Extra Credit: Instructions for finding a parking space on campus between 10 am and 12 noon

1. Start Car, turn on radio (if you're into that)

2. Pull out of home parking lot.

3. Fight the 9am Clemson traffic of angry, rushing students.

4. Arrive at C3 parking lot.

5. Scope parking lot desperately for parking space.

6. When u fail to find a space (because you will), recall whether the university is on a MWF or TTH schedule.

7. Once you discover this, figure out what time students get out of class and park closest to the nearest academic building.

8. Wait.

9. Once students start dispersing from classes, pick a victim walking to follow to their car.

10. Keep close to driving behind your victim and wait patiently for them to get in their car and leave.

11. Ease into your space and you're good to go!

Extra Credit

Instructions for parking between 10am and noon

1. When you get close to campus begin to pray.
2. Determine which route you want to take, the easy or hard

a. Hard
i. Drive slowly into the area where you will need to be
ii. Make sure you AC is working
iii. Circle around about 10 times
iv. Pray a little harder
v. And poof, there is your park

b. Easy
i. Make sure you have a bottle of ice cold water
ii. Drive to the overflow parking
iii. Park in one of the many available parks

Works Cited:
"The Clemson University Vehicular Electronics Laboratory ." Photograph. Tire Atenna Pattern Measurements. 2006. Web. 11 Aug 2011. .
"Discount Airport Parking ." Photograph. How to Find Discounted Parking . Web. 11 Aug 2011. .

Final Post

As an electrical engineer, the most critical communication skills is being able to explain and expound on answers, knowing how to be an effective listener and responder and when writing you have to use proper standard terms so that everyone will know what you are trying to discuss. Dealing with circuits the majority of the time, there could be twenty five ways to solve one problem. Once you solve a problem your way, you have to be able to explain to others what you did so that they can follow your work. In this class, I learned more how to focus on my audience more so that what I am trying to write is suitable and understandable. When speaking with classmates and especially teachers, you have to be able to understand the standard terms in electrical engineering. Without this knowledge, you will be completely lost. A great way to learn a few of these skills would have been from taking this class but the best way is to practice. Engage in conversation with your peers and if you don’t know something simply ask.

Extra Credit Post: Squirrels & Yaz

Welcome to "The Intrepid Clemson Student's Guide to Ceasing a Squirrel's Ability to Procreate"

How about an intro...

When I was a freshman at this fine institution, I was strolling down a sidewalk that had a wall about shoulder height to my right side. I noticed a commotion out of the corner of my eye...lo and behold, my sworn enemy was staring me right in the face. And that is when the legend of 'Ballsy the Squirrel' began...

I knew that once I saw him, I had to figure out a way for this madness to stop. That is the moment when I devised this plan:

Stage 1:

• Teach squirrels the use the dark side
• Pit squirrel against squirrel so I wouldn't have to do the dirty work
• ???
• Great Success

Stage 2:

• Discovered the squirrels were more powerful than I thought
• They are able to revive each other
• Must search for another method

Stage 3:

• Develop the secret weapon
• Take the time to replace peanuts in the shell with Yaz birth control
• Scatter fake peanuts all over campus
• Allow squirrels to eat peanuts
• watch and laugh as the squirrels unknowingly disable their reproductive capability in a safe way

....They're not so innocent

SOURCES:

Squirrel with testicles -- http://www.squirreltesticles.com/?r=WR

Lightsabre Squirrels -- http://www.saysuncle.com/2006/12/26/wow-9/

Electric Squirrel -- http://mirror.uncyc.org/wiki/Squirrel

yaz -- http://www.lawyersandsettlements.com/blog/yaz-the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly-01143.html

nuts -- http://marymeant.blogspot.com/2011/07/peanuts-on-plane.html

squirrel people -- http://theinspirationroom.com/daily/2008/cadbury-boost-teases-squirrels/

Squirrel Eating Nut -- http://www.joejoe.org/forum/topic/13537-lol-squirrels/

Final Blog Post

In computer engineering and software development, the two most important forms of communication are documentation (of things that you've done) and oral communication (during meetings or demonstrations). Being able to write a document on something that you have accomplished is an absolute necessity. It must be very accurate and succinct. If someone comes after you, and tries do write a program similar to yours, or even compile your software after making changes, having a document with instructions is a great benefit. It saves very much time and allows everything to operate more efficiently. Essentially, if one engineer learns how to write a certain program or design some embedded system, it would be worthless without proper documentation. This is because no other engineer would be able to replicate it without investing a huge amount of time searching google. The best way to learn to do this is simply by just making it a habit to write down all the steps you take while you're developing, compiling, designing, etc. That way you won't forget all the steps you took. To learn proper formatting, take a gander at documentation written by experienced engineers.

Now, oral communication is also crucial in my field. If you can't demonstrate a product to your peers and supervisors, then it is unlikely that you will even be able to describe it in a written format. There are a lot of cases when written forms of communication can become confusing or the message gets "lost in translation", so to speak. This is one reason why people still talk face to face, believe it or not. The best way to learn or adapt your oral communication skills is to pay attention to the environment in which you work. Observe how the experienced engineers give presentations or demonstrations. Figure out what the best methods for oral communication are by seeing what happens more, face to face contact, meetings, or phone calls.

If an engineer can master these two forms of communication, he or she is bound to have a successful career.

Intro and Blog 1

Hi my name is Cory Beck and I'm majoring in Computer Engineering. After I graduate I would love to pursue a career with a government contractor developing new hardware/software solutions for the military. Something interesting....I was just about to have shoulder surgery because of a mountain biking accident my freshman year and I decided to make a bet with the doctor (I had already had some medication at this point). He told me earlier that once he started the anesthesia, I wouldn't be able to count past 15 before I went to sleep. I bet a dollar I could count to 20. When he started the anesthesia, I started counting aloud, "1...2...3..." and by the time I got to 13 I was skipping numbers on accident. He made me go back to the numbers I missed. I only remember getting to 15 or 16 but when I woke up from surgery I had a dollar in my pocket and a note that read, "Congratulations, you made it to 20"! :-)

There is a seemingly endless amount of communication in my field. One of the most important forms of communication is written documents from customers that specify how a piece of hardware or software is supposed to function. It's important for the engineers to be able to interpret these documents and communicate with each other. Meetings and emails are other forms of communication that enable engineers to collaborate with each other and work out issues with whatever product is being designed. Besides using documents, emails, and meetings, engineers also use nonverbal communication like body language and graphics for GUIs.

Good communication is characterized by the ability to not only write documentation, but to be able to interpret it also. Being able to write clear and effective software design documents will allow software developers to work efficiently. If the document isn't so clear, having the ability to determine the intended message is also a great communication skill. Of course, oral communication skills are always necessary because in the end, whether for collaboration meetings or fancy demonstrations, engineers tend to meet face to face when it comes time to critique, test, and deploy new products.

Final Blog

In electrical engineering, the most important part of communication would be being able to communicate complex ideas to those who might not have as much experience. It is important to be able to get new employees up to speed with how equipment on the job would work, as this would improve their potential usefulness to employers and reduce the time they spend trying to learn how to maintain the equipment themselves. Also, on projects lead by a manager, it is important to give the manager some understanding of the tasks required to complete a project, for this will give the manager some direction as to what completing the project entails, leading to a more quickly finished product. This sort of discussion with the project manager also reduces the effects of miscommunication; if a manager knows how a project is supposed to be accomplished, he'll be less likely to make bad decisions based off misunderstandings from managers of a higher standing in the company. If an engineer can effectively communicate the often technically complex ideas behind a project, whether through email or verbally, whether they're for a project leader or for a new employee, he can then be a generally more useful employee.

You’re playing a late afternoon round of Frisbee Golf on the Clemson Campus, when plop, your Frisbee decides to go for a swim in the Reflection Pond.

You’re playing a late afternoon round of Frisbee Golf on the Clemson Campus, when plop, your Frisbee decides to go for a swim in the Reflection Pond.

Don’t give up hope! There is a way! Follow these simple steps and you’ll have your Frisbee back in no time!

· Call a friend to “guard” your Frisbee, as you will be leaving the premises.

· Walk to your car, or phone a friend who has a car and have them pick you up.

· Drive to your local animal shelter. There are animal shelters located in Seneca and Anderson, neighboring towns to Clemson.

· Befriend a good fetching dog. Fetching dogs enjoy water. Good breeds are Retrievers.

· Adopt your fetching dog. The animal shelter will require that you give the dog shots, get him or her “fixed”. Follow the directions that the rescue agency gives you.

· Return to the Clemson Campus with your fetching dog. Relieve your friend of their guarding duties.

· Tell your new dog to retrieve the Frisbee floating in the water. If they are skeptical or don’t “get it”, you might want to practice with a stick or nearby object (lightweight, chewable shoes or textbooks will suffice).

· Reward your new dog with lots of love and a doggy treat. Take a step back, because he will shake water all over you if you aren’t careful.

· Resume your game of Frisbee golf!

Congratulations—not only did you retrieve your Frisbee without getting wet, but you have a new best friend!

Don’t give up hope! There is a way! Follow these simple steps and you’ll have your Frisbee back in no time!

· Call a friend to “guard” your Frisbee, as you will be leaving the premises.

· Walk to your car, or phone a friend who has a car and have them pick you up.

· Drive to your local animal shelter. There are animal shelters located in Seneca and Anderson, neighboring towns to Clemson.

· Befriend a good fetching dog. Fetching dogs enjoy water. Good breeds are Retrievers.

· Adopt your fetching dog. The animal shelter will require that you give the dog shots, get him or her “fixed”. Follow the directions that the rescue agency gives you.

· Return to the Clemson Campus with your fetching dog. Relieve your friend of their guarding duties.

· Tell your new dog to retrieve the Frisbee floating in the water. If they are skeptical or don’t “get it”, you might want to practice with a stick or nearby object (lightweight, chewable shoes or textbooks will suffice).

· Reward your new dog with lots of love and a doggy treat. Take a step back, because he will shake water all over you if you aren’t careful.

· Resume your game of Frisbee golf!

Congratulations—not only did you retrieve your Frisbee without getting wet, but you have a new best friend!

How to retrieve a Frisbee from library pond

1)Look at pond, decide not to get in myself

2)Go to store, buy a 6 pack of beer

3)Stand on library bridge with beer

4) Approach guys on library bridge, tempt them with beer

5)Bet guys beer that they cannot retrieve Frisbee

IF THEY AGREE

1. Have a beer while the Frisbee is retrieved
2. Take Frisbee from guy, hand over more beer, be glad you did not get in the pond

IF CHALLENGE NOT ACCEPTED

1. Drink all of the beers
2. Get in pond, swim out and retrieve Frisbee

Final Blog

The most important part of communication in Civil Engineering is communicating with people outside of your profession and discipline. Keeping proper channels open with contractors and clients increases initial and repeat business, and proper communication with contractors helps ensure fewer foul-ups onsite. To work on his skills with communicated with the laity; the engineer should seek contact with others who do not share his major or his specialization. Any recreation involving public speaking (Toastmasters, local theater, etc.) is also useful, since it forces the engineer to avoid speaking in technical jargon. Combined, this should give the engineer a solid base for working with those who are unaccustomed to having their problems clinically dissected, and for picking up on the contractor’s “piss off and let me get on with it” voice.

Final Weblog

Written communication is the most common form of communication used in construction firms. Civil Engineers in the construction planning emphasis must keep organized thorough written documents during project planning. Since there are so many people outside the office that will handle these documents, they must be universally written and formatted for understanding. It is important that the engineer that creates these forms is a conscious, methodical writer for the best results. The engineer must have the ability to write these documents to cater to the reader. For instance, if the engineer is writing a schedule timeline for the construction workers’ manager, he must be sure to use language familiar to him and not a lot of interoffice lingo that would not be understood. The best way to learn these skills is to practice and get others to critique your writing. Letting someone else read your work, who understands what audience you are directing it to and what information you are actually trying to convey, will be a great way to get feedback.

Other than outstanding written skills, an engineer must possess efficient verbal communication skills. It is thought that most engineers are not very outspoken. This is not true being that verbal communication is imperative to complete all projects since they work in teams. These verbal skills should include being able to express themselves clearly and listening. Construction planning requires numerous meetings with the interoffice team, contractors, and the client so engineers must be comfortable speaking in groups large and small. There may also be a few brainstorming sessions outside of meeting with other members of the planning team, so within these verbal skills must be respectability and consideration of the ideas and opinions of others. The best way to learn these skills are to gain confidence and learn professional and effective language for your field.

Extra Credit

Directions on how to retrieve a stranded Frisbee from the middle of the reflection pond safely.

· Identify Frisbee location and record the GPS coordinates
· Make a phone call to your friend who is a helicopter pilot and aware him of the situation at hand
· Meet the helicopter pilot friend at the launch pad
· Before going air borne: remember to secure helmet on head, plug in the frisbee’s GPS coordinates, and eat a granola bar
· Follow the GPS device to the frisbee’s location
· Upon hovering above the Frisbee, climb into the rescue basket, secure yourself to the basket, and lower it from the helicopter
· Reach over the side of the basket and grab hold of the Frisbee
· Hoist yourself back into the helicopter
· Fly back to the landing pad
· Return to Bowman field and continue throwing your Frisbee

Final Blog

In computer science, one of the most critical writing skills is the ability to convey your ideas and vision to another person. Countless amounts of time are spent as developers try to convey their code design in words to someone else. They may be another member of the team you're working with or a person from outside of the organization. In either case, it is important to be able to effectively convey yourself to others. For instance, you may have to explain the complexities of your code to another teammate who will be working with it. In this regard, it helps to properly document your code in a manner that is easy to follow, clear and concise.

A way to help learn this skill is to take a large system or process, and break it down into its smaller pieces. Then try to write out each piece's purpose, a brief description of how that piece works, and how it fits into the overall process. When code is properly documented, clearly and concisely, it becomes much easier for another person to understand quickly how the software works. Another good way to become more adept at this is to take a systems analysis or documentation course at a university or technical college.

Final Weblog

Communication in my field is often through email, letters, and on the phone. Being able to communicate in person is also important, especially being able to relate to individuals. It is necessary to have developed writing skills, use proper English, and keep the information clear and to the point. Practicing is the best way to accomplish learning each of these skills. The more personal encounters or phone conversations an individual has, the more comfortable they will find themselves in future conversations. Writing letters and emails should always remain as professional as possible. High school and college can develop these skills well. Also, simply practicing these skills when emailing friends or talking on the phone to friends.

Final Blog

As a mechanical engineer it is very important to be able to communicate technical data with others. Mechanical Engineers work in all forms of industry and have to communicate with everyone from high up management to product assembly workers. Depending on which field you focus in, your technical communication needs differ.

I would like to enter the process safety/ fire safety field once I graduate. Many positions in this field are consulting and teaching based. In this field, public speaking is very important. When consulting, one must inform customers of flaws and ways to solve them diplomatically. In the teaching aspect, you are responsible for training others to avoid disasters. Public speaking skill is essential to communicate efficiently with the various customers and students you interact with. To obtain the necessary skills, it would be beneficial to take a course on public speaking offered by most universities.

Report writing skills are also very important because they are one of the main ways to communicate technical data with others. Reports will be the method of communication amongst members of the community. In the safety field, reports are also created to explain the findings of incident investigations. These are used to find new ways to avoid disasters in the future. It is important not to alienate people when writing a report. If that is done, suggestions in the report are less likely to be considered. Report writing skills come from practice and technical communications classes. These are just two of many different kinds of communication skill necessary to succeed in the field.

Final Blog

The two most critical writing/communication skills in my field, wildlife and fisheries biology, are public speaking, and being able to write scientific reports. As a wildlife biologist, you will split your time between being in the field, and in the lab. Being out in the field, wildlife biologists will encounter people of all types of backgrounds, and will need to be able to effectively communicate with them. In the lab, they will have to write reports on the work that they have just completed. Along with writing a report you will have to present it as well.

The best way to learn public speaking, i think, is to take a speech, or public speaking, class at your local College or University. In the public speaking class, you will be taught how to be able to get in front of people and give a speech. In some cases you have to speak in groups, and this helps you learn how to communicate in a small group, more one on one, and communicate to reach a goal. Other than a public speaking class, I would get a job that makes you interact with people on a day to day basis.

The best way to learn how to write scientific reports is by taking science classes at your local College or University, as well. Most science classes require you to write, either a lab report, or a research paper, on work you have done, or research you chose to do. If you can learn how to write a scientific report in just one class, amazing, but the best way is to take more classes, or get an internship that requires that you write scientific reports. In other words, practice makes perfect.

Extra Credit Opportunity

In today's class, a request was made for an extra credit assignment. In response to the request, I'm giving you the opportunity to write a set of instructions for *one* of the following situations, including both text and images, which can be done either as a document or a video to earn up to 3 extra points to be added to your final grade.

The instructions you create must be original, and you must either use original images or cite the source of each image. Please create one of the following:

1. A guide to to safely retrieving a frisbee from the middle of the reflection pond;

2. Instructions for finding a parking space on campus between 10 am and 12 noon;

3. A "how to" manual for safely and humanely trapping campus squirrels and implanting them with birth control devices;

4. The insider's guide to acing an online technical writing class.

Your efforts will be judged on the basis of creativity, workability, accuracy, attention to detail, and ease of use. Make judicious use of subject headings, numbered and bulleted lists, and illustrations to get your point across.

This assignment is completely optional.

***Please post them to the weblog  by Thursday @ 7 pm ***

Final Blog Post: Communication and Engineering

When I think about Mechanical Engineering, I think about car engines and rocket launches. Engineering is full of math and physics problems, fancy calculators, and nerds with pocket protectors (sometimes). We do a lot of complicated work that is important in this advancing technological society. We’re the fixer uppers of the future, and the problems that we solve will change the world.

Before this course, when I thought Mechanical Engineering, I did not think about writing papers and giving presentations… that’s for the English and business majors, right? I was so wrong though. Engineers need to be able to communicate with everyone, because we have to understand everybody’s problems and be able to fix them in a way that these people understand. An engineer not being able to communicate is a very scary thought! Engineers need to be able to effectively explain the problems that they are solving to each other, and they need to be able to effectively express their solutions to people who aren’t engineers. To be able to do this, engineers need to master two things: the art of the technical report (explaining in words what they are doing) and the wonderful task of presenting their work to others. Both of these tasks can be implemented using graphics, words, hand gestures, smoke signals… whatever it takes to get the point across. As long as they can get consensuses on what the problems and solutions are, then they have succeeded.

The best way to teach these skills is to put them into practice. Our education requires us to write papers, lab reports, and proposals to professors regarding real engineering principles. The art of presenting is another matter: engineers aren’t exactly the group you think of when you think “best public speaker!” Practicing in “safe” environments like sharing your results with a lab partner or explaining to a professor the solution to a group project are good methods to practice explaining just what you’re doing. A great way to learn how to explain what engineers do (to a person with a non-technical background) is what I like to call the “Grandma” approach. Imagine that you’ve got this really complicated problem and you have a solution all planned out, but the only person in the world that can actually implement the solution is your Grandma… you have to find a way that is clear and simple enough that she can fix it before the world blows up. This might be drastic, but it’s a good way to practice communicating what we do to non-engineers. These are just a handful of the many ways to practice communication in an engineering field.