Interested in studying abroad? If you ask me, the answer would be “yes”. Over the past week I have devotedly researched information about studying abroad. For as long as I can remember, I have wanted to study abroad in Italy. My time in college is running out, and I realize that I need to start planning soon. There are thousands of thoughts running through my head as I try to plan my future studies. To help me decide and plan my trip abroad, I have found a great website.
Beginning my freshman year, I kept my eyes open for information regarding abroad programs. Through college e-mails I discovered Arcadia University. This university offers schools all over the world with programs to fit any student’s needs. I visited Arcadia’s website this week to start planning my trip.
Any Villa Julie student considering studying abroad should visit http://www.arcadia.edu/abroad/default.aspx?ID=8012. My first suggestion is to browse through the program options and decide which program is fitting. Different schools offer different courses. If you need help, there are advisers on campus that can aid in this process. Once you have chosen a suitable program, check out the Arcadia website to find helpful advice about studying abroad in your chosen city.
After researching the available options, I chose a summer program in Rome to attend. Through Arcadia’s site I was able to get great information on studying and living in Italy. This website offered EVERYTHING I needed to know. There are recommendations on packing necessities, quick facts about Italy, tuition costs, and a list of frequently asked questions. Through this site, you can also contact someone who has attended the program. Planning to study abroad is exciting, yet overwhelming. The people at Arcadia University realize this and created this website to help the process. I did not have to look any further than this website to answer my questions. Everything one needs to know is available here. Although my trip abroad is not official, I have been able to begin planning through Arcadia University.
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Sunday, October 21, 2007
It's a great, big world out there
Being the type of person that always dreams about traveling, I jumped at the opportunity to visit http://travel.discovery.com/. Seeing the world “travel” in the title, I somehow assumed that this would be a website for booking a trip. I was pleasantly surprised as I explored what the website had to offer.
This website is a branch off of the Travel Chanel television network. Offering a wide variety of different things, there is much to discover on this site. As I looked around, and found links that interested me, I began to learn more about this website. I noticed that not only was this a website for booking trips, but also a helpful, informative place for those interested in traveling. The extent of information included on this site amazed me. I found pictures, facts, and weather for a variety of travel destinations around the world. Anyone interested in traveling could find more than what he or she needed to prepare for a trip. With information such as traveling on a budget, traveler’s reviews, and must see attractions, travelers can not go wrong. There are also recommended hotels, places to dine, and tours listed for specific destinations. For those unfamiliar with where they are traveling, or those in need of travel ideas, this website is very useful.
I enjoyed exploring the Travel Chanel website. I did not know what I was in store for when I clicked on the link, but I was certainly not disappointed. I would recommend this site for anyone looking to plan a trip. This website is even great for people curious about other places, yet not intending to travel. Links, photos, and facts make the website appealing to visitors. However, it is easy to get swept away by all the information offered. In fact, at times when I was exploring this site, I thought that presenting less information may have been better. Overall, I was pleased with this site. In fact, I bookmarked http://travel.discovery.com/, and I will be sure to visit it in the future when planning trips.
This website is a branch off of the Travel Chanel television network. Offering a wide variety of different things, there is much to discover on this site. As I looked around, and found links that interested me, I began to learn more about this website. I noticed that not only was this a website for booking trips, but also a helpful, informative place for those interested in traveling. The extent of information included on this site amazed me. I found pictures, facts, and weather for a variety of travel destinations around the world. Anyone interested in traveling could find more than what he or she needed to prepare for a trip. With information such as traveling on a budget, traveler’s reviews, and must see attractions, travelers can not go wrong. There are also recommended hotels, places to dine, and tours listed for specific destinations. For those unfamiliar with where they are traveling, or those in need of travel ideas, this website is very useful.
I enjoyed exploring the Travel Chanel website. I did not know what I was in store for when I clicked on the link, but I was certainly not disappointed. I would recommend this site for anyone looking to plan a trip. This website is even great for people curious about other places, yet not intending to travel. Links, photos, and facts make the website appealing to visitors. However, it is easy to get swept away by all the information offered. In fact, at times when I was exploring this site, I thought that presenting less information may have been better. Overall, I was pleased with this site. In fact, I bookmarked http://travel.discovery.com/, and I will be sure to visit it in the future when planning trips.
Sunday, September 30, 2007
Being a Critic
In preparation for my next web project, I was asked to explore an informative website. I chose to visit http://www.mdsci.org/, the website for the Maryland Science Center. Being critical of how the website was composed, I searched for information on the site’s creator. I quickly found, at the bottom of the page, this information. After clicking on the link for The Berndt Group Ltd, I found what I needed. The Berndt Group is a website developing group in Baltimore, Maryland that was established in 1991. The group has designed websites for a variety of clients including Johns Hopkins Institutions, Loyola College of Maryland, and the United States Social Security Administration. The Berndt Group seems to be a reputable company, and talented in designing websites.
This website is easy to use, no matter your age. With a list of page options, located on the left side of the page, users can find what they are looking for. To further narrow one’s search, subcategories also appear when clicking on an area of interest. When looking at a page, a navigational tool helps visitors know the page they are on, in relation to the site. Because I am the type to click on things, without knowing where it will take me, I enjoyed this option. It is also useful for knowing how to relocate a particular page in the future. A site map is also available, which clearly shows the layout of this site. If all this is not easy enough, the search option allows you to find what you need without browsing through the entire website.
One of the most important things I have learned, thus far, in my Writing for the Web course is how crucial the design of a website is. With this gained knowledge, I can better evaluate a website. After considering the design of http://www.mdsci.org/, I found it to be well designed. With a white background and plain black text, everything was easy to read. Also, the paragraphs were kept short, with the perfect amount of pictures to keep the interest of visitors. In my opinion, the Maryland Science Center’s website was a great example of what an informative site should look like.
This website is easy to use, no matter your age. With a list of page options, located on the left side of the page, users can find what they are looking for. To further narrow one’s search, subcategories also appear when clicking on an area of interest. When looking at a page, a navigational tool helps visitors know the page they are on, in relation to the site. Because I am the type to click on things, without knowing where it will take me, I enjoyed this option. It is also useful for knowing how to relocate a particular page in the future. A site map is also available, which clearly shows the layout of this site. If all this is not easy enough, the search option allows you to find what you need without browsing through the entire website.
One of the most important things I have learned, thus far, in my Writing for the Web course is how crucial the design of a website is. With this gained knowledge, I can better evaluate a website. After considering the design of http://www.mdsci.org/, I found it to be well designed. With a white background and plain black text, everything was easy to read. Also, the paragraphs were kept short, with the perfect amount of pictures to keep the interest of visitors. In my opinion, the Maryland Science Center’s website was a great example of what an informative site should look like.
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Spreading Happiness
For the second week in a row, I am commenting on a humorous website that I visited. This week, http://www.thehappyguy.com/humor-articles.html, happened to be the site. Skimming through the humorous articles about life experiences and tips on living, I learned more about the creator, David Leonhardt, also known as “The Happy Guy.” Leonhardt is a man of many roles; he is a public speaker, consumer advocate, and also the writer of a happiness self-help book. His purpose in maintaining this website is to help those in search of happiness.
There was a series of articles that I found rather entertaining. These articles all had to do with Leonhardt’s take on working from home. In “My Career as a Work-from-home Hermit,” he describes his life which consists of not showering and wearing pajamas all day. I enjoyed hearing about his weekly outing each Tuesday, taking out the trash. Other hermits could benefit from this article’s useful tips on how to avoid showering which include wearing many layers and a lot of cologne. Next in this series was “Pajamas Fashion Primer.” Here the Happy Guy tackled questions from other work-from-home hermits. It was amusing to read Leonhardt address problems like “casual Friday’s” and at what point wearing pajamas becomes a fashion emergency. Lastly, I read “Work-from-home Office Humor.” In this article, Leonhardt took typical office policies and adjusted them to his work-from-home lifestyle. For example, on the topic of inventory control, Leonhardt’s concern is not preventing the theft of office supplies, but rather the cupcakes in the kitchen.
Thehappyguy.com was a fun website to explore. I enjoyed the creator’s humorous take on his experiences and life in general. Although, I did not think the website was as funny as I had expected, I would still recommend others to visit it at least once. Leonhardt’s purpose to spread joy to those lacking it is admirable and I think he is doing well with this website.
There was a series of articles that I found rather entertaining. These articles all had to do with Leonhardt’s take on working from home. In “My Career as a Work-from-home Hermit,” he describes his life which consists of not showering and wearing pajamas all day. I enjoyed hearing about his weekly outing each Tuesday, taking out the trash. Other hermits could benefit from this article’s useful tips on how to avoid showering which include wearing many layers and a lot of cologne. Next in this series was “Pajamas Fashion Primer.” Here the Happy Guy tackled questions from other work-from-home hermits. It was amusing to read Leonhardt address problems like “casual Friday’s” and at what point wearing pajamas becomes a fashion emergency. Lastly, I read “Work-from-home Office Humor.” In this article, Leonhardt took typical office policies and adjusted them to his work-from-home lifestyle. For example, on the topic of inventory control, Leonhardt’s concern is not preventing the theft of office supplies, but rather the cupcakes in the kitchen.
Thehappyguy.com was a fun website to explore. I enjoyed the creator’s humorous take on his experiences and life in general. Although, I did not think the website was as funny as I had expected, I would still recommend others to visit it at least once. Leonhardt’s purpose to spread joy to those lacking it is admirable and I think he is doing well with this website.
Sunday, September 9, 2007
A new way to watch commercials
This week I visited www.veryfunnyads.com, a website containing commercials from all over the world. While viewing the first ad that I came across, I noticed the addictive nature of this site. Naturally, I was sucked in and soon browsed through and watched many of the commercials posted.
Now, although I was hooked on these commercials, I am not the type to take the time of day to watch commercials. Being the habitual channel surfer that I am, I rarely watch a show in its entirety and the beginning of commercials is usually my cue to move on to another station. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy entertaining commercials, but between all the lousy ads for political nominees and used car dealerships, I find sitting through a block of commercials rather boring. However, this website was anything but boring and I must say, there was not one commercial that I did not enjoy.
As I watched commercials under the “top rated section” one that I really enjoyed was a Swedish ad for Calve Sauzen condiments. The description, “a teenager gets caught in an awkward situation involving a wiener, mustard, and a sexy model,” says it all. I commend the company’s clever marketing of a not-so-exciting household item.
The Calve Sauzen ad was one of various commercials that I loved. The TBS owned website is a great place to surf for quick entertaining ads without having to sit through boring ones that are usually aired on television. Basically, if you have a few free minutes in your day and you enjoy a good laugh, this is the site for you. Being able to search by brand name or country while having descriptions of each commercial, makes it easy to find one that will interest you. This well thought out and well designed website may have started a new addiction for me and I will be sure to visit veryfunnyads.com again.
Check out the Calve Sauzen ad! http://veryfunnyads.com/ads/25340.html
Now, although I was hooked on these commercials, I am not the type to take the time of day to watch commercials. Being the habitual channel surfer that I am, I rarely watch a show in its entirety and the beginning of commercials is usually my cue to move on to another station. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy entertaining commercials, but between all the lousy ads for political nominees and used car dealerships, I find sitting through a block of commercials rather boring. However, this website was anything but boring and I must say, there was not one commercial that I did not enjoy.
As I watched commercials under the “top rated section” one that I really enjoyed was a Swedish ad for Calve Sauzen condiments. The description, “a teenager gets caught in an awkward situation involving a wiener, mustard, and a sexy model,” says it all. I commend the company’s clever marketing of a not-so-exciting household item.
The Calve Sauzen ad was one of various commercials that I loved. The TBS owned website is a great place to surf for quick entertaining ads without having to sit through boring ones that are usually aired on television. Basically, if you have a few free minutes in your day and you enjoy a good laugh, this is the site for you. Being able to search by brand name or country while having descriptions of each commercial, makes it easy to find one that will interest you. This well thought out and well designed website may have started a new addiction for me and I will be sure to visit veryfunnyads.com again.
Check out the Calve Sauzen ad! http://veryfunnyads.com/ads/25340.html
Friday, August 31, 2007
Where to start? Well, my name is Siera and I am a 19 year-old junior at Villa Julie College. I am studying nursing in hopes of becoming a registered nurse and working with geriatric patients. As a part of my first assignment for my English class, I was asked review a list of the “best” voted blogs and discuss one that I had read. By looking through these blogs and analyzing one, I was able to explore the world of blogging. This was something new to me because, before this assignment, I had never once read a blog.
After reading blogs that covered every topic from cooking to sex, I chose one that was under the “Best Hobby Blog” section. Immediately the title of the blog, “Calendula & Concrete”, caught my eye. I was curious to see what the blog was about considering I that I did not know what “calendula” meant. Maybe I was drawn to the blog for the wrong reasons, but regardless, it caught my attention. Following a quick definition search on Wikipedia.org and a view of the site, I soon realized that this was a gardener’s blog. Although gardening is not a hobby of mine, I read on.
Garden lovers everywhere can find enjoyment in author Christa Carignan’s writings. Carignan describes how she makes tomato sauce and salsa while touching on environmental issues that concern her. Whether it’s fretting over the decrease in vegetable varieties or arguing with her husband about purchasing an eco-friendly lawn mower, nature lovers can find something interesting in this blog. Aside from all of the author’s writings, there are many beautiful pictures that she has posted.
I developed a few different feelings about this blog. I believe that this is a great site for someone that enjoys gardening. On the other hand, her thorough explanation of how she will transport a clematis plant to her new home may seem silly to some. Overall, the author covered a few ideas that all people should be aware of, including pollution. No matter who you are or what your interests may be there is something in this blog that you can learn from.
After reading blogs that covered every topic from cooking to sex, I chose one that was under the “Best Hobby Blog” section. Immediately the title of the blog, “Calendula & Concrete”, caught my eye. I was curious to see what the blog was about considering I that I did not know what “calendula” meant. Maybe I was drawn to the blog for the wrong reasons, but regardless, it caught my attention. Following a quick definition search on Wikipedia.org and a view of the site, I soon realized that this was a gardener’s blog. Although gardening is not a hobby of mine, I read on.
Garden lovers everywhere can find enjoyment in author Christa Carignan’s writings. Carignan describes how she makes tomato sauce and salsa while touching on environmental issues that concern her. Whether it’s fretting over the decrease in vegetable varieties or arguing with her husband about purchasing an eco-friendly lawn mower, nature lovers can find something interesting in this blog. Aside from all of the author’s writings, there are many beautiful pictures that she has posted.
I developed a few different feelings about this blog. I believe that this is a great site for someone that enjoys gardening. On the other hand, her thorough explanation of how she will transport a clematis plant to her new home may seem silly to some. Overall, the author covered a few ideas that all people should be aware of, including pollution. No matter who you are or what your interests may be there is something in this blog that you can learn from.
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Welcome!
Hello! My name is Siera and I am writing this blog for English 223: Writing for the Web. I am looking forward to adding more throughout the semester.
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