Hey guys, I know most of the class (me included) has been struggling with avoiding passive voice. If you use microsoft word you include checking for passive voice in your spelling and grammer check, here's how:
Step 1: go into the drop down "Tools" menu
Step 2: Hit options...look for a box that says "writing style" and hit settings underneath it
Step 3:Scroll down and you should see "passive sentances" click that and you're set!
Hope I helped good luck!
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Saturday, March 21, 2009
What About the Guys?
When body image is discussed, most students, professors, and family members direct the conversation towards the pressure placed upon women to be “perfect” to be “slim” and polite. Words like anorexia, depression, bulimia, and abuse are commonly spoken. Women are often portrayed as victims of an unfair society, and unattainable standards set by men. Teenage girls tend to be the center of the conversation, mainly because they are viewed as insecure and very impressionable. They are brainwashed by the media to look a certain way and not embrace themselves for who they are. While all this may be true, it is very rare to observe someone sympathizing with the male side of the story. People seem to forget that the phrase “body image” does not solely refer to women. The pressures and influence the media has on body image is seldom thoroughly considered form a man’s point of view.
It is easy to say that men support unfair and unrealistic standards regarding women, but how about the standards women have of men? If an adolescent boy plays sports, he has to be a jock; he is expected to have bulging muscles (guns), and six pack abs. Anyone who has played sports knows that a six pack and guns don’t develop overnight, and certainly not from playing on a town or school sports team. To be in shape a man doesn’t have to be buff, women cannot seem to wrap their heads around that terribly complicated concept. If a man is slim, or muscular he is assumed to be healthy, just as a skinny woman is considered healthy. This assumption is not true, a man with muscles could be a frequent steroid user, and that skinny woman could have crohns, high blood pressure, or an eating disorder. While most frown upon the statement of women, few mention the same stereotype of men.
A more simple misrepresentation of the male gender is that for any man to be tough or attractive he has to play some sort of sport and has to be incapable of discussing his feelings. Society seems to find it difficult to accept a heterosexual man that is open about his feelings. Woman claim they want a sensitive husband, or boyfriend, but the second a boy shows an emotion other then anger he is labeled a “fag” a “homo” he is instantly considered gay. In contrast women laugh and cry as they please, they are unpredictable when it comes to emotions and no one even thinks twice about it.
American men are unable to touch someone of the same sex without having the gay card pulled. If a handshake lasts too long, if a pat on the back is deemed inappropriate by one person, those involved are suddenly gay. Once a man is called homosexual it is very difficult to set things straight (no pun intended.) This is yet another area, in which women are given more leeway, girls hold hands, accompany each other to the bathroom, and hug, without consequence. It is arguably more common for two men who touch to be considered gay, than it is for two women.
Both genders are equally victims to an unrealistic body image; they each go through spurts of self-hate and depression due to the images forced upon them by the media and society itself. People have been brainwashed with slim fast, boflex, and swimsuit models from the time they are able to turn on the radio, watch television, comprehend the images and words on the screen and even look at a newspaper or magazine. Images of slim, blond haired blue eyed hotties haunt the everyday person, not the teenage girl, not the woman with the eating disorder or the one who cuts herself because she can’t stand to look in a mirror. It affects the young boys trying to impress their first girlfriends, the ones that resort to steroids, the ones afraid to show their true emotions. It is disturbing to consider how many people ignore the male side of the story, how many other ill effects of the perfect body image are there that we aren’t even fully aware of because the topic is rarely discussed? Next time body image is discussed don’t be like most students, professors, and family members refrain from directing the conversation towards the pressure placed upon women to be “perfect” to be “slim” and polite, instead look at it from a new perspective, try to consider the hardships men face, you might be shocked.
It is easy to say that men support unfair and unrealistic standards regarding women, but how about the standards women have of men? If an adolescent boy plays sports, he has to be a jock; he is expected to have bulging muscles (guns), and six pack abs. Anyone who has played sports knows that a six pack and guns don’t develop overnight, and certainly not from playing on a town or school sports team. To be in shape a man doesn’t have to be buff, women cannot seem to wrap their heads around that terribly complicated concept. If a man is slim, or muscular he is assumed to be healthy, just as a skinny woman is considered healthy. This assumption is not true, a man with muscles could be a frequent steroid user, and that skinny woman could have crohns, high blood pressure, or an eating disorder. While most frown upon the statement of women, few mention the same stereotype of men.
A more simple misrepresentation of the male gender is that for any man to be tough or attractive he has to play some sort of sport and has to be incapable of discussing his feelings. Society seems to find it difficult to accept a heterosexual man that is open about his feelings. Woman claim they want a sensitive husband, or boyfriend, but the second a boy shows an emotion other then anger he is labeled a “fag” a “homo” he is instantly considered gay. In contrast women laugh and cry as they please, they are unpredictable when it comes to emotions and no one even thinks twice about it.
American men are unable to touch someone of the same sex without having the gay card pulled. If a handshake lasts too long, if a pat on the back is deemed inappropriate by one person, those involved are suddenly gay. Once a man is called homosexual it is very difficult to set things straight (no pun intended.) This is yet another area, in which women are given more leeway, girls hold hands, accompany each other to the bathroom, and hug, without consequence. It is arguably more common for two men who touch to be considered gay, than it is for two women.
Both genders are equally victims to an unrealistic body image; they each go through spurts of self-hate and depression due to the images forced upon them by the media and society itself. People have been brainwashed with slim fast, boflex, and swimsuit models from the time they are able to turn on the radio, watch television, comprehend the images and words on the screen and even look at a newspaper or magazine. Images of slim, blond haired blue eyed hotties haunt the everyday person, not the teenage girl, not the woman with the eating disorder or the one who cuts herself because she can’t stand to look in a mirror. It affects the young boys trying to impress their first girlfriends, the ones that resort to steroids, the ones afraid to show their true emotions. It is disturbing to consider how many people ignore the male side of the story, how many other ill effects of the perfect body image are there that we aren’t even fully aware of because the topic is rarely discussed? Next time body image is discussed don’t be like most students, professors, and family members refrain from directing the conversation towards the pressure placed upon women to be “perfect” to be “slim” and polite, instead look at it from a new perspective, try to consider the hardships men face, you might be shocked.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Thick Chicks
I saw this on deaf poetry jam and thought of class. It's poem about body image...hope you like it
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FumRheNXaZQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FumRheNXaZQ
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
This was a history assignment, I had a lot of fun writing it though and figured I'd post it. I know it's very one sided and opinionated, but i'm a strong independant woman, what else would you expect?
The 1920’s, after world war one, were a time of dramatic change in the United States. Citizens had conflicting views on what the nation should do to avoid future issues. Some people concluded that expanding the United States horizons would be beneficial. They praised change, and embraced new ideas. Another common mindset however, was that the United States should go back to the ‘good old days’ before the war. The government should not be involved in business and life should be kept simple. It is evident that change was met with strong opposition, but eventually society enjoyed the fruits of an advancing nation.
One important change that is still relevant in contemporary America is the mass production of automobiles. The vehicle began as a commodity owned only by the wealthy, but Ford (still a major car manufacturer in the 2009) changed all that. Henry Ford produced the Model T or Tin Lizzy; it was a low cost automobile available to most families. The new trend in owning automobiles allowed people to travel longer distances and led to a noticeable decrease in the isolation of rural areas. Ford utilized the assembly line to speed up production rates; The Company was able to brag, “Raw iron ore at the docks at 8:00 Monday morning could be marketed as a complete Ford car on Wednesday noon, allowing 15 hours for shipment.” The quick and cost efficient method of production became a model for General Motors and Chrysler. Ford nearly doubled wages, by reducing the cost of automobiles, staving off unionization.
The new demand for automobiles created new jobs including garage owners, repair technicians and gas station workers. The creation of jobs was vital in post world war one times; factories were inhabited by women, African Americans and immigrants. Those returning from battle were unemployed, these new industries helped lower the unemployment rate. The invention of tractors eliminated the need for draft animals, revolutionizing the way people farmed.
Vehicles have become a requirement in many areas of the United States. While cities tend to provide public transportation, most of those living in small towns buy cars. There is much more variety now, wealthy people might own sports cars, and higher end vehicles like Mercedes Benzes and Audi’s, while middle class citizens drive mediocre cars including Toyotas and Fords. Consumers can choose from a multitude of colors, while you were able to purchase a model T in any color as long as it was black.
One of the most controversial changes in the 1920’s was women’s rights. Women were left to run factories as well as take care of their homes during World War One, thus proving that they were capable of doing a “man’s job.” This eliminated a small portion of the opposition they received. Some extremists called “flappers” emerged in the 1920’s, these women smoked, drank, and dressed in what was considered an inappropriate way. Eventually though, women won the long battle and acquired equal rights. They were able to drink, smoke, dress how they pleased, work, and go to school.
It took approximately seventy years for women just to gain the right to vote. They were met with strong opposition. Although women were allowed to work the government tried to regulate their hours, stating women could only work ten hours. Once women cleared that hurdle they were forced to work for unfair wages of at least fifty percent less than the average man. Women faced severe discrimination, and had extreme difficulties breaking into certain fields such as science and law. Unfortunately some women were unable to enjoy their rights, because they had been suffocated with the idea of making babies and staying at home. Society pushed them into silence and they became so complacent to their husbands that they were incapable of enjoying their newfound freedoms; the idea was too much to handle. The mindset that women belonged in a house taking care of children, cooking and cleaning poisoned them destroying the free spirit inside.
Although women were awarded equal rights in the 1920’s they still face difficulties on some fields. Women are not allowed to play baseball; they are segregated and must play the female version of the game, softball. They are not able to play football either. Although there is decent reasoning behind these rules, they are arguably unfair. Women are constantly discriminated against in nontraditional fields, such as carpentry, welding, automotive, and plumbing. If a woman wants a job in any of those industries, they have to grow a tough skin before even considering entering the workforce. The juxtaposition of women in the 1920’s and the early 2000’s is astonishing. The lives of those about 90 years ago are the polar opposite of those alive today. It was only seventy years ago that women were not allowed the same rights as men. They could not choose a career, or dress how they wished. Society has advanced tremendously, and is finally allowing women to take their rightful places in the world.
World War One was a tragic event; it generated a deep fear of change and communism. Despite its obvious negative effects (deaths, fear, etc.) the war sparked many advances in technology, industry, and individuals rights. It is understandable why some individuals were against change, yet society is much better off because it was accepted. The automotive industry is now an important part of the business world, and the pure food and drug act still protects consumers from contaminated food, and unlabeled substances. I enjoy women’s rights every day, I go to school and have chosen to study automotive technology. When I turn eighteen I plan on registering to vote, I am free to dress however I like and absolutely refuse to allow someone to tell me they are better simply based on gender. It took a lot of reasoning for the United States to decide what to do after the war, but they did in fact make the right choice.
The 1920’s, after world war one, were a time of dramatic change in the United States. Citizens had conflicting views on what the nation should do to avoid future issues. Some people concluded that expanding the United States horizons would be beneficial. They praised change, and embraced new ideas. Another common mindset however, was that the United States should go back to the ‘good old days’ before the war. The government should not be involved in business and life should be kept simple. It is evident that change was met with strong opposition, but eventually society enjoyed the fruits of an advancing nation.
One important change that is still relevant in contemporary America is the mass production of automobiles. The vehicle began as a commodity owned only by the wealthy, but Ford (still a major car manufacturer in the 2009) changed all that. Henry Ford produced the Model T or Tin Lizzy; it was a low cost automobile available to most families. The new trend in owning automobiles allowed people to travel longer distances and led to a noticeable decrease in the isolation of rural areas. Ford utilized the assembly line to speed up production rates; The Company was able to brag, “Raw iron ore at the docks at 8:00 Monday morning could be marketed as a complete Ford car on Wednesday noon, allowing 15 hours for shipment.” The quick and cost efficient method of production became a model for General Motors and Chrysler. Ford nearly doubled wages, by reducing the cost of automobiles, staving off unionization.
The new demand for automobiles created new jobs including garage owners, repair technicians and gas station workers. The creation of jobs was vital in post world war one times; factories were inhabited by women, African Americans and immigrants. Those returning from battle were unemployed, these new industries helped lower the unemployment rate. The invention of tractors eliminated the need for draft animals, revolutionizing the way people farmed.
Vehicles have become a requirement in many areas of the United States. While cities tend to provide public transportation, most of those living in small towns buy cars. There is much more variety now, wealthy people might own sports cars, and higher end vehicles like Mercedes Benzes and Audi’s, while middle class citizens drive mediocre cars including Toyotas and Fords. Consumers can choose from a multitude of colors, while you were able to purchase a model T in any color as long as it was black.
One of the most controversial changes in the 1920’s was women’s rights. Women were left to run factories as well as take care of their homes during World War One, thus proving that they were capable of doing a “man’s job.” This eliminated a small portion of the opposition they received. Some extremists called “flappers” emerged in the 1920’s, these women smoked, drank, and dressed in what was considered an inappropriate way. Eventually though, women won the long battle and acquired equal rights. They were able to drink, smoke, dress how they pleased, work, and go to school.
It took approximately seventy years for women just to gain the right to vote. They were met with strong opposition. Although women were allowed to work the government tried to regulate their hours, stating women could only work ten hours. Once women cleared that hurdle they were forced to work for unfair wages of at least fifty percent less than the average man. Women faced severe discrimination, and had extreme difficulties breaking into certain fields such as science and law. Unfortunately some women were unable to enjoy their rights, because they had been suffocated with the idea of making babies and staying at home. Society pushed them into silence and they became so complacent to their husbands that they were incapable of enjoying their newfound freedoms; the idea was too much to handle. The mindset that women belonged in a house taking care of children, cooking and cleaning poisoned them destroying the free spirit inside.
Although women were awarded equal rights in the 1920’s they still face difficulties on some fields. Women are not allowed to play baseball; they are segregated and must play the female version of the game, softball. They are not able to play football either. Although there is decent reasoning behind these rules, they are arguably unfair. Women are constantly discriminated against in nontraditional fields, such as carpentry, welding, automotive, and plumbing. If a woman wants a job in any of those industries, they have to grow a tough skin before even considering entering the workforce. The juxtaposition of women in the 1920’s and the early 2000’s is astonishing. The lives of those about 90 years ago are the polar opposite of those alive today. It was only seventy years ago that women were not allowed the same rights as men. They could not choose a career, or dress how they wished. Society has advanced tremendously, and is finally allowing women to take their rightful places in the world.
World War One was a tragic event; it generated a deep fear of change and communism. Despite its obvious negative effects (deaths, fear, etc.) the war sparked many advances in technology, industry, and individuals rights. It is understandable why some individuals were against change, yet society is much better off because it was accepted. The automotive industry is now an important part of the business world, and the pure food and drug act still protects consumers from contaminated food, and unlabeled substances. I enjoy women’s rights every day, I go to school and have chosen to study automotive technology. When I turn eighteen I plan on registering to vote, I am free to dress however I like and absolutely refuse to allow someone to tell me they are better simply based on gender. It took a lot of reasoning for the United States to decide what to do after the war, but they did in fact make the right choice.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Engine Stuff
Every vehicle is equipped with an engine, it makes the car run. There are a multitude of different engines being used in the automotive industry today. They are classified by the number of cylinders (4,5,6,8,10 or 12) the way in which the cylinders are arranged, the type of valve train, and ignition type. An engine could be In-Line (cylinders arranged in a row) V type (cylinders in two rows resembling a V) slant (the entire engine block is slanted) or opposed (the cylinders are in two rows but instead of making a V shape they are opposite the crankshaft.) An engines valve train can be configured a few different ways, overhead camshaft, overhead valve or dual overhead cam. There are only two types of ignition systems, spark and compression. Gasoline engines have spark ignitions, in contrast a diesel engine uses compression, both are considered internal combustion engines because the combustion occurs inside the engine.
Four stroke engines are the most common, the strokes are intake, compression, power or combustion and exhaust. They need four basic things to run air, spark, fuel and compression. Each element combined creates an explosion inside the combustion chamber, the space in between the top of the cylinder and piston. During the intake stroke the piston is moving downward and the intake valve is opened creating a vacuum for the air/fuel mixture. When the intake valve closes and the piston begins to move up compressing the two substances, the engines compression stroke is taking place. The combustion stroke is when the compressed mixture is ignited by the engines spark plug, and the exhaust stroke is when the piston moves down a second time from the pressure of the explosion and the exhaust valve is opened. As the piston is forced downward it rotates another component called the crankshaft. The piston is connected to a rod, which attaches to the crankshaft. One end of the crankshaft is attached to the flywheel, sending the power of the engine to the wheels of the vehicle. The camshaft (smaller then the crankshaft) controls the vales mentioned above with lobes. It is driven by the crankshaft.
The engine components can not rub against one another, as that would create friction, and metal shavings to be distributed throughout the engine. If an engine is dry it will sieze up, and the vehcile will be unable to run. This is why oil is used as a lubricant, and why it has to be changed regularly, without it an engine wouldn't last. The oil can be 5w-30, 10w-20, 10w-3o and many other viscosity levels.
There are various tests preformed to check an engines condition. A compression gauge will check compression in any given cylinder. Poor compression will result in a loss of power, and a poorly running engine. A cylinder power balance test is used to make sure all the cylinders are producing the same output. To preform this test a cylinders spark plug is shorted, and the engine speed drop is recorded. A technician can also test the vacuum produced with a vacuum gauge. Scan tools have also proven helpful when identifying engine problems. They can read and clear trouble codes which set MIL (malfunction Indicator Light) lights or check engine lights. Engines are a very complex and essential component of any automobile.
I was bored...
Four stroke engines are the most common, the strokes are intake, compression, power or combustion and exhaust. They need four basic things to run air, spark, fuel and compression. Each element combined creates an explosion inside the combustion chamber, the space in between the top of the cylinder and piston. During the intake stroke the piston is moving downward and the intake valve is opened creating a vacuum for the air/fuel mixture. When the intake valve closes and the piston begins to move up compressing the two substances, the engines compression stroke is taking place. The combustion stroke is when the compressed mixture is ignited by the engines spark plug, and the exhaust stroke is when the piston moves down a second time from the pressure of the explosion and the exhaust valve is opened. As the piston is forced downward it rotates another component called the crankshaft. The piston is connected to a rod, which attaches to the crankshaft. One end of the crankshaft is attached to the flywheel, sending the power of the engine to the wheels of the vehicle. The camshaft (smaller then the crankshaft) controls the vales mentioned above with lobes. It is driven by the crankshaft.
The engine components can not rub against one another, as that would create friction, and metal shavings to be distributed throughout the engine. If an engine is dry it will sieze up, and the vehcile will be unable to run. This is why oil is used as a lubricant, and why it has to be changed regularly, without it an engine wouldn't last. The oil can be 5w-30, 10w-20, 10w-3o and many other viscosity levels.
There are various tests preformed to check an engines condition. A compression gauge will check compression in any given cylinder. Poor compression will result in a loss of power, and a poorly running engine. A cylinder power balance test is used to make sure all the cylinders are producing the same output. To preform this test a cylinders spark plug is shorted, and the engine speed drop is recorded. A technician can also test the vacuum produced with a vacuum gauge. Scan tools have also proven helpful when identifying engine problems. They can read and clear trouble codes which set MIL (malfunction Indicator Light) lights or check engine lights. Engines are a very complex and essential component of any automobile.
I was bored...
Brake Overview, for those interested
A brake system is arguably one of the most important systems in a vehicle. It is a hydraulic system that transfers the pressure of the drivers foot against the pedal to the wheels of the vehicle. Cars originally only had one system, meaning if there was a problem with the brakes the driver would be unable to stop. In the late sixties (1967) a federal law was passed requiring all automobiles to be equipped with two brake systems. If one system had a problem the driver would still have some braking power. There are two types of dual systems, one is a front/rear split and the other is diagonal. The front/rear split is not as effective as the diagonal split. It's lines are divided between the front two wheels and the back two. The problem with that is the front brakes do approximately seventy percent of the breaking on a vehicle, so if a vehicles front brakes went, the driver would only have about thirty percent of his or her breaking power. A diagonal system includes one front and one rear wheel, so if a system has a problem the driver will have half the breaking power.
The system utilizes hydraulics and leverage. It takes a large amount of force to stop a vehicle, therefore the pressure applied by the driver has to be multiplied. The master cylinder converts the motion of the pedal being pressed into hydraulic pressure. It contains two pistons, each for one half of the system. As the brake pedal is depressed the master cylinder's piston assembly shifts, applying pressure to fluid, which travels out through ports. The fluid then enters the brake lines, usually made of steel and copper. When the fluid reaches the wheel cylinder, pistons are pushed outward forcing the brake shoes or pads to contact the drum or rotor. Most vehciles have discs in the front and drums in the rear, however four wheel discs do exist. I was bored, and couldn't sleep :-P
The system utilizes hydraulics and leverage. It takes a large amount of force to stop a vehicle, therefore the pressure applied by the driver has to be multiplied. The master cylinder converts the motion of the pedal being pressed into hydraulic pressure. It contains two pistons, each for one half of the system. As the brake pedal is depressed the master cylinder's piston assembly shifts, applying pressure to fluid, which travels out through ports. The fluid then enters the brake lines, usually made of steel and copper. When the fluid reaches the wheel cylinder, pistons are pushed outward forcing the brake shoes or pads to contact the drum or rotor. Most vehciles have discs in the front and drums in the rear, however four wheel discs do exist. I was bored, and couldn't sleep :-P
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Pink Think
In Lynn Peril's essay Pink Think the term is defined as "a set of ideas and attitudes about what constitutes proper female behavior." This Pink Think still exists, even thrives in today's society. As mentioned in an article a baby girl is placed in a pink blanket, which is supposedly a girl color. I personally do not like the color pink, I prefer black, red and blue, all dark colors, but society forces women into baby blue, pink, yellow and green. These colors are gentle and quiet, they reflect the stereotype also mentioned in the article of women "always being gentle, soft, delicate and nurturing." Advertisements use women as objects of beauty to attract consumers. Automotive companies do this constantly, what looks better then a tall blond model wearing six inch heals and three Pounds of makeup leaning on a corvette? When T Mobile introduced their anytime minutes they placed a young girl in a cheer leading uniform with a cell phone. The catch phrase was "Is 1500 enough for the biggest talkers?" This commercial stereotypes women as pretty, ditsy and obnoxious talkers. As the young girl continues speaking on the phone those around her tap their fingers impatiently with bored looks on their faces. Women in advertisements are free of wrinkles, acne, and scars. They are young, and thin you could call them perfect, but in reality no one looks perfect and these advertisements have a huge effect on society. They encourage the judgment of women, the idea that women are only good because of their visual assets not their intelligence or skills, a perfect example of Pink Think.
It is ridiculously difficult even today for women to take jobs as automotive technicians, welders, and carpenters. They can legally work where ever they want, however women are still not free from intense sexual harassment, a lack of respect from their co workers and even some family members. I remember telling my grandparents that I had chosen Auto Tech at school, the first words out of my grandmothers mouth were "well I'm so glad I have a grandson." I laughed the insult off, and realized that if I was to make it in my field I would have to grow a tough skin. My mother was an EMT, she was out driving the ambulance one day, when she arrived to help someone the lady inquired "who is going to help me?" Her partner indicated that my mother would be taking care of the patient and her response was "no, she can't be qualified, where is your male partner?" This woman was undoubtedly a victim of pink think, unable to see past my mothers gender.
Many people say that women have come a long way, this is true as far as job opportunities, voting rights and clothing choice, but what about the ever haunting insults? Women are put down on a daily basis. We are categorized as chatty, emotional, and weak. Yes we are given the same literal freedoms as everyone else, but emotionally we are tied down, held back by the fear of being called "butch" if we know how to throw a punch, fix a car, or wire a building.
Pink think engulfs advertisements, jobs, movies, and texts. It is evident that society for some unknown reason is incapable of rising above it. Women are continuously viewed as silly, and objects of pleasure, they rarely receive the respect they deserve. The only concept more sicking then this terrible stereotyping of women and girls is how complacent we have become to it. Pink Think has not disappeared, it is still a part of everyday life.
It is ridiculously difficult even today for women to take jobs as automotive technicians, welders, and carpenters. They can legally work where ever they want, however women are still not free from intense sexual harassment, a lack of respect from their co workers and even some family members. I remember telling my grandparents that I had chosen Auto Tech at school, the first words out of my grandmothers mouth were "well I'm so glad I have a grandson." I laughed the insult off, and realized that if I was to make it in my field I would have to grow a tough skin. My mother was an EMT, she was out driving the ambulance one day, when she arrived to help someone the lady inquired "who is going to help me?" Her partner indicated that my mother would be taking care of the patient and her response was "no, she can't be qualified, where is your male partner?" This woman was undoubtedly a victim of pink think, unable to see past my mothers gender.
Many people say that women have come a long way, this is true as far as job opportunities, voting rights and clothing choice, but what about the ever haunting insults? Women are put down on a daily basis. We are categorized as chatty, emotional, and weak. Yes we are given the same literal freedoms as everyone else, but emotionally we are tied down, held back by the fear of being called "butch" if we know how to throw a punch, fix a car, or wire a building.
Pink think engulfs advertisements, jobs, movies, and texts. It is evident that society for some unknown reason is incapable of rising above it. Women are continuously viewed as silly, and objects of pleasure, they rarely receive the respect they deserve. The only concept more sicking then this terrible stereotyping of women and girls is how complacent we have become to it. Pink Think has not disappeared, it is still a part of everyday life.
Friday, January 9, 2009
Magneto-Rheological Fluid...the coolest thing EVER!!
As a student in the automotive technology department I get to explore the many recent innovations in my field. Not the newest but arguably one of the most important is the use of magneto-rheological fluid in shock absorbers. This substantial part of any vehicles suspension system acts as a damper, without these dampers the oscillations of the vehicles springs (another suspension system component) would be prolonged. When a vehicle goes over a bump the springs would continue to expand and contract until they absorbed the energy if it wasn't for the shock absorbers.
Shock absorbers are hydraulic, they are filled with oil and sometimes Nitrogen gas. "A shock absorber works on the principle of fluid displacement on both its compression (jounce) and extension (rebound) cycles." (Erjavec Pg. 1116) They essentially consist of two chambers, a piston, and valve. The fluid is moved from one chamber to the other through the valve. When this transition takes place the piston moves either up or down elongating or shortening the shock absorber. An effective and common type of shock absorber is gas assisted. There are two pistons in this system, and as the oil is pushed upward the nitrogen is compressed. the gas aids in forcing the piston back up and returning the damper to it's original position. This system was one of the most technologically advanced.
Lord company has revolutionized the shock absorber, and blown the conventional gas assist shock out of the water. They use magneto-rheological fluid, composed of iron particles, and synthetic oil, mineral oil, water or glycol. When this mixture contacts a magnetic field it turns into a viscoelastic solid, resisting the pressure from the vehicle and road. The solid does not allow the shock to move providing a more comfortable ride. They are electronically controlled via a sensor and small wire connected to the shock absorber. This phase changing compound increases ride (the feeling of the car during turning and over bumps.) It almost disproves the rule stating that as ride increases handling decreases. "In an MR suspension, controllable MR fluid replaces traditional hydraulic fluid in each shock absorber. As sensors monitor road and vehicle conditions, a controller modifies the damping characteristics up to one thousand times per second. This enables dramatic improvements in both ride comfort and handling." (Lord Corporation)
This system is much more expensive however more effective. It is used on the Acura MDX, Audi TT, Audi R8, Buick Lucerne,Cadillac DTS, Cadillac SLR, Cadillac SRX, Cadillac STS, Chevrolet Corvette, Ferrari 599GTB, and Holden HSV Commodore. We are going over steering and suspension in shop (if you couldn't tell.) I find that writing about something helps me better understand it, so this was my attempt at understanding the system.
Shock absorbers are hydraulic, they are filled with oil and sometimes Nitrogen gas. "A shock absorber works on the principle of fluid displacement on both its compression (jounce) and extension (rebound) cycles." (Erjavec Pg. 1116) They essentially consist of two chambers, a piston, and valve. The fluid is moved from one chamber to the other through the valve. When this transition takes place the piston moves either up or down elongating or shortening the shock absorber. An effective and common type of shock absorber is gas assisted. There are two pistons in this system, and as the oil is pushed upward the nitrogen is compressed. the gas aids in forcing the piston back up and returning the damper to it's original position. This system was one of the most technologically advanced.
Lord company has revolutionized the shock absorber, and blown the conventional gas assist shock out of the water. They use magneto-rheological fluid, composed of iron particles, and synthetic oil, mineral oil, water or glycol. When this mixture contacts a magnetic field it turns into a viscoelastic solid, resisting the pressure from the vehicle and road. The solid does not allow the shock to move providing a more comfortable ride. They are electronically controlled via a sensor and small wire connected to the shock absorber. This phase changing compound increases ride (the feeling of the car during turning and over bumps.) It almost disproves the rule stating that as ride increases handling decreases. "In an MR suspension, controllable MR fluid replaces traditional hydraulic fluid in each shock absorber. As sensors monitor road and vehicle conditions, a controller modifies the damping characteristics up to one thousand times per second. This enables dramatic improvements in both ride comfort and handling." (Lord Corporation)
This system is much more expensive however more effective. It is used on the Acura MDX, Audi TT, Audi R8, Buick Lucerne,Cadillac DTS, Cadillac SLR, Cadillac SRX, Cadillac STS, Chevrolet Corvette, Ferrari 599GTB, and Holden HSV Commodore. We are going over steering and suspension in shop (if you couldn't tell.) I find that writing about something helps me better understand it, so this was my attempt at understanding the system.
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