Modern-day farms

As the world is ever-changing and populations growing, there has become a need for those of us more creative and problem-solving minded to come up with ideas to better utilize natural resources for the benefit of all mankind. A wind farm seems to be a good idea. The natural resource of wind cannot be exhausted; it is up to mother nature whether the wind blows or does not. For the individuals who have devised a way to harness that wind and convert it into energy that can be utilized to power many other things, I applaud them. Today's society has become so dependent on electricity and so many other things, I do think it is important that resources are used that will not eventually be devoured by our greed. Others may not agree, as the wind turbines dotted through the landscape, although well-intentioned, can be viewed as an "eyesore" to many citizens. I believe that farms such as this will continue to thrive and grow as much as consumerism seems to continually thrive and grow, but there will be many who say "I don't want this in my backyard" or "I don't want this where I can see it". But, this is the case with many things such as halfway houses or prisons. The majority of society agrees that these are needed things, but no one wants them "in their backyard" or in areas where they will have to see them. Is this somewhat selfish? Yes. Do I feel the same way, that these are needed but that I don't want to live next door to them? Yes. I'm not sure there is an absolute solution to this issue, but somehow, a compromise will need to be reached that is acceptable to the majority. Although I have not done any research into the cost to implement farms such as this, I would imagine that they are rather pricey. However, with the energy that is generated by wind, I would imagine they pay for themselves within a short amount of time as that energy is sold to power stations for supply to the public, who in turn pays a fee for the use of said power. I would hope that this type of energy would be more cost-effective for the consumer, although I do not know that for certain.

Commentary on Political Blogs

This week's assignment is to select and discuss political blogs - one from the "left" and one from the "right. For me, this is difficult, as it is in my nature to avoid all things politics whenever possible. I personally do not care for all of the hype and drama that seems to be inherent in politics. With that being said, I will TRY to be objective in my comments, but keep in mind, this is merely the opinion of a person who knows little about the political machine.

For this assignment, I've looked at The Huffington Post for the left, and Hot Air for the right. With opposing political ideals and opinions, both of these blogs appear to use similar techniques in their arguments, intended to sway the reader's opinion into their arena. One of the techniques is the use of name-calling. On the right, claims are made that The Huffington Post is siding with terrorists - and - shh.....don't tell the DNC because their claim is that if you are amused by Obama's being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, you are on the side of terrorists. Uuugghh!! Really? If one questions whether an award winner is deserving of the award he has been given, how exactly is that "siding with terrorists"?! On the left, one commentary thinks its a great thing that Obama has been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, but puts forth a call for him to earn the award given. BUT....isn't one supposed to have earned it in order to receive the award in the first place??? The left comments about the on-going war and suggests that troops should be returned home, and that the issues being addressed by armed forces in that region of the world should actually be addressed by the people of those nations. On this, I lean toward agreement. Although I believe that if these nations ask for the assistance of the US Armed Forces, it should be given - with limits, it is actually ultimately up to the people who want freedom or change to fight for it, not have it forced upon them by the US or any other nation.

Both sides of arguments seem to have a tendency to use multiple political rhetoric techniques - name-calling, argumentum ad hominem, transfer of guilt, faulty cause and effect, and the two-extremes fallacy. It is difficult to weed through all of the sarcasm and rhetoric on either side to determine if there's any true message at all...

The film industry seems to be ever-changing, as most everything seems to be. As an action-movie junkie, a lot of the new films being released are enjoyable for me, because of all the special effects. Realistic? Not necessarily, but, because movies are an escape from reality (for me anyways), they really don't have to be. All they have to do is entertain me and "take me away" from real life for a couple of hours. I'm not one to go to the theater, I wait until the film comes out on DVD and then buy it. I personally don't care for the theater for a couple of reasons. One of these is that there are so many rude people who talk on their cell phones during movies or text or just chat in general and don't seem to have any consideration for those who are trying to enjoy a movie. Another is the expense - I can buy a DVD and watch it as many times as I want for less than it costs to pay for three people to get into the movie theater! I haven't seen anything new lately, but am looking forward to a couple of movies, particularly 'Fast and Furious' and 'Transformers: Rise of the Fallen'. I'll be buying those two as soon as I can to watch in the comfort of my own living room, where you can hit the 'pause' button if you have to get up for a moment, so you don't miss anything!

I do think that film is still a viable art form, and some filmmakers are coming out with more reality-based movies that can grab your heart. I do think that some, but not all, movie theaters will survive our culture's growing interest in internet and television. For some families, going to the theater is a special treat, a family event, if you will. For others, the atmosphere of the theater with the giant screen and speakers makes the effect complete. Not my personal thing, but many people do enjoy that, and for those that do, they will continue to fork out tons of money to see films where they were intended to be seen - at the theater.

Any number of images can bring powerful reactions from people. One such symbol is the swastika. It is an ugly symbol of hatred and persecution of particular groups of people. Seeing this symbol causes me to shudder, as I see pictures of concentration camps, barbed wire fences covered in razor wire and piles of bodies in mass graves. This symbol easily prompts an array of emotions from sadness to anger, and sympathy for the millions of people who suffered so tremendously at the hands of the Nazi people.

A happier image that comes to mind is the white picket fence surrounding a lush green lawn and two story home. This brings to my mind simpler times, when mothers were able to stay home and raise children while husbands went to work to provide financially for the family. This is an image that many refer to as the American Dream - a goal that many citizens set for themselves to achieve. That image has changed a bit over time, as in the present day it is rare for mothers to be able to stay home with their children. This, in part, is due to the economy and inflation. However, the dream of home ownership will always be considered the American Dream, associated with the image of the lovely home, well-maintained yard, surrounded by a white picket fence.

"Embedded reporters" are journalists who travel into combat zones with military units. The live, eat, sleep and breathe with the members of these units and develop a camaraderie and kinship with them, almost becoming family members with shared experiences. The soldiers are tasked with keeping the journalists safe; the journalists are there to tell the soldiers story. Is this an appropriate way to report the news? In my opinion, no. It is appropriate for reporting human interest stories such as the difficulty of leaving one's family - life, really - behind to go to war, however, in my mind, it would be nearly, if not impossible, to report facts of war in an unbiased, objective manner. I think that this "embedding" program was implemented to garner support for the war, and I recall watching Dana Kay on News Channel 5 as she traveled with her assigned unit. I liked her style of reporting and was aware of her bias (however unintended) towards "her" soldiers. I don't think "embedded reporting" should have gone on; I believe the program was nothing but a war propaganda tactic of the Bush administration.
I would imagine that the soldiers had mixed feelings about embedded reporters. On the negative side, it would be a major pain in the behind to have to "babysit" a reporter who likely had never seen combat and whose inexperience could potentially cause a soldier to be injured or lose his life. Alternatively, it would be encouraging, as a soldier, to know that family and friends back home were receiving timely information and that information would very likely be positive.
One reporter discussed an experience during battle that allowed him to get satellite signal to upload photographs in order to meet his deadline. "I just couldn't believe it. It was more accommodating than anything I've ever done since," said USA Today Photographer Jack Gruber. The captain of the unit he was with opened the vehicle hatch during the fighting, which enabled Mr. Gruber to get a signal and meet his deadline.
Because of the nature of war itself, any attempts to portray the civilians version of events can be difficult, at best, for embedded reporters. Since these reporters always have a military escort, the likelihood that the civilians speak freely about their opinions is slight. Washington Post reporter David Finkel also noted that being embedded as a reporter is really the only somewhat safe way to report from Iraq presently. He says "At the beginning, if you were American, you were somewhat welcome, but that's not the case at this point." He cites the high risk potential for being kidnapped or killed if reporters were to attempt to travel freely now as they did in the early days of the war.

http://americanobserver.net/2007/12/04/iraq-2/
accessed 9/17/09

Propaganda is a means used to convince individuals of things that can be positive or negative. I have always been of the opinion that propaganda is negative, but am learning that this is not always the case. It is actually just a technique of persuasion or publicity to attempt to sway opinions for a variety of reasons. These reasons can include politics, goods or services, religion, or any number of issues for which someone wants the reader, viewer or listener to believe as they do. Propaganda takes may forms: advertising, publicity, testimonial, public relations, etc. One example of propaganda in the form of advertising is a commercial that urges ladies to purchase a beauty product that claims to "make fine lines look visibly smaller in just four weeks", thereby making the lady look younger. Another example of propaganda is evangelism, particularly on television or a tent revival. The preacher or leader of the revival makes claims, preying on people's fears, dreams or health issues, and claims that if you give lots of money, you will be saved or cured or will prosper. These claims are an inflation of reality. While belief in a higher power can be extremely powerful, belief alone is not the cure for what ails a person. It is the combination of belief, along with a sincere effort on the part of the believer, to work harder, live healthier, save more, etc. The final example I provide is from the most recent Presidential election. It was revealed by political rivals that the long-time pastor of a candidate was promoting hate and racism. The candidate and his staff spun the story, quickly distancing him from this pastor and repeatedly stated that the candidate did not share the beliefs and theories of his long-time pastor. Apparently, this spin was successful, because the former candidate was elected to the Presidency.

When I sit down to write, I tend to curl up in the corner of the sofa with pen in hand, soft pillows behind me and get comfortable. I prefer to read novels filled with suspense, romance and laughter; writing comes as somewhat of a challenge. My home is filled with beautiful displays of wildlife, and in those items I find inspiration. Many may think it strange, but to me, it is the beauty of earth and life that helps me to focus on the task at hand. When I'm not writing, I find myself in awe of the nature we have brought into our home and wish for the perfect wooded area to sit, relax and enjoy the fresh air and scent of cedar trees, the chilling yet beautiful sound of the howl of coyotes and the spine-tingling gobble of a great big Tom.