ENG 001: Section 09

Soundtrack of my Life

2007-12-13T01:38:00.000-06:00

“Butterfly Kisses” by Bob Carlisle Expresses a fathers’ deep emotion towards his young daughter who seems to be growing up too fast, which makes their relationship more distant. Watching the father sing about his daughter creates a feeling that he truly cares about his daughter. They have a special bond that is very important to him, as well as the little girl who keeps their memories with her as she ages. Throughout this video I am drawn to the flowers that are shown in many scenes. Some may think those flowers have little or no meaning, but to me they used to be very important to my relationship with my dad. From the day that I can remember, he would bring me one hand picked flower when he got home after work. In return, I would give him a big hug and kiss. As I’m watching this video, the flowers show me how they symbolized a growing bond between my dad and I.. That was until my parents separation when I was seven, which seemed to also separate my relationship with my dad. Not only did he stop saying “I love you” but the flowers stopped coming too. The actions of the father and daughter in this video very much remind me of what I used to share with my dad. Unfortunately for me, growing up wasn’t what separated me and my father, it was the divorce of my parents that completely changed my dad and the way he treated my family, but more importantly; me. I have not seen or talked to my dad since I was thirteen years old. The actions that are expressed throughout this video portray an idealistic relationship between a father and daughter that I once had, but now envy. The lyrics hold just as much of a meaning to me as the actions. To this day, everyday I receive flowers I instantly am reminded of my father; a proud, caring man who protected me with everything. If I only had my dad to watch me grow up and see me spread my wings. Yes, this song holds a very important place in my heart, but it cannot bring back the relationship of me and my dad.

“Slipped Away” by Avril Lavigne creates a mixture of emotions. Although I don’t exactly believe that this is the best music video, it does capture my attention by the way it consistently jumps from scene to scene. That was the way I lived my life after the loss of my dad. My life continued but I wasn’t always there. I tried pretending to be happy, but inside I knew that I was constantly hurting. The pain of losing someone you never had the chance to say goodbye to is one of the worst pains I have endured in my life, considering the fact it was my dad. I can relate to this video in many instances throughout my life, not just that of losing my dad but also the loss of many friends and other relatives. Most of the people that slipped out of my life weren’t by a cause of death, but because of relationships that grew apart. While repeatedly watching this video, the girl’s face expression is what holds my attention. I can clearly picture me as being that girl. One who tries to be happy, but can’t; One who tries to get over it; but can’t; One who wants to believe it wasn’t her fault; but can’t. Like the girl in the video, all I needed was someone to support me and understand what I was going through to listen and feel my pain. My mom was the one that went through this roller coaster ride with me. She has made me come to the realization that the day my father slipped away was the day that it would never be the same.

"Photograph" by Nickelback could be interpreted as an emotional song with scenes that can relate to anyones life. As his actions relate to the lyrics being sung, I recognize the photographs in the video. A photograph is an entry way to many different doors that may lead to the answer of what is happening in the picture, the emotions, and the time or place. I have always had an unusual obsession with taking pictures and I personally believe that a picture is worth a thousand words. Any photograph can be interpreted in many different ways. Everyone has their own perspectives in life and a picture can have many different meanings. The only person that truly knows the story behind the picture may be the photographer or people in the picture. When I am in an odd mood or need some cheering up, I always turn to pictures of my past which will instantly take me back to a time that I will never forget. It enables me to relive those memories in my mind; some good, some bad, but all unforgettable periods in my life. Looking at a photograph may create a wide array of emotions, it all depends what is taking place in the picture. All people choose their own way of sharing their life stories; I have taken up the hobby of creating scrapbooks to relive the way of my past, present, and near future.

"Apologize" by OneRepublic has a very interesting video that contains a lot of contrast throughout the song. The boyfriend and girlfriend are talking over the phone being hung upside down. There is a table that has different objects which begin to turn around and round. Those objects seem to be something that was or once was apart of their relationship. I believe that the items are spinning as it relates to what must be going on in their minds. The video becomes intense when the flowers and mirror and lightbulb become destroyed one way or another; burnt, broken or left behind. Those destroyed objects are items that relate to my life somehow. Whenever I have gone through a tough time, my world would spin and spin, creating many emotions that I couldn't control. I took my anger on my possessions that meant something to me and the situation I was going through. The video posseses a meaning that those objects can be destroyed on the outside but doesn't hide their importance or past meaning.

“Stand” by Rascal Flatts expresses that throughout life there are going to be many instances that may break you, but you have to make the choice to be the better person and grow from the experience and then just shake it off. This video contains lyrics that create the object in my mind; “You feel like a candle in a hurricane, just like a picture with a broken frame, alone and helpless like you’ve lost your fight, but you’ll be alright, you'll be alright.” This is a motivating song that has helped me in many times of need. I am a self-motivator and this song enables me to have the power to push myself even when the going gets rough. I have learned at a young age that life is tough but to never give up on yourself because everyone is capable of making it. Learning from mistakes; yours and others, is something that everyone needs to grasp out of life and put to good use.Towards the end of the video there was a punching bag that a woman was using. I can relate to relieving my stress with having a punching bag. I used to have a very bad temper that I unfortunately took after my dad. I knew that I didn’t want to become him so I used that as my therapy. Not only did I feel less tense after hitting it, but I felt like a better person on the inside. Just like this song, I have had help motivating myself through a punching bag. When the going gets rough, just stand.

"Girl Next door" by Saving Jane is a perfect high school girl song creating scenes that are present in most every school There are always two sides in that teenage universe and the filmstrip throughout the video shows the two different lifestyles by two very different people. "She is the prom queen, I'm in the marching band, She is a cheerleader, I'm sitting in the stands" are lyrics that identify exactly different worlds of girls in any typical high school. The lyrics can relate to a lot of high school girls who wished they were the popular one and not just the girl next door. In the end it does show that being the girl next door doesn't always have to be a bad thing. You have to make the most out of life to get what you want. The video presents a typical high school with typical people with two very different lifestyles. The high school scenes remind me of the way my high school was. Since my graduating class was so large, there were many different ethnicities, personalities, athletes, geeks, clubs, and classes. My school was run by the popular group choosing the destiny of other kids. The classmates who they felt were below them had no chance. There was no in between; you either had it or you didn't.

"Don't Forget to Remember Me" by Carrie Underwood is a story of a girl getting ready to leave the place she has called home for the past eighteen years of her life. She is going to hit the road to experience the real world, which is what most kids dream of and cannot wait for that day. Experiencing life for your own is something everyone goes through. Leaving home was the day that I counted down for. It finally came and was a very devastating one for my mom and younger brother. Me on the other hand was beyond excited. At first I realized how great the freedom was, but then it hit me that I no longer have everything that I once took for granted. The materialistic things; my own room, free home-cooked meals, shopping money, whatever I needed and more. Being independent is a characteristic that I have always had, but didn't realize how hard it actually is to be independent in the real world. I took many things for granted in life which didn't hit me until I was officialy out on my own. Being on your own is a lot harder than what most kids could ever imagine.

“You’re Beautiful” by Christina Aguilera is a heartwarming song that helps in raising people’s confidence about inner and outer beauty. This song can relate to a large audience because I’m positive many kids and adults have dealt with low self esteem, including myself. The object that has been there throughout my entire life is the mirror represented in this video. Sometimes it has been the enemy, other times it has been the enforcer in my life. Looking into a mirror can make or break you. Sometimes you see something you don’t want to; a person that you wished to never become. At other times you are able to see what you want to become. One point that I got from this video was that people are always judging but sometimes the biggest judger is yourself, especially when you have that mirror to look upon. I feel that my biggest competitor is me, nothing is ever good enough which also makes it worse when others think that of me also. When I take the time to stare into the mirror I truly do see someone that I have always told myself I wasn’t going to become. Although the mirror does show this, it also inspires me to what I need and want to become.

Celine Dion

2007-11-19T01:42:00.000-06:00

Paris going to Jail

2007-11-14T14:27:00.000-06:00

My thoughts when I was first watching this music video was why would someone make such a stupid video? Everything about it tuned me out of wanting to watch any more of it. The graphics were very fake and not up to date. The reason this video was one of the worst ones I have ever seen is because it is hard to make a connection with it. We understand that the story line is about Paris Hilton going to jail, but the person singing is not even here which makes it hard to believe what she is singing. Not only is the video horrible, but the song is as well. It is very hard for me to sit through and watch the video because of all the random scenes, with slutty clothes, creepy policeman, and the jail scenes.

I think celebrities are too exposed to the world, I mean who cares whether they like going to jail or not, and what their every move is in there? While watching the video, it gave me no new information that I have never heard from the news or a magazine. Paris Hilton should not be flaunted as much as she is, she is not a good role-model for young girls or anyone for that matter.

What Hurts the Most

2007-11-11T18:55:00.000-06:00

What hurts the Most by Rascal Flatts is one of my favorite music videos that I have ever seen. All the emotions that are portrayed in it grab my attention and the story line is one that people can relate to. I remember the first time I watched this video was a couple years back when the song became very popular. As I was sitting in my office at work, I was drawn to the teenage girl, who in a way reminded me of myself. The beginning began to make sense and the tears started flowing. I watched it over and over thinking that maybe the ending would be different, something would change to protect the teenage boy. It never changed, and the girl always ended up hurt and losing the one that she loved.
There are many music videos that have the same story line of having a close friend or relative dying. I think that this video draws attention to any age group because they can relate to losing someone close to them. I feel that the meaning of this video is that you shouldn’t take the ones you love for granted, as this could be their last day with you. After watching this, What hurts the most video, and really focusing on what the moral of the song was, I felt as if it really touched me.

Illegal Immigration

2007-11-08T22:39:00.000-06:00

Did you know that illegal immigration in Nebraska has increased dramatically since 1990, averaging 24% of our state population increase? Today in America we are experiencing the largest wave of immigration in over a century consisting of about 11 million illegal immigrants now in the United States. These immigrants have many reasons for moving to America; there is more job opportunity, with better pay, safer communities, access to welfare payments, and better schooling for their children. Although some would argue that having the illegals here is a bad thing, they do have some good that comes with them; like their burritos and other Mexican dishes. In this photograph of a Hispanic male holding a sign saying "No Illegals, No Burritos, You better think twice America," causes controversy across our nation.
Illegal immigration is going to be around for quite awhile because our system is not preventative enough to barricade every single migrant out of America. From the immigrants’ standpoint, all they want is a chance to succeed, and they feel that is where America comes into play. The ad that is represented holds many appeals that helps the man’s ‘protest’ draw more attention.
The controversial picture will capture an audience’s attention as soon as your eye meets the advertisement. The white cardboard or plastic sign with permanent bold, black letters is the first thing that captures the readers’ eyes, but is not the only contribution to this picture. After reading the argument, you can see who is holding the sign; a Hispanic man with a very large sombrero showing off his countries pride. As you look more into detail, irony comes into the picture; there are little American flags surrounding the Hispanic by what seems to be a crowd of people. Maybe a protest was taking place, or a massive invasion of immigrants? The assumption is up to you to decide. All three of the major pieces in this picture are related to produce advertisement to gain attention.
In this political picture, all three of the rhetorical appeals are used, as well as some rhetorical strategies such as illustration, cause and effect, and analogy. Illustration is represented by the large poster that Hispanic man is holding, giving that slight phrase shows us how it may impact one person’s life or let alone a whole country. Cause and effect is illustrated by the Hispanic man stating that as long as they are happy (with being able to live in America), we will be kept happy (because of their good foods). Analogy is also represented in this every day picture by relating all three things to one another; the white cardboard poster, the large sombrero hat, and the American flags.

As you may have noticed this picture is not a typical campaign type for advertising. It looks as if an onlooker just took a snapshot of this Hispanic man fighting for himself and the other immigrants across the world. When you first read over the ad, you may feel a sense of humor behind it, or maybe a different state of mind such as hurt and pain for the poor immigrants. Pathos is used in this ad because it makes the audience feel something or be put into a particular mood. As you look at the man’s face, he shows a sign of desperation and hopelessness, hoping that the audience will have pity for him and all other immigrants. The ad is trying to persuade the audience into being more open of immigrants coming to America, and also persuading us with their delicious foods. Pathos is also represented through this picture based on all the materials that is used; poster, hat, and flags. It helps portray the image that the man wanted to set.
The number of illegal immigrants and our system of allowing them is all based on statistics, facts and government issues. Logos is presented in this picture through the statistical evidence and reason supporting illegal immigration in this country. The fact that this Hispanic man is trying to fight for his rights to live in a free, more economically stable world; America, is based on the facts regarding the ongoing issues of illegal immigration. Ethos can be taken out of this ad as it has an ethical appeal. Showing that people who read this ad should have some sort of ethical appeal or reasoning to make us feel like it is our duty to help the less fortunate people in the world. The icons are also a major part of representing ethos. Those icons make the picture have a logic and meaning to make a convincing argument to an audience.
As the controversial ad may or may not relate to anyone in America or Mexico, it does capture your attention and causes some sort of feeling or reaction; pathos. Most everyone is aware of the ongoing problem America is having with illegal immigrants sneaking over here, but this ad shows a different view than America’s take on it. We may all know that the slightly humorous picture is not going to change all government views on illegal immigration; it is proving that they are taking a stand and are trying for a better life here in America. This typical, day to day picture makes a point while including all the rhetorical strategies and some appeals of what advertisements use.

Motorcycle Accident

2007-10-21T21:51:00.000-05:00

The other night there was a tragic accident that occured in Lincoln. An elderly man was driving his motorcycle, it hit a curb and ended with him skidding, rolling, hitting his head and dying. It was reported that he was wearing no helmet, which could have saved his life. It is a tragic accident, but maybe this man deserved it as he was going against the law and not being safe. There have been too many occuring accidents involving motorcycle deaths, especially dealing with cases that the motorcyclists were wearing no helmets. It is unfortunate that people are unaware of safety and the law.

I have always been afraid of riding any type of motorcycle because of the high accident rate. Many close friends and relatives relating to driving motorcyles have gotten severely injured and died because motorcycles are very unsafe, even if the motorcyclist is wearing safety gear. It is unfortunate that such 'vehicles' have been invented when they are not safe. I would hope that in the future there will be significant changes in addressing the safety issues regarding motorcycles.

Fall

2007-10-17T19:51:00.000-05:00

As the air turns crisp, and the leaves turn to an array of colors, it is a remarkable sign that fall is here. Out of the four seasons, fall is my favorite time of the year. Fall is a perfect time of the year to spend time with family, being grateful, but also being spooked by all the creatures that are around for Halloween. The weather is as comfortable as a as velvet blanket wrapping around your skin. You can smell the air changing, fresh wood being burned and set free. Two important holidays are taken place during this season; Halloween and Thanksgiving.
Halloween is not just a one-day thing; this holiday is prepped for about a month. With haunted houses open, decorations everywhere, and costumes in every store. Halloween is unlike any other holiday, going against the normal traditions. Yes we still have school, but look at the good side; free candy and a chance to dress however you want without being judged.
Thanksgiving is when you get the chance to have the best dinner of the year. The whole family sits together at the grand oak table, hands folded thanking God what we have been given. As life passes we forget what is truly important in life, being ungrateful and unhappy. Thanksgiving reminds us who and what important aspects of our lives are and to appreciate what we have.

Crime

2007-10-14T19:32:00.000-05:00

Crime in Nebraska seems to be at an all-time high, especially areas of Omaha. As you read through newspapers, watch the news, or see it firsthand, there seems to always be new murder trials or shootings that happen in our hometowns. It’s scary to think how close murderers and violent people are around us. Even reading in the Wesleyan newspaper we are informed of all the sexual predators that live around campus that could be a threat to our community. As I was recently flipping through the channels on TV, the breaking news happens to be shootings in North Omaha, saying two black men were shot and police are still on the lookout for the prosecutors. The question is why there are not stronger laws that can help prevent crime and keep the predators locked up.
We would all hope that we can keep ourselves, children and family safe but with the world coming to what it is, this seems to be impossible. It doesn’t matter where you are, crime will follow. People, especially women and children need help to stay protected. It’s sad to know how many creepy freaks there are in our world, many right in our own communities. Since there are such high rates of crime, it would be hard and almost impossible to completely get rid of it. That is why we need better laws to keep the communities safe.

Ryne

2007-10-10T14:25:00.000-05:00

Once was a handsome man who stood tall and proud. He was always happy, which we soon discovered was a lie that was covered up by this incredible smile and goofy laugh that could light up any room. This man loved the game of baseball along with hunting and fishing. In general, he just loved being in the outdoors. Another one of his favorites was partying and hanging out with friends and family. Women adored him, and his buddies were jealous. This one of a kind had so much going for him.
On the early morning of April 12, 2007 my best friend Ryne Jordan Hoaglund made the choice of committing suicide. This day is forever embedded in my heart, along with all the many unforgettable memories. At first I didn’t believe any of the rumors that were being spread around school, thinking it was Ryne; the happiest person I knew, until the principal called me out of class and broke the devastating news to me. My emotions were indescribable, as I didn’t know how to react or what to think. Pictures of his dead body flashed through my head, I instantly became nauseated and left school. I sat in my car for hours that day, crying uncontrollably thinking how Ryne was the definition of a perfect friend. He was always there for me, in many more ways than one. I couldn’t get it through my head as to what would have motivated him to do this. Suicide is something I knew of but I never had to deal with first hand. Although it has only been a mere six months, it has felt like an eternity. Not having him here has put a heavy burden on everyone he left behind. What hurts the most is knowing that this could have been prevented; he just made the choice of not talking to anyone about his problems and choosing the easy way out of life. I know I will see him again someday, as for right now I just thank God that I gained the best guardian angel I could ask for.

Wyuka Cemetery

2007-10-07T14:28:00.000-05:00

The thought of walking on top of thousands of dead bodies sends a chilling rush down my spine,
a sense that I’m being watched over by the ghosts that call Wyuka Cemetery home. The thirty mile per hour winds grab a hold of the plethora of trees that hover above me, the air whistles and dead leaves twirl around my feet. Feeling alone and out of place, I decide to follow an old cracked brick road for my exploration.
As I begin my journey, my eyes are quickly drawn to a magnificent seven foot tall statue, the headstone to what looks like a husband and wife. The marble pillars hold my attention. The amount of money that someone had to have spent on it amazes me. Wyuka Cemetery is filled with many abstract and original graves. As I look around every gravestone is different; ranging in colors, shapes, and sizes. Although most of the colors were somewhat dull and boring, they made the place feel comfortable and relaxing. Some of my favorite shapes of the gravestones were the ones that had unique statues resting above the caskets. Others had animals or odd looking humans, making the headstone look more expensive and high class. But they all have something in common. Each and every gravestone represents a little bit about the person lying under there. Some have quotes engraved; others have pictures stenciled on the headstone of their favorite hobbies, animals, or family.

The wind becomes stronger, freeing the leaves from the trees. Wyuka Cemetery seems as it goes on for miles, protected by a fancy black gate guarding the dead. This funeral home is a welcoming business, filled with inviting colors and much-needed comfort. From a distance, I watch a large family enter the Funeral home, heads facing the concrete ground, seeming unable to face their pain. A beautiful bird soars over me snatching my attention. It settles on a hidden gravesite under an old willow tree. I move closer and feel protected by the family of trees. The bird hums with the wind and rests in the nest under the grave of Mary Davis, which is covered with fresh flowers and ‘happy birthday’ balloons. I whisper a quick prayer and wish her a happy birthday.
My thoughts wander as I’m walking through Wyuka Cemetery. I question life and death, heaven and hell, ghosts and angels. I try to change my state of mind as I realize I will never have the answers to my questions. From a near distance I see a family of three gathered around a grave. From behind a large tree, I watch from a distance. The woman is kneeling, her hands folded as if she is praying, her head droops down, tears rolling from her face. The man is standing a midst; he wears no emotion. A little boy is at his mother’s side comforting her in the best way he knows how. So many thoughts clutter my brain as to what might have happened to the loved one they lost.

I move on, drawing closer to the main street, to my right cars are whizzing by, warm exhaust blowing in my face. To my left is this slow paced world where no one or anything is in a hurry. The Wyuka Cemetery is very calm, a place where I now feel comfortable. The beautiful array of flowers freshen the air and brightens up the dull, gloomy cemetery, letting me feel relaxed. As I continue to wander through Wyuka Cemetery I come to realize that death is a very important aspect of life. We will all be affected by the tragedy someday, sometime, somehow. In reality death is not cheap. The costs for digging the holes, caskets, headstones, and many other behind the scene costs add up and may leave a strenuous burden upon the family, leaving not only a hole in their pockets, but in their hearts as well.
As I’m making my way around the entire cemetery I am imagining a cemetery to be similar to an art gallery. They are both respectable places in our community that is welcome to the public where we can go and observe or commemorate. In both concepts people are viewing something; sculptures, paintings, headstones, abstract art, which in turn will always have the public thinking. An art gallery is full of different paintings or different sculptures that show a part of who the artist is. Similar to a cemetery where every gravestone is different giving hint to viewers a brief insight on whom that person was.
Just imagine if cemeteries would have never been created, and all our passed loved ones were just crushed and thrown away somewhere. I think death would be a lot harder for society to cope with not having a place where we can always turn to for remembrance, hope and prayer. Wyuka Cemetery makes a difference in our community in ways people tend to forget about. I can argue that most of us pass this cemetery often, not realizing the depth and meaning. This place may be a second home to some people or the only place they can turn to for hope, faith and love.
In the past I have always had a hidden fear of visiting a cemetery. I have experienced many losses of people I care about in my short period of life. Whenever I go to any cemetery, the rush of emotions hits me like a hundred bricks, taking me back to a time I don’t want to remember. Coming here has alleviated some of this pain, making me understand that having a cemetery is an important part of the community, only trying to help us as a community remember who were a great part of our lives.

Fire Alert

2007-09-21T00:06:00.001-05:00

The terror and destruction of a fire is devastating. It really makes a person think when something so tragic, such as a fire, WHY things like that happen. Watching this video you can hear the rush of urgency in the reporters’ voice along with sorrow. A fire can be such a devastating loss to people. Not only can you lose irreplaceable items; pictures, videos, important collections but you can also lose a person due to death from the fire. My mind would wander as the reporter kept informing us on the fire, reminiscing to a few months back where a good friend of mine house burnt down. She lost everything, every little thing that you could ever imagine being in your room, house or car. After that tragic incident I realized that I need to appreciate all I have in life and not take anything for granted.
How are firefighters so brave? I ask myself. While watching this video, I had so many emotions running through my body as it really touches my heart that firefighters risk their lives everyday just to help people. So I was grateful that there were so many rescuers at the scene helping, not thinking how this would affect them. The video also made me appreciate that there actually are decent people in this world who not only care about themselves but the well-being of their community. I am very appreciative of the giving people throughout our communities, especially firefighters and policemen who risk their own lives in the attempt to save others. Although I have never been affected by a fire in my own personal life, I know many people that have. This video has reenacted many unforgettable memories that I have witnessing fires and the tragedy that rolls with it. With my sensitive personality, my heart goes out to all that have lost because of a tramatic fire.

Little League Football

2007-09-18T20:58:00.000-05:00

“Hut, hut, HIKE,” shouts the 4’11 little league quarterback. The mini score board flashes on as I’m making my way up to what seems like the never ending bleachers. It’s funny watching the Little League football players trying to take on the humungous Nebraska Wesleyan University football field. As I’m sitting there watching the little midgets push and shove each other around, I’m distracted by the outrageous number of parents who are on there feet screaming and yelling at the referees, coaches and other parents. I hear my name being called, as I glance over I am welcomed by a friendly wave. As I’m trying to make my way over to some familiar faces, my new K-Swiss tennis shoes becomes attached to the biggest, stickiest blob of gum I have ever seen. I catch a glimpse of these little kids giggling from a distance as they watch their little ‘plan in action’.
The Nebraska Wesleyan Football field reminds me of back home, where the intense high school football games took place. The large amounts of people that would attend went out of control to cheer on their teams. The stands were full of intense school spirit, sometimes getting a little out of hand. When the game was close, my heart would always skip a few beats as the quarterback would be running down the field. Half time was my favorite. The crowd would become a little more relaxed, but still with an urgency to see who finishes off the game. Football games can leave lasting memories that have taken place over many years. Some good, bad and unforgettable friday nights. Where the brisk air chills your body, to the hot chocolate being served, and the hundreds of fans shouting creative chants.

As the parents and other youngsters are exiting out the large gates, the stadium has a very different perspective; calm, dirty, and lonely. I can only see the trash that has all been left behind, the scoreboard buzzes and then quickly shuts off, the concession door smacks shut, the place is empty.

Wyuka Cemetery

2007-09-15T19:25:00.000-05:00

Staring for miles on this dreary, gloomy day I feel the pain and hardships of losing someone close. The thousands of gravesites lying beneath me instantly put a frown upon my face. It hurts the most to see the death dates on many, knowing that some did not get to live a full-filled life, and parents having to bury their young, innocent children. Or the others where you can see the death of a family, all having the same rest in peace dates. The Wyuka Cemetery located in Lincoln is one of the nicest funeral gravesites I have ever visited. Going to any gravesite has always been a slight fear of mine, fearing that the pain I once endured would be again experienced. Having to lose someone close to me is one of the hardest experiences I have gone through in my lifetime, especially the suicidal or accidental deaths. As the wind blows, I sense a feeling of spirits swimming around me. The thought worries me, but I know that these people are only trying to help, watching over the ones they left behind. I cannot fathom how many dead people there are in this cemetery, or all the others in Lincoln, let alone the rest of this world. Walking around here makes me question death and the understanding. Why can’t everyone just live until how long WE want? In my religion, I am taught that God has a plan for everyone. I do believe this statement, but sometimes it’s just hard understanding WHY. My eyes are suddenly drawn to this gravesite by the name of Ryne, tears instantly fill my eyes. This boy only lived a few years, but the Ryne I knew lived until he was nineteen, ending his life just a little over five months ago. The images flashing in my mind, the hurt and the pain of losing him, a best friend is indescribable. As I force myself to move on, I find myself stumbling over a gorgeous guardian angel statue, I feel this as a sign Ryne has sent me, reaching out and telling me he is watching over us. At once, my body is warmed and can sense a touch of security. For a moment I can feel at peace knowing that he is in a better place. I am happy that I am leaving this funeral home with the thought that I am being watched over, by all the ones I’ve lost.

2007-09-12T14:13:00.000-05:00

Is being gay a personal choice or were people born like that? This has been a very controversial question for many years. Priests are now responding in the Lincoln Journal Star Newspaper. Reverend Stephen Griffith wants the community to know his feelings about gays, responding to an old article saying “homosexuality is a sin”. Him, along with seven other local priests, agree that the gay population should not be shunned away or discriminated because of their sexuality arguing that God made them that way.
As a child I wasn’t really aware of the gay community, and was confused on why people would make that choice. As the years passed, I met many new friends, mostly straight but a few homosexuals. I came to the realization that being gay was not a choice and you are born that way. It is sad that our nation allows companies to fire a person, male or female; if they find out they are gay. Nebraska, along with thirty other states permits it. How hard would that be to lie on a day to day basis and feel undermined because of your sexual orientation? That has to really take a toll on many people. This is sad that many have to hide their true identity from the world just to hold a job or maybe keep friends.
I was born into a religious Catholic family. We went to church every Sunday and I attended a private school from the age of four to fourteen. Some priests made it seem that being gay was wrong and it was against our religious views, others had no comment. Yes, in the Bible there are some verses that reject homosexuality but does that mean everyone has to? The Bible also says slavery is part of the social system and stoning people to death is okay but we have come to the realization that the Bible is not always right. I am glad that these local priests are speaking their mind, helping people understand that every person in the community should be treated fairly and with respect. Hopefully our local readers are touched by this article and can maybe put their feet in homosexuals’ shoes one day and get a feeling on how they are treated.

National Museum of Roller Skating

2007-09-09T13:23:00.000-05:00

As I entered the house-like museum of Roller Skating, I was amazed by the thousands of pictures, costumes, trophies, skates, pins and much, much more. As I curiously looked around the museum, I was drawn to the hundreds of different types of roller skates that have been traced back since the early 1700’s. The first roller skate had a huge problem; they wouldn’t turn, making skating unsafe and hard to control. This problem was fixed when the father of roller skating, James Leonard Plimpton patented a safer and more efficient roller skate in 1863. Thereafter he opened a skating factory in New York City and Rhode Island, thus turning roller skating into an enjoyable family activity. Since then, there have been rinks on wheels; a traveling rink, ice rinks, roller rinks, and hockey rinks.

There have been many odd and unusual skates, some looking as if they would be impossible to ride. I was drawn to a few certain skates. One was composed of three wheels, each weighing slightly more than seven pounds. Another looked as if the roller skate was sitting on metal stilts, floating a couple feet in the air. Since those skates, patentees have decided there needs to be ways of enforcing to skate safe. Using knee-pads, helmets, elbow pads, and wrist guards have helped this problem. Skating has revolutionized across the world, not only being used as a leisured activity, but also as a competitive sport and delivering meals to people at fast food restaurants. This sport 'rolls' with a few down sides; easily falling, spraining ankles, breaking bones, running into each other, thus explaining why safety is so important.

Same as the roller skate, costumes have changed over the last few decades. The art of skating is enhanced by the costumes that the roller skaters wear. The style has changed dramatically from the 1950’s to today, going from highly decorated to very simple and back to flashy. This museum gives information not only about roller skating but alot of other intersting facts that I would have ever imagined. Since going to this museum, I have a greater appreciation for the sport of skating and a better understanding of where roller skating was invented and how it is used across the world.

Post I: Discourse Surrounding the Essay

2007-09-03T14:38:00.000-05:00

"In reading an essay, I want to feel that I’m communing with a real person, and a person who cares about what he or she’s writing about. The words sound sentimental and trite, but the qualities are rare. For me, an ideal essay is not an assignment, to be dispatched efficiently and intelligently, but and exploration, a questioning, an introspection. I want to see a piece of the essayist. I want to see a mind at work, imagining, spinning, struggling to understand. If the essayist has all the answers, then he isn’t struggling to grasp, and I won’t either. When you care about something, you continually grapple with it, because it is alive in you. It thrashes and moves, like all living things.
When I’m reading a good essay, I feel that I’m going on a journey. The essayist is searching for something and taking me along. That something could be a particular idea, an unraveling of identity, a meaning in the wallow of observations and facts. The facts are important but never enough. An essay, for me, must go past the facts, an essay must travel and move. Even the facts of the essayist’s own history, the personal memoir, are insufficient alone. The facts of the personal history provide anchor, but the essayist then swings in a wide arc on his anchor line, testing and pulling hard."

-Alan Lightman in 'The Ideal Essay'

While reading ‘The ideal essay’, I felt as if Lightman was speaking my mind. His thought on what an essay should consist of is what I have always wanted my essays to capture. For an author to grab my attention and more importantly, hold that attention, the words must go beyond the facts and paint some sort of a visual picture. Don’t get me wrong, the facts are usually vital in creating an essay, but for that essay to go above and beyond means creating your own way of writing to capture the audiences attention going into a greater depth than facts alone. As the author emphasizes the facts this enables the reader to want to know more, and understand that writing an essay can be clever and interesting. Reading an essay should be as if you’re on a journey, always wanting or needing something more. While reading a good essay, the journey should never be a dull one, as you do not want to let the reader down.
In all essays, it is important for me to see the authors’ creativity or personality through their writing. This enables me to fully grasp the material being read, furthering my ability to ask questions and understand the point he or she is trying to get across. I want to know more about the author through their writing to get a sense of their point of view about the essay.
An ideal essay is hard to come across. Essays either have too much information to fully grasp with little creativity or too much creativity with little information. While writing an essay, the author needs to remember that its better not knowing all the answers, ensuring that the reader will be asking questions and struggling to grasp the concept. Some may think this is a bad thing, in reality an essay should make you want to know more and think deeper about the concept or object, going beyond the facts. When given the opportunity to write an essay, don't think of it as an assignment, think of it as an opportunity to explore endless possibilities with your imagination to create a masterpiece for others to read. Lightman's view of an ideal essay helps me understand what real authors want to see in an essay.

Post 1: Test Post

2007-08-30T09:37:00.000-05:00

First Post.