In Jerry Brewer's article,Fanatomy: As a sports town, we're underrated, he makes a broad claim that Seattle sports fans aren't exactly what they've been stereotyped to be: boring and fickle.
Right off the bat, Brewer presents his strategy for going debunking Seattle sports fan stereotypes. By using Demographics, interviews with the fans themselves and sports commentators, as well as history Brewer hopes to present a solid case and evidence to the reader, as well as give himself a level of authority.
He makes a motivational warrant when he says that Seattle sports fans can't be expected to be consistently passionate when Seattle sports teams are inconsistent themselves. He goes on to support this warrant by shedding some light on Seattle sports history of winning, or not winning in this case.
He seems to contradict his own warrants at times. One paragraph he says that Seattle fan can't be blamed for being dispassionate when teams lose and then later he says that despite losses fan bases for teams are strong. To top it off, he concludes his piece with saying that Seattleittes just aren't that into sports. This is a little confusing. I understand his point, but for me he loses some credibility.
I partially think that he flip flops because he trying to convince two different audiences. He uses the emotional and authority but he doesn't use them well together. We love sports, we hate sports, we only like teams when they win, just kidding, we secretly love them all the time---confusing!
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Ruling the Roost
Besides my family, I have only lived with two other people. One was a roommate and I currently live with my boyfriend. Admittedly, I was not so good at living with people at first. I didn't know the rules and figured out quickly that there may be many rules that each person thinks are unspoken and a given, but in all actuality they're not. This makes things sticky. My first roommate ended up dominating the apartment. She would eat my food, borrow my clothes, and always took over the living room. None of these things particularly bothered me at first, but when the sharing wasn't mutual I became really annoyed and let things fester.
I think that living with someone you are committed to is much easier. Standards in a normal healthy relationship transfer over to the conduct of living with someone: communication, working things out, sharing, respect. This doesn't mean things aren't tricky though. My boyfriend pays more than I do because our financial situation, yet I contribute more around the apartment. But on that note, we both refuse to get bogged down into specific roles. I wouldn't say that we had rules but expectations. He expects me not to leave my shoes in the walkway. I expect him to clean the sink after he's shaved. Sometimes I wish we did have rules. I feel like if there were set rules then there would be less conflict and messiness. Overall though, we're partners.
I think that living with someone you are committed to is much easier. Standards in a normal healthy relationship transfer over to the conduct of living with someone: communication, working things out, sharing, respect. This doesn't mean things aren't tricky though. My boyfriend pays more than I do because our financial situation, yet I contribute more around the apartment. But on that note, we both refuse to get bogged down into specific roles. I wouldn't say that we had rules but expectations. He expects me not to leave my shoes in the walkway. I expect him to clean the sink after he's shaved. Sometimes I wish we did have rules. I feel like if there were set rules then there would be less conflict and messiness. Overall though, we're partners.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Press Release
It has been one week since a massive earthquake shook the impoverished nation of Haiti into ruin. This tragedy is inexplicable. Through the death, destruction, and chaos the Haitian people have shown their resilience.
Much like the rest of the world, the Seattle University community is finding various ways to respond collectively and individually to provide both tangible and spiritual aid to the people of Haiti.
"...we must respond as individuals and as members of this university with its special commitment to the poor," urged Father Sundborg, President of Seattle University.
President Sundborg has appointed Sean Bray, Social Justice Minister in Campus Ministry, to coordinate and facilitate the university's response. The University has also set up a website that provides a list of organizations for donations, events, and resources to further support the Haitian people. And just today, Seattle University's Engineers without Borders student chapter's water treatment system arrived in Port-au-Prince.
Seattle University is committed to their mission. Seattle University is committed to Haiti.
Much like the rest of the world, the Seattle University community is finding various ways to respond collectively and individually to provide both tangible and spiritual aid to the people of Haiti.
"...we must respond as individuals and as members of this university with its special commitment to the poor," urged Father Sundborg, President of Seattle University.
President Sundborg has appointed Sean Bray, Social Justice Minister in Campus Ministry, to coordinate and facilitate the university's response. The University has also set up a website that provides a list of organizations for donations, events, and resources to further support the Haitian people. And just today, Seattle University's Engineers without Borders student chapter's water treatment system arrived in Port-au-Prince.
Seattle University is committed to their mission. Seattle University is committed to Haiti.
Friday, January 22, 2010
Weekly Writing #3
This week the Washington state House passed a bill aimed at creating jobs by making funds available to schools to make their facilities energy efficient. Bill 2561, or the Jobs Act, has become the center of much debate and the means of job creation is not only a local debate, but a national one.
The bills creator and primary sponsor, Rep. Hans Dunshee, D-Snohomish, argues that the bill “catalyzes probably about 2.5 billion dollars in work, which gives you 38,000 jobs, and will account in $190 million dollars in savings to the taxpayer every single year.” He goes on to explain that the bill would pay for itself by creating jobs, tax revenue, and reduced energy costs.
On the opposing side is Rep. Glenn Anderson, R-Fall City, who says that the bill would negatively affect the state's bond rating, making it more difficult for the state to borrow. He also argues that the bill only presents public with projections and wonders how many jobs the bill would actually create.
Rep. Jim Jacks, D-Vancouver, counters Rep. Anderson's claim about the state's bond rating being affected negatively by citing research done by Moodys, stating that creating jobs and diversifying will actually produce a better bond rating.
Aside from arguments centered on job creation and bond ratings, others argue in favor of the bill because it would make schools safer for children.
“Any savings that we can put into our system making it safer for our kids and putting people to work now is what we need to do and we need to be brave and do it now!” exclaimed Rep. Kathy Haigh, D-Shelton.
The bills creator and primary sponsor, Rep. Hans Dunshee, D-Snohomish, argues that the bill “catalyzes probably about 2.5 billion dollars in work, which gives you 38,000 jobs, and will account in $190 million dollars in savings to the taxpayer every single year.” He goes on to explain that the bill would pay for itself by creating jobs, tax revenue, and reduced energy costs.
On the opposing side is Rep. Glenn Anderson, R-Fall City, who says that the bill would negatively affect the state's bond rating, making it more difficult for the state to borrow. He also argues that the bill only presents public with projections and wonders how many jobs the bill would actually create.
Rep. Jim Jacks, D-Vancouver, counters Rep. Anderson's claim about the state's bond rating being affected negatively by citing research done by Moodys, stating that creating jobs and diversifying will actually produce a better bond rating.
Aside from arguments centered on job creation and bond ratings, others argue in favor of the bill because it would make schools safer for children.
“Any savings that we can put into our system making it safer for our kids and putting people to work now is what we need to do and we need to be brave and do it now!” exclaimed Rep. Kathy Haigh, D-Shelton.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Op-Ed Analysis
In the article, Haiti and the Hand of God, NPR's Scott Simon discusses how Pat Robertson makes controversial comments in times of distress. Simon addresses Robertson's most recent comments: the Haitian people made a pact with the devil and that that was the reason for the earthquake and suffering. Simon does not see God's compassion in these comments. Simon discusses the outpouring of aid from all over the world. Countries have set aside their differences in order to help Haiti. Finally, Simon explains how recovery and rebuilding for Haiti will take a “lifetime” and will bring much suffering.
I agree with Scott Simon's comments regarding Pat Robertson's remarks about Haiti. Not only were they insensitive, but it was prideful of Robertson to assume he knows the intentions of God and His means of justice. I, like Simon, find it moving that compassion has, at least temporarily, outweighed political differences among countries in order to help Haiti. Simon ends his article noting that when the press has gone the pain and suffering for the Haitian people will have just begun. I too worry that once the media attention is gone the amount of aid to the country will decrease.
Scott Simon begins his article by saying that people should disregard some of Pat Robertson's more controversial comments, but then he discusses Robertson's most recent comments about Haiti. He went against his own advice and chose to acknowledge Robertson's comments. Simon then moves on to discussing the outpouring of aid to the people of Haiti and the world's unity through compassion. He ends his article by saying that the suffering and recovery has just begun for the Haitians. He implies that aid will wane. He fails to mention country's commitments of aid for many years to come, such as the U.S.
Scott Simon is an international correspondent for NPR. His article was prompted by the earthquake in Haiti and the reactions that have ensued. Having reported on numerous wars and terrible tragedies from across the globe, I would assume that Simon would have difficulty with Robertson's comments because of their general lack of compassion. Because this was an opinion piece, I believe that Simon's primary constraint would be concerned with brevity. NPR is considered more liberal and that may be a constraint but Simon appears to have similar views. Simon's experience as an international journalist and NPR's reputation for responsible journalism greatly affects how I read the essay. I am prone to agree.
I agree with Scott Simon's comments regarding Pat Robertson's remarks about Haiti. Not only were they insensitive, but it was prideful of Robertson to assume he knows the intentions of God and His means of justice. I, like Simon, find it moving that compassion has, at least temporarily, outweighed political differences among countries in order to help Haiti. Simon ends his article noting that when the press has gone the pain and suffering for the Haitian people will have just begun. I too worry that once the media attention is gone the amount of aid to the country will decrease.
Scott Simon begins his article by saying that people should disregard some of Pat Robertson's more controversial comments, but then he discusses Robertson's most recent comments about Haiti. He went against his own advice and chose to acknowledge Robertson's comments. Simon then moves on to discussing the outpouring of aid to the people of Haiti and the world's unity through compassion. He ends his article by saying that the suffering and recovery has just begun for the Haitians. He implies that aid will wane. He fails to mention country's commitments of aid for many years to come, such as the U.S.
Scott Simon is an international correspondent for NPR. His article was prompted by the earthquake in Haiti and the reactions that have ensued. Having reported on numerous wars and terrible tragedies from across the globe, I would assume that Simon would have difficulty with Robertson's comments because of their general lack of compassion. Because this was an opinion piece, I believe that Simon's primary constraint would be concerned with brevity. NPR is considered more liberal and that may be a constraint but Simon appears to have similar views. Simon's experience as an international journalist and NPR's reputation for responsible journalism greatly affects how I read the essay. I am prone to agree.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Letter to the editor
Guest columnist, King County Sheriff Sue Rahr's outpouring of gratitude to the community for their support in response to the numerous deaths within law enforcement was sincere, somber, and hopeful ["Community kindness helps law enforcers cope with tragic loss in their ranks," Jan. 30]. But her statement, "It's a comforting and empowering reminder that we are truly in this together" forces the inquiry of whether this is true or has ever been true, especially for certain groups in society. We can not forget that there are certain neighborhoods, skin colors, and orientations that are consistently disregarded and profiled.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Oh 2010, how I have waited for you!
Personally, 2010 will be an interesting year. I am very happy to see 2009 go only because the last couple months of the year were a total nightmare. Unfortunately, the nightmares of 2009 have seeped into 2010. I was hoping that when the clock struck midnight that all the problems of 2009 would go away. I can wish can't I.
My hopes and goals for 2010 are to set myself up as well as possible to find a job, and to furthermore find one. So I guess there will be a couple, if not more, phases to 2010 for me. I hope to exceed in my studies and my internships. I then hope that this will aid me in beginning my career with a job that I enjoy and pays decent. This should be an interesting adventure.
Along with this enormous transition, I hope that this will be the year of other personal transitions. From the old to the new.
My hopes and goals for 2010 are to set myself up as well as possible to find a job, and to furthermore find one. So I guess there will be a couple, if not more, phases to 2010 for me. I hope to exceed in my studies and my internships. I then hope that this will aid me in beginning my career with a job that I enjoy and pays decent. This should be an interesting adventure.
Along with this enormous transition, I hope that this will be the year of other personal transitions. From the old to the new.
Coffee Shops
I not only love coffee, but when I am in school or studying I feel as though I need coffee. I think that they call this an addiction. I live on Capitol Hill and there are a plethora of coffee shops and for the most part they are pretty similar. too cool baristas that probably have Phd's in philosophy (maybe that's why they look so unhappy), fine crafted and roasted coffee, they're expensive, all drinks have double shots...the list goes on. So what narrows it down for me is taste, attitudes of the people who work there, convenience, and atmosphere.
Friday, January 8, 2010
The "Real" Michelle
The satirical cover of the July, 2008 issue of the New Yorker pretty much summed up the intensity of the stigma that was being proselytized by some of the “right wing” media about the Obamas. Michelle, sporting a fro, a sash of ammo, and fatigues, smiles deviously as she fist bumps her husband, while a fire burns, fueled by an American flag. The couple looks as though they are channeling the Black Panthers, Che, and Al Qaeda simultaneously.
Though the cover was in jest, it painted a clear picture of some of the outrageous accusations being disseminated to and amongst the American public. Michelle had been accused of being anti-patriotic, a domineering wife, an angry black woman, and a partner to her husband's supposed plan to destroy “American values.”
Michelle Obama's speech at the Democratic National Convention, though subtly, addresses some of these rumors concerning her and her husband, as well as promote her husband's bid for President. She does this by way of talking about her and Barack's struggles growing up and how they got to where they are now. Early in her speech she says that she's there as a sister, a mother, a wife, and a daughter, simultaneously establishing part of her audience, as well as making herself in some regard a peer to all women on some level. She is bringing things back to basics in order to deflect from her powerful presence and resume and humanize herself, addressing the situational. Her description of these female roles had very submissive, serving, and receiving tones.
She talks about the American dream and tells her own story as an example and later does the same with Barack's. The Obama's were both accused of being unpatriotic and this touches on very patriotic rhetoric: “the American Dream;” “The American Story.” In telling her own story, she also is attempting to reach the “average” and poor American. Poverty, injustice, family illness, hard work, perseverance are all words and ideals used in her accounts. Most Americans can relate to one of these. This gives her the ability to reach people's hearts and minds and maybe make them think, “Hey she's a little like me.”
“He had this funny name...” I thought that this was very smart of her to mention and make fun of. Not only had some Americans thought his name was funny, but had also made it akin to terrorism. Her saying this takes some of the fuel out of comments about his name.
Her advisory rhetoric touched on many issues but she did so fairly briefly. One of her first advisory comments that was very persuasive was concerning welfare, unemployment, and general poverty.
“Those folks weren't asking for a handout or a shortcut. They were ready to work---they wanted to contribute.”
Some conservatives accuse people on welfare or unemployment as being lazy, creating a stigma that might prevent legislation for social programs. She then segways into how Barack took on a higher calling, choosing to help others instead of Wall Street. This was very smart and very subtle. Barack had the education and ability to be successful on Wall Street, but chose to serve. Wall Street's reputation at the time was in the muck. Any association with them could be harmful. She established his separation from “them” and their values.
She doesn't become advisory until the end of her speech where she touches on some of the campaign promises Barack made to the American people, such as ending the war in Iraq, health care for all, and the advising Americans to take on a position of hope rather than fear. An approach in stark contrast to the Bush administration.
She also takes one last opportunity to establish her audience and her patriotism. She talks about hard working Americans, military families, Hillary and in effect her not-so-happy supporters, and young people. She then says, “I love this country,” established one last time her patriotism.
Though the cover was in jest, it painted a clear picture of some of the outrageous accusations being disseminated to and amongst the American public. Michelle had been accused of being anti-patriotic, a domineering wife, an angry black woman, and a partner to her husband's supposed plan to destroy “American values.”
Michelle Obama's speech at the Democratic National Convention, though subtly, addresses some of these rumors concerning her and her husband, as well as promote her husband's bid for President. She does this by way of talking about her and Barack's struggles growing up and how they got to where they are now. Early in her speech she says that she's there as a sister, a mother, a wife, and a daughter, simultaneously establishing part of her audience, as well as making herself in some regard a peer to all women on some level. She is bringing things back to basics in order to deflect from her powerful presence and resume and humanize herself, addressing the situational. Her description of these female roles had very submissive, serving, and receiving tones.
She talks about the American dream and tells her own story as an example and later does the same with Barack's. The Obama's were both accused of being unpatriotic and this touches on very patriotic rhetoric: “the American Dream;” “The American Story.” In telling her own story, she also is attempting to reach the “average” and poor American. Poverty, injustice, family illness, hard work, perseverance are all words and ideals used in her accounts. Most Americans can relate to one of these. This gives her the ability to reach people's hearts and minds and maybe make them think, “Hey she's a little like me.”
“He had this funny name...” I thought that this was very smart of her to mention and make fun of. Not only had some Americans thought his name was funny, but had also made it akin to terrorism. Her saying this takes some of the fuel out of comments about his name.
Her advisory rhetoric touched on many issues but she did so fairly briefly. One of her first advisory comments that was very persuasive was concerning welfare, unemployment, and general poverty.
“Those folks weren't asking for a handout or a shortcut. They were ready to work---they wanted to contribute.”
Some conservatives accuse people on welfare or unemployment as being lazy, creating a stigma that might prevent legislation for social programs. She then segways into how Barack took on a higher calling, choosing to help others instead of Wall Street. This was very smart and very subtle. Barack had the education and ability to be successful on Wall Street, but chose to serve. Wall Street's reputation at the time was in the muck. Any association with them could be harmful. She established his separation from “them” and their values.
She doesn't become advisory until the end of her speech where she touches on some of the campaign promises Barack made to the American people, such as ending the war in Iraq, health care for all, and the advising Americans to take on a position of hope rather than fear. An approach in stark contrast to the Bush administration.
She also takes one last opportunity to establish her audience and her patriotism. She talks about hard working Americans, military families, Hillary and in effect her not-so-happy supporters, and young people. She then says, “I love this country,” established one last time her patriotism.
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