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.

Wisconsin well within its rights

I don't feel sorry for Waukee in the least that they will have to pay thousands of dollars to create a new logo and rid themselves of the one they more or less stole from Wisconsin ("Wisconsin yelps; Waukee agrees to remove its flying W", DM Register 10/17/06). It appears that people don't realize that this is a national trend in high schools. In stead of allowing students the chance to be creative and have a say in their school's logo, school officials often very slightly alter a collegiate logo and call it good. This is, of course, cheaper and takes less time than actually being original. Ames High School and Iowa City City High School couldn't be more blatant examples, simply adding little to the mascot of the local university. Davenport Assumption uses the Atlanta Braves "A" hat for baseball, Urbandale J-Hawks are awful close to the Kansas Jayhawks, Cedar Rapids Kennedy Cougars stole the Kansas State Cougars logo, and these are just off the top of my head. I am sure that before the letter came in school officials were simply looking at how to slightly alter the Michigan State Spartan logo to use for their new mascot (spartan warriors). This issue isn't about the universities being money hungry, its about high school officials and directors being uncreative and unoriginal. Had they been a little innovative when creating the W in the first place, they could have avoided this whole mess to start with.

Schools Are Safe

Why is it that when rare instances of tragedy arise, people what to make sweeping changes, that will likely not deter the events from happening again? The freak “storm” of school shootings throughout the country in the past several weeks is no doubt tragic, confusing, disheartening, and an eye opener; yet it seems as though the public reaction takes the events as though the are a common occurrence nationwide. Of course, there are isolated events each year, but on the whole, this is not something that happens all the time, and thus society does not need to drastically change scholastic security as though it does. This by no means indicates that I hope that school officials ignore the events of the past weeks, or that security is schools is not important, yet security is most schools is exactly where it needs to be. I agree with the DM Register Editorial Boards’ stance against the proposed legislation in Wisconsin (“Arm teachers? Think again”, DM Register 10/6/06). Allowing teachers to carry guns is simply asking for trouble. No one can argue that many junior high and high school students are easily of apt strength to wrestle a gun away from their teacher if they truly wanted to. Having guns in schools is like having them in courtrooms, why put them where they simply aren’t needed. Have trust in your school officials that they are doing everything in their power to keep children safe. After all, school officials have more important tasks to tend to: teaching.

Nation of Hypocrites

I can’t help but wonder if Maureen Ogle’s new book (“Iowan’s book taps barrel of beer facts”, DM Register 10/3/06) about beer will chronicle the hypocrisy with which the culture of the US treats alcohol. Parents are embarrassed, feel guilty, and/or are general angry when their children are caught in possession of alcohol as minors, yet most seem to think in the end that its ok, turn their backs, and let the behavior continue. Culture loves to put on a front that we are against drinking while underage, yet when it comes down to it, the behavior is still glorified in movies and on television, and most parents dismiss the behavior as a “phase” in life. This attitude society has developed has lead to one of the most dangerous generation of drinkers: a recent study found that 70% of the students at the University of Iowa could be classified as binge drinkers, and I am sure the number is quite high at Iowa’s other college’s and universities. Even if the behavior is merely a “phase” and changes in later years, binge drinking (and drinking at a young age in general) have well documented detrimental effects to the body for the rest of a person’s life. If we as a society truly want to stop underage drinking (and it could easily be done with a little effort), we need to do something about it. Otherwise, we need to quit faking like we care.

Look A Little Harder

I am perplexed as to exactly what Mr. Wickman wants to be improved in his letter ("Unsafe at any speed", DM Register 10/3/06). He wonders why there is “no improvement for the on-ramp to I-80 east from I-35 north.” First I am going to assume that he means I-235 northbound to I-80 eastbound, given that the I-35 southbound to I-80 eastbound clover leaf has plenty of visibility. However if he would pay more attention when he travels he would discover that the I-235 northbound on-ramp to I-80 eastbound does not need to merge, it expands traffic from 2 lanes to three, thus visibility does not have to be at its greatest. Pay more attention before you criticize the DOT for the already difficult tasks they have to perform.

Carbon Tax Can Be Reality

There is a better idea out there than maintaining gas prices at $3/gallon (“Boost price of gas back to $3 a gallon”, DM Register 10/3/06). The basis of the argument is that it appeared as though this was the apex at which people decided to find alternative means of transportation. The first fault is that you shouldn’t set gas at that level; it should be above that level. Our dependence upon oil is not the central issue here either; it’s the damage that CO₂ does to our environment. Luckily a solution exists that will help remediate both of those problems. Sweden has implemented what is called a Carbon tax, placing a $100 per ton tax on oil, coal, natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas, petrol, and aviation fuel used in domestic travel. This may not be the exact solution to the US’s dilemma; however it could easily be replicated. A tax should be instated that drastically increases the price of gas, like about $5, (Sweden’s was at $5.80 in March). The offset is to do away with income tax. This puts more money in people’s pocket, and hopefully forces them to make more environmentally friendly decisions about where they spend it. The billions generated can go back into funding the creation of energy/fuel efficient public transportation, and energy research. Society has been making a huge mistake for nearly 100 years, and its time to do something about it.

Pierce Out of Jail

WARNING TO NBA: Pierre Pierce is out of jail and looking for a way into "the league". Although some of your teams apparently see some kind of upper-level "talent" in Pierre Pierce it would be wise to divert your attention elsewhere. He has proven that if given a second chance, he can blow that one too. As a University of Iowa student and Iowa Hawkeye Basketball fan I saw the best and worst out of Pierce. Sadly, at best he is a ball-hog who dribbles too much and finds himself with nowhere to go once under the hoop. At worst, he is registered on the Iowa Sex Offender Registry with multiple convictions under his belt. I attempted to give Pierce the benefit of the doubt in the past. I tried to defend his play when he continually made horrible decisions on the court. I tried to consider the fact he was possibly the victim of a girl "crying wolf" for attention during his first run in with the law. Hindsight is twenty-twenty and I now know that I gave Pierce far too much benefit of the doubt. Hawkeyes Basketball Head Coach Steve Alford made the same mistakes in judgement with Pierce and must now deal with a stain upon is national reputation for years to come. If you are considering bringing Pierre Pierce to your team, don't. He will only ruin the reputation of your club the way he has with Iowa Basketball. Maybe people can change, but it appears Pierce can't.

E-Tickets

Note: This posting was published in the Des Moines Register Opinion Section.

It appears as though the only people that will be affected by the new e-tickets at The University of Iowa ("U of I curbs football ticket transfers", DM Register 9/30/06) will be drunken students. As a student and avid sports fan I don’t comprehend the concept of going to only three games because of being to drunk to attend the rest as Jansen stated. I agree that the new system has its flaws, but if you don’t really want to go to the games, don’t buy tickets, it’s that simple. The university has the right to sell tickets in a matter that ensures that all tickets sold will actually be used by someone. If Iowa was merely interested in the financial aspect of selling tickets, they would not have made the new stipulations, because as it was tickets were sold, but often the ticket holder simply never showed up to the game. This new process will make it difficult for someone who makes a last minute decision to go (or not to go) to the game, but that’s life, put down your beer and get to the game.

A Divided Heaven

Kevin Costner will be back in Dyersville, Iowa for the first time since shooting the film “Field of Dreams” ("Costner returns to Dyersville", DM Register 9/2/06) on August 11th. If I had to guess as to the reason he’s been absent I would have to point the finger and the property owners and the mess that they have created. What many people don’t know is that the field is divided. One group of people own left and center field; another group owns right field and the infield. The families got along fine during filming, but as the movie predicted “build it and they will come”. As the visitors started appearing the differing property owners saw their own dollars rolling in. There are now two separate driveways, bathrooms, concessions, and souvenir booths. What many people, including myself, consider to be sacred ground, is being ruined by greed. My only hope is that Kevin Costner’s appearance will shed light on someone’s eyes that this isn’t the way it should be.

The Whole Picture

Note: This blog was published in the Opinions Section of the Daily Iowan on June 12th, 2006

I hope that the Daily Iowan doesn't truly agree with the guest opinion taken from the Washington Post that was printed in Thursday's paper ("Katrina's Unlearned Lessons", Washington Post 6/7/06). Who ever authored that editorial decided to only look at a few facts out of thousands of pages of findings since the tragedies in the gulf coast. For some reason the authors want to pin all the blame on the Corps of Engineers, simply because they admitted fault. It is true that several of the most severe breaches were not caused by overtopping like the Corp originally thought, but by failure in structural integrity. But to blame that all on the Corp would be a gross misunderstanding of the big picture. On numerous occasions the Corps has attempted to get funding that would improve the strength of the canals and floodwalls in and around New Orleans, but when they did not receive as much as need (which has happened time and time again) the walls were simply made taller; not exactly improving upon strength. Before I would blame the Corps of Engineers I would blame the authors of the editorial, they are just has resposible for what happened in the Gulf Coast. Their opinions cleary show that the are a part of the taxpayers that have continually shot down efforts to restructure, redesign, and fortify the systems that help protect those areas, simply because the price tag was too large. How about now? Now that millions have been forced from their homes, now that towns have been washed off the map? There are things that must be learned from this experience that need to be applied to what we do in the future. Continuing to blame one party, or questioning their involvement, as we move further helps no one.

Take the blame, on two, ready...break

The recent public outcry about the $50,000 temporary exit has once again proven that the DOT is the offensive lineman on the football team of today’s society. The celebrities play quarterback, wide receiver, and running back; getting far more credit than deserved. The local police play linebacker, putting people in there place and letting them know about it. The government as a whole plays the coordinators, quietly orchestrating everything in attempt to just not get blamed. But the DOT does all that things they are expected to do, only being noted when they make an error in the publics eye; no credit, all blame. I look forward to my life as a civil engineer, eventually maybe with the DOT, receiving no credit when I do all the right things, and getting harassed if I fail at one thing.

Take a Good Look Around

We as a state need to take a look around and be aware that many of “our” problems affect so many more people than just those residing in this sate. The reports recently published have noted how filthy some of Iowa’s waters are. Yet, most people seem to forget that these waters flow through parts of Nebraska, Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, and many others. I could look up figures that show just how many people are in the end affected by our dirty waters, but that number doesn’t matter, what matters is the generations that follow. Its time that we become accountable for what we put in the water, because farmers in rural Iowa affect the inner city of New Orleans more that they know.

Note: This blog was posted online for the Des Moines Register Young Adult Board of Contributors May 4th, 2006

Now or Never

It seams as though the general public, the Daily Iowan (Not so wise to trust ethanol - 5/27/2006), and most politicians are all in consensus with the issue of renewable fuels: “Well that solution is just going to cost too much money, let’s wait till something better comes around.” This philosophy is the reason we have the problems in our world today. For the most part our parents and grandparents did their part to do nothing at all or only fix the immediate environmental impacts of everyday life. If we wait around for the technology to get better, we may dig a hole so deep we may never get out. This is a simple problem. The auto industry says they want ethanol to be more readily available before they will produce a greater number of flex-fuel vehicles. The fuel industry says it wants to see more flex-fuel cars on the market before it commits to ethanol. Both sides need to swallow their pride and take the hit to their pockets for the good of everyone. E-85 is no where near the solution to our pollution and oil dependence problems, but it’s a great step in the right direction. We as a population may suffer some costs as well in buying new flex-fuel vehicles that will in turn cost us more over time at the pump because of reduced mileage. Wake up people, if we live our life pinching every penny, our children and grandchildren are going to have some serious problems to deal with. I’m frankly disappointed with the Daily Iowan that it would take such a conservative stance to sit around and see what happens. Even if ethanol isn’t the answer, we need to push to find other RENEWABLE sources, and I would have thought the Daily Iowan could have been a little more positive; calling for the students of the University of Iowa, especially those in the College of Engineering and Biochemical Majors, to step forward and take on the challenge of solving this important problem. There is no time to wait around for what comes next, the time to act is now. Maybe ethanol is not what we need to act upon, but we need to try something…now.

Note: This blog was published in the Daily Iowan Letters to the Editor, May 1st, 2006.