5/1/06 AfterYouFinalPaper

4/30/06 AfterYouDefinitionPaper

4/30/06 Proposal for Definition Paper: Defining Solipsism GRADE THIS ONE

Solipsism is a very in depth philosophical theory that is an extremely difficult one to explain. In order for someone to truly understand the idea of solipsism you must be willing to open your mind to many aspects that come along with this elaborate understanding. Solipsism is the beleif that everything is a figment of one persons imagination. That life is all an elaborate hallucination held by one living organism on the planet. Sensation of every individual is not a valid enough rebuttal because how do we know what anyone else experiences other than ourselves? My paper will note several theories and definitions that people associate with solipsism, including reverse solipsism, God as the only true solipsist, and mind capacity which tends to refute a solipsist's claim.

Citations:

1. Crabtree, Vexen. "Solipsism." __Vexen Crabtree__. 2003. 28 April 2006 <http://www.vexen.co.uk>.
2. "Egocentric." __Merriam-Webster Online__. 30 April 2006 <http://www.webster.com/dictionary/egocentric>.
3. "Solipsism." __H2G2 Online Encyclopedia__. United Kingdom: BBC, 2000.
4. Thornton, Stephen P. "Solipsism and the Problem of Other Minds." __The Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy__. 2006.

4/16/06 AfterYouProposalPaper

4/11/06 MyFinalPaperProposal

3/29/06 Proposal for Proposal Paper: Government Should NOT Fund Offensive Art

The notion of "what is considered art" has always perplexed me. Being an art major I experience many different types of art, from performance, to surreal, to classical. I beleive that there are artists out there that simply call themselves artists in order to get a statement across. In many cases this is valid but in some cases they push the envelope too far. With the government funding all different types and representations of art, they are using our money. As taxpayers I beleive that we have the right to know where our money is going, and if it is for obnoxious or offensive purposes then it should be regulated. Andre Serran's "Piss Christ" was an extremely controversial/blasphemous art peice displayed at a University in Philadelphia. This is a famous example of a funded peice that a large population adimately opposed. Not only was this peice funded, but it was also displayed at a popular university where many students went against the work. I firmly beleive that art should represent represent both meaning and beauty, yet the simple notion that modern artists focus on, going against the grain, is inappropriate. Art has transformed from an aesethically pleasing expression to an extreme downgrade of it's original purpose.

Citations:

1. A. D'Harnoncourt and K. McShine (1973); R. E. Kuenzli and F. M. Naumann, ed., Marcel Duchamp: Artist of the Century (1989); P. Hulten, ed., Marcel Duchamp: Work and Life (1993)
2. Jones, Terry. “Christian Art.” The New Catholic Dictionary. 29 March 2006 <http://www.catholic-forum.com.>
3. Kimball, Roger. “Can Art Be Defined?” Public Interest Spring 2001: 116 Opposing Viewpoints. 29 March 2006. <http://galenet.galegroup.com>.
4. Krauthammer, Charles. “The Government Should Not Fund Offensive Art.” Opposing Viewpoints: Culture Wars. 29 March 2006 <http://galenet.galegroup.com>.
5. Shea, John. “Exhibition brings beautiful photographs-and controversy.” PenNews. 1994. Penn University. 29 March 2006 <http://www.upenn.edu/pennews/>.
6. Wilson, John K. “The Government Should Fund Art That May Be Offensive.” Opposing Viewpoints: Culture Wars. 29 March 2006 <http://galenet.galegroup.com>.

3/20/06 TheAfterYouCausalPaper

3/2/06 Proposal for Causal Paper: Reintroduction of Wolves to Yellowstone benefits Ecosystem

1. The reintroduction of wolves to Yellowstone National Park has caused for enormous changes in the ecosystem and biodiversity of the park. These animals had been missing as part of the food chain for decades, and studies have shown that their return has been very beneficial to the environment. In my paper I will touch upon the way in which they have affected both flora and fauna of the park system. I will go into detail about the need for population control among grazers, and how this "top predator" is necessary in regulating their overabundance.

Citations:
1. Abelson, Matt and Ari Melber. "Never Cry Wolf." Globalchange. 1998. 12 March 2006. <http://www.globalchange.umich.edu>.
2. Aldo Leopold. The Land Ethic. Upper Saddle River: Pearson Prentice Hall, 1993.
3. Pickrell, John. "Wolve's Leftovers are Yellowstone's Gain, Study Says." National Geographic. 2003. 12 March 2006 <http://news.nationalgeographic.com>.
4. "The Ecological Benefits of Wolves as a Top Carnivore." Speak up for Wolves. 12 March 2006 <http://www.defenders.org>.
5. "Wolf Restoration to Yellowstone." Yellowstone National Park. 12 March 2006 <http://www.nps.gov/yell>.

2/23/06 TheAfterYouEvaluation

2/17/06 Proposal for Evaluation Paper: Running
Claim: Running is the best thing you can do for your body.
Running is a sport that anyone can do, and that anyone can be good at. If it's so easy then why do it? Could it possibly be that beneficial? Well, being a runner myself and having competed at the racing level I truly beleive that running is the the best thing you can do for your body. The benefits in the long run are endless. Both mentally and physically one can flourish if they really put some time and effort into this sport. It's been proven that those who run regularly live longer, much healthier lives. The risk of heart disease, muscle atrophy, and bone weakening, greatly decreases. Each time your foot hits the pavement your body is becoming stronger, and more resilient...if you run the proper way of course. To accel at running it takes knowledge and an understanding of the body and it's limits. Over-training, and over-exertion are detours that have affected every runner at some point. Simply the fact that one doesnt have the proper running shoes could be a great burden on the runners' progression. It takes a great deal of effort but the benefits of running and jogging are endless.

Citations:
1. Williams, Paul. "Running raises HDL differently depending on your startint HDL." Health Research 16 February 2006 <http://healthresearch.lbl.gov>.
2. Fishpool, Sean. "Simplify Your Training with these Key 3 Sessions." Runners' World 19 February 2006 <http://www.runnersworld.co.uk>.
3. Stein, Lisa. "Run, Don't Walk." U.S. News & World Report 29 November 2004: 12 Rpt. in Opposing Viewpoints. 19 February 2006 <http://galenet.galegroup.com>.
4. Kolato, Gina. "The Science of the Long-Distance Runner." The New York Times 10 August 2004: pF1 col 01 Rpt. in Opposing Viewpoints. 19 February 2006 <http://galenet.galegroup.com>.
5. "Welcome to Running." Cool Running 19 February 2006 <http://www.coolrunning.com>.
6. "Excersize Good for Depression." Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness 41(2001): 539-545.
7. Mehallo, Christopher J. "Is Running Bad for your Health?" American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians. 19 February 2006 <http://www.acofp.org>.

2/13/06 TheAfterYouDefinition

2/5/06 Proposal for Definition Paper: Environmental Ethics DO NOT GRADE

In his fourth edition of "Environmental Philosophy," Leopold defines environmental ethics as "an ethic dealing with man's relation to land and to the animals and plants which grow upon it." I am writing in effort to explain the current situation regarding how we are approaching the environment and it's resources. Not only are we using up the "infinite" resources we seem to think we have, but we are simply destroying our planet at a quick rate. We do not appreciate our planet nearly as much as we should be, and my question is, WHY? Why are we abusing our home, the only place we have? We are using up our world resources at incredible rates and we are only hurting ourselves in the process. This is where environmental ethics come into play, if we train ourselves to appreciate our planet we will avoid things that will inevitably be the end of us...greenhouse gases, global warming, rainforest destruction,and the sucking up of our natural resources only to further pollute our atmosphere. Although it is an extremely broad topic, it needs defining for it essentially defines us. I feel it is exremely important to educate the world about ways to prevent us coming to an end sooner than we have to. The problem is it is virtually impossible to completely change the way we think since we have behaving this way towards the environment for years.

Citations
1. Dale, Ali, and Richard Gilpin. "Corporations are engaging in Phony Environmentalism." Current Controversies Series 2003.
2. "Environmental Protection." PSU EHS 2004. Pennsylvania State University. 5 February 2006. <http://www.ehs.psu.edu/envprot/index.cfm>.
3. Linden, Eugene. "The Global Environment is Deteriorating." The Environment 2000.
4. Malone, Julia. "Group Drops Bush's Environment Grade to F." The Atlanta Journal and Constitution 2003.
5. Thoreau, Henry David. Walden and Other Writings. New York: The Modern Library, 2000.
6. Zimmerman, Michael E. Environmental Philosophy. Upper Saddle River: Pearson Prentice Hall, 1993.

Peer review by Serenity

This is a great topic and I agree with you on it. One thing I would suggest is that you throw in some counterpoints. Maybe use an opposing argument and show why it is wrong. You could also try to use numbers and statistics to help your definition.

1/13/06 "Narrative"

My name is Kate Noa and back in September I auditioned for the lead singer position for a local band called the Bending Moment. After much debate regarding my age and the ease at which I could get into bars, I joined the group and committed myself to a project unlike anything else I've ever experienced. Three times a week we meet for an intense four hour practice session consisting of perfecting both covers and originals (written by the lead guitarist). It's an experience that I would not trade for anything. The bond I've formed with the guys is perfect and I consider them to be my best friends.

1/16/06 "Letter from Birmingham Jail"

Martin Luther King Jr.'s "Letter from Birmingham Jail" was truly touching. This holiday, which I had merely considered an excuse for getting out of school, now has a much deeper meaning for me. I had never so much taken the time to consider the struggle that MLK had in convincing biased white authorities that his cause was worth while. To me, this letter seemed to provide a strong argument for every possible rebuttle the white man could make and addressed both major and minor issues. Some of the points he touched upon made so much sense, for example, his claim that the "white moderates" are the most dangerous. I completely agree with his idea because white moderates make up what seems to be the majority of caucasions at that time, and those are the people who basically sit around claiming that "time will tell." He also makes a great point backing up the advantages of nonviolent protests. Nonviolent protest forces a community to address the issue, because, unlike violent protest, those standing up for themselves (in large numbers) are not forced to back down; therefore whites have no choice but to sit back and listen.

1/19/06 "Response to #2 in Book"

One of the Newsweek Snapshots is a poll descrbing the different activities that those, who claim to be sick, do. The greater portion of those polled (63%) stated that they sleep while sick. This can be argued that they may not be sleeping because they are sick but they are sleeping because they can. Say this person gets an average of 6 hours of sleep a night, then when they suddenly take a sick day there is an entire day to catch up on missed sleep. Now, one percent of those polled claim that they shop while sick. This seems to be an extremely irrational thing to do while sick, yet it could simply mean that they sit on the internet entering their credit card number next to a blinking cursor. Polls and surveys are never completely accurate, which is why, I feel, it is hard to present them without questioning all meanings behind each category. Another argument I can make is that no where in this Snapshot does it state what population they polled. For all we know the greater population of those polled could have been narcoleptic! Unless all the details of a poll are given, including the types of people involved, the date the information was gathered, the questions being asked, etc...we do not have a truly reliable poll.

1/22/06 Response to "Attack Kills Children and Police," cnn.com

I read an article on cnn.com entitled "Attack Kills Children and Police." Without even reading the article one could immediately assume where this had taken place. Every day we hear of the violence that occurs in Iraq and every day we think to ourselves basically "that sucks." When I come across an article like this, or any article about suicide bombings or kidnappings taking place in the middle east it still affects me. It bothers me that news stories like this, reporting the slaughter of innocent civilians often doesnt even make front page news. Imagine something only a fraction of this magnitude occuring in the United States, not only would it make front page news but (as in many cases) our country would be in an outrage! Larry King and Anderson Cooper would be having a feild day in any situation remotely close. Simply because tragedy like this occurs in another part of the world and so frequently doesnt mean that we should brush it off. Bottom line is I hate hearing this shit.

1/22/06 "The Four Freedom's"

President Roosevelt's speech had a great amount of tension because it was said to prepare our country for war. He touched upon almost every aspect of national security and the way in which it effects american citizens. If I had lived during the second world war era and heard President Roosevelt's speech I can only imagine how frightening this news would be. Although frightening, his presentation also must have given the public both a sense of pride and of hope. I beleive it was a smart move by Roosevelt to mention the fact that we, as citizens, should not be over confident in the power of our country. Yes, we were and still are the world's superpower yet during time of war in which so many countries are involved we must be prepared for anything.

1/24/06 "Universal Declaration of Human Rights"

The "Universal Declaration of Human Rights" was a great idea the United Nations had, yet not a very realistic one. By expecting several other countries beside our own to follow and abide by the requests in this document is like expecting pigs to fly. Basically it states the requirements for a "perfect" world, which we all know is impossible especially in this day and age. It's really sad the fact that I read this document with a tinge of sarcasm, it's just sad that we are nowhere close to the perfect world that is outlined in this statement. Article 4, "No one shall be held in slavery or servitude; slavery and the slave trade shall be prohibited in all their forms," really stood out to me because just the other day I was speaking to someone about the horrors of slavery in Africa. I was in shock to learn that slavery still exists today, and very much so in several countries around the world. Whether those particular countries were referred to with this document is besides the point because the goal of the document was to eventually convert the world over to peace.

1/29/06 "Defining Terrorism"

"Defining Terrorism" did not come across as being a very clean-cut, consice document by any means. There seems to be no true way of defining "terrorism," "national liberation" or even "guerrilla warfare" because it all depends on who does the defining and in what context the word is taken. Any word can potentially be argued against, for example "the innocent" was changed to "civilians" because definitions of the innocent could be made from every angle. Some say that a "non-violent protester" could be innocent while others could refute them as being part of the instigation. I agree with the idea that in order to properly define terrorism, it must come down to the difference between "conventional" and "non-conventional" warfare. Conventional warfare does not usually go by the intentional killing of civilians in order to get a point across, although it is somewhat hard to decipher between "war criminals" and "terrorists," for both types target innocent civilians. I feel that both terrorism and guerrilla warfare are extremely inefficient ways of getting issues dealt with. Terrorism especially, obviously only makes matters worse because attention is immediately shifted away from the political issues and towards the terroristic act itself. We can see where terrorism has gotten us today...the War with Iraq. After the 911 attacks, no positive recognition of the Talaban was earned, in fact only further destruction of their political ways ensued.

1/31/06 "Response to Article in The New York Times: Trial Opens in Challenge to Law Over Teenage Sex"

This article summarizes an issue in Kansas where one side is attempting to make it illegal for anyone under the age of 16 to have sexual intercourse. In order to follow through with this idea they are proposing for medical authorities, teachers, etc to report these acts. They beleive that the passing of this law will lessen the occurance of abortions, pregnancies, and STD's. I find their stance to be absolutely absurd. First and foremost I do not beleive it is right/appropriate for anyone under the age of 16 to be having sexual intercourse, because it can only lead to problems later in life. On the other hand I think that it is wrong for other people to invade such a private action on the basis that teenagers do not have enough sense to use protection. I very much agree with the opposing argument that the passing of this law would only lead to a more fearful younger generation who will think twice before going someplace for help. There would be a very small decline in sexual activity (if any) because a simple law is not going to stop these young people from doing what they truly want to do. It will just lead to a more dangerous situation, and I feel that instead of lessening the occurence of STD's, pregnancies, etc they will infact increase.

2/7/06

Proposal comment posted on BertosBlog.

2/9/06 Response to "All Animals Are Equal," by Peter Singer

This was a very interesting essay I read that brought alot to my attention, and if I had just a little bit more will power I would surely have turned vegetarian after reading this. Singer first touched upon the past civil rights movements, in which women and minorities have fought for equality. The author stated that it is true that everyone is equal unless scientific proof shows that the minority or sex as a whole is different (less or more capable) of doing something over the other group. Therefore, people argue that certain groups are better than others. Some people also beleive that this idea similarly applies to non-human animals, in which non-human animals are less important than humans because nonhumans have a lesser thinking capacity. The interesting part of the essay went on to argue the difference in equality of a dog and a human who had the mental capacity of a dog. If these two animals have the same mental capacity wouldn't that, by definition, make them equal? So why would it be considered so atrocious to use a mentally retarted human or baby for laboratory testing instead of a monkey with the same mental capacity. This essay really grabbed my attention because I have never heard such an argument, and although I would never apt for it to be taken seriously, he really does bring up some good points.

2/13/06 What is art?

Today I attended an art exhibition at the Palmer Museum of Art. The show was on European Modernist art and displayed about 20 works. These works ranged from Picasso to Kandinsky (whom I admire very much). Then there were some works that I looked at and was extremely disappointed that they were even considered art. The reason I feel this way is because anyone could easily scribble a few lines on it and call it art. I disagree with the fact that some paintings are worth millions and millions simply because of the artist who created it. Since I am an art student I am exposed to many different art forms, and this is one issue that bothers me at times. Recently, in art theory class I watched a video of a woman in a white dress scrubbing the meat off of cow bones, therefore covering herself with blood. I was appalled to listen as my professor praised this as an innovative piece of art. This type of "performance art" completely turns me off because I feel that a bunch of eccentric freaks are thinking of the most obnoxious thing they can do in order to create a new form of art. Some argue that art can be literally ANYTHING, but I think art is something that challenges the senses and pleases the eye...I just realized I should have done my definition paper on this!

2/14/06 Response to "The Declaration of Independence," 1776.

I think that it is extremely noble for these men to come together and write such a peaceful, logical document after being exposed to the King of England's tyrannic government for the majority of their lives. The fact that the first line is "...all men are created equal," really shows us the mindset of these men and how they truly wanted to focus on the good of the people and not just the success of the new government. The fact that they state the right of the people to practically "overthrow" the government if corruption occurs also shows that they are putting the well being of the people first. The ending of this document is very powerful in that such a small group of men is standing up "as one" against the very large and powerful government of Great Britain.

2/27/06 Response to "Rwanda: How the genocide happened"

I had watched the movie "Hotel Rwanda" and was very touched, yet disturbed by it. Only after reading this article had I realized the true magnitude of this genocide. It was shocking to read that 800,000 people were murdered; that's close to a MILLION people! As I read, I compared their politcal plight to politics of the United States. The difference between our country and Rwanda is so great...I could never see citizens of our country rioting to the point where we essentially murder thousands upon thousands of our own people. I figure that the tension in third world countries like those of Africa, is so high that these mass tragedies result. As Europeans moved into Africa in the early 1900's they attempted to colonize, and civilize the natives of Africa...their attempt as conquerers resulted in several genocides. When I learn of these situations I sometimes feel ashamed to be white. How could my ancestors be so satanic and disgusting as to turn people against each other in order to create a white supremicy nation. In a sense I blame the Belgians for what continues to occur in Rwanda.

2/27/06 Response to "Q&A: Sudan's Darfur Conflict"

At times I feel as though the United Nations is distancing itself from doing what it is meant to do...intill PEACE. Situation's like the Darfur Conflict, and Rwanda's Genocide have proven that the United Nations seem not to give a damn about our distant neighbors. Compare these horrific situations to something of that magnitude occuring in the united states. If 180,000 Americans were being slaughtered by fellow Americans don't you think the UN would use everything in it's power to stop the madness?? Of course they would! It is not fair that the countries with more power come before less fortunate countries like Sudan and Rwanda.

3/13/06 Response to "The Communist Manifesto"

I had a lot of trouble reading and understanding this document...but I will try to give a decent response. There are two main social classes in communist society, the bourgeoisie and the proletariat. It seems as though the bourgeoisie is the more powerful of the two because they are basically the employers while the proletariat are essentially the workers. The proletariats seem especially dangerous because they tend to be more revolutionary and can potentially rise up against the bourgeoisie. It is hard for me to understand whether these classes are different from those who call themselves "communists." I think that communism is simply an ideal that was meant to create a more peaceful, connected society, yet it is too unrealistic to ever work out successfully. We have seen what communism has become throughout history and it isn't pretty. Corrupted leadership inevitably comes with the reign of an authoritative dictator, and thousands, if not millions of civilians have led horrible lives to possibly face a horrible death under this political system.

3/13/06 MTV

I am truly addicted to MTV, and I'm ashamed of it. Currently as I am writing this entry I am watching an rerun of the Gauntlet that I have seen...I'm guessing 12 times. The thing is that the majority of programs on MTV have no intellectual stimulation whatsoever. They are also based of the stupidest notions anyone could possibly come up with. For example "Date My Mom" is a show that does exactly what the title says. One guy dates three mom's to figure out which of their daughters he should go out with. The catch is... that the guy cannot base his decision off of looks (for once) because he will not be able to see the daughters until his final decision. God forbid anyone make a romantic decision based off one's personality..it's just crazy! Anyway, you may be able to detect a bit of animosity in my tone, yet I probably watch this show more than any other show on TV. That is why I am ashamed to be an MTV addict.

3/19/06 Should pregnant women be persecuted for drinking, smoking, drugs?

As I was trying to come up with a decent proposal paper topic I came across this idea that I decided not to use for my topic but felt compelled to at least comment on it. Fetal Alcohol Syndrome is a disease that affects newborns who were born from mothers who drank (in general any type of drinking, smoking, drug abuse) during pregnancy. A few years ago, I researched this topic. It touched me and upset me to think that any mother could be so careless and irresponsible as to endanger their unborn child in order to continue selfish habits. It turns out that these infants are then effected for life. Studies have shown fetuses to be incredibly deformed. Babies have been born with serious brain damage, missing body parts, and not being fully developed internally. If the child doesn't die immediately, it is then doomed to an inadequate life. My feeling is that women who drink or smoke during pregnancy should be prosecuted regardless of whether their child is greatly affected or not. I think that this will set an example for many women, and scare them into not using drugs during their entire gestation period. I don't think there is enough knowledge of this disease and how irresponsible future mothers can be, therefore I feel the only way to really knock some sense into these women is to enact fines, or jail time on anyone proven to being this careless during pregnancy.

3/20/06 Response to Daily Collegian Article "Freshman Falls from 6th-story window."

I was very shocked and upset to read this morning about some of the events that had taken place over the weekend. It kind of hits hard to read an article about someone my own age who got drunk to the point that he fell 6 stories to the ground. Luckily the student survived, yet he remains in critical condition. It just disappoints me that students feel the need to drink to the point of complete loss of judgement. This St. Patrick's Day weekend was the first time I had every experienced the magnitude of the holiday, especially the fact that it is simply an excuse to get wasted for college students. I was additionally shocked to witness the sheer audacity of the students who chose to attend class drunk. Obviously their goal was only to get attention, which in many cases turned out to be bad attention. I know it will only get worse with the years but I just wish that college students would think more about the consequences of their actions, especially on day's like March 17th.

3/29/06 "Baby Boxes"

One of the topics I am considering doing for my final project paper is the idea of installing Baby Boxes in the United States. A baby box is a safe holding container where mothers can drop off unwanted newborns. This has been successful in the Czech Republic but remains an extremely controversial matter in many countries around the world. Those who oppose this viewpoint claim that it will simply increase the number of abandoned babies since mothers have a safe, ready alternative. I beleive that the opposite in fact will occur. There is usually no stopping a woman from abandoning her baby therefore whether they have the choice to leave the infant in a dumpster or a warm box they will do whatever is available. It is not as if these boxes will promote women to have more babies with intentions of abandoning them. If anything many lives would be saved.

3/29/06 My stance on Animal Experimentation/Rights

I have been studying an environmental philosopher named Peter Singer, author of an essay entitled "All Animals are Equal." He promotes the idea that animals deserve to be treated kindly if they are sentient beings, meaning they have the capacity to suffer. Sentience essentially makes most vertebrates equal in that we all have a reaction to sensation. Those who oppose this idea claim that animals do not have the ability to think, therefore humans have the right to abuse animals through experimentation. First of all, it has been reasoned that certain animals like apes, dolphins and some dogs actually have the ability to think. Regardless of that fact, it is not fair to take control of a species that have sense enough to experience discomfort simply for human use. Extreme followers of this idea have questioned scientists whether or not they would "experiment on a mentally retarted human or infant that has the same mental capacity, if not less, of a dog or monkey." Obviously, and rightfully so, the experimenter would respond with a "no." I am not saying that we should experiment on humans with lesser mental capacities, but I am saying that we should consider the interests of other species and acknowledge the fact that they are sentient. Animal experimentation (unless it will benefit the greater good of humanity) is malicious, and I think that we can find alternatives to many procedures we inflict upon the animals.

4/27/06 An issue brought up in class: gay rights

I don't know if you remember this, but a few weeks ago, while discussing our final paper topics, we touched upon the subject of gay marriage. You asked for the class to raise their hands regarding whether or not they were for or against this issue. The class was roughly split with half for and half against gay marriage. This ratio stunned me. I could not beleive that in 2006 we are still split approximately 50-50 when it comes to issues concerning gay rights. It seems similar to the 1950's and 60's where the population was still greatly split when it came to African American rights. I then raised my hand in support/indifference to the idea of gay marriage, and decided to speak up when asked for our opinions on the matter. I made clear that I do not think it is right to go against an issue that does not even directly effect us. Regardless of religious teachings I beleive that as human beings we have the right to do as we choose. As soon as I made my position clear, another student in the class verbally attacked me with a raised voice saying that gays are "sexual deviants" and that their existence is basically wrong. I was shocked that a student would so boldly state his opinion, especially such a close minded one. I am sure that 50 years from now (hopefully less), we will look back at our current gay rights movement in shock. We are not even "civilized" enough to accept people for who they are, and I thought that discrimination had ended years ago.

4/27/06 Ecotourism

A few days ago, my environmental philosophy class discussed the idea of ecotourism. Ecotourism is a new trend that is attracting the masses, which I think is an extremely good thing. It is a trend in which people are now beginning to look for natural vacations where they can truly connect with nature. Instead of going on cruises and staying in high rise resorts on white, sandy beaches, people are tending to lead toward ventures in 3rd world countries. Ecotourism actually benefits the native people and native land that tourists visit, because the proceeds go to the people who run the land. Some of the most popular ecotourist venues include Victoria Falls, The Great Barrier Reef, Alaska's Northern Lights, and Mount Everest. When people go through travel agencies like TIES they are spending their money in order to experience the real environment of these worldy wonders. They will often stay in huts or shacks similar to those of the native people; this gives toursists a once in a lifetime chance and helps the economy of native peoples as well.

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