Kibbles, Bits and Blankets Against Domestic Violence

The overall outcome of the community service project we did was very successful. I feel that each student most definitely did their part in contributing to the project. Some other students put in more effort than others, but everyone contributed at least some object or their time. A major contribution that I took note of was the amount of items donated for the kennel. Of course I say this because I was kennel coordinator and I got to see a lot of this first hand. I was very pleased with how the kennel turned out. Those three dogs will be set for years. (haha) Along with the help of the students contributing items individually, two department stores also donated money and items. Savannah Mora was able to get a friend that worked at PetSmart to donate some dog bowls, as well as leashes. I'm sure there were other items as well. And I was able to receive a $50 Gift Certificate from the HEB by Incarnate Word. I have a friend that works there in the offices. Since I was unable to buy pet supplies from HEB myself, as I didn't have time to, Savannah Mora was able to buy the supplies. I believe she got dog food. I was able to donate old towels, pillows, flea shampoo, old hotel shampoo bottles, dog food, and some leashes as well as collars.

As far as the entire group working together in the project, we could have used a bit more organization. But I need to stress that the project was still very successful and needed very little improvement if it were to be done again sometime in the future. For example, we could have had students designated at a table for the work days during the week we asked for donations. Instead, some students wondered back and forth between the two tables, not sure of which one to be present at. And at the shelter, it almost seems as if people were in the way. We did designate jobs. But I don't know how to fix that problem. We might have gone into more detail in designating jobs for certain people at certain times to prevent people from sitting around and wondering what to do. But once again, this is a good problem to have. So I'm not exactly criticizing.

I have been very influenced by this project. I volunteer all the time. I sing around the city and help out at many events. I've even taken part in Habitat for Humanity. But with this project, I saw first hand where products of domestic violence seek safety and shelter. I have never seen violence up so close. I almost felt alarmed in the shelter. All my life I've only been surrounded by safe and healthy environments. Although my parents have fostered many children who have come from broken households, I never stepped foot in the environments that they actually came from. My eyes have been opened to the harsh reality of violence and how it affects people. The general public definitely looks past domestic violence. It doesn't affect people as much when it's in the newspaper or on TV. I feel that domestic violence isn't as popular as the war in the media because it's viewed as a private matter that should be kept secret. And because of this, awareness of the problem is diminishing, and therefore, less and less people are coming out and admitting of their abuse. This is leading to more violence. This problem will not be solved unless every community takes part in spreading awareness and preventing it. Violence is very clearly a global problem. Sadly, I feel very little action is being taken locally to prevent domestic violence. There is only one shelter in San Antonio for women and children with a kennel for pets. Number one-that shelter needs to be renovated and expanded. Number two-there should be many more shelters in San Antonio. This would most definitely spread awareness locally of domestic violence as well as offer more opportunities for women and children escaping the violence to seek the help offered. This would be a great start to the prevention process of domestic violence in San Antonio.

Industrial Revolution in Europe

The articles by Chadwick and Engels both discuss the filth and disgust brought about by the Industrial Revolution in Europe in the 1700-1800s. The documents only further support opinions I previously had of the Industrial Revolution. In reading the articles, I came across many situations I already heard of when I toured England and Scotland a few years back. One thing that did stand out was reading about the doorways being blocked by "pools of stagnant urine and excrement." That created a very visual image in my mind that I had yet to imagine. I am unable to say that reading these documents challenged my previous thoughts of the Industrial Revolution in Europe. I already knew of the wide-spread diseases because of people living in such close-quarters, as well as the lack of sanitary systems in the cities.

Both excerpts seem quite believable. They differ, however, in tone. Chadwick's article seems more factual than the second. It voices problems and solutions in a very "matter-of-fact" way. However, Chadwick does make a connection between the growing populations being exposed to disease with those "less susceptible of moral influences." He argues that "these adverse circumstances, tend to produce an adult population short-lived, improvident, reckless, and intemperate, and with habitual avidity for sensual gratifications. "And in this sense, Chadwick forms a very firm opinion in this article consisting mostly of facts and statements. The second excerpt is far more descriptive than the first. Engel is very detailed in his description of Manchester and how it has been enveloped in epidemic and filth. Engel practically walks the reader through the town of Manchester through his use of imagery. Both writers fit into the time period of the Industrial Revolution. And these excerpts are alike in that they were both written of first-hand accounts.

I have no doubt that the each of these stories are one-sided. They clearly each express the negative effects of the Industrial Revolution. Something not mentioned were the successes of the Revolution. Things such as the growth of the modern capitalist system, the building of railroads, turnpikes, waterways, canals, steamboats, and steam engines were great inventions born during the Revolution that are still used today. My reasoning in the writers mentioning what they did was because they clearly dealt with the filth of the revolution. After living through that, it would be difficult to see the positive outcomes of the Industrial Revolution. I'm sure they sensationalized their writing through their own first-hand experiences.

I'm supposing the motivations in the articles by Chadwick and Englels were merely because they wanted for future generations not to make the same mistakes that were made in their time.

These excerpts would be great examples of how the urban poor were affected by the revolution, and how their lives were early on the in the Revolution. Not only are they first-hand accounts, but they are descriptive and factual.

Certain conditions of modern industrialization shared by the urban poor and industrial workers tend to include over-population, decreasing living space, wide-spread job loss, starvation, epidemic and poor sanitation in cities. Through-out every great Revolution, where there is much success to take place, masses of peoples in the working classes tend to suffer the most from the progress. Unfortunately, as it was for Rukmani's family, many families suffer and become so enveloped in poverty, that they reach the point of no return. Family members begin to die from the starvation, sickness, and consequences of trying to turn their situations around. All great movements in progress, no matter where in the world, will leave civilizations in poverty and debt. It is a fact of life. Yin and Yang.

Updated on the Service Project

So I went home this weekend and I took a good look at all the things my family didn't need in their house. And so I took eight or nine pillows that I figured pets could use for bedding. They aren't new by any means. But I figured that since they were for the animals, items that were more used would still be welcome. In my search, I also came upon a ton of old towels. And although towels weren't on the list for the kennel at the shelter, I figured towels could always have some good use to them. So I filled a trash bag full of these towels, and they are currently in the back of my car. Along with that, I found some old rugs that were not nice enough for people, but that might be suitable for the pets to lay on. So i brought a few of those. And last but not least, I found some dog leashes, collars and pet shampoo. This is just my own personal contribution. And I will be stopping by PetSmart this week, as well as HEB to deliver the letter asking for donations. I recently made a great contact with the lady that works as secretary for the HEB by Incarnate Word University. So we'll see how far my networking skills can take me. And hopefully, I will be able to bring a few friends of mine to assist at the shelter. I am President of Alpha Lambda Delta, the honor society for first-year students at the University, and I'd like to bring my fellow officers into this project so that we may bond.

Lastly, we decorated our posters today in the graphics room. I was a major contributor of one poster. And hopefully, if I can find the time, I'd like to sneak back into the graphics room sometime this week so that I may make a giant poster to put up in the HSS Building. We shall see if that works out. I am really looking forward to this project, and I think it's going to be a great success!

Kibbles, Bits and Blankets Against Domestic Violence

I am a Co-Chair/Right-Hand Man of the Public Relations Committee for our Service Project against Domestic Violence. I have also taken on the position of Kennel Coordinator. And although I'm not quite sure what those duties entail, I am sure I will have the chance of organizing all donations being made for the pets at the shelter. I will do my best to keep things as organized as possible and to keep the number of donations to a maximum. On our agenda for the Public Relations committee, we have decided to advertise using the Paisano, which has already been put into motion, and we are creating a Facebook group for the project. We will also post flyers and posters as the big day approaches. Kleesy Nies and I will be working side-by-side in creating the posters, as I have quite a creative side. (haha) I was also planning on personally delivering the letters from Dr. Guy to certain pet stores in our area asking for donations. I will also be calling places like PetSmart to ask for donations through the phone as well. I really want this project to be a success and will do my best to ensure that this goal is accomplished.

The Muslim Faith

In Islam, there is one God, that God going by "Allah" in the religion's tongue. The Word of God has been presented to man by a succession of prophets, the greatest of whom are Abraham, Moses, Jesus and Muhammed. A Muslim's declaration of faith states, "There is no god but God, and Muhammed is his prophet."Islam translates to submission and peace, and a Muslim is one who submits to the will of God. Only those who submit to the will of God by living according to the precepts set forth in the Koran are true Muslims. The Koran is the Word of God as revealed to the prophet Muhammed. Muhammed was the last prophet and final source of God's word. In Islam, that which is forbidden is a sin, but there are other reasons for not doing it as well. A Muslim must conduct himself with dignity and honor, so as not to bring dishonor on the religion of God. Muslims are thought of as being Puritanical, since they abhor sin on several levels. They pray five times a day. Every person is a brother or a sister and is loved by God. Sex outside marriage is forbidden, as well as stealing. Alcohol and drugs are considered unclean. Pork is forbidden because it is a dirty animal that eats filth. A Muslim values learning and scholarship, and studies the Word of God all his life. They encourage their children to learn as much as they can and to do well in school. Race and ethnic origin are unimportant. They, as Muslims, have five obligations towards their religion, also know as the Five Pillars of Islam:1)Saying the creed several times every day. "There is no god by Allah, and Muhammed is the messenger of Allah." 2)Daily Prayer-Prayers must say tis at five specified times of each day (dawn, midday, mid-afternoon, sunset and nightfall). Before this, Muslims must cleanse themselves and then face towards Mecca to offer their prayers. 3) Giving of Alms. To give money as gifts to the poor of the community. 4) Fasting during the month of Ramadan during daylight hours. 5)Pilgrimage- Travel to Mecca once in a Muslim's lifetime to be performed during a special month. There are a number of practices expected during the pilgrimage, in which the pilgrim venerates the sacred shrines of Islam. Some other aspects Muslim's have faith in is the Unity of God, Angels, prophets, books of revelation, afterlife and destiny.

The Islam religion was founded by Muhammed in the seventh century. In 622 he founded the first Islamic state, a theocracy in Medina, a city in western Saudi Arabia located north of Mecca. There are two branches of the religion he founded, the Sunnis and Shi'ites. Both types of Muslims share the basic Islamic beliefs and articles of faith. The real difference is when they are asked where Islam originally stemmed from. After Muhammad the Prophet died, the Muslims were left in confusion about who would precede him. One group (Sunnis) believed that the new Muslim leader should be elected from a pool of capable conservatives. As a result of this, one of Muhamad's close friends was chosen and thus became the first caliph of the Muslim territory, Abu Bakr. The Sunni branch believes that the first four of Muhammed's successors rightfully took his place as the leaders of Muslims. They recognize the heirs of the four caliphs as legitimate religious leaders. These heirs ruled continuously in the Arab world until the break-up of the Ottoman Empire following the end of WWI. 

The other group that differed in this stance of appointment was outraged, the Shi'ites. They believed that the torch should have been handed down by blood to someone in Muhammad's family and today, their heritage can be traced back to Muhammad's daughter, Fatima.

In 931, the Twelfth Imam disappeared. This was a seminal event in the history of Shi'ite Muslims. Shi'ites, who are concentrated in Iran, Iraq, and Lebanon, had suffered the loss of divinely guided political leadership at the time of the Imam's disappearance. Not until the ascendancy of Ayatollah Rudollah Khomeini in 1978 did they believe that they had once again begun to live under the authority of a legitimate religious figure. Another difference has to do with the Mahdi, "the rightly-guided one" whose role is to bring a just global caliphate into being. The major difference is that for the Shi'ites, he has already been here, and will return from hiding; for Sunnis he has yet to emerge into history. The Sunnis believed in capability and the Shi'ites believed in blood when handing down political power and is still used today in Muslim nations.

Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab was born in Arabia in 1703 and died in 1792. He was an Islamic theologian and founder of the Wahhabi movement. Educated in Medina, he spent several years teaching in Iraq and Iran. He reacted against what he perceived as the extremism of various sects of Sufism, setting out his ideas in the Book of Unity (1736). He stressed a conservative observation of Islam, rejecting polytheism and condemning reverence of saints and the decoration of mosques. He views were controversial; eventually he settled in Nejd, where in alliance with Ibn Sa'ud, his teachings found favor and grew dominant.

Blog 3-The Maritime Revolution

The Baroque Period began sometime in the 16^th Century and spanned well into the 18^th Century. The word “baroque” roughly translates to something elaborate, with many details. One of the largest supporters in this artistic revolution was the Roman Catholic Church. It began in Italy with Catholic architecture, sculpture, and painting. It eventually spread throughout Europe and then to the rest of the world. Other significant supporters of baroque were monarchies and nobility, as it was quite expensive. It was a sign of power, control and importance. The main goal in the baroque style was to draw visitors to certain destinations, while invoking enthusiastic emotions that would further draw the onlooker into the subject matter. For example, Gianlorenzo Bernini was the architect in building Saint Peter’s Basilica. His goal, along with that of the Catholic Church, was to draw in Christians and increase the number of people converting to Christianity because of this glorious cathedral. 

The Catholic Counter-Reformation supported baroque in an attempt to attract masses away from Protestantism, as well as other religions. Renewed patronage of the visual arts and architecture was a key feature of this propaganda campaign, and let to grander, more theatrical styles in both areas. There was a widening series of colonnades in approach to the cathedral, conveying the impression to visitors that they were being embraced by the arms of the Catholic Church. Some famous painters of baroque were Peter Paul Rubens, Diego Velasquez, Francisco Zurbaran and Nicolas Poussin.

Other styles of art in the Baroque Period included theatre, literature, philosophy, and a little later on, music. In theatre, Mannerisms (i.e. Shakespeare’s tragedies) were superseded by opera. Literature and philosophy developed new values, such as metaphor and allegory. The Baroque Period gave birth to many of the most widely praised musicians in all of the world’s history. Some of these legends were Antonio Vivaldi, J.S. Bach and G.F. Handel. Although not many similarities were able to be made between the music of the baroque and other styles in the baroque, one may most definitely recognize the love of ornamentation that flows from the music of this period. The baroque gave birth to new musical forms such as the concerto and sinfonia. And sonatas, cantatas and oratorios flourished. Perhaps the biggest success of the baroque was the birth of opera, which was stumbled upon by experimentation of the Florentine Camerata, creators of monody, who attempted to recreate the theatrical arts of the Ancient Greeks.

The Baroque Period was reflective of the Maritime Revolution in that it was a way of persuading people to return to their religious roots and traditional ways. The Maritime Revolution was a great time of exploration, commerce, colonization and religious conflict between many progressing countries around the world. Civilizations wanted to find gold/wealth, spread the belief of their God, and receive glory for being successful at the first two. Major technological advances and environmental changes made the standard of living and traveling much easier. The Indian Ocean was a central point in this revolution, as it gave civilizations the opportunity to travel more efficiently by water, while offering close destinations for trade and settlement. However, language issues, supply shortages, weather, religious calendars, monetary systems and different motivations caused many problems for those using the seas. The exploration of the new world offered Europe and surrounding countries new ways of living with entirely new food items. But while the discovery of the Americas was a great gain, it led to some Europeans questioning their original religious views, as the Bible indicated humans weren’t supposed to have already been inhabiting the Americas. Another factor that led to the decrease of Christianity was the Ottoman Empire. They conquered other countries and forced people to convert to Islamic Religion. Increasing numbers of people that learned how to read led to different interpretations of the Bible other than the interpretation preached by the Roman Catholic Church. The Latin Church began to split in religious unity, as a separate Roman Catholic Orthodox formed. Martin Luther’s questioning of indulgences and Calvin’s notion of “predestination” encouraged people to stray from the Roman Catholic Church. The pillar of Christianity began to crumble throughout Europe. Something had to be done to increase the number of Christians, and moreover, Roman Catholics, once again. Europe needed to be re-united against the Ottoman Empire. What better way to draw people back into their religion than to build magnificently massive Cathedrals throughout Europe? This is what led the start of the Baroque Period as we know it. And that explains how that Baroque period was reflective of the Maritime Revolution.

Blog 3- The Joys of Motherhood

In Buchi Emecheta’s novel, The Joys of Motherhood, one may come to realize that micro-financing would be most beneficial to societies in Nigeria. There are many situations in the book where Nnu Ego, the main character, must struggle on her own to provide for her family. Throughout the book, she takes on many small trading jobs to ensure the survival of her immediate family, as well as for her husband’s other wives along with their children.

In the beginning of their marriage, Nnu Ego’s second husband, Nnaife, was barely able to provide enough money for their small family. So Nnu Ego started her own business selling cigarettes and matches beside the road. But after the death of her first child and the birth of her newest, Nnu Ego decides to devote all her time to motherhood instead of making the extra income at her market stall. But when Nnaife lost his job due to his employers moving back to England, the Nnu Ego must resume her local trade in cigarettes. When Nnaife secures another job that takes him far from home, Nnu Ego and her two sons begin to suffer in poverty. So once again, Nnu Ego had to search for more cigarettes to sell. Luckily, Nnaife returned with much money from his previous job. So with that money, Nnu Ego secured a permanent stall at the market, while Nnaife went searching for yet another job. Around the same time Nnaife finds a new job, news of his brother’s death reaches their compound and as a duty, Nnaife takes ones of his late brother’s wives to marry himself. Nnu Ego and the new wife become pregnant around the same time. There were more mouths to feed with less money to provide them with. Nnaife was forced to fight in World War II and Nnu Ego had his savings account to live by. However, Nnu Ego discovered she had not been receiving Nnaife’s yearly stipends and the family was becoming impoverished. Shortly thereafter, Nnaife spends his entire windfall, impregnates Nnu Ego as well as Nnaife’s brother’s eldest wife and brings home a new bride.  Later on, Nnu Ego, with all her children fulfilling their own aspirations, dies alone on the roadside.

There were many circumstances within Emecheta’s novel that micro-financing would have proved both beneficial and essential. Had micro-financing been an option for Nnu Ego, she would never have had to struggle for the survival of her family. Although Nnu Ego already owned a small business of her own, the economic stability from an outside source would have been easier to work with. While micro-financing might seem beneficial to all of Ibo society, I feel this only holds true under certain circumstances. For example, micro financing would have worked most for people like Nnu Ego, mothers in society that were dedicated just to motherhood and the survival of her family. This is a traditional lifestyle to lead. However, that role for women began to shift in Ibo society with the next generations. Nnu Ego’s children were all fixated on their own self-fulfillment, opposite to original Ibo society traditions, where families stay together and take part in traditions such as arranged marriages. Nnu Ego’s mother, Ona, too, might not have been so interested in becoming a part of something so dependent on another source. So overall, micro-financing would be most beneficial to societies that have yet to adopt colonialism.

The only other alternative ending I could imagine would be Nnu Ego not dying alone. But the only way this ending would be possible is if colonialism had not affected her children in the way that they wouldn’t feel compelled to fulfill their individual ambitions before returning to the close-knit family lifestyle. Unfortunately I feel that this path would be hard to steer away from.

Entry #2- Media Articles

In comparing articles from Al Jazeera, The Guardian and New York Times, I was able to make analyzations based on the articles provided that led me to believe each media source was quite biased on worldly issues. 

In reading the English version of Al Jazeera online, I observed that the majority of news was based on politics and violence. A top story was over the killing of an Afghan official. In other parts of the world, it mentioned an earthquake in Indonesia which killed many people, as well as killings in Sri Lanka. There didn't seem to be much information in other world issues that involved subjects other than politics or death. In Africa, it mentioned talks of the Rwanda Genocide, whereas Europe's biggest article was on bombings which took place in Greek cities. Pakistani's killed members of the Taliban in Central/South Asia. And there was a section on just the Middle East, which mentioned Iran preparing for nuclear talks. As far as the US goes, Al Jazeera's only bit of information that I found to be relevant was its criticisms in American concerns in Afghanistan. Some other top stories included a Pakistan minister who was wounded in an attack. Also, it seems that Al Jazeera sources the UN alot in their articles. So basically, what I have gathered from this media outlet consists of stories based mainly out of the Middle East, and biased in the sense that they make it out to seem as though Americans are the "bad guys" and that the inhabitants of the Middle East are the ones who deserve the sympathies of the disasters that occur there from day to day.

In Britain and Europe's media source, the Guardian, I found a much friendlier website that didn't leave me to assume immediate favoritism. Right away I noticed how this news source was very different from Al Jazeera in that it had more options and variations of articles. It offered information in many categories, such as education, literature, entertainment, health, politics, business, athletics and technology. The top stories were not all about politics and violence linked to the ongoing war in the Middle East, opposite of Al Jazeera's top articles. In comparison to Al Jazeera, the Guardian also had far more information on the US, even though I didn't take it to be biased. In fact, I took the Guardian's article on the CIA unlawfully experimenting on prisoners to be quite opposite of  biased. Overall, I'd agree that the Guardian was a better source of information than Al Jazeera.

As an online US news source, I read over the New York Times. Although I was sure to see an array of international news, I was surprised to see mostly US news. Some of the top stories were on things happening in individual states. The home page was like the Guardian in that it didn't give off many top stories of violence, unlike Al Jazeera. Like the Guardian, the NY Times offered various articles on various subjects. However, it wasn't as international as I had hoped to see for NY Times standards. The top articles were on politics and business within the US. And the world news was mostly on the war in the Middle East. Towards the bottom of the home page, there were a few articles about Asia. Like Al Jazeera, the NY Times was completely biased as a media source and it is obvious to me that it wants Americans to look on the Middle East negatively and on the US positively. 

As an American myself, I can only agree that, I too, am quite biased and will tend to believe the one-sided stories I read in the newspaper, as well as online. I have made this realization because of this assignment. Fortunately, now I feel as if I can read an article and look past the words and favoritism to form a better opinion of it myself, as an individual, without all the bells and whistles added by the media.

Entry #!- About Me

My name is Susan Ashley Simpson. I was born and raised in San Antonio, Texas. I'm an only child, and I've never once regretted that decision on my parents behalf. I wouldn't say that I'm spoiled, but moreover, that I have been blessed with many opportunities to attempt and experience a variety of situations and activities within my lifetime. I have always gone by Ashley because my mothers name is Susan. I am a member in a long line a generational tradition. For six generations, the women have been named after their mother. But for every other generation, the mother has chosen a different name for her daughter. So my mother and I are both Susan, and my grandmother and her mother were both Martha, and on the tradition will continue, hopefully. Ha. I was born on Pearl Harbor Day in 1989. What I believe to be a funny coincidence is that my parents also share holiday birthdays. My mom's birthday is Independence Day and my dad's is Income-Tax Day. Lucky him, right? Ha Ha. I'd have to say I have a strong desire for history, especially that of my family in particular. That's a big quirk I'd say I posses.

I'm a music major, which means I'm passionate about everything I do in the arts, as well as many things outside of the arts. I'm very big into dancing and watching movies that make me think. One of my favorite movies is Apocolypto. My favorite band right now is Coldplay. I've seen them in concert and I cried like a baby. And my favorite music genre is most definitely Reggae.

Another thing I'm very big into is giving back to the community. I'm a student on full scholarship at UTSA, and I cease every opportunity I get to volunteer at events both on and off-campus. I'm a UTSA Ambassador, Terry Scholar and Collegiate Scholar, as well as an officer in Alpha Lambda Delta, Sigma Alpha Iota and Student Alumni Association. Although I rarely have down-time, I never regret the amount of time I put into all that I do.