The Perils of Nature

From the time of the Wright Brothers, in 1903, to NASA’s trip to the moon, man has mastered the art of flying. Despite the advances in technology, there are numerous risks with every takeoff and landing. Continental Flight 3407 took off from Buffalo Niagara Airport on Februrary 12th. Along the way the pilots noted ice on the wings. The crash ended in a fireball(link to video of plane an fireball), with a loss of 49 lives. Earlier this year, another flight, US Airways flight 1549, was scheduled to land in Charlotte, N.C., on January 15th, encountered a flock of birds which caused the engines to fail. Miraculously, Captain Sullenberger managed to glide the plane into the Hudson River, saving everyone on board. It seems that most of us take for granted such technological advances and our safety. In both of these instances it seems that nature stepped in with disastrous consequences.
How can we come to terms with the loss of lives in Flight 3407? What can we learn from these events? What other perils has nature created for us?

What's Next After the Cowboy President?

Recently I read an article in the February 8th Chicago Tribune, “State of the uniform,” discussing Obama’s clothing choices. The article stated that, “Few presidents’ fashion choices have attracted as much attention as Barack Obama’s, yet each has left an impression in the annals of style.” The author, Constance White, goes on to discuss six presidents’ clothing choices. I found her analysis of George W. Bush the most interesting. White commented, “Evoking oil and swagger, George W. Bush’s cowboy boots and belts now seem emblematic of the Wild West Mentality.” This directly relates to our in-class discussion dealing with cowboys and furthermore the post similarly dealing with the “Myth of the West” and how several presidents have capitalized on this myth to give themselves and their administration an air of strength and purpose. White states that Obama’s “uniform” can be described as dapper, modern, classic, big-city polish, and confident. However, there is currently no theme like the “Wild West” associated with him as of yet.
What do you think Obama’s style will evolve into? What do you think his style will be called?

Messages Behind First Lady’s Clothes

I discovered an article in the Wall Street Journal titled “The First Lady Sends Messages With Dresses.” The author discussed the interesting style choices Mrs. Obama wore and the messages she portrayed through the designers she chose.
“The designers embodied multiculturalism, the universal immigrant’s success story and the quest for the American dream- and their frocks, as a result, were much more than just pieces of silk and crystals stitched together. They provided a powerful visual symbol of the struggles and triumphs that Barack Obama has spoken of in his sweeping speeches about this country,” stated Cheryl Lu-Lien Tan.
Obama’s day dress and jacket were designed by Ms. Toledo, a small fashion business owner born in Cuba who left for the U.S. as a child in search of a better life.
The evening gown she wore was created by Jason Wu, a 26 year old Taipei-born designer who lived in Paris and Vancouver before launching his own line in 2006.
Also, messages were sent out by the outfits of the Obamas’ daughters. They were designed by J. Crew, not high-end outfits. This was in an attempt to send a message regarding the challenging economic times.
As our class discussed, secret messages appear in all artifacts of history. These immigrant designer’s success stories and search for the American dream echo the messages presented in President Obama’s speeches.

Do you think that Mrs. Obama’s designer choices will continue with this style in the future?
“Will she be less likely to take chances on the Jason Wu’s of the world?”
How can these messages help our country?
What other ways is the Obama family sending positive messages to the public?

Guantanamo Bay- the Unknown Future of Our Country

Today our class discussed President Barack Obama’s decision to get rid of Guantanamo Bay. It reminded me of the January 22nd Wall Street Journal article, “Obama Set to Undo Bush’s Gitmo Policies.” The authors Bravin and Meckler discussed Obama’s plans for Guantanamo Bay with the aim of closing the facility within the year. In our discussion, many questions arose from classmates that I thought were interesting. We discussed what could occur if these people that have proven to be innocent were let free. Mr. O’Connor brought up the case of Khalid Sheikh Mohammed. The article stated, “The order directs officials to recommend detainees who safely can be released, while identifying others who should be prosecuted in federal courts for crimes they may have committed. That seems a likely outcome for Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, the self-described mastermind of the Sept. 11 attacks, and several other prisoners charged under the Bush military commission system.” Other questions that are still uncertain are:
Will the released detainees feel such hatred towards our government that they will want to rebel and retaliate? Did we create our own terrorists? Furthermore, who will take responsibility? Will other countries accept transfer of their citizens into their jails if found guilty of terrorism or other crimes? Will convicted terrorists be transferred to other prisons? What do you think?

“What if Uncle Sam Takes Over Your Bank?”

This morning I was reading and article from the Wall Street Journal. The author discussed “bank nationalization,” or a bank being owned and run by the government. This process usually occurs when a bank is in danger of failing. “Bank nationalization” could make it easier for some bank customers to get a loan. Also, its customers will still be protected by federal insurance. The downsides to “bank nationalization” include more branch closings, more standardization across bank products, and a deterioration in customer service. Other countries have nationalized their banks, such as France and Sweden. After, “bank nationalization” there should be very little change to consumers’ bank accounts and insurance- protection levels. Also, nationalized banks are more likely to loosen the lending regulations and people will still be able to get loans. The biggest disadvantage of “bank nationalization” is the expense of taking over our countries banks. Therefore, they would only nationalize a portion of our countries 8,000 banks.

What do you think about the U.S. considering nationalizing their banks? Should the government have its hand in our banks?

Inauguration of the 44th President- Launching an Era of Responsibility

While watching the Presidential Inauguration of Barack Obama, I was impressed by his “call to action.” Despite the economic crisis and current state of war, President Obama has requested all citizens to step forward and work together to solve these problems. He and Michelle have created a website to encourage all citizens to get involved with community service, http://my.barackobama.com/page/s/future. The website is called “Organizing for America” and President Obama is asking for everybody to pitch in.

What can we do?

An Economic and Social Contrast

For the last week, my family and I spent the holidays and New Year at the Atlantis Resort on Paradise Island in the Bahamas. As I was walking to dinner one night, located by the marina, I was amazed by the huge yachts that lined the dock. One in particular caught my attention. Located on the lower back of the yacht was a small submarine. On top of the yacht was a dance floor. The ceiling that covered the dance floor changed colors with the beat of the music. Furthermore, the side of the boat carried jet skis. To top it all off, on the back top deck was a helicopter. I was amazed at the size of the boat and the number of expensive accessories it carried. The cost of this boat must have been close to a hundred million dollars. (Yacht= 45 million, submarine= 10 million, plus all other accessories, including the helicopter) With our failing economy how can someone afford to live like this? The lifestyle sharply contrasts to that of many people struggling in the United States, and throughout the world, to pay their mortgages and put food on table as they have lost their jobs. They are concerned how to put their kids through college and struggle to support their families.
How can this dichotomy exist? Do these wealthy people give anything back to society?