Plagiarism: A Sense of Originality

Plagiarism isn’t it such a savvy word to hear, but there’s more to the word believe me. I know everyone wants to be original, Right? It’s an Ego booster if you are recognized as trend setter, making things unique and extraordinaire at the same time.

Well, getting to know what Plagiarism is; is indeed a big head start. Firstly, we need to know what it really means and its synonyms. We need to be aware on how this happen.

Plagiarism – [1] noun, a Breach of copyright, illegal use, Bootlegging, Copy, Stealing, Piracy, Fraud, Theft, Imitation, Deception and Copying are some of the similar terms of Plagiarism.

Some synonyms of Plagiarism maybe often use at School, so the first way to stop plagiarism is to teach children the crime of “Plagiarizing”. Plagiarism was actually introduced to me when I was in College. So during High School I don’t even have the slightest idea that I’m already committing a crime. I’ll just add information from Books and some other reading material to my homework or even with research papers and Yes, honestly copying someone else’s homework or take-home-quizzes in High School is already a crime. But nevertheless not knowing is not an excuse, being ignorant will not save you at all.

Here are some facts about Plagiarism. [2] Plagiarism means using other people’s word or ideas as if they were your own. To Gorrell, Plagiarism is a violation of implicit contract between the writer and the reader that everything written under the writer’s name was written by the writer. (The Little Brown Workbook, p.624)

Plagiarism is committed whenever the source is used in anyway without indicating that has been used. Anything taken from the works of others even a phrase, a summary, a paraphrase or direct quotation should be set off from your text. Use quotation marks to indicate that the lines cited are adapted from the works of others. The source of the borrowed materials should be acknowledged. Plagiarism is a serious offense often committed by researchers in most schools.

There are ways of plagiarizing the source.

1. 1. Word-for-word continuous copying without quotation marks or mention of author’s name.

2. 2, Copying many words and phrases without quotation marks or mention of author’s name.

3. 3. Copying the occasional key word or phrase without quotation marks or mention of author’s name.

4. 4. Paraphrasing without mention of author’s name.

5. 5. Taking the author’s idea without acknowledging the source.

[3] Avoiding Plagiarism

1. 1 .If you use someone else’s work you should acknowledge the source.

2. 2. If you quoted someone else’s work it should be exact and use quotation marks to identify the borrowed information.

3. 3. Use your own words when summarizing or paraphrasing someone else’s work and use quotation mark if you used the author’s exact words.

4. 4. Do not forget to include all the sources you have drawn out in writing your topic.

5. 5. The source citations should be accurate and complete.

Personally, I have committed and been a victim of Plagiarism at the same time. Committing the crime is really nothing in the inside, no guilt thingy or whatever, but when I was victimized I felt very frustrated and made me really upset. Then it made me realize the feeling; what it really feels like for those people who had been a victim like me and committing such crime made me think twice of doing it again and I told myself that I will be original in my own way and if I need to use other people’s work I will definitely credit them. And this article is one of my starters but that doesn’t mean that my articles on this blog are not original for they are my original verses.

­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­[1] Source: “Plagiarism” as per Microsoft Office Thesaurus: English (U.S.)

[2] Source: Arsenia Sison Allam, “Things to Know About Plagiarism” Writing Skills in the Discipline, p. 116 (James A.W. Hefferman, Writing a College Handbook)

[3] Source: Arsenia Sison Allam, Writing Skills in the Discipline, p. 117 (Donna Gorrell, Little Brown Book)

Originally Written December 31, 2010 to January 02, 2010. By Patrick B. Mendoza™

Tips and information for comfortable use

Computer users may complain of eyestrain and headaches after prolonged use.

Users are also at risk of physical injury after long hours of working in front of a

computer. Long work periods, bad posture, poor work habits, stress,

inadequate working conditions, personal health and other factors greatly

increase the risk of physical injury.

Incorrect computer usage may lead to carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis,

tenosynovitis or other musculoskeletal disorders. The following symptoms may

appear in the hands, wrists, arms, shoulders, neck or back:

• numbness, or a burning or tingling sensation

• aching, soreness or tenderness

• pain, swelling or throbbing

• stiffness or tightness

• coldness or weakness

If you have these symptoms, or any other recurring or persistent discomfort

and/or pain related to computer use, consult a physician immediately and

inform your company's health and safety department.

The following section provides tips for more comfortable computer use.

Finding your comfort zone

Find your comfort zone by adjusting the viewing angle of the monitor, using a

footrest, or raising your sitting height to achieve maximum comfort. Observe

the following tips:

• refrain from staying too long in one fixed posture

• avoid slouching forward and/or leaning backward

• stand up and walk around regularly to remove the strain on your leg

muscles

• take short rests to relax your neck and shoulders

• avoid tensing your muscles or shrugging your shoulders

• install the external display, keyboard and mouse properly and within

comfortable reach

• if you view your monitor more than your documents, place the display at

the center of your desk to minimize neck strain

Taking care of your vision

Long viewing hours, wearing incorrect glasses or contact lenses, glare, excessive

room lighting, poorly focused screens, very small typefaces and low-contrast

displays could stress your eyes. The following sections provide suggestions on

how to reduce eyestrain.

Eyes

• Rest your eyes frequently.

• Give your eyes regular breaks by looking away from the monitor and

focusing on a distant point.

• Blink frequently to keep your eyes from drying out.

Display

• Keep your display clean.

• Keep your head at a higher level than the top edge of the display so your

eyes point downward when looking at the middle of the display.

• Adjust the display brightness and/or contrast to a comfortable level for

enhanced text readability and graphics clarity.

• Eliminate glare and reflections by:

• placing your display in such a way that the side faces the window or

any light source

• minimizing room light by using drapes, shades or blinds

• using a task light

• changing the display's viewing angle

• using a glare-reduction filter

• using a display visor, such as a piece of cardboard extended from the

display's top front edge

• Avoid adjusting your display to an awkward viewing angle.

• Avoid looking at bright light sources, such as open windows, for extended

periods of time.

Developing good work habits

Develop the following work habits to make your computer use more relaxing

and productive:

• Take short breaks regularly and often.

• Perform some stretching exercises.

• Breathe fresh air as often as possible.

• Exercise regularly and maintain a healthy body.

CAUTION for Listening

To protect your hearing, follow these instructions.

• Increase the volume gradually until you can hear clearly and comfortably.

• Do not increase the volume level after your ears have adjusted.

• Do not listen to music at high volumes for extended periods.

• Do not increase the volume to block out noisy surroundings.

• Decrease the volume if you can't hear people speaking near you.

*Information taken from E-machine User Guide from pages 5, 12 and 13.

Pen on Paper

Pen on paper, again. Just feel like writing my thoughts today. It’s been quite some time when I posted an entry on my BLOG.

I’m thinking of the New Position I’ll be occupying, I think I need to prepare myself, for it is true that “with great power, comes great responsibility.” And I don’t know if I can still apply my “Come what May beliefs.”

I actually wanted this, before I was a step close, but then some stupid actions of mine made it like a thousand miles away and back then It made me feel I was carrying a heavy baggage of stupidity. I thought it was the end of my stay in PCCW, but still thanks to the LORD he never deserted me, and to those people who believed in me…:’C

Now, nothing is against my way I’m already there, but why am I feeling this way. It’s not being “Emo” or anything and I don’t think that this feeling is regret (or maybe because of the Pizza Party on Monday and I won’t be part of. Geez, Haha! Kidding)

I guess I’ll just miss these people, my teammates_, SEAP. Those people I love. I’m just so attached with them. Though I know changes is good and is actually healthy for Personality Development. And come to think of it I already have friends in CTS.

I just need to hope for the best, along with GOD’s guidance. ;)

Listening to “Love the way you Lie” by Eminem & Rihanna followed by Billionaire covers by Glee Cast. Last day as Tier1 Agent April 13, 2009 to November 19, 2010.

credits for the picture via Google Image (http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://images2.fanpop.com/image/photos/9300000/pen-and-paper-writing-9349790-2048-1536.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.fanpop.com/spots/writing/images/9349790/title/pen-paper-wallpaper&usg=__uy82HtP83dISKngLRgKyQ_H4_gc=&h=1536&w=2048&sz=483&hl=en&start=36&zoom=1&tbnid=eenpM8b84qy1iM:&tbnh=152&tbnw=209&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dpen%2Bon%2Bpaper%26hl%3Den%26biw%3D1280%26bih%3D631%26gbv%3D2%26tbs%3Disch:10,1095&itbs=1&iact=hc&vpx=632&vpy=320&dur=3&hovh=194&hovw=259&tx=147&ty=135&ei=f9QeTaf8KNH4cer6oLcJ&oei=R9QeTf3GKYvXcOPJ0ZkK&esq=6&page=3&ndsp=18&ved=1t:429,r:15,s:36&biw=1280&bih=631

)

Fingers on the Keyboard....: The Blind Justice

I remember seeing the symbol of Justice in the Philippines; it's a blind-folded woman holding a spear and a scale. Justice, should it be blind or not?

For me, I think it depends, blind, in the sense that it doesn't look thru social status, whether Rich or poor, everyone deserves fair judgment. No one should be made responsible for a crime he never committed.

Money and Power shouldn’t over rule fair judgment; No one should bribe to get away from the claws of justice.

Tracking our country’s Justice History, from our ancestors, who experienced a lot of injustice. It is said that not all people who are in prisoned are not all “guilty” some were accused of criminal acts which they didn’t do.

Recently, The Maguindanao Massacre, which caught a lot of criticism from local and foreign Personalities, hit the Philippines like a big bullet in the head. People responsible for this were not just ordinary people but powerful Politicians and allies of former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. The criminals were arrested and detained, a lot of people grieving for this inhumane incident, shouting justice for the lives of many taken away by people greedy for power, including the families of Journalists who were doing their job to broadcast News. It has been a year since that tragic event happened. We do hope that whoever is responsible for the Maguindanao Massacre should be convicted.

Another example is the Morong 43, some Health Workers, who were arrested because they were suspected members of NPA (New People’s Army) people who fight against our government. And since there are no proofs that they’re NPA I believe that they should be freed. And one of the good news for their family is that the Morong43 will be freed Starting today as requested by the court.

I do hope that Justice will always prevail on our country, a just and humane justice for our society.

Haha... This is my blog entry wherein I used my very first Netbook. I'm just happy because for a year of working I have this as a reward. I want to thank the LORD for Blessings and also my Mom and Dad for being always supportive. Hopefully I'll be able to use this wisely. 12/17/2010 3:13 PM 7:00 P

"My Unexpected Letter to the President"

I just answered a question in Facebook last 2:40 PM 5/4/2003 - it's from the Presidents Office official Facebook account:


Here is the Question from the President's Office Official Facebook account...

Pro Pinoy Out of 100, what grade will you give PNoy, and why?

And here's my answer to that Question... It's a three part post...

Well, personally I am happy with what Pres. PNOY is doing, he's really into changing the way our government interact not just with their responsibility but also with the people, I agree with the 75 score, not too good but also not too bad... he needs to ensure that people down his office will do the same will work not for personal sake but most of all for the sake of the mass... continued on next post..

‎(continuation)... I actually converse with this foreign guy and he ask me how do I find the President of the country... well I think a lot of people likes and believes in him for he won the election with the most numerous vote, though as he age in his position, those people who vote for him will also be against him if they don't see further changes for the country that will benefit the masses specifically those below poverty line... continued on next post..


(continuation)... he also gave an example PNOY is like Pres. OBAMA of the U.S. in some ways he was voted because he seems genuine, his vision and mission as president, though still there are group people who voted him but in the long run s...tarted protesting with his plans... I think the people also has a BIG JOB to do... they should learn how to be contented and well if they see something wrong or lacking of great efforts... instead of protesting on the street they should just write something for the President... or well creating a mob so that they'll be heard I mean there thoughts will be heard is god though make it peaceful... that's all. keep it up... and please watch over those people whose home was demolished few weeks back make sure they have this GOOD RELOCATION SITE! the one that passes the U.N. human rights criterion for leaving... not like those people I've seen from one of KARA DAVID's documentary about people transferred in LAGUNA promised of a batter leaving in that relocation site but in reality it's like hell for them... incomparable with the lives they had before transferring to that unbelievable place.... this is like MY LETTER TO THE PRESIDENT...

"The Infamous Hostage Fiasco"

Patrick Burac Mendoza

"You hate Filipino's for the Hostage Fiasco earlier this week, right? Then
should I hate Chinese people for Lead Poisoning and Melamine Contamination,
wherein not only 8, but hundreds and even thousands have suffered, Is it right
to blame the whole Nation for a mistake of one man? If you do then you are most
DENSE. No Arguements just Opinions. Pass this to all Filipino's you know.
- Text Message, Anonymous Sender"

Last August 23, a supposed day of fun and sightseeing, ended up to a brutal mass murdering and injury of several Hong Kong (Chinese) Nationals because of a police in a state of amok and stress due to sudden loss of his rights to fulfill his duty as a Law Enforcer and at the same time receiving all the benefits that he deserves, for serving his country.

A stressful day that resulted not just in the death of the assailant but also some hostages. This incident lead into a fragile breakage of treaty between neighbouring country. This awful accident could have been avoided if the negotiators exerted more efforts and cautions and if they just gave the demands of Senior Inspector Rolando Mendoza. Technically speaking they used tactics to try and resolve the issue, but this resolution is so Illogical. Now as we look back and scrutinize every details. Those people who are totally involve keeps on pushing the issue from one side to another, hands cleaning as what other say, not claiming that they are guilty or nevertheless responsible for the actions of there subordinates for the outcome of the Hostage Fiasco. Come think of it one of the cause of Hysteria of the Hostage-Taker, is when he saw on TV that his Brother SPO2 Gregorio Mendoza, who is actually prt of the Negotiating Team being arrested because of an alleged Conspiracy with his Brother with the entire Hostage Drama.

Even the President claimed all the responsibility for which is really righteous for He is the Nations Father, however, he should punish the Head of the Department which is directly involve in the Hostage Drama in Quirino Grand Stand, because no matter how Good the President is, but if the people around him only thinks of self-interest. Philippines Development is really impossible.

Being on the shoes of the Hong Kong Nationals, we Filipino really symphatize for there loss. We are also upset on how this dilemma ended. On my point of view, the Filipino Nation should be blamed for this. No one wants this to happen, and security wise this Hostage Fiasco is a very rare case and can occur not only in the Philippines but also in other parts of the world. Looking back No one blamed the Chinese Nations for the global effect of the Melamine Scare and the Lead Contamination that resulted not just on death of hundreds but also thousands of people. Did the Chinese Society hear any complaints from the affected people. I'm not pointing that this is just becoming equal, what I want everyone to understand is no one really wants ans wish this to happen. Let's just think that the Almighty has a better plan for All of Us. Remember that infront of turmoils and darkness of the night a better and brighter tomorrow is waiting. In all storms eye once it stops, the sun will shine and a rainbow of hope will flatter the sky. What is left for us to do, is to cherish what we have today and use it to make a future better. Let's stop hatred because it won't do us any good, as what Martin Luther King Jr. said "Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that. Hate multiplies hate, violence multiplies violence, and toughness multiplies toughness in a descending spiral of destruction ... The chain reaction of evil--hate begetting hate, wars producing more wars -- must be broken, or we shall be plunged into the dark abyss of annihilation." Well, I just hope that everyone learns from this.

written September 07, 2010 at around 12:00 pm 01:55 pm.

MUSIC

Patrick Burac Mendoza

When you say "MUSIC" in my own perspective, is not just musical note, tone, rhythm and lyrics combined. It's an absolute presentation of an individual. It doesn't matter whether you are the Singer, the Song Writer, or the Listener. Music is you, and you are Music. It's a rainbow of Emotions, you can be happy, sad, in love, upset, disgusted, angry and all these emotions at the same time. You can convey it (you feelings) through Music, just like an art work. At first it's a blank canvas, once all feelings and inspiration has been gathered, the colors touching the canvas, a Master Piece has been created, it's the same with Music. You can sing your heart out and through it communicate with others. Music also shows diverse culture, strong bond of Nationality, that's why we have our National Anthem and we pay all due respect to it.

Music also conveys strong feeling of Unity. Songs such as "We are the World for Haiti 2010" (various artist), "Stand Up for Love by Destiny's Child", "Stand Up to Cancer" (various artist) and some other foreign and Local Songs that lifts the spirit of many, gives Hope and Inspirations to those who are helpless and says No one is alone in this life. It breaks the Ice, the boundaries between people, Rich or Poor, American, African or Filipino - no matter what race you are from. We are all united, as if Music is one Language being spoken by everyone, by which we can understand each other.

Furthermore, Through Music we show our gratitude to Almighty, Our LORD, singing his Holiness, His divine Love for his Children, it is also written in the Holy Scriptures that "1 I will praise thee, O LORD, with my whole heart; I will show forth all thy marvelous works.

2 I will be glad and rejoice in thee: I will sing praise to thy name, O thou Most High." (Psalms 9:1-2, The Holy Bible: King James Version. 2000.)

Music for me is "Me", it's one part of my personality. I was raced loving Music and I'll grow old feeling the same way. I sing whenever and wherever I feel singing. Whether I'm upset or even at the Shower room and most especially at Church singing to Glory of the Lord. I will sing forever. Music is really rich, it really has a diverse quality and nature. In conclusion, it all lies in the hand of an individual on how he'll portray his thoughts and emotions and also his life through musical notes, tones, rhythm and Lyrics. Put them together you've got your Life's Music.

written from August 25 to August 31 2010.™