Entry #10 The Beauty of Old Generation Cars

 I have grown up around older generation cars my entire life. I have grown up looking at the beauty of these cars, along with riding in them. In my opinion they look nicer and stylish to new made cars. This past weekend I attended Goodguys'. I went on Saturday which meant the newest car could of only been from 1998.

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    Old generation cars look so much better than the newer generation cars. They are antiques at this time depending on the car and the rarity. Cars back then were made and kept in better shape than they do now. You see a nice old car on the road you respect the car and the owner for keeping the car looking nice. I would not call myself a crazy car guy because I care mostly about the exterior and interior look compared to the parts and mechanic side. There is certain parts and pieces I can name; however, if I was asked to fix it, I would not be able to. Depending on the car they look very nice no matter the generation or body style. Others look way better older than they do new. 

1st generation Camaro

    It is sad to see the lack of old generation cars unless you're at an event for them. I think people need to appreciate them more. Big car guys will also keep these cars in pristine shape and occasionally will put a bunch of money into them to keep them nice. They sound very nice as well no matter the exhausts. The sound of a nice sounding cars is one of the best sounds to hear in my opinion. Another thing was that old cars would have so many nicer and better-looking color options then cars do now. For example, there is a color called butternut yellow, old Chevrolet cars were made in this color. 

    If I could go back or have the money to own one of these cars I would. I am lucky to have a few old cars in my family that are very nice. Including a 72' Corvette, 71' Camarro, 57' Bell Air, and a 72' C10. My goal is to learn to drive stick shift, so I am able to drive those old cars. The car I own is not very old compared to these, but it is an 03' s10 which was the last production year of this model of truck. 

3rd generation c101st generation Duster

1st generation Challenger2nd Generation Camaro 

It might be bias since I am around these types of cars, and they are in my family, but I think they are the best cars. Specifically, muscle cars. Chevrolet, Dodge, Ford, and Pontiac are at the top of my list. I would rather own an old Camaro then a Ferrari. Goodguys is a great event to go to if you are interested in American produced nostalgic cars. Cars are not for everyone, but if they are it is a great place to check out. The plan is to get one from my grandpa or own one myself later in life. 

Entry #9 Media Synthesis

 Media influences people all over the world every moment of every day, even if you did not know. Media consists of apps on a phone like social media, all the way to paintings in a museum. Media is everywhere. Before this class I did not know that basically everything is a form of media. 

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    Media is influencing me all the time whether its news related, sports related, or just an internet trend. I see videos on TikTok about certain events happening around the world occasionally. I would ask my dad about them sometimes and every once and awhile I would be told that the news I saw was fake. Another example would be when I am watching or attending a sporting event and there is media surrounding me. Advertisements for product, sports analyzers and other fans showing of media. Athletes support certain stances who influence others including myself. They have stances on world issues but also just products that these athletes use in their particular sport.

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A media like Ai has really started to kick off as of recently. It has made society very lazy. At this rate everyone around says Ai will take over the world. I wonder how many jobs will eventually be taken over by an Ai computer system. I am unfamiliar with Ai and do not know how it works. It honestly shocks me how Ai can instantly spit out information in seconds on whatever it was told to do. 

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    I will be very honest most of my media and news comes from social media between Instagram and TikTok. This causes good and bad problems. Social media and any media can give false information. If you see the same news multiple times people, including myself, tend to start believing them. Another place I get media phone is places like ESPN and Bleacher Report. These are sports media outputs. These apps give news such as- recent score activity, trades, and other sports news.

    Media is very important for daily use by everyone whether it is news related or not. Media is used to understand society and what is going on around the world. It also allows people to see other people's stances and views on the world around them. Media is only going to become more prevalent as the internet continues to evolve. Media influences people in very bad ways but can also be good. It all relies on how the user of the media interprets the information shown.

Entry # 8 NASCAR

 While a lot of younger people do not enjoy the sport of NASCAR (National Automotive Stock Car Auto Racing), I grew up watching it with my grandpa and have fallen in love with the sport as I have grown older. While most people just think it is a lot of left turns with some occasional right hand turns it is much more than that. A sport formed from running from bootleggers' tunning cars to outrun the cops with illegal moonshine turned to a nationally watched sport.

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NASCAR is a motorsport consisting of the world's best stock car racers. These drivers go through a grueling 38 races throughout the year starting in early February and ending in early November. February hosts the Daytona 500 and as of the last few years the championship in November has been hosted by Phoenix, Arizona. The entire field consists of around 40 drivers per week coming from all sorts of driving backgrounds. Backgrounds from go carting from a young age or I-racing and sim driving. What is unique about this sport is that there is not one driver that dominates over everyone else. Throughout the season around about 15-18 different drivers will get a win throughout the season on various different types of tracks. 

The diversity of tracks:

Throughout the season drivers travel the country racing on all sorts of racing surfaces, old and new. Some of the most popular like Daytona International Super Speedway is one of the most known tracks where a non-fan of the sport might recognize the name. This track is a very big track that is about 2.5 miles long with an insane 31 degree banking all the way around. A track like this sees very high speeds and a lot of very close racing called plate racing or pack racing. The tracks range from 2.5 miles all the way down to .5-mile tracks. These small tracks allow the drivers to use their prestige techniques to maneuver their way around. 

daytona

martinsville

Superstar in the making:

My favorite driver drives the number 5 car. His name is Kyle Larson. He is one of the most popular drivers within the sport. He is in reality a superstar in the making and the face of the sport. He won a championship in 2020. He is one of the best drivers at every type of track. He has also competed in the Indy 500. I have been grateful to be able to watch him drive in person twice. 

All in all, NASCAR is a very interesting sport that is definitely more fun in person. I have been lucky to go 2 times this past year. I actually was just at the championship race last weekend and the experience was insane. How loud these cars are unmatched. There is not a sound that I can use to describe it unless someone has experienced it themselves. Every Sunday I got something to look forward to watching even if it is by myself.

Entry #7 The Hashtag

After reading multiple articles about the hashtag, the use of the sign (#) is a very popular sign used in today's world. It has multiple uses whether it is used to display as a number sign or to use it as a connection to people on social media with similar likings.          

       It is interesting to think that before the use of social media there was not a whole lot of purpose for the pound symbol (#). The word Hashtag Activism was created. The basics of this word allow people to connect over the internet through any social media platform. It has moved into a cultural phenomenon as of recent from the widespread usage across the world. The use of a hashtag will put you in a digital space with similar liked people. For example, if you used the hashtag, #relationship or #fyp. These will put you in the same space where every other person who uses that exact hashtag.

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    I personally do not use hashtags. I'll use them occasionally when I'm messing around talking to my friends; however, I do not use them on actual social media and bring them out into the public. They do not affect me as much as others, but I do see them being used throughout the online world. It is definitely in more people's vocabulary then others.

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Hashtags are used to connect with others around the world. It is hard to believe that before today's day in age the hashtag had basically no use until people started using it within social media. While for some people it is not used while others use it in their daily life to represent themselves to others on the internet.

Entry #6 2024 Heisman Football Race

                                            2024 Heisman Football Race

This current year might be one of the most excited Heisman trophy races in recent years. There are 3 of some of the biggest names in college football. Realistically, 2 of them have a very good chance to win this prestigious award. This award is given to the best overall player in college football over that year. 

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The three names in the Heisman race in this point of the 2024 CFB season is Cam Ward, Travis Hunter, and Ashton Jeanty. All three of these players are very good in their own way; however, this award can only go to one of these players.

Ashton Jeanty:

Ashton Jeanty is a running back who players for the Boise State Broncos. They are projected to make the playoffs and win the Mountain West conference. His team is currently 5-1 and is very possible from the team to not loose another game the rest of the season. He is on pace to break the all-time rushing yards record. This record was previously set by Barry Sanders in 1988 with 2,628 yards rushing. Jeanty is on pace to shatter this record by almost 100 yards. There has only been one player since the record was set to come close. That player was Melvin Gordon in 2014 with 2587 yards. People might ask how this guy is not the unanimous favorite. He should be but he plays in the Mountain West conference; therefore, people are downgrading him because he is not in one of the power 4 conferences. I personally think that he should win no matter what team or what competition he is playing against. Breaking a record that is almost 40 years old is very impressive. He is already ready for the NFL and will fit on any team.

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Cam Ward:

Cam Ward is the quarterback for the University of Miami. He is leading the number 6 team in the nation. He is an improvisor quarterback who excels at every part of the game. He leads the entire league in passing yards with 2538 yards just over halfway through the season. He also leads the league in touchdowns with 24. People explain him as very calm and composed. Ward is the most NFL ready quarterback. Cam is projected to go as the number 1 quarterback off the draft board. He is projected to lead his team to an ACC title and make the College Football Playoffs this winter. While he is the best quarterback of the year, I believe that he will end 3rd in the final Heisman voting. I also think that this award should not go to quarterback. This is because a quarterback can control a game whereas a wide receiver or a running has to rely on the quarterback to give them the ball.

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Travis Hunter:

Travis Hunter is a cornerback/ wide receiver for the Colorado Buffaloes.  His team is 5-2 and have a chance to make the playoffs if they find a way to win the Big 12. The very first argument for Hunter is that he plays both sides of the ball, offense and defense. Throughout the game there is very few times he is not on the field. The only time he will be off the field is if he is injured or takes a 1 play rest. He is not just good on both sides either. He is at the top of each of his positions. Since he plays wide receiver that allows him to make acrobatic plays as a defensive player that many other people at his position cannot do. He is one of the most known players in the league. His highlight videos might be the most impressive than anyone else I have seen. While his stats on the season aren't astonishing and eye catching, he has a very good chance to win. While I do think he should win the Heisman I think he will win especially because of his publicity. 

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I think overall this college football season is one of the craziest years. There is no clear favorite after most of the big-name schools are all beating each other. Along with that, the Heisman race is very exciting with these 3 players. There are also the possibilities of other people joining the race since there is still plenty of the season left. Over the last few years quarterbacks have won the Heisman however I think this is the year where a non-quarterback wins the award. I am hoping that Ashton Jeanty wins the award. The award is up in the air there is no clear favorite in my opinion at this point in time 

Entry #5 Is Higher Education Worth it in Arizona

                     Is Higher Education in Arizona Worth it?

Is college actually a good investment to get into? What if college is too hard? These are questions that people graduating high school deal with as they approach adult life and the tuff decision of college or the workforce. I personally struggled with this decision myself until ultimately choosing higher education at the community college level.

After reading the two articles from the Arizona Republic about higher education in Arizona, Arizonans with college degrees can make more money. Here’s how much (azcentral.com) and Ducey: Why Arizona needs more college grads (azcentral.com). The two articles gave me a better understanding of what higher education means specifically to the state of Arizona. I still have my opinions, and I do not completely have a stance on the situation.

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I am just over half a semester into community college, and I have already noticed certain things that catch my eye. Things such as some people just do not have an all the time in the world to focus on school. Problems such as a full-time job, or having a family are two issues I have noticed at the community college level. While people at a 4-year university might not have the same issues as a junior college student. College needs full attention and focus to be able to pass and graduate. 

While college is better because of the endless career opportunities after the fact, it is very expensive. If someone is not fortunate enough to get into college on a scholarship, it can be very expensive even at the junior college level. It is a very had decision to make, and it could be one of the biggest decisions in someone's life. College is a great opportunity to meet new people and make memories along the way. When talking to people about their college experiences everyone has different views, and they are all mixed. 

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My choice of college honestly only became of my sport. I was out a track and field meet the GCC Track and Field coach, Brad Fields. Otherwise, I might have not gone to college. I had no idea what I wanted to do as a career. I did not want to waste money on classes and schooling when I did not know what to do in the future. I am still kind of unclear, but I have sort of an idea at this point in my life. I definitely think I picked the right choice. While also getting a higher education, barely have a semester in I have made very good memories and met very good people who I enjoy being around all the time.

I definitely have a mixed opinion about this matter because people who do not go to college can definitely make a good amount of money, I personally have people in my family who made a very good living without going to college. Higher education is very important, but I think it is a decision that can vary depending on the person. I think it is a good idea with a career in mind. I also think not going to college would also be a good decision.

Entry #4 Music

 Music 

Music allows people to express themselves and allows people to communicate in a way that is different than any other way. Music is used in every culture in the world for different purposes. Personally, I listen to a wide variety of music it completely depends on my mood. Music helps me get through any day especially when days get hard. 

Country: 

Country music allows me to concentrate on a situation, specifically school. My parents are always listening to country which brought me close to the genre. I have been to one concert in my lifetime, and it was a Morgan Wallen concert. He is my favorite country artist. His music is very diverse. Sometimes he features in rap songs. I think that he honestly does not have a bad song. I do not just listen to Wallen. I listen to a lot of Morgan Wallen, but I enjoy all country music. It allows me to chill and relax. Artists like Thomas Rhett, Luke Combs, Kane Brown, and Zach Brown are notable country singers I listen too.

Rap and Pop:

Rap allows me to have a good time. When I have a family or neighborhood gathering pop, party music is played. I can't listen to rap if I am trying to focus on a task like school. I listen to rap music to have a good time. A very important use for this genre is to get me ready for a race in Track. During my warmups I listen to this genre to get me ready. I also listen to rap and pop at practice. It locks me in and focuses me in that way. When I'm hanging out with friends I listen to rap and pop and make memories. Artist like Bruno Mars, Travis Scott, Drake, 21 Savage, and Don Toliver are listened to. Even artists like Michael Jackson I enjoy that can fall under the pop category.

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Classic Rock:

I listen to classic rock with my grandpa for the most part and occasionally when I am in the mood. There is no specific time I listen to rock it is honestly nostalgic more than anything. Besides country, classic rock could be used to focus. The choruses of this genre are relaxing in its own way.  In my opinion classic rock is very underrated and underappreciated. Musicians I like are Led Zeppelin, Queen, Journey, Guns n Roses. These are a few that I listen to.

 led zeppelin 

Music overall helps me in any instant of the day. Music is used for anything and everything anyone wants to use it for. Music can help in good and bad situations. Such as, being alone just listening to a specific type of music that sooths and relaxes them. Streaming apps like Spotify allow people to be more diverse with all types of music. This is because in the modern day these apps allow people to stream any type of music, any song whenever they please. Music has almost become a daily essential to my daily life.