Miss Sally Says...

grades in, miss sally not

2006-05-03T10:09:00.000-07:00

to anyone that actually checks this, i am still on the road (visiting a friend, actually) and will check my email on monday. just wanted to leave this here for posterity. your grade is a reflection of your exam scores and your participation. (everyone got their participation scores for every single assignment.) any 'bonus points' during the year were applied to the last question on the final (for example, if it was totally wrong, i may have given you a -4 instead of a -5.). apart from this, there was no extra credit accepted or offered. finally, if you have a problem with your grade (a serious one, not something ridiculous like, 'i got a d, but since i showed up with a smiley face every week, is it possible to get a c? pretty pleaaaase???') then email me at sallysall@aol.com and make sure to put 4445 in the subject, or else i actually won't read it.. i left tallahassee with 755 emails on aol and i have a feeling this has mushroomed in the past week.
happy summer and all the best to you,
miss sally

Kenny's Questions for Chapters 9 and 10

2006-04-14T15:07:00.000-07:00

Chapter 9

1.) How would someone describe a burnout?
Ans: He or she is just putting in their time until retirement.
2.) What is the difference between a Young Hawk and a Buffalo?
Ans: A Young Hawk is constantly seeking ways to improve the group and will talk about work even after work is done; an Old Buffalo puts in his or her 8 hours of work and is done when they leave.
3.) Organization Culture can enhance this type of behavior within groups:
Ans: Risk Taking behavior
4.) Police, Firemen, and high school teachers are all exmaples of this:
Ans: "burnouts"
5.) Company loyalists actively participate in Stage 2 of a CR session: T or F
Ans: False
6.) An extremely dangerous situation in which no communication conflict is taking place is:
Ans: groupthink
7.)Airheading is:
Ans: An attempt by a group member to conceal the fact that they have done very little work
8.) What is an Apology Ritual?
Ans: A rapid unthinking "I'm sorry" or "Pardon Me"

Chapter 10

1.) Monday morning and Decision Making are 2 types of ________?
Ans: business meetings
2.) Create a real agenda and start an end meetings on time are two ways to ______?
Ans: master time
3.) Regulating participation is an example of mastering time T/F?
Ans: True
4.) What are 2 ways to manage information among collaborating groups?
Ans: Information should be strategically managed and the grapevine serves as a supplementary channel of communication
5.) The CEO disseminates the organizational saga to:
Ans: as many members of the company as possible
6.)The integration system is reffered to as a supplementary channel of communication. T/F
Ans: False (grapevine)
7.) What is the number one reason that managers hate meetings?
Ans: Some people kept getting off subject
8.) The groups final face-to-face interaction is an example of ______?
Ans: Gaining Group Concensus

Questions For Ch. 9-10 Heather Brewer

2006-04-12T07:45:00.000-07:00

Chapter Nine: Managing Conflict In Groups
1. What factors influence the level of conflict within a team?
Differences in propensity to take risks, differences in professional consciousness states, cultural differences, personality differences, the push and pull between collaboration and competition, the organization reward and incentive policies, and the propensity of the team to engage in or avoid groupthink.
2. Organizational culture can influence ________ - taking behavior in groups.
Risk.
3. Do all group members have the same level of group consciousness?
No, creating group consciousness for new members and raising the sustaining consciousness of old members provide continual sources of conflict.
4. What is a burnout?
A burnout has no professional consciousness. Usually portrayed as an employee who had fought the good fight at one time but no longer capable of rallying any professional pride to his job.
5. Give an example of two professions that people tend to become “burnouts.”
Police, high school teachers
6. Is a Young Hawk known for his or her chronological age or consciousness?
Consciousness
7. Old Buffalo provides ________ to the consciousness of the group.
Stability
8. Do company loyalists actively participate in Stage Two of the CR session?
NO
Chapter Ten: Facilitating Group Work Within and Between Teams and Organizations
1.Give 3 out of the top ten complaints managers have about meetings.
The meeting started late, No conclusion was reached, and the meeting was disorganized
2. What rules and strategies should be established when planning and calling a meeting?
Advance notice of meeting agenda, Create a realistic agenda, schedule meetings at the best time, start and end meeting on time, regulate participation, get the agenda covered, follow up meeting.
3. What are the four basic kinds of business meetings?
Monday Morning Meetings, Monthly meetings, Decision-Making meetings, Planning meetings.
4. Why is the role of the In-house Communication channels important?
It allows new employees to become acquainted with the company’s history through web pages, Internet, Web magazine or the companies published in house magazine.
5. What do some organizations do to promote informal social interaction within and between groups?
They create social activities such as bowling or baseball leagues.
6. What is the job of the Coordinator?
The job of the coordinator includes managing, integrating, and supporting the interdependent activities among team members.
7. What is the job of a Socio-Net Manager?
The socio-Net manager manages the social fabric of the team, tries to humanize the potentially dehumanizing influence of working with technology, builds interpersonal relationships within the team, and helps to anticipate and manage potential disagreements and conflicts when it arises.
8. What should groups do in order the build relationships when working in virtual team environments?
One should meet face to face, Maintain a web of connection, and adapt to cultural differences.

Miss Sally Says...

Ch 9 & 10

2006-04-11T19:49:00.000-07:00

9
1. Which factor does not limit the level of conflict within a team?
a. differeences in risk taking
b. groupthink
c. business meeting *

2.T/F Cross cultural differences are likely to influence the level of conflict within a group?
True

3. What are the 5 classic states of professional consciousness?
- burnout, young hawk, old buffalo, company loyalist, cynic

4. Which state provides stability to the consciousness of the group?
- old buffalo

5. Name 3 symptoms of groupthink:
- rationalization of mistakes, self-censorship, forced conformity

6. Name 3 cures of groupthink:
-reduce leader dominance, keep group pride within limits, use problem solving agenda system

7. Name one way to manage group and organizational conflict:
- build group pride on work behaviors

8. Name one way to manage interpersonal conflict:
- engage in face-saving behavior

10
1. T/F Organizational effectiveness depends on enhancing communication competence in face to face contexts.
True

2. T/F e-mail remains a primary vehicle for intergroup collaboration within organizations
Fakse

3. Name 2 ways to master time:
- create a realistic agenda, start & end meetings on time

4. Name 2 types of business meeting:
-monday morning meetings, decision making meetings

5. What is the goal of any organization that is the same of any living species:
immortality

6. Who attempts to build a consensus on issues such as how, when, & where team members are going to communicate, & who will play the role of implementing the communication plan?
- communication strategist

7. What is the extent to which a medium is perceived as conveying the presence of people involved ina communication encounter?
- social presence

8. Name one way to team build in a virtual team:
- make your team members heroes

Ch 9 and 10

2006-04-11T11:04:00.000-07:00

Ch. 9
1. The type of conflict which may paralyze teams and adversely influence the chances of building consensus, member satisfaction and productivity.
Answer:Bad Conflict
2. True or False: High Risk takers act this way in all settings and circumstances.
Answer: False
3. ________Produces group pride and identity.
Answer: Consciousness Raising talk
4. True or False: An old buffalo describes a person who has "fought the good fight" and is no longer capable of rallying any professional pride to do the job
Answer:False
5. True or False: A cynic is a person who has a cynical state of consciousness in the group. Distrust of the company
Answer: True
6. ___________ is the type of group member who represents a kind of ideal state of professional contentment in a group.
Answer:Company Loyalist
7. A dangerous phenomenon in which no conflict communication is taking place
Answer: Groupthink
8. One cure for Groupthink
Answer: Keep group pride within limits

Ch. 10
1. True or false: The primary vehicle for intergroup collaboration is email
Answer: False
2. List two ways of mastering time:
Answer: Create a realistic agenda, regulate participation
3. True or false: The group morale is not a concern of the group supervisors
Answer: False
4. True or false:A group leader should not allow members to verbalize all the major issues of a decision before committing to it even if a consensus has been reached
Answer: False
5. ________ type of meetings typically have a great deal of autonomy in structuring their activities and in reaching their final conclusions.
Answer: Planning Meetings
6. ___________is referred to as a supplementary channel of communication?
Answer:Grapevine
7. True or False: the role of the CEO is to disseminate the organizational saga to as many members of the company as possible
Answer: True
8. In the world of virtual teams what role is described as managing, integrating, and supporting the interdependent activities among team members.
Answer:Coodinator

Ch. 9 & 10

2006-04-11T06:55:00.000-07:00

Chapter 9

1. An attempt by a group member to conceal the fact that they have done very little work is _________ (airheading)
2. A condition that occurs when all group members display an overabundance of conflict. (The groupthink phenomenon)
3. Monitoring and censoring one's own personal beliefs is ______. (a symptom of groupthink)
4. When groups are competitive with eachother it raises the risk of _____. (groupthink)
5. By playing the central negative role, you are using a strategy for ____ ______. (combating groupthink)
6.Compromising is a style of ______ (conflict resolution)
7. T/F polarizing is a style of conflict resolution (fasle)
8. When a person tries to relieve tension in a group and does it innapporpriately they could be considered to be engaging in the role of playing a ____. (clown)

Chapter 10

1. Crossing territorial boundaries and network with other work groups is an _____ strategy to advance within an organization. (effective)
2. The major purpose in sending out an agenda before a meeting is ________. (to save meeting time)
3. The primary communication function and leadership function of a CEO is to ________. (royally flush out the best members within your organization)
4. T/F A basic principle of intergroup communication within an organization is that the group and the organization engage in a high level of mutual and reciprocal interaction. (True)
5. T/F By telling positive stories about groups within the organization other than your own you are not able to enhance member satisfaction and productivity. (False)
6. Organizational membership satisfaction and productivity are enhanced by intergroup ________. (Cohesion)
7. T/F Grapevine is generally accessible through social settings. (True)
8. T/F Monthly meetings often have guest speakers. (True)

Chapters 9&10

2006-04-09T20:32:00.001-07:00

Ch 9

Multiple Choice

1.Which factor is likely to influence the level of conflict within a team?
a) Individual differences in propensity to take risks
b) Differences in professional in professional consciousness states
c) Cultural Differences
d) Personality Differences
e) All of the above*

2.What is the first step in the "good conflict" process?
a) Seeking to understand all perspectives
b) Attacking the issue, not each other, and channeling emotion into collaborative problem solving
c) Acknowledging that the conflict exists*
d) Searching for common ground by aligning the conflict with the goals and purpose of the team
e) Developing a plan to describe what each person might do to solve a problem.

3. A _____ _____ is known not by his or her chronological age but by his or her consciousness.
a) Young Hawk*
b) Old Buffalo
c) Company Loyalist
d) Cynic

4. ______ _______ may have operated in the events surround the Challenger disaster.
a) Problem Think
b) Group Think*
c) Company Loyalists
d) Young Hawk

True or False

5. The informal and formal structures of an organization largely determine the degree of conflict that occurs within a work group and among the groups that constitute the organization.
*True

6. Decision-making does no extract a toll on a group's professional identity
*False

Fill in the blank

7. _________ is a noncompetitive and noncollaborative response in the face of the interpersonal and team conflict
*Avoidance

8. One whose characteristic response to conflict is __________ may believe that one should engage in mutual yielding or mutual yielding or mutual concession.
*Compromising

CH 10

Multiple Choice
1. What is the #1 reason why managers hate meetings?
a) The meeting started late
b) The meeting was disorganized
c) There was no agenda
d) Some people kept getting off the subject*

2. Which choice lists the four basic types of business meetings
a) Monday morning meetings, monthly meetings, decision-making meetings, and planning meetings.*
b) Manager meetings, monthly meetings, decision-making meetings, expense meetings.
c) Basic meetings, payroll decisions , problem-making meetings, and organizing meetings.
d) Tuesday morning meetings, monthly meetings, relation-making meetings, and planning meetings.

3. What type of meeting meets only once a month?
a) Monthly meetings*
b) Decision-making meetings
c) Monday morning meetings
d) Planned meetings

True or False

4. According to Theory X, The Corporate hero is a manager who is assertive and task-oriented.
*True

5. Coordination refers to managing , bossing people around, and supporting the interdependent activities among team members.
*False (The bossing people around is false, integrating should be there instead)

6. The socio-Net manager serves much the same function as the socio-emotional leader.
*True
Fill in the blanks

7. One of the first decisions you will make as a new supervisor is whether or not you should call a ________.
*Meeting

8. Communication ________competence depends on effectiveness and appropriateness
*competence

Chapter 9 and 10 questions (8 each)

2006-04-04T20:12:00.000-07:00

For some reason the letters are not posting for the 1st 8 questions. Sorry!

This person has no professional conciousness.
Cynic
Burnout**
Young hawk
Old buffalo
Company loyalist

This person is no tknown by his or her chronological age, but by his or her conciousness.
Cynic
Burnout
Young hawk**
Old buffalo
Company loyalist

These type of people provide stability to the consciousness of the group.
Cynic
Burnout
Young hawk
Old buffalo**
Company loyalist

This type of person never ventilates about upward supervisors, competing work groups, or people being served. They embrace an almost static state of group euphoria.
Cynic
Burnout
Young hawk
Old buffalo
Company loyalist**

This person has a “bitter” state of conciousness in the group.
Cynic**
Burnout
Young hawk
Old buffalo
Company loyalist

“I’m sorry…” is an example of…
Tag questions
Disclaimer
Apology ritual**
Trivial adjectives

“Don’t get me wrong, I would never, ever presume to be bossy but…” is an example of…
Tag questions
Disclaimer**
Apology ritual
Trivial adjectives

“Oh phooey – that’s the group’s way of thinking. I like to do my own work and not waste all my time.” Is an example of…
Tag questions
Disclaimer
Apology ritual
Trivial adjectives**

Chapter 10 Questions

1. A routine weekly meeting within a formal organization usually calls for a “tell” leadership style on the part of the supervisor.
a. Decision-making meetings
b. Monthly meetings
c. Monday Morning meetings**
d. Planning Meetings

2. These committees usually have a great deal of autonomy in structuring their activites and in reaching their activities and in reaching their final conclusions.
a. Decision-making meetings
b. Monthly meetings
c. Monday Morning meetings
d. Planning Meetings**

3. These meetings require considerable leadership skills; they also involve distinct risks to the leader.
a. Decision-making meetings**
b. Monthly meetings
c. Monday Morning meetings
d. Planning Meetings

4. Many organizations bring their work groups together in a formal meeting once a month.
a. Decision-making meetings
b. Monthly meetings**
c. Monday Morning meetings
d. Planning Meetings

5. TIP stands for:
a. Team in Progress
b. Team Identity Package**
c. Team Identification Program
d. Team Identification Package

6. A solution to the dominant participants in a meeting is to…
a. Schedule meetings at the best time
b. Get the agenda covered
c. Advance notice of meeting agenda
d. Regulate participation**

7. You should not prepare a schedule that you cannot finish in one scheduled meeting. You’re goal is to…
a. Schedule meetings at the best time
b. Get the agenda covered**
c. Advance notice of meeting agenda
d. Regulate participation

8. Routine business meetings are fixed, often on a yearly basis, so that people can schedule around them. This is a great example of…
a. Schedule meetings at the best time**
b. Get the agenda covered
c. Advance notice of meeting agenda
d. Regulate participation

ch. 6-8

2006-04-04T12:05:00.000-07:00

Chapter 6
*According to the author, communication at its basic level is social cognition and goal-directed action.
*Saying “Uh-huh” is an example of _______ (paralanguage)
*Two primary codes used messages are _____ and _____ (nonverbal and verbal)

Chapter 7
*A ______ type of leadership most characteristic of a leader centered leader. (autocratic)
*A ________ is the additive force of all group members who are cooperatively working to achieve a group goal. (cohesion)
*Which DOES NOT fit in the following list: referent, legitimate, expert, conductive, reward. (conductive)

Chapter 8
*T/F- People always play the same roles in a specific group. (true)
*____ is is a negative followership behavior? (help seeking)
*The primary role of the active listener is to ______. (keep the task leader in line)

Ch 6-8

2006-04-03T20:46:00.000-07:00

Chapter 6
Nonverbal messages not only help us interpret the internal states of others, they can also be used in ones pursuit of one’s communication _______.
a) Goals (answer)
b) Dreams
c) Style
d) Message

2. Regarding space communicates: We are all not affected by where we are in relation to other people and places.
*False

3. In a broad sense, kinesics refers to______.
a) movement
b) talking
c) body language (answer)
d) space

Chapter 7
1. According to Marston, what are the four emotional states that might affect the type of designated leader an individual might become
a) dominance, inducement, submission, and compliance
b) dominance, wisdom, submission, and compliance
c) intelligence, inducement, submission, and advancement
d)dominance, inducement, proximity, and compliance

2. The person-centered leadership style flows from a leader’s ability to adapt communication to the demands of the individual involved and the nature of the situation and communication context.
*True

3. Any volunteer work group needs self-esteem booster shots, positive strokes, and "warm fuzzies" to maintain a high level of participation and involvement
*True

Chapter 8
1. In order to reduce uncertainty and make our communication behavior more predictable and routine, our communication is organized by_______ ________.
a)Social Roles (answer)
b)Tension Releasers
c)Stress Relievers
d)Attitude Adjustments

2. The person who plays this role not only has the ability to be funny but also is aware of the sensibilities of the group in given work environments.
a)Task Leader
b)Social-Emotional Leader
c)Tension Releaser (answer)
d)Questioner

3. How many roles are there in small groups?
a)2
b)5 (answer)
c)6
d)8

Ch. 6-8 Questions

2006-04-03T16:30:00.000-07:00

Chapter 6

1. What is the general term we use to describe the sense making process, the process by which people form and use impressions to guide their actions?
a. social cognition*
b. organization
c. expression

2. Which dimension generally indicates the degree to which a culture values behaviors as power seeking, assertiveness, achievement or such factors as caring for others, social support, and nurturance?
a. uncertainty avoidance
b. masculinity- femininity*
c. power distance

3. T/F SYMLOG is a user friendly way for a work group to engage in group perspective taking.
True

Chapter 7

1. Which approach to leadership asks us to look at a composite of desirable qualities that usually distinguish leaders from non leaders?
a. power approach
b. stylistic approach
c. trait approach*

2. Which are emergent leader perspectives?
a. trait, power, stylistic, motivational
b. situational, role-emergence, functional *
c. role & rule, persuasive, person

3. Goal setting, agenda making, clarifying, and summarizing are part of which leadership domain?
a. procedural*
b. task
c. interpersonal

Chapter 8

1. Which is NOT a frequently played role?
a. task leader
b. active listener
c. active releaser*

2. Who is an abrasive & overly dominant person in the group?
a. agressor *
b. doormatter
c. airhead

3. T/F Not all decision making is fraught with conflict.
False

Chapter 6-8 questions

2006-04-03T07:25:00.000-07:00

Chapter 6.

1. A reciprocal process in which we use impressions of individuals and situations to construct verbal and nonverbal messages in an attempt to engage in effective and appropriate interaction with other in our social world is:

a. intrapersonal communication
b. interpersonal communication (answer)
c. spatial communication
d. verbal communication

The sounds a person makes that accompany his or her verbal messages are called ___________________. (paralanguage)

Body language is also known as _________________. (kinesics)

Chapter 7

(T/F) Any volunteer work group needs self-esteem booster shots, positive strokes, and “warm fuzzies” to maintain a high level of participation and involvement. (True)

___________________ is grounded in the authority that is granted the leader by the team or organization that furnishes the context for communication.
Person-centered leadership
Power-centered leadership
Role-centered leadership
Position-centered leadership (answer)

_________________ flows from a leader’s ability to adapt communication to the demands of the individual involved and the nature of the situation and communication context..
Person-centered leadership style (answer)
Power-centered leadership style
Role-centered leadership style
Position-centered leadership style

Chapter 8

Conflict and tension are avoidable when working in teams. (False – they are inevitable)

The __________ projects a group personality that would earn a low double-digit I.Q score.
Whining
Eggheading
Airheading (answer)
Doormatting

These people are too submissive for both their and the group’s own good.
Whining
Eggheading
Airheading
Doormatting (answer)

Chapter 4

2006-03-28T10:29:00.000-08:00

Chapter 4 Powerpoint

Page with resources

Ch. 4 & 5 Questions

2006-03-28T09:18:00.000-08:00

Chapter 4

Nominal group discussion, the Delphi technique, brainstorming, buzz groups, single-question form, ideal solution form PERT, and focus groups are types of _________________. (Decision making techniques)

______ ______ occur when larger groups are broken into small groups to facilitate participation and idea exchange. (buzz groups)

__________________________ are important tools for group decision making (problem-solving agenda systems)

T/F The problem-solving agenda systems that are receiving increasing attention in the 2000s are group decision support systems (True)

_________ is to promote equality of participation and spontaneous conversation (roundtable)

T/F Symposium is used to present different viewpoints using a series of short preplanned speeches of equal length. (True)

___________ is a specialized format in which group members interact among themselves and with an audience on a controversial question. (Panel Discussion)

T/F Extemporaneous speeches and panel discussions require no planning and is completely spontaneous. (False)

T/F The name Delphi technique stems from the story of the oracles at Delphi who foretold the future for the Greeks (True)

Name the six unique features of problem-solving agenda systems. (Dewey:McBrney & Hance, Ross, Wright, Brilhart-Jochem, Functional, and Cyborg)

Chapter 5

The best possible product with the least amount of resources is defined as ________ (efficiency)

T/F Groups never struggle with defining their purpose, they always know the goals they want to reach. (False)

Three general types of questions are: _____, ________, ________ (Question of fact, question of value, and question of policy)

T/F Questions of value are easier to answer than questions of fact because it’s easier to frame the question. (False)

After selecting and narrowing your topic, the next step is to do _________ (research)

Libraries of the future are called ________________ (informational retrieval systems)

T/F If a team relies solely on the internet, quality and productivity can suffer. (True)

Almost 3 quarters of the US college students use _____________ for research saying it is an asset to their education (the internet)

Problems with using the internet are: ______, _______, _______ (information overload, lack of context, and lack of credibility)

______ and ______ are two types of organizing schemes based on time. (procedural organizing and story organizing)

Ch 4 &5 Questions

2006-03-28T08:05:00.000-08:00

Ali's questions
Ch. 4

1. What has become the most customary way for private discussions to take place?
a. Roundtable *
b. Panel Discussion
c. Forum Types

2. Which type of discussion's objective is to present different view points using a series of short preplanned speeches of equal length?
a. Colloquy
b. Roundatble
c. Symposium *

3. The ________ technique is a method for generating group interaction on a discussion topic with the potential for reaching a decision with out the group ever meeting face to face.
a. Nominal
b. Buzz
c. Delphi *

4. _________ have long been used by market researchers as a means for gathering qualitative data about products.
a. Delphi
b. Focus Group *
c. Brainstorm

5. What are the 4 steps in the Ross Four- Step Agenda?
a. definition & limitation, analysis, establishment of criteria, & solution *
b. ventilation, clarification, suggestion of solutions, implementation
c. definition, analysis, understanding of problem, decision

Ch. 5

1. Empirically verifiable and usually requires little group discussion if facts are verifiable are charachteristics of which discussion quetions?
a. Question of Policy
b. Question of Value
c. Question of Fact *

2. T/F Almost three- quarters of US college students now use the internet more than the library. (True)

3. What are the 2 types of organzing schemes based on time?
a. narrative & story
b. preocedural & story
c. narrative & procedural *

4. Which of the following is not an organizational scheme?
a. classification
b. observational *
c. hierarchal

5. Which of the following is not a type of evidence?
a. factual
b. statistical
c. solutional *

Chapter 4 & 5 Questions

2006-03-27T18:25:00.000-08:00

Chapter 4
1) What is the purpose of having a roundtable format?
Answer: To promote equality of participation and spontaneous conversation.
2) True or False: There are more than 300 parliamentary procedures.
Answer: True
3) A _________ is a 4 step process that seperates idea generation from idea evaluation, with emphasis on guranteeing euqal partcipation among all group members.
Answer: Nominal group
4) True or False: John Dewey popularized the brainstorming technique in his book called Applied Imagination.
Answer: False, Alex Osborn

Chapter 5
1) True or False: Working alone is always more time-intensive than teamwork.
Answer: False
2) What are the 3 type of discussion questions?
Answer: Question of fact, Question of value and Question of policy.
3) __________ is the process of sorting information in terms of the steps or stages that must be performed in a particular sequence if the chronology is to be meaningful.
Answer: Procedural organizing.
4) True or False: Finding and testing evidence occurs simultaneously during the research process.
Answer: True

Live 8

2006-03-27T15:13:00.000-08:00

Live 8:
I worked in the group who chose Live 8 as their project idea. I enjoyed working with all of my group members. They were all equally cooperative and efficient. We ended up with an ad that said exactley what Live 8 was all about while displaying the harmful effects of giving these celebrities something they don't even need. Our project was advocating against the fact that celebrities are capitalizing off of these charity events. Live 8 is a charitable event that raises money for the children of Africa who are diagnosed with Aids. Celebrities are capatilizing off of this event because they receive lavish gifts just for attending. Not many people know how much money they are being given and the amount of gifts they get. They claim that they do all of these good deeds, but in fact it is only for a hefty reward. They don't want to admit to this sort of behavior, but it is definately going on. It is interesting and saddening at the same time that these celebrites recieve gift bags that total over 25,000 dollars in merchandise for attending these events. They could feed a third world country if they just gave up that goody bag just one time. Celebrities should in fact be trying to raise money for these events without receiving any payment for showing their face. That is the meaning behind charity. Not just showing up expecting a ridiculous reward. I enjoyed participating in the organization of the ad, and learned that I really cannot stand that celebrities feel good about themselves when people around the world are starving. Nicole.

Chapter 4 and 5 Questions

2006-03-27T15:12:00.000-08:00

Chapter 4:
What type of systems are important tools for group decision making?
-Problem solving agenda systems

What type of discussion has become the most customary way for private discussions to take place?
-Roundtable Discussions

A _________ is a series of short speeches that present various aspects of a topic, or the pro and con positions on a controversial issue. within a prescribed disucssion format.
-Symposium

This type of discussion is a specialized format in which group members interact among themselves and with an audience on a controversial question.
-Panel Discussion

This type of method is used for generating group interaction on a discussion topic with the potential for reaching a decision without the group ever meeting face-to-face.
-The Delphi Technique

Chapter 5:
T/F
Questions of value are even more difficult to answer than questions of fact?
-True

The _____________ contains resources that can often not be retrieved by general search engines.
-"Invisible Web"

The process of sorting information in terms of steps or stages that must be performed in a particular sequence if the chronology is to be meaningful.
-Procedural Organizing

A ____________ organizing scheme is based on the principle that certain events, or phenomena, naturally precede and have a direct effect on other events.
-Causal

T/F
Finding and testing evidence occurs simultaneously during the research process.
-True

Live 8

2006-03-27T14:25:00.000-08:00

Live 8 is supposed to be a charitable event to raise money for poor children and people with AIDs in Africa. Many celebrity's "donated" their time to perform or attend the events. The celebrity in exchange were given gift baskets full of swag that was worth over $12,000. For many events celebrities receive swag in exchange for their time. But in the case of Live 8, which is a 100% charitable event to raise money for people who are starving the celebrities walk away with things that they do not need or things they can purchase themselves.

In other circumstances I think it is ok for celebs to get swag, but not for an event like Live 8. I think that advertisers could advertise in other ways than giving celebs free gifts. Personally I think that a company that would rather donate items to celebrities than donate money to a really good cause, I would not even want their product. The celebrities should have donated their gifts to the charity instead of taking them home.

People are crazy about celebrities now and everything they say and do is all over magazines around the world. They figure that any publicity is good publicity. Many people see the celebrities at events like Live 8 and think that they are doing a good deed, but little do they know that most celebrities would not give the time a day to any event that does not offer some form of compensation. It is a terrible thing what the advertisers are doing and even worse that the celebrities are accepting the swag.

The Effects Mass Media Has On Body Image By: Heather Brewer

2006-03-27T06:57:00.000-08:00

Over the years the themes in teen magazines have become more and more about body image and looks rather than education and self awareness. This epidemic has raised eyebrows on the effect it is having on our youth. A 1997 analysis of articles in leading teen magazines Seventeen, YM, and Teen found that 37% of the magazine focused on appearance, 35% of the magazine articles focused on dating and 32% of the articles in the magazine focused on fashion. These themes were most prevalent in the most popular teen magazines today which is a clear indication that young females are constantly being exposed to artificial information. Advertisements emphasize thinness as a standard for female beauty, and the bodies idealized in the media are frequently a typical of normal, healthy woman. In fact, today's fashion models weigh 23% less than the average female.

The media portrays thin models and TV stars. The images of women in ads today do not promote self esteem or positive self image. Resulting in many teenage girls intensely disliking their bodies. These ads are intended to sell products. The message "thin is in" is sold thousands of times a day through TV, movies, magazines, billboards, newspapers and songs. Most teens watch an average of 22 hours of TV a week and are overloaded with images of fat-free bodies in the pages of health, fashion and teen magazines. The "standard" is impossible to achieve. There has been a lot of famous faces who have come out in the open to bring awareness to the epidemic of the pressure in Hollywood to be thin. Awareness of eating disorders got a big boost in 1995 when Princess Diana began talking openly about her struggles with bulimia. Actresses Tracy Gold, Joan Rivers, Courtney Thorne-Smith and Oprah have all revealed the pressure to be thin has led them to have eating disorders in the past.

Images of female bodies are everywhere in the media. The female sex appeal sells everything from soap to imported cars. Women in the media are becoming younger, taller and thinner. It is time to put a stop to this unattainable standard of beauty being imposed on our youth. By raising awareness in schools and organizing campaigns to educate young women of the media's negative effects we can make a diffrence.

Miss Sally Says...

Ali's Antisocialite Blog

2006-03-26T19:36:00.000-08:00

The ACLU is a powerful organization whose mission is advocating individual rights by litigating, legislating, and educating the public on a broad array of issues affecting individual freedom. One of their main goals is to protect freedom of speech.

Unfortunately, the ACLU chooses to not represent all speech and all individuals. Any case involving the freedom of religious speech is apparently not included in the first amendment according to the ACLU. The ACLU chooses instead to represent anything that is not main stream.

The ACLU does not believe that mangers should be displayed anywhere in public, it may offend other religions. The ACLU defended a school when they fired a teacher for wearing a cross. The ACLU supports the National Man Boy Love Association and their right to solicit sex from young boys. The ACLU also supports the Ku Klux Klan. Simply stunning.

Everyday Americans should be concerned about such extremism. Fighting for the first amendment is important, but the ACLU has gone entirely too far.

This is a very powerful organization that continues to win court cases. Luckily, they are starting to be challenged.

Chrysanthia's antisocialite blog

2006-03-24T19:17:00.000-08:00

Athletes being held to an academic standard
I. Athletic dominance
A. Athlete perception
1. Good/Positive
2. Negative
3. The middle ground
B. Athletic Support
1. Teamates
2. Student Body
3. Coaches
4. Parents/Family
C. Media/ Business Dominance
1. NFL/NBA
2. Endorsements
3. Publicity Negative/ Positive
II. Conclusion
A. Some athletes have a backup plan
B. Stereotype (Dumb Jock)
C. Athletes alone when all the camera's are gone
D. Overall, you achieve and set your personal standards
Athletes being held to a higher academic standard was the topic for my group. We went over many different topics before we settled on atletes and academics. Emily did the photography and put things together. Everyone else in the group helped by going to meetings and being involved in the photos. My position was mainly the flexible group member. I contributed wherever it was needed. Whether it was an helpful suggestion or my participation in the photos. I did not agree with the antisocialite topic, due to the fact I did not want to fall into believing the stereotype of 'The Dumb Jock". I was able to overcome the difficulty of the topic by being supportive and doing more research on atlethes that have reached high academic achievements. Overall I enjoyed this project for the technology I was able to use and also making me more adaptable to different situations.

Julonette's Antisocialite: Athletes

2006-03-24T18:37:00.000-08:00

Julonette

ANTISOCIALITE PROJECT: ATHLETES NEED A PLAN B

I. Introduction: Many athletes do not have a plan B

A. Athletic dominance

B. Athletic perception

1. Positive

2. Negative

C. Athletic education

1. On-the-field and off the field

2. Dumb jock stereotype

3. Benefits

II. Athletic support

A. Teammates

B. Student body

C. Coaches/faculty

D. Parents/family

III. Media/Business dominance

A. NFL/NBA

B. Endorsements

C. Publicity

1. Positive

2. Negative

IV. Conclusion: Athletes need a plan B

A. Some athletes have a plan B, but all athletes need a plan B

B. Stereotypes (the Dumb jocks) is not necessarily true

C. Athletes essentially set their own goals and standards.

The Antisocialite assignment was used for the class to look at several issues that occurred or are occurring currently. My group chose to look at the idea of many athletes not having a plan B. Many athletes, the group assumed, did not have a plan B. We looked at several variables, such as athletic dominance, athlete support, and media/business dominance. We came to the decision that many athletes rely on their talent alone and do not look at other possibilities, such as getting injured before they succeeded or not being chosen to engage in the game of their choice (football, basketball, etc). The group felt as if athletes, primarily in the college environment, received many advantages that regular students did not receive. This, the group decided, could have negative or positive outcomes. A negative is that it would make some athletes feel superior towards other students and even faculty. Some examples are the extensions many athletes receive on test and assignments or the building (University Center Building D) that caters towards them. It is apparent that athletes represent many universities and colleges, such as our university, but some of the advantages can be argued as positive or negative towards these athletes’ lives.

Furthermore, I do not necessarily agree with the idea that many athletes do not have a backup plan, because the ones that I interact with are in my same intelligence bracket or higher (and I am somewhat high). I look at individuals such as Garret Johnson, a Roads Scholar and an athlete (track), and see success in both arenas. Morover, this assignment really made me look at the issue of athletes and their backup plans. It, also, gave me more experience in the small group arena. I learned more about several ideas that we touched on in class, such as compromising and group cohesion. This was definitely a learning experience.

Yakkity Yak

2006-03-24T14:27:00.000-08:00

Our assignment was to create a PSA on something that could have opposing opinions. Being that it is the technology era, our group found it fitting to use cell phones and ettiquite.

The pros of having a cell phone is reliability, easy communication, portability, etc. However the cons are constant accessibilty by the world, car accidents, and rude behvior. My perspective on this issue is to use your phone when appropriate. This means obeying certain policies in places such as movie theaters to turn off your phone. I agreed with our groups perception and execution of the PSA.

Our company's name was Yakkity Yak because it seemed suitable and humorous for cell phone users. The video was created on my computer with a voice over the picture slideshow. We also created a print ad to go along with the video.

Overall I enjoyed this assignment and hope Miss Sally continues to use it with her curriculum. It not only helped us engage in group communication, but also research something we cared about and learn about other things going on in the world. Thanks Sally! :-)

Body and the Media

2006-03-24T13:27:00.000-08:00

Media such as movies, television, and magazines are considered to be among the most influential promoters of the "thin standard", given their popularity and accessibility to the American people. Exposure to various types of media promote an extreme ideal body image creating body dissatisfaction that can lead to eating disorder symptomatology.
Though not socially desirable due to the detrimental consequences on the self-esteem and body image of consumers, the use of slim models is an effective method for motivating young women to exercise. Despite an American public with increasing body weights, Playboy magazine increased the promotion of slimness over the period from 1959 to 1978; Miss America Pageant contestants were also found to be thinner over time, and winners of the pageant since 1970 consistently weighed less than the other contestants. This turn toward a slim, unrealistic body image led to a major problem for young women; anorexia and bulemia.
TV adds to this deterioation of the body image. Shows such as Extream makeover and "the Swan" captivate audiences, by turning "ugly people" to "beautiful." And is it jsut a coincidence that everyone on "reality TV" has amazing body's? What ever happend to beauty is only skin deep? and "Love who you are." The modern madia is constantly sending messages that our body's arn't good enough.

LIVE 8

2006-03-24T13:19:00.000-08:00

The focus of our antisocialite project was on Live 8. If you are not familiar, the purpose of this worldwide event was to unite a variety of countries with a powerful message, "Make Poverty History." Live 8 asked leaders of the G8 (USA, Canada, Great Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and Russia) to double aid, cancel debt, and deliver trade justice to impoverished countries. This event also focuses on issues of AIDS awareness, healthcare and education within Africa. This campaign was not to raise money, it was to raise awareness and assert political pressure on the most powerful leaders. Yet, our concern with Live 8 was not an attack on the purpose of the campaign, but rather the musicians who performed.
Although this is an entirely charitable event, these performers went home with nearly twenty thousand dollars in lavish gifts. In an under developed country, this much money could save thousands of lives. However, we are not sure that all of the performers accepted the gifts, and perhaps we would like to think that at least a few donated them to the cause. Yet speaking to the majority of performers, that of which are constantly inundated with extravagant freebies, have they no integrity? It makes one question whether their contribution was a sincere dedication to the cause... Or perhaps, and more than likely, an unquestionable opportunity for publicity.

Live 8

2006-03-23T19:59:00.000-08:00

If you watch MTV or VH1 as religiously as I do you may have seen and heard about Live 8. Live 8 is a concert in which the world unites to raise money in order to aid Africa in their struggle with poverty and AIDS. Celebrities spare their time for "free" to perform for audiences all over the world to help raise money for Live 8. Many celebrity's charitable work has become a mean of wonderful PR for the individual when in reality they are receiving lavish gifts from designers that they can already afford. By feeding the celebrity beast we are taking away from the main objective that Live 8 projects.
Celebrities could come home with over twenty grand worth of merchandise for performing a four minute song. If you were to take one celebrities gift bag and used the money for what it is meant for, Africa's starving nation, then you could easily take care of an entire family's need for their life time. Celebrities have become out of control and we as the general public feed into the celebrity beast everyday making it bigger and meaner.
Our antisocialite add was asking the public whether Live 8 was contributing to Africa or the celebrity beast. In my own opinion I take the stance that Live 8 should have been purely a charitable event supporting in every way shape or form the poverty stricken country of Africa. If the celebrity wanted compensation for standing on stage for four minutes to support Africa's needs, knowing that they helped save a life should have been compensation enough for them. The celebrity beasts should worry more about uniting the world and less about receiving gifts that they could buy themselves.

Help Yakkity Yak fight back

2006-03-23T19:57:00.000-08:00

My group chose to do our Antisocialite project on cell phone etiquette. I have found that in today's society, we are so enthralled with our cell phones that we are losing out on things. By constantly being on cell phones while walking on campus, students are missing out on opportunities to meet new people or sometimes do not notice people that they do know. I have found that there is a time and a place to use a cell phone, but I feel that society assumes that that place is everywhere and the time is always at talk o'clock.

Our project focused on encouraging people to turn their cell phones off or on silent when in a movie theater, at work, at school, and other various public places. You cannot go anywhere without seeing a cell phone. Despite announcements that we have all seen one hundred times at the beginning of movies to remind us to turn cell phones off, a cell phone will inevitably ring. We need to learn to turn cell phones off and disconnect.

Not only are movies interrupted, but how many of our classes have been thrown off course because of a cell phone? I can answer from experience, lots have. You would think that by growing up in a society so tied up in technology, they would teach technology etiquette in school now. Maybe one day they will. But for now, we must continue to use such tools as PSAs and print ads like Yakkity Yak used for the Antisocialite project.

Antisocialite:Body Image & CH 4& 5 questions

2006-03-23T19:06:00.000-08:00

In today’s media driven society, it is important to fully understand how the media can negatively effect an individual’s self perception of their body. The media uses television, magazines, and the internet to portray an unrealistic body image that is almost impossible to obtain.
On television, the male body is portrayed in more sizes than the female body. The hit show Seinfeld shows a variety of male body images, but unfortunately does not represent different female body images. The OC and Laguna Beach are two shows that misrepresent the normal female body. On both shows, all of the female characters are very thin.
On a social level a negative body image is created through gender-role stereotyping on television. Men and women are consistently being presented in distinct roles or associated primarily with particular types of products or services. On prime-time television men are shown as independent, aggressive, and in charge. Women depict the feminine ideal which is young and thin, preoccupied with men and children, or always busy doing house work.
The effects of these gender role stereotypes may be especially profound among teenagers who are struggling to establish a coherent self-identity. Both teenage boys and girls may be susceptible to the influences of gender-role stereotyping in advertising, but teenage girls have been identified as being most vulnerable. A number of surveys have found a correlation between self-reported media exposure and body dissatisfaction, disordered eating, and the desire for thinness among young adult females.
This need to be thin is fueled by what the media is telling its viewers. It is very important for everyone to realize that the media does not usually portray a realistic and healthy body image. We are all susceptible to media advertisements, but through awareness, we can prevent ourselves from becoming the media’s target.

Chapter 4 questions...
1. True or False, Teamwork is always more time extensive than working alone:
-True

2. The McBurney-Hance 5 step problem-solving agenda system comprises the following:
-Definition of the problem
-Analysis of the problem
-Suggestions of solutions
-Reasoned development of the proposed solutions
-Further verification

3. What is one of the primary problems that users encounter when using the net as a research tool:
- Information overload and the challenge of finding the specific resources in a timely and efficient manner.

4. True or False? Search engine tutorials on the net are useless with regards to teaching you the way of the internet:
-False, they are not useless

5. List two ways to structure and organize a discussion or presentation:
-Time Organizing
-Space Organizing

Ch 5 question
1. Name two out of the three antiplagiarism tools on the internet:
-Turnitin.com
-CopyCatch
(The thrird one is-The Essay Verification Engine)

2. Name the two basic types of directories:
-Academic/professional directories
-Commercial portals

3.Name four commercial directories:
-Yahoo
-Goggle
-About.com
-Open Directory Project

4.Regarding tests of opinions- if a discussions generates a large number of authoritative opinions that typically seem to contradict one another, we usually decide whom we are going to believe on the basis of:
-Objectivity
-Recency
-Consistency
-Sufficiency

5.Name the four types of arguments:
-Argument by Authority Assertion
-Argument by Sign
-Argument by Cause
-Argument by Example

Antisocialite: Body Image Blog by Cecilia Wong

2006-03-23T16:28:00.000-08:00

In today’s society, it is extremely difficult for a woman to watch television shows, see advertisements, or read magazines without thinking she needs to lose weight. The idea of the “perfect body” is splattered all over the media and in my opinion, it’s getting out of control. My definition of the media is television, radio, newspapers, magazines, advertisements, etc. Basically, it is any medium that you can watch, read, or see. Every time I turn on the television of flip through a magazine, I am instantly bombarded with skinny women as if they were the only women to ever exist on earth! Hello?! NOT everyone looks that good, come’on! Even on the radio, you can hear ads that say, “Are you tired of being fat? Do you hate going to the gym? Well, you can take this ‘miracle’ pill!” Blah, blah, blah. I never thought I was fat, but is this commercial telling me that I am? I definitely think the media is putting out the wrong message for young girls and women. These messages can eventually become detrimental to these women.

I once read an article about Cindy Crawford speaking about body image. One specific statement stood out to me. She said, “I wished I looked like Cindy Crawford.” Magazines and television commercials can easily touch up a face and body. Cellulite can be removed, tattoos can be erased, noses can be shaved down, breasts can be enlarged just by a simple computer airbrush. Now isn’t that deceptive? With all this negative body image, no wonder some many young women and girls have eating disorders. This antisocialite assignment definitely opened my eyes to the intense expectations of the media and how we need to speak out about the dangers of a negative body image. For more information, you can visit the National Organization for Women Foundation at http://www.nowfoundation.org/

Blog by Cheuk-Shuen Wong "Cecilia"

Antisocialite - ACLU

2006-03-23T11:15:00.000-08:00

Our group presented the topic about the ACLU. I did not know much about the ACLU before we started this project, but I was interested in learning more about them. I came to find out that they are not exactly a very good organization. It seems like they are trying to disrupt and change things in not the best of manners. People who believe in the things that they do obviously see nothing wrong with their point of view, but in researching more about them I came to a conclusion that I do not agree with their stance and neither do the rest of my group members. I will discuss some things that we talked about in our presentation and talk about the pros and cons of each side.

I discussed the part of the pledge of allegiance being said in schools and how the ACLU wants the word 'God" taken out. They believe that it imposes children on combining church and state. I found some alternative pledge of allegiance's constructed by people in favor of this idea and they were a little rediculous. Apposers to the ACLU sugests that we have been saying the pledge of allegiance for years and years and the word 'God' does not impose on children or their beliefs. I believe this too because if children don't want to say the pledge of allegiance they can simply not say it or change the word if they do not believe in God.

Another topic that our group discussed was the holiday season. Members of the ACLU would like to see ornaments and decorations taken off the lawns and houses of people because they feel since everyone does not celebrate the holiday season in the same way that it imposes religous meanings. I totally disagree with this point because people have the absolute right to put whatever decorations they feel necessary because it is a free country. Just by putting a nativity scene in your lawn does not impose on someone elses beliefs. They are just expressing their religion and there is nothing wrong with that. People should not have break traditions just because it upsets some people.

There was another topic that was talked about and it was on this pamphlet or type of magazine that is construced by the ACLU that has to do with relationships between adult males and children. I don't see how this can be tolerated by anyone no matter what their beliefs are. This totally disgusted me and anoyone who participates in this should be prosectuted.

One of the last topics our group discussed was about the ten commandments being posted in courtrooms. Once again the ACLU believes that this imposes on people's religous beliefs and would like to see them taken down. I believe that a courtroom in Alabama has been ordered to take them out. I personally don't agree with this decision because I have grown up Catholic and believe in the ten commandments. I know there are a lot of people who don't follow the ten commandments ,so I guess to be fair and not impose religion on people that this law can appease those in favor of taking them out.

Cell Phones (antisocialite)

2006-03-23T10:30:00.000-08:00

Our Group did our antisocialite project on cell phone etiquette. We believe that their is a time and a place to use a cell phone. I personally believe that using a cell phone in a place that will disturbed the environment reflects very bad manners on that person. I feel that using a cell phone in a theater (movie), restaurant, classroom, work setting, or bus can easily effect the people around you. For example, a teacher is giving a lecture and a cell phone goes off in class, not only does that distract the teacher from her lesson but the students concentration. A second example would be at the movie theater and someone near you picks up a phone call while the climax of the movie is happening. Making you miss the most important part and ruining the experience at the theater.
Using your cell phone in these areas can be avoided very easily just by using simple manners. The more you practive cell phone etiquette the easier it will be to live by it. Remember that you don't want to hurt peoples feelings, be disruptive, or cause a nuisance among friends or others. Make it an automatic reaction to turn your phone off in a classroom, workplace, or theater and hopefully we can all avoid the annoyance of bad cell phone etiquette.

Mubarak's Recent Decree Allowing Church Renovation and Rebuilding is "Toothless"

2006-03-22T14:58:00.000-08:00

For more information on this, visit MEMRI.

Before you start reading this document, I want to give a big "I told you so!" to anyone who said me nay when they saw my documentary. I knew this would happen!

If Mubarak and Co. want to help, all they have to do is TELL everyone that there's a new sheriff in town, and that he isn't going to tolerate anti-Coptic behaviour--whether violent or not!--anymore.

This is really quite ridiculous; in the past week, we've had such upheaval in Egypt (re: Copts) and it's more about church-building than anything else. First al-Balyana, then Millawi/Dar el Saleeb, and now this.

Anyway, here's snippets from the blurb in Watani. Check back later tonight for some more of my shots from the 2005 trip to the dearest land in all the world (even though I wouldn't be able to build my own church! Hmph. Wait, I wonder if someone dealing in US Dollars or Euros or Quid could go in there and buy off State Security and just up and build a church? Never mind, on with the show..)

In early December, 2005, Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak issued a Presidential Decree easing the severe restrictions on repairing and rebuilding churches in Egypt.(1) In an editorial on the Coptic Internet weekly Watani, editor Youssef Sidhom stated that the decree would deliberately be implemented in a way that would render it meaningless, and cited a letter by an Egyptian governor substantiating this claim.
The following are excerpts from the editorial, which was posted in English on Watani:(2)

"Previous Presidential Decrees Which Eased Restrictions on Church Building Have Frequently Been Implemented in a Manner That Emptied Them of Their Content"

"[After the issuing of Decree 291,] the media rushed to praise [Mubarak's] move, asking Copts of their opinion and pushing them to express their gratitude. Some even went to the length of deluding the public into believing that the decree put an end to all the problems of building churches. They claimed the Himayouni Edict—which pre-requires a presidential decree for the building of any new church—was abolished once and for all, and that complete equality among Egyptians as regards building and restoring places of worship has been attained.

"While some Copts adopted a pessimistic stance and argued that the decree offered nothing new, Watani was keen to objectively analyse the move. We wrote that the decree was a good step forward on the road towards a unified law for places of worship and, if properly implemented, could alleviate many of the hardships of church building. We argued that the presidential authority over licensing new churches – as opposed to mosques, the building of which was subject to no restrictions whatsoever – violated equality among Egyptians. We wrote that the new decree should be taken with caution, since previous presidential decrees which eased restrictions on church building had been frequently implemented in a manner that emptied them of their content. Security authorities, Watani wrote, should not be allowed to interfere in the process, because they have been notorious in their restrictive domination of church building."

"Was Decree 291 a Mere Attempt to Give the Egyptian Regime the [Appearance] of Tolerance Before the Outside World?"

"No more than a few weeks later, our fears materialised. It appears that the executive apparatuses in the municipalities are unhappy with the decree, and find it extremely difficult to give up the power to humiliate Copts and control church affairs. Before going into the details of the case in question however, a few questions beg answers. Who defends presidential decrees against trifling with? Was the decree 291 of 2005 a mere attempt to give the Egyptian regime a gloss-over of tolerance before the outside world? Did the decree fulfill its purpose through mobilising the media to praise the generosity of the regime? If the answers to these questions is no, how can the following story be explained?

"On 16 January 2006, the general manager of the office of Assiut governor sent the following letter to local administrators:
'We have the honour to attach herewith the instructions concerning the restoration and renovation of existing churches. Please abide by these regulations with the utmost precision. The following documents should be attached to any application in this regard:

"1. A letter of authorisation from the head of the sect, citing the name and address of the person sanctioned to follow up on the procedures.

"2. A registered ownership document that should be reviewed by the legal department at the municipality.

"3. Six copies of the architectural drawings approved by a certified architect.

"4. A map of the site and its location, approved by the survey authority.

"5. A letter from the antiquities authority proving that the building is not registered among those of historical values.

"6. The presidential decree licensing the erection of the church.

"7. A report from the local building authority indicating the required work.

"8. A review of the architectural drawing in accordance with the law organising and regulating building.

"9. The date the documents are delivered to our office after being completely reviewed is the date of the actual submission of the application.'"
"The [Governor's] Letter Implies a Host of Violations to Presidential Decree 291"

"The letter implies a host of violations to the presidential decree 291 of 2005. First and foremost, the decree authorises governors to approve the pulling down and rebuilding of existing churches, and stipulates that restoration and renovation may be conducted upon the approval of the local building authorities. Governors therefore have no role whatsoever in this regard. I do not believe that these facts were accidentally ignored. Rather, I assume the disregard was deliberate, because those who are well acquainted with reconstruction realise that the papers cited in the letter pertain to pulling down and rebuilding churches rather than restoring and renovating them. It should neither be comprehensible nor acceptable to confuse the two issues.

"Furthermore, the instruction of attaching the presidential decree which had originally licensed the erection of the church signifies a sinister intent, since an application for pulling down, rebuilding, or restoring a building should implicitly imply that the building is already there. This takes us back to the fact that many existing churches were originally built with no license, because of the difficulty – in many cases impossibility — of obtaining licenses for new churches. Authorities later accepted the existence of these churches as a fait accompli, stationed policemen to protect them, and enjoyed subjecting their congregations to the utmost indignity by controlling and trifling with the destiny of their places of worship. When it now comes to renovating or restoring these churches however, the authorities act as though these churches never existed. Some of these churches have been there for some sixty years when Egypt was a monarchy; are the church officials required to produce the royal decree which licensed the building?

"Those who extol the tolerance and generosity of the presidential decree 291 of 2005 should stand up to defend it. They should tell the governors and officials who appear incapable of grasping its meaning: 'Shame on you.'"

Endnotes:
(1) Al-Akhbar (Egypt), December 8, 2005.
(2) http://www.wataninet.com/article_en.asp?articleid=5956

Body Image and the Media

2006-03-22T07:01:00.000-08:00

The media has such an impact on body image and how people feel about themselves. Teenagers, especially, are affected by the popular culture and how they see the celebrities they admire and how they behave. Unfortunately, most teenagers develop an imperfect and flawed body image of themselves because of the emphasis placed on weight in today's media.

Recently in the news, gossip followers have watched stars like Lindsay Lohan and Mary Kate Olsen struggle with their weight and the issues of anorexia and bullemia. With role models like these two impacting young girls today, I believe girls are developing a complex and a lack of self-esteem and confidance.

Personally, I believe that all shapes and sizes should be represented on television and in the movies, where young girls gawk at their celebrity idols. Disney currently has a show called "That's so Raven," which depicts several shapes, sizes, and races - especially the lead character, Raven, who is a young black female with "curves" and a shape. With this representation of a young female, young viewers of the show are given the example of a woman with a shape (not stick thin) that is famous and beautiful. I believe that if stations implement more shows with this idea, girls with gain more of an understanding of a healthy body and physique.

“The Happy People”

2006-03-11T16:40:00.000-08:00

Chapter 1 Questions

1. A small group consists of how many characteristics?
Answer: 9

2. What are the four immediate indications that would help a person decide whether of not a small group is present?
Answer: Communication, space, time, and size

3. What is the definition of a small group?
Answer: Few people engaged in communication interaction over time, in both face to fae and/or complete mediation environments, who have common goals and norms and have developed a communication pattern for meeting goals.

4. What is the ideal small group size?
Answer: 5-7 people

5. A __________ is a task oriented group that can collaborate across time, space, and organization boundaries by harnessing the power of computer mediated communication and group communication support systems.
Answer: Virtual team

6. ___________ allows individuals to collaborate and share information with two or more participants in real time.
Answer: Web conferencing

7. What are the three types of rationale study for small group communication?
Answer: Cultural rationale, corporate rationale, academic rationale

8. Name three ways to communicate electronically for a group meeting?
Answer: Instant messaging, web conferencing, video conferencing

9. The communication patterns and rules that groups create and re-create in their decision making is the _____________?
Answer: Structuration theory

10. Why has the cyborg group become a generic type of group?
Answer: Because computer-mediated communication fundamentally changes the culture of organizational groups that use it.

Chapter 2 Questions

1. All human groups in all cultures experience periods of awkwardness when they first get together. True or False?
Answer: True

2. Name and identify which stage is the most complex and difficult portion of a problem-solving group’s existence.
Answer: Conflict (task) and Secondary Tension (role)

3. What are the five parts of the model of small group communication?
Answer: Outcomes, skills, signposts, process, and theory

4. What is primary tension?
Answer: Formal uneasiness that every group member feels when a meeting is called.

5. In stage one – orientation (task) and primary tension (role), it seems that groups always get along with its members with no troubles. True or False?
Answer: False

6. What is secondary tension?
Answer: A more serious kind of tension.

7. What types of groups, in their pure form, produce personal self-growth?
Answer: Encounter groups

8. What is stage two of the decision-making and role theories process?
Answer: Conflict (task) and secondary tension (role)

9. The use of team building and relationship building communication helps group members get through primary tension. True or False?
Answer: True

10. In stage four – reinforcement, it says that once a group decision appears to be emerging, there is a lot of social tension. True or False?
Answer: False

Chapter 3 Questions

1. Of the ten most frequently played roles in group discussion that are presented, which is the negative role?
Answer: The self-centered follower

2. Group decisions pose threats to individual convictions. True or False?
Answer: True

3. Paraphrasing is also an important communication strategy for clarifying an idea that a group is discussing. True or False?

4. What is the functional decision-making theory?
Answer: There are key task communication procedures that must be performed in groups.

5. When you feel comfortable with your group members, should you risk self-disclosure?
Answer: Yes

6. What novel described gambling as a mixture of both pain and exhilaration?
Answer: The Gambler

7. What may reassure the group members that everyone is okay, and they can safely reenter the problem solving discussion?
Answer: Relationship-building talk

8. Rational communication has been defined as _________ and ________ messages that create the social fabric of a group by promoting relationships between and among members.
Answer: Verbal, Nonverbal

9. Name three of the ten commitments to group ethical standards.
Answer: Doing your best, the group good, to fair play, good listening, preparation, to objectivity, tolerance.

Group Members: Cheuk-Shuen Wong “Cecilia”, Jordan Banks, Casey Dorety, Christine Ferreri, Samantha Hunley,

2006-03-11T15:51:00.000-08:00

Hey guys!

I have every groups study guide questions but Cecilia's group! Is anyone else having trouble reading theirs because it is a draft?

The Facebook: Heather Brewer

2006-02-22T09:47:00.000-08:00

I found the article my group read regarding internet blogs to be very interesting which led to another discussion regarding Facebook. It was not the first time I had heard about the controversy surrounding employers checking potential employee’s profiles on Facebook. In fact The Daily reported on the stories of employees being reprimanded or even fired for their profiles. In my personal opinion, I do not think that students should be shocked at this. Most of us Google a company or organization before joining to get to know what they are like and what they stand for. So isn’t it common sense that a future employer would do the same if they have the resources. Some say that it is private, illegal or unethical. However, if something is inappropriate or you would not want everyone to read it then don’t put it on the internet. Don’t get me wrong I totally disagree with a company making prejudgment on a potential employee before meeting them but I don’t think that you should put information on Facebook that you would be embarrassed to have your mother, teacher or neighbor read.
~ Heather Brewer

Casey, Corey, Melisa

2006-01-31T09:21:00.000-08:00

Chapter 1

In what year did private industries expand training on their employees for group communication skills?
• 1950

Name 3 theories that were developed in 1980?
• A. Functional theory
• B. Structural theory
• C. Symbolic theory
•
What is the definition of small group communication?
A few people engaged in communication interaction overtime.

What is the ideal size for a small group?
5-7

Why do we study small group communication?
• For a cultural, corporate, and academic rational

Why is verbal communication often overlooked in small groups?
• Because they are such fundamentals the behaviors are often taken for granted

Chapter 2
What is credentialing often done through?
• Storytelling

In work groups with in organizations there are 3 types of “theys” in stage 2 of CR discussions. What is the “upward they”?
• “Upward they” is the boss usually upper management or a supervisor.

What are signposts designed to do?
Help in the 4 different talk types that occur in groups.

What are the 4 signposts?
Amount of understanding and agreement,
Formation of group roles
Level of interpersonal trust and empathy
Degree of group identification and group pride.

What does the first stage of CR begin with?
• The group members establishing their credentials

When CR groups are engaged in lateral we-they polarization discussions what are we usialy talking about?
• Competing group situations

Chapter3
Name 2 Rules and strategies for problem solving?
• A. Contribute to group orientation
• B. Seek info. And opinions

What is “role rut”?
• People who posses expert knowledge or skills that are high in demand.
•
What is the secondary tension in a group?
The period in a group’s life when members are searching for a task leader.

What does competent communication depend on?
Knowledge, Skill, Motivation.

In Relationship building why should you “Risk self-disclosure?”
• You will contribute to the grounds of the groups overall maturity

How can group members implement good listening?
• Members need to engage in active ongoing listening, just hearing is not listening.

CHANNEL X

2006-01-30T13:08:00.000-08:00

Greetings, darlings..

Wanted to share some news.. CHANNEL X, which has online streams of the documentaries and also Sally Bishai's 30 Minutes With... is on the air.

It can be found at xculturefilms.blogspot.com

May God be with you all, and see you soon.. :)

Miss Sally

Group Q & A: Stairs and Sealy

2006-01-30T05:47:00.000-08:00

Chapter 1
1. What are the key ingredients in the group concept recipe?
A: Communication Interaction, Roles, Norms and Conflicts
2. Name possible tests to determine if there has been a cohesive blend of those ingredients.
A: Productivity, Quality of work, Consensus, and Membership satisfaction

Chapter 2
1. T/F: Rebellion reigns supreme until the group members discover that they are free to form their own structure and have their own unique experience.
A: True
2. Identify the three basic interpersonal needs that person in a group expects the group to accomplish.
A: Inclusion, control, and affection

Chapter 3
1. Describe the idea of "false pregnancy."
A: When a group ceases work on a project because they think they have a solution that is below average the group could have had a better solution if the group was willing to examine the advantages and disadvantages of various alternatives.
2. Describe "the rules."
A: Risk self disclosure, avoid stereotyped judgments, be an empathetic listener, recognize and adapt communication to individual differences

Kenny, Heather, and Lena's Chapter Q and A's

2006-01-29T10:56:00.000-08:00

CHAPTER 1

1. T/F A group needs to share a common goal.
True
2. Name a form of group talk
problem solving, role talk, conciousness raising
3. What is a virtual team?
A task oriented group that can collaborate across time, space, and organizational boundaries by harnessing the power of computer-mediated communication and group communication support systems.
4. Name 3 dimensions of a virtual team:
Permanent or temporary
mode of interaction
organizational boundaries
5. What is conciousness raising?
Essentially group motivational talk
6. Encounter talk is:
talk that occurs when groups solve problems

CHAPTER 2

1. What is signpost 1?
Amount of understanding and agreement
2. What is signpost 4?
Degree of group identification and group pride
3. What are the five distinct steps of reflective thought?
1. A felt difficulty
2. Its location and definition
3. Suggestion and possible solution
4. Development by reasoning of the bearings of the suggestion
5. Further observation and experiment loading to its acceptance or rejection - that is the conclusion of belief or disbelief
4. What is signpost 2?
Formation of group rules
5. T/F A group must, by definition, divide up the workload.
True

CHAPTER 3

1. Seeking information and opinions is a form of ________.
Rules and Strategies
2. Two rules and strategies for role playing are _____ and _____.
Be role flexible and help in role formation
3. What does competent communication depend on?
knowledge, skill, motivation
4. What are the main Problem Solving Rules and Strategies:
contribute to group orientation
seek info and opinions
maximize ideational conflict
separate people, ideas, and criticism
Examine advantages and disadvantages of solutions
5. What are two team building roles?
Build group pride
Create symbols and slogans

Group questions for Megan K. and Nikki D.

2006-01-25T19:08:00.000-08:00

Chapter 1 Questions
1. The potential for collective intelligence ___________ as group size increases.(increases)
2. What are the three areas of group life in which norming occurs? (social, procedural, task)
3. Kurt Lewin proposed that ___________ must be present for small groups to exist (independence)
4. What is the fourth form of group talk that occurs when small groups solve problems?(rational or encounter talk)

Chapter 2 Questions
1. What do we now call the two dimensions of a work group? (problem solving, role talk)
2. What are the three stages on the way to solving a problem? (orientation, evaluation, control
3. In 1910 ________ published his famous work “How We Think,” in which he explained human thought as a careful, step-by-step consideration of a problem. (Dewey)
4. Who is the founder of group dynamics? (Kurt Lewin)

Chapter 3 Questions
1. Problem solving talk contains the four stages, orientation, idea conflict, _________ & ________? (idea emergence, idea reinforcement)
2. The four core communication skills that affect the quality of work done by a task group.
(Team building, relationship building, role playing, problem solving)
3 True or False. When a new group is assigned a problem to solve, its communication process is not random. (true)
4 What does CR stand for? (Consciousness Raising)

Chapter Q's and A's Katie, Vicky, and Dr. Brett

2006-01-25T18:37:00.000-08:00

True/ False A small group is defined as a group who meets only face-to-face and shares common goals?
Answer- False

A focus on commitment to work collectively toward a common goal is what?
Answer- Cohesiveness

What constitutes a small group?
Answer- A few people engaged in face-to-face communication who have common goals.

What is a virtual team?
Answer- Task oriented group who collaborates across time using computer mediated communications.

What is cohesiveness with a group?
Answer- The commitment for group members to work collectively.

T/F Synchronous communication is described as discussion boards and bulletin boards.
Answer- False

How many steps are in desk's reflective thought?
Answer- 5

Dewey's term for thoughtful and careful step by step consideration of a problem is...
Answer- Reflective thinking

What are 2 of the 4 types at group talk?
Answer- Problem solving and conflict solving

What is boundary seeking?
Answer-The point in which the group has not yet resolved questions regarding its structures

In the model at small group communication, what is in the center of the model?
Answer- Outcomes

Who is the best teacher?
Answer Miss Sally

Example of a team building building strategy?
Answer- Tell stories

What is a consensus?
Answer- Unanimous agreement from group members

What is good listening?
Answer- Listening attentively to each member

One of the ten commandments to a group?
Answer- Fairplay

What is role formation?
Answer-Giving group members certain roles

What is risk self disclosure?
Answer When you feel comfortable you should self-disclose with your group

Chapter questions from Julonette, Chrysanthia, and Greg

2006-01-25T07:04:00.001-08:00

Julonette Cadet
Chrysanthia Reid
Greg Smith

Chapter 1 Questions:
1. Symbolic convergence theory shows_____________.Answer: how small groups create their own symbolic identity through inventing and sharing group fantasies.

2. What are directly observable characteristics of a small group?
A. Communication
B. Space
C. Time
D. Size
E. All of the above (answer)

3. What is not an example of group communication support systems?
A. IM
B. Face-to-face meeting (answer)
C. Electronic mail
D. Web conferencing

4. What is an e-room?
Answer: a room in cyberspace

5. Small groups develop a communication pattern for meeting their goals in a __________ manner.
A. Independent
B. Hostile
C. Interdependent (answer)
D. Logical

6. Observable characteristics can be:
A. Direct or indirect (answer)
B. Nonexistent
C. Open-ended or close-ended
D. None of the above

Chapter 2 Questions:

1. Which is one of the four types of group talk?
A. Problem-solving
B. Conflict-solving
C. CR
D. A and B
E. A and C (answer)
F. All of the above

2. Inclusion, control, and affection are__________.
A. Types of small group talks
B. Group attitudes
C. Interpersonal needs (answer)
D. Interdependent needs

3. One of the distinct steps in reflective thought is ___________.
A. Persuasion
B. A felt difficulty (answer)
C. Objectivity
D. Subjective

4. What is the difference between primary and secondary tensions?
Answer: Primary tension begins at the beginning of small group relations because of the unknown, while secondary tension is created from individuals attempting to gain leadership roles within the group.

5. Which, in the list below, are different types of group talk?
A. Problem-Solving
B. Roles
C. CR
D. All of the above (answer)
E. A and B

6. ‘Suggestions of solutions’ are an example of _____________.
A. Common-sense
B. Big Group Communication
C. Five distinct steps of reflective thought
D. Group Analysis of problems (answer)

Chapter 3 Questions:

1. Why is it important to self-disclose in a small group?
Answer: Self-disclose is important because it promotes trust, enhances group cohesiveness, and leads to productivity.

2. True or False: Rationality, in small groups, is objective.
Answer: False, rationality is subjective.

3. The twenty core communication skills for problem-solving groups are _____________.
A. Problem-Solving skills
B. Role-Playing skills
C. Relationship-Building skills
D. Team-Building
E. All of the above (answer)

4. Self-disclosure is ___________.
A. A risk (answer)
B. A promise
C. Unfortunate
D. Overrated

5. What is a major group outcome?
A. Productivity (answer)
B. Problem-Solving
C. Friendships
D. All of the above
E. None of the above

6. Contributing to the group orientation is____________.
A. Role-playing rules and strategies
B. Risk of self-disclosure
C. Problem-solving rules and strategies (answer)
D. Part of team building

2006-01-25T05:49:00.000-08:00

Our group consisted of: Sydney, Khris, Jason, Karin, Paul, and Ali

Chapter 1:

1. How many people should be in a successful small group? (5-7)
2. How do you define a small group ::briefly::? (a few people engaged in communication interaction over time.)
3. (T/F) Digital workspaces are a method of Group communication support systems. (True)
4. A loosely formed work group is a ______ _______ ______. (Prefab Work Group)
5. Asynchronous Forums are usually discussion forms. (True)
6. Email has changed the way we communicate. It has been called the pencil that is re-writing time. (True)
7. What are 5 observable characteristics of small group communication? (interdependence, norms, structural patterns, goals, perceptions.)
8. Name the 4 types of work groups. (long standing work group, project teams, prefab work group, virtual teams)
9. _______ and _______ communications are such fundamental and taken for granted. (verbal, nonverbal)
10. (T/F) The abilities to organize, lead, and participate in small group discussions are very important according to the current corporate rationale. (True)
11. Name two of the four directly observable characteristics of a small group. (communication, space)
12. (T/F) Instant messaging is a part of the group communication support systems. (True)

Chapter 2

1. (T/F) The four distinct processes that occur in groups is task talk, role talk, relational and encounter talk. (True)
2. (T/F) Self help groups are a type of hybrid encounter-CR groups. (true)
3. Name a type of Hybrid-CR group. (parents w/out partners, Alcoholics Anonymous, etc)
4. ________ - _______ _________ indicates the necessary task communication skills that need to be performed. (Decision-Making Theory)
5. ________ ________ _______ dictates the group motivational behavior that is needed. (Symbolic convergence theory)
6. (T/F) For any task group to produce a worthwhile product, no conflict or disagreeing will occur. (False - must have conflict)
7. What kind of "talk" helps group members get through primary tension and do a better job of orienting themselves to the task? (Relationship-Building talk)
8. (T/F) Communication is Common Sense. (False)
9. When a group member starts discussing his or her personal agenda in depth, it is known as: (C)
A. Encounter groups
B. Delays
C. Encounter moment
D. CR moment (conciousness raising)

10. When a group does not have work to do, it will make itself the work by focusing on the interpersonal dynamics within the team. (A)
A. Encounter groups
B. Delays
C. Encounter moment
D. CR moment

11. Times when the group switches from one topic to another: (B)
A. Encounter groups
B. Delays
C. Encounter moment
D. CR moment

12. When the group members discuss their professional identity in detail: (D)
A. Encounter groups
B. Delays
C. Encounter moment
D. CR moment

Chapter 3

1. List one problem solving rule or strategy.

2. (T/F) Talk within groups should always be rational and highly analytic. (False pg. 69)

3. A cognitive process by which people attempt to categorize, explain, or understand other people and their actions. (C)
a. identity
b. self-centered follower
c. Perspective taking

4. A term that refers specifically to the way in which a person, group, or organization is defined and regarded within a particular encounter. (A)
a. identity
b. self-centered follower
c. Perspective taking

5. When a group member appears to be using the group for his or her individual ends. Can be accused of unethical behavior. (B)
a. Identity
B. Self-centered follower
C. Perspective taking

6. (T/F) There are four types of group fantasies. (True)

7. Which is not a group fantasy? (C)
A. Fantasies about individual group members
b. fantasies about the groups teamwork
c. fantasies about the groups goals
d. fantasies to neutralize negative fantasies about the group

8. (T/F) New members of an organization should be told sacred stories. (True)

9. (T/F)Groups suffer from self-disclosure. (False p. 67)

10. (T/F) Group roles should be fixed. (False - should be flexible)

11. (T/F) Humor is a positive way to ease primary tension within a group and should be rewarded. (True)

12. (T/F) Communication styles and techniques should be adapted within groups and different group members. (True)

Phew!

Why Does It Keep Saying "No Posts" ??

2006-01-24T23:10:00.000-08:00

This is a very horrid thing, and it had better not erase the "I Hate Today" posting!

um am I doing this right?

2006-01-24T16:18:00.000-08:00

Somebody let me know that I have done all of this blog thing right?

I hate today

2006-01-24T14:11:00.000-08:00

Well?

2006-01-24T06:54:00.000-08:00

Ok, you're signed up... now tell us who you are!

Pretend you don't know one another in class, and tell us about yourself...

You Guys CAN Start Posting, You Know..

2006-01-15T22:47:00.000-08:00

Hi all, why don't you introduce yourselves to the blogging world?

(This doesn't count as an assignment, so don't get any ideas.. :)

Love,

miss sally

Welcome!

2006-01-09T13:04:00.000-08:00

Hi, and welcome to this community blog, created for and by all of Miss Sally's beloved students (that would be you, unless you're NOT one of my beloved students).

At any rate, more to come...!

(Really!)