tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20832515324052904392024-03-12T22:51:56.439-04:00DigA casual stroll through the lunatic asylum shows that faith does not prove anything.B. W. Fullfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03073972290360672401noreply@blogger.comBlogger63125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2083251532405290439.post-51437875843198584622011-03-24T20:12:00.000-04:002011-03-24T20:12:13.185-04:00Preemptive Questions for Ralph Nader<a href="http://deemable.com/sports/2011/03/preemptive-questions-for-ralph-nader/">Preemptive Questions for Ralph Nader</a><br /><br /><p>It is being <a href="http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jQEeUCrikgmEsy0UKPPDstWllCGw?docId=63b786f8f9da4524941791448deef591" target="_blank">reported </a>by multiple media outlets that former presidential candidate Ralph Nader “is calling for the elimination of college athletic scholarships, saying the move is necessary to ‘de-professionalize’ college athletes.” Though almost completely absent of detail, the Associated Press story (they have obtained a copy prior to the official release) notes the following:</p> <blockquote><p>Nader argues that his plan would also help reduce the “win-at-all-costs” mentality in high schools, by reducing the incentive of college scholarships.</p></blockquote> <p>Additionally the piece notes:</p> <blockquote><p>Nader’s <a href="http://www.leagueoffans.org/blog/" target="_blank">League of Fans</a>, a group aimed at reforming sports, proposes that the scholarships be replaced with need-based financial aid. He says that would help restore academic integrity to college sports.</p></blockquote> <p>Now in fairness to Nader the context of such a statement demands self-control of the public. There could be qualifying stipulations to the argument which would not marginalize a segment of our nation’s students.</p> <p>Yet there is something to be gleaned from the sparse information at hand.</p> <p>First, the use of “win-at-all-costs” seems to present itself an unfair generalization of high school athletics in general. I will use football as an example.</p> <p>Atlantic Coast High School was recently opened in my Jacksonville, Florida neighborhood. One of the most prominent additions that the school brought with it was a successful and well-respected football coach by the name of <a href="http://jacksonville.com/sports/high_school/2010-01-19/story/kevin_sullivan_hired_as_football_coach_at_new_school_atlantic_co" target="_blank">Kevin Sullivan</a>. Coach Sullivan had spent the previous 11 seasons with inner-city Jackson High School, leading them to a 93-33 record over that time.</p> <p>Earlier this year Sullivan was <a href="http://jacksonville.com/sports/football/jaguars/2011-01-20/story/atlantic-coasts-kevin-sullivan-finalist-nfl-award" target="_blank">nominated </a>for the NFL’s first annual Don Shula Coach of the Year award. St. Augustine High School coach, Joe Wiles, offered his opinion on Sullivan.</p> <blockquote><p>Kevin is very deserving. He does a lot with underprivileged kids and really goes out of his way. He’s relentless about getting his players into college, so that they can lead better lives. He’s always been a guy that is incredibly unselfish and all about his kids.</p></blockquote> <p>I am not so naive to believe that any coach is a Christ figure and may not, at times, make a decision which might lean a bit towards Nader’s qualification, but I have experienced Sullivan first hand and his philosophy is considerably student before athlete.</p> <p>Should we think for one second that he is alone? What of the 28 other <a href="http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d81dc38c8/article/nominees-for-shula-coach-of-the-year" target="_blank">nominees</a>, much less Ray Seals from Madison High School in Houston, Texas, the <a href="http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/hso/7413083.html" target="_blank">coach</a> that actually won the Coach of the Year award? It is clearly unfair to diminish the accomplishments of these and other great men, and women, based on the abuses of others.</p> <p>Next is the correlation between the “need” to win at the high school level and the “professional” atmosphere of college athletics. While it might look good on a coaches resume to “win-at-all-costs,” it does not necessarily follow that said coach’s focus is on getting players to the next level. A coach could just as easily sit a star player in favor of another due to personal issues and still win.</p> <p>Simply put, if the coach puts the coach first there is no “incentive” beyond the want to win at the high school level.</p> <p>Moving our inquiry into the collegiate realm, would Nader have us believe that ever sport at every level is run in a “professional” mind-set? What of those which do not have a payday after college like field hockey, soccer or swimming? There is certainly a degree of anticipation regarding whether Nader will group athletics at the NCAA Div-1 and Div-2 level with NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics) Div-1\2 and NJCAA (National Junior College Athletic Association) schools.</p> <p>He may simply be riding the March Madness wave, but his actual targets may be disclosed in a quote from this <a href="http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20110324/ap_on_sp_ot/us_nader_athletic_scholarships" target="_blank">piece</a>:</p> <blockquote><p>…it’s time we step back and finally address the myth of amateurism surrounding big-time college football and basketball in this country.</p></blockquote> <p>Lastly, the students themselves may be the most interesting component of his proposition. Beyond the perception that Nader is framing all coaches of all sports as a problem there exists the limitation on the kids. For some, even those who might not qualify for “need-based financial aid,” the only means of attending college is through athletic scholarships.</p> <p>Since Nader’s attempt is to put a greater focus on academics we should assume his position accounts for that. NCAA D-3 schools, who do not offer athletic scholarships, do offer <a href="http://www.blog.collegeathleticscholarships.net/athletic-scholarships/sports-scholarships-what-are-my-options/" target="_blank">aid</a> for those students being recruited for athletics in the form of grants and other scholarships.</p> <p>Yet even in the D-3 example the act of playing a sport still rewards the player and thereby elevates high school athletics.</p> <p>It may be the case that I am simply criticizing <em>The Last Temptations of Christ</em> without actually seeing it. Let me be clear that it is not my purpose to render any decision.</p> <p>When I first saw the release my first reaction was to applaud him for taking a stand. It would be disingenuous of us to ignore the bloated self-worth that college football and basketball carry as a proud standard, but does that warrant eliminating scholarships for all sports?</p> <p>It is fair to wonder just how Nader might plan to accomplish this cleansing. At the very least I think these questions warrant answers if he is going to win us over.</p>B. W. Fullfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03073972290360672401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2083251532405290439.post-17581318739428912202010-12-19T20:47:00.003-05:002010-12-19T21:33:40.416-05:00Be Careful Where You Put Blame In Jaguars LossLooks like Dominic Rhodes was right. Today at Lucas Oil Field the big brother got the best of his up and coming younger sibling as the Jaguars fell to a well prepared Colts team 34-24.<br />
<br />
The 10 point victory both is and is not misleading. Tyjuan Hagler's 41 yard onside kick off return was a garbage score but the Jaguars 67 rushing yards discloses the fact that Jacksonville was playing from behind the entire game thanks to a rebirth of the feared Peyton Manning.<br />
<br />
Sure would have been nice to see the faulty one.<br />
<br />
If we are being totally honest, had Austin Collie not been taken out due to a concussion Manning might have doubled his output. With the weapons of Collie, Garcon and Wayne at his disposal, the first half was a clinic on how to confuse a defense. Jaguars defenders were turned around and out of position as if they were looking for that last seat in a game of musical chairs.<br />
<br />
There was, however, no quit from the visitors. Garrard, statistically, out performed his counterpart and save an overthrow of Jason Hill that was intercepted on a sure scoring drive, he might just have been the hero we have seen in some of the great wins this season. Behind some shaky protection which allowed David to get pounded on multiple occasions, number nine kept picking himself off the turf, allowing the surprising Jaguars to show everyone that you had better be prepared to play 60 minutes of football.<br />
<br />
And it was not just David making plays. There was a Mike Thomas punt return for a touchdown, a Marcedes Lewis acrobatic one handed catch and a wasted sack by Daryl Smith.<br />
<br />
In the end there were simply too many mistakes to overcome. The aforementioned interception, an unfortunate fumbled punt by Thomas, problems with the toss pitch and a questionable fourth down attempt are but a few guffaws that the Colts managed to avoid while the Jaguars monopolized them.<br />
<br />
However, when all is said and done, I blame myself.<br />
<br />
I knew my role in this team's success and I failed to live up to my obligation. The same long sleeve teal performance shirt was worn over my gray Nike cold weather shirt (temperature appropriate). The beard was not cut, except for the bits of mustache hair which had begun to obscure my mouth.<br />
<br />
But instead of the Jaguars visor or Live Strong head warmer I grabbed my Jaguars ski cap. There was a third layer on the torso: a short sleeved UNF tee shirt. For the first time all season I watched an away game from other than the comfort of my own home.<br />
<br />
Consider this. The good luck beard, Amish style, began growing before the home game versus the Titans. After that travesty the full beard was adopted. Since then loses made perfect sense based on what I did. I was on the Appalachian Trail for the Kansas City game and I was in the gym for the first half of the Giants game.<br />
<br />
Dressed properly and in attendance for the home games, while on the coach for all of the Cowboys and Titans games, the formula was obvious but my hubris got the best of me when I agreed to cheer on the teal and black from Chicago Pizza at the Jacksonville Landing.<br />
<br />
Now in my defense my daughter was performing at the Landing at 4:15 so I would have missed her troop's rendition of songs from Suessical the Musical. But I have seen it twice already this month. Watching a Jaguars home playoff game is a rare bird that has not shown it's beak in 11 years. The decision should have been easy regardless of what the wife and kid said.<br />
<br />
The universe has its laws and she is unforgiving when you break them.<br />
<br />
So while you are reading the articles and listening to the comments on who to blame and why, give the players and coaches some slack. This one is on me.<br />
<br />
- Brian FullfordB. W. Fullfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03073972290360672401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2083251532405290439.post-69177628786907190022010-12-15T22:08:00.001-05:002010-12-15T22:12:39.605-05:00My Sportswriting History<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:OfficeDocumentSettings> <o:AllowPNG/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves/> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:DoNotPromoteQF/> <w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/> <w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/> <w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/> <w:OverrideTableStyleHps/> </w:Compatibility> <m:mathPr> <m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/> <m:brkBin m:val="before"/> <m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/> <m:smallFrac m:val="off"/> <m:dispDef/> <m:lMargin m:val="0"/> <m:rMargin m:val="0"/> <m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/> <m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/> <m:intLim m:val="subSup"/> <m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/> </m:mathPr></w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267"> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";}
</style> <![endif]--> <a href="http://www.bigcatcountry.com/2010/12/13/1873246/jaguars-wind-sprints-the-ship-defended-addition">http://www.bigcatcountry.com/2010/12/13/1873246/jaguars-wind-sprints-the-ship-defended-addition</a> <br />
<a href="http://www.bigcatcountry.com/2010/12/6/1859164/wind-sprints-the-titanic-effort-edition">http://www.bigcatcountry.com/2010/12/6/1859164/wind-sprints-the-titanic-effort-edition</a> <br />
<a href="http://www.bigcatcountry.com/2010/12/3/1853637/depending-on-your-optimism-this-could-all-be-over-in-three-weeks">http://www.bigcatcountry.com/2010/12/3/1853637/depending-on-your-optimism-this-could-all-be-over-in-three-weeks</a> <br />
<a href="http://www.bigcatcountry.com/2010/11/26/1836667/a-rested-ahmad-bradshaw-might-not-be-what-the-jaguars-need">http://www.bigcatcountry.com/2010/11/26/1836667/a-rested-ahmad-bradshaw-might-not-be-what-the-jaguars-need</a> <br />
<a href="http://www.bigcatcountry.com/2010/11/24/1834016/giving-thanks-for-the-jaguars">http://www.bigcatcountry.com/2010/11/24/1834016/giving-thanks-for-the-jaguars</a> <br />
<a href="http://www.bigcatcountry.com/2010/11/22/1829579/jaguars-wind-sprints-the-brownout-edition">http://www.bigcatcountry.com/2010/11/22/1829579/jaguars-wind-sprints-the-brownout-edition</a> <br />
<a href="http://www.bigcatcountry.com/2010/11/21/1827553/strong-first-half-is-key-to-jaguars-victory">http://www.bigcatcountry.com/2010/11/21/1827553/strong-first-half-is-key-to-jaguars-victory</a> <br />
<a href="http://www.bigcatcountry.com/2010/10/19/1762038/where-is-the-progress-in-jacksonville">http://www.bigcatcountry.com/2010/10/19/1762038/where-is-the-progress-in-jacksonville</a> <br />
<a href="http://www.bigcatcountry.com/2010/10/8/1739572/jaguars-silver-linings-and-sinking-ships">http://www.bigcatcountry.com/2010/10/8/1739572/jaguars-silver-linings-and-sinking-ships</a> <br />
<a href="http://www.bigcatcountry.com/2010/10/4/1729327/josh-scobee-saves-jaguars-from-another-moral-victory-versus-the-colts">http://www.bigcatcountry.com/2010/10/4/1729327/josh-scobee-saves-jaguars-from-another-moral-victory-versus-the-colts</a> <br />
<a href="http://www.bigcatcountry.com/2010/9/27/1716076/for-the-jaguars-the-question-is-not-what-if-but-what-now">http://www.bigcatcountry.com/2010/9/27/1716076/for-the-jaguars-the-question-is-not-what-if-but-what-now</a> <br />
<a href="http://www.bigcatcountry.com/2010/9/27/1714475/jaguars-silver-linings-and-sinking-ships">http://www.bigcatcountry.com/2010/9/27/1714475/jaguars-silver-linings-and-sinking-ships</a> <br />
<a href="http://www.bigcatcountry.com/2010/9/22/1703746/jaguars-wind-sprints-the-furry">http://www.bigcatcountry.com/2010/9/22/1703746/jaguars-wind-sprints-the-furry</a> <br />
<a href="http://www.bigcatcountry.com/2010/9/19/1698811/jaguar-fans-put-on-your-thick-skin">http://www.bigcatcountry.com/2010/9/19/1698811/jaguar-fans-put-on-your-thick-skin</a> <br />
<a href="http://www.bigcatcountry.com/2010/9/19/1697778/jaguars-wind-sprints-the">http://www.bigcatcountry.com/2010/9/19/1697778/jaguars-wind-sprints-the</a> <br />
<a href="http://www.bigcatcountry.com/2010/9/13/1685882/jaguars-tyson-alualu-blows-in-with">http://www.bigcatcountry.com/2010/9/13/1685882/jaguars-tyson-alualu-blows-in-with</a> <br />
<a href="http://www.bigcatcountry.com/2010/9/12/1682221/jaguars-wind-sprints-the-rebellion">http://www.bigcatcountry.com/2010/9/12/1682221/jaguars-wind-sprints-the-rebellion</a> <br />
<a href="http://www.bigcatcountry.com/2010/9/7/1675072/jaguar-fans-you-should-care-tim">http://www.bigcatcountry.com/2010/9/7/1675072/jaguar-fans-you-should-care-tim</a> <br />
<a href="http://www.bigcatcountry.com/2010/9/2/1664739/jaguars-wind-sprints-the-dont">http://www.bigcatcountry.com/2010/9/2/1664739/jaguars-wind-sprints-the-dont</a> <br />
<a href="http://www.bigcatcountry.com/2010/8/28/1655446/jaguars-wind-sprints-the-bear">http://www.bigcatcountry.com/2010/8/28/1655446/jaguars-wind-sprints-the-bear</a> <br />
<a href="http://www.bigcatcountry.com/2010/8/20/1634058/wind-sprints-the-preseason-matters">http://www.bigcatcountry.com/2010/8/20/1634058/wind-sprints-the-preseason-matters</a> <br />
<a href="http://www.bigcatcountry.com/2010/8/16/1625118/there-is-no-quarterback">http://www.bigcatcountry.com/2010/8/16/1625118/there-is-no-quarterback</a> <br />
<a href="http://www.bigcatcountry.com/2010/8/13/1622038/jaguars-preseason-game-one-6">http://www.bigcatcountry.com/2010/8/13/1622038/jaguars-preseason-game-one-6</a> <br />
<a href="http://www.bigcatcountry.com/2010/8/10/1539823/wind-sprints-the-it-has-started">http://www.bigcatcountry.com/2010/8/10/1539823/wind-sprints-the-it-has-started</a> <br />
<a href="http://www.bigcatcountry.com/2010/4/24/1441227/jaguars-at-browns-2009">http://www.bigcatcountry.com/2010/4/24/1441227/jaguars-at-browns-2009</a> <br />
<a href="http://www.bigcatcountry.com/2010/4/20/1412910/wind-sprints-nfl-2010-draft">http://www.bigcatcountry.com/2010/4/20/1412910/wind-sprints-nfl-2010-draft</a> <br />
<a href="http://www.bigcatcountry.com/2010/4/8/1412031/want-to-know-who-to-draft-just">http://www.bigcatcountry.com/2010/4/8/1412031/want-to-know-who-to-draft-just</a> <br />
<a href="http://www.bigcatcountry.com/2010/2/23/1322706/addressing-quarterback-in-the">http://www.bigcatcountry.com/2010/2/23/1322706/addressing-quarterback-in-the</a> <br />
<a href="http://www.bigcatcountry.com/2010/2/17/1315232/let-history-be-your-guide-for-the">http://www.bigcatcountry.com/2010/2/17/1315232/let-history-be-your-guide-for-the</a> <br />
<a href="http://www.bigcatcountry.com/2010/2/17/1314286/2010/2/17/1314286/could-the-san-diego-chargers-be-a">http://www.bigcatcountry.com/2010/2/17/1314286/2010/2/17/1314286/could-the-san-diego-chargers-be-a</a> <br />
<a href="http://www.bigcatcountry.com/2010/2/16/1313537/bobby-mccray-are-you-taking-crazy">http://www.bigcatcountry.com/2010/2/16/1313537/bobby-mccray-are-you-taking-crazy</a> <br />
<a href="http://www.bigcatcountry.com/2010/2/11/1306798/2010-scouting-report-brian-price">http://www.bigcatcountry.com/2010/2/11/1306798/2010-scouting-report-brian-price</a> <br />
<a href="http://www.bigcatcountry.com/2010/1/13/1248908/2010-will-be-a-season-of-trust">http://www.bigcatcountry.com/2010/1/13/1248908/2010-will-be-a-season-of-trust</a> <br />
<a href="http://www.bigcatcountry.com/2010/1/11/1245240/what-is-the-wayne-weavers">http://www.bigcatcountry.com/2010/1/11/1245240/what-is-the-wayne-weavers</a> <br />
<a href="http://www.bigcatcountry.com/2010/1/7/1238284/looking-at-some-mocks-with-fear">http://www.bigcatcountry.com/2010/1/7/1238284/looking-at-some-mocks-with-fear</a> <br />
<a href="http://www.bigcatcountry.com/2010/1/3/1231863/let-the-draft-talk-begin-jaguars">http://www.bigcatcountry.com/2010/1/3/1231863/let-the-draft-talk-begin-jaguars</a> <br />
<a href="http://www.bigcatcountry.com/2010/1/1/1229780/jaguars-sit-three-starters">http://www.bigcatcountry.com/2010/1/1/1229780/jaguars-sit-three-starters</a> <br />
<a href="http://www.bigcatcountry.com/2009/12/28/1221617/loss-to-patriots-concludes-late">http://www.bigcatcountry.com/2009/12/28/1221617/loss-to-patriots-concludes-late</a> <br />
<a href="http://www.bigcatcountry.com/2009/12/24/1218881/wind-sprints-week-15-the-holiday">http://www.bigcatcountry.com/2009/12/24/1218881/wind-sprints-week-15-the-holiday</a> <br />
<a href="http://www.bigcatcountry.com/2009/12/24/1217388/jaguar-fans-do-you-believe-in">http://www.bigcatcountry.com/2009/12/24/1217388/jaguar-fans-do-you-believe-in</a> <br />
<a href="http://www.bigcatcountry.com/2009/12/18/1206867/history-is-written-by-the">http://www.bigcatcountry.com/2009/12/18/1206867/history-is-written-by-the</a> <br />
<a href="http://www.bigcatcountry.com/2009/12/16/1202057/beating-the-colts-is-simple-math">http://www.bigcatcountry.com/2009/12/16/1202057/beating-the-colts-is-simple-math</a> <br />
<a href="http://www.bigcatcountry.com/2009/12/14/1199921/wind-sprints-week-14-the-fish-that">http://www.bigcatcountry.com/2009/12/14/1199921/wind-sprints-week-14-the-fish-that</a> <br />
<a href="http://www.bigcatcountry.com/2009/12/9/1192903/jaguars-vs-dolphins-fun-facts-to">http://www.bigcatcountry.com/2009/12/9/1192903/jaguars-vs-dolphins-fun-facts-to</a> <br />
<a href="http://www.bigcatcountry.com/2009/12/8/1190058/dissecting-mjds-game-clinching-run">http://www.bigcatcountry.com/2009/12/8/1190058/dissecting-mjds-game-clinching-run</a> <br />
<a href="http://www.bigcatcountry.com/2009/12/7/1188596/wind-sprints-week-13">http://www.bigcatcountry.com/2009/12/7/1188596/wind-sprints-week-13</a> <br />
<a href="http://www.bigcatcountry.com/2009/12/4/1185462/are-you-a-fan-based-on-the">http://www.bigcatcountry.com/2009/12/4/1185462/are-you-a-fan-based-on-the</a> <br />
<a href="http://www.bigcatcountry.com/2009/12/1/1181591/wind-sprints-week-12">http://www.bigcatcountry.com/2009/12/1/1181591/wind-sprints-week-12</a> <br />
<a href="http://www.bigcatcountry.com/2009/12/1/1180271/jaguars-hosting-the-texans-in">http://www.bigcatcountry.com/2009/12/1/1180271/jaguars-hosting-the-texans-in</a> <br />
<a href="http://www.bigcatcountry.com/2009/11/25/1174439/wind-sprints">http://www.bigcatcountry.com/2009/11/25/1174439/wind-sprints</a> <br />
<a href="http://www.bigcatcountry.com/2009/11/1/1110440/weighed-measured-and-found-wanting">http://www.bigcatcountry.com/2009/11/1/1110440/weighed-measured-and-found-wanting</a> <br />
<a href="http://www.bigcatcountry.com/2009/10/5/1070827/make-the-statement-on-the-field">http://www.bigcatcountry.com/2009/10/5/1070827/make-the-statement-on-the-field</a> <br />
<a href="http://www.bigcatcountry.com/2009/9/30/1061972/the-history-should-fill-this">http://www.bigcatcountry.com/2009/9/30/1061972/the-history-should-fill-this</a> <br />
<a href="http://www.bigcatcountry.com/2009/9/28/1059400/roller-coaster-of-love">http://www.bigcatcountry.com/2009/9/28/1059400/roller-coaster-of-love</a> <br />
<a href="http://www.bigcatcountry.com/2009/8/25/1001828/eagles-game-more-about-jack">http://www.bigcatcountry.com/2009/8/25/1001828/eagles-game-more-about-jack</a> <br />
<a href="http://www.bigcatcountry.com/2009/8/18/993600/living-the-24-hour-rule">http://www.bigcatcountry.com/2009/8/18/993600/living-the-24-hour-rule</a> <br />
<a href="http://www.bigcatcountry.com/2009/8/17/991801/the-first-job-interview">http://www.bigcatcountry.com/2009/8/17/991801/the-first-job-interview</a> <br />
<a href="http://www.bigcatcountry.com/2009/7/31/971425/what-to-expect-from-the-rookies">http://www.bigcatcountry.com/2009/7/31/971425/what-to-expect-from-the-rookies</a> <br />
<a href="http://www.bigcatcountry.com/2009/7/9/943251/mike-thomas-signs-jacksonville-com">http://www.bigcatcountry.com/2009/7/9/943251/mike-thomas-signs-jacksonville-com</a> <br />
<a href="http://www.bigcatcountry.com/2009/7/7/577202/q-a-with-paul-kuharsky">http://www.bigcatcountry.com/2009/7/7/577202/q-a-with-paul-kuharsky</a> <br />
<a href="http://www.bigcatcountry.com/2008/7/25/578842/slipping-into-madness-grov">http://www.bigcatcountry.com/2008/7/25/578842/slipping-into-madness-grov</a>B. W. Fullfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03073972290360672401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2083251532405290439.post-32662667765491803822010-12-07T23:33:00.003-05:002010-12-07T23:40:40.509-05:00A Bit of Christmas GleeThe standard reply when asked if I really watch Glee is usually, "Well I have a 10 year old daughter and she just loves it." Truth is, I love it too. It is a weekly one hour musical that often serves to tug at some string within my heart.<br />
<br />
Tonight's Christmas episode embraced The Grinch storyline with Sue Sylvester as the loathsome green antagonist. There may be no better villain in all of TV land. It also included a comical portrayal of Brittany and her belief that Santa Claus is real.<br />
<br />
Looking beyond what has become a tired storyline of Finn and Rachel was the embodiment of what many want from the season: belief in better.<br />
<br />
Finn consistently pressed to look beyond the verbal and physical revulsion to the choir caroling through classrooms. He pressed that others had it worse when the club came across Sue's Grinch inspired trashing of their tree, choir room and theft of gifts for needy children.<br />
<br />
Brittany, to the shock of her friends, treated Christmas as if she were five. Artie, her wheel chair bound boyfriend, pleaded that no one disclose the truth. He had them go to the mall to sit on Santa's lap to show they too believed. They even went as far to ask the football coach (a hefty woman) to dress up as Santa and break into Brittany's house so she could take back the Christmas wish the mall Santa said he would honor: that Artie would walk.<br />
<br />
What each managed to do was elevate those around them.<br />
<br />
Finn's demand for being in the season found the club in the teacher's lounge where a cold Sue's heart was eventually melted. As she watched her fellow educators donate what little they had to replace the pilfered gifts, the power of giving finally overcame her years of holiday pain.<br />
<br />
Brittany's belief inspired someone (we were made to believe the coach as she smile secretly outside the choir room doors) to pay a large sum of money to purchase a device which helped Artie walk. With the students questioning who made such a sacrifice, they happily attributed it to a Christmas miracle.<br />
<br />
For a moment there was a collective belief things could get better.<br />
<br />
In the end the glee club, at Sue's bidding and with Sue, are found in Schuester's house decorating a new tree with all the "stolen" presents under it. Ms Sylvester discloses the truth of how and why and we end with the two enemies wishing each other a Merry Christmas, refuting Will's belief that he would be alone for Christmas.<br />
<br />
There is not a whole lot of digging to be done here: the message is obvious. As was recently noted by a friend on Facebook,<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody"> "If people put half as much effort coming up with solutions to problems as they do complaining about problems the world would be a better place."</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody">It is as basic as Camus's call to imagine Sisyphus happy: Or in the words of historian Howard Zinn:</span></span><br />
<blockquote><h6 class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":"msg"}" style="font-weight: normal;"><i><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody">“To be hopeful in bad times is not just foolishly romantic. It is based on the fact that human history is a history not only of cruelty but also of compassion, sacrifice, courage, kindness. What we choose to emphasize in this complex history will determine our lives. If we see only the worst, it destroys our capacity to do something.”</span></span></i></h6></blockquote><h6 class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":"msg"}" style="font-weight: normal;"><i><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody"></span></span></i><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody">The season is about something which transcends any religion which claims ownership and it is a sentiment which is not isolated to believing in any deity. It is a simple reminder that a single act, one which serves to make at least one person happier, will contain within it the fact of immediate change and the hope for permanence. </span></span></h6><h6 class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":"msg"}" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody">We should not be ashamed or feel stupid that we sometimes need to be reminded of this truth. Some of us can not remember where we left our keys, our glasses or our wallet half the time. Maybe that is really what the message is: Beyond being hopeful that our actions can change others, the belief that an other's actions can change us.</span></span></h6><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody"> </span></span>B. W. Fullfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03073972290360672401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2083251532405290439.post-7238000706077677142010-12-01T09:54:00.004-05:002010-12-01T21:12:14.553-05:00Thoreau is Thankfully Low on OilI replace the oil in my car because the engine needs it to run efficiently and cleanly. My engine is not concerned with alternate theories of peformance. It was built in a way which requires a degree of maintenance, of which draining and refilling the oil tank in short regular intervals is a necessity. If there is resistance within the engine then it will overheat and die.<br />
<br />
Humanity is not like an engine. Progress is contingent upon friction. In school, children are challenged to consider new ideas, and hopefully process facts not as static events but items through which greater questions can be asked and answered.<br />
<br />
But not all progress is good nor is all friction beneficial. Friendships have been lost due to constant irritation.<br />
<br />
Henry David Thoreau reminded me of these things while I sought his comfort from beyond the grave. Having recently read <a href="http://espn.go.com/blog/afceast/post/_/id/22438/thoughts-on-steve-johnsons-tweet">commentary </a>on the tweet by Buffalo Bills wide receiver Steve Johnson along with <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/11/30/michael-steele-to-end-rnc_n_789961.html?show_comment_id=69197158#comment_69197158,sb=226613,b=facebook">biased</a> political commentary implying only Republicans are incompetent, I sought out words of solace. This is the one of many which stood out.<br />
<br />
<blockquote><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Faith keeps many doubts in her pay. If I could not doubt, I should not believe. </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Henry David Thoreau</i> </b></div></blockquote><br />
The religious element is obvious, though often forgotten. As one who has worked with children and youth in a church setting, there is such a strong desire by many parents and educators to ensure a sanitized approach to their belief system. Doubt is not promoted for fear of falling. When has weakness become something which we honor?<br />
<br />
But the extension of doubt and faith, first, must be directed at the individual. Friction discloses many things, of which a lack of patience and ignorance hold the standard.<br />
<br />
Where is the educators faith that the child and the teacher will attain a level of communication which will edify? Where is my faith in self that allows me to digest news without a poisonous level of disdain for the source or those who align to the opinions?<br />
<br />
Approaching the Other's argument requires a level of doubt to our own position. In turn the want is that faith in our ability to disrobe those items which fail to retain validity will be dropped.<br />
<br />
Yet there is never dignity lost in saying, "Let me think on this."<br />
<br />
While looking for a selfish easement, Mr. Thoreau turned the mirror. If our reading, our speaking and our watching is only a service to where we are then it is best to remain locked away. The perenial faith is that "good for" will win out. The doubt is the accessory.<br />
<br />
My reminder is that unless disclosed, there can be no understanding of how the other sees it. I must be allowed to see my faith justified. I must understand to where my faith should be applied. This cannot be given without doubt.<br />
<br />
The wisdom is knowing when viscosity serves the room.B. W. Fullfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03073972290360672401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2083251532405290439.post-5614421436122209332010-11-26T12:36:00.009-05:002010-11-26T13:12:26.537-05:00ST:TNG, Law and Order:UK and Thoughts on JusticeA day of work started with Star Trek: The Next Generation. "The Best of Both Worlds", a two part episode in which captain Jean-Luc Picard is captured by The Borg. During the scope of the storyline First Office William Riker assumes the position of Captain and is forced to make a decision: destroy The Borg ship with Picard still on board or hold off an try to formulate a plan to save Picard and then, hopefully, defeat the far superior enemy.<br /><br />For those who know, Picard cannot die and therefore it is merely a matter of following the story to see how Riker solves the dilemma. <br /><br />It is the classic argument of the one versus the many, expect in this instance the many would be humanity itself. Resistance is futile, as you know.<br /><br />What Riker does it fore go the crew's pleas for more time as he knows defeating The Borg is far more important than one man's life. In the end, however, it is the act of saving Picard which allows them to place a command into The Borg collective which causes the ship to self destruct.<br /><br />I am by no means a Science Fiction geek, but I do love the philosophical problems that ST:TNG often presented. It was the my Philosophy of Mind class where we watched Commander Data on trial to determine his personhood which hooked me.<br /><br />What I didn't expect was the Law and Order: UK marathon which BBC America was running immediately after "Best of Both Worlds". One of the episodes told the story of a youth who killed his friend. There were a few questions the show investigated. One was whether some people are born bad. In other words, can anti-social or criminal behavior be passed on from parent to child.<br /><br />Nature versus nurture.<br /><br />A more intriguing question was how justice could be found. The defendant, a 14 year old boy, had already been in the juvenile penile system. Being small in build made him as much a victim within the prison as his victims were outside of it.<br /><br />The mother of the victim wants punishment: she wants the defendant in prison. But as one of the lawyers notes, what justice can be had by putting the boy back into a world which will only continue to teach him violence? Can he be saved by being in an environment framed by love and hope?<br /><br />The real question here is who is justice for. Are we looking at justice for this single victim only or are we looking at justice for the society they both lived in? Is it not a greater justice to make every attempt to change this child's person?<br /><br />The psychology of an adult compared to that of youth is significantly different. As we get older it becomes more difficult to change; either by choice or by ability. It would seem that justice would be more served by trying to secure the future of our society, if the potential exists, than simply satisfying an immediate need.<br /><br />At the close of the episode one of the lawyers from the D.A.'s office meets with the boy in prison and tells him he is to young to be a lost cause. <br /><br />It isn't an easy question and our heart will always go out to the victim. But victim and justice, no matter how we try, are not black and white terms. They also do not solely apply to or serve those who are subject of the crime itself. Unlike the clean finish where humanity is saved from The Borg, we can't really be sure what the lost cause is in "real life".B. W. Fullfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03073972290360672401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2083251532405290439.post-10833726520032094762010-11-23T19:06:00.014-05:002010-11-23T21:37:57.623-05:00Jamele Hill is not Courageous<meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8"> <meta equiv="Content-Style-Type" content="text/css"> <title></title> <meta name="Generator" content="Cocoa HTML Writer"> <meta name="CocoaVersion" content="1038.32"> <style type="text/css"> p.p1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; line-height: 18.0px; font: 12.0px Arial} p.p2 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; line-height: 18.0px; font: 16.0px Arial; color: #333233; min-height: 18.0px} p.p3 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; line-height: 18.0px; font: 12.0px 'Times New Roman'; color: #333233; min-height: 15.0px} p.p4 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; line-height: 13.0px; font: 11.0px 'Helvetica Neue'; color: #999999} p.p5 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; line-height: 13.0px; font: 10.0px 'Helvetica Neue'; color: #999999} p.p6 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; line-height: 16.0px; font: 13.0px Arial; color: #444444} p.p7 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; line-height: 16.0px; font: 12.0px 'Times New Roman'; color: #333233; min-height: 15.0px} p.p8 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; line-height: 18.0px; font: 12.0px Arial; color: #444444} p.p9 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; line-height: 16.0px; font: 16.0px Arial; color: #333233; min-height: 18.0px} p.p10 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; line-height: 18.0px; font: 12.0px Arial; color: #333233} p.p11 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; line-height: 18.0px; font: 13.0px Arial; color: #333233; min-height: 15.0px} li.li12 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 3.0px 0.0px; line-height: 16.0px; font: 12.0px Arial; color: #333233} span.s1 {font: 13.0px 'Helvetica Neue'; color: #3c02ff} span.s2 {font: 13.0px 'Helvetica Neue'; color: #444444} span.s3 {color: #968b3c} ul.ul1 {list-style-type: disc} </style> <p class="p1"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span">ESPN journalist Jamele Hill has a new <a href="http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/commentary/news/story?page=hill/101123">article</a> which questions whether race is still an issue with black NFL quarterbacks. I was made aware of it earlier today by Michael C. Wright, another ESPN reporter who covers the Chicago sports scene. On Twitter, Mike framed the article by saying it was "courageous" of her to confront the topic.</span></span></p> <p class="p2"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span">
<br /></span></span></p> <p class="p1"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Before I address the content of the article it is worth noting that I have been following Wright for quite some time and have usually enjoyed his tweets along with his reporting on sports in general. But after reading the article his use of the word "courage" seemed very misplaced.</span></span></p> <p class="p2"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span">
<br /></span></span></p> <p class="p1"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Upon engaging him in a conversation on twitter, in which I questioned the merits of the piece, he resorted to calling me "typical", stating "the truth hurts" and then blocked me from following him. Above and beyond the generalizations he used the tired and worn out response of "if you don't like it, read something else."</span></span></p> <p class="p2"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span">
<br /></span></span></p> <p class="p1"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Fascinating that someone who presents material for public consumption would find his only recourse to basically turn around and walk away from the discussion. That Hill wrote the article implies she considers it a point to consider, at the very least. That Wright felt the need to publicly support and defend what he called her "opinion" puts him in a position for public inquiry as well.</span></span></p> <p class="p2"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span">
<br /></span></span></p> <p class="p1"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span">The further irony is not lost on me, that he would use the words "truth" and "opinion" within the same discussion. Follow the conversation based on his replies.</span></span></p> <p class="p2"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span">
<br /></span></span></p> <p class="p1"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span">I noted I read the article and found it lacking merit.</span></span></p> <p class="p3">
<br /></p> <p class="p4"><span class="s1"><a href="http://twitter.com/#!/mikecwright"><b>mikecwright</b></a></span><span class="s2"> </span>Michael C. Wright</p> <p class="p5">@</p> <p class="p6">@<a href="http://twitter.com/imbwf"><span class="s3">imbwf</span></a> Needless to say, I think I see where u stand.</p> <p class="p7">
<br /></p> <p class="p6">I claimed that she spent the article making claims then back tracking on them.</p> <p class="p7">
<br /></p> <p class="p4"><span class="s1"><a href="http://twitter.com/#!/mikecwright"><b>mikecwright</b></a></span><span class="s2"> </span>Michael C. Wright</p> <p class="p5">@</p> <p class="p6">@<a href="http://twitter.com/imbwf"><span class="s3">imbwf</span></a> No back tracking. It's called handling it w/kids gloves already knowing the typical backlash to something like that.</p> <p class="p7">
<br /></p> <p class="p6">I stated that if she felt there was a race issue then she might want to evaluate the QB situation in Jacksonville.</p> <p class="p7">
<br /></p> <p class="p4"><span class="s1"><a href="http://twitter.com/#!/mikecwright"><b>mikecwright</b></a></span><span class="s2"> </span>Michael C. Wright</p> <p class="p5">@</p> <p class="p6">@<a href="http://twitter.com/imbwf"><span class="s3">imbwf</span></a> She's been there. Jax has no choice w/QB now. Plus u saw how hard folks worked 2 get Byron outta there.</p> <p class="p7">
<br /></p> <p class="p6">I do not recall the specific reply.</p> <p class="p7">
<br /></p> <p class="p4"><span class="s1"><a href="http://twitter.com/#!/mikecwright"><b>mikecwright</b></a></span><span class="s2"> </span>Michael C. Wright</p> <p class="p5">@</p> <p class="p6">@<a href="http://twitter.com/imbwf"><span class="s3">imbwf</span></a> It's a column. Her opinion. If u don't like her opinion u can always read something else.</p> <p class="p7">
<br /></p> <p class="p6">I noted that reasonable discourse is why these articles are written for public consumption.</p> <p class="p7">
<br /></p> <p class="p4"><span class="s1"><a href="http://twitter.com/#!/mikecwright"><b>mikecwright</b></a></span><span class="s2"> </span>Michael C. Wright</p> <p class="p5">@</p> <p class="p6">@<a href="http://twitter.com/imbwf"><span class="s3">imbwf</span></a> The truth hurts, they say. Not worth continuing. Your mind is made up. Typical.</p> <p class="p7">
<br /></p> <p class="p8"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Unfortunately I cannot pull the actual messages I sent as that would allow for a truly balanced picture.</span></span></p> <p class="p9"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span">
<br /></span></span></p> <p class="p8"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Wright obviously feels that there is a race issue in the NFL and a failure to concede the validity of Hill's article is typical of a certain segment of society. Did Wright know I was white? I did not ask but considering the topic his choice of words begs the question of what his bias is regarding those who would disagree with him.</span></span></p> <p class="p9"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span">
<br /></span></span></p> <p class="p8"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span">The question must then go to the article itself.</span></span></p> <p class="p9"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span">
<br /></span></span></p> <p class="p8"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Hill's claim is based on three examples and she starts with them.</span></span></p> <p class="p9"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span">
<br /></span></span></p> <p class="p10"></p><p class="p10"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Has anyone else noticed all the drama surrounding black quarterbacks during this NFL season?</span></span></p> <p class="p2"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span">
<br /></span></span></p> <p class="p10"></p><blockquote><p class="p10"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span">• Jason Campbell, who has been fighting for his job all season in Oakland, was benched for the second time this year against Pittsburgh on Sunday.</span></span></p> <p class="p2"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span">
<br /></span></span></p> <p class="p10"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span">• Six-time Pro Bowler Donovan McNabb was replaced by Rex Grossman during the final 1:50 of a close game against the Detroit Lions earlier this month because Redskins coach Mike Shanahan claimed Grossman was better suited to run the team's two-minute offense. Shanahan questioned McNabb's "cardiovascular endurance."</span></span></p> <p class="p2"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span">
<br /></span></span></p> <p class="p10"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span">• And on Sunday, Titans coach Jeff Fisher demoted Vince Young to benchwarmer after Young threw a tantrum following Tennessee's 19-16 loss to Washington. Although thumb surgery is the official reason Young's season is over, Fisher made it clear before he knew the severity of Young's injury that his 27-year-old quarterback was being removed as the starter.</span></span></p></blockquote><p class="p10"></p> <p class="p2"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span">
<br /></span></span></p><p class="p2"><meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8"> <meta equiv="Content-Style-Type" content="text/css"> <title></title> <meta name="Generator" content="Cocoa HTML Writer"> <meta name="CocoaVersion" content="1038.32"> <style type="text/css"> p.p1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; line-height: 18.0px; font: 12.0px Arial; color: #444444} </style> </p><p class="p1"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span">The immediate point is that team issues involving black quarterbacks is different than that of white quarterbacks. Now rather than continuing on with supporting evidence, Hill notes the following:</span></span></p><p class="p1"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 50, 51); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span">
<br /></span></span></span></p><p class="p1"></p><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 50, 51); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Has anyone else noticed all the drama surrounding black quarterbacks during this NFL season? I'm not calling anyone out for being racist, and I realize this might seem like an odd conversation to have considering that Michael Vick is on the cover of this week's Sports Illustrated.</span></span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 50, 51); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span">I'm also not overlooking the facts that Campbell played poorly in the games in which he was benched</span></span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 50, 51); "></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 50, 51); ">That Young's antics in Tennessee are largely to blame for his problems with Fisher, and that Shanahan has had difficult relationships with plenty of white quarterbacks in the past.</span></span></span></li></ul><p></p><p></p><p class="p10"></p> <p class="p2"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span">So then is there a problem? Hill's claim is yes.</span></span></span></p> <p class="p2"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span">
<br /></span></span></p> <p class="p10"></p><blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span">• But it still seems as if race is playing a role in how some black quarterbacks are treated, managed, perceived and, ultimately, judged.</span></span></blockquote><p></p><p class="p10"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span">
<br /></span></span></p> <p class="p10"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Confusing? It is to me. She cites examples in which black quarterbacks were being treated, offers counter examples, then follow up by saying there "seems" to be a problem.</span></span></p> <p class="p2"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span">
<br /></span></span></p> <p class="p10"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Why then does she choose race to be the cohesive element? When Shanahan made the move to bench McNabb for Grossman I chalked it up to a desperate coach making a bad decision. McNabb has since been signed to an extension. The problems with Young are well detailed and Fisher was never a fan of the draft pick.</span></span></p> <p class="p2"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span">
<br /></span></span></p> <p class="p10"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span">That he's had to deal with an immature prima dona hasn't helped ease the friction.</span></span></p> <p class="p2"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span">
<br /></span></span></p> <p class="p10"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Though she points out "But Campbell's shortcomings are rarely clarified with the same perspective as some white quarterbacks.", she doesn't offer any strong counter examples. The two she does present are Carson Palmer and Peyton Manning.</span></span></p> <p class="p2"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span">
<br /></span></span></p> <p class="p10"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span">She claims Manning's lack of criticism for the late game interception against New England would've received much criticism if it were McNabb. With respect to Palmer she asks if why he isn't labeled as an "underachiever" as Campbell has been.</span></span></p> <p class="p2"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span">
<br /></span></span></p> <p class="p10"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Is this the best we get?</span></span></p> <p class="p2"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span">
<br /></span></span></p> <p class="p10"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Looking at the body of work, Manning has significantly out performed McNabb. Palmer has been handcuffed by injuries and significant personel problems in Cincinnati. Hill's claim is predicated on the reader accepting that the two comparisons are of quarterbacks with equal backgrounds and upon equal performance.</span></span></p> <p class="p2"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span">
<br /></span></span></p> <p class="p10"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span">One attempt at doing so is to note McNabb's 17 fourth quarter comebacks and 25 game winning drives. Per Pro-Football Reference Manning has 37 reported and 28 actual fourth quarter comebacks.</span></span></p> <p class="p2"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span">
<br /></span></span></p> <p class="p10"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span">The correlation between Palmer and Campbell is qualified by Palmer's recent record and that he has only had two winning season in seven years. Campbell, however, didn't have a single winning season in four years at Washington. So Campbell gets the pass because of the rotation offensive coordinators? She also further fails to note that Palmer's worst season, in which he started a majority of the games, was a seven loss season and that one of the two playoff games he was in saw him get injured early in the game.</span></span></p> <p class="p2"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span">
<br /></span></span></p> <p class="p10"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span">So much for the 1:1 comparison.</span></span></p> <p class="p2"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span">
<br /></span></span></p> <p class="p10"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span">My favorite, however, is where she compares Young's injury to Favre's injury, stating that Brett is considered tough will Vince is being a "brat". Considering she already noted that Young is a bit of a head case, and has used injuries to get out of playing, does she honestly want us to believe that Favre's body of work warrants a comparison? Favre gets the nod because he is also mentally tough, which has nothing to do with him being white.</span></span></p> <p class="p2"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span">
<br /></span></span></p> <p class="p10"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span">What I found most damning were these statements.</span></span></p> <p class="p2"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span">
<br /></span></span></p> <p class="p10"></p><blockquote><p class="p10"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span">• Most African-Americans are familiar with the notion that we have to be twice as good just to be considered equal with whites. And considering that there are only six black starting quarterbacks in the NFL, there isn't a lot of room for error.</span></span></p> <p class="p2"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span">
<br /></span></span></p> <p class="p10"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span">• I'm not saying black quarterbacks are above criticism or that race plays a role every time one of them loses his job. White quarterbacks are benched and second-guessed, too, same as black ones. It comes with the position, regardless of race. But if most of us agree that racism is still an issue in this country, how can we dismiss its influence in sports?</span></span></p></blockquote><p class="p10"></p> <p class="p2"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span">First, the statement that blacks have to be twice as good to be considered equal with whites is a convenient foundation to start from. It paints blacks as victims of an unfair system on the whole. This isn't consistent with Hill's earlier premise that this is happening to "some" black quarterbacks. Obviously they all do not have to be twice as good. But if you want to single out race as the mitigating factor you first have to label your oppressor.</span></span></span></p> <p class="p2"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span">
<br /></span></span></p> <p class="p10"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Second, if we agree that racism is still an issue in this country, why does it stop with white on black racism? ESPN recently ran an article on Peyton Hillis noting he is more than just a "white" running back. Is Hill willing to acknowledge that there may be some racism with respect to white positions at certain positions?</span></span></p> <p class="p2"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span">
<br /></span></span></p> <p class="p10"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span">When Jamele Hill asks if racism is still an issue for NFL quarterbacks, it actually speaks to society on the whole and the answer is an obvious yes.</span></span></p> <p class="p2"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span">
<br /></span></span></p> <p class="p10"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span">However, by throwing around the word "racism" so cavalierly it assumes she knows the intent behind the actions of those involved with McNabb, Campbell and Young. Is she calling Shanahan, Cable and Fisher racists? And if not them, then who?</span></span></p> <p class="p2"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span">
<br /></span></span></p> <p class="p10"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Hill has presented us with an argument which goes roughly along the lines of "it could be this or it could be that..." She uses the history of bias towards white quarterbacks as evidence that these three examples "could" fall into that same category. The problem is that beyond her speculation there is not any compelling reason to make us accept her premise.</span></span></p> <p class="p2"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span">
<br /></span></span></p> <p class="p10"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span">What I see from Hill and Wright are two people who assume racism is an element of the problem and make an effort to find it, regardless of whether there is any validity to the opinion. There is nothing courageous about yelling fire in a movie theater because you think the steam coming from the kitchen is smoke. This is lazy journalism meant to get website hits.</span></span></p> <p class="p2"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span">
<br /></span></span></p> <p class="p10"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span">As Wright so appropriately stated: "the truth hurts." Yes, Mike, the truth does hurt.</span></span></p>B. W. Fullfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03073972290360672401noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2083251532405290439.post-10040629136815721812010-11-11T18:44:00.005-05:002010-11-11T19:18:56.597-05:00Greater A Failure?When I consider the impact that websites like Facebook and MySpace have brought upon society, I am not convinced that our present generation can fairly evaluate the level of positive or negative change experienced. Consider the cultural change of the late 1960's. The rebellion against authority, to some, signaled a decline of western civilization. Yet as time passed and adjustments were made, America managed to assimilate that idealism and move forward.<br /><br />With respect to the internet and social media, the technology has really done nothing more than create an easier means of gathering. Now you don't need to go to someone's house or a rally, you can simply make a comment and your 300 or so friends can engage you in dialogue.<br /><br />So while these can appear as nothing more than an opportunity to have someone look at us, we should be careful not to confuse the ease of something with a new vice.<br /><br />Where we might find problems is in how we process this wealth of information. For example, in reviewing the "info" of friends (and friends of friends) I am able to see their success based on relationships and\or occupation. Naturally I may compare this to my life and evaluate myself and the decisions I have made.<br /><br />Now in the past this may have been something, on such a grand scale, that I would have dealt with through a class reunion or a holiday party. However, what Facebook (to use a specific example) allows me is immediate access to even more standards of success. It would not be a reach to state that someone with low self esteem might find such information and indictment of their own failures. In turn, others may be comfortable enough with self and feel sincere joy for their friends or they may see this virtual relationship as a means of networking so to improve their condition.<br /><br />A great question will always be that which asks to what extent our humanity is eroded or complemented through technology. Advertisers know that persistent imagery through pictures or language can persuade the person to make a specific choice. How different is it to see hundreds of people writing of how much money they make or posting pictures of all the events they go to?<br /><br />In the end we are accountable for knowing our weaknesses and choosing a world in which they do not control us. Maybe it isn't a good idea to accept every friend request. Maybe we should unfriend those who post links and opinions which cause stress or animosity. The attention we think we're getting can never replace the negative impact which might be pushing us towards failure.B. W. Fullfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03073972290360672401noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2083251532405290439.post-35054465813168644452010-11-09T11:34:00.004-05:002010-11-11T19:18:34.187-05:00How We ProcessOne thing we should all come to expect from elections is the increased level of hatred and ignorance which is conveyed by citizens across the political spectrum. The "my party" mentality is exhibited in the mantra to "vote the party line", which in itself implies a level of absolutism that should offend. Though masked as an ideological difference, the very idea that a political party, which is framed by a specific dogma, has the ability to solve the problems society presents may be the single most deceptive aspect of their pitch.<br /><br />When ad campaigns focus their attention on qualifying someone as an "Obama Liberal" or a "Tea Party Conservative", the expectation is that the observer will correlate the phrase to a preconceived notion of the individual or group and subsequently your decision will not be made based on information supplied but distinct experiences and preconceived notions. When we fall for such a tactic we find ourselves lost as our decision is not based on the idea but on the presumption of the idea.<br /><br />I found a <a href="http://www.iq.harvard.edu/blog/netgov/2007/02/how_does_the_way_we_process_information_relate_to_how_we_search_for_it.html">post </a>from 2007 by a Maria Binz-Sharf that referenced a talk on human information processing at the Columbia Business School. The speaker was a Thomas Mussweiler from the University of Cologne. Binz-Sharf writes:<br /><br /><blockquote style="font-style: italic;">Mussweiler went on to talk about various factors that influence the comparisons we make, most importantly the standards we employ for comparing information. His experiments used a technique called “<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Priming_%28psychology%29">priming</a>” to activate certain standards – for example, subjects were asked to judge a trait in a person. The result shows that priming a trait concept (such as aggressiveness) will induce the subject to judge the target person according to that trait. In other words, once activated, standards are spontaneously compared to the target person.</blockquote>We shouldn't be so naive as to expect us to remove "priming" from how we approach the world and the people we experience in the world. Doing so would eliminate a basic element of survival. We are obligated to discern a person or situation based on observable elements and in doing so can react in a manner which might ensure safety or success.<br /><br />However, not all situations warrant an immediate reaction and it is those times, in which a more academic or cognitive approach is prudent if not responsible. For example, we don't succeed in college by our first experience of the text or idea. We evaluate what is being said, we look at alternate options and then formulate an opinion or response. The key is being able, to the best of our ability, to defend the position while being sympathetic to the counter argument. If I learned anything from my philosophy professors it is that.<br /><br />Going back to the election, how then are decisions being made? If we are asked to judge a candidate through a narrow lense, how informed and accurate (and accurate is used very loosely here) can that decision be? Liberal, conservative, religious, democrat, republican, those terms don't really mean anything until we approach the idea. And even then it becomes a matter of understanding how the idea is to be applied.<br /><br />Here is where the processing of information becomes our tipping point. If the scope is narrow then our understanding of cause and effect is narrow. For example, liberal idea A and conservative idea B, though appearing mutually exclusive, actually compliment each other to the extent that they address potential scenario K, O and W. The exclusivity, if we're not careful, is assumed based on nothing more than an association fallacy.<br /><br />Politics were a convenient example as we just experienced the mid-term elections, but the idea of processing came about from a day spent sitting, talking at the St. John's Town Center. Manner of dress, a look or a physical display is observed and the mind tries to qualify the participant. A specific example that fascinated were drivers as they approached cross walks. Some waved the pedestrian by with such aggressiveness that they almost seemed bothered. I couldn't help but wonder what the driver saw the pedestrian as and therefore how they were processing this impediment to their destination.<br /><br />While discussing this, my friend Josh spoke of how he marveled at the inherent complexity of the human being. In reflecting upon his comment I find it more appropriate than when he initially said it. How we process can be correlated to a lie and how entangled one gets when lying. The difficulty in not only making a decision but then making that next decision is contingent upon how informed the first choice was. If, like a lie, there is no depth of understanding then confusion prevails and we eventually become overwhelmed by choices for which we are unprepared.<br /><br />As Binz-Scharf furthered noted, "I kept asking myself how the way we process information relates to how we search for it." This seems to me the integral first step. Am I looking to disprove or prove and if so am I approaching it with a bias. For example, is the pedestrian walking slowly across the street on purpose (i.e. it is a personal attack towards me)?<br /><br />An old mentor once told me that if you go into a debate with the thought that you have nothing new to learn then there is no reason to engage your opponent. I can't imagine a more difficult task we are then asked to complete: Take the time to formulate the opinion only to hold it open to change. Yet isn't that the very nature of learning?B. W. Fullfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03073972290360672401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2083251532405290439.post-58624504519921896902010-09-21T16:44:00.012-04:002010-09-21T17:54:32.285-04:00The Story and a Man's FuneralI drove down to Winter Park, FL with my wife and mother to attend the funeral of a friend's father. The name is not important to you so I won't mention it. Giving a name to the person won't cause you to feel any greater sympathy for those who mourn him. It will only serve to give title to a stranger, much like understanding a story from its title.<br /><br />So better served am I to tell you what he did. He was a reputable lawyer in Winter Park, FL with more ties to the community than kudzu on a South Carolina hill. He fathered two children and was married to a beautiful and proper southern woman for 57 years. His collegiate life saw him get a degree from both the University of Georgia and the University of Florida.<br /><br />His business sense allowed him to make decisions which furthered his career and overall quality of life. He was well liked and well respected, a man whose word was enough. Apart from his family, his most prized efforts were related to his faith and the rewards reaped by the community churches from this love. That he proudly served his country in the USAF must be a close second as his funeral echoed voices calling each to our attention.<br /><br />I did not attend the viewing because I do not like them. Call it a weakness or simply a preference, but that final memory is not what I desire. The dead look dead and no artist can change that. In my past I've seen a 19 year old who I used to baby sit and the father of a close friend, posed and decorated to give their best side: that of being alive. It is the ghost of the child’s potential lost and that father's cancer beaten body which keeps me away.<br /><br />So we left on Monday morning, with all of nature giving her best to bring joy to the moment. It was a Baptist funeral so I suffered through the usual references to Christ and eternity. I respect the faith and I understand why it is done, but I would simply rather hear about the man who died.<br /><br />There were brief notes of his wit and confidence, and those made me both laugh and smile. That his faith was so prominent may explain the crisp joy that washed through the room along with the rays of sunlight through well kept glass. It was refreshing.<br /><br />The casket was draped in the American flag, which would eventually be given to the widow at the gravesite. The flag's colors stood out against the white washed walls and common colored pews. We would follow casket and flag roughly 200 yards, where they would then be separated.<br /><br />It was once we left the church that it all became poetic. The church stood inside what one might consider a country club and therefore flanking the church was a golf course. In order to walk from the church to the cemetery you had to pass one of the holes: I believe it was number three.<br /><br />Moving through the sun and shade we walked along the street and past the tee box of hole number three. Sitting in the golf cart was a man and a woman, I'd guess mid-twenties. He appeared to know the sport as he surveyed the straight shot, not minding the people and cars passing behind him. Though there were two sets of clubs I did not see her hit, nor did I see her even attempt to leave the cart. Maybe being with him on this day was enough.<br /><br />Coming in view of the final act, we could see the pallbearers pulling the casket from the hearse with the remaining family standing around it, still not exhibiting any visual signs of suffering. There was the usual green tent which protected the family, preacher and casket from any of the elements. We stood a bit back, almost too far to hear any words spoken.<br /><br />While two Air Force representatives folded the flag that topped the casket, a train could be heard in the distance, blowing its horn as if to announce the arrival of a new soul. Sun, clouds and wind seemed to alternate their presence as if to view the final act before this man's body was lowered to its fate.<br /><br />The only break in the order was a required second attempt at getting the flag to its final shape. I could not see where the fault was but it did not matter. Participants waited, as if relishing even more time to be in the moment.<br /><br />Once folded the flag was brought over to the bugler, so he could honor the memory with a stirring and tight rendition of Taps. Apart from the tree frogs who chattered amongst themselves, giving us brief moments of respite while they caught their breath, everything on earth seemed attentive to the now.<br /><br />The landscape was immaculate and the decorations were perfect. No part of the score was off key and every actor fulfilled their role with expertise. I wondered what must the golfers and greens keepers think of us, or if they thought of us at all. Surely this was common to them and every sound or movement, from person or nature, was nothing more than an unnamed thing: Or just a thing with the name "funeral".<br /><br />But isn't that the problem with a story? You can't appreciate it without hearing the words and experiencing how it constitutes the world. Just saying its title affords me nothing beyond associating the words with my experiences which may not bear any resemblance to the world between birth and death.<br /><br />It is never just a thing: it is always a story.B. W. Fullfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03073972290360672401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2083251532405290439.post-41930449284228493272010-08-23T16:37:00.007-04:002010-08-23T20:10:30.587-04:00My Self Serving Music List<div>There is a radio station here in Jacksonville, FL. It is a sports talk radio station that often finds itself doing very little sports talk. When you mention 1010XL there are some who will cringe or illicit signs of disgust, stating the hosts offer nothing tangible to those looking for quality sports dialogue. A fair complaint if you are someone fully immersed in all that is sports.</div><div><br /></div><div>I care about football. Baseball, basketball, golf and NASCAR could never be mentioned again and I would not lose any sleep. If you can appreciate the entertainment world, on the whole, then you may find yourself laughing at the likes of Dan Hicken or Rick Ballou as they tangent off to the land of American Idol or the best beer to drink.</div><div><br /></div><div>The other day Ballou and Frank Frangie were discussing music (as they often do). Rick had, in a state of boredom, created a list of his top 50 bands. Now the average person tends to quantify things in tens. We leave the big lists to the professionals like Rolling Stone or People magazine.</div><div><br /></div><div>So I thought, "Could I come up with my top 50 bands?" The cool thing is that Ballou's list consisted of music from Led Zeppelin to Barry Manilow. As I listened to him defend his list it was the honesty that stood out. He actually took a considerable amount of time to carefully place each musician, with an emphasis on accuracy.</div><div><br /></div><div>Now how often do we do that? Is it not the case that our list is burdened with who we've listened to most recently or simply who we remember at the time?</div><div><br /></div><div>With a good week under my belt, and some serious thought expended, I feel ready to attempt this. For any good list there must be guidelines, but what the hell is needed here? Am I going to require the band\artist to have made some existential impact on me? And do they have to stand the test of time? If so, what is the cut off date?</div><div><br /></div><div>My musical integrity refuses to let rules dictate anything. Still, simple entertainment must be tapered with impact so to order. But rock and roll is about rebellion, so damn the torpedoes and let the chips fall where they may. Ugh! Cliches.</div><div><br /></div><div>These may not be the best bands in the world and a I would bet at least four you may never have heard of. The key element is that at some point they brought me great joy and probably still do. Leaving out bands like The Rolling Stones, Beatles and The Who will surely warrant some concerns as to my musical taste. They are good, I just never was totally into them. That being said, this isn't a "best of" which considers cultural and\or groundbreaking musical impact. This is my individual taste.</div><div><br /></div><div>I am sure I'll come back in a week and adjust this (these lists are never fixed) but thanks to Billy Bond for walking through parts of my past. Because of him adjustments were made. And I received quite a tongue lashing for leaving out great 80's bands such as The Outfield and Journey.</div><div><br /></div><div>For fun, if we've been friends for a while try to list my top 5 before you get to the bottom.</div><div><br /></div><div>"Rock and roll, stops the traffic!" - Bono</div><div><br /></div><div>50. <b>Counting</b> <b>Crows </b>- Saw them live recently. Great story telling.</div><div>49. <b>The Choir </b>- Found them in college. First Alt\Christian band. Special to Kerry and me.</div><div>48. <b>Incubus </b>- Deep lyrics. Went from hard to funk to straight rock.</div><div>47. <b>The Sisters</b> <b>of Mercy </b>- Timeless goth band.</div><div>46. <b>Neil Diamond </b>- I don't even need to explain the awesomeness that is Neil.</div><div>45. <b>The Cure </b>- Was never crazy about them but always liked them.</div><div>44. <b>Ministry </b>- Best noise on the planet.</div><div>43. <b>Def Leppard </b>- 80's rock at its finest. High -n- Dry is a classic.</div><div>42. <b>REO Speedwagon </b>- A guilty pleasure? Riding the Storm Out is but one of many greats.</div><div>41. <b>Split Enz\Crowded House </b>- This is good pop music. Even the Finn's solo stuff is good.</div><div>40. <b>Bon Jovi </b>- Another 80's great. Still doing it today.</div><div>39. <b>John Mayer </b>- I know he was shoved down our throats but the guy can write and play.</div><div>38. <b>Foo Fighters </b>- Just good rock.</div><div>37. <b>Lit </b>- Liked them when I was younger. Loved them once my son got into them. Just fun music.</div><div>36. <b>Maroon 5 </b>- Not a song I don't like. Best cover of Highway to Hell I've ever heard.</div><div>35. <b>The</b> <b>Ramones </b>- They just have to be here. I mean "beat on the brat with a baseball bat." You know there just had to be something deeper going on.</div><div>34. <b>Everclear </b>- Music wasn't complex but Alex conveyed poverty and the struggle of kids well.</div><div>33. <b>Son Volt </b>- You better think when you listen to Jay. I love a good story teller. I'm not a country music guy, but Jay's greatest overcomes that.</div><div>32. <b>The Eagles\Don Henley </b>- One of the first bands I ever liked. Owned Hotel California at age 9.</div><div>31. <b>My Chemical Romance </b>- I consider them one of modern greats. Black Parade is a classic.</div><div>30. <b>Coldplay </b>- What can I say. The write solid pop music. Yellow still moves me.</div><div>29. <b>The Clash </b>- One of the first bands with a conscience I ever heard. They changed many.</div><div>28. <b>Nirvana </b>- For the short time they had a huge impact. And after Cobain's death it remained.</div><div>27. <b>Bruce Springsteen</b> - Grows on me year after year. I'm a sucker for a story teller and guitar if you don't know.</div><div>26. <b>Kings of Leon</b> - Listen to all their cds. I can't believe I didn't find them sooner.</div><div>25.<b> The Jam\Style Council\Paul Weller</b> - A genius. Cool music. Thinking music. Rebel music.</div><div>24. <b>Stone Temple Pilots</b> - For years this was a band that never left the rotation.</div><div>23. <b>The B-52's</b> - Saw Rock Lobster on SNL late 70's. Deserve "Best Party Band" title.</div><div>22. <b>Collective Soul</b> - Another one w\o musical complexity but the hooks never get tired.</div><div>21. <b>Morrissey\The Smiths</b> - Actually found Morrissey first. Speak from a world that isn't mine.</div><div>20.<b> Robert Plant\Led Zeppelin</b> - Zep grew on me. Solo Plant was an immediate love. Because of him I'm listening to Bluegrass.</div><div>19. <b>Pearl</b> <b>Jam </b>- They just make great music. A band whose passion moves you.</div><div>18. <b>The Doors </b>- There is something about Morrison and Manzarek.</div><div>17. <b>Queen </b>- Freddie Mercury had rare voice. Maybe the best rock\pop band ever.</div><div>16. <b>The Pixies </b>- Frank Black was a punch in the gut. Crazy lyricist. </div><div>15. <b>The Police\Sting</b> - Some people just have a gift. I don't think there is a song I don't like.</div><div>14. <b>The Lost Dogs </b>- Christian country band with a sense of humor. Deserve more popularity.</div><div>13. <b>Edie Brickell\New Bohemians </b>- Her voice and presence still move me. NB were tight.</div><div>12. <b>Adam Again </b>- Another Christian\Alt band. Gene Eugene wrote for the common man and the common soul.</div><div>11. <b>Jars of Clay </b>- These guys are compassion set to music. When I feel bad, I put them on. Even without the belief I appreciate the passion.</div><div>10. <b>The Call </b>- Michael Been was Gene Eugene before I knew Gene. Moving lyrics. Weller, Haseltine, Farrar, Eugene and Been may be my favorite lyricists.</div><div>9. <b>Iron Maiden </b>- Took literature and made it music. Great themes. Great shows.</div><div>8. <b>Pink Floyd </b>- One of the bands of which I can look to the past and see actual days of my life.</div><div>7. <b>INXS </b>- Damn you Hutchens. Another great party band. I have yet to tire of them.</div><div>6. <b>The Connells</b> - Jangle rock at its finest. They should have been stars. Never a bad show.</div><div>5. <b>R.E.M.</b> - Lost them a bit after Green. But the discs prior are classics. Never travel w\o them.</div><div>4. <b>Toad the Wet Sprocket</b> - Between them and Jars of Clay, they just make me feel good.</div><div>3. <b>NIN </b>- Trent Reznor always spoke to that darker side. Yet I always found hope in NIN.</div><div>2. <b>U2 </b>- Maybe a shocker? One of the two bands I found as a young teenager that just spoke to me.</div><div>1. <b>Rush</b> - I asked my mom to buy me 2112 for getting an A in Advanced History. It was history from there. If you're a guy you have to like Rush.</div><div><br /></div><div>(Honorable mention: Elvis Costello, Guns and Roses, Van Halen\Hagar, Metallica, Alice in Chains, Duran Duran, Mission UK, A-ha, Death Cab for Cutie and Tears for Fears)</div>B. W. Fullfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03073972290360672401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2083251532405290439.post-25658496060528932572010-08-19T18:33:00.011-04:002010-08-19T20:58:55.235-04:00Black Box<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="color:black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">When I was in the sixth grade I was Charlie Brown in the play </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">. It was actually a musical but the cast was not required to sing. In a misunderstanding of my request to sing a part, I was given a song that was grossly higher than my range. Though nervous and lacking confidence I managed to get through my two (or three...hard to recall) performances and the adults were kind enough not to be honest with respect to my vocal prowess.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="color:black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">The experience was as memorable then as it is now. An old scrapbook maintains a picture of the cast and I have been grateful to have found some of them via Facebook.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="color:black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">If you have never experienced acting you are missing out on one of life's great rushes. That is if you can get beyond the thought of having people observe you with the high expectation of being entertained, which can be a monumental task. There is a nakedness about performing, which demands a denial of self. Surely you have heard actors speak of "knowing the character" and "becoming the character". The thought of displaying something which is not us can almost be unnatural.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="color:black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">This past school year my friend Josh asked me to be a guest speaker for the newly formed Philosophy Club at Douglas Anderson School of the Arts. It had been a considerable amount of time since I had actually read, much less done, any "real" philosophy. With joy and anxiety I exposed Nietzsche and Philosophy of Mind to the students. What I didn't know that this would also serve as a gateway back to the stage.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="color:black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Josh is an incredibly talented writer and we had gotten together the summer before the school year to hash out some ideas. He was wanting to write a play. Roughly 10 months later, and thanks to some of the discussions and topics in the Philosophy Club, Josh was asking me about a play focusing on self. "The Creationists", he would come to call it, would take place from a literary perspective, in which characters would have dialogue with their narrator and eventually would seek definition independent of the "other".<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Heidegger. Kierkegaard. Sartre. Camus. My heart was beating considerably faster and would almost stop when Josh asked me to play the Narrator. </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="color:black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">The remainder of the cast would be populated by students Josh knew from Douglas Anderson. It is at this point where the humility began to take hold. There have been many events in my life in which adults would assume a level of authority and knowledge over kids simply because they were adults, even when it was obvious the kids were more educated. That I felt inferior to my surroundings gave me a small sense of pride, a rare moment when you see good in yourself.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="color:black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Time would pass, there would be script changes and more characters were eventually added. I would come to befriend these gifted teenagers and found myself observing their mannerisms and approach to craft. When we had our first staged reading I was but a voice from behind the stage. The others sat on bar stools, in front of the crowd...as it should be.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="color:black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">What was so compelling at that time was the number of people who came to Bollero's just to watch us read this play. Teachers, parents, friends and students, all in support of Josh and these young actors. I was experiencing the arts in real time. With real emotion. It wasn't a theory in a book or a review on the internet. It wasn't a crowded theater amongst the pretentious and the commoner. These were people who lived the idea that art matters and through participation the world is better.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="color:black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">After considering the comments given during the reading, Josh began to rewrite for an actual staged production. This would require us to actually act out the play while holding the script in hand.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="color:black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">I would like to point out two significant elements of the process which moved me. First, the way in which Josh opened himself up to the criticism was so admirable and new. It is something you must do to create and it is at this point I realized it takes a confident person to disrobe the way he did. The credit too goes to the audience in that all words were constructive and done out of love for Josh and the work itself.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="color:black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Second was Josh's willingness to change. Once rewritten, the entire piece, though holding onto certain elements, had a newness about it. So much that upon reading the two drafts you might think they were distinct plays. It is a selflessness to entertain rather than demanding acceptance of the "me".</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="color:black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Put into uncomfortable or new situations I have a tendency to be vocal and joke, probably beyond what is acceptable. One could go as far as to say I can be offensive. This is one of those moments when you see the bad in yourself. To their credit, and maybe it is because I am at heart immature, the students embraced this 42 year old stranger.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="color:black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Though being entertained and disruptive in opposition to Josh's want of order, I had quiet concern that my line delivery and stage awareness was making the actors and my writer question my participation.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="color:black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">When asked the replies were supportive but I felt lied to.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="color:black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">The day of the show I ran through my lines, trying to get a better feel for the character. If you have not picked up on it, I was now to be on stage. This meant knowing were to be and when to be there. That Saturday prior I had failed every time to nail my locations. However, by showtime, and after a quick run through, Josh complimented me on my progress and I could tell his faith was restored.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="color:black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">At Douglas Anderson they have this room called a black box. It is here where we would perform. The dimensions of the room seemed to be a perfect square. There were curtains on three of the four walls, with the back wall being the only one which you could actually move while behind the curtains. The last wall was fronted by a riser with roughly eight rows for which you could put 10 chairs per row.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="color:black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">I am guessing with these figures. What I can present as fact is that it was standing room only.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="color:black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">It is in this black box that they practice their acting. Anything more than that I cannot, with any true knowledge, convey. The box was foreign land. What I do know is the lights stay on and it is hot.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="color:black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Being the first on stage and to speak found me lonely and failing as my first few lines were jagged and weak. But confidence came, both from within and from cast, and I left the stage floating. There was laughter and emotional silence. At the end the ovation was loud and we were all smiling. None more than Josh who had just observed those he entrusted with his creation, convey it in a manner which made him proud.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="color:black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Four days later and I am still emotional just thinking about the positive reviews. But more than that were the moments shared with these teenagers and Josh. People dedicated to creating. How proud their parents must be of them. I watched as they hugged, laughed and ran about the room as if the award for best something had just been won.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="color:black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">The irony of the black box was not lost on me. This space, absent of natural light and dark as an empty universe was not lonely and limiting like a prison cell. It wasn't a space we went into so to hide from the world. It was the exact opposite: more like a birthing room where nothing but love and joy were allowed to reside. I literally felt changed. I felt baptized.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="color:black;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"> </span></span></o:p></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Josh. Bradley. J'Royce. Maisaa. Tyler. Chris. Kai. These are their names. I cannot conceive of a world in which they are not successful. Am I naive? Being too emotional? Maybe I am still in the black box while the world moves around me. So much better there. Where is my totem?</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>B. W. Fullfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03073972290360672401noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2083251532405290439.post-61823277694282365792010-08-09T02:14:00.006-04:002010-08-09T09:17:17.547-04:00The Leaders and "Little Boy"In case you missed it, this past Friday (August 6th) marked the 65 year anniversary of the order by President Harry S. Truman to drop the first atomic bomb on the Japanese city of Hiroshima. I will offer no pretense towards my knowledge of this event. That I even write on this is owed to a documentary on the History International channel, <span style="font-style: italic;">X Day: The Invasion of Japan</span>.<br /><br />My recollection of this event from schooling is one of cold facts. Time. Date. Location.<br /><br />What I learned this evening was varied and great. For the U.S. it ranged from graphic details of how hard the Japanese fought, to a willingness to underestimate loss of life for the sake of a battle plan. The other side depicted the arrogance of the Japanese Emperor Hirohito, to the general ignorance of the common Japanese citizen with respect to what their rulers were doing.<br /><br />(The latter is consistent with what my college German professor told me regarding the actions of the Nazis during WW2. She was a young child during Hitler's control and from her experience there was a lack of awareness as to how the Jews were being treated.)<br /><br />The European Theater has always been more interesting to me due to my fascination with how Hitler achieved power. However, watching American soldiers speak of their horrors from battling the Japanese peaked my interest in the Pacific campaign. Stories telling of the need to kill prisoners, the smell of the dead rotting in the sun and the overwhelming causalities from Kamikaze pilots laid a foundation for Truman's eventual decision.<br /><br />For many the question of whether it was needed will forever be debated. The Joint Chiefs of Staff, for the most part, did not want to invade Japan due to the high casualty count. Information they obtained painted Japan as a nation preparing civilians to defend the homeland, further complicating strategy and endangering American soldiers.<br /><br />The Japanese civilian casualties, which included immediate and eventual death from the bomb, was estimated up to 170,000. The bomb dropped on Nagasaki three days later would kill an estimated 80,000. Had the U.S. invaded, the expectation was that casualties on both sides could have totaled at a minimum 1,000,000 people.<br /><br />War is not moral. One thing that stood out amongst all the information was the explanation surrounding why they could not take prisoners. Unlike being on a continent, the islands in the Pacific had limited storage and therefore you could not leave the enemy in a protected location. In turn you could not let them go as they would rejoin their troops.<br /><br />The situation was kill or be killed and watching these old men speak of what had to be done to survive disclosed a duality of joy from surviving against regret for acts they had to perform. It further reminded me just how much easier it is to kill without seeing the face of your enemy.<br /><br />George Berkin wrote an interesting <a href="http://blog.nj.com/njv_george_berkin/2010/08/hiroshima_and_the_atom_bomb.html">article </a>about his trip to Hiroshima, Japan during this anniversary some years back. In it he speaks of Japan's seeming unwillingness to acknowledge their level of culpability regarding why these bombs were dropped. An excerpt:<br /><blockquote><p></p><p style="font-style: italic;">Even now, the museum reflects a continuing attitude of a denial toward Japan’s culpability in starting the war. In his Aug. 6 message last year, posted on the museum’s web site, Hiroshima Mayor Tadatoshi Akiba avoids any mention that Japanese actions may have brought on the bombing of his city.</p> <p style="font-style: italic;">The mayor’s message this year continues that theme, <a href="http://www.pcf.city.hiroshima.jp/declaration/English/2010/index.html">saying</a> the victims were attacked “without understanding why.” Perhaps those who perished were not aware of the full facts of the war, but today’s survivors (as well as the Japanese public at large) should be.</p> <p style="font-style: italic;">Japan continues to downplay or ignore its role in starting the war, and its invasions of China, Manchuria, Korea and many other Asian nations. More than 15 million people died as a result of Japanese aggression.</p> <p style="font-style: italic;">Japanese <strong style="font-weight: normal;">school textbooks</strong> continue to give an inaccurate portrayal of Japanese aggression during the war, including the Rape of <strong style="font-weight: normal;">Nanking</strong>. As a result of the nation’s refusal to deal forthrightly with its wartime actions, Japan’s neighbors remain wary and at odds with that nation.</p></blockquote><p></p><p>He goes on to make the point that if 3,000,000 people could have died, the loss of life from the two bombs is justified. A difficult argument for many to swallow, but if the context is that there will be deaths regardless, surely minimizing the number would be the best course.<br /></p><p>I think this debate is a distraction and unfortunately, as was noted in the documentary, "There are pictures to show the affect of the bomb on the Japanese. There are no pictures showing all those who survived."<br /></p><p>History states that the U.S. dropped leaflets on the cities so their residents were aware something was coming. Still, the dropping of the bomb was itself without warning. Shouldn't the question center around whether sufficient actions were taken to ensure the civilian casualties would be minimized? With the wealth of information available surely I'm not the first to ask this question and I hope to find at least a debate as to the answer.</p><p>But even after hearing the stories and the justifications. Even after reading accounts by American and Japanese academics\laymen, I can't help but consider the accountability of the leaders above all other points.<br /></p><p>For example, had General Douglas MacArthur gotten his way, the American's would have followed through his plan for a ground attack. The documentary noted that MacArthur's ego played too much of a role, thereby ignoring the potential catastrophic loss of life. On the other side you had the Japanese Emperor. So absorbed with the idea of Japan's power and prominence that he would basically offer his entire nation to die.</p><p>From being lead as a child by our parents we move through teachers, employers and even friends. Trust is such an elemental role in life and for anyone who has been in the military you know that trust is an inherent part of being a soldier. Your hope, either tacit or active, is that your leader is able to maintain a "philosopher king" mentality so to save you from unnecessary harm. I do not envy those who had to weigh the loss of life in deciding to drop these bombs. The U.S. soldiers can be grateful MacArthur didn't get his way. Japan was not so fortunate.<br /></p><p><br /></p><p></p><p></p>B. W. Fullfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03073972290360672401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2083251532405290439.post-29647186734555935482010-08-07T12:54:00.009-04:002010-08-07T14:46:27.488-04:00Saturday Afternoon - Learning From JarheadJosh McTiernan told me to "just write"...so I am.<br /><br />The world assumes a different tilt when you look for the story behind every second that falls from the clock's face. My son has become a victim of this approach. He politely and patiently sits in the dark brown recliner while I share my thoughts on cause and effect, explaining that decisions we make directly or indirectly represent who we are. This leads into my excitement for his final three years of high school and the new experiences he (we) will encounter. With surgical comic precision he responds:"You do realize you aren't going back to school?".<br /><br />The day has, thus far, consisted of <span style="font-style: italic;">My Boys</span>, the end of <span style="font-style: italic;">American History X</span> and now <span style="font-style: italic;">Jarhead</span>. I am reminded of how much I enjoy the acting of Peter Saarsgard and Jake Gyllenhaal. Could it be something with the double letter last name connection? What I do know is <span style="font-style: italic;">Jarhead </span>allows me to forgive Gyllenhaal for <span style="font-style: italic;">Prince of Persia</span>.<br /><br />While we know the hell that is our backyard awaits attention, and therefore the DVR will secure <span style="font-style: italic;">Jarhead</span> for later consumption, there is difficulty moving from entertainment to responsibility. Evan, at least, has moved to the piano. I'd like to think my writing constitutes some form of progress.<br /><br />Early on in the movie three things grabbed my attention. First, how happy would my wife be if I were as fit as Gyllenhaal? Hell, how happy would I be? Second, Saarsgaard's voice and stare manages to make the least significant dialogue seem fatally critical. Lastly, and more importantly, the significance of scene in which the soldiers depart the airplane after landing in Iraq.<br /><br />The sequence begins with the soldiers watching a film on base. They are informed some will be shipping out to Iraq. We then see them sitting on a commercial airliner, in comfortable seats, being waited on by attractive flight attendants. As they disembark they pass by the flight attendants who tell them "Goodbye now. Good luck now."<br /><br />In his book <span style="font-style: italic;">The Horrors We Bless: Rethinking the Just War Theory, </span>Daniel C. Maguire writes:<br /><blockquote>Adding to the dumbness here is the fact that in the Revolutionary War, the Americans took lessons from the Indians and adopted guerrilla tactics. As one New Englander wrote in 1677: "In our first war with the Indians, God pleased to show us the vanity of our military skill, in managing our arms, after the European mode. Now we are glad to learn the skulking way of war." The "skulking way of war" is precisely what we faced in Iraq and "the vanity of our military skill" is again revealed. We had forgotten the lessons learned in early America.</blockquote>How are we preparing our children? Too much entertainment permeates our days and the incidents of Saturday afternoon remind me of my guilt: my bloody hands. There are realities we try to mask and situations we hope will take care of themselves. From his comfortable chair my son wants a "good luck" from his father. He doesn't want to hear about battlefields that await him.<br /><br />Why isn't arrogance listed as one of the top causes of death in America?<br /><br />I am stupid because of my frustration as he casually dismisses me. That stupidity is compounded in my efforts to make these "lectures" more palatable. What lessons am I learning? With the wealth of information freely available I remain uneducated. With experiences presenting themselves daily I touch with the devil's hands. What I wouldn't give to "piss myself" from a challenging experience.<br /><br />The lawnmower is now humming, first softly then louder, as Evan pushes it across the tall grass and weeds. I know it isn't his work ethic that has inspired his grooming of the landscape. He needs money for this evening's date.<br /><br />Now the memory is stronger.<br /><br />Weekends as a teenager spent in the blazing sun to earn money for prom. I went into it with a single purpose but eventually learned to take pride in my labor. For that I needed the experience, facilitated by a firm push from my parents.<br /><br />Suddenly I am pushed. My wife, Kerry, asks how much longer <span style="font-style: italic;">Jarhead</span> will be playing. I tell he it is almost over but that I am more focused on writing. She reminds me the day is slipping away from us and we have tasks needing attention. "I just need to get out of this hole." says a character from the television. Perfect timing.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uiuM1u5gHNs/TF2mzf_2xlI/AAAAAAAAAUs/cq869J_IEO8/s1600/DSC_2064.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uiuM1u5gHNs/TF2mzf_2xlI/AAAAAAAAAUs/cq869J_IEO8/s400/DSC_2064.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502737723409483346" border="0" /></a>B. W. Fullfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03073972290360672401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2083251532405290439.post-24174870431381757152010-08-06T18:24:00.021-04:002010-08-06T21:19:14.005-04:00Down PCH - Part 1We carry with us a burden. Trivial to some, yet for others a guilt that stems from knowing friends and family have wasted money. I am referring to the risk of recommending a movie. Years ago I put my reputation on the line by suggesting <span style="font-style: italic;">Zoolander </span>to any friend who would listen. The backlash from some caused a severe lack of trust in my movie tastes.<br /><br />The trip to Santa Cruz from San Francisco would go the route of Pacific Coast Highway. Being the only family member who had been out West, I had experienced this route but only in Southern California; from Oceanside to Huntington Beach. There was concern that my touting of the beauty would be lost on my wife and children considering my descriptiveness was not from direct experience. Once again my credibility was at risk.<br /><br />Our lateness of arriving in Santa Cruz was a direct result of the many stops to photograph and experience this new landscape.<br /><br />It is surely cliche to speak of the beauty painted by mountains and sea while driving the coast but coming upon Pacifica, CA you are struck by the majesty.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uiuM1u5gHNs/TFyV-jrWrAI/AAAAAAAAATU/sBsWvcz9LlM/s1600/DSC_1128.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uiuM1u5gHNs/TFyV-jrWrAI/AAAAAAAAATU/sBsWvcz9LlM/s320/DSC_1128.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502437746701413378" border="0" /></a><br />Coming over the hill you are welcomed by a small patch of beach which had a number of residents enjoying the surfers and sand.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_uiuM1u5gHNs/TFyXdckCJ1I/AAAAAAAAATc/O-o82QJeF90/s1600/DSC_1144.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_uiuM1u5gHNs/TFyXdckCJ1I/AAAAAAAAATc/O-o82QJeF90/s320/DSC_1144.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502439376879232850" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_uiuM1u5gHNs/TFyX6GshVsI/AAAAAAAAATk/0io9928rcdY/s1600/DSC_1146.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_uiuM1u5gHNs/TFyX6GshVsI/AAAAAAAAATk/0io9928rcdY/s320/DSC_1146.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502439869225457346" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_uiuM1u5gHNs/TFyYhpgt7bI/AAAAAAAAATs/C_yHL3L2kUY/s1600/DSC_1152.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_uiuM1u5gHNs/TFyYhpgt7bI/AAAAAAAAATs/C_yHL3L2kUY/s320/DSC_1152.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502440548586089906" border="0" /></a><br />My daughter and I took up residence on the wall separating sand from pavement, I coveting the skill of those in the water while she balanced, while my wife and son ventured into the oasis that was Taco Bell. Possibly the most architecturally beautiful Taco Bell I have ever seen, the aesthetics were overwhelmed by the pure function. Even a Florida resident knows how great is one's hunger after a day of physical, or less than physical, beach activities.<br /><br />There seemed to be a great respect by those who would pass through its doors or address its pick-up window (for those with sandy feet) as both the inside and outside were very presentable. Though not photographed out of respect, on this day you could find a large Quaker family enjoying Bell eats on the deck overlooking the ocean. My son enjoyed his soft taco from a window seat inside.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_uiuM1u5gHNs/TFyc3D2uFTI/AAAAAAAAAUE/uhdiijChE84/s1600/DSC_1163.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_uiuM1u5gHNs/TFyc3D2uFTI/AAAAAAAAAUE/uhdiijChE84/s320/DSC_1163.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502445314481460530" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uiuM1u5gHNs/TFycmjX-FMI/AAAAAAAAAT8/BsEzE3t5vFo/s1600/DSC_1160.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uiuM1u5gHNs/TFycmjX-FMI/AAAAAAAAAT8/BsEzE3t5vFo/s320/DSC_1160.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502445030884644034" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_uiuM1u5gHNs/TFycZVvhePI/AAAAAAAAAT0/cXpldZWPDZI/s1600/DSC_1161.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_uiuM1u5gHNs/TFycZVvhePI/AAAAAAAAAT0/cXpldZWPDZI/s320/DSC_1161.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502444803887036658" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_uiuM1u5gHNs/TFyeG4xwbMI/AAAAAAAAAUc/_7iH9RUWW0U/s1600/DSC_1153.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_uiuM1u5gHNs/TFyeG4xwbMI/AAAAAAAAAUc/_7iH9RUWW0U/s320/DSC_1153.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502446685897387202" border="0" /></a><br />My daughter would walk to water, experiencing the cold Pacific Ocean. We would talk about the varied cultural and economic backgrounds represented by wetsuit and board. Maybe I had put myself in a specific mood or maybe it was the atmosphere itself which prompted my state...I did not care. I lifted my daughter on my shoulders and allowed all senses to absorb what they may. "Could I live here?", I silently asked. Of those around me, I wondered who did. Leaving sure was hard.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_uiuM1u5gHNs/TFydfm6dPMI/AAAAAAAAAUM/e_K9pj44LZQ/s1600/DSC_1176.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_uiuM1u5gHNs/TFydfm6dPMI/AAAAAAAAAUM/e_K9pj44LZQ/s320/DSC_1176.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502446011087142082" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_uiuM1u5gHNs/TFyd27gog3I/AAAAAAAAAUU/3fpPccd6ahA/s1600/DSC_1157.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_uiuM1u5gHNs/TFyd27gog3I/AAAAAAAAAUU/3fpPccd6ahA/s320/DSC_1157.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502446411752964978" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_uiuM1u5gHNs/TFyec4TLOiI/AAAAAAAAAUk/cD-AESa9JP4/s1600/DSC_1158.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_uiuM1u5gHNs/TFyec4TLOiI/AAAAAAAAAUk/cD-AESa9JP4/s320/DSC_1158.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502447063726242338" border="0" /></a>B. W. Fullfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03073972290360672401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2083251532405290439.post-79544083184194875672010-08-05T00:44:00.009-04:002010-08-05T13:18:08.692-04:00Upon Returning From CaliforniaA week ago I left Jacksonville, FL for San Francisco, CA along with my wife and two children. Our travels also included four days in beautiful Santa Cruz, CA. There are a considerable amount of memories from this trip, most of which I've surely forgotten due to my failure to document the moments in writing when they occurred. My hope is that the 600+ pictures that were taken can revive any misplaced moments.<div><br /></div><div>The cause for heading west was to celebrate my grandmother's 90th birthday, of which our presence was to be a surprise. Though still very astute mentally, being close to completely deaf and with very limited vision made the surprise somewhat lengthy as she worked through figuring out who we were. Seeing her great-grandchildren along with my wife and I gave her much joy along with moving those others in attendance. The intriguing thing about the event is that the vast majority attending the party were from Carl's (my grandmother's husband) side of the family. Carl is her third husband, one she married late in life, who had two (if memory serves) kids and from them many children of their own. A wonderful and welcoming family of whom I am grateful to have this connection. It should be noted my mother was also there, having arrived some two weeks prior to us, along with my cousin Jessica. I have not seen here since my wedding. She has a beautiful new daughter, Nikki.</div><div><br /></div><div>The experience itself was worth every penny spent. When a 15 year old boy and a 10 year old girl manage to enjoy seemingly every moment you know you've done something correctly. Walking the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz (the walking tour is a must), Ghirardelli Square, The Mystery Spot, The Exploratorium, The Santa Cruz Boardwalk...all succeeded in pleasing the masses. As noted, I will have more to write about of which I hope can bring you as close to the experience as possible. </div><div><br /></div><div>Funny that some things I took from my visit are almost meaningless and inconsequential. Glean from them what you will.</div><div><ul><li>Do you ever think about the music you hear while pumping gas? While in Santa Cruz I was graced with Robert Plant's <i>Heaven Knows</i> from his album "Now and Zen". A Zen moment indeed.</li><li>When I got back in the car from fueling the classic radio station was broadcasting a show by Alice Cooper. He had just started playing U2's <i>Gloria</i> from "Boy". The Zen moment continued.</li><li>I was told Santa Cruz (SC) was a hippie town. I knew going into the trip that San Francisco (SF) was a big homeless city so there was an expectation of folks begging for cash. It wasn't until we were boarding the BART on our last day that someone actually asked for money.</li><li>An endless gripe I have is giving money to the homeless. I tell my children that institutions are in place that are paid for by tax dollars and other donations to ensure that they get help as opposed to getting direct money which may fuel their addiction(s). Furthermore, begging is not an occupation. That being said, in both SF and SC we saw many talented musicians trying to make a living on the streets. It was a great opportunity to give money to someone who at least was trying to "earn" it. They may still have used it on their addiction(s). I hope not.</li><li>SC must be (and I'm guessing definitely is) a pedestrian friendly city. At no time did I ever see a car not yield for someone on foot or on a bike. Maybe there are strict laws requiring this. My direct experience was my long run for the week. I was on a four lane road and was at the cross walk...not in it. As I waited for traffic to thin, drivers who saw me standing on the sidewalk came to a complete stop so I could cross. Again, I WAS ON THE SIDEWALK. Not sure I'll ever see that in Jacksonville.</li><li>I'm sure I am misquoting the bumper sticker but this is pretty close. "Be courteous. We are all trying to get somewhere." I think Josh McTiernan shared something close to this some time ago.<br /></li><li>The house we rented in SC was directly across from the beach and we were serenaded by crashing waves every evening. The house itself was roughly 1,300 sq ft and consisted of two separate buildings. It couldn't have been that much larger than the first place I lived with my wife down at Jacksonville Beach. Minimalism is a wonderful thing. Even my son commented that, though different, we could live like this.</li><li>One night we spent at the SC Boardwalk which was a miniature amusement park (The Lost Boys was filmed there). Of the 5 hours we were there, and considering the cultural and economic mixture of attendees, there was not one altercation. More Zen moments.</li><li>Widest bike paths I have ever seen in my life.</li></ul><div>It has been quite some time since I have actually felt recharged. To a greater degree it has been some time since I obtained so much focus. On the plane ride home I was able to talk about Absurdism and Camus with my son. I have to believe even he was impacted as he began to see the life affirming aspect of this system. </div><div><br /></div><div>Now to get back on East Coast Time.</div></div>B. W. Fullfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03073972290360672401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2083251532405290439.post-80534624550548820462010-07-28T11:56:00.004-04:002010-07-28T12:34:05.420-04:00A Brief Thought on Fear<span style="font-style: italic;">One of my favorite quotes is from the philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche: <span style="font-weight: bold;">"Fear is the mother of morality."</span> This quote was brought to the forefront of my thoughts while reading on Confucius and his ways of the Superior Man. The correlation to the Nietzschian Ubermensch immediately disclosed itself, but it was the three items that Confucius noted which made me pause. </span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-style: italic;"><span id="profile_status"><span id="status_text"><span style="font-weight: bold;">“The way of the superior man is threefold, but I am not equal to it. Virtuous, he is free from anxieties; wise, he is free from perplexities; bold, he is free from fear.”</span><br /><br /><br /></span></span><div style="text-align: left;">When do we consider that we fear something? Fear seems to arise from a lack of control. Death, for example, can be a prime motivator to believe in a God. For Confucius, knowledge was "the" component to being superior. For Nietzsche, not being a "slave" elevated the person. Each thinker expressed a common sentiment: it is freedom which we desire to attain and in this freedom we become better.<br /><br />Back in college I had to give a two minute unprepared speech on the famous FDR quote regarding fear. I argued that the statement "we have nothing to fear but fear itself" was wrong. Fear can be a great motivator, but only when we are strong. I find this sentiment in the superior man reference, but in a different approach.<br /><br />Confucius would want us to be free from fear by being bold. It would be easy to read this as we should not fear but I do not feel that would be accurate. Through virtue and wisdom we attain a level of confidence and vision so to embrace and overcome fear. What this demands is a high level of honesty to self and others, and to a greater degree personal accountability. As long as I am binding myself to a belief system which inherently has me limited I will turn to it when fear grips me.<br /><br />This idea is obviously deeper and more complex than a hit and run blog entry but at the surface there is a basic element at work. While we sit and marvel at those around us who overcome and succeed, what is it that holds us back? Fear of public speaking, fear of humiliation, fear of loneliness or fear of failure are but a few stones. Honesty towards the obstacles is a start which then leads one to the "path'. Once on the path we must be careful that fear does not handcuff us in a manner that Nietzsche warned: that being a system which requires acceptance of rules without question. It is then that we can be bold enough to see the stones not as obstacles but as parts of the path which we are creating.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span id="profile_status"><span id="status_text"></span></span><br /><span id="profile_status"><span id="status_text"></span></span></div></div>B. W. Fullfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03073972290360672401noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2083251532405290439.post-44664078016007895502010-07-23T11:09:00.004-04:002010-07-23T16:17:36.318-04:00The Heart of the MatterWith the recent press surrounding Shirley Sherrod's unfortunate firing we have been given the opportunity to reflect on a few evident and elemental aspects as to how we should express and obtain information. The fear tactics used by the Left during the recent Bush administration (loss of privacy) along with those used by the Right related to Obama (Socialism) predate this event but carry the same poison. The easiest thing to do when confronted with an idea is to react. The more difficult approach is investigation as it could inherently change one's established beliefs. In either example above the individual is faced with the problem of trust. Do I trust the source? Do I trust myself?<br /><br />What is at the heart of the Sherrod issue? Some would have you believe (Keith Olbermann) that it is a mandate against Fox News and the right in general. Some would have you believe that it is a commentary on the racism within black institutions (Andrew Breitbart). There are other red herring's at play as much as there are other examples that could be given. Though there may be an element of truth contained within these positions, they do not represent the greater concern. What they do is to rally a specific segment of their audience by feeding to their established opinions on certain issues and in doing so actually illuminate where the heart resides.<br /><br />In an article from <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/cifamerica/2010/jul/23/shirley-sherrod-media-journalism">The Guardian</a>, Lola Adesioye writes:<br /><br /><div style="FONT-STYLE: italic; TEXT-ALIGN: center">That the NAACP, itself supposed to be an organisation concerned with equality, was so fast to denounce Sherrod as "shameful" is another surprising twist – it also had to backtrack once the full video was made available. Rather than taking responsibility for not using due diligence and checking the facts, the NAACP said <a title="" href="http://edition.cnn.com/2010/POLITICS/07/20/agriculture.employee.naacp/index.html#fbid=8ESRXO9C32f">it had been "snookered"</a> by Breitbart and Fox News. The truth is, the NAACP was not "snookered"; it simply failed to act in a professional manner.<br /></div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">Conservatives can defend the idea that Fox News is "fair and balanced" but the fact remains that it is watched primarily by Conservatives. The same can be said for any "liberal" media outlet. What is highlighted in this quote by Ms. Adesioye is that there is a truth value assigned to today's journalists to the extent that if we hear, see or read it we are inclined to believe it. How often does one, after listening to Olbermann or O'Reilly or Limbaugh or Maddow, take the time to investigate their opinions or the opinions of their guests? And if we convey their opinions as fact, how often to we blame them for the information?<br /><br />When writers like Leslie Savan try to paint this in a political light, <a href="http://www.thenation.com/blog/37847/reverse-racism-weapon-mass-distraction">Weapons of Mass Distraction</a>, the sentiment conveyed is that it is a problem of politics. While it is true every media outlet (save the likes of the Atlanta Journal Constitution and CNN) should have delivered a highly visible apology, the idea that only the Right is the enemy plays into the problem. As was noted on the Today Show this morning, that problem is the politicizing of journalism. The once trusted media outlets have become the pawns to the political powers that either invest in them or for whom they have ideological agreement. Even more frightening may be the power of advertisers to dictate content.<br /><br />If the news has become nothing more than opinion pieces we should all be careful. Broad sweeping generalizations are an easy red flag and serve to do nothing more than divide us into our little groups where we feel validated and safe. To put this in a different "color", do you recall the Duke Lacrosse incident? Do you recall how the media handled it along with political figures within the state and the likes of Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton? Do you recall who did and who did not issue apologies? To a more recent incident, there is Obama's public assertion that the Harvard acted "stupidly", only to find out it was his friend professor Henry Louis Gates.<br /><br />These tactics are not isolated to a particular political party or special interest group. We, as citizens, need to be better educated on events and more critical of the information we receive. It goes beyond questioning the source to questioning intent. Much like Shirley used the moment in her speech as opportunity to change, so should we use her conflict for our personal benefit. As long as we empower politicized or "shock" journalism that is the information we will receive. By questioning intent and digging for more information we better serve ourselves and our community. </div>B. W. Fullfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03073972290360672401noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2083251532405290439.post-92210719608428626882009-03-03T10:54:00.008-05:002009-04-09T09:27:13.151-04:00<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_uiuM1u5gHNs/Sa1TYB1I5QI/AAAAAAAAATE/Buum7Yiutmk/s1600-h/200px-Collective_Soul_-_Hints%252C_Allegations%252C_and_Things_Left_Unsaid.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308991208012965122" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_uiuM1u5gHNs/Sa1TYB1I5QI/AAAAAAAAATE/Buum7Yiutmk/s400/200px-Collective_Soul_-_Hints%252C_Allegations%252C_and_Things_Left_Unsaid.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />Once again Limbaugh has put himself at the forefront of the political stage with his comments regarding his desire to see Obama's policies fail. And once again folks are eating this up, noting that this mentality is indicative of the "hate" and "racism" of the Republican party. Where is the unbridled support for the President that folks like Bill O'Reilly demanded while Bush was in office? Where is the "patriotism" defined by supporting your president?<br /><br />Thankfully this gives us another opportunity to unmask the guest and to see that they are the wolf. As ridiculous as O'Reilly and Rush were when Bush was in office, with respect to their rants on patriotism and support, we now see the Democrats following the exact same path markings. Simply put, if you disagree with a policy based on it's presumed outcome you will want it to fail. Success of the policy does not equate to Success on a grand scale. If you successfully sleep in and get fired, what is gained from your success?<br /><br />Racism, patriotism, ungoldy etc, are all great buzz words to keep the worshipers at the Party Church dancing in the aisles and throwing money into the offering plate. If you really want to see ignorance racing for the finish line then watch clips of yesterday's The View as the lot attack Rush's comments. What you will see is cherry picking and limited contextual reading of what actually was said.What we see here isn't a matter of saying "I disagree". It is more a matter of attacking the person and focusing in on words that are incidiary. As long as citizens of this country continue to react to comments, specifically as they are framed by people coming to you from the "idiot box" or the "talking box", rather than taking the time to evaluate the comments in context we will continue to be blindly giving up ourselves to the big government machine.<br /><br />Your party will not save you. They are merely mortal men and women who want a job. What is your economic theory? What is your ethical position? To what degree do you actually understand political philosophy? International relations? Do you actually understand the consquences of the decisions being made or are you caught up in the person making them and the way the ideas make you feel? Just because someone's skin color is the same as yours, gender is the same as yours or defines themself by a religous label doesn't mean they actually "relate" to you or have anything in common with you.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;"><em><strong><span style="font-size:100%;">The most thought-provoking thing in our thought-provoking time is that we are still not thinking.</span></strong></em> </span><br /><br />Martin HeideggerB. W. Fullfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03073972290360672401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2083251532405290439.post-48499921437225841262008-11-23T02:07:00.002-05:002008-11-23T02:43:58.264-05:00A Friend Fights Facebook<center><blockquote><i>You can take me down<br />To show me your home<br />Not the place where you live<br />But the place where you belong<br />You can bend my ear<br />We can talk all day<br />Just make sure you're around<br />When I've finally got something to say</i></blockquote></center><br /><center><blockquote><i>Toad the Wet Sprocket</i></blockquote></center><br /><br />I will refer to my friend as a variable: He is person (X). Nevermind, he is Chris. Though communication has failed us through the years their are great memories so that when we cross paths it is a gift to continue the friendship. He is eccentric, different than I, so though we share certain truths (small T) his foundation is appealing in its difference. We happened upon each other the night of the election and engaged in a virtual dialogue surrounding the historic event and the possible consequences for man and country. Subsequently Chris began to comment with a certain degree of unexpected frequency as to the word salad ramblings from my fingers. Personhood was a topic that was just getting good when Chris dropped off Facebook. His reason...the egoism and self-serving nature of the medium was just too much and he could not philosophically reconcile his participation on the application.<br /><br />I was not taken aback by his comments as there was some virtual discussion in the not so distant past in which he raised the question of why people might care about others to the extent that so much his shared on the internet. Valid question. I have, for the most part, been a proponent of community and the joy the other takes in what you disclose to them. Although I would not agree in majority to a Hegelian view of man in society, I do agree to an extent that the self is further defined by society and hence our need for community. But mediums like Facebook raise the ante a bit and Chris forced my hand.<br /><br />For example, why do folks use their "status" as a means to express opinion? I have done it so I can answer for myself: I do it to get my point across on a grand scale as it forces anyone who can see to become a part of my thinking. If I put it in a note or on my wall it might never get read. Chris is therefore right...egoism...selfishness. Why do I believe that anyone cares? My reaction is to turn the question back on him: why do I care if anyone cares? If my purpose is to share a part of me I am opening myself up in the hope of a response and hence dialogue. In turn my efforts at community are satisfied in that a specific relationship is better defined. I simply don't see it as a negative. At times it is an annoyance and surely there are those who have seen my "status" and wished I would, in a virtual sense, shut up.<br /><br />Chris's sentiment did ?inspire? me to blank out my status though I haven't remained true to that agenda. To a greater extent it forced me to reconcile my cynicism with my hope once again, a contradiction and hypocrisy I accepted many years ago. Rather than be disgusted by the "look at me" perspective I could take with respect to Facebook I side with the perspective that there is a level of sincerity in my "friends". Rather than their sharing be a need for them to be affirmed or seen, I will accept that they are merely wanting to be known for the sake of community and the happiness found in friendship.<br /><br />Surely there is a level of Truth (big T) in both positions that Chris and I take. However, Chris has (and for the last time he claims) deleted his Facebook account requiring that I now utilize email or phone as how we communicate. I'll miss the pictures and other updates to his life. I respect and understand why he had to do what he did. I hope he changes his mind...again.<br /><br /><center><blockquote><b>Egoism is the very essence of a noble soul.<br />Friedrich Nietzsche</b></blockquote></center>B. W. Fullfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03073972290360672401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2083251532405290439.post-8629251530652481992008-09-19T15:13:00.003-04:002008-09-19T15:47:51.551-04:00On Another Level<blockquote>I think, therefore I am.</blockquote><br /><br />Oh Descartes.....<br /><br />No this isn't going to lead into a treatise on the short comings or the wisdom of the quote. I thought it was a good lead into this long anticipated blog! ;)<br /><br />I sat through the Jaguars\Bills game this past weekend and came to a realization that I didn't love football as much as I used to. Maybe it was the fact that our tailgating is limited due to friends who didn't renew season tickets or that the game was quite hot or that the Jags are losing. I dismiss all of those and defer to the realization that my time is limited. <br /><br />I have roughly 5 more years of my son living in my house (assuming he leaves for college.) After that another 5 years of my daughter. Soon it will be only my wife and I...well, I'm sure a dog plays into the scene. There is nothing, I am reminded, that you can keep.<br /><br />Maybe turning 40 did have a covert affect on my world view: I did recently re-discover Thoreau. Maybe it was my son's realization that he has an artistic side he wants to investigate. I found that the values I held tight to in my 20's and early 30's vanished but have now bloomed. The Utilitarianism has faded somewhat for the sake of Hedonism. To clarify, the sense of duty has taken a back seat to the pleasure of Being. The wanting to surround myself with friends and family in an effort to establish memories...possibly a means of literary immortality.<br /><br />I still embrace my son's football and my daughter's cheerleading. It isn't the event itself that I'm averse to. The thought of who I enjoy the moment with has become quite important. Sitting with my wife and my friends, Vic and Chuck, struck a chord that vibrated the question "you paid how much for this to spend these 6 hours with mostly strangers?"<br /><br />Soon my friends and I will buy Rosetta Stone and learn some new language. I will soon begin teaching my children basic lawn and home maintenance. I want to continue to progress as a human, but I want to do it in the company of those I love. Not being alone is a privilege that I believe many take for granted.B. W. Fullfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03073972290360672401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2083251532405290439.post-57883959824187992232008-06-11T17:13:00.005-04:002008-06-11T17:24:35.592-04:00Blah, Blah, Blah, GingerDoes anyone remember the Far Side comic strip "what dogs hear"? With the forthcoming election, and having survived the Democratic Primary, is anyone else hearing "blah, blah, blah, voter"?<br /><br />To be honest I've been wanting to blog something. I read Matt's blog (see links to the right) and he lays out such interesting and biographical commentary and I'm simply dry. I've begun re-reading my women in religion books to feed my need to ground my understanding of man's progressive understanding of a god\goddess. I'm still working on my problem of evil class curriculum. I have yet to finish my book on the middle east and how their religious structure precludes any successful understanding from our government and population as a whole. Too many irons in the fire.<br /><br />Oh, and I turn 40 in 6 days and to be quite honest I don't feel any different. Bucking the "mid-life crisis" stereotype with guns blazing.<br /><br />I did engage a close friend regarding how God is protrayed in the tower of Bable story. Still waiting on his blog response.<br /><br />My problem of prayer issue is dying...I'll probably pick that book up again to resolve some conflicts...or to foster more...still an odd concept.<br /><br />I do have a sprint tri this weekend that I feel too weak from the bike standpoint.<br /><br />Blah, blah, blah, reader. I am so sorry.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_uiuM1u5gHNs/SFBB9VA1TTI/AAAAAAAAANI/9zwcaae0kyg/s1600-h/jesuss.gif"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_uiuM1u5gHNs/SFBB9VA1TTI/AAAAAAAAANI/9zwcaae0kyg/s400/jesuss.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5210737290736127282" /></a>B. W. Fullfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03073972290360672401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2083251532405290439.post-22882510567239115232008-05-22T10:15:00.002-04:002008-05-22T10:18:28.645-04:00Pox on the cynicSo Cook wins...damn my lack of faith in the American public. I'm sure they'll live down to my expectations some time soon.<br /><br />For example...HC telling "racists" (or rednecks as they were noted) that she won't accept their votes? Really?! Because if race is a factor for voting whites then its racism. But if the blacks say they are voting for Obama or if women say they are voting for HC that isn't an -ism? This is the country we live in. These are our leaders. All of your are fools if you buy into this party mentality. More on this later.B. W. Fullfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03073972290360672401noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2083251532405290439.post-62722682475570651062008-05-21T10:46:00.003-04:002008-05-21T10:58:19.854-04:00Idol or I Doll?I got sucked in. For the first year I got sucked in. I can't explain why but American Idol has been a staple in our house for the past 2 months. I vowed never to watch because the show spits out the flavor of the month rather than a true "talent". Find a pretty face and\or a nice voice then plug into the formula.<br /><br />Now all things being equal I'm not much for pop music. If I could pour molten lead down the throats of Mariah Carey, Madonna, Michael Jackson and Celine Dion I would. But their loaded while my taste ends up in small arenas or clubs. <br /><br />It further came to a head when "America" voted off Carly Smithson. Not the most polished of voices but the girl could perform. Jesus Christ, Superstar was an amazing show and watching her enjoy it as much as she did should've allowed her to move on (while reggae boy mulled through the same crap over and over and over...). Taking my stand to kick the AI habit they sucked me back in with Neil Diamond week, only to be almost completely sickened by the weak attempts at singing Neil's classics. Blah.<br /><br />So here I am during finals week, trying to care. Knowing full well that DA will take this thing because he is 1) cute 2) has a refined voice and 3) all he sings are ballads. As a total cycnic I don't believe for one second the American public will see beyond the boredom that is DA. Let me restate, I'm not saying the kid doesn't have a great voice. What I am saying is that he isn't anything special as the total package. I can see him on Broadway. I can see him on the Disney Channel. Beyond that I can't see him being a star.<br /><br />DC, on the other hand, has the presence and the personality. His voice isn't as polished but he can sing a ballad or a rocker and you're still interested. He also sings with passion where as DA sounds plastic. How could anyone think that DA's rendition of Imagine was good? It lacked all soul and the lyrics were lost behind the syrup of DAs voice. School girls will love him and I'm sure he'll have top selling ballads but if you buy a CD can you honestly expect a full lineup of great DA songs? DC can give you the range of styles to keep you interested.<br /><br />I do think DA will win simply because I have no faith in the American music public. Their taste tends to be throw away music that can't stand the test of time. But I guess that is what POP music is all about. If American Idol is about the total package then DC is your winner. If is about who is vocally more polished then DA is your winner. If the mass of voters are giddly little school girls then DA is your winner. <br /><br />What happened to me?B. W. Fullfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03073972290360672401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2083251532405290439.post-19894111655477444682008-05-20T12:15:00.003-04:002008-05-20T12:28:47.307-04:00The Fall of the Roaming EmpireI was joking with my son the other day about the paradox of life. At what point do we begin dying? As I approach the big "40", society says you should evaluate where you are. Really? To be fair I've been doing that for about the past 24 years. Considering where I could be, the parts that don't bring at least 50.1% of total joy pale. More satisfying job? Sure. Better family? No. End of argument.<br /><br />I don't want a new\fast car. I don't need a young girl...well any more than I have for the past 28 years. :) I don't buy the mid-life crisis mantra. Interesting note:<br /><br /><em>A midlife crisis is experienced between the ages of 40 and 60. It was first identified by the psychologist Carl Jung and is a normal part of the maturing process.</em><br /><br /><a href="http://divorcesupport.about.com/od/isdivorcethesolution/f/midlifecrisis.htm"></a><br /><br />To circle back, dying can't be such an open process. Are we speaking biologically or mentally? Spiritually (whatever that means) or process wise? I mean, life is a process so you could argue that you start dying when you give up. When you consider that the world has given you all it can and now you just sit back and let it take you away.<br /><br />There should only be one fall of the roaming empire...when the line goes flat. Until then we should be obligated to move on to new ideas and places. Ensure that you retain that foundation that all empires must have...community. Family. Friends. And this isn't some mid-life comment. It is youth and elderly based. It is a realization of Truth.B. W. Fullfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03073972290360672401noreply@blogger.com0