Friday, December 19, 2008

Evaluations

Hey everyone. I really enjoyed the presentations these past few weeks. Nice work. This is just a final reminder, and request, to please complete teacher evaluations. Tomorrow is the last day to do this. It's a fast and straightforward process. All you need to do is:

1. Login to UVLink using your UV ID and pin.
2. Go to the "Student" tab.
3. Go to the "Teacher/Course Evaluations" channel in the upper-left portion of the page.
4. Click on "Complete your Fall 2008 Teacher Evaluations."
5. Click on English 1010.
6. Click on the "Evaluate" link.
7. Answer the survey questions and make comments about the instructor and/or the course.
8. Make sure to click on "Submit Evaluation" at the bottom of the page.

I was in Europe when evaluations began, so we got a bit of a late start, but evaluations are important and helpful to me, and I appreciate your willingness to participate.

Have a fabulous holiday season, and thanks once again for a great semester.
-Daniel

Monday, December 15, 2008

where's winter

For me this has seem like an extremely mild winter so far, exspecially for Utah. In recent years, i has snowed around Halloween and continues until march. This year we got one snow around middle of october and nothing until today. in my P.E. class we have gone outside everyday until last week. the tempature being in the 40's and 50's in November is warm for Utah. Last Thursday was first day that seem liked winter, with the bitter cold. I just hope that it doesn't mean that it snows into June next year.

A Cold Winter

I had no idea (probably because I don't watch the news), but according to article entitled "Bitterly cold air hits much of nation," There have been a number of all time low temperatures across the country. The article says: "Temperatures on Monday crashed to record lows — well below zero — as a huge mass of arctic air blustered southward, keeping people indoors and leading some cities to open shelters. The cold and remnants of the weekend blizzard that accompanied it closed hundreds of schools on the northern Plains." This news has caused me to worry a little bit. I hate the cold and hope that this doesn't mean an extremely cold winter. Fortunately it sounds like this is only a temporary thing; however, if anyone knows or has more insight on the topic, I'd like to know about it.

Sunday, December 14, 2008

Where is the love?

This is a comment on Jen's post, but I decided to put it up here on the main wall with hopes that more people will see it. Jen I totally agree with you. People do discriminate pretty heavily. I'd like to touch a little on what you said when you mentioned that people dislike people just because they do drugs, or do something that a opposing party dislikes, or doesn't agree with. The argument I'd like to make is that people get too caught up with people's inadequacies to see what neat people they really are. For example, I have a booger little brother who is 16, who is a really good guy, but does have some drawbacks. He is big for his age at 6'2" and 190lbs. and is not a bad looking guy. As a result he is a bit on the arrogant side. He also likes to drink and smoke when he gets a chance. I don't agree with this for reasons apparent, and neither does my other brother who is 19. My bro that is 19 has a strong dislike for him because of his faults. True it is that they are faults, but that shouldn't interfere with your ability to enjoy people. People are all different, and we should not cut ourselves short by cutting them short.

English 101 includes blogging?

In continuance with my last post, I would like to share a few feelings, and see if anyone else has the same feelings.... I signed up for this English class in order to become a better writer (and to get this gen out of the way!) I had in mind a lot of writing, and a lot of papers. But does blogging help improve our writing skills? Do we as students learn the necessary skills from blogging to survive in the real world? What skills do we acquire? I for one haven't done too swell of a job posting on this bad boy blog. Among a few reasons for this is my belief that blogging is for married couples only. That's right, blogging is for couples to tell about their happy new lives to their families and friends! I've noticed that girls enjoy to blog also. That puts me in a hard place seeing: 1. I'm not a girl and 2. I'm not married.... Ba!

Friday, December 12, 2008

Almost there... but not yet

It's great that the semester is coming to an end and I am looking forward to the break. We are so close, but we are definitely not there yet. The stress is killing me. So many assignments and so many tests. My routine is all messed up, I am spending all my time studying. It feels like there is too much to handel. I have been trying not to leave it to the last minute though and that has taken a little of the stress off. In order to be healthy and happy we need to have balance in our lives. We need a good balance of responsibilities and free time activites. I am unbalanced right now with so much time spent on my responsibilities and it is weighing on me. I haven't been eating right and I have been skipping my workout. Then when I do those things it makes me feel crappy and I feel even less like studying. Well I wish you all luck for your finals and If I had any advice to give it would be to not leave things to the last minute, and to try and make time for yourself and the things that make you happy. Good luck!

Thursday, December 11, 2008

Presentations

The presentations so far have been great. It's been fun watching them and seeing what people have done. I have been convinced by them. I really want to go on a cruise, and I have been thinking about how much of the way I live and act is because of genetics. It was very interesting to see what porn could do to relationships as well. I am excited to see the rest on monday and do mine.

The Grinch

I must admit I am getting tired of buying gifts. These days it seems like every time I turn around it is someone elses birthday or some holiday that I have to buy people stuff. Now Christmas is getting here and even though I have always enjoyed Christmas, I am dreading shopping! The malls become like high school halls and it's just overwhelming. I never know what to get people and when you ask them, they just say, "oh you don't have to get me anything." Well I know I don't have to, but i'm going to so why not just tell me something you want so I don't buy something stupid?

We must suck!

With 26 total posts, 27 including this one, on this here blog, and with approx. 25 people in the class, I'm pretty sure things don't add up here. 25 (people)x6(total number of blogs)=150.... So what does this mean? Yes it true, that number doesn't include the comments on posts, but still, take a gander and see how often people really comment on posts... Not too much. Perhaps Daniel will be merciful.... I doubt it, but lets ask him anyways.... Hows about it Daniel, are you gonna have mercy to your worst blogging class?

Friday, December 5, 2008

Discrimintaion

This is just sooooooo wrong. People don't deserve to be discriminated against. The world is just so wrong about that factor. Just because someone is gay or does drugs doesn't mean that they are bad people. Everyone has skeletons in their closet. But they are still good people. You may not like them but that is sure no reason to look down upon them. My research paper is on this topic. I just cant wait to share it with all of you. From the perspective I will be creating you will be able to see why Discrimintion is so pronounce in our world today.

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Thursday and Friday

Hi everyone. This is just a reminder that I will be in my office all day on Thursday and Friday to meet with students and answer any questions you may have regarding the Classical Argument paper or the Genre Translation assignment. My flight from England was delayed, and I am just now getting home, so I will be coming in a bit later than I had anticipated tomorrow, but I will still be there all day. I will be in my office from 10:30 AM to 8 PM. (I may be there a little earlier, but I will be there by 10:30 for sure.) On Friday I will be there from 8AM to 8PM.

Oh, and my dissertation defense went really well. Thanks to those of you who wrote me about it.

-Dr. Westover (still sounds a bit weird, but I'll get used to it)

Monday, December 1, 2008

The anti christ?

What are Americans thinking? Barack Obama is being called the anti Christ. What makes him the anti Christ? When Obama was running for presidency he did not have enough experience to be president, but now he has done enough to become the anti Christ. The reasoning behind this is getting ridiculous also. I have heard things like he has never shown anyone his birth certificate--although some may believe that running for president doesn't have any requirements, I can assure everyone there are. There is no way that he is not a citizen, he is your president so give that one up. The event behind he being deemed as not a patriot because he won't put is hand on his heart is also lead from extreme yellow journalism. As everyone knows Obama is a peoples pleaser with his big white smile, the reason he did not have his hand over his heart was because it was not a customary time to have it there. The press just blew it out of proportion when it was not true. The press also blew up the fact that he worked with a Syrian politician in Illionois. Why would Obama discriminate against this man? The man had a bad past just like our lame duck Jr. George W. Bush had his fun with cocain and other drugs. The man changed and for the better no doubt, but why are we still afraid that Obama is going to mendle with terroist? The simple idea of discriminating against his name rhyming with Osama and his name including Hussain like Sadame Hussain's name. This is such a terrible thing other than the fact that these are some of the most popular names in the world not to mention the most popular name in the world is a middle eastern name, Muhammed. I am personally surprised that even with something as wonderful as the United States voting for their first black president individuals still have to discriminate against him for ignorant reasons. When did Americans become crazy enough to fear change? America was created by people wanting change and at that time we were all called traitors to religion and nationalism to the thrown. This is perhaps another great day for America where we have someone changing our ideas on nationalism and religion. Hopefully we will all see soon enough he is far from an anti Christ.

Saturday, November 8, 2008

Revised Class/Assignment Schedule on Blackboard

Hi all. There is now a revised schedule up on Blackboard. This new schedule takes us up through the end of the semester. There are a lot of changes, so you will want to take a look. We will be discussing this on Monday and signing up for small groups, so don't miss, and make sure to bring any questions with you.

Have a nice rest of your weekend.
-D

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

Don't Move to Canada


I just glanced at my Facebook page and over half of my 'friends' said they were going to move to Canada due to Obama winning the Presidential Election. That right there just irks me a little; well a lot. To the people who wish to move to Canada or would rather be in Canada I say this:

Have you no pride or faith in your Country? Our Forefathers fought long and hard for the independence of this Country, and with that came the ability to vote. We as a people have the ability to choose who leads our Country, and this time around the majority ruled in the favor of Obama, and whether you like it or not he will be our next President. We as a people chose our President, and we need to have faith in our decision. I realize for some of you this was not ultimately your decision, but just because you didn't vote for Obama doesn't mean you are somehow exempt from his 'rule'. I am sure that if McCain was elected there would be people who felt the same way. No one will ever be truly happy with the outcome of an election, but moving to Canada or any other country isn't going to make it any better. You will have to submit to whoever is ruling and possibly without the opportunity to vote, and lose other freedoms as well.

I am not saying that you should agree entirely with Obama; you just need to admit to the fact that he will be our next President. You can argue and be mad all you want, but that isn't going to change anything. This election is a historical moment for our Country and the least you can do is recognize that. We shouldn't become divided over this election; we should become united, after all it was our decision. Now lets have some faith in our Country and its people and see what will happen in the future. Who knows Obama might surprise you.

Friday, October 31, 2008

So Hugh... where is class today?

Friday, October 24, 2008

Hopefully the "Good News" doesn't mean bad

I too have really loved the dropping gas prices. Who would have ever thought fifteen years ago that we would be so excited over such a ridiculous price, 2.90. However with the continually lowering prices, people have began to relax. Hopefully it does mean that we "relax" off alternate fuel, thinking that there is now bigger and more important problems. Then in a few months when the fuel companies have captured us again, the prices will sore and we will have no choice but to pay it. So even with the lower gas prices we need to push even harder towards other types of cars and fuel.

Good News!

It has been a pleasant surprise to see that gas prices are going down. I was able to purchase gas today at 2.90 a gallon. On msn.com I read that on Monday the average price of regular gasoline was 2.923 a gallon and that gas is less than 3$ a gallon in 30 states. My question is how long is this going to last? As for now, I'm enjoying the lowering gas prices.

Thursday, October 23, 2008


A victim of horrific facial disfigurement - known as "the man with no face" - has been given new hope by the advancement of medical science.
Jose Mestre, from Lisbon, Portugal, has been losing his face to a huge growth for the past 35 years, distorting it out of all recognition - and it's still growing.
The tumor on 51-year-old Jose's face is a collection of blood vessels that have expanded, producing a raised red area on the skin.
Jose was born with a strawberry-coloured birthmark on his upper lip. At puberty it began growing, eventually smothering his lips, nose and one of his eyes. Now it is 33cm long and weighs 3kg.
But Jose's religious faith - as a Jehovah's Witness he refuses to accept a blood transfusion - has prevented him from having surgery to remove the growth.
Jose's rare condition was the subject of a Discovery Channel TV documentary 'The Man With No Face', part of the 'My Shocking Story' series.
It reveals how top medical experts in London have now held out hope of helping Jose, a well-known figure around the streets of Lisbon.
A leading British surgeon has offered to treat Jose using ultrasound waves to coagulate the blood before the operation.
This should remove the risk of heavy bleeding - satisfying his religious beliefs about blood transfusions in the process.
Dr Iain Hutchison, of St Bartholomew's in London, is confident an operation with a harmonic scalpel could make him look a lot more normal.
Discovery Channel said: "Surrounded by a loving family, it seems incredible that he has not been treated and his face was allowed to grow so big. However, through years of medical misinformation, some misdiagnosis, lack of finances, and reluctance to undergo treatment due to religious beliefs, the growth has continued to obliterate his face."
My Shocking Story follows Jose on a journey through Europe to seek medical advice for one last chance to stop his face from suffocating him.
In this journey of a lifetime he travels by train, via Paris, to Britain, to meet the top experts in London. He goes through a series of tests, consultations, and meets other patients with a similar affliction. In London he also spends time with his sister Guida and the rest of his family, enjoys being a tourist in London, while making the biggest decision of his life.
Jose's dream is to live a long and normal life. Following the showing of the Discovery documentary he continues to adhere to his 'no blood transfusion' religious principles. But he has agreed to go back to the London hospital in 2008, when doctors hope to carry out specialist surgery to begin removing parts of his tumor, without the need for blood transfusions.
I saw a show on tv about this man the other night. I just wanted to see what everyone else's opinions are on how his religion is preventing him from a blood transfusion, which could save his life. Do you think that he should ignore his religion beliefs for a better chance of removing the tumor, or do you think that he is right for sticking to his beliefs?

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Insult to America

This is nothing political as the title might insinuate. I am watching the World Series right now. Game 1. Who would have ever guessed that it would be the Rays vs Phillies. Las Vegas was giving the Rays a 130 to 1 shot at making it to the Fall Classic. Millions of people are watching are watching this historic series. The first time the Rays are in the series. The native Floridans who call themselves The Backstreet Boys were called on to sing the National Anthem. I have heard some pretty bad renditions of the Star Spangled Banner before. Some horribly out of key, some not even hitting the right notes. Those were far better then this version. It was so horrible that I wanted to cry. For goodness sake! this song should be sung out of respect for your country! People Died because of that battle cry. They showed the most amount of disrespect for our nation that I have seen in a long time. stupid Backstreet Boys.

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

14 Days to Go

Listen up everybody! We have 14 days left to pick who we are going to vote for. On the news this morning a debate was going on about whether or not Palin is an asset to the McCain campaign. And as for Barak Obama he is taking a few days off from his campaign to spend it with his sick grandmother.
As for me I have no idea who I am going to vote for yet. I don't even know why I registered to vote. It is going to be my first time voting
As a US citizen it is my duty to vote. But for me it is an internal conflict because I want to vote for a candidate that will be the best for the country.

Monday, October 13, 2008

Birth Control in Middle School

King Middle School in Portland, Maine will be the first school (I believe it is the first school in the country) to offer a full range of contraceptions (condoms, birth control, patches, etc) to students as young as 11 (They have been offering condoms since 2000). Not only that, but they are offering the full range of contraceptions without parent consent. Parents would have no way of knowing their eleven year old daughter or son was sexually active. This is because the school's health care center is confidential under state law. The decision was made based off of 17 reported teen pregnancies in Portland's three middle schools in the past four years.
http://media.www.themichiganjournal.com/media/storage/paper255/news/2007/10/23/Perspectives/Birth.Control.At.School.Leads.To.PreTeen.Promiscuity-3050532.shtml

That is where I found the editorial piece.

I think that the bigger issue is not that 11 year olds are getting pregnant, but that they are having sex. The issue lies at home, parents are not educating their kids enough about sex and the consequences. The school's decision to offer a full range of contraceptions puts the thought of sex in the innocent minds of 11 year olds. 11 year olds are not old enough to deal with the consequences of sex. Emotional or physical.

The schools solution should not be to offer birth control but to offer counseling and education if they feel there is a high pregnancy rate. I agree with what Topelwski said in her editorial, that schools have found a way to only treat the symptoms rather than the cause.

Anyways I just thought that this would be good for the blog, so just let me know what you think.


Sunday, October 12, 2008

Where did the alcopops go?

Where did all the alcopops in utah go? Well there definitley not in gas stations or grocery stores. Supposedly these "alcopops"(which are the fruity alcoholic drinks like Mikes Hard Lemonade and Smirnoffs that were sold next to the beer.) are nothing more than a ploy to introduce young teens into the liquer industry. The company's that produce the beverages are going to have to make new labels for there bottles especially for Utah to prevent accidental purchases. One of the most confusing, say the government is the energy-alchoholic drinks look to much like the other energy drinks so they need to have a new label put on them clearly stating that they are alcoholic. I read that Smirnoff, one of the larger distributors may pull there product from Utah altogether rather than deal with the strict rules and guidlines Utah is trying to enfoce
Seriously, I would be willing to bet that not very many people have bought these drinks on accident. I mean they are right next to the beer, isn't that alone enough to make people realize what they are? People need to read the dang label before they buy things.
While reading blog posts about this subject I found that a lot of people are upset about the new law. I read quit a few posts by different people that say the only reason this happened is because of the heavy influence of the LDS church in our government. I found a post that was kind of funny and expresses what i'm talking about. I found it at http://www.ksl.com/index.php?nid=148&sid=4415589&comments=true written by Cache kid on Oct 1, 2008
"I'm not moving, I'm staying.
Your majority is shrinking.
Within a few years the nons plus the jacks will have a majority.
Once that happens, the FIRST THING we'll do is to legalize privately owned liquor stores, with drive thru's. Then we'll pass a law saying nude dancing is OK in liquor store parking lots. Then we'll outlaw Jello"

By "nons" they mean non-mormons and by "jacks" they mean jack mormons, just to clarify.

I don't really know what to think, It does creates more hassal for myself having to drive to the state liquer store instead of the grocery store, and of course paying about two bucks more for a six pack. But at the same time if it really will help cut underage drinking then it would be a good thing, I will always want whats best for people, but then why is Utah the only state doing it? I mean I guess it's not to much of a shock living in Utah with are 3.5% beer and no privatley owned liquer stores and a law that says no coolers in liquer stores because if the liquer is cold people will be guzzling it the second they get in their car.
I personally can't help at least somewhat agreeing with the people who say the church has a little to much influence in government in Utah. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints counsels members not to drink alcohol, and the church is highly influential among state lawmakers on alcohol policy. The mormon church highly supported this law all along its way into effect. Utah has some of the strictest liquor laws in the country, and is it a coinsidence that Utah also has a large Mormon population?

Thursday, October 2, 2008

Where is the 700 billion dollars going?

I apologize for posting so many times. Giving the current state of our economy and the need of transparency of congress. Please read this and then figure out if you are pleased with the direction congress is taking. if you agree with with this please vote on Nov. 4th and do your part to change it!
I love the current congress. In 2006 the democrats promised change and reform if they got control of congress. You want to know what this congress is doing? They are stabbing us in the back. This "Bailout" that is supposed to be helping stabilize the economy is disgusting. Like I said in my last post these congress people have no accountability to the people who elected them. If the people knew what this bill contained they would be outraged. You should be too.
In certain bills " earmarks" are put into it. an earmark sets aside money for something else. read some of the following earmarks that are in this bail out bill. ( I did not write the following ).

There is huge, huge trouble, and we are told by the people in Washington that the whole thing's going to collapse if we don't do something. If we don't do anything, the whole thing's going to collapse. I happen to agree with that, but I don't agree with the "Just do something." But let me ask you this: If you were asked to save your country and you were asked for $700 billion, the largest program of its type ever, $700 billion and they said we have to have it right now, where the whole thing's going to collapse, if you believed it, would you do it. No matter what your constituents said, if you believed it, would you do it. I would because you can go ahead and tear me apart. You can throw me to the dogs. It will be the last time I serve. I get it. This is a republic, and I will vote against if I think the public is wrong because it's a republic. You have hired me to look into this. I will do my best to explain it, but if my back is against the wall, the clock is ticking, somebody has to make a decision, I don't think you understand it because you may not have access to information that I have. As a senator I'm going to make that and I will be held responsible. You can pillar me, you can tear me apart, you can throw me out of office, you can impeach me. That's okay. I've got to do what I think is right for the country because that's what you hired me to do.

If I don't think that our country is falling apart or if I don't think that a bailout is right, I'm going to do the same thing. I don't care what your opinion is. I don't care what happens. If I don't think it's right, if I think this is a lie, if I don't think this will work, if I think this is the wrong course of action because I love my country, I will not do it, and I won't do it in your name. Even though you said something else, you put me in that place to make a decision. However, the one thing I will not do is I will not go to Washington and vote for something that I don't believe in, because it has a wool subsidy in it, because in my state I have a toy manufacturer that makes wooden arrows for children and I can get a subsidy for the company that makes wooden arrows for children. It's not enough to vote for the bill to save your country? You need an incentive? You need something to convince you besides your sacred duty, besides our lives, our fortunes and our sacred honor? This bill last night that was passed is the size of a novel. I'm a pretty fast reader. I couldn't read 435 pages in one night, let alone 435 pages written by attorneys! Section 325 provides essential tax breaks for the wool research fund. What else do we need to know! Could we make sandwiches out of wool? No! Sweaters! What else do you need to know about wool! Section 503 gives tax breaks for the manufacturer of wooden arrows used in toys for children. Price tag, $6 million. Wooden arrows? Aren't you the same people that are telling me that it's politically incorrect to play cowboys and Indians!

Try this one. Try this one, and this one I'm going to need. This one I swear to God I'm going to need soon. Puerto Rican and Virgin Island rum producers get $192 so they can make more booze! I need some booze right now! Sorry, not $192. $192 million. Section 309, tax credit for economic development in America. Yeah, yeah, yeah. You hear that? That's good. I thought the whole thing was freaking. No, no, no, listen carefully. Section 309, tax credit for economic development in America, defined as American Samoa. Section 316, a tax break for railroad track maintenance. Well, good thing we got Joe's Amtrak in there! Section 317, a tax break for racetracks. I am tracking down the senators that these -- that their states profit from. I want to know the names of somebody who said, gee, I can't go for the bailout bill unless you help with the racetracks! Our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor. Section 502, qualified television and film productions given an extension of favorable expensing rules, $10 million. We're helping out the TV and film people now. Section 111 provides for the expansion and modification of advanced coal project investment credits. Section 112, expansion and modification of the coal gasification project. Section 113, increased funding for black lung disability fund. "Look, man, I'll give you what you're never going to get through if you'll just give this to me." It's insulting. It's insulting. If I were a senator -- did anyone, did anyone, or am I just too frank, did anyone say get the hell out of my office; you want to talk to me about why this is the right thing to do, you want to talk to me about why I should be on board because the economy will collapse if we don't have it, if you want to talk to me about those things, come in, friend, sit down, let's talk. But if you want to talk to me about getting money in my state for wooden arrows, get the hell out of my state. Get the hell out of my office, get the hell out of my sight. Who have we sent?

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

Ultra Chapped at the UVU Review

Tonight in the Ballroom at UVU was the 3rd congressional debate. There was time for about 1 hr before the debate to ask the candidates questions that are important to you. The debate was one our long then after the debate there was time where the candidates answered more questions. I love these small audiences because it allows a person to go and meet the candidates face to face and have your particular questions answered. In the United States each congressman represents on average 690,000 people. The winner of this the 3rd congressional district will represent just under 900,000 people. The founders of the country were very worried that 60,000 was to many for one person to represent. In addition to that, the point of having open elections is so that if the people do not agree with the way the congress person is doing things they will not be re-elected. Unfortunatley the re-election rate in the US is 98% due to the way the demographic is broken up for voting purposes. I wanted to ask Jason Chaffez ( the probable winner ) what he was going to do to stay connected to his constituents and make elections more contested to keep the people in Washington honest.
During the middle of my question a " Reporter " (please note how loosely that term is used. and the sarcasam) for the UVU review came and stepped in between me and Mr. Chaffez and introduced him self and began asking his question. I tapped him on the shoulder and asked him to wait his turn. He did. As I asked a follow up question He so kindly interruped and said " I am with the UVU review. There is a war going on and the economy is in turmoil. How about you let him talk about what is really important." I give respect to Mr. Chaffez who turned to him and said, " I get to choose what questions I answer not you. You will wait till he is done." I finished and walked away.
I can't help but get this dirty taste out of my mouth about how rude this "reporter" was. Why are his questions more important then mine? flip, if you want to know what he had to say about the war and the economy all you had to do was listen to the debate. My one vote has just as much weight as everyone elses vote and if the lack of accountabilty the lawmakers have to the people is important to me then I should be allowed to have that answered.
If anyone knows how I can get in touch with a senior member of the UVU review please let me know. This type of behavior and disrespect can not tolerated.

collar-tattoo.jpg

The city of Bountiful, Utah has just passed a law banning new city employees from sporting any sort of visible tattoo. This means if your tattoo peeks out of your collar, you’ll have to consider working for someone other than Bountiful city.

Tattoos that are seen on the head, face, neck, or hand are now banned, and prospective employees with as much will not be hired. The only ones exempt from this rule are current staffers who already have visible tattoos.

The ban further includes any males who have piercings that are visible as well. The officials in Davis County say that these actions are ‘anticipatory and preventative’….whatever that means. They want their employees to look professional so that people will feel comfortable interacting with them.

This ban in Davis County and in Bountiful is modeling a similar ban with the Los Angeles Police Department where employees of the LAPD are banned from visible tattoos. Unlike LAPD, forearm tattoos in Bountiful WILL be allowed, but only if they are able to be covered with city uniform or required dress code.

The ban is based on the theory that citizens don’t want police officers showing up at their door to assist them with tattoos of the Nazi variety. So as opposed to simply banning any questionable or politically incorrect tattoos, all have been banned. And some of the residents of Bountiful aren’t happy.

The term ‘a joke’ has been used to describe the ban, as well as discriminatory. And could the fact that the heavily weighted Mormon population of Bountiful have something to do with it?

What do you think?

This news story is kinda old but i remembered it the other day and thought it would be perfect for this blog deal. Anyway I thought it was pretty good because i am torn on this subject myself. I see valid points on both sides and have a hard time taking one side or the other. I can see how the city wants to have a professional look and create a more clean cut image of the city. However on the other hand i do not think that they should go that far. Just because someone has some ink on there skin doens't mean that they are crude standoffish people, don't judge a book by its cover it what comes to mind. Anyway what do you guys think?

Monday, September 29, 2008

Internet Dating

I personally agree with Ana. There are plenty of fish in the sea, and finding them on the internet is fake. However, I do think that internet dating can be beneficial for older people around the age of 50. Usually around that age, people should have themselves figured out. They probably wont make stuff up in their "about me" section of their profile. The ones that do are probably the "freaks" like Daniel said. People around that age are also less likely to have photographs of them posing like a model or holding up some kind of sign. If they do, it is probably not them. They are more likely to have a simple head shot or a picture of them with their kids.
Divorce is a common issue for many people nowadays. If people are busy with a full time job and too old to go out on the town, then I think that they probably have an exception to post a profile on E-Harmony and etc. Although, they should not depend on it! They should keep their options open as well as try to date someone that they meet face to face.

Sunday, September 28, 2008

Partners can't be searched for in search engines.

To begin with, I have never had and don't have a myspace or any face book junk because people online are not people; they are photos, blurbs and stories. people online want to show off certain aspects of who they are. These aspects don't normally include flaws. I have never dated online, but I have had my fair share of boyfriends and what made me adore them more and more were not there moments that would make a good picture. The moments I loved were the moments you could find beauty in what isn't considered pretty. When I say this I don't mean how girls chose to not smile in pictures, but make a "cute" ugly face. It's when the person you are physically attracted to, have things in common and just have chemistry do something like slip and fall, pick their nose or even let out a big stinky fart and somehow make you smile from these things. These things are what traditional dating have that online dating cannot have because you have time to think of your words, some ones eyes are not making you nervous and they can be farting and picking their nose the entire time your talking and you will never know. Traditional dating is the way to go because dating should not be a hobbie or a hunt it just flows when it is suppose to and where its supposed to.
I also believe that you can never become comfortable with someone you only chat with. I am a huge fan of Pulp Fiction and as Uma Thurman said in the movie "you know you are really comfortable with some one when you can just shut the f... up." How can you know that you could go on vacation with some one that you only know through an internet site? How can you decide you want to spend time with someone you have never spent time with before? Dating takes too much time, money and emotions to think that you can find it all by punching in what you want in a search engine. People are more complicated than street addresses and should not be found the way you find the closest pizza place to your house.

Friday, September 26, 2008

RU 4 Online Dating?

I have been contemplating the way(s) that our increasing devotion to technology has affected the ways we communicate with each other and develop realationships. One obvious part of this discussion is the issue of Internet dating. I am really curious to hear your opinions on this topic. There are, of course, convincing arguments for dating online (you can find who/what you are looking for a lot easier; it gives you access to a larger "dating pool"; you can communicate and find out if there is any real compatability beyond physical attraction), but there are also a lot of reasons not to do it (first and foremost, there are a lot of freaks in the world, and many of them spend a lot of time online; the people you meet often live too far away for a real relationship; you can't know if you have chemistry with someone until you meet that person face to face; people are fake online, putting forth a false, or idealized, version of themselves). These are all arguments I have heard, not necessarily my own arguments. I'm sure you have heard these arguments, or similar ones.

So my question to you is this: Is online dating a good thing? Is it improving or hindering the way we meet and fall in love? Is it speeding up an outdated process or taking all of the fun and tradition out of what my grandparents would call "courting"? Feel free to share personal experiences. Do you meet people online? Do you have success stories? Horror stories? I am really interested in hearing your views on this topic, as well as your own diverse experiences.

~D

Sunday, September 21, 2008

A little piece of history

September 21,2008- A little piece of history came to an end tonight. The New York Yankees faced off against the Baltimore Orioles. They ended up winning the game by a score of 7-3. Don't get me wrong, I despise the Yankees. I don't care who is playing the Yankees I hope they win. But, I found myself glued to ESPN watching the introduction of the legendary yankees. I couldn't turn away during the game. I was watching the final game ever to be played in the house that Ruth built. Not only has great baseball been played there. Three different Popes visited yankee stadium, Billy Joel performed there, Muhammad Ali fought in center field. Yankee fan or not, the closing of this staduim pulls at the heart strings.

Thursday, September 18, 2008

Are You Sold on Sex?

This week we had a really great discussion about visual rhetoric, and one topic that generated a lot of conversation was sexuality in advertising. "Sex sells" is a truism that we hear from time to time, but we went a little deeper than that today. We discussed what ads that appeal to human sexuality say about us. Do they reveal how far we've come, to a point where we can openly celebrate the human body and our sexual nature, or are they gratuitous appeals to base impulses that exploit and objectify the body? Do they promote unrealistic ideals to consumers, especially young consumers? Or do such images depict common fantasies and impulses that we no longer, in 2008, have to keep hidden? And, from a rhetorical point of view, do these ads work for you? Does this image at all persuade you to buy these jeans? I would love for any of you to sound off on this.

Monday, September 8, 2008

A poem I wrote, thought I would share it.

Dreaming
In sleep my eyes are stolen, in a world that I am caught.
The dreams take me inward, as I become lost in thought.
The endless realm of darkness, it's pulling down at me.
My commitment is weak, but I should try to be set free.
This vision takes me deeper, engulfing my desires.
A fantasy awakened, a truth that’s told by liars.
With these words I struggle, find it hard to express.
The different ways I feel, and why I must confess.
To a changing life with terror and appeal
Because of this allusion the past became real.

Friday, September 5, 2008

Obama vs. McCain

I just finished watching a part of John McCain's speech. It is so much different than that of Obama's. Even the crowd was immensely different, McCain's seemed to include more white collared men and veterans while Obama's had a more diverse crowd, younger adults, blacks, whites, etc.
While I am not sure whether I support McCain or Obama, I would much rather hear Obama speak than McCain. McCain seemed less confident and charismatic. The truth of the matter is the charisma can only go so far, whether there is any promise behind McCain's or Obama's speeches is what is really important.
While it is argued that neither of them give out any real information, how much does America really want to hear? All they want to hear is that they're going to cut taxes, or bring the troops home. They don't care how or what the consequences will be, at least not in that moment. They might later when it hasn't happened or they have a tax increase, or it starts a war.

Thursday, September 4, 2008

President John McCain

Announced in the news this morning was something along the lines that John McCain was to be the next president. If any one has heard the full story I would like to hear about it!

Saturday, August 30, 2008

upset with current presidential canidates

On Thursday evening Obama took center stage in Denver, CO and in many homes of americans via television. As I too watched this truly motivating speaker I was very much turned off with his assumption of the american people as a whole. There were so many things that Obama "promised" to do that is impossible to do. 1) He said that we was going to go through the nation budget line by line and elimate programs that do not need to be there. The President of the United States is the most powerful man in the world. Even He does not have the power to do that. Only congress can set the budget and the President either will or deny it... as a whole. He can not go through it line by line. Obama has been in congress for almost 6 years. Why don't the presidential canidates who are so concerned with un-necessary spending cut the astronomical pay of congressmen and the president? 2) Bill Clinton had Osama Bin Ladens head inbetween the cross hairs of a US marine. and he gave the order not to shoot. George W. Bush had the same oppritunity but followed by giving the order to not fire. Why? Because they know that the people who are in line to succeed him as the leader of the tereorists have much more hatred to the U.S.A. then he does. And they are much more willing to sacrifice then he is. Mr. Obama is simply the American people what we want to hear. Frankly, it is getting pretty annoying.
I am very interested to hear what John McCain will have to say during the Republican Nation Convention.

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Welcome

Welcome to our class blog. It was great to meet you all today and to talk about our goals for the semester. I want you to be able to post to the blog right away, so if you haven't done so already, please create a Gmail account and send me the address. I will send you an invitation. Thanks, and I will see you on Friday.