.' In this study, researchers looked at data of 14,000 college students. Apparently, empathy is down 40 percent in our age group. It's a dreary forecast.

What is empathy, exactly? The technical definition is: 'Identification with and understanding of another's situation, feelings, and motives.'

Here are more web definitions of empathy.

What do you think about this... shall we spy on our group and see what they had to say? I vote yes ...

Current college students are said to be less empathetic, are they desensitized? Do you find this to be true, and would it affect the safety of college students?

Katie:
I think that this could affect college students—I see girls walking alone at night after drinking, and I worry about them. Who is looking out for these people?

Nicole:
If you are with your friends, they are going to be more empathetic.

Neal:
I think based on the society we live in, we focus on the individual and we expect the individual to take care of themselves. We don’t like being lectured. I feel like discussion is more effective.

Nicole:
I agree, I feel like if you are actually talking with someone you
are more likely to listen and think about it than if it is just information.

So what is the take-away? What is the point? The point is that you reader, do not have to be a statistic. 40 perecent of college students are less empathetic-- you can be the 60 percent. Something as simple as they way we relate to people can keep each other safe. Let's prove them wrong! Great things people, let's do it. I say we can make our own forecast, and I am a fan of the sun, aren't you?

*Check out the discussed link! University of Michigan Empathy Study

A picture is worth a thousand words

One of the reasons we are doing this blog is as a model to all you future groups. Hopefully through our toil, incredibly fascinating discussions, and earth-shattering discoveries-- you will become inspired to make tangents of your own in your eight-week focus group.

An important part of blog posts are the graphics. They are eye-catching, fun, and focusing the point of the blog. The famous idiom, 'a picture is worth a thousand words,' may have quite a bit of truth to it (as a writer, I will have you know I admit this with a fair amount of grumbling).

As a model for future groups, I want to talk about using graphics from other websites. How do you know if it is legit to use photos? Well, first of all, always link back to the place you got the picture from. It is respectful, and it is a good precaution to take.

Also, there is something called 'fair use' policy. The fair use policy is derived from the Electronic Frontiers Foundation, and are the general guidelines to be used when you find a cool image to use.

1. If you use the image in a way that is 'transformative,' as in making the image valuable to your own purpose instead of just copying completely, this is looked on as more favorable.
2. If you are using an image that was meant to demonstrate a fact versus fiction, this is also more favorable.
3. Using a part of the image from a website, instead of copying a whole document.
4. How the market is supposed to be affected. This is the most important aspect-- if you are marketing a different audience or purpose is more fair. Similarly, linking to the original website definitely makes using the image more fair.

Keep these four major principles in mind as you use your graphic, and you should be good to go!

Who to Trust?

The internet is a vast wilderness of information. The daunting task is to decide what information is accurate and updated. According to John Hopkins University library website, you should consider the following.

1. Author- is the author an expert in his/her field, if not does he/she have references that are reliable?
2. The Publishing Body- Is the newspaper or journal the writer is working for credible and unbaised?
3. Be aware of Bias- For example- If you are looking at a corporate Web site, assume that the information on the corporation will present it in the most positive light.
4. The Article itself- Does the writer sound educated, does he/she sound unbiased, does she use reliable references?
5. Accuracy- Is the methodology outlined in the document is appropriate to the topic and allows the study to be duplicated for purposes of verification?
6. Currency- Is the information accurate and relevant to the current time period. Ask yourself if the information you are researching updated every year or time sensitive.

For more details, consult the John Hopkins Library Guide to Internet Research

Long walks on the .... path to change?

How would you describe yourself? Strong, passionate, artistic...? Laid back, wickedly intelligent, with a tendency to procrastinate....? Romantic, sporty, likes long walks on the insert-correct-place-here...?

Each individual has a personality, obviously, unique to them. However, can the same be said of a whole generation?

How about 'Confident, connected, open to change'? Is this us? And more importantly, what can we do with these personal-ad worthy characteristics?

The best is yet to come! Welcome, readers.

The time: Summer 2010. The purpose? To get a bunch of students together with different backgrounds and different future goals, and put our heads together. All majors, all educational backgrounds, all experiences. We hope to use our mad skills to delve into the minds of this generation—what makes us tick? We want to bring a fresh approach to ‘old issues’ that are still relevant now. So help us. Come along, and tell us the truth on these issues. How can we initiate change in the issues affecting us? Here we go!