I finally got the nerve to look up my grades today and I'm very happy to report that I have a 3.0 GPA! I passed every one of my classes, and my lowest grade was a C+, highest grade was a solid A. WOOOOOO!
Here is the line-up for next semester which starts on my grandpa Hydes birthday, January 12...
MWF Soc 330 Ethnic and Race Relations; 2:10-3
MFW (wednesday is in a different room) English 250 Writing, Oral, and Electrical Composition 3:10-4.
TR Soc 302 Advanced Research Methods 9:30-10:50
T Lib 160 Library Instruction 11-11:50 (I can test out of this one!!!)
TR Soc 202 Inter. research method 12:40-2
TR CJ ST 320 American Judicial Process 2:10-3:30
I'm taking a woping 15.5 credits with a 16 credit limit unless I ask for special permission (this goes for every single student at Iowa State). I have 24 credits left to earn until I can graduate with last semester credits...when adding this comming semester I have 8.5 credits left. Those credits will be completed with an internship, and a few other last minute courses...then I'm done!
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Christmas
Christmas week was hectice to say the least! I worked Monday and Tuesday, the movers with Chris's things showed up Tuesday at 9:15 a.m. I had to stay and check off all the items as they came in, and when all was saide and done the driver had to call the office to get a final total. No one was in the office, and chris had been told a personal check would be fine, however when the driver finally got ahold of Leslie she said a personal check was un acceptable and we needed a cashiers check. SO I had to quickly de-snow and ice my car, get gas, run into the bank and get the check, hand over the damn thing, and get back to work so that I could leave for moms on time (don't really like driving at night with the snow...really bad tunnel vision). ANYWAY, everything arrived safe and sound and the only thing that was missing was a screw for the bookshelf.
For moms birthday we try to do what she wants to do. So we went to the movies in Cedar Rapids and saw Yes Man (since Teddie protested profusley to seeing The Day the Earth Stood Still). Unfortunately mom never feels like her birthday is for her, so she wound up doing stuff for us...like getting scott and I shoes for Christmas presents. As bad as that sounds, I tried to talk mom into letting me get her a new pair, and she kept saying "I don't need any". Teddie on the other hand felt she was being dissed and made a big ol stink in the store about not getting a pair (they just bought her brand new snow boots, and she has 10+ pairs of shoes at home already that are all in good condition). Scott hadn't gotten a new pair in at least 3years, and I wore my tennis into the ground...but i've had them for at least a year now. Because of the time constrants, with church service at 7, we had a quicky lunch at chick fillet...which I KNOW mom didn't really want. Anyway with Teddie being a full blown teenager, mom didn't really have a happy birthday...more like its an any ol day. She turned 47 this year.
Another double holiday celebration with the Hydes. On christmas day mom hosted a dinner with myself, little sister Teddie, Dad Scott, Mom Gloria, Grandma Joan, and Grandpa Jim. Mom made a delicious ham glazed with brown sugar and mustard (who would have thought that combo would be good?), baked potato, rolls, apple salad (provided by grandma emmmm), peas (my favorite) and corn for Teddie who mortally detests peas, and for deseart we had left over double milk chocolate birthday cake that grandma made for mom. We had some the night befor when we had home made soup at Grandmas (chili, and vegitable).
The day after Christmas, mom and I got wind that some good sales were going on, so we set out for Cedar Rapids again. I told mom to pick out a resturaunt for lunch, and that I was buying (a make up lunch for her birthday). She chose Olive Garden, and I was all yummy. However parking, and getting out of parking lots was a different story...it seems as though everyone and there exstended families were in Cedar Rapids shopping. It was absolute MAYHEM. After taking 20mins getting out of the shopping center, we went to KMart to see what they had on sale, then over to Best Buy to get a cordless mouse for Teddies new Lap top (yes the snivler got a lap top after making a show in the shoe store about new shoes), Scott got me a new wireless connection for my apartment since the system I previously bought was needed at there place with Teddies lap top. I'm not complaining since I've got a better wireless hook up then the one I bought last year, and they payed less than I did for it...go figure. That night we got fogged in with .25 visability (i'm not kidding!). We made it back to Vinton safely, and went to the local theater to see Bolt for $2 a ticket. I LOVED the movie! Stuart and his family started on the road at 11 a.m. and stoped in Lake something Nevada.
On Saturday we again trecked to Cedar Rapids to see A Bedtime Storie with Adam Sandler, and we all enjoyed it. It was as funny as the trailers make it out to be. I was surprised to find out at the end of the movie and Zena Warrior Princess was in the movie...and I'm not telling you who she plays because I DIDN'T put two and two together till someone pointed it out. On the drive home we got cought in an Ice storm. We couldn't drive without the car drifting to one side. One person decided to drive fast, almost crash into someone, wound up on the side of the road, backed up, went forward...was still stuck, he continued this pattern until he finally realized that he needed to turn the wheel in the direction of the intersection and not the turn in order to get out of the ditch. We made it home safely, took the dogs out, then headed over to grandma and grandpas for Christmas part deux with the Reilands (Scotts sister Diane, her Husband Rick, and son Nathan he's the youngest, Luke couldn't make it because of the ice).
I came home this morning, and looked at all the unpacking and organizing that needs to be done, and sighed. I don't feel like i'm on vacation yet! Oh well, i'm happy and healthy, and so are the people I love.
Chris comes home tomorrow YAY! I'm very anxious for him to get home so that we can have our christmas...or rather he can open up the gifts I got for him since mine were a double birthday/christmas combo two weeks ago lol.
For moms birthday we try to do what she wants to do. So we went to the movies in Cedar Rapids and saw Yes Man (since Teddie protested profusley to seeing The Day the Earth Stood Still). Unfortunately mom never feels like her birthday is for her, so she wound up doing stuff for us...like getting scott and I shoes for Christmas presents. As bad as that sounds, I tried to talk mom into letting me get her a new pair, and she kept saying "I don't need any". Teddie on the other hand felt she was being dissed and made a big ol stink in the store about not getting a pair (they just bought her brand new snow boots, and she has 10+ pairs of shoes at home already that are all in good condition). Scott hadn't gotten a new pair in at least 3years, and I wore my tennis into the ground...but i've had them for at least a year now. Because of the time constrants, with church service at 7, we had a quicky lunch at chick fillet...which I KNOW mom didn't really want. Anyway with Teddie being a full blown teenager, mom didn't really have a happy birthday...more like its an any ol day. She turned 47 this year.
Another double holiday celebration with the Hydes. On christmas day mom hosted a dinner with myself, little sister Teddie, Dad Scott, Mom Gloria, Grandma Joan, and Grandpa Jim. Mom made a delicious ham glazed with brown sugar and mustard (who would have thought that combo would be good?), baked potato, rolls, apple salad (provided by grandma emmmm), peas (my favorite) and corn for Teddie who mortally detests peas, and for deseart we had left over double milk chocolate birthday cake that grandma made for mom. We had some the night befor when we had home made soup at Grandmas (chili, and vegitable).
The day after Christmas, mom and I got wind that some good sales were going on, so we set out for Cedar Rapids again. I told mom to pick out a resturaunt for lunch, and that I was buying (a make up lunch for her birthday). She chose Olive Garden, and I was all yummy. However parking, and getting out of parking lots was a different story...it seems as though everyone and there exstended families were in Cedar Rapids shopping. It was absolute MAYHEM. After taking 20mins getting out of the shopping center, we went to KMart to see what they had on sale, then over to Best Buy to get a cordless mouse for Teddies new Lap top (yes the snivler got a lap top after making a show in the shoe store about new shoes), Scott got me a new wireless connection for my apartment since the system I previously bought was needed at there place with Teddies lap top. I'm not complaining since I've got a better wireless hook up then the one I bought last year, and they payed less than I did for it...go figure. That night we got fogged in with .25 visability (i'm not kidding!). We made it back to Vinton safely, and went to the local theater to see Bolt for $2 a ticket. I LOVED the movie! Stuart and his family started on the road at 11 a.m. and stoped in Lake something Nevada.
On Saturday we again trecked to Cedar Rapids to see A Bedtime Storie with Adam Sandler, and we all enjoyed it. It was as funny as the trailers make it out to be. I was surprised to find out at the end of the movie and Zena Warrior Princess was in the movie...and I'm not telling you who she plays because I DIDN'T put two and two together till someone pointed it out. On the drive home we got cought in an Ice storm. We couldn't drive without the car drifting to one side. One person decided to drive fast, almost crash into someone, wound up on the side of the road, backed up, went forward...was still stuck, he continued this pattern until he finally realized that he needed to turn the wheel in the direction of the intersection and not the turn in order to get out of the ditch. We made it home safely, took the dogs out, then headed over to grandma and grandpas for Christmas part deux with the Reilands (Scotts sister Diane, her Husband Rick, and son Nathan he's the youngest, Luke couldn't make it because of the ice).
I came home this morning, and looked at all the unpacking and organizing that needs to be done, and sighed. I don't feel like i'm on vacation yet! Oh well, i'm happy and healthy, and so are the people I love.
Chris comes home tomorrow YAY! I'm very anxious for him to get home so that we can have our christmas...or rather he can open up the gifts I got for him since mine were a double birthday/christmas combo two weeks ago lol.
Friday, December 12, 2008
Busy Busy
These past few weeks have been a blur of happenings. First was Thanksgiving with my mom, dad, sister, and grandparents. Then it was time for my 23rd birthday...oh i'm old! My birthday was relatively un-eventful, but filled with well wishers. I also got to spend it with Chris, which made it a great birthday even though it was in the middle of the week and right befor final research paper deadlines. The first snow fell the weekend before, so for the first time in my life I had a white birthday. I only wish it had snowed enough to go out and throw some snow balls and build a snow man =).
This past week brought us some freezing rain! Which creates a thick layer of ice on top/under the snow. Needless to say I need Ice skates to get around, because I've fallen twice in one week! Once on campus, and the other time was yesterday while I was working outside. Amazingly none of these slips happened while I was walking Bailey.
In other news...Stuart and his family are moving to Iowa! They leave on the 27th of December, and get here just before New Years. I'm predicting lots of drama at moms house, as thats where they will be living until Stuart can save up some money and more on out. Good thing for him is that he has a job lined up already working in the maintance department for Nissan. I have no idea what he'll be making, but at least its something linned up for when he gets out here, and maybe Shelly can get a job too since there is more family here willing to watch the boys. YAY I get to spoil my nephews rotten!!
PLUS Chris is moving in!!!! Another added bonus to the end of the year. I'm predicting that 2009 will be much happier than 2008 and full of surprises!!!
This past week brought us some freezing rain! Which creates a thick layer of ice on top/under the snow. Needless to say I need Ice skates to get around, because I've fallen twice in one week! Once on campus, and the other time was yesterday while I was working outside. Amazingly none of these slips happened while I was walking Bailey.
In other news...Stuart and his family are moving to Iowa! They leave on the 27th of December, and get here just before New Years. I'm predicting lots of drama at moms house, as thats where they will be living until Stuart can save up some money and more on out. Good thing for him is that he has a job lined up already working in the maintance department for Nissan. I have no idea what he'll be making, but at least its something linned up for when he gets out here, and maybe Shelly can get a job too since there is more family here willing to watch the boys. YAY I get to spoil my nephews rotten!!
PLUS Chris is moving in!!!! Another added bonus to the end of the year. I'm predicting that 2009 will be much happier than 2008 and full of surprises!!!
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Souless...?
If there was one 'thing' that can identify and separate humans from any other mammal or intelligent machine is the presence of a soul. A soul is defined as "the principle of life, feeling, thought, and action in humans, regarded as a distinct entity separate from the body, and commonly held to be separable in existence from the body; the spiritual part of humans as distinct from the physical part" (http://www.dictionary.com/). I have found a common theme to be present when looking at science fiction movies and the creation of robotics. We create robots to be devoid of human emotions and view these empty shells to be perfect. Why then do robots develop emotions, feelings, dreams, imperfections, and all the apparent weaknesses of man? Another common theme played out is that of gender assignment to specific robots that develop unique personalities that are generally evil. The films I will be discussing throughout this paper are: Metropolis, I, Robot, Bicentennial Man, and Wall E.
It's fair to say that robotics in films began in Germany with the creation of Metropolis. A pivotal scene depicted is that of Maria's soul being transferred to that of an empty robot who is to become the complete opposite of the original Maria. However, it is important to note that in this instance the robot did not naturally progress to possess these emotions; they were created for her from a host. Plato argues that the body is merely a shell for an intelligent soul to be housed, and once the body dies the soul than either transcends to a higher state of being, or finds a new shell. He furthers his argument to include the gender of souls to be man or women, but regardless of the souls gender it can be housed in either a man or women's body. In the film I, Robot there are three types of robots that take on the aspects of souls as Plato has defined it. We see Sunny, who is clearly a male, who was built to be more computable to humans. Sunny developed emotions and dreams, but did not know how to define them. Then you have VIKI, the evil robot who is the brains behind the robotic take over, is clearly female. Then there are those without an upgrade that are devoid of physical gender definition. These robots act as the saviors of human kind...a way of saying emotions are not weaknesses or imperfections for a human, but the highest form of intelligence.
Another film that brings into light the transformation from robot to human is Bicentennial Man. In this film we find Andrew who is an android built with Isaac Asimov’s three laws of robotics (http://www.auburn.edu/~vestmon/robotics.html), and programmed with various software to be more like a human. However Andrew is unique...he develops feelings that are far greater than what he is already programmed for. He progresses so much that he desires to become human, both on the outside and the inside. While Andrew goes through the process of becoming human, with the aid of a Scientist, he finds that the imperfections of a human is what makes each individual human unique. Andrew makes a complete transformation...the only thing he cannot do have biological babies. Science Fiction films have not progressed to the point of crossing the procreation line, but the suggestion that it may be possible lingers. One would ask than, are we playing Gods by creating machines in our likeness?
Perception of Gender
In each these films there is an apocalyptic atmosphere surrounding the human race. In I, Robot VIKI, who is designed to be a virtual brain, takes matters into her own hands to save humans from themselves...she ultimately has to be destroyed. In Wall E (a children's movie) we have Eve, she is depicted as being aggressive, angry, stubborn, but also has caring characteristics. Each film plays into what our culture has normalized for the female body to be. For in Bicentennial man we come across Galatea who possesses what women 'should be'. She has the perfect physique, and a happy-go-lucky attitude...until Andrew switches her personality chip, and she becomes angry and aggressive http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HVUifGeXeFQ.
The question one would ask is why do we depict robots having souls in movies when we as humans find reasons to view emotions as our greatest weakness? Freud would argue that “shame is a profound, painful and universal emotion with lasting effects on many aspects of public life and human culture. Rooted in childhood experience, linked to sexuality and the cultural norms that regulate the body and its pleasures, shame is uniquely human” (Shame and Sexuality,1). Emotions are tied to our sexuality, and as humans we are taught from a young age to be ashamed of sexuality, to be ashamed of our bodies especially female bodies. In each film it is the female body that is changed; VIKI is just a sphere high up in the ceiling, Eve has no identifying gender but for her voice, Galatea has a physique but is only defined in small measures. By creating a machine that is 'perfect' in the eyes of a human because it is emotionless and without weakness, is really a cry out to the world in saying "I'm not perfect". As the film progress, that also fallows the natural progression of human discovery; we (humans) come to find that emotions are not weaknesses, but to be that empty shell is the real shame.
Works Cited
Dictionary. Dictionary.com. 11 November 2008.
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/Soul
Freud, Sigmond. Shame and Sexuality. Madison Ave, New York: NY, 2008.Plato, Grube, G M A. Platos Republic. Indianapolis: Hackett, 1974.
Movie Links. Youtube.com. 6 Dec. 2008. www.youtube.com
It's fair to say that robotics in films began in Germany with the creation of Metropolis. A pivotal scene depicted is that of Maria's soul being transferred to that of an empty robot who is to become the complete opposite of the original Maria. However, it is important to note that in this instance the robot did not naturally progress to possess these emotions; they were created for her from a host. Plato argues that the body is merely a shell for an intelligent soul to be housed, and once the body dies the soul than either transcends to a higher state of being, or finds a new shell. He furthers his argument to include the gender of souls to be man or women, but regardless of the souls gender it can be housed in either a man or women's body. In the film I, Robot there are three types of robots that take on the aspects of souls as Plato has defined it. We see Sunny, who is clearly a male, who was built to be more computable to humans. Sunny developed emotions and dreams, but did not know how to define them. Then you have VIKI, the evil robot who is the brains behind the robotic take over, is clearly female. Then there are those without an upgrade that are devoid of physical gender definition. These robots act as the saviors of human kind...a way of saying emotions are not weaknesses or imperfections for a human, but the highest form of intelligence.
Another film that brings into light the transformation from robot to human is Bicentennial Man. In this film we find Andrew who is an android built with Isaac Asimov’s three laws of robotics (http://www.auburn.edu/~vestmon/robotics.html), and programmed with various software to be more like a human. However Andrew is unique...he develops feelings that are far greater than what he is already programmed for. He progresses so much that he desires to become human, both on the outside and the inside. While Andrew goes through the process of becoming human, with the aid of a Scientist, he finds that the imperfections of a human is what makes each individual human unique. Andrew makes a complete transformation...the only thing he cannot do have biological babies. Science Fiction films have not progressed to the point of crossing the procreation line, but the suggestion that it may be possible lingers. One would ask than, are we playing Gods by creating machines in our likeness?
Perception of Gender
In each these films there is an apocalyptic atmosphere surrounding the human race. In I, Robot VIKI, who is designed to be a virtual brain, takes matters into her own hands to save humans from themselves...she ultimately has to be destroyed. In Wall E (a children's movie) we have Eve, she is depicted as being aggressive, angry, stubborn, but also has caring characteristics. Each film plays into what our culture has normalized for the female body to be. For in Bicentennial man we come across Galatea who possesses what women 'should be'. She has the perfect physique, and a happy-go-lucky attitude...until Andrew switches her personality chip, and she becomes angry and aggressive http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HVUifGeXeFQ.
The question one would ask is why do we depict robots having souls in movies when we as humans find reasons to view emotions as our greatest weakness? Freud would argue that “shame is a profound, painful and universal emotion with lasting effects on many aspects of public life and human culture. Rooted in childhood experience, linked to sexuality and the cultural norms that regulate the body and its pleasures, shame is uniquely human” (Shame and Sexuality,1). Emotions are tied to our sexuality, and as humans we are taught from a young age to be ashamed of sexuality, to be ashamed of our bodies especially female bodies. In each film it is the female body that is changed; VIKI is just a sphere high up in the ceiling, Eve has no identifying gender but for her voice, Galatea has a physique but is only defined in small measures. By creating a machine that is 'perfect' in the eyes of a human because it is emotionless and without weakness, is really a cry out to the world in saying "I'm not perfect". As the film progress, that also fallows the natural progression of human discovery; we (humans) come to find that emotions are not weaknesses, but to be that empty shell is the real shame.
Works Cited
Dictionary. Dictionary.com. 11 November 2008.
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/Soul
Freud, Sigmond. Shame and Sexuality. Madison Ave, New York: NY, 2008.Plato, Grube, G M A. Platos Republic. Indianapolis: Hackett, 1974.
Movie Links. Youtube.com. 6 Dec. 2008. www.youtube.com
Monday, October 20, 2008
Research Paper Skeleton for WMST 371
Antoinette Lund
THE GHOST IN THE MACHINES
“It’s the imperfections that make us human, make us unique.” Bicentennial Man
I) What is the definition of a Soul?
a. Religious definition
b. Social Definition
i. America
ii. Germany
c. Plato Republic
i. The body is only a shell for the soul.
II) In what image do Humans create robots?
a. The perfect human
b. What are our flaws as humans?
i. Culturally in the U.S. and Germany
c. Feuds interpretation of dreams
III) Why do Robots develop a ‘soul’ or human emotions?
a. A look at films that depict robots showing emotion
i. I, Robot
ii. Bicentennial Man
iii. A.I.
iv. Blade Runner
b. Robots taking on the flaws of humans and what that means
Questions:
Should I add more or take away?
Should I present in a blog format or power point?
Is the topic clear or unclear?
THE GHOST IN THE MACHINES
“It’s the imperfections that make us human, make us unique.” Bicentennial Man
I) What is the definition of a Soul?
a. Religious definition
b. Social Definition
i. America
ii. Germany
c. Plato Republic
i. The body is only a shell for the soul.
II) In what image do Humans create robots?
a. The perfect human
b. What are our flaws as humans?
i. Culturally in the U.S. and Germany
c. Feuds interpretation of dreams
III) Why do Robots develop a ‘soul’ or human emotions?
a. A look at films that depict robots showing emotion
i. I, Robot
ii. Bicentennial Man
iii. A.I.
iv. Blade Runner
b. Robots taking on the flaws of humans and what that means
Questions:
Should I add more or take away?
Should I present in a blog format or power point?
Is the topic clear or unclear?
Monday, October 13, 2008
Research Papers
I have two research papers to due this semester, and both are very intense. One of the research papers is in my Cyborgs class, and I have a semi-solid idea of what I'll be researching. I've come up with the idea of exploring the idea of Robots possessing souls, and in a round about way take on the flaws of humans (steming from the fact that we create robots to be perfect, without any human flaws, and in many of the movies I've seen robots wind up with those 'flaws'). Anyway I'll be pulling in ideas from Plato, Fraud, and a couple movies like I, Robot, Bicentenial Man, A.I. I'll be posting my paper in a blog format to get feedback from other readers...something different then handing in an actual essay.
The second research paper is barealy formulated in my mind. I have an abstract due this week in Feminist Theory on what I'm doing...and I have NO clue. I keep going back and forth between a couple different ideas like; The difference between Love and Sex, is it different between the sexes like Radical Feminism claims, does love keep women from excelling? or What makes the two sexes different? Is it biology or cultural perceptions? I think I'm leaning more towards the first thought, but i'm still not sure. The paper needs to be 10-12 pages long, so I already know I'm going to have to split the paper into chapters of three pages each with three pages to a chapter, then just a few pages to open and close. Thankfully the full paper isn't due until the end of the semester...though that is only two months away! YIKES.
The weather is starting to get cold, and the leaves are changing into vibrant colors. Chris was here over the weekend, and I took him on a tour of my campus. I knew he would be very interested in the architecture of the buildings. We took a few pictures and in some of them the trees that have begun to change really make the shots. One thing I was not expecting though, was the sworm...yes, sworm of bugs...mainly ladybugs and these wierd looking beatles.
The second research paper is barealy formulated in my mind. I have an abstract due this week in Feminist Theory on what I'm doing...and I have NO clue. I keep going back and forth between a couple different ideas like; The difference between Love and Sex, is it different between the sexes like Radical Feminism claims, does love keep women from excelling? or What makes the two sexes different? Is it biology or cultural perceptions? I think I'm leaning more towards the first thought, but i'm still not sure. The paper needs to be 10-12 pages long, so I already know I'm going to have to split the paper into chapters of three pages each with three pages to a chapter, then just a few pages to open and close. Thankfully the full paper isn't due until the end of the semester...though that is only two months away! YIKES.
The weather is starting to get cold, and the leaves are changing into vibrant colors. Chris was here over the weekend, and I took him on a tour of my campus. I knew he would be very interested in the architecture of the buildings. We took a few pictures and in some of them the trees that have begun to change really make the shots. One thing I was not expecting though, was the sworm...yes, sworm of bugs...mainly ladybugs and these wierd looking beatles.
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Bailey
Bailey had a vet appointment on Thursday for a rash that keeps coming back. Poor Bailey has been itching like crazy, and hasn't been able to sleep well at night (me either for that matter). The Vet was absolutely amazing with Bailey. Bailey usually loves people anyway, but the last Vet I took her to in Vinton she didn't care for at all and wouldn't sit still for him. Not so for this one. Bailey was very good on the table and let the Vet poke, prod, examin, and take skin graffs of the areas she was itching. The vet didn't find any bacteria or mites in her samples...so the next logical thing is an allergy. We switched her flea medication from Hertz to Advantix, because Bailey could be hyper sensative to flea bits (I've only ever found one flea on her here). I'm vacuuming the carpet everyday to insure that its not something in the carpet and if it is fleas that none of them are living. The next possibility is that she could be allergic to her food...as far fetched as that sounds to me because she has been on the same brand since she was a pup...its still a possibility. If its nothing inside then it could be the environment outside...and we will know that once winter comes...So for now she is on anti histamines to help with the itching, but they make her a very sleepy puppy.
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