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(5/1/06)
ArtVandalayFinalPaper
(4/30/06)
It was somewhat sad walking around downtown this weekend because it was so barren. While everyone else on Friday and Saturday were studying away, I was trying to have a little fun. Given the fact that I don't have an exam until Tuesday night, there is some time to enjoy my last weekend here for the year. On Friday night, the always crowded White Loop was empty with the exception of my three friends and I. I will surely miss those bus rides with Eagles chants or some other type of song. I already can't wait until next year.
(4/29/06)
So the final weekend here at Penn State has come. I know many people are excited to get home and relieve themselves of doing homework. However, I am actually going to be pretty sad leaving this place. All of my friends I have met here live quite far from me, so it is improbable that I will see some of them over the summer. While I am going to be happy that I won't have to study for tests anymore, I am definitely not looking forward to doing some manual labor outside. My job this summer is fertilizing lawns for Scotts Lawn Company. If anything comes from this job, it will only be a worse farmer's tan. Hopefully this summer flies by so I can come back here to enjoy my second year.
(4/7/06)
Final Paper Proposal
Throughout the nineties, no other television show had quite the enormous effect on American popular culture as the sitcom, “Seinfeld.” The show was able to touch on usually taboo subjects such as self-gratification, breast implants, ‘shrinkage,’ and virginity with remarkable humor and subtlety. Our everyday lexicon has been sprinkled with such gems as “Not that there’s anything wrong with that,” “yada yada,” and “man-hands.” Even though the television program has been off the air for almost eight years now, it continues to have an effect on popular culture and society as a whole.
Given the fact that “Seinfeld” is shown on television upwards of four times a day in repeats, it is obvious why the phenomenon continues to grow. In the article, “Seinfeld Continues to Influence American Culture,” writer Gennaro Desposito mentions that part of the phenomenon is caused by how “Seinfeld” is capable of taking everyday life and turning it into something completely outrageous. For example, casual dating life is turned upside down in several episodes. In the episode entitled, “The Bizarro Jerry,” Jerry dates a woman who he believes has rather masculine hands. The following dialogue is an example of how such a simple concept can turn into witty banter:
JERRY: She had man-hands.
ELAINE pause: Man, Hands?
JERRY: The hands of a man. It's like a creature out of Greek Mythology, I mean, she was like part woman, part horrible beast.
ELAINE weary: {Look,} would you, prefer it, if she had, no hands at all?
While this example is hilarious indeed, it also is an example of how shallow, immoral, superficial and dim-witted the four main characters truly are. From Elaine’s apparent promiscuity to Jerry’s dumping a woman because she eats her peas one by one, to George’s idea of dating his cousin to spite his parents, to Kramer’s idea of a corporation, Kramerica, they’re living completely meaningless and absurd lives for the most part, but that makes the show great. It is important to know a great deal about the characters that make up the show to understand why it is so brilliant.
Since the conception of the show, a list of several revolutionary terms has been compiled into the “Seinfeld” dictionary. This dictionary includes “the everyday sponge,” the preferred method of birth control that Elaine uses. In the episode entitled, “The Sponge,” Elaine realizes that this form of birth control has been taken off the market. While this was true in the episode, it was also true in real life. However, since the airing of the show, enough people have wanted the return of the Today Sponge. After more than a decade off the shelves, the sponge is returning to the mass market. It is believed that the episode of “Seinfeld” that featured this type of birth control was the catalyst of the return. This is one of the many examples of how large of an effect “Seinfeld” has had on society in general.
It is significant to note that throughout the show’s run, the sitcom stayed true to itself. From the early episode, “The Pony Remark,” where Jerry and crew seems to have no sympathy for possibly causing the death of a woman to the finale where they watch a poor man being robbed, the show’s theme of selfishness remained throughout all nine seasons. Perhaps no other show will come close in our time to matching the impact on popular culture that “Seinfeld” has.
Sources:
Desposito, Gennaro. “Seinfeld Continues to Influence American Culture.” 11 Nov 2005. 6 Apr 2006. <http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/13495/seinfeld_continues_to_influence_american.html>
Thomaselli, Rob. “Pop-culture phenom, Today Sponge is back.” 2 May 2005. 6 Apr 2006. <http://proquest.umi.com/pqdweb?index=2&did=834494921&SrchMode=1&sid=1&Fmt=3&VInst=PROD&VType=PQD&RQT=309&VName=PQD&TS=1144274923&clientId=9874>
“Give thanks for `The `Seinfeld' Story'.” 24 Nov 2004. 6 Apr 2006. <http://galenet.galegroup.com/servlet/OVRC;jsessionid=8990097785640E44228E4E239C78E95E?vrsn=230&slb=SU&locID=psucic&srchtp=basic&c=10&ste=20&tbst=ts_basic&tab=8&txb=Seinfeld&docNum=CJ125244951&fail=3&bConts=11>
“Seinfeld.” 6 Apr 2006. <http://www.museum.tv/archives/etv/S/htmlS/seinfeld/seinfeld.htm.>
Seinfeld: Dictionary. 6 Apr 2006. <http://www.angelfire.com/nj/carlb/seinfeld/seinfelddictionary.html.
Seinfeld Scripts. 6 Apr 2006. <http://www.seinfeldscripts.com/>
(4/3/06)
Jonathan Swift's "A Modest Proposal" is indeed a proposal and definitely a humorous one. He begins his proposal stating the problem that poor children growing up under bad circumstances may turn to a life of crime and deviance. Swift wants to propose a way to convert the children of Ireland into useful members of our society. However, his proposal is completely deranged as he wants to fatten up the poor kids and feed them to the Ireland's rich land owners. These children would be sold into the meat market at a very young age. By doing this, he feels that this will help families limit their expenses since they would no longer have a child to pay for. In addition, a little extra income would be coming their way as a result of selling their chilren to the meat market. Lastly, he feels that his proposal would contribute to the overall economic well-being of Ireland. Upon finishing "A Modest Proposal", it is clear that it is a satire due to the outrageous ideas of the proposal.
(4/2/06)
ArtVandalayProposalPaper
(3/29/06)
Perhaps no television show has been as enthralling or shocking as this season of '24.' From surprise deaths of characters to non-stop action sequences, this has been without a doubt the most entertaining season of the show thus far. I definitely would recommend to anyone who hasn't watched the show prior to this point, to tune in once and awhile. However, given the complex plots, it would be difficult to catch up on the show this late in the season. So while you may not be able to watch this year of '24', I would recommend catching the show when it is on again starting next year.
(3/26/06)
I highly doubt that anyone across the country, save diehard George Mason fans, could have predicted that the Patriots would be in the Final Four. It is so improbable for a team to survive Michigan State, North Carolina, and Connecticut. This would be really tough for a team out of a major conference like the Big Ten or Big East, but George Mason is from a mid-major conference. Being from a mid-major conference and getting little respect makes the story even sweeter. George Mason was a team that many analysts felt shouldn't have made the field of 65 teams included in the tournament. I am sure that they have proven themselves to be more than worthy of that bid. While I am happy for George Mason, I am not a fan of any of the other remaining teams, so other than George Mason, I really do not have a favorite team that I want to win.
(3/26/06)
The basic idea of stigmergy is that it is a form of communication amongst insect societies. Just like humans interact with one another, it is the same type of interaction but instead is an animal-animal interaction. It is a sort of information flow amongst the insects. There is a major exception however with this relationship between the communicating insects. The insects work alone but it appears as though the insects are working in sync with eachother. For example, when insects are building a nest, they aren't necessarily communicating with eachother on how to build the next, but rather working in a manner that appears as if they all are doing the exact same work. Stigmergy is a very complex concept needless to say.
(3/21/06)
Proposal Paper Proposal
Throughout a student’s developing years during high school, one takes place participates in many extracurricular activities through which they develop skills useful for the future. Participating in debate club could give one advantageous skills for negotiating in a future business, or being a member of a philanthropic society could help in increasing one’s experience in community service. These are examples of how to build up a resume to hopefully impress colleges or even future employers. However, by today’s standards, more focus has been placed upon standardized tests scores rather than high school extracurricular accomplishments and grades maintained throughout all four years. While the Scholastic Aptitude Test and ACT take around four hours to complete, you complete a great deal more in four years of high school. The SAT and the ACT both weigh heavily into an college admissions office’s decision on whether or not to accept the candidate into their university. In the article, “The Shortcomings of Standardized Testing,” it was found that these tests are increasingly used in measuring a students’ achievement and to make decisions about the placement of students. In addition, author Ann Lieberman feels that due to the way standardized tests are constructed, it does not allow the test taker to engage their minds properly because it is solely answering multiple choice type questions rather than using all types of the brain. Furthermore, the American Educational Research Association has actually considered different options of measuring a students success, not just based on standardized test scores. It’s not quite fair to base someone’s future, such as what college the student will attend, on a four hour test, so it is clear that more emphasis should be placed on accomplishments up until the day that standardized test is taken.
Sources Used
Edelstein, Daniel. “Tests + Stress = Problems For Students.” July 2000. 21 March 2006. <http://www.brainconnection.com/topics/?main=fa/test-stress>
Gallagher, Tom. “The Case Against Standardized Testing: Raising the Scores, Ruining the Schools.” Aug 2001. 21 March 2006. <http://galenet.galegroup.com/servlet/OVRC?vrsn=229&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;slb=SU&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;locID=psucic&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;srchtp=b
asic&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;c=7&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;ste=20&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;tbst=ts_basic&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;tab=8&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;txb=Standardized+Testing&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;docNum=A76697716&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;fail
=65&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;bConts=73>
Leiberman, Ann. “The Shortcomings of Standardized Testing.” 29 Jan 1992. 21 March 2006. <http://proquest.umi.com/pqdweb?index=0&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;did=1570680&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;SrchMode=1&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;sid=2&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;
Fmt=6&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;VInst=PROD&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;VType=PQD&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;RQT=309&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;VName=PQD&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;TS=1142983394&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;clientId=9874>
Savage, Tom V. “Assessment and Quality Social Studies.” 21 March 2006. <http://proquest.umi.com/pqdweb?index=1&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;did=501144211&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;SrchMode=
1&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;sid=3&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;Fmt=3&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;VInst=PROD&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;VType=PQD&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;RQT=309&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;VName=PQD&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;TS=1142985605&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;clientId=9874>
Trumbell, Diane K. “Problems with Standardized Testing.” May 2003. 21 March 2006. <http://www.educationupdate.com/archives/2003/may03/issue/lang-problems.html>
“Problems with Standardized Tests.” 21 March 2006. <http://www.engines4ed.org/hyperbook/nodes/NODE-69-pg.html>
(3/19/06)
After finishing the overly long "Communist Manifesto", there seemed to be one part of the piece that really stood out among the rest. The cry, "Working men of all countries, unite!" stood out mostly because it was the main theme of the entire manifesto. At the beginning of the piece, writers Karl Marx and Frederic Engels discuss the concept of class struggle. They mention how this will ultimately lead to the rise of one working class. The manifesto goes on to talk about the possible conflict between the workers and the upper class bourgeois could put an end to all forms of government and create a paradise for workers. While the piece indeed has a serious tone, I could not help but think about the episode of "Seinfeld" where Elaine dates a communist and Kramer begins to follow the ways of a communist because of his lack of fair pay as Santa at a department store. Apart from this pop culture reference, the manifesto is a very persuasive piece of literature as it discusses how one corrupt thing will lead to another.
(3/19/06)
ArtVandalayCausalPaper
(3/19/06)
Well St. Patrick's Day was not all it was made up to be, for me at least. I did go out to a few parties on Friday night, but they were not nearly as fun or exciting as I expected. I have been to better parties, even when it wasn't the drinking holiday of St. Patty's Day. I looked forward to Saturday night also because I suppose some still considered it the Irish holiday because it was a weekend event. However, when I arrived at my destination with my friends, everyone else had been drinking for over 12 hours so they were pretty much passed out. I hope next year's St. Patrick's Day is more exciting than this one.
(3/17/06)
Happy St. Patrick's Day! I have been looking forward to the St. Patrick's Day festivities for some time since I come from the heavily Irish town of Dublin, Ohio, not Ireland. I have heard great stories already of Green Beer Day from Miami University. My friend drunk dialed me last Thursday at 8:15, in the morning because she and her friends had been drinking since roughly 4am. She then proceeded to attend her Physics class and one of her intoxicated friends walked in and sat down, only after hugging everyone in the front row of their class. The story was quite funny. I look forward to celebrating the holiday with all my friends tonight, perhaps green beer will also be involved.
(3/17/06)
Alright, so my bracket I made for the NCAA Tournament is already screwed up. Normally, the first rounds are easier to predict, but for some reason, this year I have not done so well through the first day of games. After winning the Big East tournament, I thought Syracuse would easily beat the 12th seeded Texas A&M. However, they lost and I had them going through to the sweet 16. On the other hand, I lucked out by having Boston College pull out a tight game against Pacific. I have Boston College in my Final Four, and that loss would have been even more disastrous to my bracket. Hopefully, today's games go more in my favor and no major upsets hurt my bracket.
(3/14/06)
I am really anticipating the beginning of March Madness this year, perhaps more than any previous year. Why this year? I can think of so many teams with a shot to win, such as Connecticut, Duke, Texas, Memphis, Ohio State, Villanova, Boston College, and Gonzaga. It is feasible that any one of these teams could take the title and even some teams surging at the end, like Syracuse and North Carolina could possibly win. Unfortunately, I have yet to enter any pool where I can win any money. Regardless, I am truly anticipating the next 3 or so weeks full of fun and competitive basketball.
(3/7/06)
So I guess I should feel sort of pathetic for writing in my blog while I am in 70 degree weather in Arizona, but I should probably catch up on my blog writing. I arrived here in Scottsdale, Arizona on Saturday night and I was immediately amazed at how nice it is out here. There are mountains everywhere and the warm weather is a nice change from 30 degree weather in State College. Since I have been here, I have climbed two peaks, which is one of the hardest things I have ever done. My legs are dead, and I am still planning on climbing Camelback Peak, which is more difficult than the two other peaks. I also visited Arizona State University last night to see some friends from high school. It would have been a more enjoyable trip if these other cokehead kids didn't tag along and get themselves thrown out of the restaurant at which we were eating. So far however, this trip has been incredibly enjoyable and I look forward to traveling to Scottsdale more often.
(3/2/06)
Causal Argument Proposal
Have you ever been cruising down the highway when you notice a car swerving off the edge of the road suspiciously? While many may attribute this behavior to drunk driving, it more often than not is a case of cell phone usage while manning a vehicle. In fact, The Partnership for Safe Driving (PSD) states that a wreck caused by talking on a cell phone while driving has the same chance of happening as someone driving under the influence. Moreover, it is stated that cellular phone users are four hundred to five hundred times more at risk of getting into a crash than those who do not use them. The public is also in favor of passing legislation that would stop this sort of behavior (PSD). A writer for the Picayune Times mentioned that drivers using cell phones have the most trouble focusing and keeping their mind of the road since they are so consumed in their phone conversations. However, there are those who disagree with the assertion that cell phone use leads to car accidents more often than drunk driving. The same Picayune Times writer mentioned that 94% of drivers are paying attention and that high percentage makes up for the 6% of impaired cell phone talking drivers. He did add that if that six percent rises, then there may be cause for concern, but until then it is not as big of a deal as many lead it on to be. Despite the opposition, it is clear that cell phone use does indeed cause some sort of harm on the roadway and it obviously is not the most effective way of driving.
Works Cited
“Can you steer me now? ; For post-K New Orleanians, talking on a cell phone behind the wheel of a car is driving into trouble.” <http://proquest.umi.com/pqdweb?index=6&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;did=9
84672671&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;SrchMode=1&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;sid=2&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;Fmt=3&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;VInst=PROD&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;V
Type=PQD&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;RQT=309&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;VName=PQD&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;TS=1141354891&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;clientId=9874>
“Car Distractions: Let good sense, not new law, get drivers off phones.” <http://proquest.umi.com/pqdweb?index=
0&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;did=995704981&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;SrchMode=1&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;si
d=1&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;Fmt=3&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;VInst=PROD&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;VType=PQD&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;RQT=
309&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;VName=PQD&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;TS=1141354714&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;clientId=9874>
“City cell phone ban boosts hired-car use.” <http://proquest.umi.com/pqdweb?index=3&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;did=985845
491&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;SrchMode=1&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;sid=2&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;Fmt=3&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;VInst
=PROD&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;VType=PQD&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;RQT=309&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;VName=PQD&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;TS
=1141354891&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;clientId=9874>
“Using Car Phones Is as Dangerous as Driving Drunk”
<http://bicycleuniverse.info/cars/cellphones.html>
“Why are cell phones so dangerous for driving?” <http://cognitivedaily.com/?p=67>
“Member of the Partnership for Safe Driving” <http://www.morganlee.org/>
(2/28/06)
Before reading the descriptions of both the left leaning and right leaning political views, I was aware that I follow the majority of conservative beliefs. Given the fact that I had a cousin fight in Iraq, I am a major proponent of all military action taken in order to protect our nation's liberties. In fact, I find it insulting when someone classifies the war as "meaningless" because I know my cousin did not fight in a meaningless war. Apart from my beliefs regarding war, I also am strongly against atheism because I have always felt that atheist beliefs are corrupt and immoral since they have no higher power, like God, to praise and try to live through. I do believe that the chart has a slight problem because by no means and I for inequality among races. I don't think all rightists feel that one race is inferior to the other.
Throughout the media, I have viewed several instances where political leaning is apparent. I recall during the 2004 Election period that MTV ran an interview special featuring John Kerry, but there was no interview with George Bush. I have always felt that MTV is slanted to the left, and given the support of gay marriage and gay rights throughout this same time period as well, it is clear that a liberal mind is behind this media barrage. While I do actually find Jon Stewart wholesomely entertaining, it is apparent that there is a democratic bias in his assault on the Bush administration. However, the liberal bias in the media has had almost no effect on past elections, so I do not find it an area of concern.
(2/27/06)
ArtVandalayEvaluationPaper
(2/26/06)
There are several similarities between both the Rwandan genocide events and the Sudan Darfur Conflict. First, both events seem to have started because of conflicting groups opinions in both nations. In Rwanda, it was the hostility between the Tutsis and Hutus. While in Sudan, the conflict was brought upon by the government and their dissenters, the rebels. In addition, hundreds of thousands to millions of citizens have been affected by these events. In Rwanda, 800,000 thousand people were killed. While the number is less in Sudan, two million have been forced out of their homes. It is sad that events such as genocide and mass conflicts still occur within third world countires because there is usually not enough monetary support to help the damaged area. Hopefully in the future, the notion of genocide will never been seen or heard of again.
(2/22/06)
Upon experiencing THON this past weekend, I am very regretful that I did not become more involved with the philanthropic event. I donated blood and signed up for my donation to benefit THON, but I still wish I had the chance to become something like a morale leader. It was so inspiring to see how passionate all the students were to raise money and do whatever they could to help kids with cancer. I also got to see the line dance more than once and learned some of the dance moves. The chants that went along with the dance were pretty humorous like this one: "Rush the field Ohio State, cops on facebook seal your fate." I look forward to next year when I can become more involved with any organization that takes part in THON.
(2/21/06)
Andrew Sullivan paints quite a vivid and truthful picture of America. I agree with his assertion that America is a nation full of contradictions. This is true because there are so many different types of people with differing opinions, so there are always two sides to any issue. In addition, I think that Sullivan's point that debate will always continue amongst our citizens. This is true because as long as our political process continues, there will be plenty of debate throughout the country on both sides of the fence. Overall, Sullivan's writing is the most truthful portrait painted of the United States I have ever read.
(2/16/06)
Evaluation Proposal
Due to several ethical issues surrounding the practice, stem cell research should not be allowed or governmentally funded. While human embryos consist of biological tissues and clusters of cells, they still are human beings and one day, will be grown humans like us. The Center for Bioethics and Human Dignity (CBHD) added that since embryos are the tiniest of human beings, we have a moral obligation to protect and not deliberately harm them. There exist plenty of alternatives to stem cell research, so it is not completely necessary to destroy human life in order to possibly create a cure. CBHD mentions that such alternatives include deriving stem cells from bone marrow, which has proved promising thus far in the research process. Moreover, adult stem cells have also been researched upon and have been successful in producing new blood cells, which was previously unknown. There are several dissenting opinions regarding the practice as well. Michael D. West asserts in his editorial, “Embryonic Stem Cell Research is Ethical,” that scientific evidence establishes that human life does not actually begin until fourteen days after conception. While this may be true, the embryo will still eventually be a human sometime down the road, so the destruction of an embryo remains an unethical practice. If scientists and stem cell proponents continue this morally unacceptable practice, it is hard to say where one will stop in destroying life. Will partial birth abortions become a more common occurrence? (Slippery slope--see the chapter in EA on fallacies!) Or will cloning become a regular practice by top notch scientists? In order to cease these ethically questionable practices, it is vital to stop all research of the kind that violates a human life.
Sources
Condic, Maureen L. “Adult Stem Cell Research Should Replace Embryonic Stem Cell Research.” Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center. 2002. 16 Feb 2006.
Krauthammer, Charles. “The Immediate Benefits of Embryonic Stem Cell Research Are Exaggerated.” Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center. 2001. 16 Feb 2006.
Sullivan, Andrew. “Early Human Embryos are Human Beings.” Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center. 30 July 2001. 16 Feb 2006.
West, Michael D. “Embryonic Stem Cell Research is Ethical.” Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center. 2005. 16 Feb 2006.
“Embryonic Stem Cell Research is Beneficial.” National Institutes of Health. Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center. 2002. 16 Feb 2006.
“Embryonic Stem Cell Research is Unethical.” Center for Bioethics and Human Dignity. Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center. 2001. 16 Feb 2006.
(2/14/06)
I think plenty of other college students can attest to the fact that there is always one week of hell where all their tests fall either on the same day or within days of eachother. Last Thursday, I was rewarded with not one, not two, but three tests, all on the same day. While this situation may seem unbearable, I managed to make it through alive but I am not looking forward to receiving my test results. Given the fact that our rough draft of our definition paper was due the next day, work upon work just seemed to form on top of one another. I have never been one with great study habits since I am so easily distracted by things like television, computer, or music. These iffy study habits don't really help me when I need to hunker down and pull an all-nighter. Fortunately, this week has been a bit more laid back in terms of workload, but I am definitely not looking forward to the next time the majority of my tests fall on the same day.
(2/14/06)
Upon finishing The Declaration of Independence, it struck me as to how powerful this declaration truly was. Not only is it an obvious statement of separation from Great Britain, but the founding fathers go so far as to make a laundry list of all of King George's faults that were detrimental to the thirteen colonies. This statement works quite well as a form of evaluation because the claim of wanting to be a separate nation without Great Britain involved is backed up with quite a bit of evidence. Overall, the Declaration of Independence is a very strong argument that helped a great deal in the formation of the United States.
(2/13/06)
(2/7/06)
Over the past 5-6 months, I have noticed a growing trends among fellow students in my classes. For the majority of the classes in the forum, there are upwards of 300 students and there is plenty of reason not to pay attention. Given the availability of newspapers around campus, it is only natural that the students bring one to class. Everyday, I notice someone near me doing the Sudoku puzzle. I will admit that these puzzles are incredibly addicting, but I have noticed that I seem to pay attention less whenever I am doing the puzzle. However, whenever I wish for the fifty minute class to end as soon as possible, a sudoku helps me pass the time.
(2/5/06)
Definition Paper Proposal
In this first assignment, I am going to define the term patriotism. Several issues I will touch on are what patriotism is, what characterizes a patriot, how patriotism can be expressed, and what classifies someone as being unpatriotic.
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, patriotism is defined as, “love of or devotion to one’s country.” A similar definition was given to the term, patriot. A patriot is identified as, “a person who loves his or her country and especially one who is ready to support its freedoms and rights and defend it against enemies or detractors.” These definitions are comparable to one another as the theme of loving one’s country is placed in both descriptions. Through doing further research on the topic of patriotism, I realized there are many dissenting viewpoints when it comes to how patriotism can or should be expressed. David Horowitz added in his article, “Supporting the Peace Movement Is Not Patriotic,” that the United States will become even more divided if the peace movement continues since patriotism will be on the decline. However, in another article entitled, “Supporting War Is Not Patriotic,” Howard Zinn mentions that those American soldiers who died in the conflict did not die for their country but rather for the Bush administration motivated by greed and power. Patriotism is a very hot topic issue and there are great deals of arguments surrounding the issue. In this paper, I hope to address the majority of these issues and define patriotism properly.
Sources
Horowitz, David. “Supporting the Peace Movement Is Not Patriotic.” American Values 21 Jan. 2003. Opposing Viewpoints Resouce Center. 5 Feb. 2006. <http://galenet.galegroup.com/servlet/OVRC>
Jost, Kenneth. Patriotism in America. CQ Researcher, 1999. 5 Feb. 2006 <http://library2.cqpress.com/cqresearcher/document.php?id=cqresrre1999062500&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;type=hitlist>.
Martinez, Al. “Criticizing One’s Country Can Be Patriotic.” Is It Unpatriotic to Criticize One’s Country 5 July 2003. Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center. 5 Feb 2006. <http://galenet.galegroup.com/servlet/OVRC>.
Zinn, Howard. “Supporting War Is Not Patriotic.” American Values June 2003. Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center. 5 Feb. 2006. <http://galenet.galegroup.com/servlet/OVRC>.
"Patriot." Oxford English Dictionary. 5 Feb. 2006 <http://dictionary.oed.com/cgi/entry/50172954?query_type=word&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;queryword=P atriotism&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;first=1&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;max_to_show=10&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;single=1&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;sort_type=alpha>.
"Patriotism." Oxford English Dictionary. 5 Feb. 2006 <http://dictionary.oed.com/cgi/entry/50172958?query_type=word&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;queryword=P atriotism&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;first=1&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;max_to_show=10&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;single=1&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;sort_type=alpha&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;case_id=Kfsr- GSphQU-2983&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;p=1&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;d=1&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;sp=1&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;qt=1&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;ct=0&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;ad=1&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;print=1>.
(1/31/06)
The article I chose to respond to is an editorial in the New York Times entitled, "No Room for the Passengers, Never Mind the Carry-Ons." A little over three weeks ago, I flew back to State College from my home and I experienced perhaps the most uncomfortable flight of my life. Having flown plenty of times prior to this flight, I had expected another smooth trip. However, given the fact that State College does not charter large aircrafts in and out of the airport, I was subjected to a cramped jet. Not only was the plane inself small, but the interior cabin space was seemingly smaller. On the left side of the plane was one column of seats and on the other was two columns. There were only about twelve rows at most and I was placed in a two person seat. As if the flight could not get any worse, the person sitting next to me had two carry-ons, one of which was placed underneath the seat, and the other placed in the overhead compartment. Unfortunately, I was sitting in the aisle so the adjacent passenger routinely would need me to either nudge out or grab the bag for him. While the flight was merely an hour long, it sure seemed longer than that. Upon arriving at State College, I made a vow to myself to drive home as often as possible to avoid such occurrences. Hopefully, my next flying experience is better.
(1/29/06)
Before reading the multitude of defitions for terrorism, I thought that the concept was fairly basic. However, I realize that terrorism is such an ambiguous term because people across the world have been affected by terrorist acts in so many different ways. Whether it be the attacks on the World Trade Centers or bombing of the trains in Madrid and London, terrorism can occur in many different ways and affect a wide range of people. A few defitions given by wikipedia included the notion of intimidation used by terrorists. I think terrorists commit these acts to prove a point and flaunt their strength. Overall, I think that terrorism will never be narrowed down to just one set of terms because terrorism encompasses so many different aspects of horrific acts.
(1/26/06)
Regardless of one's true feelings about President Bush, there is no denying that this speech was perhaps the most powerful speech delivered this decade. I have seen Bush speak in person a few times and watched his televised addresses as well, but no speech moved me as much as this one did. While 9/11 happened over four years ago, this address brought back memories of the horrific events that occurred that day. President Bush used pathos in this speech by displaying the values of America. He talked of the strong values shown by Todd Beamer who saved possibly thousands of lives by standing up for our country on the plane. In addition, Bush showed compassion for the Muslims who had suffered because their religion was insulted by the terrorists. Moreover, Bush added that although citizens of Afghanistan attacked our country, we still respect the other residents of the country that wish to be free. I wish to this day that the country were still as united as it was in the weeks and months following 9/11. Hopefully a national disaster like this won't have to occur again for our country to once again fully support it's president, as it always should.
(1/24/06)
The most important thing I noticed after reading the "Universal Declaration of Human Rights," was that it was almost completely ignored from the time of conception. At the time this was written, there was still a lack of freedom around the world in many oppressive nations. It has been almost sixty years since then and there remain several nations and millions of people who do not have the rights promised by this document. The concept of universal respect is almost laughable as it will probably never happen. I do not foresee a day when every nation agrees on certain principles and generally respects one another. Overall, I saw this as a wasted document because it was not followed by a great deal of people and did not have any sort of affect on national affairs.
(1/22/06)
In response to FDR's "The Four Freedoms" speech, several examples of ethos are evident throughout the speech. It is clear that Roosevelt is calling on the American people to trust his judgment regarding what steps to take in defending the nation against possible attacks. They must trust him based on previous actions that displayed his character. FDR notes, "The justice of morality must and will win in the end." By saying this, I feel that Roosevelt believes that the character of this nation is what will eventually prevail in the fight against tyranny. Not until the end of the speech neared did I find much about freedom like the title states. At this point, FDR discusses freedoms including speech, expression, religion, and fear. Roosevelt truly shows his character by including these because it is revealed how much he cares about his nation being free. Overall, I feel that this speech was vital in convincing the American citizens of the need to involve itself in the second World War.
(1/19/06)
USA Today Snapshot: Key Issues Before Marriage
In this snapshot taken from the USA Today website, it details the major issues couples discuss before tying the knot. The most important issue is children at 36% while 32% confess that finances are also a widely discussed topic. Among the top issues was religion, which garnered 19% of the vote. Trailing the snapshot vote were work-life issues and others. Several claims can be made by looking at this data.
1. The soon-to-be married couple feels as though they need a solid financial foundation in order to start a family together.
2. It is possible that conflicting religions could break or make the marriage since 19% of the questioned adults felt that it was an important enough issue to discuss prior to getting married.
3. I believe it is safe to say that the majority of the 36% that said children were an important issue to discuss are women because women normally have the say in whether or not they want to have children.
(1/17/06)
Personal Narrative adapted from Serenity
My name is Brett Whipple and I have lived my whole life in Dublin, Ohio. Dublin is a town of almost 25,000 and it continues to expand. Due to the great size of the town, I graduated with over 500 students. Throughout middle school and high school, I played soccer, tennis and basketball as well as run track and cross country. For the past three years I have worked in the hotel business. I started out working as a server in a hotel restaurant and then progressed to being a guest services associate at the front desk. However, I have no intentions of majoring in hotel or restaurant management. Apart from my future ambitions, I also love any type of movie. Kill Bill, Airplane!, and Final Destination are examples of the different kinds of movies I enjoy. Until next time.
(1/16/06)
Upon finishing the Martin Luther King’s Letter from Birmingham Jail, the statement that stood out the most was, "We know through painful experience that freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressors; it must be demanded by the oppressed." While troubling, the statement is ultimately true because had the Civil Rights movement never occurred, the level of segregation from the 1950's and 1960's would possibly be the same 40+ years later. I believe the letter reveals how significant King's actions were to the progress made by African Americans in the 50's and 60's. He was willing to speak up against segregation regardless of what consequences he may face. Yes, segregation is minimal compared to that of the Civil Rights Era, but it does still exist. I have a friend that goes to school in Tennessee and he told me that confederate flags still are up in front of people's yards. Furthermore, while I do not watch the show regularly, "The Jerry Springer Show" has shown that racism remains a problem. There have been several episodes showcasing KKK revivals and white supremacists. If racism still continues to plague our society, it may take another civil rights movement to change some people's opinions. Lastly, I hope King's statement, "Let us hope the dark clouds of racial prejudice will soon pass away," does come true someday, sooner than later.
(1/12/06)
Only the most pop culture savvy will realize that my blog name is not in fact my real name, but rather the alias of the character George Costanza on 'Seinfeld.' To put it simply, I am and always have been obsessed with the television show and I can always relate some life situation of mine to a plot from 'Seinfeld.' Alright, well apart from the influence of a sitcom on my life, there is much more to me. I was born in Dublin, Ohio, a suburb northwest of Columbus and have lived there since coming here to State College. Being the only Penn State student coming from my graduating class of over 500 students has been a different, but beneficial experience. After living in the same setting for almost 19 years, it was liberating to leave Ohio and head east. I guess if there is anything else to know about me, it is that I am a complete sports nut. I varsity lettered in three different sports in high school and I am up for any sort of game or competition that is offered. Well, in closing, perhaps I exceeded the 100 word maximum, but I hope enough information was offered in my personal narrative to give the reader a good idea about who I am.
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