Divided No More

When I visited the Field of Dreams as a teenager, the division of the site crushed my cherished memories of its prestige of an earlier visit in childhood. I made a vow that I would one day buy both properties and return the field and movie site to what it rightfully should be (A Divided Heaven, 8/7/06). It appears now that I may no longer need to pursue that vow. The Des Moines Register reported today that Don and Becky Lansing, owners of "The Field of Dreams Movie Site", have acquired 93 acres from Rita Ameskamp, owner of "Left and Center Field of Dreams". The transaction ends a long, and at times bitter, business feud between the neighbors. I could not be more happy to see that the field is now under single ownership. My last hope is that the now sole owners can move the power lines that stretch through the middle of the field.

America's opinion of Bonds

A recent poll released by ESPN/ABC News apparently shows that, in general, blacks are on Barry Bonds' side, and whites are against him. The first thing to point out is that there is a 3.5% error margin among the total sample and 7% among the overpopulation of blacks sampled. Also, the fact that blacks were oversampled (i.e. polled at a higher frequency than shown in the total population) should also raise some flags about the results. I am not denying the fact that the trends shown in the poll are likely truths among blacks and whites across America, however its important to look at polls such as these with a little more scrutiny. Is 800 Americans (1/4 black) an true representation of baseball fans in this country? Probably not. Also, its a stretch for ESPN to tease the story by saying that "race has a factor" in peoples opinion of Bonds, which implies that your opinion is determined by your race, thats almost laughable scientifically.
That aside, I disagree with the findings of the poll. I find it absurd that Bonds states that he has endured challenges because he is black. "We go through a little bit more". HA! Your godfather is Willie Mays, your father (Bobby) wasn't half bad either. That made gave Bonds more attention from the get go that most. The comparisons between the threats received by Aaron and any negativity towards Bonds aren't founded either. The negativity Bonds receives is because he is a jerk and egotistical (note that death threats and racial slurs are never condoned). It's becoming apparent that Bonds will be breaking the all time record some time this season. I used to dread that moment, but I have now come to terms with that fact. Bonds can be the statistical leader, but I know in my heart that Aaron holds the true record and Ruth (to this point) is the best homerun hitter of all time. I no longer care how many homeruns Bonds has, I hope that Alex Rodriguez and Albert Pujols can stay healthy throughout the remainder of their respective careers and smash any records Bonds has or will set.

Kudos

I continue to be impressed with the technological advances our society makes each day. In an article release be the Associate Press ("Patch may one day let you skip the needle", CNN.com 11/7/06) an innovation is on the way that may be able to replace painful vaccination shots with a patch. Whether or not this technology will ever be accepted and widely used is debatable, but the impacts it could make on society are certainly not. I am grateful myself for the innovation as it will possibly allow be to circumvent needles in my future, but I am most grateful for the countless lives this may save. This technology allows vaccinations to be shipped world wide, without the dangers of needing a syringe or the need for refrigeration. The impact this could have on the health of developing countries is immeasurable. It will take time before the innovation is available for widespread use, but those responsible (and others making similar innovations) should be commended.

Where is the respect?

I am disappointed with the Daily Iowan's sports coverage on Monday November 6. I can understand that the headline must go to the upset of Iowa football at the hands of Northwestern, but do we really need four front page football articles, and how does the Field Hockey team making an incredible run through the Big Ten Tournament to become Big Ten Tournament Champions not get the front page? It is shameful that this campus focuses so much attention on football, and other sports loose out on the attention they so deserve. I want to wish the Field Hockey team luck as they head off to Winston-Salem, N.C. for the opening rounds of the NCAA Championship. I only hope that if they return to Iowa City with good news that its not buried in the back pages behind more football disappointments.

Stay Active

Now that the flurry that was the 2006 mid-term elections are over, I urge people not to put the issues that were central to the election (and even those that weren't) to the back burner. We need to stay in the game and be sure that those elected stick by the issues they committed to. Even if the person you voted for didn't get elected, its up to you to make sure that the candidate that was elected understands that you are a constituent too, and your voice counts the same as everyone else. Let's be sure we hold all those elected accountable for their actions, and be sure that they understand how we feel before they make decisions.

IF YOU DON'T VOTE, YOU CAN'T COMPLAIN

I thoroughly enjoyed this sign of a neighbor's, because it really is that simple; I don't want to hear any nagging from the folks who don't get out to the polls. Excuses that it doesn't really matter to you don't cut it, because there is at least one issue in this debate that everyone can relate to. It shouldn't take a wrong against you or your family for you to decide its time to vote. Voting is not only a right but, more importantly, its a responsibility. Use it wisely.

Think Before You Speak

It's unfortunate that the majority of the public likely agrees with the letter written in reference to the landscaping along Fleur Drive ("A weed by any other name....", DM Register 11/06/06). Unfortunate because those responsible for that landscaping should be commended not criticized, because their efforts are making this a cleaner Iowa. A well maintain natural landscape helps water absorb down to the water table where it belongs rather than allowing surface runoff or point loading like in storm sewers. True, most farmers see some of the intrusive species of prairie grasses to be a nuisance, but that probably comes from that fact that the prairie grasses are native to the area and adapt well, were the corn, soybeans, and other row crops are definitely not native. The letter also refers to the long root system in negative light, which is also unfortunate, because it is those long roots that help absorb more water. All in all the letter is so far off base and far fetched it upsets me deeply. Not only should the area not be mowed, it should be replicated throughout the Des Moines area and Iowa. Bioswales (roadside natural plantings) are a perfect way to replace the age-old curb and gutter system, and provide Iowa with an extremly cost effective way to clean its waters.

For more information feel free to email me or visit:
Conservation Design Forum, Inc.
Building Green

Emma Goldman Commercials

It appears as though some reporters don't do all the research necessary when writing thier pieces for The Daily Iowan these days. Andrea Waterfield reported that new commercials for the Emma Gold Clinic have reseived both positive and negative feedback ("'Emma' ads draw praise, fire", Daily Iowan 10/17/06). However, it appears that she does not understand that after 10 PM, when the new commercials will air on cable channels, Cartoon Network follows programming they call "Adult Swim", which has programs specifically for an adult audience (widely popular among college students) and even carries a disclaimer before programming begins that it is for adults. If she were aware of this fact she might never have received the quotes from UI graduate student Anita Jayachandran and campus director for the Campus Crusade for Christ Chip Martenson. Both allege that it is inappropriate for these types of commercials to play on Cartoon Network. It is obvious that these two were unaware of the fact that Cartoon Network plays adult programming during the airtime for the commercials; thus, either Waterfield was unaware of that fact and did not inform them, or simply did not inform them. Regardless, all those who think that the commercials will be viewed by children simply because they air on Cartoon Network are completely misinformed.