The Game

I'm still not quite sure what to make of it. Our laws still haven't been implemented into actual changes in the game, so it's hard to look into it very far. We're pretty must just funneling ideas and I write them into the book. I think we should start being more aggressive and start actually "playing" the game and nuke some countries. Initially we wanted to be reactive, but with how slow things seem to be moving, we might as well be proactive and see what happens. I think our initial goal was to be more of a benevolent North Korea type state with American morals, but that's proving to be boring. I think it's time to start blowing stuff up. 

Oh, that Game ... again ...:-)

Well, one more time we are supposed to give our reflections on the Game. It is still difficult for me to judge, although now I understand a bit more.:-) Isn't it the great beginning? It could be, only if it were not almost the end.:-)))
Anyway, I enjoyed couple of last sessions a bit more than the previous ones. We all can feel that the tension is growing and we all will soon have the highest point.
I am not tired to repeat how much I like our group! But now I do think we are not aggressive enough. Especially after Odin gave us more detail about the geographic situation of each Nation, I find that the geopolitical situation of The Banana Republic is more than just satisfactory. It should have some more active politics toward others. Maybe it is just my well-hidden aggressiveness that is showing up!:-))) I lack some of this quality in the real life and the Game gives me the possibility to dream about some different Me.
We do use the United States as an example for our "nation construction" and I see no reason to choose any other example. I travelled a lot, I lived in different countries and only the United States  gave the feeling of freedom ...

 

MY SALUTE TO THE BANANA REPUBLIC

 

Just a small number of weeks ago, we were 5 strangers, that joined together to form "The Banana Republic." The  greatest country on the planet, (provided that planet is not Earth, then the top honor goes to The United States.) We have overcome the challenges of not knowing each other, or how each individual feels about the different topics we have to make laws about. One of the factors that is working for us, is the fact that we have a very intelligent core to our group, and some imaginative thinkers who have tackled the tasks assigned to us, and  given an exemplary performance. Perhaps the biggest drawback so far is a reluctance to voice an opinion on controversial subjects, such as abortion or gun control. However after our intelligent debates, we seem to always come to a consensus.  We have chosen a course of above average aggressiveness, but not being overtly evil. We feel that as the "Greatest Country" on the Planet, we should be given deference as to how things work here. Kinda like the big kid on the block, without being too rough on the lessors. To our way of thinking, a fair split would be Banana Republic 60%, someone else 40%.

We basically take a proactive approach to our dealings with others, while still allowing them some prosperity, so they can offer us more the next time we have a trade interaction with them. With that strategy in mind, we should end up on top of the world.

I guess as far as an example of someone we would model after, it would be us.

Nation-State Reflection

The game as a whole is working, I personally like how it is being run.  If one thing needed to be changed it would be the trading/waring between the countries, I would prefer it to be smoother.  My nation is making great decisions and I am happy with the decisions being made.  I would prefer my nation to be more agressive.  Yes we have an agreed upon strategy for dealing with other countries and city-states.  We are using the United States of America as our example for they are the most free and powerful in the world, as well as having the longest standing constitution in existence.

Reflections on the midterm

To tell the truth, this midterm is my first exam experience here, in America. It changes a lot from what I am used to. I always had more academic way of learning, but it does not mean I do not like the new one. And I am absolutely sure that I owe this positive experience to my group. We all are very different and that is what I love the most. To give you more details on what I think about all this:

1. The question about the fair share is always very subjective. I just hope that if, in our group, we have a person who thinks he did more and it went unnoticed, we will finally know this.  :-)
Personally I am very sorry for being absent for 2 lessons, sometimes we do not choose the circumstances... Talking about this, I really appreciate Mark's attention: every time I was not in class, he kindly let me know the assignment, with all the necessary information and details. Thank you, Mark! The Chris' share is also remarkable and I do thank him for making a nice PowerPoint to make our presentation more colorful. Thank you, Chris!
My own part is not really worth more than 6-7 points: I did not like the subject, my English is still far from being perfect (I am a perfectionist, you know) ...

2. No, no, no ! I would like to keep all my dearest gentlemen! They all are different, so we can have different approaches and experiences. And nobody to add, please! NO NEW GIRLS!:-)))

3.
A) 10
B) 7
C) 8
D) 7
E) 1 - What are you talking about??? Conflicts??? :-)
F) 1 - because, see 1 in point 4

4.
1) Mutual respect
2) Common goal
3) Self-motivation
4) Ambition
5) Reliability

P.S. My overall impression is very positive. I like meeting new people, getting to know them better through some interesting team-working, learning new things. Thank you, guys, for this enriching experience!

Midterm Reflection

1:  Everyone contributed equally.  I would rate myself a 8. Mark: 8 Chris: 9 Marina: 8 Earl: 8

2:  I would not  like to remove anyone. our group is seeming to get along great and everyone is contributing greatly

3:  A) 8
    B)10
    C)7
    D)10
    E)9
    F)7

4:  1) being in class, if can not make class alert other members
    2) helping others, not being overly concerned with pulling equal share
    3) being able to disagree on a subject without taking it personal
    4) completing assigned tasks
    5) keeping in contact with group members

Midterm Reflection

1. Everyone seemed to do as they were expected to do. What "fair share" is and what we delegated is up for debate. I went ahead and volunteered to put a PowerPoint together based on everyone's blog posts, which definitely put more a little work on me reading their posts, knowing what they want to say, and finding additional charts and images to compliment it. However, because I volunteered to do it, I can't blame anyone for not helping. Especially because my schedule outside of school wasn't exactly meet-up friendly either. Again, I feel like everyone did what was expected of them. I'd say I was at a 9 or 10.

2. I don't feel the need to pull anyone from the group. If I could add someone, it'd be someone good at keeping everyone in touch with one-another in closer to real time.

3. The basic rules seemed to work out fine.
A.  Showing up - 10. We only meet once a week, so it's important to have everyone show up.
B.  Doing your fair share - 8. It's always important in small groups, but given our minimalist approach to communication, it's hard to expect much more to be done than what has been.
C.  Being on time - 6. We haven't been getting into groups until later on in class, so it doesn't seem like it's been that important in regards to keeping common courtesy.
D.  Responding timely to email and communicating effectively with other members - 6. We aren't all communicating with each other outside of class, but seem to be keeping our heads above water alright.
E.  Handling conflict among group members - 5. We haven't had any conflict issues.
F.  Being present in the group -- not distracted by outside cell phone calls or text messages when the group is meeting. - 6. I don't think cell phones have been a problem in our group. I don't think anyone has been messing with them while we're actively discussing a topic.

4. Five Rules
A. Limit conversation on completely unrelated topics as to what we're trying to do.
B. Show up to class
C. Reliable communication.
D. Stop talking and let Odin freaking speak. More of a class issue, in a couple meanings of the word.
E. Nuke all enemies.

Reflections on the Midterm

As in any group effort, there were and are all levels of performance by the different members of the group.  With our group, the same individuals that seem to always rise to the occasion, again, rose to the occasion. Of the five members of our group, one took charge of being the person to control the blog postings, and of  making sure all things involved in the blog process were handled correctly. Of the remaining four, another person took charge of manually recording our conversations and transcribing our ideas into laws and our country's regulations. The remaining three of us , mainly verbally contributed ideas and made suggestions. I am sure this scenario caused our team to put more onus on the two more active members, and resulted in their doing more than their share. I know that I personally did less than my fair share, which I also submitted towards the last minute. On a scale of 1-10, I would put my performance at 4-5 when compared with our top two. 

In our group, I cannot think of a person to remove, unless it would be me.  I have a difficult time hearing, and always seem to be lost in both our group discussions and in the class in general.  That and I am totally at a loss when it comes to current pop culture, movies, music, electronic devises, and personalities. In other words, when I do manage to hear whats being said, I have no idea what is being talked about.  However that is my problem, and should not affect anyone else. But if a certain type of person could be added, it would be helpful if that person were a bit assertive, without being an ass, above average intelligence, without being a smart ass, organized but not anal, and have perseverance. 

For rating the basic workplace rules,on a scale of 1-10, I came up with the following order of importance, with 10 being the most important.

10.  Showing up: Of all the points to consider, showing up has to rate right up there.  It would seem pretty difficult to accomplish anything, if no one showed up.  Even if most show up, and 1 or 2 don't, it would cause a hardship on those attending that wont have the project contribution to work with, of those that fail to show. 

 9.  Handling conflict among group members: I rated this the highest, because if your group is in constant turmoil, and is not in control, it is very difficult to get anything done.

 8.  Doing your fair share:  This is only fair if everyone does do their fair share.  It is not right to burden others for your lack of effort.

 7.  Responding timely to email and communicating effectively with other members:  As with doing your fair share, responding timely, allows others to do their job, especially if they have to interact with, or respond to, something that you have not produced yet.

 6.  Being present in the group--not distracted by outside cell phone calls or text messages when the group is meeting:  A group meeting, especially in a class with numerous other groups, is hard to concentrate in.  By adding phone calls or texting, it makes it that much harder to interact and, to be aware of all that is going on in the group meeting.

 5.  Being on time: This is only fair to others in your group, allowing them to perform their tasks.

For me the 5 following rules, make for an effective group:

1.  A group, by it's nature, needs a designated leader, who  will be the ultimate arbitrator, and who has the final say. With 4 or 5 group members all trying to have input at the same time without control, you have chaos.

2.  Whenever possible the group should try to reach a consensus on a set of stated goals and, a defined purpose. Numerous people working on their own pet projects, without a group focus will lead to a Hodge-podge of poorly related information.

3.  Each member needs to have an assigned task, if not more than one task. Making a person responsible for a task, exerts pressure on that person to perform, or be exposed in the group, as less than reliable.

4.  Each assigned task must have a deadline for completion in order for the project to develop a flow.  If a person that has a task that is required at an early stage of the project, and is slow in producing results, then the entire project is delayed, and the delaying effect is snowballed to accentuate the problem.

5.  The group needs a final editorial authority to present the finished product.  This can be a single person or a committee. However if it is a committee, remember that the previous 4 rules will apply to their work assignment.

 "ATERNUM DILANTER" 

Forever Expanding

 Excellence, Profit, Law

  

Switzerland: The Gun Lobby's Favorite Example

Among western countries, Switzerland is second in gun ownership, only behind the United States. Switzerland is well known for low crime rates and an abundance of automatic weapons and military ammunition. The gun lobby is quick to point out that guns are plentiful, and the reason for the low crime rate. However, it is not that simple. In addition to ridding poverty with a minimum wage equivalent to $50,000, Switzerland does not have a standing army. Only about 5% of its protective forces are full-time military personnel, and are mainly protecting armories, landing strips, bases, and operating military vehicles. Every male aged 19-34 is required to give service as a militiaman, and receives government military training for 18-21 weeks, as well as take part in annual marksmanship training. Militiamen who choose to take their automatic weapons home are required to have a permit, otherwise their weapon will be stored in a local armory. Military rounds are also no longer given to normal militiamen to take home, but only to roughly 2000 military personnel that actively guard strategic targets. The military-grade ammunition is in a sealed box and regularly audited by the government to ensure proper use, and only one box of 50 rounds is provided.

For a civilian to purchase any firearm, a background check, knowledge exam, weapons handling skills test, and permit is required; and the civilian is limited to only three firearms. All commercially sold ammunition is also tracked by the government from point-of-sale, to purchaser. Any non-military issued automatic or select fire weapon, and any purchase or use of suppressors, is forbidden. In order for a civilian, after militia service, to keep his weapon he must also receive another permit. To publicly carry your weapon, you must be en route to military training or have yet an additional permit which is usually only given to police or security workers. Switzerland is also strict in enforcement of the transporting of weapons. During transport, all firearms must be kept unloaded, and only be transported to and from official military/militia training, and/or gun sales.

The US gun lobby wants to make you believe that ultra-safe Switzerland has the most relaxed gun laws, but even their laws are more restrictive than any of our traditional gun-loving states.

Do Sacramento's strict gun laws really work?



Sacramento has some of California's toughest gun laws in a state already stingy when it comes to firearms.

Gun-control proponents say the city's regulation help reduce violent crime and illegal firearms.

During February, the city's Law and Legislation Committee, which recommends new ordinances to city council, had to meet several times to brainstorm ways to crack down on gun violance. The committee discussed several proposals, including strict regulations for new gun shops and bans against owning certain kinds of high-powered ammunition.

If Sacramento doesn't pass new gun-control measures, state lawmakers may do so anyway. California Legislature currently has several bills pending that would, among other things, slap a tax on ammunition and prohibit gun sales to anyone under 21.

Sacramento already has landmark restrictions on firearms. Gun dealers must electronically submit customer fingerprints and personal information to the police department. And city residents must report all lost or stolen firearms within 48 hours or risk facing a misdemeanor.

According to Councilman Kevin McCarty, who introduced those laws in 2007, the city's tough stance on firearms has already paid off. The ammunition ordinance has helped officers from the Sacramento Police Department seize 230 guns from people who shouldn't have them - including convicted felons with violent records, gang members and sex offenders.

Last year, McCarty also proposed rules that would require firearm dealers to buy liability insurance and obtain a special permit to operate within the city limits. He believes the city currently doesn't have enough control over gun shops.The council's Law and Legislation Committee may vote on the proposal later this year.

Gun-control advocates give a thumb-up to the city's strict rules, which they believe has contributed to lower crime rates.Sacramento had 36 homicides last year, down from 57 in 2006.Thirty of those 36 murder victims from 2012 were killed using a firearm. Compared with places like Fresno or Stockton - cities about the same size as the capital but with higher homicide rates - Sacramento has fewer incidents of deadly gun violance.

Local opponents of gun control see things differently.



Sam Paredes, executive director for Gun Owners of California, thinks the city's firearm and ammunition rules are "onerous for law-abiding citizens". He also doubts whether those laws are effective, for a lot of firearm users simply leave the city to buy guns and then to bring them back in.

In fact, the police has seized fewer guns recently from enforcing the city ammunition ordinance. Based on his conversation with the police department, McCarty believes more criminals are avoiding Sacramento's gun shops to head for cities with looser rules.

Paredes is much happier with Sacramento County's gun policy, especially the amount of concealed-weapons permits issued by the sheriff's department (99 to 95 percent of permit applications for concealed firearms last year).

Thus, even if Sacramento's tough laws are working, there is still no way to actually count how many illegal firearms exchange hands on city streets.The task force has conducted sting operations to stop illegal gun purchases, and the results are sobering.