Observation

  During the week I chose to observe the gym just to get a sense of how to observe and what to look for. I notices there were a lot of technology placed around the gym. Lined up against the back left wall were treadmills. On the treadmills were T.V's for people to enjoy while they run. That's a big step forward in technology, making working out a little bit exciting. Also the bench machines have changed a lot in the last couple of years. Instead of trying to balance the weight bar yourself, now the machines does it for you so you can focus on the work out. That was also a big step in technology that some people may not of noticed, also making the bench safer.
  Second, a lot of people bring their own technology to the gym. For example, more than half of the people were using headphones. Of the people using headphones, only about 30 percent were using ear buds, the rest had the new headphones that cove your ears. Also, there was the occasional people who brought their Ipad with them to work out.
 Near the end of my observation I understood working out has changed a lot, all because of new technology. Some people might argue the change is bad and is not working as good like the old machines. On the other hand, a lot of people seemed to enjoy the new technology that was added to the machines.

It takes a Tribe

     I thought the short essay It takes a tribe, by David Berreby, had really good arguments explaining stereotypes. He supported his arguments by telling stories of running into different kinds of people. I feel anyone reading this can make connections with their everyday lives.  A lot of people, especially in college, tend to connect with a certain type of group stereotyping everyone else. On page 121, David argues people will risk their lives for a certain group they feel a part of. In most cases this is true, I would like to think I would step in and help a friend who is in danger. The question is though, would you risk your life for someone you do not know? That's when things get a little harder.
     As described in the essay, people tend to hesitate when it is someone they don't know. I found interesting in one of the studies is, we identify with the groups which we are accidently placed in. Also, I noticed a lot of the studies had to do with college students and experiences. I have noticed, and probably done this myself, people tend to try and fit in with the crowd. They way you act in class is probably not the way you act around family or at home. In all, stereotype affects people, making them not like someone or assume before they even meet. Either way you define it will take a long time before it goes away.

Collage, Making Memories Every Day

Thinking about all the ideas I could make my collage about, I decided to do it about friends and family. When making my collage I decided to put a family tree as my background, letting me show who is more important. At the very top of my collage I put a quote, "Everyday is a Memory". To me, this quote is saying spend time with the people you care about, those are the people who are going to have long lasting memories in your life. Below the quote I start off with my Parents and sister. Out of everyone they mean the most to me. In a sense, they are the ones who helped shaped me today. Following my parents come my family. I spend every holiday and Birthday with them, making us a really close family. They have taught me a lot of things in life so I am glad we are all so close. After my family I chose to put my two neighbors which I have known my whole life. Together we learned to play every sport. Growing up we have decided to get into fishing which has been a positive influence in my life. Also, I feel we helped make each other who we are today. Right down from our lifestyles, to what we find funny. Last, I put some activities that I enjoy doing like bike riding, tubing, and soccer. Hopefully from this you found some things out about me.


Thomas Hellmuth