Welcome to the jungle

I can specifically remember the first time that I saw this video, Welcome to the jungle by Guns n Roses. I was maybe twelve or thirteen and I was sitting home with my brother on a lazy summer day, and all day our day was composed of watching sports center, VH1 and fighting each other. On this specific say it was nice and calm and we were watching VH1 when this video came on, I was never a big fan of music videos I in fact could never really do anything about that anyways considering specifically my brother was trying to impress a girl. Anyway I was watching this video and there were a lot of things that crossed my mind, but the biggest thing is that, "wow" I wanna be a rock star, they all have money, woman and everything else that they could ever ask for, so it was then that I decided my 8696898 career, I was going to be a rock star, sing songs, get drunk, have women, and more money than I know what to do with. However as a day or so went by I realized that I wasn't going to be a rock star anymore and that in fact all the sudden I hated rock music. I wasn't until some time later that I got to see this video again, probably when they were showing classics, my dream of being a rock star had faded into a distance memory and now I was truly set on joining the Air Force. Anyway I realized that the life of a rock star isn't really cool, as much money and women as they might get, I sort of decided that that was stupid and I wouldn't throw my life away on something I didn't want to do.

The Good Life

As you cruise out of Colorado heading down Interstate-76E at a safe 75 mph and your seat belt safely buckled you get all excited, you’re that much closer to your destination and all the sudden what was Interstate-76E turns into Interstate-80E. The pavement all the sudden seems to be a redder than red, traffic out of no where doubles, and you continue to cruise by when all the sudden for a quick flash of no more than 3-4 seconds you see a sign that says,
"NEBRASKA..the good life." As you continue to pass the state line the only thing that comes to mind is, "wow" this sign is making quite a heavily opinionated statement, saying that Nebraska is home to the good life is like a slogan, and is just one of the many "rhetoric" strategies employed in the sign. The sign uses many rhetoric strategies such as "illustration," "cause and effect," "analogy," "classification and division," as well as "pathos," "ethos," and "logos" to sell the point that in fact Nebraska is home to the good life.

The sign is taking a "ethical" or "ethos" stand in that it is giving the good will intent of the writer saying that, "Nebraska..the good life." The writer is trying to tell the audience the goodwill he/she really has for the state of Nebraska itself and how he/she feels about Nebraska. Embedded within this "ethos" appeal there is the "logos" or "logical argument," which means that it is an attempt to persuade the audience through a definition, which is as stated plain and simply, "Nebraska..the good life." On the sign itself the sign says that Nebraska is home to the good life so this is taking a "ethos" or "ethical argument" in that the sign is giving the goodwill that it is "home to the good life," but it is given through a "logical" or "logos" argument which is in fact the plain definition of what Nebraska is, that is; "home to the good life."
As you continue driving pass it, only getting further from your rear view mirror, one can imagine an a-ray of other "rhetoric strategies/ arguments" employed such as "illustration," "cause and effect," "analogy," and in some ways "classification and division."
The "illustration" in the sign as a whole was that the sign in fact was old and beat up, it was rusted and one could imagine how much longer it will hold together. The back round if not paying attention to the rust was a settle and warming green, a nice touch to the sign itself as well as it transcends the surrounding green landscape. With a white outside line wrapped around the entirety of the sign, in the upper left extending all the way to the middle was the words in bold white letters, "NEBRASKA...the good life." On the right side of the sign was a picture of a cowboy who has one hand in the air and is sitting on the horse who is standing on its hind legs. The sun in a big yellow oval is behind the cowboy. The cowboy gives off an image of "Nebraska" being a "wild west" state, which means that there are always exciting things to do, and things that happen, a sort of adventurous place to be.
Because of the cowboy you might be thinking that Nebraska has an adventurism side to itself. This demonstrates a "cause and effect" which is the benefits of using their "product" in this case living in Nebraska, and never seeing the same thing twice as well as always being an adventurous state of mind.
This is where you begin to have "analogy" to set up a subjective argument of Nebraska being the good life. However as much as the writer or sign artist is setting up the sign to make a point that, "Nebraska is home to the good life" to everybody this is in fact a "logical fallice" which is a misuse of "logos" the "logical argument". Not everybody thinks that Nebraska is the good life and I guarantee not everyone is happy here in Nebraska. The case in point however, is that whether it is a logical fallice or not, the "sign artist" is only trying to utilize "pathos" which is to put the audience in a particular mood that is to think that Nebraska is home to the good life.
The final and probably most important argument used is "classification and "division." This is to help the reader conceptualize how the product fits into a larger scheme of things with in life, this means that the sign is taking a place of trying to tell the audience that Nebraska is where you should raise your family, live your life, retire, and be happy. The overall point of "classification" is that it is telling the audience this is the place to be and to live and, its not as important that its a logical fallice as that it is the advertisement just like any, its trying to tell the audience Nebraska and all it's beauty is the quintessential place to live.

Home, safe home

I’m sitting reading the newspaper as I normally do everyday (Believe it or not). When I stumbled onto a story in the local news of Sheaff’s family living in a flood plain in Lancaster County. I continued to reader and then, there it was a picture of their home engulfed under water. I sort of sat in disbelief and wondered how a home can be built in such a way, that the lower level of the house is some 7 feet under water, and that the only safe place is on the top floor of the house. I continued to read on in curiosity when, I read that when the house was being built, the flood levels and geographical maps were provided by an outdated FEMA. Then my next question was, how can this happen. How is that a house when in the right season is engulfed with water, and the city safety inspector lets construction continue on the house. I was very curious so I read of another house that was built in Nebraska over a landfill and the high pressure gaseous buildup continued and before anyone knew it, the house erupted in a fire and small explosion. Although no one was hurt, and the floor was only thing that needed to be replaced I wondered,

“Are the city inspector simply passing all the building permits that pass by, in order to create a larger housing sector.” I wonder what the case is, because the point is that this is an important issue, things like this just don’t concern money, it also concerns life’s and the safety of others. It is stories like this, that make people think twice about buying houses. It also raises the question,

“Is home really safe?” If we cannot trust our experts of safety, then who can we trust.

Leaving alone

So it became apparent just within the first few hours of being dropped off here at Nebraska Wesleyan that, I would have to take care of myself. Big Momma Bear and Papa Bear were not around anymore, and in fact they were some 500 miles away. The biggest problem that I faced was, well none. My first impression was that I no longer had to listen to my parents and it didn't matter what they'd say, because I don't no anyone who can see 500 miles away. I could go to sleep whenever I wished, and generally speaking I could do all the things I wanted without asking my parents permission. However, as the days drew on and on and no one was around me, to look after me I began to really miss it. The biggest battle for me, was the laundry, for the first time I had to do the laundry myself and that is diffently something that no one wants to do themselves. I can specifically recall the first time that I got a spot on my clothes and just throwing it in the wash with the bleach wasn't enough. I soon discovered that laundry after all is a little more difficult then I originally expected watching my mother do it all those youthful years of my life. And after the death of my favorite shirt, I began to wonder if I really could survive her alone, with no one to do my laundry. Later I finally figured out that 'spray n'wash' does the job, but I didn't do it right again. I sat and thought to myself, how dumb am I. I can't even do my own laundry. Then I thought I can't just do my own laundry, I can't do anything. I really started to realize just how much I really missed growing up at home, and having my mother do everything for me. All those years that I would say, I just want to leave. I no longer wish those years away, but instead I wish that I would have them back.

It's just a harmless plant?

Just after 5:00pm Wednesday night, Lincoln-Lancaster County Narcotics Task Force found 140 marijuana plants in the basement of a Lincoln home, located at 6008 Dogwood Drive. So far there have been three arrests Geoffrey Leach, John Krotz and David Campell. At this home the police found over some $8,000 cash, growing lights, and other growing materials which were all located behind a hidden/false wall.
As a reading you begin to wonder just how many people smoke marijuana, grow marijuana and so on. People all over the country try to argue that it really is just a harmless drug and that no on has ever died from weed. Many argue that the only affect is the"munchies." Others will argue that cannabis can be linked to many illnesses especially lung cancer. Other studies have some that it really is not harmful, but then the question is raised; if it is not harmful then why is it that it is illegal to grow and sell in almost all western world countries. Cannabis contains THC and when that THC is consumed into the body it goes to the nerves in the brain called the "cannabinoid" receptors. Some studies show that although it creates brain activity, it does so in a negative matter, killing brain cells; however, brains cells also will die at the same rate from smoking a cigarette. Some studies have also shown that it does no harm to the brain. And as a reader the more you read the more and more all of this information is misunderstood. The more you read it, the more there is information that shows both sides of the stories. Although we all know that marijuana by itself is not always bad, it is linked to the real fact that 43% of marijuana user move to much more deadlier drugs. And yes everyone knows you can't OD on marijuana, however; that doesn't mean you are not in danger. Marijuana is also linked to the death of thousands due to outside conflicts with others. These may be drug dealers, car accidents etc. However I believe that the overall picture whether it truly is a "safe", it is still illegal in most states, and countries. And the question is raised,
"If it really is harmless, then why is it illegal almost everywhere we go."

Sour Sensations

As I sit in my favorite class of my life, (English) I calmly sit and try to take in everything the professor is saying. I vigorously take notes and try to understand everything that is being said. When all the sudden my sweet an sour sensations start to sizzle. As my classmate next to opens up a Starbrust melon blast. I sit and all the sudden my taste buds go crazy. My mouth begins to water, my tongue begins to turn,I begin licking my lips, the sweet and sour taste of all the starburst I have ever tasted marinate in the back of my tongue. If I can concentrate hard enough I can taste every starbrust ever tasted. If I close my eyes and concentrate even harder, I can make myself think that I'm even chewing on a starbrust of any of my favorite flavors. From my favorite straberry, to the random and crazy other flavors that starbrust makes. Then I start to have my taste buds disappear as if they are not getting the satisfaction that they desire so much. Thinking about the starbrust is not good enough anymore. So I kindly ask my classmate, "can I have a starbrust." (Hoping she'll kindly say yes, because of how rare a commodity they are). And then come the answer, I so dearly hope for. "Yeah sure." As I reach over, and see that it is a famed strawberry, my mouth again begins to tingle and water. It is as if, yet again I'm tasting the starbrust without tasting it. The sensation is incredible. Then I unwrap the wrapper, as if I can't get it out soon enough. I don't want the climax to end. NO! my mouth is losing the taste again. Then, "yes!"I finally got it into my mouth. As I chew on the starbrust I begin to think about the different ways I can taste the starbrust. As if I need to find new ways to taste every different bit of the candy. I suck here, chew there, but still can't come up with a different taste than before. I know how it tastes, I can feel how it tastes without tasting it itself. I'm loving this moment in time. Then I think, will I ever get over that sour taste. when I see a starbrust and I must have it, it is as if it's a drug. I'm fine if it's no where near me, however, when I see it, and taste it, and even smell it I will need more. It's like a addiction, only thing is that it's only the sweet and sour taste of starbrust.

Natures Beauty

Anne Frank once wrote,
“The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely or unhappy is to go outside, somewhere where they can be quiet, alone with the heavens, nature and God. Because only then does one feel that all is as it should be and that God wishes to see people happy, amidst the simple beauty of nature. As long as this exists, and it certainly always will, I know that then there will always be comfort for every sorrow, whatever the circumstances may be. And I firmly believe that nature brings solace in all troubles.”

As I walked through Pioneer Park, I began to see the true beauty of nature. At the entrance there stands a life size bison statue, along with an elk. Neither motions at anything specific, but instead stands in the spot as if it is looking ahead. The statue at first seems to be just like any other, but it is only when one walks closely up to the life like statue and looks at the complete detail that the statue was made in, you begin to appreciate the intricacy of the artist. If one has a sense of imagination you could really sit and wonder how many of these beautiful, magnificent creatures grazed the American plains just not too long ago. As I continue on my journey of the 1,100 acre park I walked by streams, forests, wetlands and see animals at their true beauty. I walked through the west entrance where I entered, and on the trail I started to notice all the beautiful and intricate details of nature. There is a stream where I walked in, and the trail and stream weave in and out with each other as if they are chasing on another. If you stop for a second and wait for it to be quiet form the bikers riding along and hikers you can truly sit and listen to the sound of the stream moving along. It’s an indescribable sound; water that is, you cannot really describe the sounds it makes when it weaves around rocks, when it comes crashing down, when it moves in total serenity. At one point in the stream I walked up to it, looked down and saw my reflection in a part of the calm, clear water.


I continue my journey through the forest. I come to other small tributaries, ponds, trees of all sorts. Birds of every color flying and singing all with their own beautiful tune fly around me with no fear, no anxiety and no distrust in this human who walks below them. As I walked on what seems to be endlessly I come up a building Chet Ager Building, all around there is amazing beauty. I walked up to the beautiful garden with beautiful flowers that transcend all over the park. A fountain stands close to the center and like all fountains it seems is that in the center there is a statue of a woman who is standing in what seems to be, utter silence. Obviously, see is because she is a statue, but with the simple expression she gives off, it is as if everything around her is also still, stuck in time so-ta speak. As it was beginning to be late, I started to see people scurry out of the building that I had not yet ventured within. It was disappointing to hear that it was closing for the day, so I began my long walk back. And it started to occur to me, how many people truly enjoy nature. When was the last time that someone simply sat quietly in a park or some other sanctuary and just let go of all thoughts, worries and cares. The problem with this idea is that you can no. In today’s society no one, it seems cares about nature. No one cares about the silence and comfort that only nature can bring. This world today it seems, is so caught up with technology, and industrialization that no one sits and truly enjoys nature’ bene. Its beauty, its healing power, the silence, and the comforts it brings. Less and less people flock to Pioneer’s Park each and every year, said Brady Clark (Park Ranger). It truly is a message that it seems, no one cares about nature for what it really is. Everyone in the world today has been raised with the ideal that nature isn’t important, that nature cannot truly do anything and before my last two visits her to Pioneer Park, I realized that I was thinking what others also seemed to be. The first time I went to Pioneers Park I walked around the enormous, gigantic sanctuary and sat and observed all the details that I could; all the different sites and sounds, everything that I could take in. However, I wasn’t “focused” I was only observing all the details I could, taking notes endlessly, but then it occurred to me, I wasn’t doing something and that was, appreciating all of it, really taking in all the beauty. I decided that the only thing to do was to go back for another visit.


Upon my return, instead of walking endlessly through the parkand its entire splendor, I sat in a chair about a half a mile into where the trail begins on the west entrance. As I sat in this chair, I feel asleep. I woke up not to the sounds of cars, not to the sound of the water running down the hall, or to people talking, or a loud rut-cause. I woke up to nothing. To utter silence, and there I sat longer listening to the wind blow, to the grass swaying in the distance, to the beautiful birds flying, the little squirrels that scurry around collecting food for the winter to come. There was no one around me, just as I remember in my adolescent years growing up in Colorado going with my families
To the mountains on our famous “Sunday trips.” And on these Sunday trips, my father would go off and paint, my mother start cooking food, and me and my brother would go a far and just sit in silence somewhere that was “comforting” to us. But it has been long since my “Sunday” trips to the mountains. It has been long since I have heard true “silence”. So I long cannot truly remember the feeling of it. But here I sat at Pioneer Park, watching the sunset in the beautiful most pleasant vi-bra of colors that I have seen in quiet some time. Orange, Red, Yellow millions of colors all together all so bright and all complementing each other with such beauty, the words are almost indescribable, it is as if somewhere in the distance there is fire, that is so beautiful. What beauty one feels.
I have read on several occasions about some Muslims, and Buddha’s primarily who will go somewhere silent and “mediate.” The magazine article described it as if the people let go of all thoughts, frustrations, worries, and all and any emotions. This is, easier said than done. The first time I tried, I fell asleep, but when I woke up and sat and pondered what tremendous power, it must give people who practice this. How much wiser they all must be from me. What are the different emotions that they all feel from me? And my final thought was, how much more peace of mind they also probably have from me. As fate would have it, I had a life changing experience talking to Anthony Ditullio, a deacon at a Catholic church (here in Lincoln). We sort of stumbled upon each other, and as I woke up it wasn’t more than a few minutes before he came around the trail. He came and the elderly man that stumbles along with his cane said to me in his higher pitched voice,
“You look like you’re in deep thought.”
I looked up and stated that I was wondering about nature, and how sitting in silence one can truly appreciate it, and be intoned with all it’s beauty. Before I knew it, he sat down next to me and we began to discuss nature and the true healing power of it. He talked about nature as being only a catalyst for “mediation”. I than obviously asked if he practice this,
“Only to become more in tune with God. It gives you a spiritual healing, that nothing else can accomplish. It is putting away all distractions and letting go of all worries, cares, emotions and thoughts.”

I still didn’t quiet grasp all the thought of everything that I have seen and observed. I sat in silence in my dorm room and tried this meditation; however, I failed miserably. There were just too many thoughts and it especially didn’t help that it was in my dorm room. I realized something greater in that instance than before, I realized that I felt as if I had no worries only when I was in Pioneer Park. When I was with nature and not my I-pod, it has occurred to me that only nature can make one feel at home, make one feel secure, and safe. Only nature takes you beyond you’re worries, the only problem is that note everybody visits nature anymore.