Films vs Text

I have to make a choice? Tough one to make and I actually cannot give you a definitive answer! I love films: action, sci fi, adventure, martial arts and comedy! Some of my favorite movies: Kung Fu Hustle, Fight Club, The Prestige, and The Matrix off the top of my head.

Books on the other hand; I tend to stick to one particular genre - Fantasy. I am a huge fan of Robin Hobb, George RR Martin and Patrick Rothfuss.

I watch a lot of movies. At least 5 a week if not more, but at the same time, I also read a great deal -books, magazines and online content.

If I had to make a choice between the two, I would choose text. Why? Because it requires far less technology to utilize. Could you watch a movie on a deserted island? Or during a power outage? Nope and that is where the simplicity of books is superior.

My favorite form of entertainment is neither books or film however. My favorite is video games; a genre that is blurring the lines between film and books.

But in terms of learning: I learn far more from books than I do in movies. I am able to process the information better from books and it is easier for me to remember facts.

Education in the US: Are We Falling Behind

I do think the U.S. is falling behind in education. Our public schools systems are broken. The curriculum is being dumbed down for one. I have spoken to international students at NEIU and for the most part, they have learned many concepts in High School that the American student learns at the University.

When it comes time to balance state and municipal budgets, education is one of the first things cut. Teacher's are not paid enough, so the best and brightest move towards higher paying careers. Public education needs to be seriously overhauled to help get the United States back on track.

Another reason the United States is falling behind is our lack of a free public option for students looking to go to college. Many other industrial countries offer free higher educations for students and this gives them an edge over the US citizen who has to pay or take out loans for their education.

The US needs to catch up and to do so it will need to take drastic action.

Thoughts on Plagiarism

Plagiarism really angers me. Why do it? The main reason, in my opinion, is that students get lazy and look for a quick fix. And with the internet at a young students disposal, it must be an easy move. I wonder how much plagiarism goes on between students for different classes. How much plagiarizing goes on at the University level? With all the means available it must be an increasing problem. I have never been tempted to plagiarize because I have always wanted people to read my work and know I wrote it.