Edward Curtis
When J. P. Morgan called for Curtis to produce a photographical series of the North American Indian, he took his mission very seriously. His motive was evident very early on, "The information that is to be gathered ... respecting the mode of life of one of the great races of mankind, must be collected at once or the opportunity will be lost". This quote on Curtis's appeared as an introduction to his first volume of The North American Indian. From the information I have gathered on Edward Curtis, I feel he felt that he was preserving history. During this time period, most people knew nothing about the natives whose land they were living on. Historical record of Native Americans simply was not kept. As a result of this, I feel Curtis''s merit begins to lesson. Since his photographs would be many peoples first impression of Native Americans, he wanted to produce images they would not forget. This accounts for the staging of photographs and the reason why he got a lot of Native American history wrong. Curtis was trying to appeal to his viewers nostalgia and personal memory, meaning, what they "thought" Indians should look like, not neccesarily the truth. Edward Curtis set out to preserve history, but along the way, he ended up doing the Native Americans a disservice. (unintentionally)
Neidich
Warren Neidich can be described as counter-Curtis. His motive is to describe and show us (the public) how photography can generate our ideas about history. His research/work with the O.J. Simpson trial cannot be denied. He argues that the role of today's media has changed. He states that it has transformed from a presentor of news into a producer of entertainment. With it may not be entirely 100 percent correct, he all must admit there is some validity in his claims. All you have to do is turn on the T.V. He presents his photographs from a much different perspective when compared to Curtis. His photographs are not meant to stir up nostalgia or personal memory, but to try and correct these two phenomina that can often get clouded. His work shows us how the general public can easily be influenced by the media storm that often overwhelms us.
By looking at the photographs of both artists in class, and by viewing others online, I honestly didn't really enjoy either artists' work. It was obvious in both accounts that the photographs were staged. I don't think I would ever purchase either of their works. If I had to choose, I would probably say...Curtis, bases solely on the rustic appearence of his photos. I can see why his viewers were easily mislead.
Sunday, September 30, 2007
Best Weekend Yet
It has been a looooooooooong time since I saw my girlfriend, all the way back to labor day.
Your probably thinking, labor day? that was only 3 weeks ago...
Ya, well, when your girlfriend goes to school 3 hours away, 3 weeks feels like an eternity.
I was so excited when she told me she had this weekend free and was coming to visit.
This past week of class was crazy, almost like the week before Christmas when I was little, I thought about her all the time. The days seemed to crawl by.
She finally got here Friday right before English, I couldn't have been happier. I was in one of those permanent good moods, nothing was going to bring me down (or get the smile off my face). It lasted all weekend...
Now...its about 3 o'clock, and shes only been gone for about 15 minutes, and I miss her already. You would think maybe saying goodbye would get a little easier each time, but it doesn't. Every time she leaves, I think a little peice of me goes with her. I'm just not as happy as I was earlier this weekend. It felt amazing to wake up these past two mornings and see her beautiful face.
Ya, it has been hard, but its weekends like this one that remind me that its all worth it, and how lucky I am to have her...
((Alan))
Your probably thinking, labor day? that was only 3 weeks ago...
Ya, well, when your girlfriend goes to school 3 hours away, 3 weeks feels like an eternity.
I was so excited when she told me she had this weekend free and was coming to visit.
This past week of class was crazy, almost like the week before Christmas when I was little, I thought about her all the time. The days seemed to crawl by.
She finally got here Friday right before English, I couldn't have been happier. I was in one of those permanent good moods, nothing was going to bring me down (or get the smile off my face). It lasted all weekend...
Now...its about 3 o'clock, and shes only been gone for about 15 minutes, and I miss her already. You would think maybe saying goodbye would get a little easier each time, but it doesn't. Every time she leaves, I think a little peice of me goes with her. I'm just not as happy as I was earlier this weekend. It felt amazing to wake up these past two mornings and see her beautiful face.
Ya, it has been hard, but its weekends like this one that remind me that its all worth it, and how lucky I am to have her...
((Alan))
No News Is Not Good News
I was talking (more like complaining) to a friend on Friday about these blogs we have to write every week. I was telling her that (1.) I usually don't get around to writing them until either Saturday or Sunday because of how busy my week usually is, and (2.) I always struggle to find something interesting to write about.
It was during this conversation that I realized how "out of touch" I am with current events.
In my high school years, I would wake up every morning and peer through the newspaper over breakfast. Such is not the case here at college, where time is often scarce. I can barely make enough time to eat breakfast in the morning before rushing out to go to class. I don't remember the last time I was able to pick up a paper other than the Exponent. (which is definately not the best paper to be informed of the "goings on" around the world from)
College has consumed my whole life since I got here. All the little things, like watching the news before bed, reading the paper, sifting through magazines, etc. are almost nonexistant anymore. I simply do not have time for them anymore. It seems like all I ever do is eat, sleep, go to class, and do homework.
Yea, I guess I could make a better effort to be informed on current events, but after a normal day here at Purdue, all I want to do is go to sleep! There isn't much time to relax, other than on the weekends. (But, I have found out that Sunday turns out to just like every other day, probably because I usually leave a lot of my work until that night) I guess my point is that I was surprised at how easy it was for me to drift away from today's current events and not even know it was happening.
((Alan))
It was during this conversation that I realized how "out of touch" I am with current events.
In my high school years, I would wake up every morning and peer through the newspaper over breakfast. Such is not the case here at college, where time is often scarce. I can barely make enough time to eat breakfast in the morning before rushing out to go to class. I don't remember the last time I was able to pick up a paper other than the Exponent. (which is definately not the best paper to be informed of the "goings on" around the world from)
College has consumed my whole life since I got here. All the little things, like watching the news before bed, reading the paper, sifting through magazines, etc. are almost nonexistant anymore. I simply do not have time for them anymore. It seems like all I ever do is eat, sleep, go to class, and do homework.
Yea, I guess I could make a better effort to be informed on current events, but after a normal day here at Purdue, all I want to do is go to sleep! There isn't much time to relax, other than on the weekends. (But, I have found out that Sunday turns out to just like every other day, probably because I usually leave a lot of my work until that night) I guess my point is that I was surprised at how easy it was for me to drift away from today's current events and not even know it was happening.
((Alan))
Saturday, September 22, 2007
Nothing
Boy does it feel great to being doing nothing! I love the weekend. Especially saturday, because that means tomarrow is Sunday...no school..again!
24-10 Boilers. Minnesota is not very good. Thats another thing I love about the weekends, football.
Saturday -> College
Sunday->NFL
All day
O wait, we scored again, 31-10
I can't wait till we play someone good...I like our chances this year
I remember my weekends back at home during highscool, I hated those nights when I stayed home and did nothing. I always wanted to be out, doing something fun with my friends. Well, things have definately changed...
I barely have anytime to myself out here. It seems like its go go go, all day long. At home, I usually never stayed up later than 11:00 o'clock on a weeknight. Now, 11:00 is nothing. A lot of times, I'm just starting some of my homework then.
I know one thing, I don't like it very much. I feel myself get progressively tired each day of the week. By friday, I'm spent. I thought thats when the party started!?!
I hope things start to lessson up a bit, but I doubt it...
I have to admit, I wasn't exactly ready for this. I feel like I've done more work this semester already, than I did my entire senior year!
24-10 Boilers. Minnesota is not very good. Thats another thing I love about the weekends, football.
Saturday -> College
Sunday->NFL
All day
O wait, we scored again, 31-10
I can't wait till we play someone good...I like our chances this year
I remember my weekends back at home during highscool, I hated those nights when I stayed home and did nothing. I always wanted to be out, doing something fun with my friends. Well, things have definately changed...
I barely have anytime to myself out here. It seems like its go go go, all day long. At home, I usually never stayed up later than 11:00 o'clock on a weeknight. Now, 11:00 is nothing. A lot of times, I'm just starting some of my homework then.
I know one thing, I don't like it very much. I feel myself get progressively tired each day of the week. By friday, I'm spent. I thought thats when the party started!?!
I hope things start to lessson up a bit, but I doubt it...
I have to admit, I wasn't exactly ready for this. I feel like I've done more work this semester already, than I did my entire senior year!
Wright Patterson
I have to admit, I wasn't a happy camper this morning when my alarm clock rang at 7:00am. I couldn't believe it was time to get up already, it felt like my head had just hit the pillow. Five more minutes wouldn't hurt...I hit the snooze.
35 minutes later, I scrambled out of bed, and frantically threw some clothes on. Stupid alarm clock...
I walked myself down to lobby and plopped onto the nearest couch. I fought to keep my eyes open while a member of our Learning Community Board rambled on about today's events. We would be boarding a bus and making the trip over into Ohio to go to Wright PAtterson Air Force Base. We all had tickets to an imax show and would be able to walk around the museum this afternoon.
We all walked outside and boarded to beautiful coach bus that awaited us. I took a seat in the back with a couple friends and waited for the trip to begin. We were not 20 minutes from campus, and I would say three-quarters of the students on board were fast asleep, including myself.
4 hours later (yes, 4 entire hours) we rolled into the musuem parking lot. I had actually been to Wright Patterson some 3 years ago with my parents, and was excited to be back. It is an incredible complex. The musuem spans 3 gigantic hangers that are filled with nearly everything airforce/aviation related since the beginging of flight. Since we only had 4 hours, I did my best to try and take in all the sights. The musuem is divided into 6 different sections, each devoted to a specific time period in history: PreWWI, WWI, WWII, Cold War, Modern Aircraft, and Spacecraft. My favorite part of the day was without a doubt the modern aircraft hanger. I'm a big Top Gun fan, so naturally you can understand my excitement when I was able to sit in the cockpit of an F-16. You know that dream job we all have that will never happen? Well thats me, Airforce fighter ace.
All in all, I had a good day at Wright Patterson. It sure was nice to get away from schoolwork and worrying about my 3 exams this week. (although I probably should have studied on the ride there and back...I mean...I only had 7 hours to kill...) Buts that ok, I'll get over it.
((Alan))
35 minutes later, I scrambled out of bed, and frantically threw some clothes on. Stupid alarm clock...
I walked myself down to lobby and plopped onto the nearest couch. I fought to keep my eyes open while a member of our Learning Community Board rambled on about today's events. We would be boarding a bus and making the trip over into Ohio to go to Wright PAtterson Air Force Base. We all had tickets to an imax show and would be able to walk around the museum this afternoon.
We all walked outside and boarded to beautiful coach bus that awaited us. I took a seat in the back with a couple friends and waited for the trip to begin. We were not 20 minutes from campus, and I would say three-quarters of the students on board were fast asleep, including myself.
4 hours later (yes, 4 entire hours) we rolled into the musuem parking lot. I had actually been to Wright Patterson some 3 years ago with my parents, and was excited to be back. It is an incredible complex. The musuem spans 3 gigantic hangers that are filled with nearly everything airforce/aviation related since the beginging of flight. Since we only had 4 hours, I did my best to try and take in all the sights. The musuem is divided into 6 different sections, each devoted to a specific time period in history: PreWWI, WWI, WWII, Cold War, Modern Aircraft, and Spacecraft. My favorite part of the day was without a doubt the modern aircraft hanger. I'm a big Top Gun fan, so naturally you can understand my excitement when I was able to sit in the cockpit of an F-16. You know that dream job we all have that will never happen? Well thats me, Airforce fighter ace.
All in all, I had a good day at Wright Patterson. It sure was nice to get away from schoolwork and worrying about my 3 exams this week. (although I probably should have studied on the ride there and back...I mean...I only had 7 hours to kill...) Buts that ok, I'll get over it.
((Alan))
Friday, September 21, 2007
Justifiable?
Lesson #5: Proportionality should be a guideline in war.
100,000 people in one night…gone…never to come back…
From a military standpoint
The firebombing of Japanese cities and the detonation of the two atomic bombs was justified.
Prior to the firebombing, the B-29’s were used primarily for high altitude bombing raids. The development of a high pressure cabin made it possible for bombers to drop their payloads from an altitude safe from anti-aircraft guns. However, since the bombs had to travel farther to hit their target, accuracy was compromised.
The solution
The function of the B-29 bomber was modified. To make up for the loss in accuracy, the airplane would now fly at a much lower altitude.
Important Fact
Most of the infrastructure of 1940’s Japan was built out of wood
The revolution
Introduce incendiary bombs that upon impact engulf the surroundings in flames. It would only take a spark here and there, and a whole city could go up in one night.
From a military standpoint, these modifications were genius. The increase in efficiency was astronomical. This type of strategy could be a potential war-winner (as it turned out to be)
One must understand that because of previous events in the war, (such as Stalingrad) nothing in war is guaranteed.
What did this mean?
The military had crippled the Japanese, but needed to deliver its final KO
Aka…The atomic bombs
Think of all the American lives we saved.
The Japanese were tenacious fighters, willing to fight to the death (Okinawa, Iwo)
An attack on mainland Japan would have been disastrous for American GI’s
The operation was a major success.
However, from a moral standpoint…
Who are we to say that our American lives are worth more than those of the Japanese?
((Alan))
100,000 people in one night…gone…never to come back…
From a military standpoint
The firebombing of Japanese cities and the detonation of the two atomic bombs was justified.
Prior to the firebombing, the B-29’s were used primarily for high altitude bombing raids. The development of a high pressure cabin made it possible for bombers to drop their payloads from an altitude safe from anti-aircraft guns. However, since the bombs had to travel farther to hit their target, accuracy was compromised.
The solution
The function of the B-29 bomber was modified. To make up for the loss in accuracy, the airplane would now fly at a much lower altitude.
Important Fact
Most of the infrastructure of 1940’s Japan was built out of wood
The revolution
Introduce incendiary bombs that upon impact engulf the surroundings in flames. It would only take a spark here and there, and a whole city could go up in one night.
From a military standpoint, these modifications were genius. The increase in efficiency was astronomical. This type of strategy could be a potential war-winner (as it turned out to be)
One must understand that because of previous events in the war, (such as Stalingrad) nothing in war is guaranteed.
What did this mean?
The military had crippled the Japanese, but needed to deliver its final KO
Aka…The atomic bombs
Think of all the American lives we saved.
The Japanese were tenacious fighters, willing to fight to the death (Okinawa, Iwo)
An attack on mainland Japan would have been disastrous for American GI’s
The operation was a major success.
However, from a moral standpoint…
Who are we to say that our American lives are worth more than those of the Japanese?
((Alan))
Saturday, September 15, 2007
Beah's Influence
After all that Ishmael Beah has seen and been through, I find the demeanor and aura of his personality today the most inspiring. While searching for more information about him, I came across this quote, "If I choose to feel guilty for what I have done, I will want to be dead myself,
I live knowing that I have been given a second life, and I just try to have fun, and be happy and live it the best I can." I found these words to be both astonishing and encouraging.
Amidst all the horror and suffering Ishmael experiened, good has emerged over evil. It would have been so easy for him to let the weight of the situation he was in keep him down. Against all odds, Ishmael was able to claw his way out of Sierra Leone and begin a new life in the United States. By looking at Ishmael today, one would have no idea of the pain and agony he has felt in his realitively short life. In nearly every single photograph or interview I saw of him, he always had a smile on his face. After what he has been through, it amazes me that he is able to get up each morning and look at himself in the mirror. He killed. Not just once, but over and over and over again. He was a murderer. He slayed innocent lives. It takes a truely special person to be able to put your past behind you and move on with your life. Like he says, he knows what he did. He knows he was a killer. When I first read his quote, I was kind of taken aback. My first reaction was, 'What? He doesn't feel guilty! How can he not!' but after giving it some thought, I realized what he was trying to say. I have a great amount of respect for him because of his commitment to help those who were just like him. He doesn't have to do what he is doing.
His quote gives us all a message of hope. No matter how terrible things seem, we must perservere and fight our way through. No good comes from feeling sorry for yourself.
I really would have loved to go listen to him speak. After listen to our discussion on friday, it seems like I missed out on a special opportunity. I wish I would have had the chance to see him in person and see if I got the same upbeat, kind, and genuine vibe I felt listening to him online.
((Alan))
I live knowing that I have been given a second life, and I just try to have fun, and be happy and live it the best I can." I found these words to be both astonishing and encouraging.
Amidst all the horror and suffering Ishmael experiened, good has emerged over evil. It would have been so easy for him to let the weight of the situation he was in keep him down. Against all odds, Ishmael was able to claw his way out of Sierra Leone and begin a new life in the United States. By looking at Ishmael today, one would have no idea of the pain and agony he has felt in his realitively short life. In nearly every single photograph or interview I saw of him, he always had a smile on his face. After what he has been through, it amazes me that he is able to get up each morning and look at himself in the mirror. He killed. Not just once, but over and over and over again. He was a murderer. He slayed innocent lives. It takes a truely special person to be able to put your past behind you and move on with your life. Like he says, he knows what he did. He knows he was a killer. When I first read his quote, I was kind of taken aback. My first reaction was, 'What? He doesn't feel guilty! How can he not!' but after giving it some thought, I realized what he was trying to say. I have a great amount of respect for him because of his commitment to help those who were just like him. He doesn't have to do what he is doing.
His quote gives us all a message of hope. No matter how terrible things seem, we must perservere and fight our way through. No good comes from feeling sorry for yourself.
I really would have loved to go listen to him speak. After listen to our discussion on friday, it seems like I missed out on a special opportunity. I wish I would have had the chance to see him in person and see if I got the same upbeat, kind, and genuine vibe I felt listening to him online.
((Alan))
Stream of Consciousness
Thursday:
...Noooo, it can't be 6:45 already! It feels like i just closed my eyes and fell asleep...
...2 hours until engineering lab, I have no motivation to go at all...
...Well, here I am, clueless about where to even begin with this CFU(check for understanding)...
...I can't wait until the weekend...
Friday
...Whew, no engineering classes today...
...Wait a minute, isn't this what I signed up for...
...I don't know if I'm cut out to be an engineer...
...Is this really what I'm going to be doing for the next 4 years...
...So far my favorite class to go to is English...
...I never even really liked English...
...I don't know what to do...
Saturday
...Finally, I can relax...
...Its the weekend! Why am I not relaxed...
...I have to write my english blogs...
...I have to do my ENGR chip homework...
...I have to write out my chemistry lab...
...I have to do my engineering postlab...
...I should start my engineering project...
...Its 7:00pm and I haven't done anything yet...
...Highschool was a joke compared to college...
...I'm doing homework on a Saturday night...
I tryed to change it up this week.
I've attempted to post a "stream of consciousness" of what has been going through my mind the last couple days. Hope it makes sense.
((Alan))
...Noooo, it can't be 6:45 already! It feels like i just closed my eyes and fell asleep...
...2 hours until engineering lab, I have no motivation to go at all...
...Well, here I am, clueless about where to even begin with this CFU(check for understanding)...
...I can't wait until the weekend...
Friday
...Whew, no engineering classes today...
...Wait a minute, isn't this what I signed up for...
...I don't know if I'm cut out to be an engineer...
...Is this really what I'm going to be doing for the next 4 years...
...So far my favorite class to go to is English...
...I never even really liked English...
...I don't know what to do...
Saturday
...Finally, I can relax...
...Its the weekend! Why am I not relaxed...
...I have to write my english blogs...
...I have to do my ENGR chip homework...
...I have to write out my chemistry lab...
...I have to do my engineering postlab...
...I should start my engineering project...
...Its 7:00pm and I haven't done anything yet...
...Highschool was a joke compared to college...
...I'm doing homework on a Saturday night...
I tryed to change it up this week.
I've attempted to post a "stream of consciousness" of what has been going through my mind the last couple days. Hope it makes sense.
((Alan))
Cheaters
So for those of you reading who haven't noticed yet, I'm a big sports guy. When I'm not studying calc, doing engineering homework, reading chemistry, or writing english papers, I'm usually outside doing something athletic or in my room watching sports. Thus, usually at least one of my blog entries each week reflects this interest of mine.
So with that said, my entry for this week (which is very similar to my last one) : Cheating in sports, only this time we are talking football.
Team: New England Patriots
Credentials: Superbowl champions 2002, 2004, 2005
Offense: Violation of NFL rules governing sideline videotaping with the intent of gaining a competative advantage.
*Punishment: $500,000 fine to head coach, $250,000 fine to organization, and loss of 1st round pick in next years NFL draft
Result: Bill Belichick (heralded as the greatest coach in the NFL in the last decade) and the New England Patriots (arguably the best team in the league) were found have made a "calculated and deliberate attempt" of breaking known league rules.
Its only the second week of the season! How can the NFL have this much controversy surrounding it before half of the teams in the league even have a W in the win column.
Notice the star I put by punishment...Even with all the disappointment I felt towards the Patriots, I was overjoyed to see commissioner Goodell come down hard on the offenders. Its about time an authoritative body in sports has come down swiftly and harshly on those who dare to break the rules. If it had not been for the $500,000 cap on fines in the NFL, I am confident Goodell would have demanded more. Furthermore, his decision to take away a draft pick of the Patriots next year is genius. The loss of a big time college prospect can potentially have a huge impact on the Patriots scheme in the next couple of years.
From a fan standpoint, I don't know what to think anymore. As of late, it seems that with each week, another scandel in the sporting world is revealed. Last week was baseball; this week its football. What will be next?
((Alan))
So with that said, my entry for this week (which is very similar to my last one) : Cheating in sports, only this time we are talking football.
Team: New England Patriots
Credentials: Superbowl champions 2002, 2004, 2005
Offense: Violation of NFL rules governing sideline videotaping with the intent of gaining a competative advantage.
*Punishment: $500,000 fine to head coach, $250,000 fine to organization, and loss of 1st round pick in next years NFL draft
Result: Bill Belichick (heralded as the greatest coach in the NFL in the last decade) and the New England Patriots (arguably the best team in the league) were found have made a "calculated and deliberate attempt" of breaking known league rules.
Its only the second week of the season! How can the NFL have this much controversy surrounding it before half of the teams in the league even have a W in the win column.
Notice the star I put by punishment...Even with all the disappointment I felt towards the Patriots, I was overjoyed to see commissioner Goodell come down hard on the offenders. Its about time an authoritative body in sports has come down swiftly and harshly on those who dare to break the rules. If it had not been for the $500,000 cap on fines in the NFL, I am confident Goodell would have demanded more. Furthermore, his decision to take away a draft pick of the Patriots next year is genius. The loss of a big time college prospect can potentially have a huge impact on the Patriots scheme in the next couple of years.
From a fan standpoint, I don't know what to think anymore. As of late, it seems that with each week, another scandel in the sporting world is revealed. Last week was baseball; this week its football. What will be next?
((Alan))
Saturday, September 8, 2007
O fortunate fortunate us...
While out on one of my "campus runs", (for clarification, a campus run is my attempt to stay in shape while at school, consisting of me talking a lap around campus in an effort to burn off the numerous calories I consume each day in our dining halls) I was about halfway to Ross-Ade stadium, musing about life, when for some reason I began to think about just how fortunate I am. There are sooo many things I have to be thankful for, heres a few of the ones I came up with while on my run...
1 The opportunity to be here at Purdue, a world class institution, full of world class scholors
2 The basic nessecities: Food, Water, Shelter All you need to do is take one look at one of our dining courts. Just think about how much food is cycled through each one every single day. Its enough to feed an entire country.
3 Saftey. For one thing, I was outside at about 11 o'clock at night, unafraid of my safety. Unfortunately, you can't do this in some parts of the world.
4 Family. To start off, if it wasn't for them, I wouldn't even be here at Purdue. The tuition bill doesn't pay for itself...
5 Friends. There is no way I could make it though alone. Also, its exciting to be at that stage in my life where I can say I have my "college" friends and my "hometown" friends.
6 All of my "pleasantries" meaning... tv, laptop/internet, facebook, instant mesager, radio, cell phone, etc
We all our very lucky to be in the position we are in, to have the opportunity that we have.
Not everyone is as fortunate as we are. I guess what im trying to say is...when things don't go exactly how we want them, and we get angry, we need to remember that things could be much much worse. Reading the memoirs of Ismael has opened my eyes to the suffreing and pain that exists in this world. Pain and suffering that many of us know nothing about.
((Alan))
1 The opportunity to be here at Purdue, a world class institution, full of world class scholors
2 The basic nessecities: Food, Water, Shelter All you need to do is take one look at one of our dining courts. Just think about how much food is cycled through each one every single day. Its enough to feed an entire country.
3 Saftey. For one thing, I was outside at about 11 o'clock at night, unafraid of my safety. Unfortunately, you can't do this in some parts of the world.
4 Family. To start off, if it wasn't for them, I wouldn't even be here at Purdue. The tuition bill doesn't pay for itself...
5 Friends. There is no way I could make it though alone. Also, its exciting to be at that stage in my life where I can say I have my "college" friends and my "hometown" friends.
6 All of my "pleasantries" meaning... tv, laptop/internet, facebook, instant mesager, radio, cell phone, etc
We all our very lucky to be in the position we are in, to have the opportunity that we have.
Not everyone is as fortunate as we are. I guess what im trying to say is...when things don't go exactly how we want them, and we get angry, we need to remember that things could be much much worse. Reading the memoirs of Ismael has opened my eyes to the suffreing and pain that exists in this world. Pain and suffering that many of us know nothing about.
((Alan))
Ankiel's Achilles Heal
I couldnt believe it....I had just gotten done watching the highlight.
Rick Ankiel, an outfielder for the playoff contending St. Louis Cardinals, went like 3 for 5 and hit a game deciding homerun that sent the Pirates back to Pittsburg without a series win. I told my buddy AJ who was watching Sportscenter with me, "Good for him, I'm glad he's having a career year, he deserves it". The words had barely left my mouth when a Sportscenter "breaking news" headline slide across the screen..
"Outfielder Ankiel linked too reports of HGH drug scandal"
I was speechless, but then again, I probably should have known...
The steriod scandel that has engulfed Major League Baseball is sickening. I have to admit, I thought the league was making progress, no new stories had been released in quite some time. However, the Ankiel allegations blasted me back into reality.
The integrity of baseball is in ruins; America's national pastime is tarnished.
When I heard the news of the Ankiel story, i remember feeling a stinging mixture of annoyance and rage. I had fallen for it...
For thoose of you who don't know the Ankiel story, here it is...
Ankiel started out in the Cardinal farm system as a pitcher, eventually making it to the big leagues after moving up through the ranks. After experiencing major league success, the fear ever professional pitcher has, became a reality for Ankiel, he needed arm surgery (Tommy John) To make a long strory short, he ended up coming out of surgery unable to pitch a baseball every again. However, this did not start Ankiel. He somehow convinced the organization to let him tryout as a positional player, a conversion unheard of in major league baseball. In nearly no time, Ankiel worked his way back up the pros and this year was in the process of having a career year. He had become the "feel good" story of major league baseball.
Not anymore...
This year has been a tragedy for baseball. The most coveted record in baseball, all time homerun leader, was broken by a cheater. Barry Bonds. With so many players being linked to steriods, I don't know who to trust anymore. My only hope is that the game will make it through these dark times and return to the glory days of the past middle of the century.
((Alan))
Rick Ankiel, an outfielder for the playoff contending St. Louis Cardinals, went like 3 for 5 and hit a game deciding homerun that sent the Pirates back to Pittsburg without a series win. I told my buddy AJ who was watching Sportscenter with me, "Good for him, I'm glad he's having a career year, he deserves it". The words had barely left my mouth when a Sportscenter "breaking news" headline slide across the screen..
"Outfielder Ankiel linked too reports of HGH drug scandal"
I was speechless, but then again, I probably should have known...
The steriod scandel that has engulfed Major League Baseball is sickening. I have to admit, I thought the league was making progress, no new stories had been released in quite some time. However, the Ankiel allegations blasted me back into reality.
The integrity of baseball is in ruins; America's national pastime is tarnished.
When I heard the news of the Ankiel story, i remember feeling a stinging mixture of annoyance and rage. I had fallen for it...
For thoose of you who don't know the Ankiel story, here it is...
Ankiel started out in the Cardinal farm system as a pitcher, eventually making it to the big leagues after moving up through the ranks. After experiencing major league success, the fear ever professional pitcher has, became a reality for Ankiel, he needed arm surgery (Tommy John) To make a long strory short, he ended up coming out of surgery unable to pitch a baseball every again. However, this did not start Ankiel. He somehow convinced the organization to let him tryout as a positional player, a conversion unheard of in major league baseball. In nearly no time, Ankiel worked his way back up the pros and this year was in the process of having a career year. He had become the "feel good" story of major league baseball.
Not anymore...
This year has been a tragedy for baseball. The most coveted record in baseball, all time homerun leader, was broken by a cheater. Barry Bonds. With so many players being linked to steriods, I don't know who to trust anymore. My only hope is that the game will make it through these dark times and return to the glory days of the past middle of the century.
((Alan))
Friday, September 7, 2007
The "Die"Mond Debate
My first experience as a child with diamonds probably took place at a JC Penny's type store in the mall while shopping with my mom. Becoming bored with walking through aisle after aisle of women's clothing, I most likely ventured off to the middle of the store where they kept all the shiny stuff in the large display cases. The visual stimulation of the sparkling diamonds is what sparked my curiosity and drew me closer. At this point in my life, I'd say I only knew the basics:
1. Diamonds were very expensive
2. Only grown-ups could buy and wear diamonds
3. Husbands gave diamond rings to their wives when they got married
As far as I was concerned, Diamonds were just something fun to look at.
Fast forward to today...
Since I am only 18 years old, the idea of confessing my love to my significant other and showering her with diamonds hasn't exactly crossed my mind.
I must confess, my knowledge of conflict diamonds before this school year began was very limited. I had heard of the concept of "blood diamonds" before, but that was about it. The past two weeks of class have figuratively opened my eyes to a very serious problem. However, even after learning of the terrible tragedies occuring in numerous African countries, my views on diamonds have not changed much.
In order to cover myself, let me say this first...The idea of consumers purchasing "conflict-free" diamonds only is excellent, and I say bravo to all the groups who advocate for this change. I know that if I were to buy a diamond, I would sleep better at night knowing the ring on my finger was clean, and not tarnished by being the product of the bloodshed of others.
However, we must remember diamond companies are out to make a profit. If it costs a company half as much to pruchase conflict diamonds when compared to conflict-free diamonds, the company will choose the cheapest means of production every single time. At the end of the day, what do they care? They made money. As horrible as this sounds, that is just the way things are...
In regard to the song lyrics
While Shirley Bassey's "Diamonds are Forever" does leave out the important details of diamond mining and marketing, how can we fault her? It is not her responsibility to educated us on conflict diamonds or the goings on in Sierra Leone.
Although Kanye West's "Diamonds from Sierra Leone remix" seems to tell the true story of diamond mining, I have my reservations. While his information may be correct, Kanye has a tarnished image in my mind. I don't think I will ever be able to look past his "George Bush don't care about black people" statement he made earlier this year. As far as I know, the song was written for entertainment purposes (i.e. the James Bond films)
Furthermore, how effective are his lyrics anyway? I'd be willing to bet that more than half of the people who have listened to or own his cd, have not even realized the message of the song. They just like it because it sounds good. Think about it... How often do we actually listen to the words in the music we download.
I do believe that counter-story telling can be effective, if done correctly. However, in the case of Shirley Bassey and Kanye West, the connection is not there.
((Alan))
1. Diamonds were very expensive
2. Only grown-ups could buy and wear diamonds
3. Husbands gave diamond rings to their wives when they got married
As far as I was concerned, Diamonds were just something fun to look at.
Fast forward to today...
Since I am only 18 years old, the idea of confessing my love to my significant other and showering her with diamonds hasn't exactly crossed my mind.
I must confess, my knowledge of conflict diamonds before this school year began was very limited. I had heard of the concept of "blood diamonds" before, but that was about it. The past two weeks of class have figuratively opened my eyes to a very serious problem. However, even after learning of the terrible tragedies occuring in numerous African countries, my views on diamonds have not changed much.
In order to cover myself, let me say this first...The idea of consumers purchasing "conflict-free" diamonds only is excellent, and I say bravo to all the groups who advocate for this change. I know that if I were to buy a diamond, I would sleep better at night knowing the ring on my finger was clean, and not tarnished by being the product of the bloodshed of others.
However, we must remember diamond companies are out to make a profit. If it costs a company half as much to pruchase conflict diamonds when compared to conflict-free diamonds, the company will choose the cheapest means of production every single time. At the end of the day, what do they care? They made money. As horrible as this sounds, that is just the way things are...
In regard to the song lyrics
While Shirley Bassey's "Diamonds are Forever" does leave out the important details of diamond mining and marketing, how can we fault her? It is not her responsibility to educated us on conflict diamonds or the goings on in Sierra Leone.
Although Kanye West's "Diamonds from Sierra Leone remix" seems to tell the true story of diamond mining, I have my reservations. While his information may be correct, Kanye has a tarnished image in my mind. I don't think I will ever be able to look past his "George Bush don't care about black people" statement he made earlier this year. As far as I know, the song was written for entertainment purposes (i.e. the James Bond films)
Furthermore, how effective are his lyrics anyway? I'd be willing to bet that more than half of the people who have listened to or own his cd, have not even realized the message of the song. They just like it because it sounds good. Think about it... How often do we actually listen to the words in the music we download.
I do believe that counter-story telling can be effective, if done correctly. However, in the case of Shirley Bassey and Kanye West, the connection is not there.
((Alan))
Saturday, September 1, 2007
Learning How To Learn...
Last week, I walked into my first Engineering126H lecture virtually unaware of what to expect. I had heard so many different things about the course from students who "made it through" last year. (I put the 'phrase made it through' in quotations because that was the way nearly every student I conversed with decribed finishing the class) However, a few things remained the same throughout, the class was taught by a tough professor and the courseload was heavy....very heavy. I picked out a seat about three or four rows from the front and settled in for the lecture.
The professor began at precisely 3:30 and stated right away, (and rather bluntly) that his class was going to be like no other class we had taken before. He stressed over and over again that ENGR126 was a class about "learning how to learn". I remember this phrase causing me to chuckle a little bit the first time I heard it. What is the world was he talking about? I already knew how to learn. What did he think I had been doing for the past twelve years?
Boy, was I wrong.....
Coming out of highschool, I knew college was going to be a challenge, but I was confident in my pre-college education. There is no doubt that I amassed an enormous amount of knowledge in those twelve years, but after listening to my ENGR126 professor the past fews days, I began to ponder, did i really learn how to learn? After my first two weeks of college, I'm not so sure...
By my fourth ENGR126 lecture last wednesday, I was convinced, my professor was right. He presented some examples in class that I could immediately parallel into my studies already at Purdue. I'll give a quick example, I was doing my math homework, "Finding Area and Volumes of Curves", for my MA162 class. I remember thinking, peice of cake, i did this just last year in highschool. To make a long story short, I ended up spending a large chunk of time struggling with about half of the problems in the homework. My highschool teacher had presented a process, which in turn I learned, and then he tested us on this process ONLY. Only is a key word because I found out quick that in college, you get thrown a lot more curveballs...
The problems in my new homework sets caused me to understand the concept deeper, not just some learned and repeated process.
I'm relieved I have made this realization early in my college career, and do not have to suffer the stress and frustration later on. Although at times it seems like a daunting task, I am prepared to start over, in a sense, and RE-learn how to learn.
((Alan))
The professor began at precisely 3:30 and stated right away, (and rather bluntly) that his class was going to be like no other class we had taken before. He stressed over and over again that ENGR126 was a class about "learning how to learn". I remember this phrase causing me to chuckle a little bit the first time I heard it. What is the world was he talking about? I already knew how to learn. What did he think I had been doing for the past twelve years?
Boy, was I wrong.....
Coming out of highschool, I knew college was going to be a challenge, but I was confident in my pre-college education. There is no doubt that I amassed an enormous amount of knowledge in those twelve years, but after listening to my ENGR126 professor the past fews days, I began to ponder, did i really learn how to learn? After my first two weeks of college, I'm not so sure...
By my fourth ENGR126 lecture last wednesday, I was convinced, my professor was right. He presented some examples in class that I could immediately parallel into my studies already at Purdue. I'll give a quick example, I was doing my math homework, "Finding Area and Volumes of Curves", for my MA162 class. I remember thinking, peice of cake, i did this just last year in highschool. To make a long story short, I ended up spending a large chunk of time struggling with about half of the problems in the homework. My highschool teacher had presented a process, which in turn I learned, and then he tested us on this process ONLY. Only is a key word because I found out quick that in college, you get thrown a lot more curveballs...
The problems in my new homework sets caused me to understand the concept deeper, not just some learned and repeated process.
I'm relieved I have made this realization early in my college career, and do not have to suffer the stress and frustration later on. Although at times it seems like a daunting task, I am prepared to start over, in a sense, and RE-learn how to learn.
((Alan))
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