Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Wonderful job on your blogs! You have some great ideas for your anatomy course. It is extremely expensive for schools to get cadavers, and I suspect that it is also tough to get students into autopsies as well. As a nursing student, I did get a chance to see cadavers (I wasn't allowed to touch), and it was fascinating. Warning though! If you do get a chance to work with cadavers, don't wear anything that you want to wear again...the smell attaches to your skin and clothing for a long time.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Extra Credit Blog
The lawyers and judges are debating whether or not strip-searching Savanna Redding was constitutional, which later lead to what type of search should be covered under the Constitution. Wright, representing the school district, argues that it doesn’t matter what type of contraband was in question, there was an alleged substance hidden, so the school was right in searching her. Wolf, Savanna Redding’s lawyer, argues that is doesn’t matter what contraband is in question, school officials should not be allowed to strip search students. Wolf’s arguments were the most the strongest because he used the fourth amendment and specifically stated that any type of strip search would be traumatizing to any child. The lawyer comparing it to gym class was a completely wacky statement because being forced to be strip-searched is very different from changing in gym class.
There would have to be strong evidence that we would definitely find something in the strip-search. The child would have had to have prior problems in the school. For instance, if a child came in who was repeatedly problematic and had situations like this prior to the one in question, then that could be a reason for a strip-search. However, the child would be allowed to get undressed behind a curtain and placed in a robe-like paper gown. Their head would be above the curtain, though, so the child doesn’t try to ingest the possible medicine in question. The parents would be contacted, as well, to supervise.
If they found a large quantity I probably wouldn’t have had a different opinion, but I still believe they should have done it in private. Also, the fact that she lied probably would have played a big role because I don’t like people who blatantly lie to your face. However, I don’t think we would be discussing this if a large amount of pills were found. The school should have gotten more evidence. It sounded like they were taking orders from someone who had a history or problems. Savanna Redding didn’t have a prior history with the school, so I think they acted a little rash. They should have developed more evidence, and then if they still felt she had pills on her, they should have done the search in a different manner and contacted her mother to come in and supervise.
There would have to be strong evidence that we would definitely find something in the strip-search. The child would have had to have prior problems in the school. For instance, if a child came in who was repeatedly problematic and had situations like this prior to the one in question, then that could be a reason for a strip-search. However, the child would be allowed to get undressed behind a curtain and placed in a robe-like paper gown. Their head would be above the curtain, though, so the child doesn’t try to ingest the possible medicine in question. The parents would be contacted, as well, to supervise.
If they found a large quantity I probably wouldn’t have had a different opinion, but I still believe they should have done it in private. Also, the fact that she lied probably would have played a big role because I don’t like people who blatantly lie to your face. However, I don’t think we would be discussing this if a large amount of pills were found. The school should have gotten more evidence. It sounded like they were taking orders from someone who had a history or problems. Savanna Redding didn’t have a prior history with the school, so I think they acted a little rash. They should have developed more evidence, and then if they still felt she had pills on her, they should have done the search in a different manner and contacted her mother to come in and supervise.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
My Ideal University
Before coming to college, I had created this image of what I thought college was through movies, television, and stories from teachers and peers that had already graduated from high school. I thought college was going to be a lot different than what it has actually turned out to be and sometimes I wonder whether it would be different somewhere else, but then again, what if every college is the same in a sense?
What I want in my ideal university is for there to be school spirit for a specific sport, like football or basketball. There would tailgating and lots of enthusiasm leading up to the game. Everyone would want to live on campus to just be apart of all the festivities. Also, I would love for there to be more on-campus activities that would involve everyone, like concerts or guess speakers. There would definitely be a lot of on-campus activities on the weekends because that’s when college students have the most time.
As far as classes and schoolwork goes, I would love to have an Anatomy & Physiology class that was more exciting and did more hands-on activities. For instance, I would love if we could take a field trip to a morgue to watch a mortician do an autopsy. I feel like that experience, alone, would be so much more rewarding and educational than dissecting a pig. We would be able to have more time to do Anatomy & Physiology because that’s one of the most important classes to know for a nursing student, so I feel like the most time should be spent with more important classes. The class would be three times a week and would not be until like 9 in the morning. If all classes started late nothing would ever get accomplished.
College is supposed to be the most stimulating and fun time for everyone to experience because it is the first time, normally, for young adults to be on their own. College should prepare us for the future, but also, be a great place for students to be able to learn about themselves and how to deal with others. I wish all housing were apartment style because than there is the option to not eat on-campus food, so it would be easier to have access to healthy foods if you so choose. Also, people should get put with people who are similar with the other people they are living with because your room environment has a big impact on your mental health.
Although movies and television portray college to be this exciting times in a young person’s life, that isn’t always that case because many universities do not offer all the same advantages that make those fictional colleges fun. If my university was to ever be created, it would definitely be the most exciting time in my life!
What I want in my ideal university is for there to be school spirit for a specific sport, like football or basketball. There would tailgating and lots of enthusiasm leading up to the game. Everyone would want to live on campus to just be apart of all the festivities. Also, I would love for there to be more on-campus activities that would involve everyone, like concerts or guess speakers. There would definitely be a lot of on-campus activities on the weekends because that’s when college students have the most time.
As far as classes and schoolwork goes, I would love to have an Anatomy & Physiology class that was more exciting and did more hands-on activities. For instance, I would love if we could take a field trip to a morgue to watch a mortician do an autopsy. I feel like that experience, alone, would be so much more rewarding and educational than dissecting a pig. We would be able to have more time to do Anatomy & Physiology because that’s one of the most important classes to know for a nursing student, so I feel like the most time should be spent with more important classes. The class would be three times a week and would not be until like 9 in the morning. If all classes started late nothing would ever get accomplished.
College is supposed to be the most stimulating and fun time for everyone to experience because it is the first time, normally, for young adults to be on their own. College should prepare us for the future, but also, be a great place for students to be able to learn about themselves and how to deal with others. I wish all housing were apartment style because than there is the option to not eat on-campus food, so it would be easier to have access to healthy foods if you so choose. Also, people should get put with people who are similar with the other people they are living with because your room environment has a big impact on your mental health.
Although movies and television portray college to be this exciting times in a young person’s life, that isn’t always that case because many universities do not offer all the same advantages that make those fictional colleges fun. If my university was to ever be created, it would definitely be the most exciting time in my life!
Saturday, April 4, 2009
"Jesus is My Homeboy" T-shirts
Ever since I was little, every Sunday morning has been dedicated to going to church with my family. I was baptized when I was 10 years old and have continued to follow my faith while I am at school, even though I don’t have the ability to attend church every Sunday. I wouldn’t consider myself extremely religious, I don’t go around telling everyone I’m religious, but I do believe in God and try to follow the values of a Christian. When I see people wearing these shirts, whom I know are religious, I can see their reason behind wearing the shirt. They want to speak to everyone and tell him or her how much Christ means to them. However, when I see kids wearing these shirts and not acting very Christianly, it makes me wonder whether they are just wearing these shirts because they think they are funny or are their intentions good? That’s where my problem with these shirts arises. I feel like kids and teenagers are buying these shirts to make fun of religion, not because they are trying to tell people how much they love Christ. I do see these shirts as a way of mocking religion because, now, it is seen just as a fashion trend. For instance, Ronald Frasch, the chief merchant of Saks, said “we bought it as a fashion item, not as a moral statement,” (qtd. in La Ferla 321). If this is the thinking behind the buying and selling of religious merchandize, then I do believe the shirts are a parody of religion.
In Paul Mitchell’s article, he writes about how he believes the new fashion statement of wearing spoof Christian t-shirts is wrong. He writes, “in the end, Christianity is not a brand—it’s a relationship whose depth can’t be reduced to slogans,” (Mitchell 325). If he can make a statement like that, then how can he write in the beginning of his article about him wearing a t-shirt of the crucifixion to an alternative rock fest? He is being a hypocrite because, although, in the end he says, “t-shirts…reduced to slogans”, the t-shirt he wore to the concert is still a t-shirt. He said in at end that Christianity couldn’t be communicated to everyone by wearing a t-shirt, but rather through love. So, by him telling us the story about his wearing of a Christian t-shirt to a rock concert, he isn’t making his theory of these spoof t-shirts too credible.
If these t-shirts only contained text, I think they would still be the same because when I see these t-shirts, the words are really the only thing I see. I don’t pay attention to the photo on the t-shirt because the words are always so bold. The black and white shirt makes the picture of Jesus very similar to how he is described in movies and other pictures. The designer is making the picture of Jesus hold the words “Jesus is my Homeboy”, so I think it is trying to say Jesus supports this idea. The white and red shirt, on the other hand, has Jesus dressed in jeans and a hoodie, with his hands in a peace sign. The black and white shirt isn’t as offensive as the white and red shirt because it has God in the form as described in the Bible. However, in the white and red shirt, I wouldn’t have even known the person was supposed to be God. It doesn’t look like God, and I think it is offensive to the idea of God as a heavenly body. I still don’t like the thought behind the shirts because I don’t believe people wear them to express their love for faith in God. If I did have to choose which shirt was “better”, than the black and white shirt would be it because I don’t see it as really offensive.
On the other hand, who am I to tell people what to wear or not to wear? If people want to wear these shirts them by all means they can wear them. I just don’t think people’s intentions behind wearing the t-shirts are the same as the designers who first put them out.
In Paul Mitchell’s article, he writes about how he believes the new fashion statement of wearing spoof Christian t-shirts is wrong. He writes, “in the end, Christianity is not a brand—it’s a relationship whose depth can’t be reduced to slogans,” (Mitchell 325). If he can make a statement like that, then how can he write in the beginning of his article about him wearing a t-shirt of the crucifixion to an alternative rock fest? He is being a hypocrite because, although, in the end he says, “t-shirts…reduced to slogans”, the t-shirt he wore to the concert is still a t-shirt. He said in at end that Christianity couldn’t be communicated to everyone by wearing a t-shirt, but rather through love. So, by him telling us the story about his wearing of a Christian t-shirt to a rock concert, he isn’t making his theory of these spoof t-shirts too credible.
If these t-shirts only contained text, I think they would still be the same because when I see these t-shirts, the words are really the only thing I see. I don’t pay attention to the photo on the t-shirt because the words are always so bold. The black and white shirt makes the picture of Jesus very similar to how he is described in movies and other pictures. The designer is making the picture of Jesus hold the words “Jesus is my Homeboy”, so I think it is trying to say Jesus supports this idea. The white and red shirt, on the other hand, has Jesus dressed in jeans and a hoodie, with his hands in a peace sign. The black and white shirt isn’t as offensive as the white and red shirt because it has God in the form as described in the Bible. However, in the white and red shirt, I wouldn’t have even known the person was supposed to be God. It doesn’t look like God, and I think it is offensive to the idea of God as a heavenly body. I still don’t like the thought behind the shirts because I don’t believe people wear them to express their love for faith in God. If I did have to choose which shirt was “better”, than the black and white shirt would be it because I don’t see it as really offensive.
On the other hand, who am I to tell people what to wear or not to wear? If people want to wear these shirts them by all means they can wear them. I just don’t think people’s intentions behind wearing the t-shirts are the same as the designers who first put them out.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Jammin' Ideas
Song Title 1: Burnin’ Holes
Genre: Rock
Explanation: This song is written about the ridiculous amount of money it costs to travel during these economic hard times. It begins by explaining the days when traveling wasn’t such a hassle, and then it moves into a portrayal of what it is like now to go on vacation from stipulations with security to paying for checked luggage. It is considered under a Rock genre because it is meant to be hardcore and loud with a big bass and solos by the percussion section.
Song Title 2: Such Close Quarters
Genre: R&B
Explanation: This song explains the difficult relationships people experience when they are forced to live with 20 strangers. It takes a stance from one person who just can’t understand why there isn’t the same level of respect among the floor-mates. For instance, why can’t everyone respect the rules that the majority of people follow? The song then looks into the possibility of the different races and the difference in how people are raised. It is labeled under an R&B genre because it has a soulful look into the life of one person.
Song Title 3: Fightin’ To Stay Straight
Genre: Rap
Explanation: This song focuses on the inability to have peace between everyone. It fights to understand why people can’t get along, and why they turn to violence for redemption. It goes on to talk about the impact the media has on violence and the way it makes it seem rewarding to commit crimes. It further states how some races are more likely to be involved in crimes than others. This song is labeled under a Rap genre because it looks at the hard life of murder and violence and uses profanity to describe the results of some people’s actions.
Song Title 4: You Don’t Know What You Have Til’ It’s Gone
Genre: Classical
Explanation: This song talks about the relationships of families and how the dynamics change when people grow up. It looks at one family and explains the fun times they had when they were young. It explains how the family was considered close, but nothing like they experienced once everyone had grown up. It looks at the possibility of moving out and living separately to realize how much family means. It then looks at how it’s possible for people to not have love and support from families. This is considered a Classical piece because it has a piano has the main instrument and shows a story about love through time apart.
Song Title 5: Life on the Line
Genre: Country
Explanation: This song looks at the level of respect people have for those who serve and how they are treated once they’re home. It is from the perspective of a child whose father served in Iraq and the child struggles to understand why once the homecoming parade was over his father wasn’t really saluted anymore. It continues to go on to talk about whether we are doing everything we can to make sure the people we serve get the respect they deserve once they’re home from duty. It is labeled under a Country genre because it has a strong stance on the freedom we have and has a powerful guitar section.
Chorus to “Life on the Line”
What happened to the day when soldiers were the ones
Everyone in town looked up to
After the parade and the Bar-be-que
He was just a regular man a-gain
Wasn’t puttin’ his life on the line all day
Worth more than just a table of food
I just hope he knows,
How much he means to me.
The music video would be set in a small town, designed so that everyone knows everyone. It will take us through the journey of how much this little boy looks up to his father for what he does. The little boy counts down the days until his father returns, and can’t wait for his father to get all the respect he deserves. Once the town has the homecoming parade and BBQ to thank him for the service he did, the little boy can’t believe why his dad isn’t treated like that everyday after. He wonders whether some people really appreciate the job a soldier does to fight for our freedom. It ends with the father sitting on the porch swing and the little boy going up to sit on his lap with the father’s army hat on.
Title of CD: Standin’ On The Edge
Design: The cover of my CD would be very simple because I’m a simple person. The set would be located in the Grand Canyon. I would be taking pictures in the Grand Canyon because it would let us remember the beauty and simplicity of life. I will be near the end of the canyon to show the relationship with the title of the CD. I would be dressed simply: in shorts and a basic white t-shirt with no shoes on. Half of the cover’s background will be the scene during a rainstorm and the other half will be when it’s sunny. It is to reflect the idea that sometimes life can be hard but there will always be another day and another chance to make a difference.
Genre: Rock
Explanation: This song is written about the ridiculous amount of money it costs to travel during these economic hard times. It begins by explaining the days when traveling wasn’t such a hassle, and then it moves into a portrayal of what it is like now to go on vacation from stipulations with security to paying for checked luggage. It is considered under a Rock genre because it is meant to be hardcore and loud with a big bass and solos by the percussion section.
Song Title 2: Such Close Quarters
Genre: R&B
Explanation: This song explains the difficult relationships people experience when they are forced to live with 20 strangers. It takes a stance from one person who just can’t understand why there isn’t the same level of respect among the floor-mates. For instance, why can’t everyone respect the rules that the majority of people follow? The song then looks into the possibility of the different races and the difference in how people are raised. It is labeled under an R&B genre because it has a soulful look into the life of one person.
Song Title 3: Fightin’ To Stay Straight
Genre: Rap
Explanation: This song focuses on the inability to have peace between everyone. It fights to understand why people can’t get along, and why they turn to violence for redemption. It goes on to talk about the impact the media has on violence and the way it makes it seem rewarding to commit crimes. It further states how some races are more likely to be involved in crimes than others. This song is labeled under a Rap genre because it looks at the hard life of murder and violence and uses profanity to describe the results of some people’s actions.
Song Title 4: You Don’t Know What You Have Til’ It’s Gone
Genre: Classical
Explanation: This song talks about the relationships of families and how the dynamics change when people grow up. It looks at one family and explains the fun times they had when they were young. It explains how the family was considered close, but nothing like they experienced once everyone had grown up. It looks at the possibility of moving out and living separately to realize how much family means. It then looks at how it’s possible for people to not have love and support from families. This is considered a Classical piece because it has a piano has the main instrument and shows a story about love through time apart.
Song Title 5: Life on the Line
Genre: Country
Explanation: This song looks at the level of respect people have for those who serve and how they are treated once they’re home. It is from the perspective of a child whose father served in Iraq and the child struggles to understand why once the homecoming parade was over his father wasn’t really saluted anymore. It continues to go on to talk about whether we are doing everything we can to make sure the people we serve get the respect they deserve once they’re home from duty. It is labeled under a Country genre because it has a strong stance on the freedom we have and has a powerful guitar section.
Chorus to “Life on the Line”
What happened to the day when soldiers were the ones
Everyone in town looked up to
After the parade and the Bar-be-que
He was just a regular man a-gain
Wasn’t puttin’ his life on the line all day
Worth more than just a table of food
I just hope he knows,
How much he means to me.
The music video would be set in a small town, designed so that everyone knows everyone. It will take us through the journey of how much this little boy looks up to his father for what he does. The little boy counts down the days until his father returns, and can’t wait for his father to get all the respect he deserves. Once the town has the homecoming parade and BBQ to thank him for the service he did, the little boy can’t believe why his dad isn’t treated like that everyday after. He wonders whether some people really appreciate the job a soldier does to fight for our freedom. It ends with the father sitting on the porch swing and the little boy going up to sit on his lap with the father’s army hat on.
Title of CD: Standin’ On The Edge
Design: The cover of my CD would be very simple because I’m a simple person. The set would be located in the Grand Canyon. I would be taking pictures in the Grand Canyon because it would let us remember the beauty and simplicity of life. I will be near the end of the canyon to show the relationship with the title of the CD. I would be dressed simply: in shorts and a basic white t-shirt with no shoes on. Half of the cover’s background will be the scene during a rainstorm and the other half will be when it’s sunny. It is to reflect the idea that sometimes life can be hard but there will always be another day and another chance to make a difference.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Steroids
When I first read the title for this blog, I thought here we go again; another video about how steroids are bad and how they should be illegal. Then, once I started to watch the video, it was interesting to hear that there hasn’t been any evidence by all the drug and health companies that steroids were, actually bad in the long run. The fact that they talked to a doctor who had received all of his degrees from Ivy League colleges gave the story credibility. The one downfall to the video was that they didn’t really address the major impact steroids have on the athletic community. They did address the issue a little, but this video could make high school students think steroids are okay to use. However, this study was taken on healthy, adult males. If high school aged boys use steroids it could have a different effect because their bodies’ haven’t matured completely. Also, the video fails to mention the fact that steroids are a controlled substance in the United States. This means that people are allowed to have steroids in their possession, but they must have a prescription given by a doctor. With this fact, this kind of negates the issue of whether these steroids are good or bad because they’re illegal without a prescription. I don’t think steroids can be used responsibly because once these men start the steroids and see the results; it is more than likely that they will be able to stop easily.
Steroid use is becoming a bigger problem, or so it seems, in sports and in just real life than before. It is a real shame to think that people can’t hit over 700 home runs, without the use of steroids, anymore. What happened to exercising, lifting weights, eating properly, and getting enough sleep to help you recover? Why do people now feel like they need steroids to do all these things? We have become such an “I don’t want to do it myself” generation, that we can’t even depend on the basics to make us become top athletes: practicing everyday, eating healthily, lifting weights, and getting enough sleep to “recover” from workouts. Testing should definitely be regulated to keep sports clean because it seems that everyone is using steroids now. There shouldn’t be different standards for professional athletes vs. high school athletes because if you are using steroids, you are cheating in my eyes. Also, the same steroid testing should be regulated throughout different sports. I think the only exception to that statement is baseball and track & field should have more testing because it seems those two sports are the problematic ones.
As much stress as athletes are put under to be great at their sports, it shouldn’t be an excuse to use steroids. We look up to all the greats: Babe Ruth, Hank Aaron, Michael Jordan, Lou Gehrig, and Wilt Chamberlin. They were pressured to be the best at their sports as well, but they never used steroids, or at least were found guilty of it. However, this just proves that athletes can still be great at their sports and not feel pressured to use steroids. I think if people think we are forcing steroids into all sports, than that is just an excuse to let athletes use them. I, personally, hated to hear that Barry Bonds passed Hank Aarons’ record for most home runs because Barry Bonds cheated. I think most people were outraged as well. So, I don’t think people are being forced to use steroids because most people, I believe, prefer the hard-workers to the cheaters.
Steroid use is becoming a bigger problem, or so it seems, in sports and in just real life than before. It is a real shame to think that people can’t hit over 700 home runs, without the use of steroids, anymore. What happened to exercising, lifting weights, eating properly, and getting enough sleep to help you recover? Why do people now feel like they need steroids to do all these things? We have become such an “I don’t want to do it myself” generation, that we can’t even depend on the basics to make us become top athletes: practicing everyday, eating healthily, lifting weights, and getting enough sleep to “recover” from workouts. Testing should definitely be regulated to keep sports clean because it seems that everyone is using steroids now. There shouldn’t be different standards for professional athletes vs. high school athletes because if you are using steroids, you are cheating in my eyes. Also, the same steroid testing should be regulated throughout different sports. I think the only exception to that statement is baseball and track & field should have more testing because it seems those two sports are the problematic ones.
As much stress as athletes are put under to be great at their sports, it shouldn’t be an excuse to use steroids. We look up to all the greats: Babe Ruth, Hank Aaron, Michael Jordan, Lou Gehrig, and Wilt Chamberlin. They were pressured to be the best at their sports as well, but they never used steroids, or at least were found guilty of it. However, this just proves that athletes can still be great at their sports and not feel pressured to use steroids. I think if people think we are forcing steroids into all sports, than that is just an excuse to let athletes use them. I, personally, hated to hear that Barry Bonds passed Hank Aarons’ record for most home runs because Barry Bonds cheated. I think most people were outraged as well. So, I don’t think people are being forced to use steroids because most people, I believe, prefer the hard-workers to the cheaters.
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