• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Home
  • About
  • Baseball ’19
  • Day Zero 3
  • Earl
  • My list
  • Photo Blogging Challenge

A 'lil HooHaa

Messing with the blogging world since 2005

blogging

R u 4 real?

July 21, 2011

Ugh.

When I was an adjunct instructor at a local college, I detested when students used textspeak.

U. u’re. U R kewl. Y? Y r u 2 kewl?4 real!

Get the picture?

I got so annoyed with it that I gave something at the beginning of the semester for them to see how silly it can look when written.

There is something like 100 errors in this little “story,” that I wrote. But that also includes bad spacing, punctuation, spelling and capitalization as well as silly grammar mistakes.

I submit this wonder to you now:

So, r u ready to rite this semester?

this class will require alot of writing, so u need 2 come 2 class and pay attenshun.

Details r things u need 2 work on. remember that u r graded 4 every thing u hand in. this is u’re work and what u will be graded on.

so when i wuz reading the cyllabus i was so like u have got 2 be kiddin me. but i kno that i have 2 write in i will do it my way.

but OMG, remember that u have 2 write in english !

that means proper puncuation , spelling; n nething else. so nvm the crazy txt talk or IM with my freinds. That iz SO lame. but thats what I have 2 do i guess. lol.

btw, it wouldnt b good 2 put this off 4 2nite as if u hand this in i  b all like wtf n u will fail it 2moro. 🙂

See how silly that is?

The amazing part was how many items were picked out by the students. Even the smallest errors were figured out by someone. I loved it! I then, always, followed that up with noting that if these items were in a paper, it would be an automatic F. I wouldn’t tolerate it because it’s not an acceptable way of writing, especially in a college paper.

After we did a day or two of grammar, I gave a quiz. One of the questions is as follows:

What will happen if a student uses the following “words” in a story: u, r, 2, u’re, etc.

  1. points deducted
  2. Given a star for good work
  3. Fail the paper
  4. A high five

People actually got it wrong. Seriously.

Considering I didn’t teach a class this past semester, why do I bring this up now?

Because I’ve seen it more and more in posts on Facebook. On Twitter. On blogs.

Everywhere.

It’s ridiculous. Some of the people I’ve seen do it on Facebook are educated people. I don’t use these things anywhere. Not texting. Not on Twitter. Not on Facebook. I’ll use a “hahaha” or a smiley in an instant message, but it’s hard to convey how you feel or if you are laughing in other ways.

It’s lazy and it looks stupid.

Facebook is the worst offender. To a point, I can understand on Twitter with it being 144 or fewer characters. But even then… do more than one Tweet! Texts just make me scream. There are some reporters for big papers I follow who do it in Tweets, however, and it drives me nuts.

So, I’ll end with this — srsly ppl, think b4 u rite silly things n look all stoopid. That wuld b gr8. K thanx bye.

OK, I’ll get off my soapbox now.

Feel free to leave a comment, or e-mail P.J. at hoohaablog [at] gmail.com.

 

 

Filed Under: My world Tagged With: bad grammar, bad writing, blog, blogging, blogs, facebook, grammar, instant messaging, internet shortcuts, texting, textspeak, twitter, writing

4 Comments

Reaching out with social networks

July 19, 2011

I was working on a cover letter and reference list today for a job locally. It’s one I wouldn’t mind getting as it’s the direction I’d like to take my career. While I was figuring the people I’d want to use as references, I got looking at my Linkedin profile.

Then I got wondering a bit more (this happens often).

How far can one go with social networking when looking for jobs?

I know people who utilize each social network for possible employment opportunities — Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin etc. It seems to me, however, that by putting yourself out there in each spot, you are putting a lot of your information out there.

For me, Facebook is a friend/family thing. Basically, if I don’t know you in real life (with a few exceptions), I don’t add you on Facebook. I have a few photos up there and a few other things, but it’s not really something that can get me in trouble with anything. I have nothing incriminating, but I find it easier to maintain a “friend list” of 200 or fewer, rather than adding everyone and hoping for some networking.

Twitter, is a slice of my life. I don’t have it blocked (though I have in the past) as there’s nothing major on there. I post links, I update life’s little things and all that. I know how to use twitter, which can be beneficial in some jobs I’ve applied for, but my personal one is used for fun.

I’m still learning Linkedin.

It seems like a really strong tool for a job search. I’m trying to grasp and understand how it works and what I can do with it. I’ve added many people to my “network,” but as with other social mediums, how far is too far? I did a search with my e-mail address and noticed many, many people who I’ve had contact with at one point or another who are on Linkedin.

Do you add them all?

Or, do you stay selective?

While I understand that the more people who see your resume/credentials is a good thing, is is wise to just add people, just to add people? I can’t answer that. For now, I’ve been selective. I have to know who I am adding. I don’t have to know them all personally, but I have to know that the people I am adding are ones who I’ve interacted with — whether through online items, stories I was working on, or other social mediums, such as Twitter or blogging.

I’ve learned something since having my position cut in February — in a job market like it currently is, who you know can go a long way. I refuse to believe that my resume has been passed over so many times because I’m lacking in credentials. I’ve done a lot in my career — a lot I am very proud of. The jobs I’ve applied for are ones I know I’m highly qualified for, yet I constantly get overlooked for whatever reason.

An unfortunate part of the job market as it is, too, is the lack of ability to follow up and find out why you were overlooked. With upwards of 100 or more applications for many of these jobs, calling the hiring people wouldn’t always go well. If they are looking at so many applications, it could be anything that got you sent to the “no thanks” pile and the likelihood of someone remembering why you were put there is slim.

For a couple of the jobs I’ve recently applied to, I’ve had people in my corner. In at least one of those, a phone call has been made on my behalf. I hope that it helps as it would be a really sweet gig. There’s a few others I’ve applied for that I am really crossing my fingers about as well.

But where does the social networking come into play?

Do you add all these people on something like Linkedin and put it on your resume? Or one of the other social places? Do you have your own professional website?

Post a comment below and let me know how you do things or how you would do things. And if you are a reader and have Linkedin and want to join my network, let me know.

Finally, I am slowly working on my professional website. But I want to make it quite nice. I’m a little weak with web design, so does anyone have any ideas? Should I do it with a WordPress setup? Should I find someone to design me something? Advice?

Again, drop a comment or e-mail me!

Feel free to leave a comment, or e-mail P.J. at hoohaablog [at] gmail.com.

 

Filed Under: Job hunt, My world, Social media Tagged With: blogging, facebook, job hunt, job search, linkedin, resume, social networking, twitter

2 Comments

What’s next with the pen and paper?

April 19, 2011

Since getting laid off back in February, I’ve really embraced my blog. I’ve made an effort to write something every day with the idea that I want to keep writing — to keep sharp and to be able to have ideas flow.

At times (such as today), it’s been tough.

Though I have a list of ideas I keep and check in on at times, there are just times I don’t feel like writing. Or I start and can’t flow (again, such as today. I wiped three posts out earlier as it didn’t work for me).

But one of the main reasons I’ve been doing this is to force myself to write everyday to try and get myself ready for a bigger project — writing a book.

I don’t plan on having the next New York Times best seller by any chance. But I’ve always wanted to write a book. I have the idea and I’ve written down a rough copy of an outline. I’m going to tweak that some and soon start on the big project.

But…

When writing a book, everything I have read points to making sure you write every day. It make sense, too. You don’t want to get flowing for a couple of days and then have a block and put it aside only to have that continue. Forcing yourself to write every day makes sure you get something down on paper, even if you decide to get rid of parts as you continue to write.

That being said, I’ve had a harder time with the outline and the basis of the story. I know the beginning. I know the characters. I know the ending. It’s the middle that’s screwing with me. I have ideas, but I just can’t seem to get things right in my head on shaping the story. I think it will come, however. I don’t really want to start the project until I know what direction I can go with it.

I do know I can handle this project. Several years ago, I wrote a full screenplay (still hidden away, re-written twice and one day possibly an attempt to sell it…). In the end, I want to self-publish my book and probably submit it to Amazon to be used on the Kindle. I don’t expect to make a lot, if any, of money on this book, but I want to do this as it’s something I’ve wanted to do.

That’s my next step.

But for now, I need to keep finding ideas for this blog. It’s giving me my daily writing, which is much needed!

Feel free to leave a comment, or e-mail P.J. at hoohaablog [at] gmail.com.

Filed Under: My world, Writing Tagged With: blog, blogging, book, book writing, writing

1 Comment

  • Newer Posts
  • Go to page 1
  • Interim pages omitted …
  • Go to page 70
  • Go to page 71
  • Go to page 72

Primary Sidebar

Welcome

Welcome to A 'lil HooHaa!

This is a personal website covering many topics! We host a monthly photo blogging challenge, and then every January hold a fun writing challenge.

Thank you for stopping by and hope this becomes a stop for you!

Connect

  • Facebook
  • Flickr
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Follow

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Join 877 other subscribers

Instagram

hoohaa29

Tis a dreary and rainy day. What better than to ha Tis a dreary and rainy day. What better than to have a cup of tea in my new mug, which was a birthday gift from my nephew/godson Cameron!
Live life the best you can. Have experiences. Smil Live life the best you can. Have experiences. Smile. Love the world. 

#acadia #acadianationalpark #sunrise #sun #colors #sky #nature  #life #love #goldenretriever #dogsofinstagram #dog #cadillacmountain
Likely my final game of the year… but a nice nig Likely my final game of the year… but a nice night! 

#baseball #sky
Harper and Phil! #goldenretriever #dog #dogsofin Harper and Phil! 

#goldenretriever #dog #dogsofinstagram #love #iphonography #photography
Saturday was national dog day… posted on Faceboo Saturday was national dog day… posted on Facebook, but forgot here! Harper was spoiled all day!
How could we skip this? North of the border this How could we skip this? 

North of the border this weekend to get away and hit a few caching events and geocache. Dinner tonight was at @harpersburgers, especially with outdoor seating and dog friendly! @harper_dublin got to enjoy a little of my #burger, of course. And, yes, I got poutine, duh! Great service and great food! Went back later for a spiked shake. This one was a Malibu Colada (malibu rum, dark rum, vanilla ice cream, and pineapple juice) … yum! 

Good times! Looking forward to another event and caches on Saturday before heading home! 

#food #foodporn #poutine #fries #dinner #yummy
My newest #pathtag came in! A great design by @geo My newest #pathtag came in! A great design by @geofoxandthehound! This one, of course, is connected to @harper_dublin ‘s Instagram account. It won’t be easy to get! 

#geocaching #pathtags #goldenretriever #instagram
Rain on leaves … still on trees or on the ground Rain on leaves … still on trees or on the ground… is so peaceful. 

#rain #nature #leaves #leaf # water #naturephotography #photography #love #beautiful #raindrops #iphonography
Henlo. #goldenretriever #dogsofinstagram #dog #g Henlo. 

#goldenretriever #dogsofinstagram #dog #goldenretrieversofinstagram #harper_dublin #akc #photography #photooftheday #love #mydogharper #harperdublin #instagood #happy #picoftheday #fun #iphoneology #retrieveroftheday #ilovemygolden #dogstagram #dailygolden #dogsofinsta
Haircut day! I got mine done, as did Cameron. He g Haircut day! I got mine done, as did Cameron. He got some waves for when he goes to the shore next week! One shot of me getting the straight razor too! Nice job @studio11chris at @studio11barbersuite ! 

#haircut #barber #hair
Life is good! #goldenretriever #dogsofinstagram # Life is good!

#goldenretriever #dogsofinstagram #dog #doglife #life #lifeisgood #lifeisbeautiful #morning #morningwalk #walk #iphonography #iphonephotography #photo #photography #love #selfcare #outdoors #sky #bridge
Part one of the backyard work is done. New patio h Part one of the backyard work is done. New patio has been installed ... (the rock garden area is basically done, too ... but i need to put a few things up with it). The guy who did my patio did a great job... looks cool. 

I think Harper approves. 

One more step and we'll be set to really enjoy it back there with some shade!

Working on a few other landscaping things, too.
Golden hour. #goldenretriever #dogsofinstagram # Golden hour. 

#goldenretriever #dogsofinstagram #dog #goldenretrieversofinstagram #harper_dublin #akc #photography #photooftheday #love #mydogharper #harperdublin #instagood #happy #picoftheday #fun #iphoneology #retrieveroftheday #ilovemygolden #dogstagram #dailygolden #dogsofinsta
Waggin’ Wednesday at the @swbrailriders was a lo Waggin’ Wednesday at the @swbrailriders was a lot of fun! Hot night, but very enjoyable! 

#baseball #dog #goldenretriever #barkinthepark #wagginwednesday
Pure determination. #goldenretriever #dog #strug Pure determination. 

#goldenretriever #dog #struggleisreal
Haircut day! Cameron went after me @studio11barber Haircut day! Cameron went after me @studio11barbersuite and looks super smooth! Superb job on both of us, @studio11chris ! 

@harmm23 @dlinc27 #haircut #barber
Harper delivering some flowers to her gram. #gol Harper delivering some flowers to her gram. 

#goldenretriever #flowers #dog #dogsofinstagram #fun #picoftheday #photography #photo #iphonography
Stop and look around in life, even if you have the Stop and look around in life, even if you have the yawns. 

#goldenretriever #dogsofinstagram #dog #goldenretrieversofinstagram #harper_dublin #akc #photography #photooftheday #love #mydogharper #harperdublin #instagood #happy #picoftheday #fun #iphoneology #retrieveroftheday #ilovemygolden #dogstagram #dailygolden #dogsofinsta
As a @sunydelhi alum, and local, I still love walk As a @sunydelhi alum, and local, I still love walking around the campus. It’s especially nice in the morning when college isn’t in session as it’s quiet and @harper_dublin can sniff and explore her surroundings (if in session, she will want to stop and meet every student etc.). I know a lot of people local walk the campus, and it’s really nice that we have something like this in our community to be able to do so. 

#goldenretriever #dogsofinstagram #dog #goldenretrieversofinstagram #harper_dublin #akc #photography #photooftheday #love #mydogharper #harperdublin #instagood #happy #picoftheday #fun #iphoneology #retrieveroftheday #ilovemygolden #dogstagram #dailygolden #dogsofinsta #walking
Ok folks… barbershop experience is good times. H Ok folks… barbershop experience is good times. Hair, tend to the beard … you get it. In Oneonta, check out @studio11chris at @studio11barbersuite ! Tell him I sent you! 

#haircut #barber #beardtrim #barbershop #hair #beard #oldschool #studio11
Load More Follow on Instagram

YouTube

P.J. Harmer

P.J. Harmer
A video looking at my first year and a half of owning a golden retriever, my first dog. It's had its ups and downs, but I've truly loved the ride and look forward to the future. 

Music: Happy before we get old by Michael Shynes via Artlist. 

► My blog: http://www.hoohaa.com
► Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hoohaa29/
► Follow Harper on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harper_dublin/
► Like on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HooHaaBlog

Thank you for watching. :)
When these boxes come, there usually some excitement. But this one ... is the ultimate unboxing! 

#cielovideo52 #52weekchallenge #week5 #weeklychallenge

Music: Happy to be Happy (Dapun)

► My blog: http://www.hoohaa.com
► Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hoohaa29/
► Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/softball29
► Like on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HooHaaBlog
I hate being in front of the camera, but also realize sometimes it's not the worst thing in the world. So, I'm getting better with it. Week 4's theme was all about us and having us in front of the camera, so I tried to come up with a creative way to do it. 

#cielovideo52 #52weekchallenge #week4 #weeklychallenge

Music: Infinite Wonder (Ben Fox)

► My blog: http://www.hoohaa.com
► Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hoohaa29/
► Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/softball29
► Like on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HooHaaBlog
Load More... Subscribe

Archives

Categories

Calendar

October 2023
S M T W T F S
1234567
891011121314
15161718192021
22232425262728
293031  
« Aug    

Search The Site

Site Information

  • Log in
  • Entries feed
  • Comments feed
  • WordPress.org

A 'lil HooHaa © 2023 · Created By Coded Creative

Copyright © 2023 · Ava Mae on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in