I'm at the library. I was all set on listening to music and catching up on House...but lately the library staff has put plastic ties on all the headphone chords so that they can't be taken from the computers. To the naked eye this seems like a very positive thing. But as we all know, sometimes intent has nothing to do with consequence.
The problem now is that the headphone chords themselves are tied in knots in order for the plastic ties to most securely adhere them to the computer. Sometimes when headphones are tied in knots like this, similar to a garden hose, the sound becomes distorted. At many work stations I can hear only fragments of sound, if that. This is obviously extremely annoying.
The question is then, "So what should the library staff do...take off the ties and allow people to take the headphones?" Obviously I don't want this either. But I wouldn't mind the concept of going back to the drawing board. I can't help but compare this situation to the general and most recent idea of government regulation...The notion of quick fixes that promptly solve the immediate problem but simultaneously create a brand new one. The decision-making process is a sacred one. It deserves respect. More on this later.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Monday, October 27, 2008
child obesity
There are of course many things that parents can do to their children that are obviously irresponsible and detrimental. One thing, however, that I believe goes far too overlooked is the issue of child obesity and the irresponsibility of parents therein. I'm sure there are some genetic and other uncontrollable factors that could account for some of these cases, but most certainly the parents are at the heart of the problem. Let me preface that I'm not talking about some children who may be a little overweight. I'm talking about kids who could, save for political correctness, be called fat; that their overweight-ness has progressed to the point of being unhealthy.
How is it responsible parenting to allow one's 6 year old to be 20lbs overweight? Children at that age, like it or not, are not entirely capable on their own to know what it is exactly that they need in order to function the most effectively and to foster optimum growth. Parents on the other hand possess this knowledge. Therefore, this issue is directly under the umbrella of what they're responsible for.
One reason, perhaps, as to why some parents don't have a sense of urgency when it comes to monitoring their kids' weight is that fat children of a certain age are generally no less happy than those that are not. The concept of peer pressure, social acceptance, and physical appearance hasn't maturely developed at this point. Kids like kids because they are kids. A child's self-awareness, too, isn't maturely developed at this point either. An overweight child's brain hasn't developed to the point at which they can say to themselves while looking in the mirror, "Wow, I am fat and can imagine that I don't look appealing to my peers, male and female." But, the time is not far off when children's brains start to develop a more acute sense of awareness when it comes to this. Soon, the fat kid is the one who is made fun of; the one who doesn't get any kisses on the cheek from the girls on the playground; and is the one who starts to feel worse about themselves because of the former. But is it their fault?
Parents must look ahead to what their child will face given a particular course of action. A child is fed ice-cream for the first time. The child likes what they taste. They ask for it again. The frequency grows until parents must make a choice: can we say no, only to see a child become angry, whiny, and seemingly unhappy when all it is is just a bowl of ice cream afterall; or do we say yes because we fear their unhappiness, thus creating a snowball effect which makes it increasingly hard to say no in the future, thus the child becomes increasingly overweight, but still happy, so we don't have the heart to say no? All children deserve the same opportunities in growing up healthily, both physically and emotionally, in this regard.
How is it responsible parenting to allow one's 6 year old to be 20lbs overweight? Children at that age, like it or not, are not entirely capable on their own to know what it is exactly that they need in order to function the most effectively and to foster optimum growth. Parents on the other hand possess this knowledge. Therefore, this issue is directly under the umbrella of what they're responsible for.
One reason, perhaps, as to why some parents don't have a sense of urgency when it comes to monitoring their kids' weight is that fat children of a certain age are generally no less happy than those that are not. The concept of peer pressure, social acceptance, and physical appearance hasn't maturely developed at this point. Kids like kids because they are kids. A child's self-awareness, too, isn't maturely developed at this point either. An overweight child's brain hasn't developed to the point at which they can say to themselves while looking in the mirror, "Wow, I am fat and can imagine that I don't look appealing to my peers, male and female." But, the time is not far off when children's brains start to develop a more acute sense of awareness when it comes to this. Soon, the fat kid is the one who is made fun of; the one who doesn't get any kisses on the cheek from the girls on the playground; and is the one who starts to feel worse about themselves because of the former. But is it their fault?
Parents must look ahead to what their child will face given a particular course of action. A child is fed ice-cream for the first time. The child likes what they taste. They ask for it again. The frequency grows until parents must make a choice: can we say no, only to see a child become angry, whiny, and seemingly unhappy when all it is is just a bowl of ice cream afterall; or do we say yes because we fear their unhappiness, thus creating a snowball effect which makes it increasingly hard to say no in the future, thus the child becomes increasingly overweight, but still happy, so we don't have the heart to say no? All children deserve the same opportunities in growing up healthily, both physically and emotionally, in this regard.
Friday, October 24, 2008
positive reinforcement and that one guy on the bus...
I had a little run-in with that one guy on the bus that I mentioned a few posts earlier. He was doing his normal staring routine. But, this time, I felt his gaze on me...I didn't feel that it was sexual by any means. But I had to make a choice: was I to go on the defensive and let him stare at me, or was I to stare back to let him know that I wasn't going to allow him to invade my comfort. I chose to stare back. He didn't immediately break his stare, but eventually did, after about 3 or 4 seconds. I had won the battle, but I was sure that the war was far from over.
Then something unexpected happened. He showed civility and kindness to a fellow passenger. The passenger was sitting down and had her backpack on her lap, thus she couldn't reach the signal chord. The man saw this (because he was then staring at her) and reached for the chord. After the "thank you" and "you're welcome" ensued he looked at me and said, "I couldn't even lift that arm three weeks ago." I, of course, had to say, "Why not?" I indulged him and he ended up telling me about his being prone to accidents and his pain tolerance. I actually found his story amusing. He spoke fairly well and used some well-timed wit. As he was getting off the bus he told me to "have a good one."
Shortly after I was trying to reconcile these seemingly different (from the outside, granted) men. I think what this guy really is, is lonely. Staring at women is just a symptom of being lonely I suppose. I bet all he really wants is to be talked to. Maybe speaking to him is the best way in which to protect the women on the bus. It also helps out a lonely guy. We'll see what the next conversation entails.
If you are in a teaching position or any other position of authority, it is my opinion that positive reinforcement is generally a good idea. I'm all for expecting excellence, holding others to the highest standards, etc, but there comes a time when a human being needs to be told "Good job," or "it's coming along." Hearing this isn't just something to feed the ego, but it enables the subject in question to continually renew his motivation and vigor in what he or she is being evaluated on. Therefore, it shouldn't be patronizing or insincere, but well-timed and with purpose. Related to this, trying to understand students and subordinates as individuals is certainly a good idea. Don't just run through the check-list. Understand who they are, where they are coming from, and how best they can respond to your authority.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Great weekend and the legal drinking age
My brother and sister-in-law came down Saturday and Sunday. It was a great weekend filled with good drink, good food, and good conversation.
We went to a chic local coffee and dessert bar after dinner. I picked up a local paper and read an article on the front page. It was about a local beer-fest that was to take place soon. Something caught my attention. A student was about to turn 21 and was planning on going to the beer-fest first thing when he was of age. The article published him saying things like, "Well they're supposed to have about 300 beers to sample...I plan on not being able to count that high afterwards..." and, "After waiting 21 years I can finally go out and get wasted with my friends..."
Publishing strategies aside, this seemed to highlight the common topic of drinking age. Proponents routinely argue that the 21 year old's mind is much more suited to handling alcohol more responsibly than that of an 18 year old. Well...the 21 year old in this newspaper article isn't exactly helping this argument, and I have a feeling he's not the only soon to be 21 year old out there that is thinking along the same lines.
I wonder if society's pressure to stifle a young person's ability to consume alcohol legally ends up having a negative effect on that individual when it finally comes time to drink. Do I think that changing the drinking age to 18 will magically stop the "let's just get drunk to get drunk" mentality? No, but I think a much healthier relationship between young person, alcohol, and society could be possible if it was seriously considered.
We went to a chic local coffee and dessert bar after dinner. I picked up a local paper and read an article on the front page. It was about a local beer-fest that was to take place soon. Something caught my attention. A student was about to turn 21 and was planning on going to the beer-fest first thing when he was of age. The article published him saying things like, "Well they're supposed to have about 300 beers to sample...I plan on not being able to count that high afterwards..." and, "After waiting 21 years I can finally go out and get wasted with my friends..."
Publishing strategies aside, this seemed to highlight the common topic of drinking age. Proponents routinely argue that the 21 year old's mind is much more suited to handling alcohol more responsibly than that of an 18 year old. Well...the 21 year old in this newspaper article isn't exactly helping this argument, and I have a feeling he's not the only soon to be 21 year old out there that is thinking along the same lines.
I wonder if society's pressure to stifle a young person's ability to consume alcohol legally ends up having a negative effect on that individual when it finally comes time to drink. Do I think that changing the drinking age to 18 will magically stop the "let's just get drunk to get drunk" mentality? No, but I think a much healthier relationship between young person, alcohol, and society could be possible if it was seriously considered.
Friday, October 17, 2008
the elevator, the half-yard, and Obama
After an orchestra concert I joined some fellow musicians at the local Irish pub and had my first half-yard. I then had another half-yard. A full yard ended up being plenty for me since I was driving, but others ended up going...well the whole nine yards. It was definitely a fun time and I recommend half-yards to everyone. It adds some nice aesthetics to an already flawless activity.
Do you ever notice where people look when in an elevator? If you find yourself in an elevator with strangers take a second to see where everyone is looking. They either look up at the changing numbers or down at the floor. Why doesn't anyone look straight ahead?
Whenever we are in situations like that, somewhat vulnerable social ones, we feel like we have to do something. It's hard to just sit/stand still and be comfortable in our own skin. This is, of course, applicable to plenty of other situations.
Do we really need to look up to watch the numbers go by when going from floor 1 to floor 3? Should we feel the need to look down as to avoid any further contact with these people and perpetuate our self-consciousness? What do we do when we are the only person in the elevator? I find that I just keep looking forward and think about whatever I'm thinking about, so lately while in the elevator I've made a point to do just that. Next time you're in the elevator make an effort to not be influenced by the fact that other people are around you.
I saw a black student wearing a tshirt the other day that said "Obama is my homie." Is this the best way to support Obama? You're not allowed to play the race card...unless he's your homie?
Do you ever notice where people look when in an elevator? If you find yourself in an elevator with strangers take a second to see where everyone is looking. They either look up at the changing numbers or down at the floor. Why doesn't anyone look straight ahead?
Whenever we are in situations like that, somewhat vulnerable social ones, we feel like we have to do something. It's hard to just sit/stand still and be comfortable in our own skin. This is, of course, applicable to plenty of other situations.
Do we really need to look up to watch the numbers go by when going from floor 1 to floor 3? Should we feel the need to look down as to avoid any further contact with these people and perpetuate our self-consciousness? What do we do when we are the only person in the elevator? I find that I just keep looking forward and think about whatever I'm thinking about, so lately while in the elevator I've made a point to do just that. Next time you're in the elevator make an effort to not be influenced by the fact that other people are around you.
I saw a black student wearing a tshirt the other day that said "Obama is my homie." Is this the best way to support Obama? You're not allowed to play the race card...unless he's your homie?
Monday, October 13, 2008
The art of conversation
I believe there is such a thing. I'm sure many of you do, too. Whether we follow its general principles at all times is another story; not to mention it's impossible to agree on a universal set of general principles themselves.
This afternoon I was sitting outside at a local coffee shop enjoying my croissant. Next to me, sitting at the table was a group of three. They were music students. To some, this may actually switch the light bulb on in your head as to why they acted how they did.
First of all, I believe there should be a standard window of variance when it comes to pure decibel level of the conversation. Generally speaking I tend to find it in poor taste when I can hear someone else's conversation, not because of how close I am to them, but more because they simply aren't aware of, or don't care about, the sheer volume in which they are speaking. Obviously there are certain unavoidable circumstances which may cause a party to speak louder than they would in a private setting.
If you are speaking loudly enough for those around you to hear, you must be aware of the fact that now that we can hear you, your words are under scrutiny. We are listening to what you are saying and are unconsciously and consciously forming opinions about your statements.
In this particular group there was a jokester, a romantic, and a carefree. This actually is a pretty interesting mix of people. The problem was that they all adhered to their idiosyncrasies at the exact same time. No one actually listened to what each other was saying. It was a talking contest. I'm not sure if there was any actual communication going on.
The romantic would get serious for a moment and talk about his tumultuous love-life; the jokester would make a joke about it when most likely the romantic really didn't care to hear it; and the carefree was just singing a song that he heard being played in a car that recently drove by. He wasn't singing it to himself, but in a way in which he wanted his friends to hear as well, so that they knew that he knew the song and that it was funny and/or cool to sing it out loud. Meanwhile the romantic is obviously going through some sort of social crisis and is receiving no support from his friends. There must be give and take in order to most effectively communicate, in my opinion.
On a happy/cute note: I was walking to rehearsal today with my large, heavy trombone case in one hand and my music and mute in the other. I was coming to a set of double doors and it was obvious that I couldn't open it myself. Two little girls, probably about 7-10 years of age who were probably on campus for lessons, saw this and opened the door for me. One girl tried by herself but the door was too heavy! So the other one came to help and they tag-teamed the door. I was speechless (but gave my thanks of course).
This afternoon I was sitting outside at a local coffee shop enjoying my croissant. Next to me, sitting at the table was a group of three. They were music students. To some, this may actually switch the light bulb on in your head as to why they acted how they did.
First of all, I believe there should be a standard window of variance when it comes to pure decibel level of the conversation. Generally speaking I tend to find it in poor taste when I can hear someone else's conversation, not because of how close I am to them, but more because they simply aren't aware of, or don't care about, the sheer volume in which they are speaking. Obviously there are certain unavoidable circumstances which may cause a party to speak louder than they would in a private setting.
If you are speaking loudly enough for those around you to hear, you must be aware of the fact that now that we can hear you, your words are under scrutiny. We are listening to what you are saying and are unconsciously and consciously forming opinions about your statements.
In this particular group there was a jokester, a romantic, and a carefree. This actually is a pretty interesting mix of people. The problem was that they all adhered to their idiosyncrasies at the exact same time. No one actually listened to what each other was saying. It was a talking contest. I'm not sure if there was any actual communication going on.
The romantic would get serious for a moment and talk about his tumultuous love-life; the jokester would make a joke about it when most likely the romantic really didn't care to hear it; and the carefree was just singing a song that he heard being played in a car that recently drove by. He wasn't singing it to himself, but in a way in which he wanted his friends to hear as well, so that they knew that he knew the song and that it was funny and/or cool to sing it out loud. Meanwhile the romantic is obviously going through some sort of social crisis and is receiving no support from his friends. There must be give and take in order to most effectively communicate, in my opinion.
On a happy/cute note: I was walking to rehearsal today with my large, heavy trombone case in one hand and my music and mute in the other. I was coming to a set of double doors and it was obvious that I couldn't open it myself. Two little girls, probably about 7-10 years of age who were probably on campus for lessons, saw this and opened the door for me. One girl tried by herself but the door was too heavy! So the other one came to help and they tag-teamed the door. I was speechless (but gave my thanks of course).
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Trying something new
I am going to attempt to live a life without internet at my place of residence. As of Friday I have cancelled my high speed inet. I wasn't completely happy with how I was delegating my time when at home. I would find myself too often spending an hour here and an hour there watching tv shows and trolling youtube. Given the intensity of my schooling right now, I figured it would be worthwhile to allow myself a better chance to proactively study and work ahead while at home.
Instead of sitting at the computer I'm going to try to read and work ahead for class and do other things that directly affect my success as a student. I will have plenty of time to attend matters that require the internet during the day while on campus. My blog will not be affected.
The ball is rolling...
Instead of sitting at the computer I'm going to try to read and work ahead for class and do other things that directly affect my success as a student. I will have plenty of time to attend matters that require the internet during the day while on campus. My blog will not be affected.
The ball is rolling...
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Hand washing
I've told a few people my thoughts on hand washing after using the facilities. My observations weren't received very well, but I'll try again.
First, I absolutely condone and recommend washing one's hands after using the restroom for obvious reasons. What about when people just run water over their hands and don't use soap? Is this condonable? Is the tap water from the faucet aiding in any way in killing unwanted germs or bacteria? No. In fact, it could even stand to reason that it provides a more livable habitat for this uncleanliness. Where does bacteria thrive...in damp places. If you don't apply soap you are just providing the bacteria you are trying to rid yourself of with a nice and cozy environment. I'll drop this argument for now.
So the question is why do people just run water over their hands after using the restroom? Do they sincerely believe that water alone will kill the germs? Probably not. Could it be some unconscious genetic, psychological, or conditioned spiritual unbalance that wants to balance itself? Probably not, but it’s not as far-fetched as it may initially sound. Water as a purifier and balancing force in a world of uncertainty is a common theme in many religions and societies. Or is it because we don't want the other people in the restroom seeing us walk out without doing something at the sink? Probably so. We would rather waste another 30 seconds of our time not killing any germs just so we aren't viewed as unclean by others.
I say either use soap or just walk out. Stand firm in your choice. To those of you saying, "Well it'd make me feel better to see them at least run water over their hands," why do you think that if you know that what they're doing isn't making anything cleaner?
First, I absolutely condone and recommend washing one's hands after using the restroom for obvious reasons. What about when people just run water over their hands and don't use soap? Is this condonable? Is the tap water from the faucet aiding in any way in killing unwanted germs or bacteria? No. In fact, it could even stand to reason that it provides a more livable habitat for this uncleanliness. Where does bacteria thrive...in damp places. If you don't apply soap you are just providing the bacteria you are trying to rid yourself of with a nice and cozy environment. I'll drop this argument for now.
So the question is why do people just run water over their hands after using the restroom? Do they sincerely believe that water alone will kill the germs? Probably not. Could it be some unconscious genetic, psychological, or conditioned spiritual unbalance that wants to balance itself? Probably not, but it’s not as far-fetched as it may initially sound. Water as a purifier and balancing force in a world of uncertainty is a common theme in many religions and societies. Or is it because we don't want the other people in the restroom seeing us walk out without doing something at the sink? Probably so. We would rather waste another 30 seconds of our time not killing any germs just so we aren't viewed as unclean by others.
I say either use soap or just walk out. Stand firm in your choice. To those of you saying, "Well it'd make me feel better to see them at least run water over their hands," why do you think that if you know that what they're doing isn't making anything cleaner?
Monday, October 6, 2008
The wet sneeze and that one guy on the bus...
Influenced by a particular episode of M*A*S*H, I'm sitting here drinking whiskey in a coffee mug. I suppose it makes me feel less degenerate. To compensate for this I am listening to Schubert's 5th symphony. It is the piece I am currently studying for my conducting lessons.
I live about 8 miles south of campus so I have found public transportation to be quite convenient. I use the city bus which probably caters to a more diverse pool of people, as opposed to the campus bus. I would say on any particular day the make-up of the bus is 85% students and 15% city residents. One particular gentleman has caught my attention.
He looks to be single and in his mid 40's. He doesn't strike me as a mean or unkind man, but sometimes as an inappropriate man. This isn't relevant to the current anecdote, but I have seen him get on the bus when extremely intoxicated.
As in any college town, there are a fair amount of attractive people. We'll use women as the objects in this case because it's quite clear that this gentleman isn't gay. Girls come on and off the bus all the time, and he stares them down and looks at them generally within the standard window of time before the girl gets uncomfortable. However, when a girl with a low-cut shirt gets on the bus, all the rules of public decorum are simply ignored by this man. He literally drops his jaw about half an inch and just stares right at the girl's chest. The girl obviously notices this and glances him off. He'll look away, regain his composure, and then just go back to staring. The girl then usually goes on the defensive after the initial stand-off and proceeds to look in every direction but that of where this man is sitting. She knows he's just gawking at him, but being conflict-averse, she just ignores it, while still internalizing how it makes her feel, for the remainder of the bus ride.
I don't think this man is dangerously aggressive in his stares, but certainly creepily aggressive. Don't get me wrong, I don't necessarily disagree with the girl's choice of non-action. If she'd rather feel just mildly uncomfortable for a few minutes instead of risking an altercation with an unknown creepy man that's more than acceptable to me. I wonder, though, if I should say something...I'm just sitting there watching this all go down from a distance. Is it my responsibility to say anything to this man in the defense (though she may not technically need it) of the woman? If I say something to him will it likely cause him to think twice about staring in the future as someone has publicly called him out? What goes on in my head is that I don't want this girl feeling needlessly uncomfortable at the expense of this man. She should be free to travel without sexual and emotional stress. Next time this goes down I'll certainly think hard about saying something.
Last thing. I understand people not wanting to sneeze in public. It's not particularly sightly. But if you're going to choose the method of suppressing your sneeze in your nasal cavity in order to save your hand, make sure that it's not a wet sneeze...Sure you saved your hand, but you just infected the entire QWERTY keyboard you were using.
I live about 8 miles south of campus so I have found public transportation to be quite convenient. I use the city bus which probably caters to a more diverse pool of people, as opposed to the campus bus. I would say on any particular day the make-up of the bus is 85% students and 15% city residents. One particular gentleman has caught my attention.
He looks to be single and in his mid 40's. He doesn't strike me as a mean or unkind man, but sometimes as an inappropriate man. This isn't relevant to the current anecdote, but I have seen him get on the bus when extremely intoxicated.
As in any college town, there are a fair amount of attractive people. We'll use women as the objects in this case because it's quite clear that this gentleman isn't gay. Girls come on and off the bus all the time, and he stares them down and looks at them generally within the standard window of time before the girl gets uncomfortable. However, when a girl with a low-cut shirt gets on the bus, all the rules of public decorum are simply ignored by this man. He literally drops his jaw about half an inch and just stares right at the girl's chest. The girl obviously notices this and glances him off. He'll look away, regain his composure, and then just go back to staring. The girl then usually goes on the defensive after the initial stand-off and proceeds to look in every direction but that of where this man is sitting. She knows he's just gawking at him, but being conflict-averse, she just ignores it, while still internalizing how it makes her feel, for the remainder of the bus ride.
I don't think this man is dangerously aggressive in his stares, but certainly creepily aggressive. Don't get me wrong, I don't necessarily disagree with the girl's choice of non-action. If she'd rather feel just mildly uncomfortable for a few minutes instead of risking an altercation with an unknown creepy man that's more than acceptable to me. I wonder, though, if I should say something...I'm just sitting there watching this all go down from a distance. Is it my responsibility to say anything to this man in the defense (though she may not technically need it) of the woman? If I say something to him will it likely cause him to think twice about staring in the future as someone has publicly called him out? What goes on in my head is that I don't want this girl feeling needlessly uncomfortable at the expense of this man. She should be free to travel without sexual and emotional stress. Next time this goes down I'll certainly think hard about saying something.
Last thing. I understand people not wanting to sneeze in public. It's not particularly sightly. But if you're going to choose the method of suppressing your sneeze in your nasal cavity in order to save your hand, make sure that it's not a wet sneeze...Sure you saved your hand, but you just infected the entire QWERTY keyboard you were using.
Sunday, October 5, 2008
The dawn of the human's guide...Part Two
If the aviation gods were on my side for the first leg of this fiasco, they soon abandoned my cause. My seat assignment was in the very last row of a 40-some row airplane. I had the middle seat. And on either side of me were two obese women.
How one manages their weight is their own choice, save for irregularities of the endocrine system. But in this particular case, these two ladies' choices directly affected my well-being. Both of their arms were very large and extended out well past the imaginary line drawn by each seat's arm rest. I had to sit with my elbows on my hip bones. Try doing that; it's not very comfortable. To say I was squished between these two ladies might seem insensitive to some, but it was the objective truth.
With choice comes responsibility. People who choose not to watch their weight to the point of obesity must be prepared for how that affects public transportation and other societal institutions that require close human contact. The responsibility inherent in choice includes how that choice affects those around us. Is it unfair to hope that even in choosing how one watches their own weight, that they consider how that choice affects others?
So for the 2 and 1/2 hour flight home I was literally in a position in which I couldn't do much more than think. So naturally I thought about the most recent events, which included the airport meltdown and my current seat assignment. I thought it would be nice to have the opportunity to share my thoughts with others. For those of you who know me, I generally don't volunteer my thoughts or opinions. I thought it would be fun to try it for a change.
How one manages their weight is their own choice, save for irregularities of the endocrine system. But in this particular case, these two ladies' choices directly affected my well-being. Both of their arms were very large and extended out well past the imaginary line drawn by each seat's arm rest. I had to sit with my elbows on my hip bones. Try doing that; it's not very comfortable. To say I was squished between these two ladies might seem insensitive to some, but it was the objective truth.
With choice comes responsibility. People who choose not to watch their weight to the point of obesity must be prepared for how that affects public transportation and other societal institutions that require close human contact. The responsibility inherent in choice includes how that choice affects those around us. Is it unfair to hope that even in choosing how one watches their own weight, that they consider how that choice affects others?
So for the 2 and 1/2 hour flight home I was literally in a position in which I couldn't do much more than think. So naturally I thought about the most recent events, which included the airport meltdown and my current seat assignment. I thought it would be nice to have the opportunity to share my thoughts with others. For those of you who know me, I generally don't volunteer my thoughts or opinions. I thought it would be fun to try it for a change.
The dawn of the human's guide...Part One
I had never really considered keeping a blog. One fateful day, however, changed my mind.
I was flying back from Las Vegas in late August. My connection was in St. Paul. After landing in St. Paul we found out that there was some major scheduling problem and basically everyone who had connecting flights missed them. An airline official had us all wait in line to reschedule connections and to set up hotel arrangements. It was about 9pm, so there weren't many outgoing flights left, if any.
I watched adult, after adult, after adult, turn into a 10 year old child. I was cut in line by at least 5 people. I didn't say anything, not because I lacked the heart, but because I had another plan. I continued to watch in amazement as all these people, most of them parents of children, suddenly viewed the world as revolving around them and their needs. All traits of civility, compassion, kindness, and sacrifice had long disappeared and were replaced by selfishness. People were cussing at officials who were trying to help us and saying how they were never going to fly with this carrier ever again.
So I watched each angry person in front of me yelling at the officials to give them what they wanted, only to see all of them denied their outrageous requests and sent to their Motel 8's. I was literally the last person in line. I looked at the name tag of the lady who was helping me, addressed her by name, and calmly stated my problem. I asked politely if she could squeeze me on a connecting flight to Indianapolis. I also vocally sympathized with the position she was in. She crunched some numbers, called a couple gates, and was able to put me on a connecting flight to Indianapolis. She said it was the last seat. Everyone else before me was too angry to actually effectively communicate to another human being, they just wanted to be mad at someone.
So as I was walking to my gate I had the opportunity of reflecting on the scenario that just happened. I saw parents and professionals abandon reason and thoughtfulness, succumbing to their first instinct of rage and self-righteousness. I was embarrassed for them. They were acting like they were part-time circus employees, running around, throwing their hands up, and yelling at the top of their lungs. When a crisis occurred, these particular people, most of whom I'm sure are perfectly reasonable and kind when things go according to plan, cared only about their immediate needs, unfortunately at the expense of others. No one was able to step outside the problem and self-analyze. Do these types of situations actually show the true nature of people? Who can say, but I hope not.
I was flying back from Las Vegas in late August. My connection was in St. Paul. After landing in St. Paul we found out that there was some major scheduling problem and basically everyone who had connecting flights missed them. An airline official had us all wait in line to reschedule connections and to set up hotel arrangements. It was about 9pm, so there weren't many outgoing flights left, if any.
I watched adult, after adult, after adult, turn into a 10 year old child. I was cut in line by at least 5 people. I didn't say anything, not because I lacked the heart, but because I had another plan. I continued to watch in amazement as all these people, most of them parents of children, suddenly viewed the world as revolving around them and their needs. All traits of civility, compassion, kindness, and sacrifice had long disappeared and were replaced by selfishness. People were cussing at officials who were trying to help us and saying how they were never going to fly with this carrier ever again.
So I watched each angry person in front of me yelling at the officials to give them what they wanted, only to see all of them denied their outrageous requests and sent to their Motel 8's. I was literally the last person in line. I looked at the name tag of the lady who was helping me, addressed her by name, and calmly stated my problem. I asked politely if she could squeeze me on a connecting flight to Indianapolis. I also vocally sympathized with the position she was in. She crunched some numbers, called a couple gates, and was able to put me on a connecting flight to Indianapolis. She said it was the last seat. Everyone else before me was too angry to actually effectively communicate to another human being, they just wanted to be mad at someone.
So as I was walking to my gate I had the opportunity of reflecting on the scenario that just happened. I saw parents and professionals abandon reason and thoughtfulness, succumbing to their first instinct of rage and self-righteousness. I was embarrassed for them. They were acting like they were part-time circus employees, running around, throwing their hands up, and yelling at the top of their lungs. When a crisis occurred, these particular people, most of whom I'm sure are perfectly reasonable and kind when things go according to plan, cared only about their immediate needs, unfortunately at the expense of others. No one was able to step outside the problem and self-analyze. Do these types of situations actually show the true nature of people? Who can say, but I hope not.
My general direction
I think it's appropriate to elaborate on exactly what I'm doing here in Bloomington, and what my short and long-term goals are for a graduate education.
Why I'm here...
10% - I didn't know what I would do, or even want to do, if I didn't go to school. A stoner, bad-grade-getting friend once told me in high school, "Why wouldn't I go to college? It delays real life by 4 years man!" He has a point, though he was specifically talking about undergrad. In economical terms, and measuring by units of happiness (not money) I determined that the opportunity cost of continuing my education was nothing. I was giving up nothing, in my self-assessment, by continuing my education. Therefore to not go to graduate school would be to gain nothing.
20% - Specialization. My undergraduate degrees were in music and religious studies. I received them from a liberal arts school. Though I wasn't particularly in love with my school, its credentials, or opportunities, when it really comes down to it I don't think I would want to trade my liberal arts education for anything. I learned about a lot of things. I am fortunate and thankful that I had the opportunity to experience this. Being in the 21st century, I would certainly recommend a liberal arts education. However, the downfall of this is that you never get to really focus on one certain thing. That's just the nature of the beast. I am willing and ready now to specialize in something. I'm excited at the prospect of actually getting better at one thing, being able to perfect a certain craft in such a way as to measure its progress.
70% - I want to be a conductor. Right now I'm actually a trombone performance major, but I'm working on integrating it with or even substituting it for trombone. I have never really been motivated to achieve any particular employment. I have always been kind of ho-hum in regards to what I was going to "be." But over the last couple years I have been consumed by this desire to actually achieve a particular employment. Not only is it exciting, it's refreshing, because I was starting to get worried that I was mentally or personally unable to set all my focus and energy on attaining one specific achievement. So far I have been able to do that.
Why I'm here...
10% - I didn't know what I would do, or even want to do, if I didn't go to school. A stoner, bad-grade-getting friend once told me in high school, "Why wouldn't I go to college? It delays real life by 4 years man!" He has a point, though he was specifically talking about undergrad. In economical terms, and measuring by units of happiness (not money) I determined that the opportunity cost of continuing my education was nothing. I was giving up nothing, in my self-assessment, by continuing my education. Therefore to not go to graduate school would be to gain nothing.
20% - Specialization. My undergraduate degrees were in music and religious studies. I received them from a liberal arts school. Though I wasn't particularly in love with my school, its credentials, or opportunities, when it really comes down to it I don't think I would want to trade my liberal arts education for anything. I learned about a lot of things. I am fortunate and thankful that I had the opportunity to experience this. Being in the 21st century, I would certainly recommend a liberal arts education. However, the downfall of this is that you never get to really focus on one certain thing. That's just the nature of the beast. I am willing and ready now to specialize in something. I'm excited at the prospect of actually getting better at one thing, being able to perfect a certain craft in such a way as to measure its progress.
70% - I want to be a conductor. Right now I'm actually a trombone performance major, but I'm working on integrating it with or even substituting it for trombone. I have never really been motivated to achieve any particular employment. I have always been kind of ho-hum in regards to what I was going to "be." But over the last couple years I have been consumed by this desire to actually achieve a particular employment. Not only is it exciting, it's refreshing, because I was starting to get worried that I was mentally or personally unable to set all my focus and energy on attaining one specific achievement. So far I have been able to do that.