Golden Gate Bridge

Golden Gate Bridge
Loved my Time in SF

Monday, October 31, 2011

Honesty, a smoother road

Honesty, a smoother road
MarkBen Paulino
31 October 2011
RD3

Honesty, a smoother Road

Hello Commencing Class of 2010, friends, family, and our excellent staff,

Commencement is defined as the beginning or the start of, and in this case the start of a new journey and adventure that comes with the title of college graduate. None of you graduates are starting empty handed on this journey, as all have acquired the intellectual knowledge and life lessons from this campus environment. All have different skills of different degree levels, but the foundations are the same such as algebraic math, basic English, and general biology. We cannot forget the many virtues that have been enhanced or influenced through your college experiences. One such virtue is honesty as almost every class syllabus has a statement of academic dishonesty, it is however difficult to assess how honesty will affect our future and the personal and working relationships that ties along with it. My views on honesty are very utilitarian, as a reading from ENG 215 states “Most of us… are utilitarians on the subject of truthfulness, deciding whether to lie based on the possible consequences: Trivial fibs that hurt no one are acceptable; whoppers that injure others are not” (Miriam Schulman). [THESIS] Overall, however I believe that a journey guided by honesty will lead you down a smoother road in both personal and working relationships.[THESIS]

Let’s look at relationships. Relationships don’t always work out whether it is of boyfriend-girlfriend status or that of marriage. Sometimes the feelings aren’t just there and that bond will be severed, but how that bond is severed can play a role. The bond could be severed with mutual respect or with hatred and tension, which is often caused by dishonesty, lying, and cheating. I’ve been lucky with my ex-girlfriends, where we still say hi whenever we bump into each other and sometimes even start up a conversation. I can’t say the same for some of the other people that I know of, where one has lost feeling and decided to cheat instead of breaking the relationship first. In my experience, people would rather be hurt or disappointed by a break-up than by being cheated on. Those that have been cheated on feel such disrespect that they begin to feel anger and start speaking lowly of the cheater. Whenever they bump into each other a rise in tension occurs and both feel uncomfortable. It also hurts the circle of friendships that have been built with each other’s friends. What’s worst is being pulled into the tension of the severing of a negative bond, which I have experience from two people getting a divorce. The severity of the divorce increased because one had cheated on the other, which increased court hearings and lawyer bills as an agreement of assets, children’s custody, and alimony could not be easily reached. If cheating was not involved and one was honest on the lost feeling that they once had, I am sure that the divorce would not have been as drawn out as it was.

Sure, telling your boss he or she looks good, when they aren’t is a good way to get brownie points, but that’s as far a lie at work should go. Stating false facts on your resume or application could catch up to you. Stating you have a license or prior training if untrue may lead to a cause of termination if a thorough background check were to be conducted. If caught lying the respect and trust that you once have will be shot. The boss or upper management may decrease your opportunities in the work environment due to distrust, further decreasing the chance to prove your qualities and possible movement up the organization. These found lies could follow you to your next jobs or careers as many future employers call previous employers to not only verify employment, but to also find the positives and negatives of your work ethics.

As Jasmin Obadencio states ”Honesty is the best thing you can ever portray to make life easier.” I fully agree with her statement because in order to keep a lie going you must put up an act and remember who you told the lie to. You must also keep the lie going with others who come in contact with the person that has been lied to. To cover up a lie you must make up another lie and so on, thus the saying “A web of lies.” By being honest from the start you don’t need to concern yourself with lies and trying to cover things up. Jasmin further states that “Honesty holds the truth for yourself and others. It saves you from having regret, guilt, and [feeling] self-conscious. We all have lied to our parents, teachers, or siblings, and I'm sure we have felt bad about it afterwards ... With it, you avoid conflict, being caught, embarrassed, punished maybe, etc. We already have enough on our plates and if [you’re] a good person, you shouldn't have to try to impress life at your desire.”

As you all have heard honesty overall makes life and the journey a lot easier. However, there are some exceptions; many of us already know these exceptions. As stated in the book Making Ethical Decisions, “Making decisions that are ethical requires the ability to make distinctions between competing choices…No one can simply read about ethics and become ethical, of course. People often have to make decisions under economic, professional and social pressure. Rationalization and laziness are constant temptations. But making ethical decisions is worth it if you want a better life and a better world” (Michael Josephson). There is a comedy titled Liar Liar, starring Jim Carrey, which I highly recommend. Behind all the comedies and laughs, there are lessons about lying and honesty and when a lie or a truth should be told.

I hope my short skit on honesty has somehow swayed you or cause you to question what it is to lie or be truthful. You made it through one journey of your life and are about to start anew, or as we should say commence a new. So congratulation, graduating class of Spring 2011.

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Ads are Our Supporters!

MarkBen Paulino
11 October 2011
FD2

Ads are our supporters

Ads and commercials are terms that will be used interchangeably. It is often stated how ads and commercials are a negative tool used to influence people to become consumers, purchase products for a profitable gain to a business and in turn cause debt and harmful habits (i.e. shopaholism). That is only one side of a coin. Ads and commercials are important in making the world go round. If ads where to be stopped so would the world. Ads aid businesses in increasing consumer awareness, keep people up to date on societal norms, provide social and interactive activity (i.e. Hulu and Twitter), and other benefits. [THESIS] In general, ads or commercials ultimately have a positive impact on our lives [THESIS].

A large volume of the world’s population is aware of Facebook, as there are over 800 million users. Facebook keeps people connected and reconnect long lost friends. Facebook has now become a live newsfeed, where people learn of recent natural disasters, political campaigns, and sports scores. It’s amazing how I learn of local news from a Facebook friend even before the live news. No one pays for these services due to the businesses that use Facebook as a marketing tool. The same goes for Twitter, Hulu, email, and many other free online resources. I myself am an avid Hulu and email user, not to mention the occasional Facebooking. Being a student with debt, I will happily have these ads in order to receive these free services. As Lisa Rodrigues stated, “…without ads, we would not have television shows, magazines and newspapers. It's those sponsors that enable us to watch the Super Bowl, cartoons, etc. Without ads, newspapers would cost more as it's those that advertise that help defray the cost.”

Businesses thrive on commercials and ads to get their product out there. Consumer awareness helps products get sold and in turn provides income not only for the business owner but all the employees. Even the UH system relies on ads to increase awareness and influence students to become a Warrior, as I’ve heard some radio ads about one of the community colleges. Without advertisement people would be unaware and displaced. One may wonder what company sells a phone that is capable of talking and internet surfing at the same time. Another may want to know what new restaurants are available or of any upcoming sale. Robert Gornichec further bolsters this paragraph by stating, “There are many benefits that come from advertising, one is that the consumer becomes better informed. The information that a company provides will help the consumer make a better choice when it comes to the product that is being advertised.” and “It also helps the companies who advertise generate more business which will help keep an economy stimulated by increasing sales.”

Not only are ads and commercials used by businesses, but by many non-profit organizations, some that are even supported by the government and/or state. We see ads about animal cruelty that the ASPCA puts out even some from the local Hawaiian Humane Society that advocate adoptions and taking care of animals. We see environmental awareness commercials, which have increased since the BP oil spill. These environmentalists have aided in the placement of many protocols on organizations that pose environmental risk by increasing awareness. There are many other humanitarian-like ads, as Kelley Hanano said, “So many ads today pride themselves on us as a people bettering our selves. Today when you turn on your TV try to take notice of how many commercials are encouraging a healthier you. From quitting smoking, weight loss, health care and exercise ads the commercial industry is realizing that the people of today want to be and live healthier. The media has taken notice that people want to live longer and better, so they are encouraging people to "get out and get active". Companies are offering "free" help to quit smoking. And I have even been hearing a radio ad directed at middle age children to get free health care by dialing 211. So there are definitely positive messages in today's ads and commercials.”

Ads keep people in the know-how. Some may state that mainstream is overrated. If so why is it then mainstream? For centuries many people like to keep up with the newest trends, such as the latest cell phone, the fashionable clothing line, and even music. To be cool you need to be trendy and to be trendy you have to keep up with trends. Without doing research to figure what is trending all one needs to do is live their daily routine of watching television, reading newspaper, or going on Facebook, as ads are there to inform viewers that Gucci, Louis, Fendi, and Prada are the in things. Without ads I may still think bell bottoms and a flared collared shirt with glimmer is hip. I could even be carrying a brick phone that uses analogs instead of these lightweight phones that use digital. Ads have informed me of the latest social spots where beautiful ladies flock. Ads keep me from being a loner.

An ad, which I enjoyed, but was a topic of high controversy was the Groupon commercial in the 2011 Superbowl. The commercial starts off with a female speaking of the tragic of deforestation in the Brazilian rainforest. The scenario of the Brazilian rainforest abruptly switches to a waxing salon and the female states how not all deforestation is bad. The female then goes on to say she saved 60% (or some percentage) on a Brazilian wax. This commercial made me laugh and laughter is good for health. Besides laughter I’ve learned of this new website that gives many daily deals to places in one’s surrounding area. Since then I’ve been going on Groupon and have saved at least 50% on certificates/vouchers to many places that I already go to or wanted to try. Due to Groupon I have searched for similar sites and stumbled upon Living Social and Play Hawaii, where I have gotten many good deals.

In the end, ads and commercials have many positive aspects. Ads help business thrive causing stimulation in economy and decreasing unemployment. Ads provide free resources and entertainment such as Facebook and Hulu. Without ads people would be out of the loop and unaware, a social tragedy that can be prevented. Ads can also save us money by introducing us to sites such as Groupon. In general ads or commercials ultimately have a positive impact on our lives.

----------------

Works Cited

Gornichec, Robert. “Con Forum.” Online posting. 22 September 2011. Laulima Discussion. 3 October 2011 [https://laulima.hawaii.edu/portal/site/KAP.XLSENG215js.201210/page/70638c63-3d48-4275-828a-7e37acace01e]

Hanano, Kelley. “Kelley’s – Cons Forum.” Online posting. 22 September 2011. Laulima Discussion. 3 October 2011 [https://laulima.hawaii.edu/portal/site/KAP.XLSENG215js.201210/page/70638c63-3d48-4275-828a-7e37acace01e]

Rodrigues, Lisa. “Con Forum – Lisa Rodrigues.” Online posting. 22 September 2011. Laulima Discussion. 3 October 2011 [https://laulima.hawaii.edu/portal/site/KAP.XLSENG215js.201210/page/70638c63-3d48-4275-828a-7e37acace01e]

---------------------

Log of Completed Activities
_X_ Sep. 19- Intro to Paper #2. Read the Guidelines for Paper #2.
_X_ Sep. 23- Laulima Discussion: Ad Pros and Cons
_X_ Sep. 26- Complete readings for paper #2.
_L_ Sep. 30- Laulima Discussion: Logical Fallacies Exercise
_X_ Oct. 3- Submit RD2 [50 pts]. Review the guidelines.
_X_ Oct. 7- Submit three RD2 evaluations [50 pts]. Review the guidelines.
_X_ Oct. 12- Submit FD2 [125 pts]. Review the guidelines.

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Ads are our supporters

MarkBen Paulino
03 October 2011
RD2

Ads are our Supporters

Ads and commercials are terms that will be used interchangeably. It is often stated how ads and commercials are a negative tool used to influence people to become consumers, purchase products for a profitable gain to a business and in turn cause debt and harmful habits (i.e. shopaholism). That is only one side of a coin. Ads and commercials are important in making the world go round. If ads where to be stopped so would the world. Ads aid businesses in increasing consumer awareness, keep people up to date on societal norms, provide social and interactive activity (i.e. Hulu and Twitter), and other benefits. [THESIS] In general, ads or commercials ultimately have a negative impact on our lives [THESIS].

A large volume of the world’s population is aware of Facebook, as there are over 800 million users. Facebook keeps people connected and reconnect long lost friends. Facebook has now become a live newsfeed, where people learn of recent natural disasters, political campaigns, and sports scores. It’s amazing how I learn of local news from a Facebook friend even before the live news. No one pays for these services due to the businesses that use Facebook as a marketing tool. The same goes for Twitter, Hulu, email, and many other free online resources. I myself am an avid Hulu and email user, not to mention the occasional Facebooking. Being a student with debt, I will happily have these ads in order to receive these free services. As Lisa Rodrigues stated, “…without ads, we would not have television shows, magazines and newspapers. It's those sponsors that enable us to watch the Super Bowl, cartoons, etc. Without ads, newspapers would cost more as it's those that advertise that help defray the cost.”

Businesses thrive on commercials and ads to get their product out there. Consumer awareness helps products get sold and in turn provides income not only for the business owner but all the employees. Even the UH system relies on ads to increase awareness and influence students to become a Warrior, as I’ve heard some radio ads about one of the community colleges. Without advertisement people would be unaware and displaced. One may wonder what company sells a phone that is capable of talking and internet surfing at the same time. Another may want to know what new restaurants are available or of any upcoming sale. Robert Gornichec further bolsters this paragraph by stating, “There are many benefits that come from advertising, [and] one is that the consumer becomes better informed. The information that a company provides will help the consumer make a better choice when it comes to the product that is being advertised.” and “It also helps the companies who advertise generate more business which will help keep an economy stimulated by increasing sales.”

Not only are ads and commercials used by businesses, but by many non-profit organizations, some that are even supported by the government and/or state. We see ads about animal cruelty that the ASPCA puts out even some from the local Hawaiian Humane Society that advocate adoptions and taking care of animals. We see environmental awareness commercials, which have increased since the BP oil spill. These environmentalists have aided in the placement of many protocols on organizations that pose environmental risk by increasing awareness. There are many other humanitarian-like ads, as Kelley Hanano said, “So many ads today pride themselves on us as a people bettering our selves. Today when you turn on your TV try to take notice of how many commercials are encouraging a healthier you. From quitting smoking, weight loss, health care and exercise ads the commercial industry is realizing that the people of today want to be and live healthier. The media has taken notice that people want to live longer and better, so they are encouraging people to "get out and get active". Companies are offering "free" help to quit smoking. And I have even been hearing a radio ad directed at middle age children to get free health care by dialing 211. So there are definitely positive messages in today's ads and commercials.”

Ads keep people in the know-how. Some may state that mainstream is overrated. If so why is it then mainstream? For centuries many people like to keep up with the newest trends, such as the latest cell phone, the fashionable clothing line, and even music. To be cool you need to be trendy and to be trendy you have to keep up with trends. Without doing research to figure what is trending all one needs to do is live their daily routine of watching television, reading newspaper, or going on Facebook, as ads are there to inform viewers that Gucci, Louis, Fendi, and Prada are the in things. Without ads I may still think bell bottoms and a flared collared shirt with glimmer is hip. I could even be carrying a brick phone that uses analogs instead of these lightweight phones that use digital. Ads have informed me of the latest social spots where beautiful ladies flock. Ads keep me from being a loner.

An ad, which I enjoyed, but was a topic of high controversy was the Groupon commercial in the 2011 Superbowl. The commercial starts off with a female speaking of the tragic of deforestation in the Brazilian rainforest. The scenario of the Brazilian rainforest abruptly switches to a waxing salon and the female states how not all deforestation is bad. The female then goes on to say she saved 60% (or some percentage) on a Brazilian wax. This commercial made me laugh and laughter is good for health. Besides laughter I’ve learned of this new website that gives many daily deals to places in one’s surrounding area. Since then I’ve been going on Groupon and have saved at least 50% on certificates/vouchers to many places that I already go to or wanted to try. Due to Groupon I have searched for similar sites and stumbled upon Living Social and Play Hawaii, where I have gotten many good deals.

In the end, ads and commercials have many positive aspects. Ads help business thrive causing stimulation in economy and decreasing unemployment. Ads provide free resources and entertainment such as Facebook and Hulu. Without ads people would be out of the loop and unaware of the tragedy that we can prevent. Ads can also save us money by introducing us to sites such as Groupon. In general ads or commercials ultimately have a negative impact on our lives

---

Works Cited

Gornichec, Robert. “Con Forum.” Online posting. 22 September 2011. Laulima Discussion. 3 October 2011 [https://laulima.hawaii.edu/portal/site/KAP.XLSENG215js.201210/page/70638c63-3d48-4275-828a-7e37acace01e]

Hanano, Kelley. “Kelley’s – Cons Forum.” Online posting. 22 September 2011. Laulima Discussion. 3 October 2011 [https://laulima.hawaii.edu/portal/site/KAP.XLSENG215js.201210/page/70638c63-3d48-4275-828a-7e37acace01e]

Rodrigues, Lisa. “Con Forum – Lisa Rodrigues.” Online posting. 22 September 2011. Laulima Discussion. 3 October 2011 [https://laulima.hawaii.edu/portal/site/KAP.XLSENG215js.201210/page/70638c63-3d48-4275-828a-7e37acace01e]