eng001:section09

Video Essay "My Life"

2007-12-16T15:02:00.000-06:00

Watching You
“Watching You,” by Rodney Atkins. Ever since the first time I put on my cowboy boots and buttoned up my little flannel shirt I can remember one thing that stayed true all throughout my childhood and that is how hard I tried to be just like my dad. The song “Watching You” by Rodney Atkins mirrors my never-ending want to be a walking replica of my dad. As I pulled on those size five, brown leather cowboy boots and buttoned up my red flannel shirt I always knew it was time to head out and see how I could learn from my dad and shadow him all through the day. In the song it talks about how the little boy followed the example set by his dad both good and bad without knowing the difference. For me as a child I looked up to my dad in such a way that no matter what he did or said it had to be right, if only because he said it. My dad was my greatest role model and I wouldn’t trade a day spent with him for anything in the world. I learned so much from him and we learned many things together as well. I watched his every move and grew into the person that I am today because I was able to look up to someone and turn to someone whenever I needed advice or help. This song portrays the relationship between a father and son and shows how that tie offers so many things; from lessons learned, memories shared, and hardships conquered. I will never forget the times I spent learning from my dad and every time this song plays it takes me back to the time of those little old cowboy boots and my worn out shirt chasing my dad every where he went as we built a relationship that will last a lifetime.

A Good Man
“A Good Man,” by Emerson Drive. After realizing how much I had to be grateful for in my life and didn’t take anything for granted anymore I began to think about the kind of person I wanted to be seen as. As I went through high school I changed in many ways but the one thing that I believe stayed the same was my want to be “A Good Man.” As I listen to this song it just fuels the desire that I have inside to be happy with what I have been given and accomplished. I don’t waste my time with all the small troubles in life and remember always trying to be happy with whatever life threw at me. High school is kind of a blur looking back now but the experiences I had will shape continue to shape my life and direct me in the direction I want to go. From the clubs that I joined to better my transcripts to the sports I played to stay in shape and satisfy my competitive side. High school was a time when I found out who I was and I began to uncover what life had in store for me. The friends I made and the jobs I worked put everything into perspective and I realized through my experiences, that no matter what happens in life, nothing matters as long as you have the ones you love close to you. When the song says, “I don’t need a whole lot of money,” It makes me understand the feeling I had found that family and friends are priceless things in life that no amount of money in the world can buy.

If You’re Going Through Hell
“If You’re Going Through Hell,” by Rodney Atkins. Life throws all sorts of unexpected things at you both good and bad but it wasn’t until my sophomore year of high school that I realized that you get through anything if you just keep at it. The song “If You’re Going Through Hell,” by Rodney Atkins sums this lesson up in a few lyrics. The song says, “If you’re going through hell keep on going…you might get out before the devil even knows you’re there.” All throughout my life I was the type of person who would let little things bother me and when things weren’t going just like I had planned I felt disappointed and let down. However I always had my friends and family there to help me through. Just like the people that help him out in the video I had relationships in my life that could help me through. Anyone who knew me knew that family always comes first. The relationship that I have with my family is something that I will always treasure. When we are out on a sunny day working in the yard or out to brunch on Sunday afternoon, anyone can see the laughter and joy that we bring each other. My sisters and I would joke and tease as we raked the leaves that had fallen off the aspens in the front yard and my mom and dad would laugh at the site of us throwing leaves and rolling around the yard. We were always there for each other after a rough day at work or school and these kind of ties are what kept us going strong no matter what life threw our way.

Never Wanted Nothing More
“Never Wanted Nothing More,” by Kenny Chesney. Ever since I was very young I have wanted a truck that I could take hunting and ride around town in, finally when the summer of my 17th birthday came, I bought that truck. I convinced my parents to let me sell my first car and buy my truck that I could work on and restore until it reflected the truck I always wanted. This song by Kenny Chesney talks about working hard and earning what you want, until you are happy and satisfied to the point that you couldn’t want anything more. When I bought my truck it didn’t run and needed a lot of work but after hours and hours of stripping and tearing in my garage I built my own truck and was able to drive it off to school knowing that I couldn’t ask for anything more.
My truck was nothing but a broken down rust bucket when I got it but now it is a dark charcoal grey with new BF Goodrich All/Terrain Tires and a Kenwood Stereo that plays all my music loud and clear through my Pioneer door speakers. The bed is lined in a black rhino lining that I rolled on myself and the cab is upholstered in new seat covers and matching carpet. With a five speed transmission and nearly all new mechanical parts, I rebuilt my truck into my off road dream and when I hear the song play, “it was mine all mine and I never wanted nothing more,” I know that I created a lifelong dream and wouldn’t trade a moment of that hard work in for anything.

Remember The Name
“Remember the Name,” by Fort Minor. My size 10, black with red stripes, Adidas Predator soccer cleats, not only molded to my feet as I took the field day in and day out but these boots became a part of me, and my feet just aren’t comfortable in any other shoes. My soccer boots are light as a feather and fit my feet like a favorite pair of socks and I wouldn’t trade them for any other shoe in the world. Each time I laced up those studs my easy laid back personality changed to a competitive put it all on the line type of attitude and this song is always playing in my mind when I step out onto that pitch. “Ten percent luck, twenty percent skill, fifteen percent concentrated power of will, five percent pleasure, fifty percent pain and one hundred percent reason to remember the name.” This bit from the song not only explains the feeling of lacing up my boots but it gets my adrenaline flowing every time and takes me back to the atmosphere of the game.
As I slide into a tackle or line up to send the ball across the field my spikes grip the loose ground under me and hold true every time I need to plant on them. Playing soccer has always been a part of my life and I take great pride in my reputation on the field. My soccer cleats display this through their shiny yet used and broken in appearance that they get from countless hours of use and irreplaceable care that I put into polishing them before every game. Seeing these boots in my closet keeps me going back for more every time and the song “Remember the Name” by Fort Minor fuels my desire to head out and play another match every time I hear it.

Free and Easy Down the Road I Go
“Free and Easy Down the Road I Go,” by Dierks Bentley. The song “Free and Easy Down the Road I Go” is a song that will always take me back to my trip from Denver Colorado to Lincoln Nebraska to start my college life. It was just me, my pick up, and the open road. As I left Denver and headed into the flat land of eastern Colorado and western Nebraska the scenery changed from rolling hills and high altitude, to flat lands, river bottoms and cornfields. The sun was shining and the sky was clear. I rolled the windows down and cranked up the music and the first song I played was this song. As I heard the words “a pair of boots and a sack of clothes, free and easy down the road I go,” I got my first taste of being out on my own.
With cornfields as far as I could see I drove into my new home with the windows down and the wind whipping through the cab of my truck I could smell the scent of fresh cow manure and sweet country breeze. I saw irrigation systems all throughout the fields and the rows of corn looked as though they would never end. The river bottom ran along the north side of the interstate and the sounds of geese honking as they flew over head set the tone for my new home. I knew this wasn’t where I wanted to stay forever but for now it is what I call home. As the song went on to say, “some day I know its going to take me home,” I knew that even though the interstate blew by as I headed east, this road would always be there to take me home again when I decided that my time here in Lincoln was up.

I Am Number One
“I Am Number One,” by Nelly. High school soccer is different for every school but at Northglenn High School the tradition of soccer ran deep through the school and being a part of the team was like having another family. Competitive and hardheaded on the field, we were always hard on each other, but off the field we were all just a bunch of brothers living together. We lived and died as a team, every time one fell the team flinched in pain and when one was cut we all bled. Having this type of bond is what makes a team successful and when the song asks the question, “What does it take to be number one?” I know that having that tight team bond is what it takes to win. During season we lived not as individuals but as pieces of the whole and everything we did was for the better of the team. Everyone knew when we were around because of the laughing and joking that always rang out from our crowd. We ate together, studied together, practiced together, and played through everything together. This team was my family outside of home and being able to be a part of it would make anyone a better person. Being number one and winning is important in any sport but if you don’t have the right team to share it with you really haven’t succeeded. When I listen to this song I see flash backs of tackles and goals scored on the field but more importantly I see the good times and relationships that I built on the team and even if we hadn’t won the league championship the season still would have been a success.

You Make Me Want To
“You Make Me Want To,” by Luke Bryan. Life can be good and bad at times but unless you have someone to share it with none of it really matters. This song says, “I don’t know if I can ever change, but you make me want to,” and having that feeling to want to be everything you can to make someone happy is an irreplaceable feeling. When I decided to try the long distance relationship situation I was skeptical but when times got hard and I bailed out I never quit regretting it. One day this song came on and I realized how much she meant to me and I worked and worked to get her back until she finally came back to me. I was in a can’t sleep, can’t eat, lost in life state without her and this song shows the never ending want to change anything necessary to keep her happy. I realized I really didn’t have to change at all but that sensation of willingness to do anything to make it work and eventually making it work so well that nothing can come between us is something that anyone can see I am happy with. When I went through life in that state of wondering and waiting it changed me into a; don’t take anything for granted, live like you were dying kind of person that I am right now. That is where is stand in life’s journey as of this moment and I don’t want to change anything about that or ever risk losing this feeling again. So I live day to day and take in every experience like it could be my last because you never know when it might all come crashing down so why hold anything back.

First Video

2007-11-12T22:57:00.001-06:00

I never really watched music videos as a child and I’m sure that I saw several videos before this one but I really can’t recall any of them. However the first time I saw this video it stuck with me and I haven’t forgot how I felt to this day. The first time I saw the video “Watching You” by Rodney Atkins I felt a feeling that I had never felt before. It made me realize how special a relationship between a father and his son truly is. I began to notice the things I did to be just like my dad and how much I looked up to him as a role model. When I saw this video I was already in high school and well past the times that this video shows. But I realized how much I still strive to be just like my dad in every way I can.

I think that a father is the one person that a son looks up to most and no matter how aware of it either of them are growing up and building a strong relationship is the most important thing that a kid can have. It is also equally important for a dad to have this bond with his kid and thrives off of it just as much as the child does. It is an irreplaceable feeling and no one who hasn’t experienced it can ever feel the same bond shared between a father and son. From sharing laughs and creating memories to getting through the tough times together a father and son should have a tie that can’t be altered by any obstacle face in life. This video shows how a son looks up to his dad in every way and will do anything to be just like him.

Least Favorite Video

2007-11-12T22:46:00.000-06:00

The song “Alyssa Lies” by Jason Michael Carol is a very good song that brings to surface a very serious issue that needs to be addressed. However the music video is my least favorite thing to watch. Not because it is poorly made but because of the pain it can cause just watching the video. Though I don’t want to simply ignore the issue, it is far too hard to watch this video and think about the things that these children have to face day in and day out without any support to get them through. I know that I could never survive in their situation and if that was the environment that I was brought up in I know that I wouldn’t be the same person that I am today.

The video itself shows several children who have been beaten both mentally and physically and it is nearly impossible to watch the entire video without feeling sick to my stomach. The images on this video are so intense that you feel like you know what these children are going through but in reality you don’t even begin to get a taste of the things that they go through. By creating this video the artist was hoping to raise awareness and prevention towards this issue. Hopefully he did just that but I cannot sit and watch this video knowing that there is so little I can do to help these kids with their situation. I will get involved in any way I can to stop this epidemic but watching the video does nothing but make me sick. This issue is something that needs to be addressed and hopefully stopped altogether because these kids are the future of America and by raising them in these environments there is little to no hope of a full recovery.

A Good Man

2007-11-11T16:10:00.000-06:00

A Good Man

The music video “A Good Man” is my favorite music video for several reasons but mainly because I think it shows who I really am and will always be. The most important things to me in life are the relationships you create and memories made with the people who are closest to you. Without friends and family to share your life with you don’t have anything because it represents who you are and what is important to you. I am the kind of person who gets along with everyone and will go the extra mile to help someone out. But when it comes to my family and friends there is nothing I wouldn’t do to help them out and show them how much I care about them. Family and friends are what I live for and having people to share your life with makes the world go round.
This video is of a family who may not have all the amenities and extras that some choose to splurge in, but they have each other and can live and be happy and grateful for what they have. In the video it shows how they care for each other and love to be in the presence of one another no matter what the situation. They have each other to get through the hard times and to share the good times with. That is all that is important to me and I will be happy if I continue to have that for the rest of my life no matter where I end up or what my situation is.
The song goes on to talk about sharing your life with the one you love and creating a family to love and live for no matter the circumstances. In my opinion you don’t have enough if you don’t have someone to love and share your life with. Having a family is a necessity in life and being alone just can’t compare to the life of those with a loving family. You can have everything money can buy but without someone to share it with it is simply a lost cause. That is why I think you have to be grateful for what you have and treasure the life you are given. Make the best of every situation and love like there is no tomorrow because when it is gone you will realize how much it meant to you.

Ethanol Cartoon

2007-10-29T14:10:00.000-05:00

Visual argumentation is one of the most common techniques when it comes to arguing a point or opinion. The cartoon here on ethanol fuel is no different and it uses several different forms of argument when pointing out the benefits of ethanol fuel through visualization. Through the argument several forms of persuasion can be detected and play key roles in the presentation of the image. By utilizing rhetorical appeals such as pathos, ethos, and logos, the artist can argue the argument without the use of any words. The author also uses argument techniques such as analogy, cause and effect, classification, and visual styles such as examples and illustration. All of which comes together to present the argument that ethanol fuel will help to solve several of our nations problems.

Being economically independent has been one of our nations goals for years and many argue that ethanol fuel is the answer. Arguments have been presented to support why this technological breakthrough can and will push the nation to a whole new level of independence as well as how it will help with the growing problem related to global warming and pollution. This cartoon is a perfect example of each of these elements being argued in a single image. When observed on different levels one can see all the positive sides of switching to ethanol. For example the economic benefit that the corn producers will gain, the possible happiness of being independent, the result of cleaner air, as well as the lack of reliance on oil. On top of that one can see the respect that the idea will get from the progress that it provides the country.

The cartoon itself is very appealing to the eye at first glance and after picking out smaller details. The super corn and the lady supporting the corn are what first catches my eye. The fact that the corn has been given the title of superman is huge in giving the rest of the cartoon a base to support the argument. The corn and the lady clearly play the main role in the argument possessing several details that help to strengthen the purpose of the image. After getting past that there are several minor details that positively support the use of ethanol. For example there is a farm and lush green fields surrounding the main characters. The farm is very clean and picture perfect in its presentation. The sky is another appealing part of this image with its clean, white, puffy clouds and brilliant blue color. Below the sky there are trees growing tall and more fields spread across the horizon all appearing to be growing to their full potential. Lastly, atop the horizon is a small town functioning in the distance. The specific details of the town are hard to make out but its sole existence argues several points that become very useful in the overall purpose of the cartoon. All of these details effectively argue the good to come in the future of ethanol.

As a result of this argument being a cartoon the visual aspects of argumentation stand out the most and all of the methods used are based around that. The picture gives several examples how ethanol fuel can improve the lives of everyone and the economies that rely on it. First the corn itself is used as to as a tool to build rhetorical appeal off of. The characters in the foreground possess characteristics that were stolen from the widely known duo, Lois Lane and Clark Kent. The artist uses the analogy of comparing superman to the corn and by giving the superman emblem to the corn ethanol fuel steals all of the characteristics that superman was given over an extended period of time. After pinning the superman emblem on the corn through the use of ethos appeal the ethanol fuel immediately gains the respect of the public. The goal of the author by doing this is to have the fuel tap into the good emotions and positive outlooks of the people and utilize the pathos appeal of rhetoric to lock the viewers in on the idea that ethanol results in only positive occurrences.

The main use of ethos detected in this visual argument is the author use of the nationally renowned symbol of superman to give the fuel a heroic image. By doing this the author lets the audience feel that this product will help to solve our problems and save us from situations such as that of being dependent on other resources. The superman emblem is commonly associated with a figure that saves the day and does only good things helping to persuade the viewer that ethanol will do the same. The argumentation technique of classification is also used here when the image helps the audience relate super hero characteristics to that of the possible characteristics of ethanol fuel. The fact that the Lois Lane character standing next to the corn is tipping her hat to it and embracing it in a positive way also presents the audience with more ties to its heroic traits and loveable offerings.

The author utilizes the cause effect relationship with his drawing as well. It argues that by using ethanol only positive results, also known as the effects will come of it. By switching reliance from gasoline to ethanol fuel our nation will become both energy independent and environmentally safe. The author uses the clear blue sky in the background to leave its audience with the impression that cleaner more breathable air will result. The idea of being independent comes with background knowledge on the topic, and the author supports the benefits of that by showing the girls excitement. The fact that they are standing in the middle of a cornfield with a farmhouse in the background shows that we can produce the fuel ourselves without any need to call upon the resources of another country. This form of argument touches on the rhetoric appeal of pathos. The idea of being happy as well as energy independent brings only positive thoughts and emotions to the audience. However the main use of pathos is in the type of twisted humor present when using the 50’s cartoon characters to relate to ethanol. By including this the author expands his audience and entertains while arguing his point.

The artist has included a town on the horizon of the cartoon representing industrialization co-existing with the fuel. With this, the picture argues that the fuel can continue to run our nation and provide service for all of those needs we once used gasoline for. By including this aspect the artist not only emphasizes the fact that the ethanol fuel can accomplish everything that gasoline can. But also that ethanol can do it while maintaining the clear blue sky, happy users and a generous availability. The setting of the cartoon is out in the country and by including the town near by the audience gets the feeling that the fuel will be distributed as needed all across the nation and not just in the big city. By doing this, the author is again able to utilize the rhetorical appeal of ethos to bring hope and good intentions to the product.

The last rhetorical appeal used in this cartoon is logos. The author uses all of the other techniques to create a sense of credibility for the fuel and continuously tries to peak the viewer’s interest with pleasing images and thoughts. By using icons such as the superman emblem and feel good details the author can make the audience not only like the idea of ethanol but gain confidence in its success. The good details referred to here are the excitement and positive embracement shown by the girl and the clear blue skies suggesting a cleaner healthier environment. The image also shows the possible economic success that the agriculture industry could experience. But the main reason the fuel can obtain these traits through the cartoon is by proudly wearing the superman emblem on its chest. Overall the author successfully uses a number of persuasion techniques to get the point across that ethanol fuel, can and if given the chance, will succeed in gaining the U.S. energy independence and adopting a more efficient and cleaner fuel to drive this nation forward into the future.

Tom Osborne Returns

2007-10-21T01:11:00.000-05:00

After starting off to a disappointing season the Nebraska Cornhuskers have finally started making changes. As of late last week Tom Osborne was hired as an interm athletic coordinator for the university. As word began to spread about the Osborne’s return life that had began to deflate from the husker nation immediately began to rekindle. During Friday’s Big Red Breakfast Osborne stated that he wouldn’t be able to simply wave a wand and restore the order here but he would indeed start to work to bring the tradition of Big Red Football back to Lincoln. With the experience that Osborne has under the program already no one doubts his ability to bring this program back to the top of its game. With several years of experience and a number of championships under his belt Tom Osborne is more than qualified for this position as well as the people’s favorite. What he will do with the program is still questionable but many hope that he will break it down completely and start from ground zero. With the conditions given however it will more than likely take time to get the program back to its respectable stature where it once stood for so long. I don’t think that there could have been a better person picked for the job not only because of his qualifications, but because of his love for the game and desire to pass the tradition on to future members of the program. Nebraska football is based around tradition and support from all its fans. This past season we have began to get away from that and the heart that was once there winning game after game has long sense ceased to exist. The team just doesn’t seem to have all heart that it takes to get the job done at Big Red standards.

Elk Hunting

2007-10-14T19:41:00.001-05:00

Elk hunting in the Rockies is an experience that can only be experienced first hand. It only comes around once a year but when it does everyone knows it. All year long hunters around the country look forward to their chance to load up their pickups and head up the hill for another trip of a lifetime. This is no different for my dad I dad as we anxiously wait all year long fantasizing about that chance at a big bull and reminiscing about the previous years hunts. Preparation for the hunt starts about a month in advance as we make our lists and start to pick up all the basic necessities at our local sporting goods store. Then when the time finally comes to head up, we load up all the gear and gather up our buddies for a week of fun and relaxing that can’t be found anywhere else.
When we arrive at camp we unload and set up camp that we call home for one week out of the year. It might not have all the amenities of home but that’s what makes it fun and we wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world. Time spent at elk camp is a time to relax and let go of the stresses and worries of everyday life and just enjoy life with the people closest to you. The hunt itself is an irreplaceable experience but just being out in the great outdoors is all we really need. When opening morning finally comes and the crisp air blows into the tent you can hear the silence of the mountains and feel the excitement from everyone at camp. So we zip up our coats, lace up our boots, and shoulder our rifles, finally heading out for the chase at the big one.

Ethanol Fuel and the Corn Industry

2007-10-11T11:09:00.000-05:00

Productivity with little or no damage to our environment, this has been our goal as a nation for many years and some think that scientists may have found the big break through. The new hype about ethanol gas and how it will benefit the issue of global warming has got everyone excited and ready to listen. However not all the issues have been closely broken down. Yes the new gas will reduce the nations reliability on foreign oil resources, and may also help the issue of global warming, but do we really have all the necessary resources to accomplish this. Joe Duggan, writer for the local Journal Star, and several other scientists argue that we do not. The majority of the corn that will be used in the production of this new ethanol will be grown in states like Nebraska and Iowa as well as other agriculturally based states. Therefore the consumption of water for those states will be greatly increased and in all reality, according to Duggan, we don’t have those resources to spare. The state of Nebraska is hard pressed when it comes to the issue of water to begin with but if we have to produce enough corn to help fuel the engines of America on top of feed the hungry mouths that reside in it, we will not only be at a shortage of water but we will begin to use up that limited resource all together. Now this may still be the way to go if we can find a way to use some of the earth’s non-potable water for this use or if we can outweigh the negatives with the positives, but the topic definitely needs to be looked into much more before we as a nation decide to put this huge responsibility on the shoulders of our agricultural economy. After all need to be sure that we are capable of this with the resources that we have before we plunge head first into a dead end. On the other hand if we decide that we do have the resources and we are able to cut our reliance on foreign oil while protecting the environment, then why not make the switch and better both our lives and the lives of future generations to come.

Opening Weekend

2007-10-09T20:33:00.000-05:00

It only comes around once a year but when it does all the small towns and country lodges are packed to capacity and the pickups can be found scattered along the country roads. Opening weekend of whitetail season is like no other weekend of the year. The air is crisp and cold and the darkness of the night still spreads across the country. As pickups are fired up and hot coffee served at the diner we load up the gear and head to the fields. Arriving long before daylight we quietly finish our coffee and slip quietly into the woods for the first morning’s hunt. Quietly we climb up into our stands and wait for the sun to peak the horizon. When the sun finally comes up and light begins to spread across the forest floor a tingling of excitement shoots through my body and my breath can be seen as it hits the icy cold air. Just the feeling of sitting out in the woods on these crisp mornings is irreplaceable and hearing the sweet sounds of nature makes me forget about the craziness of everyday life. The wind might blow and the snow may fall but nothing can keep a deer hunter out of the stand on that opening morning, it is simply in our blood.
The experience of being deep in the backwoods is reward enough for me and any other hunter but if the chance at a big buck presents itself during the hunt just puts the icing on the cake. All year long we wait for the week when we can go out, forget about our busy everyday lives, and enjoy some quality time making memories with those closest to us. Hunting is a tradition that has come through many generations and will continue to bring people together for many years to come. My fondest memories of growing up were spent in the fields with my dad learning about the sport and making memories that will last a lifetime. Hopefully one day I will get the chance to pass on the love I have for the outdoors to my kids and they will do the same with theirs.

Railroad Community

2007-10-04T13:44:00.000-05:00

It was a warm day on September 28, and the daily routine of the railroad could be seen from atop the O Street Bridge overlooking the railroad yard below. The sun beat down on the necks of all the men working throughout the yard and the sweat began to bead on their foreheads. There was a constant racket coming from the rolling of cars along the tracks, the linking of cars into a train, and the noise of metal being pounded and torqued as repairs were made on the locomotives. The yard consisted of a simple lay out with all the tracks running side by side and connectors about every hundred yards that switched the trains from track to track. The cars themselves all appeared old and well used. Some were orange, some brown, some rusted, but they all had a layer of dust and grease from traveling across the country. There was various graffiti painted on the sides of some cars that made them stand out more than the rest.
There was a faint smell of dust and grime but as the breeze whipped in and out of the cars the smells of the city passed by as well. The yard had a sense of community and it worked like a well-tuned machine with each little mechanism playing its role in the spinning of the wheel.
The definition of community; is a social group of any size whose members reside in a specific locality, share government, and have a common cultural and historical heritage. Each of these aspects could clearly be seen throughout the yard. The physical layout of the yard at work is much like the definition of a community working together to function and succeed. This community, however, extends further than just the railroad, it stretches out far enough to connect the entire United States in a sense. The railroad was one of the first means of transportation for people and goods and it has expanded since. It has expanded into more than a business but a foundation of our existence. The moving of goods means the survival and economic growth of the society. Sitting there watching the workers move around below each part of the whole could be seen as it all unfolded. Though all the positions couldn’t be seen first hand from a perch on the bridge the result of each job was evident and the different tiers of their “government” played their specific roles.
Tobi Beedle has worked for the railroad for almost 20 years and after interviewing him it was easy to gain a better understanding of what the railroad did and its various pieces that make it work. It is all based around the work and success of the small parts that create the union itself. For example, the yardmaster is in charge of coordinating traffic and overseeing all of the operations and all of the workers below follow their orders to make the operation run smoothly. If everyone does their own part the work becomes much easier and more enjoyable. With this comes the success of the union and the history that has come so far. The history of the railroad is extremely evident in the carrying out of the tasks set out for them. From a perch such as the O Street Bridge one could see that everyone knew their role and because the system has come so far all of the kinks have been worked out and the daily routine is perfectly planned. The job descriptions are clear and precise to such an extent that no delay or malfunction is a new experience but rather a challenge to better the outcome from the previous occurrence. Tobi described the routine as a passing on of the tradition from so many before them and this tradition has got the union to where it is today with much success. More specifically he said, “we all have our jobs and we all do them knowing that it worked before and will continue to work as long as we don’t try to change the system.
Another aspect of the community that can be seen in the railroad is the shifts that run throughout the day and the constant progress being made. It is an organization that never rests due to its demanding responsibility. Workers are constantly coming and going and the madness of having so many workers working in such a small area is all organized by seniority and schedules. Much like any 24-hour business there is both good and bad work shifts but everyone adapts and makes it work to an art of perfection. The more desirable shifts are rewarded to those who have been with the union the longest and have the most experience. When a new or vacated shift opens up there is a bid that is placed on the time. The collateral used in this bidding is simply experience with the union. Anyone can bid on an open time and but the bidder with the highest qualifications receives the shift. Many get lucky enough to come across shifts that aren’t as popular to many upper level workers. Often workers that get stuck with the night shifts and oddball holidays adapt to it and find it extremely difficult change. Therefore some slide by with little time spent on the job and obtain a standard work schedule.
With these strange hours and vacation time comes frustration and discouragement in the vigorous routine of working day in and day out. Yet the unity comes through again and often the rewards can outweigh the negatives. Tobi often mentioned the fondness he has developed for the working environment and the people who he works with. They are all in it together and they all share a common interest in what they do. They also gain a sense of importance that they truly deserve by being a part of the union. This sense of being needed comes from not only Lincoln’s need for the railroad but also Nebraska’s need and even the country’s reliance on this union. Not to mention the fact that it is a descent paying job that requires fairly little background in the field. Clearly background and experience will benefit those who can use their experience to obtain those higher paying jobs and more desirable work shifts. In return this creates a competition and helps sets goals for people to work for. Much like anything in life competition can only aid the success of a unit whether it is in the workforce, in a sport, or even among a family. When everyone works to be their best in hopes of being rewarded there is higher level of standards and the group benefits as a whole. This all ties back to the community and unity of the union that this job has to offer.
The overall job description of the railroad is to transport people and goods across the nation at any time and in any conditions. Upon succeeding at this the railroad contributes much more than is often seen by the common citizen. The railroad lends their community to the surrounding locations and plays a great role in the existence of the nation. Without the railroad a majority of the country’s history would have been impossible and we may not be where we are today had this powerful group not been created. Though their services often go unacknowledged the union continues to provide for the nation and will continue to do so for years to come. So the next time you are passing over that O Street Bridge take the opportunity to catch a glance of this great community as it pulls its weight for the greater purpose of the advancement of our country.

Abraham Lincoln Assassination

2007-09-20T10:03:00.001-05:00

The footage seen in this video is said to be 16mm film from April 14, 1865 when
President Abraham Lincoln was shot in Ford?s Theatre. Whether or not this real footage
from the event cannot be determined, but the overall scene of the film gives an accurate
description to the event and setting at the time. When I watched this video and saw John
Wilkes Booth casually walk up behind the president and shoot him from point blank range it seemed a little unrealistic. However after researching about it I discovered that this truly appears to be how it happened. Trying to imagine this today would be nearly
impossible due to all the security and protection that constantly surrounds the president
at all times. Clearly times have changed but when I first saw the video it was
unbelievable that someone could simply approach the president and then proceed to shoot
him from close range. After the thought that it actually did happen sunk in and I was able to realize that I began to wonder about the immediate result and what happened to Booth. Apparently he escaped and was caught later in a barn, which was burned to the ground, but it all seems so unreal and impossible after seeing the type of precautions that are taken with the president today. It makes me think about the level of trust we as humans have for one another today compared to 1865 when everyone seemed trustworthy unless they displayed otherwise. It appears to me, that as a society we tend to expect the worst in people and live our lives protecting ourselves from harm. Clearly we have many reasons to do this, but it simply is not right that we constantly expect people to do wrong and intentionally harm others. What happened to the times when everyone was neighborly and helpful for nothing more than a smile or friend in reward. Clearly our views have changed for the worst and we can do nothing but try to think of a way to better shelter ourselves from it. It seems we have reached our peak in the race for civilization and are on the downward slide back towards a life in the wild game of survival of the fittest.

Abraham Lincoln Assassination

2007-09-20T10:03:00.000-05:00

http://youtube.com/watch?v=zO3DodRdPv8
The footage seen in this video is said to be 16mm film from April 14, 1865 when President Abraham Lincoln was shot in Ford?s Theatre. Whether or not this real footage from the event cannot be determined, but the overall scene of the film gives an accurate description to the event and setting at the time. When I watched this video and saw John Wilkes Booth casually walk up behind the president and shoot him from point blank range it seemed a little unrealistic. However after researching about it I discovered that this truly appears to be how it happened. Trying to imagine this today would be nearly impossible due to all the security and protection that constantly surrounds the president at all times. Clearly times have changed but when I first saw the video it was unbelievable that someone could simply approach the president and then proceed to shoot him from close range. After the thought that it actually did happen sunk in and I was able to realize that I began to wonder about the immediate result and what happened to Booth. Apparently he escaped and was caught later in a barn, which was burned to the ground, but it all seems so unreal and impossible after seeing the type of precautions that are taken with the president today. It makes me think about the level of trust we as humans have for one another today compared to 1865 when everyone seemed trustworthy unless they displayed otherwise. It appears to me, that as a society we tend to expect the worst in people and live our lives protecting ourselves from harm. Clearly we have many reasons to do this, but it simply is not right that we constantly expect people to do wrong and intentionally harm others. What happened to the times when everyone was neighborly and helpful for nothing more than a smile or friend in reward. Clearly our views have changed for the worst and we can do nothing but try to think of a way to better shelter ourselves from it. It seems we have reached our peak in the race for civilization and are on the downward slide back towards a life in the wild game of survival of the fittest.

Pre-Game in Lincoln

2007-09-18T13:53:00.000-05:00

Pre-Game in Lincoln
As the streets line with red and parking spots fill up all across town the bars and restaurants begin to reach capacity and a constant buzz fills the air. The feeling is one of a kind and can be felt on Husker game day all across downtown Lincoln. As kick off approaches the noise gets continuously louder and the crowds of people grow larger and larger. All the buzz and hype peaks during the duration of the game. From the tunnel walk to the last snap, thousands of members of the Husker Nation gather round town both in and out of the stadium to support their Big Red.
The anticipation for this event is remarkable. People begin to spill into downtown for game day as early as 7 in the morning and the streets continue to fill until the last car heads home for the night. As I walked the streets of downtown Lincoln this weekend on my way to the Husker game, after parking 10 blocks down, I could feel a sense of community and unity in the air. Chants began to break out and everyone would give high fives to any other person in red. Laughter was in the air and all the worries of everyone’s every day lives had vanished for the time. The bars filled up, the restaurants were packed, the parking was scarce, and the seats of Memorial Stadium began to turn red. Snacks and special treats were being made in homes around town and drinks were bought in preparation for the big game.
The community came together as a whole and transformed into this Husker Nation that you hear so much about. It was an amazing experience to have so many people brought together without a worry in the world to watch an American tradition of football. All the commotion and buzz built up until those gates opened up and the Nebraska football team came through the end of that tunnel into a massive, roaring, and chaotic crowd.

Local News

2007-09-11T14:08:00.000-05:00

Police dog nabs Waverly men who ran from stop
By the Lincoln Journal Star

Gino, a member of the Lincoln police department, aided in the arrest of two men who were charged with fleeing from the scene as well as other previous charges. Although most don’t give these police dogs the credit they deserve I think it is so cool to have them around. They not only aid in the capture of various criminals, they also protect the officers on duty and help to dig up things a human wouldn’t be able to do on its own. When a dog is able to help make an arrest the citizens can see some of their tax money paying off and helping to keep our streets clean. The job of a police officer is hard enough as it is and these k-nines are able to help out and make their jobs a little easier. Not to mention being there, as a companion and trusted partner.
This case was much like every other case that comes up during the late night hours. Officer Katherine Finnell tried to make a routine traffic stop when the two suspects fled the scene. Had it not been for Gino she probably never would have caught these two criminals and they would still be out terrorizing the streets of Lincoln. But, because of these dogs capabilities to both smell out and chase down criminals, the streets of our neighborhoods are becoming a cleaner and more secure place to be. I believe that in order to maintain a safe city to live in we need to provide our local law enforcement with the tools they need to tackle anything that might be thrown at them. These dogs/ k-nine units are perfect examples of tools that the department can use to make their jobs easier and more secure.

Memorial Stadium

2007-09-11T13:53:00.000-05:00

Memorial Stadium

Memorial Stadium, home of the Big Red, with 284 consecutive sellouts the Huskers hold the NCAA record for hosting a sell out crowd. Dating back to 1962 Memorial Stadium has held a sell out crowd for every game ever played there. I was lucky enough to get my hands on a ticket for the Nebraska VS USC game on Sat. the 15th so I experienced the booming atmosphere first hand. There was a sea of red and a roar coming from the crowd that could be heard all across town. The players on the field were feeding off of the atmosphere and everything was complete and utter chaos. The cheer of the fans was deafening to the USC team who struggled to communicate out on the field. The hits of the players could be heard from the top seats of the high rise and the whistle of the referee controlled the play. Outside the stadium there were even more crowds just trying to be in the presence of this great event. Cars lined the streets and people crowded the sidewalks. Every little bar and restaurant was packed to capacity. The unity of Lincoln was clearly present during this beautiful day. The events that occur here truly unite this town and anyone in the town at the time can feel it in the air. Thousands of Nebraskans gather round all over the country to watch what is truly a tradition of epic proportions. Fans mob the stadium gates and town while others gather round TV sets and sports bars to support their team. This event, which occurs only a few months during the year, is not just a sporting event, it is a tradition that is being carried out from past years and the uniting of a community often referred to as The Husker Nation.

Roller Skating

2007-09-07T16:06:00.000-05:00

Roller Skating Museum

After visiting the National Museum of Roller Skating I not only learned several things I was unaware of before, I gained a greater appreciation of a sport that I always loved as a kid. The museum had an endless number of exhibits but the one that seemed to pull me in the most was the roller hockey exhibit. As a child I spent countless hours partaking in pickup games around my neighborhood. After visiting the museum I now have a better understanding of where the sport came from and how it originated. Originating in the Midwest in the later part of the 19th century the game of roller hockey has come a long ways in many areas from the rules of play to the equipment available to the players.
The sport officially came about in a Denmark roller rink in London, England in 1878, but since the Midwest region of the United States has exploded the sport beyond imaginable proportions. For example in 1991 a group of investors began the sports official professional existence. Thanks to these investors the Roller Hockey International began. The professional popularity of the sport has since ceased to exist, however the love of the game still carries on throughout the U.S. From small town pickup games to recreational programs roller hockey has become an American tradition and will continue to be for many years to come. The sport of roller hockey has come a long ways as a whole since its creation and the technology of the 20th century has aided a great deal to its success. When the sport started the skates and sticks were by today’s standards antiques. The original style of skates consisted of a leather sock attached onto three wheels and it was all held on the player foot by a set of laces. The skates today do resemble a similar image however the build of the skate has changed greatly. Skates today consist of a much harder shoe or boot with much more support and protection. They all have four wheels instead of three and the bearings inside the wheels allow the players to achieve much greater speeds than that of those in the past. The sticks and ball used have also come a great distance. The technology of the times has brought the sport along but every player to ever play the game is forever grateful to those members of the group that once came up with the idea to strap on a set of wheels to their feet and slap a ball around a rink for fun.

Edward Hoagland Response

2007-09-04T10:43:00.000-05:00

How the Essayist Acquires Authority
Essays are how we speak to one another in print-caroming thoughts not merely in order to convey a certain packet of information, but with a special edge or bounce of personal character in a kind of public letter…
-Edward Hoagland

This quote form Edward Hoagland states the in order for an author to obtain authority and respect from its reader, one must project its opinion in any way possible and hope that the reader can relate. This statement seems to be arguably accurate to a great extent. This statement appears true on various levels such as the way the work is presented as well as the audience that it is directed towards. For example one must wholly support the idea that they are trying to present or there will be no drive or inspiration behind their work making the piece both unentertaining as well as weak.
When an author decides to create an essay on a certain topic the author will more than likely choose a topic of which they are both familiar with as well as have an interest in. By doing so they can use both their knowledge and passion for the piece to boost their work as well as put themselves up on a metaphorical pedestal creating the authority that Hoagland was talking about. By using their intelligence and interest as a tool in their writing the author can give off powerful vibes to the reader creating this sense of authority. No matter how hard the author tries, not all audiences will pick up on this form of authority. Some readers just don’t buy into certain authors work.
Therefore, audience is also an important role in what Hoagland is trying to convey in his statement. If an author is writing to the wrong audience, the audience will never pick up on any forms of authority. As I stated before the authority must come from intelligence and well as interest. If a reader is not interested in the topic at hand their will never be any connection and they will never appreciate the authors knowledge or passion for the subject. As a result the reader will never respect the author or give them any sense of authority.
Through his statement on an authors authority Hoagland shows that in order for an author to acquire any authority they must one, present to the correct audience, and two, have a background in the topic as well as a passion for it. Without these two pieces the author will lose the interest of the audience and appear to be uneducated in the subject, resulting in a lack of authority in their writing.

Post1:Test Post

2007-08-30T09:37:00.002-05:00

First post

Post1:Test ost

2007-08-30T09:37:00.001-05:00