This bird has flown...

Where the Redfern Grows was a very dynamic team that used a variety of methods in order to complete the client project. Many of our methods could not have been utilized if not for modern technology. Much of our communication was engineered through Blackboard and its functions. For example, every member of the group uploaded certain parts of the project that they completed to the file exchange. Here, all electronic files that were involved with the final product were accessible to all members of the group. This was especially useful when we needed certain common files for everyone's individual portfolio. Another means of technological help was the group e-mail function of Blackboard. Our group loved e-mail and we usually communicated via the group e-mail when we did not meet. We did not hold any virtual group meetings, but we did communicate ideas back and forth and shared these ideas in a virtual setting.
The group project centered around a video production which used other technologies to complete. I was able to teach myself how to use the iMovie software available on Mac's. It was a lot of fun producing the video and I am happy I now know the processes involved.

A Momentary Lapse of Reason

Ethics are vital to being successful in the workplace. You must act consistently and respectfully in accordance with your work environment. I think that if you do not use ethical language, outside perceptions of your respect will decrease dramatically. In turn, you will not be convincing, and people will be less likely to listen to what you are trying to communicate. Throughout history, there has been numerous exceptions to people responding to unethical language, and it is usually due to fear of the consequences if they do not respond accordingly. The German document we analyzed in class is a perfect example of how unethical language was used and used effectively at the time. Now, as we look back at it, we have a hard time figuring out what he was trying to say, and once we figured out the meaning of his words, we were absolutely shocked. I suppose that what I took away from this most was that people can use words in such a way that is seemingly innocent, but could have a darker deeper meaning. I will now be more aware of the power of words and communication because there can always be another underlying meaning to what is written or spoken.
I believe that there are certain characteristics in communication that need to be established in today's workplace. In order to fit my set of ethical principals, communication must be concise and simple. Using elementary language, nothing is left to interpretation. My theory that in order to define big words you use small words, so you should try to use as many small words as possible. Therefore, the reader does not need to define any words in the communication cycle. I will try to communicate effectively using this method in the business world.

Communication Breakdown

This past summer, I worked in a golf shop at a country club. One of my responsibilities was to head the club repair service our shop offered. Re-gripping clubs was the most common form of club repair service that we did, but we also did re-shafting and lie/loft alterations. With the old system, when a customer wanted to have a club or set of clubs worked on, the employee assisting the member would tag the club with a little index card and set it aside in the back room for the time being. It would be the club repairer's responsibility to seek out these clubs with the tag, so he knew what he needed to do with the club. However, this index card tag often did not explain fully what needed to be done to the club. So, there was often a miscommunication between myself and the customer if I was not the employee assisting the customer (I had other duties and responsibilities and was not always there to assist the customer first hand). Sometimes, I would see a club that needed to be repaired with an index card tagged on, but I was unclear of what had to be done. Then, I would have to somehow try to decipher who wrote the note, or seek out the member to ask what needed to be done. The latter alternative is very unprofessional and a waste of time. Also, there were some times in which the club would "disappear" in the back room, and since I could not find the club, I never knew that something had to be done. This made a couple of customers very upset when their clubs were not repaired on time, and we had to perform the service free of charge and incur a loss. All of this being said, something in the process had to be changed.

So, I thought long and hard about the situation and reached a solution. I decided that we needed to have a log of all the incoming clubs that were being repaired. On this sheet, it said exactly who needed the repair, what needed to be done to what clubs, when it needed to be completed, the location of the clubs (in the pro shop, club repair lab, or bag room), and who helped the customer. The who helped the customer section was one of the most important sections because if there was any confusion or problem, I could approach the employee who helped the customer with any questions I had for him. These club repair forms were kept in a binder behind the pro shop counter, so anyone working the counter had access to the book. It would be my responsibility to look through the book every day to see what needed to be done. The forms were also very convenient and useful in the billing of the repairs. We could see when the repair was completed, then bill it, and then staple the sales receipt to the club repair form and file it away. Overall, the club repair service was much more efficient and the number of complaints due to miscommunication were almost non-existent.

communication breakdown, it's always the same, having a nervous breakdown, drive me insane!

My favorite mistay-yee-ake

If you could not figure the title of this post, it refers to a song written and performed by Sheryl Crow. Sheryl's favorite mistake has been rumored to be either Eric Clapton or Jakob Dylan (FUN FACT!)

I'm not sure how the title relates to the blogging topic, but we'll tie it in somewhere. And besides, I like making allusions, especially to pop culture, so it fits in somehow. Anywho... as we didn't finish our presentations until after I submitted last week's blog, I was not fair in picking my "favorite" ones. BUT, I will now include one more presentation. I thought that Erin's topic on basic CPR was wisely chosen and well communicated. Her story of personal experience was very real and had a wow factor. It definitely kept me rapt in the rest of the presentation because I knew that the information was very important. Overall, the topic was very relevant and gets my vote as one of the best.

E-portfolio. The word itself makes me mildly nauseous. I do not even know what this is. I remember making a website during my freshman level biology. I believe we used Mozilla to create the website where I could upload "artifacs." The experience I had with Mozilla was actually pleasant. Don't get me wrong, my stomach turns over every time I hear those dreadful words, but I feel that once I know what I am doing, it will be "fun." In order to ensure the completeness of my portfolio draft, I am going to need a reminder how to create this portfolio. I am comfortable with the artifacts to be included in the portfolio, but I do not know how to properly use the interface. I suppose my favorite mistake is that mistakingly, I actually enjoyed creating my biology portfolio even though I can not even stand hearing that-which-shall-not-be-named.

Tower of Power (point)

Over the last couple of weeks, I have had the opportunity to listen to my classmates make presentations on various topics. I especially enjoyed the wide variety of issues discussed and I have learned a lot of new information. It was also interesting to see that people presented for different reasons. Some people used humor while others were serious and were trying to persuade the audience. The three presentations I enjoyed most were Laura's, Scott's, and Harry's topics.
Laura's gymnastics topic was very interesting, informational, and persuasive to my ears. The issues and evidence supporting a Clemson gymnastic team were very convincing and seemed relevant and pertinent. I learned a lot about the quality of South Carolina high school gymnasts and the simple fact that there is no collegiate gymnastics program available in South Carolina. Also, I learned all about the revenue available when gymnastics programs are in place. All of the evidence that Laura provided were explained concisely and appropriately. Overall, the topic was very effective in informing me of the issue at hand and persuaded me to possibly support the program.
Scott's presentation on the JetLev-Flyer was incredibly informational and I got a huge kick out of the whole thing. It was definitely one of the more memorable presentations based on content alone. The delivery of the information was parallel to a stand-up comedian telling a joke. I thought that the subject matter Scott chose to inform about immediately got the audience's attention. Interesting information paired with humor will always keep me rapt in any situation.
Harry's talk about Asian stereotypes could have been the funniest presentation of the group so far. I think that Harry immediately set a great rapport with his audience by effectively making fun of himself and saying it was okay to laugh with him. I especially enjoyed his use of visuals. Also, Harry did a great job of "talking off his slides." He did not write too much on his slides, but was able to communicate exactly what he wanted to based on limited, but effective text.

Overall, the presentations were very fun to watch, and I learned a little bit about a lot. I hope that I educated my peers about my issue as well. Most recently, 5 rockets were fired into Israel today from the Gaza Strip. No casualties have been reported, but Israel responded with air strikes. When will this end?!

Select any three presentations that your classmates gave in the last few classes; base your selection on how much you enjoyed the presentation. Write about what made this presentation so enjoyable. What did you learn? What made this person an effective presenter?

Cover this!

These articles were very extensive and provided some good tips. There were also parts that I was not a fan of. The following thoughts are not in any particular order, more or less just a ramble through my mind (isn't that what blogging is all about?)
These people claim that cover letters are the last thing read. Bologna! In all of my several work settings, my experiences have been that cover letters are first. One of my past employers told me that the cover letter will indicate to him whether or not he will even look at the resume. So, for the authors to say that a good-looking resume will grant the decision to look at the cover letter does not make any sense to me.
Then, the speaker talks about how the cover letter should not be about you, but more about the company. I agree 50% with this statement. I believe that a job applicant should focus on the company's needs and how the applicant will help meet those needs with his/her given skills set. This will give a good idea about the person's personality and work style/ethic/etc.
The cover letter should be specific and personal. This was a good tip. The employer will notice a cover letter and thusly a resume if he/she realizes how much time the applicant spent to ensure the personalization of the letter. It is very common to see very similar cover letters and even resumes (especially out of college), so you must set yourself apart from the "rest of them" if you want to succeed in today's workplace. Being specific, driven, and personal in your cover letter will show your employer what an asset you will be.
Then, these people gave a sample letter with the appropriate format. I liked the format because it allows you to explain who you are, why you are writing for this job, and how you will meet the company's needs. Also, the "closer" allows you to make this "sale" what you want to be.
I hated the idea of a handwritten postscript. This seems completely cheesy, fake, and unprofessional to me. If you are going to enter a new branch of the workplace, you must get off on the right foot, unless your right foot is your left. I think that you should remain classy, and professional throughout the interviewing process, unless that is just me. If you want to exude a level of cheesiness and fakeness and unseriousness, then go for it, write a P.S.
Also, I believe that references and testimonies should not be offered unless requested by the employer. It makes you seem like what you have to offer is not enough on its own. Let your resume and personality in your cover letter explain why you are the right person for the job. If your potential employer wants to know about your past work experience further, he/she will ask for references.

P.S. Just kidding!

this is where the redfern grew/is growing

Our client project is to promote a healthy campus initiative for Clemson by restructuring Redfern's communication to students in some way, shape, or form. Our client, Jennifer Goree, has left the nature of our project wide open, which is somewhat trying on our group's ability to think. I think that because we do not know exactly what is expected of this project, we are having a tough time getting started. However, our group has come up with some preliminary ideas to help expand the healthy campus initiative. One idea is to formally structurize all of Clemson's "healthy" resources into one central location on a Facebook group page. This way, students and others interested in how to improve their general health and well-being will be able to visit this site and gain useful information to better themselves. There are concerns for this project. One of my concerns is how to attract students to this site or group. Simply inviting every Clemson student to another Facebook group will not gain many retainees. Also, there are people that are potentially interested in a healthy campus initiative that are not "on" Facebook.
Another idea that our group has come up with is to create a Clemson reality show. Our goal would be to hold auditions for people that are really interested in leading a healthy lifestyle and create a buzz around campus. The people on the reality show would get excited and tell all their friends about it and a chain reaction would take place. The reality show would consist of elements from all of our favorite "non-dating" shows such as the amazing race, top chef, the biggest loser, trading spouses (roommates), MXC, so you think you can dance/american idol, etc. Contestants would learn healthy ways in all 6 categories of health.
Our group is getting along and there is generally good information exchange. However, it seems that a line has been drawn between the two ideas and thus people are picking sides. Although I have somewhat sided on the video series, I do not see why we could not incorporate both ideas to have the videos posted on the facebook site OR to have one of the challenges to go a week without Facebook!
This should be a very fun project and I am looking forward to working with my group :)

interstellar overdrive?

The article on job interview mistakes was a good introduction to what can go wrong in an interview. However, this list does not include everything that you should consider when going on an interview. I believe it brings out a lot of good points that must be evaluated before and during the actual interview. The article touches on preparing for the interview, but I believe that should be a huge focus. With proper preparation, you eliminate a few different mistakes mentioned by the article right off the bat. First of all, if you know a good deal of background information about the company and job itself, you will not need to ask any "stupid" questions. Personally, I do not believe there are such things as stupid questions, but there can be silly questions that could and should go unasked. Also, if someone does good research before an interview, you should not be worried about giving unreliable answers. You will establish good ethos and employers can usually tell who has prepared for interviews and who has not. I found some other information in this article useful. Such descriptions include the importance of the follow up and the "little things" such as mood, mannerisms, and body language.

I myself have had several job interviews for internships and such. I have experienced phone interviews and face-to-face interviews. They can both be stressful, but also rewarding. The phone interviews I have had were mostly very comfortable. I remember being told further about the job description and what they were looking for exactly. Also, we discussed the resume I had submitted to the given company. The face-to-face interview was a little bit more stressful, but I tried to make it as stressless as possible. I did research about the company and how I could fit in with their goals. During the interview, it was very little question and answer. I sat down with the Director of Golf and the General Manager of the facility and we more or less talked for 20 or so minutes. Through talking, they were able to see what I was all about and get a sense of how reliable my resume was. We did discuss some items on my resume that would potentially relate the position at their facility. Also, some direct questions were asked (tough ones I might add). Some questions included "tell us about a stressful situation and how you reacted." and "why do you want this job? why would you be a good fit with our company?" The best thing you can do in these direct question situations is to stay calm, and think about your answer before you blurt it out. Staying calm has been the most helpful idea that has helped me through the interviewing process. P.S. I got the job :)

Stop! in the name of love!!! please...

Will this violence ever end? I am writing this entry to open the discussion floor to my classmates and the world. I am seeking a solution to the evil that has enveloped the great (or not so great) world we live in. The main focus of my blogging this evening will be on the current conflict in the Middle East. If you look at a map of the world or a globe, you may conclude that the entire center of the world appears in a little area the size of New Jersey (but not actually NJ, I'm speaking of Israel). This stretch of land has become a topic of discussion for centuries, but the current conflict started with an agreement reached in 1948. This agreement arose after the 1948 War of Independence. Prior to this war, partition agreements were tried to be put in place so that Arabs and Jews would be able to co-exist peacefully. However, after acts of aggression, various groups of Arabs started riots and proceeded to try to blockade parts of Jewish territories. Long story short, Jews won the War of Independence and the then British territory declared Israel a Jewish state. Eventually, Arabs did not like this, so they attacked Israel again and again. In 1967, Israel defeated Egypt, Syria, and Jordan in the famed Six Day War. Again, in 1973, Israel was attacked by Egypt and Syria during the most holiest of holy days in the Jewish year, thus naming the war, the Yom Kippur War. Israel, was again victorious in this venture. As a result of these military victories, Israel was able to capture such land from Jordan, Syria, and Egypt as the Golan Heights, the West Bank, and the Gaza Strip. These such areas have become to be known as the "Israeli-occupied-territories" until lately. In 2005, Israel decided to withdraw all of its citizens from these areas (that they won through victories) in order to try to maintain some sort of peace agreement. Throughout the last decades, we have all heard about "the conflict in the Middle East." So, we all know that things are happening that are less than ideal. What has been going on? Well, since 2005, Palestinians have launched over 8,000 rockets and other forms of missiles into Israel from the Gaza Strip. When a country sends that much firepower into a neighboring country without any retaliation from the other side, there needs to be something done. As a result of these missiles being launched up to 25 miles into Israel, the Israeli Defense Forces decided retaliation was necessary. I agree with the IDF in their decision to defend themselves. After a late December 2008 retaliation (in which I was in Israel when the retaliation began), global media latched onto this story and viciously reprimanded Israel for their actions. They believed that they were not being considerate for civilian lives because they were reading Palestinian reports of casualties. In any warzone, (not to mention one of the most densely populated areas in the world), there will be civilian casualties. But, were many of these casualties even "civilian?" To fully understand the situation, you must consider the parties involved. Hamas, the governing body in the Gaza Strip has been known to use questionable war tactics. Some of these tactics include dressing up as civilians and shooting rockets as "civilians." Also, the IDF has conclusive evidence that Hamas has launched rockets from hospitals as well as schools. So, when Israel (after dropping leaflets and informing the civilians about their plan of attack) bombs these launching pads, Hamas uses these images to their advantage with the world media. How would you fight this group of people? All I can say is that history tends to repeat itself. We need to find a solution to this very very complicated situation before entire races are wiped out. Ideally, co-existing is possible, we just need to find some way to accept that different groups are different. I would like to think that evil is learned and can be unlearned, but realistically, I cannot believe this. Other worldly conflicts such as the crises in Sudan, Sri Lanka, Columbia, and Pakistan have to be observed closely with open minds so that we do not let history repeat itself. I am afraid to witness another tragedy such as the Holocaust, but if we let conflicts go unnoticed, it is all too possible. I hope that this article does not come off as ignorant, but all I know is that I am trying to learn as much as I can before taking a stance about certain issues. I think that education is the greatest way that we can stop violence and promote peace in this crazy world. Read some!

When I'm sixty-four (or thirty)...

In order to form a more perfect union between me and my job, I must explore my field of work. I must explain that my career will more than likely involve a series of jobs that will not be permanent. But as I understand that I will more than likely be moving around quite a bit in my early career, I realize that more doors will open for me. Therefore, I will be focusing more time on my professional career as I enter the workforce than my personal life. I wish it did not have to be like this, but I believe that if I will put time into my industry early, I will be rewarded in the future with a successful, steady job at which point I will be able to live my personal life to my liking.
In ten years, I am hoping to have settled down in one job that will allow me to focus on personal matters such as starting a family. Additionally, if I have not settled down, I will plan on trying to find a stable job. As a golf pro, I will need to accept certain things as part of my life. Such aspects include the loss of weekends (as that is the busiest time of your business), and adjustments to a seasonal position (if I choose to look for work up north, where I am originally from). As for where I would like to live, I am on the fence. The northeast is my home and is the source of the industry's highest paying jobs. I know that money isn't everything, but the budget of a golf pro is tight as it is, so the extra bucks may impact my decision. Also, these positions are usually seasonal, so I would have to figure out what to do with the extra few months when it becomes frigid and snowy. However, after my schooling in the great state of South Carolina, I have learned the wondrous qualities of the south. The people and attitudes down here are hard to match, for sure. If I were to decide right now, I would go up north when I enter the workforce. The main basis for this is that I would want to be close to my roots and core values and family as I am returning from intermission and starting a new act in the play I call my life.
In conclusion, I would like to work in the golf industry, preferably in the northeast, where I can establish strong connections, while staying connected to my family and core roots. I would consider the possibly of working in the "off-season" down south, so I could have the best of both worlds. As far as the "lifestyle" I would like to live, I would love to start a family when I am ready and stable and steady eddy. However, I do reckon that this may take some time to establish myself in the professional world.
As for now, I am living my life one day at a time and not focusing too hard on the future because you really have no idea what life might have in store for you. So until that day comes,..

blog post 2.0

The machine is us/ing us. I suppose this title is a bit of a pun. The composer of this work thinks that the new functions of the world wide web (the machine) is encompassing human identity. Also, he claims that the machine is using the users to gain more knowledge and eventually take over the world (if it hasn't already). All in the meanwhile, the author cleverly uses "us/ing" as a little reference to how web 2.0 has changed how communication takes place.
As I am typing this post, I realize how much word processing has changed and how you can really express yourself in a completely different way that you could have 10, 20, 50, 100, 10000 years ago. I mean before, all you could do was try to bang a sharp rock into a bigger flatter rock and try to "write" "messages." As time passed, you were able to put a piece of processed tree into a feed roller, and then instantly "type" a message (but if you messed up, you had to bust out the white out [don't put it in your eye, though]). Nowadays, we take for granted the ease of changing fonts, styles, size, layout, and the everso useful backspace key. Web 2.0 has taken the expression of ideas and words to a new level. Communication links people and the outlet of today's communication is changing an exponential rate.
But is web 2.0 a good thing? Everything is good in moderation, right? Well, I think that web 2.0, and all that comes with it has really helped the greater good of humanity. But, I also think it is a little scary. The amount and type of information that is available on the internet makes you think what people can see and find out. Also, it is scary to see how communication is breaking down in this country. I have heard that our people my age are said to be part of "generation x" or "generation next." I think today's kids will be soon called "generation text." That gives me chills, just to think of how our language will soon be condensed to one letter words and the absence of vowels. ya no wht im sayin?
For generation x, we must be ready how to utilize web 2.0 effectively as we enter the workforce. The future will demand our abilities to communicate through these technological mediums. If you already have these skills, you will be ahead of your class, most likely.. As important it is to know what web 2.0 is, is to know how not to use web 2.0. For example, web 2.0 is all about self expression and communication, but you do not want to express yourself negatively, especially in the professional world. Sites like facebook and myspace are of public domain, and I am pretty sure some people would not potential employers looking at their "spaces." I have heard that people post pictures of themselves in inebriated states. I guess that makes you cool? Doesn't smoking make you cool too? Maybe, I'm missing something.
Anywho, the video refers to this idea of rethinking everything. My interpretation of this is that we must remember to think before we type. Clearly, I am not a hypocrite, as I really thought about everything I wrote in this composition.. But, I think it is important to take advantage of the ease of personal expression through 2.0, but you must also communicate intelligently. Post over.

no one in da club got swagga like me

my name is nate. i am originally from new city, ny (which is a suburb or nyc). this means that i am not from "upstate." please do not ask if new city is upstate, because it is 33.4 miles from the heart of downtown. i am not a city person, as it is obvious that i'm going to school in the middle of south carolina. i am a morning person and need sufficient sleep on a daily basis ~8 hours. i like ordering new things at restaurants. i like golf so much that i am going to make a living out of it. i own a 10 year old goldfish. i like to read a wide variety of novels and nonfiction. i am big into music (playing/listening/creating). i like to dance to disco, funk, and trance music. i like to cook without recipes. i like to cook with recipes. on weekends, i have been known to drink some root beers and bust out the pictionary (if i'm feeling frisky, watch out parcheesi players). i am a giants fan as well as a yanks fan (do not hate). however, i really do not like the yanks new purchasing plan. it was much more fun to see actual talent come up through the farm system, instead of wasting quarters of billions of dollars on washed up vets. i think that as exciting as professional sports can be, u.s. money can go to much more productive efforts. i will get off my soap box, and will try not to ramble about my opinions. i can not stand the bias in the media. people have to experience something first hand in order to get a true idea of what is going on in this world. i will be the first to admit if i am ignorant on a topic. i try to stay educated on current events. i tend to be a man of very few words (spoken). i am leaving a lot out, but that is what the rest of the semester will reveal. it is relatively apparent, that i am an at length writer, but i will conclude for now. until next time... cheers!