For years the sports world has been shadowed by case after case of athletes using performance enhancing drugs to improve their times and to reach the winning circle. But now, using drugs isn’t sports affiliations’ only problem. Athletes from all around the world are teaming up with scientists to perform technology doping. Technology doping is when athletes get a competitive advantage using sports equipment that is lightweight and stronger which would skim a few points off their times as well as give them a mental boost1. Sports have always been evolving; some changes have been brought about to help bring in a bigger fan base and some changes and inventions have helped the athletes. When basketball was first introduced to the broadcast stations there was no shot clock and lesser teams just held the ball for long periods of times, creating low scoring games. This action created a boring game for its spectators so the NBA introduced the shot clock, which helped create higher scoring games and more enjoyment for the fans2. But introduction of new equipment has also helped the athletes themselves. In swimming the introduction of goggles helped the athletes train for longer hours because of the protection from the chlorine3. But has the equipment in sports gone too far? Many athletes, coaches and fans believe that the new technology is hurting the legitimacy of sports and creating an unfair playing field.
Although it is believed that technology has helped bring sports to the common people and improve the game, the question is how far it should go. Before golf was popular, the balls were made of wet feathers stuffed into a leather pouch; the introduction of gutta percha, the rubbery substance used to make the modern balls, helped bring down the cost of the ball4. Although the United States Golf Association (USGA) limits the dimensions and weights of all balls as well as the overall distance standards4, this does not stop companies from trying to give their consumers a winning edge with their balls. They use different materials as well as different patterns of dimples which are used for aerodynamics that impact the airflow as well as the trajectory. Companies try to convince golfers, pro or amateur, that their balls are the best. Most companies use the spherical shaped dimples, but Callaway is now introducing and marketing a hexagonal shape that they believe better controls the spin of the ball to help get a few more yards onto a drive. In golf, the balls aren’t the only piece of equipment that is raising eyebrows. New development in golf clubs are making people question if technology is ruining the game of golf. The introduction of light-weight metals, such as titanium and carbon composites has helped manufacturers enlarge the club heads in size, but keeping the weight the same4. This, according to The Golf Book4, creates a larger sweet spot for the hitter as well as creating a lower center of gravity and a change in weight distribution that stops major punishment, or complete misdirection of the ball, if the hitter were to have an off-center strike. The new materials also help in creating new shafts. The use of steel and graphite help generate more speed, which is rewarded by giving the ball more distance in a drive. All of these changes have helped golfers with little to no practice, as well as given them more wiggle room on an off day. Before new materials and technology were introduced to the PGA, Bill Glasson averaged a drive of 276 yards (in 1983), but in the 2006 season his record was raised 15% by Bubba Watson with 316 yards4. In PGA tours, 400 yard drives are becoming more and more common. In order to offset those technologic advances, courses are getting longer as well as more difficult. But these consequences come with a price as the courses become more and more expensive to build and maintain and the price of clubs and balls are skyrocketing5. Due to the increasing cost of the sport, common people, who have become hooked on golf from the introduction of cheaper golf balls, are having a harder time relating to the professionals because of the rising concern that the game is becoming more dependent on the type of clubs you can afford as well as access to the top rated clubs in the area.
At the 2008 Beijing Olympics, the Water Cube and Michael Phelps were all the talk in the news. But Mark Spitz’s Olympic medal count wasn’t the only record to be broken. In the Water Cube, out of the 32 events in swimming 66 Olympic records were set6. But questions arose about whether it was really the athletes who were breaking the record or if it was their new, high-tech swimsuits. Phelps, who is sponsored by Speedo, wore the LZR for the Olympic Games. Speedo scientifically tested this suit, with help from NASA, for reducing drag and creating a core stabilizer7. The suit is a created from water-repellent polyurethane membrane that has done many things to resist drag. The seams are bonded so that stitching can not create a drag for the swimmer, as well as the zipper being hidden and out of the way. Within four months of the suit’s introduction to the swimming world in 2008, 20 world records were set7. Upon Speedo’s success, many companies raced to duplicate the highly sought out design, companies such as Arena and Jacked. Also in that year, the top ten performances in the 50 free have been set from swimmers wearing the highly advanced drag-resistant, lightweight water-repellent suits from Speedo, Arena and Jaked3. Because of the increasing number of records that were being smashed and the rise in concern of the swimming community, the International Swimming Federation (FINA) had to take action. For the 2009 World Championships, in Rome, FINA set out a list of approved polyeurethane suits could be worn. The requirements stated that the suits had to fulfill requirements of Transitory Regulations: they must have no sleeves and double layers must be stuck together10. But in 2010 new rules will be put into place. FINA director Cornel Marculescu, has stated that the sport of swimming will return to textile-only swimwear, stating that the compression and buoyancy of the polyeurethane suits provide too much of a boost8. Many professional swimmers have expressed concern on the advancement on suits, stating that it is creating an unfair playing field and many wonder how far the sport would be if the suits had not progressed. The new 2010 rules will restrict male swimmers to jammers, waist to knee suits, and females to open-back suits that do not cover shoulders or knees8. This will remove a lot of excess material that swimmers have become use to; the reasoning is that suits are now created and designed to eliminate drag. With the new restrictions swimmers will have to rely on their techniques and coaches advice to work towards eliminating the drag. This new policy will help squash debates on whether it is the swimmer’s suit or their technique, training and hard work that won the race.
In 1968, Michael Johnson became the first male athlete to win both the 200 and 400 meter sprint, and the announcer and racing world took note of his shoes, perhaps putting as much emphasis on the shoes as on the spectacular runs by Johnson. He was wearing specially designed Nike running shoes that were ultra-light weight9. Not long after Johnson’s accomplishment, the shoes became prevalent on the track along with full body suits that were said to reduce wind resistance. The track isn’t the only place in track and field that changing equipment is getting attention. When pole vaulting was introduced, bamboo was used to fling participants over the high bar. By 1963, aluminum, fiberglass and graphite poles were introduced9. The lighter weight of the new poles helped participants run faster to gain more momentum and the new materials absorbed the energy as it bended. When bamboo was in use the record was held steady at 16ft, but now with the new technology the record stands above 20ft.
The governing body of track and Field, International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF), just recently had a long debate over whether technology was in fact giving athletes an unfair advantage. But this case was slightly different; it had to do with 21 year old double amputee Oscar Pistorius. This South African runner had to have both his legs amputee before he was one year old. To run he uses the J-shaped carbon fiber prosthetics, Cheetah Flex-Foot, that are shaped like blades. The IAAF banned Pistorius from competing against “able-bodied” athletes, after a study showed that the blades give him an unfair advantage. The scientists conducting the study claimed that the blades were longer than deemed necessary and gives the runner the ability to cover more ground, also the user is able to run at the same speed of an able –bodied sprinters but is able to use about 25% less energy expenditure11. Oscar Pistorius brought his appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in which the decision in his case against IAAF was overturned12. This decision qualified him to try for the South African’s men Olympic Track and Field team for the 2008 Beijing Olympics. The decision opens the door to many Paralympics athletes who have been barred from competition on the grounds of having an unfair advantage. Although Oscar did not qualify for the Olympic team, he has brought a new side of debate to the technology doping debate.
The International Tennis Federation was quick to stop the new German “spaghetti racquet” whose standard frame and double strings were fitted with plastic tubes giving the ball more top spin9. As the federation accepted that wooden rackets were out and new lighter metal and graphite rackets were hitting the courts they set out rules. They allowed rackets to be made out of any material and to be any weight, size or shape; the only restrictions were that materials could not alter the flight of the ball and the strings had to be evenly spaced9. By the 1960’s, rackets were being made out of an array of materials; metal frames of steel and aluminum, even titanium graphite shells with plastic foam cores. Companies increased the size of the face, seeing that a 20% increase resulted in a 300% increase in the size of the racket’s sweet spot. The use of lighter materials allowed companies to lengthen the rackets allowing shorter tennis players to have a longer reach without an increase in weight. The greater length also helped players of all sizes have more control9.
With the new technology that companies invest in, prices of their products are skyrocketing. Many professional athletes spend thousands of dollars to get the latest and most advanced products. Not only is the equipment helping them get a competitive edge, it is lowering the connection and ability for the common person to relate and reach their goals of becoming a top athletes. At the 2009 World Swimming Championships every swimmer was wearing a full body suit from either Speedo, Arena or Jacked. No longer do you see pro golfers walking around with beat up golf bags with an array of golf clubs, they’re all shiny and matching. The upswing in prices has created a new gap between those athletes that can afford the new equipment and those who can not. Some believe that this uneven playing field is making the level of competition mudded and obsolete. The same names win over and over, rarely do you hear of an upset or of the underdog winning. It could be because an underdog can no longer get to the high level of playing without spending thousands of dollars on the new state of the art equipment, money that they might not have. The increase in sponsorships has also helped in creating the large cost gap. Speedo, Wilson, Nike and Callaway all scramble to get the top performing and well known professional to back their product. Many times up and coming athletes struggle to keep up with the equipment costs that sponsored athletes are just handed. The increase of sponsorships in professional sports has also cluttered the interviews of many top athletes. Announcers and reporters want to talk more about what brand and equipment an athlete uses then their practice regimen or how they felt about their performance. In fact, Michael Phelps refused to talk to reporters about the suit debate until after the World Championships, feeling that talk about the suits would take away from the individuals performances.
Sports are seen as a way of gaining power, respect and money. It is because of these goals that technology has become so important, as athletes look for any way to better their competition if even by a tenth of a second. Jay Coakley claims in his book, Sport in Society1, that competitive sports today are a product of the Industrial Revolution and the dependence on technology, with the creation of the mass production of consumer goods. Coakley writes about the specialization that has occurred, he talks about how athletes have dedicated themselves to one sport and one sport only, this is helped by not only the sponsors that one can get but also the constant need to break the records. No longer do you see super stars like Babe Didrikson, who excelled in any sport she put her mind to. It is very rare that one sport professional athletes trying other sports, and when they do it is not for competition but to it is being used as a training exercise. The introduction of technology doping across the world of sports is in fact diminishing the legitimacy of sports as records are not only being broken, but smashed year after year, new development after new development.
1. Coakley,Jay. Sport in Society Issues and Controversies.
2. Jay,Kathryn. More Than Just a Game.
3. Barone, Pamela. "'Suit controversy' dominating swimming news, but technology isn't going
away ."
4. The Golf Book. 1 ed.
5. Waddell, Jack. "What Price Golf Technology."
6. Tucker, Ross. "Swimming's credibility crisis: How FINA's blind eye is affecting the purity of
the sport."
7. Sisco, Paul. "Speedy Speedo Swimsuit Source of Olympic Controversy."
8. "Swim suit controversy lingers: records to stay."
9. Imada, Eileen. "Have technological advances in sports such as tennis, golf, and track and field
supplanted the athletic achievements of the participants in those sports?
10. "FINA.org."
11. Levitan, Paul. "Innovation in Sports Technology -- Inevitable or Unfair?."
12. Smith, Jeanette. "Oscar Pistorius: Olympic Amputee ."
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
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.
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, 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.
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