Non-material culture is a group’s way of thinking and doing. In other words, non-material culture is a group’s belief, values and the way that individuals of that group see and act in the world. It is the intangibles parts of a groups culture.
Through the first three weeks of sociology I have been able to understand that my catholic upbringing (a non-material culture) has affected the way I act and think as well as having some effect on my material culture. My family was never the strict catholic followers and I went to public school for all 12 years of my early education, my parents still had me attend Sunday school until my confirmation in 8th grade, as well as ushering me to church every Sunday. But as I enter my second year of college and continue to feel a growing independence towards my family I still feel a strong tie to the Catholic Church and the beliefs that they bestowed on me. This has never been stronger felt than over the summer when my father suffered a major heart attack. When I heard the news I was devastated and in a constant shock, my first instant was to change my status on Facebook so that my outside family and close friends would know what was happening. As the weeks went on of my dad being in the ICU I kept constant updates going on Facebook. More often than not did someone write “You and your dad will be in my prayers.” Now I had been told to say my prayers every night, something that I gave up way in second grade. But as I read those comments from old friends from church and family members, all who are strong Catholic believers, I really did feel overwhelming support. I think because of my Catholic culture, even though it might not be as strong as many that I know, those words had a different meaning then when they are spoken to an atheist. I saw this when I was standing with my brother, an atheist, and his friend. His friend claimed that he would be praying for my father, my brothers reaction showed me that he did not feel the same calming feeling that I felt by hearing that sentiment.
As I sat in class listen to the talk of non-material culture I realized that non-material culture in turn has an influence on one’s material culture, or the visual aspects of culture. I have worn a cross around my neck ever since my confirmation. Even though I don’t go to church every weekend now that I’m in school, I never take the necklace off. The necklace symbolizes to everyone that sees it that I am Catholic and I believe in the practices of the Catholic Church. It helps portrays to people my intangible culture.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Through a daughter's eyes
Little girls look up to their fathers as an invincible superman. The man with a thousand kisses and a thousand words of wisdom. As a girl grows older they search for their fathers off switch, but no matter how hard they look the advice, criticism and most of all the love shines through. They know he will always be there, from when they fall off their bikes, to the first time behind the wheel, and the dreaded first interrogation of a boyfriend.
As they grow up and move away she knows he will be there to walk her down the aisle to give her away, even though he knows the guy standing at the end will never be good enough for her. And she knows he is just waiting till the time he can share his parenting advice with her little bundles of joy.
But life doesn’t always run that smoothly, sometimes the superhero does fall, and he falls hard. Lying there in a bed with machines beeping, working overtime to keep his ever-giving heart alive. Unaware of the loved one around, needing his comforting arms around them, his reassuring words whispered in their ears. The daughter stands in a corner wishing she could go back in time. Wanting to take back every pity argument, every word she muttered under her breath and every time she wished he could just go away and shut up. To go back to that morning and take a little more time to say goodbye, not to have run from his open arms. She would take it all back just to see her superman back in the air untouchable and annoying as ever.
Everyone claims big girls don’t cry, but as they watch as their invincible superman falls to the ground and becomes a man among man, even the strongest girls can’t stop the tears.
As they grow up and move away she knows he will be there to walk her down the aisle to give her away, even though he knows the guy standing at the end will never be good enough for her. And she knows he is just waiting till the time he can share his parenting advice with her little bundles of joy.
But life doesn’t always run that smoothly, sometimes the superhero does fall, and he falls hard. Lying there in a bed with machines beeping, working overtime to keep his ever-giving heart alive. Unaware of the loved one around, needing his comforting arms around them, his reassuring words whispered in their ears. The daughter stands in a corner wishing she could go back in time. Wanting to take back every pity argument, every word she muttered under her breath and every time she wished he could just go away and shut up. To go back to that morning and take a little more time to say goodbye, not to have run from his open arms. She would take it all back just to see her superman back in the air untouchable and annoying as ever.
Everyone claims big girls don’t cry, but as they watch as their invincible superman falls to the ground and becomes a man among man, even the strongest girls can’t stop the tears.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
The Power of One
An important part of being a writer is to inspire others to read outside of just one persons writing. Below is a small review of a historical fiction novel that is a good read:
In Zakes Mda’s book Cion, Mda used professional mourner Toloki to show how one person can in fact change the lives of an entire family. Toloki spent a year living with the Quigley family in the small town of Kilvert, Ohio. Within his stay with the family of four, Toloki’s presence made them more open to the world and change for the better, as well as finding a small change in his life.
Although Toloki’s immediate presents in the household did not change anything, it did over time drastically change the life of the shy, removed Orpah. Upon his arrival to the house, Toloki saw very little of Orpah but was constantly pulled into her mystery life by her sitar and drawings. It was upon these findings that Toloki vowed to change her life and save her from the Quigley’s. “She was brilliant at school, but had no interest in furthering her education….” (76). Her brilliancy seemed stumped by her father’s close relationship to her. Through Toloki’s continued relationship with Orpah, she began to become more involved; she even attending family dinners and discussions. It was this carefree attitude that leads her to begin spending the night in Toloki’s trailer, sharing her music in benefit concerts and in the end leaving Kilvert with Toloki. Orpah had been sheltered all her life by her family, her mother forcing tradition onto her and her father trying his best to do the right thing for his daughter. Toloki offered intrigue and a non-traditional life. It was only after he incorporated the movement from her and her father’s memories into his mourning, that she really became enthralled and dedicated to following Toloki. All her life, she had been fighting against Ruth and her constant will for tradition, Toloki was Orpah’s way out.
The first Quigley member Toloki came into contact with was the young, misguided Obed. “He never does anything with his own hands. He always finds the slightest excuse to shirk work. He thinks things will just fall into his lap” (76). This description is put forth by Ruth, his mother, who although she loved her son dearly, it was hard to hide the fact that her son had a lack of reasonability and was a first class schemer. Although Toloki claimed that Obed’s change was due to the sorority girl, Beth Eddy, it is clear to readers that Toloki gave Obed a direction. Since the first time they met, Obed followed Toloki with a sense of wonder and intrigue. Throughout the novel, Obed begins to show a sense of pride and dedication to his work. “I can see Obed’s pride from his gestures and his beaming face” (201). That pride helped lead Obed to be a man of God, and join the Appalachia Harvest gleaning group. Obed went from a common scammer to a man with a plan. Although Toloki claimed it was Beth Eddy who brought about the change, Obed followed and learned a lot from Toloki. As well as bringing Beth Eddy into his life through a forced mediation. It was through him that Obed began to show a work ethic and a sense of responsibility.
As always, adults need more persuasion to change. This argument was never truer than in the case of Ruth Quigley. Ruth was a stubborn, traditionalist who would hear nothing about change. The woman held grudges against several people in the Kilvert community. The community center because they continued to give Orpah quilting lessons even after Ruth took the sewing machine away from her. She also is against the town’s church because the priest had been divorced and re-married, the wrong path for a man of God according to Ruth. She also had a problem with the town being highly Democratic; she claimed they were pulled away from the right political group that gave them freedom by the welfare programs. Ruth was a woman who liked to judge people, and when Toloki began to stray from her teaching she became very upset. But through time and Toloki’s persistence, she began to listen and respect her son, “She dare not show me that she is proud of her son…that even she recognizes that he is not a total loss but is good for something”(207). Throughout the book, Ruth talks about the importance of tradition, especially in quilting. But by the end of the novel, even Ruth was willing to embrace a little change by using the rotary cutter that Toloki bought for her, branch into another type of quilting and starts to let her children grow up and move away.
The one man that Toloki was drawn to and wanted to learn more about was Mahlon Quigley. He was a man who always smiled and was highly respected by the men and women of the community and yet said very little. It was Mahlon’s quiet and subdue nature that made Toloki drawn to him. The most interesting thing about him was his garden which consisted of: gnomes, flags, plastic figures and one very stubborn bush. The non-living garden, as told by Ruth, was attributed to him living in the past and not being able to properly mourn for his mother and other loses. Mahlon’s mother was confined to the Ridges after falling in love with a black man. So upon her death, she was buried among the numbered tombs. Toloki is lead to believe that if he were to properly mourn her death he might go back to raising live animals, a proper garden and started living in the present. Because of Toloki’s actions towards Orpah, Mahlon began to shut out Toloki and then Orpah. This did not sit well with Toloki so he took it upon himself to find Mahlon mother’s grave. Upon finding the grave and the proper mourning Mahlon began to change, he began to laugh, bought a cow and “it did not seem like the drought was having any effect on Mahlon’s garden. It was getting greener by the day” (305). It was through Toloki’s actions that Mahlon was able to come out of the past and start living in the present.
Living in the past was a struggle for Toloki as well, even if he did not realize it. In the beginning of the novel, Toloki spoke several times about his lost love, Noria, and the ever constant sciolist. But through time and his newly found relationships with the small family of Kilvert, Toloki found himself moving on emotionally and physically. His lost lover was forgotten, as well as his style of mourning. Incorporating dance and movement into his mourning takes his profession in a whole new direction. With his pursuit to search for new mourning re-energized, he leaves Ohio with Orpah. As they drive away, he talks about the sciolist and how he needed his independence.
Throughout the novel Cion, relationships were changed due to the presence of professional mourner Toloki. Through the journey of change, readers also begin to see a change in the South African. The Quigley family household was set in the ways of tradition, mostly by Ruth, but after a year the family of four was more willing to look towards the future and embrace the changes life brings. Mda’s novel helped readers see that the presence of one person can change the lives of many.
I hope this makes you want to read Cion.
In Zakes Mda’s book Cion, Mda used professional mourner Toloki to show how one person can in fact change the lives of an entire family. Toloki spent a year living with the Quigley family in the small town of Kilvert, Ohio. Within his stay with the family of four, Toloki’s presence made them more open to the world and change for the better, as well as finding a small change in his life.
Although Toloki’s immediate presents in the household did not change anything, it did over time drastically change the life of the shy, removed Orpah. Upon his arrival to the house, Toloki saw very little of Orpah but was constantly pulled into her mystery life by her sitar and drawings. It was upon these findings that Toloki vowed to change her life and save her from the Quigley’s. “She was brilliant at school, but had no interest in furthering her education….” (76). Her brilliancy seemed stumped by her father’s close relationship to her. Through Toloki’s continued relationship with Orpah, she began to become more involved; she even attending family dinners and discussions. It was this carefree attitude that leads her to begin spending the night in Toloki’s trailer, sharing her music in benefit concerts and in the end leaving Kilvert with Toloki. Orpah had been sheltered all her life by her family, her mother forcing tradition onto her and her father trying his best to do the right thing for his daughter. Toloki offered intrigue and a non-traditional life. It was only after he incorporated the movement from her and her father’s memories into his mourning, that she really became enthralled and dedicated to following Toloki. All her life, she had been fighting against Ruth and her constant will for tradition, Toloki was Orpah’s way out.
The first Quigley member Toloki came into contact with was the young, misguided Obed. “He never does anything with his own hands. He always finds the slightest excuse to shirk work. He thinks things will just fall into his lap” (76). This description is put forth by Ruth, his mother, who although she loved her son dearly, it was hard to hide the fact that her son had a lack of reasonability and was a first class schemer. Although Toloki claimed that Obed’s change was due to the sorority girl, Beth Eddy, it is clear to readers that Toloki gave Obed a direction. Since the first time they met, Obed followed Toloki with a sense of wonder and intrigue. Throughout the novel, Obed begins to show a sense of pride and dedication to his work. “I can see Obed’s pride from his gestures and his beaming face” (201). That pride helped lead Obed to be a man of God, and join the Appalachia Harvest gleaning group. Obed went from a common scammer to a man with a plan. Although Toloki claimed it was Beth Eddy who brought about the change, Obed followed and learned a lot from Toloki. As well as bringing Beth Eddy into his life through a forced mediation. It was through him that Obed began to show a work ethic and a sense of responsibility.
As always, adults need more persuasion to change. This argument was never truer than in the case of Ruth Quigley. Ruth was a stubborn, traditionalist who would hear nothing about change. The woman held grudges against several people in the Kilvert community. The community center because they continued to give Orpah quilting lessons even after Ruth took the sewing machine away from her. She also is against the town’s church because the priest had been divorced and re-married, the wrong path for a man of God according to Ruth. She also had a problem with the town being highly Democratic; she claimed they were pulled away from the right political group that gave them freedom by the welfare programs. Ruth was a woman who liked to judge people, and when Toloki began to stray from her teaching she became very upset. But through time and Toloki’s persistence, she began to listen and respect her son, “She dare not show me that she is proud of her son…that even she recognizes that he is not a total loss but is good for something”(207). Throughout the book, Ruth talks about the importance of tradition, especially in quilting. But by the end of the novel, even Ruth was willing to embrace a little change by using the rotary cutter that Toloki bought for her, branch into another type of quilting and starts to let her children grow up and move away.
The one man that Toloki was drawn to and wanted to learn more about was Mahlon Quigley. He was a man who always smiled and was highly respected by the men and women of the community and yet said very little. It was Mahlon’s quiet and subdue nature that made Toloki drawn to him. The most interesting thing about him was his garden which consisted of: gnomes, flags, plastic figures and one very stubborn bush. The non-living garden, as told by Ruth, was attributed to him living in the past and not being able to properly mourn for his mother and other loses. Mahlon’s mother was confined to the Ridges after falling in love with a black man. So upon her death, she was buried among the numbered tombs. Toloki is lead to believe that if he were to properly mourn her death he might go back to raising live animals, a proper garden and started living in the present. Because of Toloki’s actions towards Orpah, Mahlon began to shut out Toloki and then Orpah. This did not sit well with Toloki so he took it upon himself to find Mahlon mother’s grave. Upon finding the grave and the proper mourning Mahlon began to change, he began to laugh, bought a cow and “it did not seem like the drought was having any effect on Mahlon’s garden. It was getting greener by the day” (305). It was through Toloki’s actions that Mahlon was able to come out of the past and start living in the present.
Living in the past was a struggle for Toloki as well, even if he did not realize it. In the beginning of the novel, Toloki spoke several times about his lost love, Noria, and the ever constant sciolist. But through time and his newly found relationships with the small family of Kilvert, Toloki found himself moving on emotionally and physically. His lost lover was forgotten, as well as his style of mourning. Incorporating dance and movement into his mourning takes his profession in a whole new direction. With his pursuit to search for new mourning re-energized, he leaves Ohio with Orpah. As they drive away, he talks about the sciolist and how he needed his independence.
Throughout the novel Cion, relationships were changed due to the presence of professional mourner Toloki. Through the journey of change, readers also begin to see a change in the South African. The Quigley family household was set in the ways of tradition, mostly by Ruth, but after a year the family of four was more willing to look towards the future and embrace the changes life brings. Mda’s novel helped readers see that the presence of one person can change the lives of many.
I hope this makes you want to read Cion.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Eastern's overview
Eleven girls team traveled to Cincinnati, Ohio May 9th and 10th to show their worth in the 2009 High School Eastern Ultimate Championships. One team, Paideia, came all the way from Georgia and was not ready to go home without a fight.
The number one seeded team got a lucky break in Pool A, getting a first round bye. This advantage was seen by a very sloppy, sluggish first round game put on by the other teams in the pool. Columbia, Andover, Woodside and Hampton all had to fight back the sleep in their eyes and the hard wind that was stirring.
Paideia’s first game was against the last seeded team in their pool, Hampton. Although Hampton was aware the game was going to be tough they kept their heads up and remained optimistic. Georgia’s Kalli Perano was ready for a quick win, becoming Paideia’s lead scorer. With the wind blowing strong they set up a zone defense to try to encourage throw always by Hampton’s handlers. But Hampton’s number 12, Sydney Huerbin pulled out some active, smart popping that helped her team work the disc. After a hard first half Paideia lead eight to zero. The second half of the game was not reflected in the end score, Hampton did not let the seeding go to their heads and were able to pull out a hard game against Paideia. But in the end the more experienced team from Georgia pulled out a victory of 15-0.
The next game for Paideia was against the 8th seeded team, Woodside from Virginia. Woodside was a newly formed team who were excited to come and play at Eastern’s for the first time. Paideia used the wind to their advantage and threw a zone defense on the new team. Handler’s Christine Bosch, Katherin Diaz and Erin Tucker became quickly flustered by the fast moving cup and had severe problems with holding on to the disc for to long or throwing the disc right to waiting Paideia members. But on the flip side Katherin Diaz was able to make a few nice defensive moves on several Paideia members. On the offensive side for Paideia, they showed their diversity allowing all members to actively assist or score points. The wind showed mercy to Woodside towards the end of a hard game, and they were able to make it up the field to end the game in a 15-1 ending.
The last game of the day was shaping up to be a good game, having the first and second seeds of the pool go up against each other. Massachusetts’s Andover team was struggling in the wind to pull off a victory for the day. Their team was dealing with problems of not being able to clear cutting lanes offensively, a problem that followed over to the last game. Their main handlers Molly Rodin and Emily Perterson tried to make the best of the game and work to pull out a hard game for the undefeated Georgia Paideia’s. Andover struggled to beat Paideia’s zone, just like every other team that day. And Paideia’s fast moving and skilled handling of the disc was to much for the tired Andover team, who lost 15-0.
Day two of the tournament brought on sore muscles and a wet playing field; a deadly combination for inexperience ultimate teams. But Paideia showed their true colors in the final game of pool play as they went up against the very loud and enthusiastic team from Maplewood, New Jersey. Even thought the wind was not as persistent as it was the day before, Paideia continued to put forth a zone defense that served them well on the first day. But Columbia’s handlers, Kate Donatelli and Kayla Walsh were ready for it and were able to work the cup as well as make some nice breaks down the field. Paideia’s India Stubbs was ready for those hucks in the back field and was able to come away with several steals. On offense, Paideia showed good form yet again having no member become a lead scorer. They team came out showing nice flow and understanding of the game, and despite Columbia’s hard defensive playing they were able to continue their clenching of Pool A win by winning 15-0.
The quarterfinal was the first cross over game that Paideia would play. Trying to stop the force was Amherst JV team from Massachusetts, who had shown no fear of hitting the ground and playing hard. Both teams played a strong zone defense, and Amherst’s handler’s Katie St. John and Amelia Mead worked well with Yeye Tarren to move the disc well against the Paideia’s cup. They quickly became the second team of the tournament to score against Paideia. But the first seeded team was yet to be outdone; the team’s handlers Hailey Alm and Sophie Darch worked the cup easily and were able to find their lead scorer Julia Fuster several times in the end zone. Amherst was ready for Paideia’s ability to move the disc and had several hard defensive plays, but Hailey Alm’s was always quick on defense to turn the disc back over to Georgia. In the end Paideia came away with a trip to the semifinals with a victory of 15-2.
New York’s Stuyvesant team was ready for battle in the semifinals. Paideia was unable to hide their tired muscles in the first couple points of the game. Stuyvesant’s Emily Park and Michelle Ma were able to score twice on the sluggish team. But the fast-pace-high-turnover game quickly turned to Paideia’s favor with aggressive defensive plays by Sophie Darch, Rachel Kessler and Camila Arevalo. Not to be out done, Paideia’s Julia Fuster pulled out her strong hucks to get the disc moving down the field and the team again brought new life and a halftime score of 8-2. The second half brought out the best in Stuyvesant’s Emily Park who was an all around hard player and created some nice flow for her team. But in the end the team bond of Paideia’s Sophie Darch and Kane Seidor, who have been playing together for seven years, were able to help seal up a victory for Paideia and a trip to the Eastern’s final.
The final match up was against the number one and two seeds in the girl’s bracket, Paidia and Amherst Varsity. Amherst’s Hannah Yee set the game rolling with a strong layout defensive play against Paideia. The game was fast and energetic and each team gave its all. Players were laying out and jumping all over the field. Amherst pulled an unexpected zone on Paideia to force a turn over and a score, but Paideia came right back ready to work the cup slowly up the field. Amherst’s Keri Lambert was a strong member of the cup who did not easily give up. Her efforts were met by her teammate Claudia Tajima who made several defensive and aggressively plays on offense. Paideia worked the cup and moved effortlessly up the field, including several connections between Sophie Darch and Lane Seidor. Although both teams played hard, in the end Sophie Darch was able to connect with Rachel Kessler in the end zone for a final of 13-7. And Paideia was able to be rightfully called the 2009 High School Eastern Ultimate Champions.
The number one seeded team got a lucky break in Pool A, getting a first round bye. This advantage was seen by a very sloppy, sluggish first round game put on by the other teams in the pool. Columbia, Andover, Woodside and Hampton all had to fight back the sleep in their eyes and the hard wind that was stirring.
Paideia’s first game was against the last seeded team in their pool, Hampton. Although Hampton was aware the game was going to be tough they kept their heads up and remained optimistic. Georgia’s Kalli Perano was ready for a quick win, becoming Paideia’s lead scorer. With the wind blowing strong they set up a zone defense to try to encourage throw always by Hampton’s handlers. But Hampton’s number 12, Sydney Huerbin pulled out some active, smart popping that helped her team work the disc. After a hard first half Paideia lead eight to zero. The second half of the game was not reflected in the end score, Hampton did not let the seeding go to their heads and were able to pull out a hard game against Paideia. But in the end the more experienced team from Georgia pulled out a victory of 15-0.
The next game for Paideia was against the 8th seeded team, Woodside from Virginia. Woodside was a newly formed team who were excited to come and play at Eastern’s for the first time. Paideia used the wind to their advantage and threw a zone defense on the new team. Handler’s Christine Bosch, Katherin Diaz and Erin Tucker became quickly flustered by the fast moving cup and had severe problems with holding on to the disc for to long or throwing the disc right to waiting Paideia members. But on the flip side Katherin Diaz was able to make a few nice defensive moves on several Paideia members. On the offensive side for Paideia, they showed their diversity allowing all members to actively assist or score points. The wind showed mercy to Woodside towards the end of a hard game, and they were able to make it up the field to end the game in a 15-1 ending.
The last game of the day was shaping up to be a good game, having the first and second seeds of the pool go up against each other. Massachusetts’s Andover team was struggling in the wind to pull off a victory for the day. Their team was dealing with problems of not being able to clear cutting lanes offensively, a problem that followed over to the last game. Their main handlers Molly Rodin and Emily Perterson tried to make the best of the game and work to pull out a hard game for the undefeated Georgia Paideia’s. Andover struggled to beat Paideia’s zone, just like every other team that day. And Paideia’s fast moving and skilled handling of the disc was to much for the tired Andover team, who lost 15-0.
Day two of the tournament brought on sore muscles and a wet playing field; a deadly combination for inexperience ultimate teams. But Paideia showed their true colors in the final game of pool play as they went up against the very loud and enthusiastic team from Maplewood, New Jersey. Even thought the wind was not as persistent as it was the day before, Paideia continued to put forth a zone defense that served them well on the first day. But Columbia’s handlers, Kate Donatelli and Kayla Walsh were ready for it and were able to work the cup as well as make some nice breaks down the field. Paideia’s India Stubbs was ready for those hucks in the back field and was able to come away with several steals. On offense, Paideia showed good form yet again having no member become a lead scorer. They team came out showing nice flow and understanding of the game, and despite Columbia’s hard defensive playing they were able to continue their clenching of Pool A win by winning 15-0.
The quarterfinal was the first cross over game that Paideia would play. Trying to stop the force was Amherst JV team from Massachusetts, who had shown no fear of hitting the ground and playing hard. Both teams played a strong zone defense, and Amherst’s handler’s Katie St. John and Amelia Mead worked well with Yeye Tarren to move the disc well against the Paideia’s cup. They quickly became the second team of the tournament to score against Paideia. But the first seeded team was yet to be outdone; the team’s handlers Hailey Alm and Sophie Darch worked the cup easily and were able to find their lead scorer Julia Fuster several times in the end zone. Amherst was ready for Paideia’s ability to move the disc and had several hard defensive plays, but Hailey Alm’s was always quick on defense to turn the disc back over to Georgia. In the end Paideia came away with a trip to the semifinals with a victory of 15-2.
New York’s Stuyvesant team was ready for battle in the semifinals. Paideia was unable to hide their tired muscles in the first couple points of the game. Stuyvesant’s Emily Park and Michelle Ma were able to score twice on the sluggish team. But the fast-pace-high-turnover game quickly turned to Paideia’s favor with aggressive defensive plays by Sophie Darch, Rachel Kessler and Camila Arevalo. Not to be out done, Paideia’s Julia Fuster pulled out her strong hucks to get the disc moving down the field and the team again brought new life and a halftime score of 8-2. The second half brought out the best in Stuyvesant’s Emily Park who was an all around hard player and created some nice flow for her team. But in the end the team bond of Paideia’s Sophie Darch and Kane Seidor, who have been playing together for seven years, were able to help seal up a victory for Paideia and a trip to the Eastern’s final.
The final match up was against the number one and two seeds in the girl’s bracket, Paidia and Amherst Varsity. Amherst’s Hannah Yee set the game rolling with a strong layout defensive play against Paideia. The game was fast and energetic and each team gave its all. Players were laying out and jumping all over the field. Amherst pulled an unexpected zone on Paideia to force a turn over and a score, but Paideia came right back ready to work the cup slowly up the field. Amherst’s Keri Lambert was a strong member of the cup who did not easily give up. Her efforts were met by her teammate Claudia Tajima who made several defensive and aggressively plays on offense. Paideia worked the cup and moved effortlessly up the field, including several connections between Sophie Darch and Lane Seidor. Although both teams played hard, in the end Sophie Darch was able to connect with Rachel Kessler in the end zone for a final of 13-7. And Paideia was able to be rightfully called the 2009 High School Eastern Ultimate Champions.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Giving of Life
Every day places around the US hold blood drive. Blood is needed in a hospital every three seconds; the most common reasons for the need are cancer, heart and blood vessel disease, emergencies such as car accidents, or for surgeries. The need for blood is constant, and blood banks often find themselves in a shortage. This should not happen.. Donating blood only takes at most half an hour. In return the donor gets a sticker, a cookie, and the satisfaction that they made a difference. That small pint that they give can in fact help save up to three lives. So if you are 17, and over 110 pounds you should highly consider rolling up your sleeve and giving blood this year.
Although giving blood is simple, the distribution is delicate. There are four types of blood- A, B, AB, and O. In addition there is a rhesus factor which occurs in some blood. All types are always in need, the AB+ blood type is the universal recipient, whereas B is one of the least common. O- is also uncommon and can be used as a universal donor. Due to the different types of blood, it is more critical for everyone to donate their blood at least once in their life. 4.5 million Americans would die each year without the eligible citizens who donate. This basic act of giving to a community blood bank is the simplest form of giving back to the world. Although the person giving the blood may not know whom their gift may save, they walk away knowing that they saved at least one life.
As the years go on the most loyal generation of donors, the World War II generations, are reaching the point where they can no longer donate. It is up to us the community, as the young, to step forward and do our patriotic duty and roll up our own sleeves. Every community would do well to donate and hold a blood drive to teach people the importance of giving blood and to help those in their desperate hours. Lets show the world the power of its people and our generosity to give the power of life.
Although giving blood is simple, the distribution is delicate. There are four types of blood- A, B, AB, and O. In addition there is a rhesus factor which occurs in some blood. All types are always in need, the AB+ blood type is the universal recipient, whereas B is one of the least common. O- is also uncommon and can be used as a universal donor. Due to the different types of blood, it is more critical for everyone to donate their blood at least once in their life. 4.5 million Americans would die each year without the eligible citizens who donate. This basic act of giving to a community blood bank is the simplest form of giving back to the world. Although the person giving the blood may not know whom their gift may save, they walk away knowing that they saved at least one life.
As the years go on the most loyal generation of donors, the World War II generations, are reaching the point where they can no longer donate. It is up to us the community, as the young, to step forward and do our patriotic duty and roll up our own sleeves. Every community would do well to donate and hold a blood drive to teach people the importance of giving blood and to help those in their desperate hours. Lets show the world the power of its people and our generosity to give the power of life.
Saturday, February 7, 2009
GM’s Financial Crisis
General Motors was once one of the greatest producers of American owned cars, now they are only brought by a quarter of Americans each year. In 2008, GM reported a loss of 1.1 billion dollars in the first three months. Many issues have been blamed for the downturn of the company. One is the overall recession that the US has found themselves in. Another main problem was found within the structure of General Motors. The chief executive, G. Richard Wagoner Jr., resisted in the pursuit of going into the market for gas-electric hybrid vehicles and choice to insist that the sales would improve if they focused on a new line of pickups and sport-utility vehicles.
As time progresses the company is seeing declining sales and even more declining profit. To help balance this inevitable downfall it is focusing on trying to decrease its fixed and variable costs. The fixed costs, which do not vary with the level of output that the company would have in a month, include their plants and factories that they have around the country. To reduce these, company has shut down several factories and in turn had to lay off many of their hard workers. Their variable cost, which would vary directly with the level of output, includes labor wages, warranties and inventory. With the shutdown of factories the company has lowered this factor by the layoffs that were created, but they have also worked on lowering their inventories and cutting down their warranties on their sold products.
General Motors has become one of the main outsources of ICT operations and employees of management of information technology. This outsourcing has become common place in many companies as they hope to increase their economies of scale. As it is now, GM and other car companies like Ford and Chrysler are trying to make it in the business long enough for the US to make it out of the recession. The bailout they have been asking for will make this dream more possible to reach for the near bankrupt company that was once one of America’s most profitable car company.
As time progresses the company is seeing declining sales and even more declining profit. To help balance this inevitable downfall it is focusing on trying to decrease its fixed and variable costs. The fixed costs, which do not vary with the level of output that the company would have in a month, include their plants and factories that they have around the country. To reduce these, company has shut down several factories and in turn had to lay off many of their hard workers. Their variable cost, which would vary directly with the level of output, includes labor wages, warranties and inventory. With the shutdown of factories the company has lowered this factor by the layoffs that were created, but they have also worked on lowering their inventories and cutting down their warranties on their sold products.
General Motors has become one of the main outsources of ICT operations and employees of management of information technology. This outsourcing has become common place in many companies as they hope to increase their economies of scale. As it is now, GM and other car companies like Ford and Chrysler are trying to make it in the business long enough for the US to make it out of the recession. The bailout they have been asking for will make this dream more possible to reach for the near bankrupt company that was once one of America’s most profitable car company.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Thursday, January 15, 2009
stopping the insanity
Ever since their have been sports their have been those sports that when you watch you can't help thinking, "what the hell all those people thinking." Rodeo is one of those sports. This sport originated out of cattle herding in Mexico. The point of the Rodeo is to see how long a someone can stay on a very irritated bull. One of the main staples of this sport is the cowboy hat that the riders wear.
This staple is slowly disappearing from the ring and being replaced with helmet with a titanium grille. This gear is not mandatory but is becoming a repeatedly seen staple in the National Finals Rodeo. Out of the forty-five riders in the finals it was the first time that riders wearing the helmets outnumbered those who did not.
Although this sport only lasts around 8 seconds or less it has been show to be more dangerous then other extreme sports. Out of 15 bull rides it has been seen that at least one ends in an injury, mostly concussions. Even after this statistics the Rodeo Association has not made helmet mandatory. Right now the large majority of riders are wearing them based on their past experiences.
As with all sports injury is inevitable but if their is a way to stop them then it is believed that those precautions should be taken. In soccer the players wear shin guards, in football pads, helmets and mouth guards, then in snowboarding helmets are always warn. Hopefully in time helmets will become mandatory for riders.
This staple is slowly disappearing from the ring and being replaced with helmet with a titanium grille. This gear is not mandatory but is becoming a repeatedly seen staple in the National Finals Rodeo. Out of the forty-five riders in the finals it was the first time that riders wearing the helmets outnumbered those who did not.
Although this sport only lasts around 8 seconds or less it has been show to be more dangerous then other extreme sports. Out of 15 bull rides it has been seen that at least one ends in an injury, mostly concussions. Even after this statistics the Rodeo Association has not made helmet mandatory. Right now the large majority of riders are wearing them based on their past experiences.
As with all sports injury is inevitable but if their is a way to stop them then it is believed that those precautions should be taken. In soccer the players wear shin guards, in football pads, helmets and mouth guards, then in snowboarding helmets are always warn. Hopefully in time helmets will become mandatory for riders.
Friday, January 2, 2009
First post
When I was little my brothers and I used to fight over who got to read the paper first. Granted, it was normally the comics, and the worst fights were on Sundays; we all walked away with some pretty nasty paper cuts. As we grew older and matured, we all worked together on a paper route for a local newspaper. While we would wrap the papers I would find myself drawn into reading the articles. The chance at journalism seemed distant to me due to a learning disability which affects my spelling. Once I reached high school and teachers introduced the world of spell check and editors, a journalism career seemed to call my name even louder.
Now I am a student in Ohio University's Scripps School for Journalism with a focus on online journalism. After my first quarter I am strengthened in the idea to continue in online, but as for what I am going to write about is still up in the air. This blog is going to be used for not only me to further my writing skills, but to try to get a response from others. I will try to write at least once a week.
Now I am a student in Ohio University's Scripps School for Journalism with a focus on online journalism. After my first quarter I am strengthened in the idea to continue in online, but as for what I am going to write about is still up in the air. This blog is going to be used for not only me to further my writing skills, but to try to get a response from others. I will try to write at least once a week.
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