Song Lyric Analysis

Song:Light Up Ya Lighter
Artist: Michael Franti and Spearhead
Genre: Hippie Music
Released: 2005

This song is about the War on Iraq. This artist is obviously against the war and thinks we are in the war for the wrong reasons. He says "The war for oil is a war for the beast, the war on terror is a war on peace." He talks about how politicians and people are saying this war is nothing like Vietnam. He says "This one is nothing like Vietnam, except for the bullets, excepts for the bombs, except for the youth that's gone." He obviously feels we are wasting lives on this war. Michael Franti is very anti-war. He talks about the ugly truth of war and says "Here's what you get. An M16 and Kevlar vest. You might come home with one less leg but this thing will surly keep a bullet out your chest." This whole song is full lyrics against the war, and sort of puts things into a different perspective, that I had never thought about.

This issue affects everyone in the US. Particularly the people who have family or friends in Iraq. There are both supporters of the war and people against the war. In 2005 when this was written there weren't as many people against the war as there are now. Now the majority of people want our troops to come home, and for the war to end. This is both a ethical, and social issue. We are spending a lot of money on this war, that many tax payers feel we shouldn't even be in. Especially with our struggling economy. This issue is hopefully being resolved, Obama is trying to get the troops out of Iraq as quickly as possibly.

Through my research I have found that many people agree with what I think about the song. This song is pretty straight forward and says exactly what it means. When this song came out the war on Iraq was claiming many US lives per year. In the year of 2005 there were 849 casualties. In total the war has claimed 4367 US lives claimed. This supports his thoughts that too many lives are being taken for a war he doesn't think we should be in. There are many anti-Iraq wars that help support Franti's views. On the other side, there are many pro-Iraq war sights. The US has spent $800 billion on the Iraq War. In other parts of his song he discusses how were wasting money. He talks about how we should bring the troops home, which many many people agree with.



http://icasualties.org/
http://usliberals.about.com/od/homelandsecurit1/a/IraqNumbers.htm
http://bringtroopshomenj.org/

Diversity: Hate Crime Legislation Passed

http://content.usatoday.com/communities/theoval/post/2009/10/620000629/1

This article is about legislation that was recently passed states "After more than a decade of opposition and delay, we've passed inclusive hate crimes legislation to help protect our citizens from violence based on what they look like, who they love, how they pray or who they are." It talks about how hate crimes have increased recently. In the past ten years there have been 12,000 hate crimes reported against gays alone. This done not count all the crimes that were not reported, or crimes based on race, religion or other things. It also talked about how this legislation stems from two cases in 1998, one where a black male was tied to the back of a truck and dragged until he died. The other case a gay male was severely beaten and then tied to a fence, and left to die.

This is news because of magnitude. This affects everyone across our nation, and not just in big cities, or the south, or any isolated part of our country. Hate crimes can take place anywhere where there is a discriminatory person. I'm sure there have been several cases of hate crimes in the CF/Waterloo area.

I am glad that this legislation has been passed. No deserves to be beaten or teased or killed just because of their sexual orientation, race, or nationality. I don't think this will necessarily stop that many crimes from taking place though. I think this because if someone is going to commit a crime like this, they know they can get in serious trouble, and it hasn't stopped them in the past. However, maybe, people hearing stories about how much prison time these people get could discourage and prevent some cases from occurring. The bottom line though, is even if this prevents just 1 hate crime from being committed, then it was worth passing.

Fort Hood Shooting

1. What are your thoughts, feelings, etc, as you read these articles?
I think many of the feelings about why he did this are misplaced, I think people are looking too much into his race and religion, and not necessarily enough into his personal life.

2. What role do you think terrorism played in this massacre, if any? Why? Do you think that there was an terrorist organization behind the shooting?
I do not believe, as of now terrorism played a role in this shooting.

3. What role did racism or religious persecution play in this incident? Why?
I think racism could have played a little role in this, just because I'm sure he heard many bad stories about people of his race from soldiers. After awhile, hearing people bashing on your own kind could get to anyone. Not to mention, he didn't agree with the war in the first place.

4. Do you think a lot of Muslim Americans have the same feelings as this man? Why or why not?
I think they may because it seems like the are instantly judged, just based on their appearance which is not fair... but it's the sad truth.

5. What do you think the military could have done to prevent this from happening? Why do you believe this? Were there signs that this man had the potential to do something like this? What were they?
I do not think their is too much the military could have done, except maybe they could have granted his discharge a long time ago when he applied for it. I do not think there were signs that he would have done something of this magnitude, yes it was known that he was against the war... but not even his own family had any idea this was coming.

6. Talk about the leadership of Kimberly Munley (the woman who stopped the shooter). What did she do? How would you have reacted in the same situation?
This shows great leadership, even after being shot numerous times she was able to stop the shooter from doing more harm. I would like to think I'd do the same thing, but you can never tell unless your actually in the situation.

7. What does this incident say about race relations in America? Specifically with Arab-Americans and Muslims? Is there a reason that Muslims and people from the Arab world feel a certain way about America?
It says that we are not yet over this stereo type of muslims. If this had been a white person who was against the war, do you think as many people would have instantly assumed this was a terrorist act? I don't think so and they probably would have waited to accuse the man of this until there was actual evidence.

Leadership Article

The article that I read talks about the "7 Traits of Success Superstars." In this article, they

list the seven traits that the author finds most important in order to become a "Success

Superstar." These traits are: 1. Success superstars know exactly what they're after. 2. Success

superstars are highly ambitious, driven and motivated. 3. Success superstars don't let

them selves become sidetracked. 4.. Success superstars have amazing friends and family to

back them up. 5. Success superstars see roadblocks as objects to break and smash through. 6.

Success superstars never, ever give up, and 7. What do you think should go here?"

Leadership is often times, but not always measured by success. Generally, good leaders are

seen as those who are successful, and "Success Superstar" is just another term for great leader.

The author goes into detail about why each of these traits are important and brings up some

very valid points such as a success superstar should never give up on an ambition or goal. His

target audience is anyone who is looking to become a great leader, or "Success Superstar."

I completely 100% agree with each of these traits. I think a "success superstar" is the

same thing as a good leader. Great leaders must have all the traits that this authored

mentioned in order to be successful. However, I do not like the term "Success Superstar"

because great leaders can be measured by more than just success. I could think this way

because that is one of the main messages in the John Wooden book I am reading. For example,

a basketball team may go 0-15, but perhaps the coach changed many of the kids lives, and kept

them out of trouble... from an outsiders perspective that was a bad season, but to the kids and

the coach, i'm sure it would be a success.

1. The kid should not have done what he did, and should be charged. I was unsure until I saw the video, but the video cemented in my mind that he should get criminal charges. Headbutting someone without a helmet is not a part of football. He should be charged because this is no different then punching someone in the face... the fact it was on a football field should not change anything.

2. There should be an expectation of violence to a certain extent, within the rules of the game. This case was obviously way outside of the rules of the game. An assault of this magnitude should not be considered a part of the game, it was way away from the play and unnecessary.

3.
Headbutting Player:
1. I would feel awful about the decision I made, and I would be very remorseful.
2. I don't want charges to be pressed.
3. I would apologize to the player, and tell him what I did was very wrong and hope that was enough.
Victim:
1. I would be very mad, and really really want to hurt this kid.
2. I would want charges to be pressed because it was completely outside of the game.
3. I would press charges.
Headbutting Parents:
1. I can't believe my kid made such a dumb decision, I feel bad for the other kid and his parents.
2. I want my kid to apologize and hope that is enough that charges won't be pressed.
3. I would make my kid apologize, and try to explain why he did it.
Victim's Parents:
1. I am outraged that that kid did that. I hope my kid will be alright.
2. I want charges to be pressed and the kid to apologize, and be suspended for the rest of the season.
3. I would press charges.
Police
1. I am surprised the kid would do this.
2. I want an investigation into if what this kid did was indeed assault.
3. I would press charges
Headbutting Teammates:
1. Wow, that was dumb.. why would he do that? I'm unsure on whether or not charges should be pressed.
2. I would probably not bring it up, I'm sure he feels bad enough.
3. I wouldn't say much or anything about this to him.
Victim's Teammates:
1. I am mad that he would do something like that to my teammate and friend.
2. I want that kid to be suspended for the rest of the season and charges to be pressed
3. I would try to lay that kid out the next player.
Headbutting Coach:
1. I am saddened and upset that an athlete would do such a dumb thing.
2. I would most likely suspend him the rest of the season, he obviously can't handle competition.
3. I would make him run a lot, and leave it up to the athletic director/principal.
Headbutting Athletic Director:
1. I would be upset with this kid, and wonder why he made such a dumb choice.
2. I would hear his side of the story, see if he is truly remorseful, make him apologize then consider letting him play later in the season.
3. I would suspend him indefinitely

Educational Leadership Article Summary

America's Future Lies in Its Teachers: They need more than an apple nurture and inspire the next generation of leaders

U.S. News & World Report

November 1st, 2009

3.2 million, that is the number of teachers that could very likely retire in the next four years. That is nearly 1/3 of our nation’s teachers today. This is a harsh reality. Nearly 1.2 of our nation’s teachers are baby-boomers and nearing retirement. This article discusses how our nation needs new, passionate teachers to step up and teach our kids. The Department of Education expects nearly 1 million new teachers to be hired within the next five years. It says how many times, teachers can be the some of the most influential in a student’s life whether it’s because they don’t give up on them or they spark a life long curiosity. It discusses different ways that we can try to train teachers to be better leaders, and entice more people into the teaching profession.

This article covers leadership in the classroom. As mentioned before, the author feels that we need to train more teachers, so we have more leaders in our school in the next few years when many teachers are expected to retire. These teachers retiring will affect every student in America, as well as our nation's future because who teaches out students now, will decide how our students will turn out

I agree that often teachers can be the most influential people in a students life. I have had many different teachers who have influenced me and who I have become thus far. We do need to have a great generation of teaches coming up, especially with America falling behind globally in education. The future lies with my generation of students.

Oddity Article: The Power of Prayer

I know you may see robbers get talked out of committing a robbery by an everyday ordinary person in a lot of movies, but the fact is that almost never happens. In this case though, it did happen. A robber broke into a local "Check into Cash" with a originally asking for a loan. Next thing you know he is pulling out a gun and jumping over the counter. She begins to tell him that he doesn't have to do this (robbery) and that he has his whole life in front of him. The robber then puts his gun away and has a conversation with the lady. They talk about how he has tried everything, he was in the military, was trained to do heating and air conditioning work and learned about mechanics but he cannot find a job. On top of it all has a two year old daughter who is about to become homeless, along with himself. In the end he ends up giving the lady the only bullet that was in his gun, prayed with her, thanked her for listening because he said no one has ever listened to him, then he hugged her and left.

This is news because it is so unusual, what are the chances of this happening? Maybe one in a million. Perhaps, because of this event people will hear this story, and hopefully think they don't have to go to these extremes to get money. To many people, this also shows the power of Christ. The entire 45 minutes that the robber and worker were working talking, no one came in, and the phone did not ring. This in itself is considered a miracle because this is normally a very busy place.

I think this article shows that everyone is capable of good. Even someone who was prepared to pull the trigger and kill that lady if necessary. Also, it shows what the reality is for many people in out country. This guy has done seemingly everything in his power to get money, and to get himself a decent job. He was in the military and even got technical training afterwards, yet he is still unable to find a job. Now he is about to go to jail for this, and his fiance will stuck with their two year old daughter, and now even less money. The future does not look to good for them.

Post 4

1.In your recent reading, what has your author/main character said that has stood out to you. Something they did or said, A quote, an experience they had that you had a reaction to?
Sports psychologists always say to invision yourself succeeding, to picture yourself making the shot. Coach Wooden taught to assume you would fail, that way you will be ready to react when the ball hits off the rim. He said "I taught them to expect failure--the missed basket--and to be ready to do what comes next: a tip-in, rebound, fastbreak or something else."

2. Talk about someone you know who either lives by the characteristics or traits your author talks about or lives like the subject of your book. Someone who you believe does what the author says to do/or lives by.
Coach Elser uses a lot of the tactics discussed in this book. My guess would be he has read one of the many books John Wooden has co-authored. He tries not to yell, and does many similar things such as wanting players to acknowledge a good assist or pass or play.

3. Is it important for us to study leadership? Is it important for us to look at what others say or do as inspiration or as an example of how to live or lead? Why or why not?
Yes it is very important because we are the future leaders of this country. We can takes others advice and experiences and think about what they say to help us form our own ideas about leadership and ethics.

3rd Blog

1. Reactions to the latest pages you have read. What have you found interesting so far? What do you agree/disagree with?
I continue to find all of his insights interesting. Literally everything said in this book is quotable. What I found most interesting and agree 100% with is his philosophies on emotions while playing. He said "An emotional leader is apt to loosing clear thinking," which is true in my mind. He discusses the difference between intensity and emotion. He uses the metaphor "Emotionalism can be a fatal flaw. I place the greatest value on intensity. It's the difference between a welder's arc and a forest fire. Both have plenty of hear, but the welder's torch cuts through steel with precision, while the forest fire rages out of control and destroys the forest." I have seen this happen first hand in different situations.

2. What leadership traits has the subject of your book shown? Or what leadership traits has your author talked about being important? Use specific examples from the book including page number.
This entire book is about leadership. Every little section has to do with leadership, you can open the book to any random page and point, and it will be a good quote about leadership. One thing I enjoyed was a preseason letter he wrote to his team in it he said " Although I am very interested in each of you as an individual, when you are on the practice floor, my interest in you is only as part of our team. Your position or situation on our team will depend upon how you perform in comparison with your teammates." (pg 63) This shows a leader should be unbiased and do what is best for everyone.

3. Talk about a specific quote or passage that has stood out to you so far. What is it? Why do you feel it is important?
"Make your personal standard of performance--your behavior in all areas--so exemplary that those under your supervision will find it hard to match, harder to surpass. Be hardest on yourself." A leader should be up to their own standards. You need to practice what you preach.

4. Give me an example of a time that you had to make an ethical decision. What was the situation? Who (no names necessary) was involved? What was the ethical dilemma? Ultimately what did you decide to do and why?
One day I was about to take a math quiz. I walk in the room and the test key was sitting right there. I could have easily cheated and gotten an A on the quiz but I would have felt bad because I did not earn that grade. So I took the test to Mr. Maltas and did not cheat, because it was the right thing to do, and one A isn't worth getting in trouble.

Good Morning,
Today I want you to write about:
1. Your reactions to what you have read so far since last time you posted. Have any of your thoughts about the book changed? What has stood out so far? What do you agree/disagree with?
My thoughts about the book have not changed, I still agree with most everything the book says. What stood out in this reading is how he said players should not be worried about making mistakes. As he puts it, "If you're not making some mistake, you're not doing anything--not trying to make anything happen." And if you aren't trying to make things happen then you are not going to win too many games.

2. Have your views of what you thought leadership was changed in any way so far? If so How?
A little bit, I have learned that a leader shouldn't necessarily measure success just by wins and losses.

3. Can you relate a time when you were put in a leadership position. What was it? How do you feel you did in this position? Is there anything you regret? What would you do differently?
I have been in different leadership positions from class president to team captain for basketball. I think I have done well in these positions, as class president I helped organize and run a food drive which was successful. I do wish I would have done more to raise money for my class. For basketball I think I done well, I don't yell and try helping people out and leading by example. If I changed anything about basketball leadership I would maybe be a bit more vocal, I have no regrets.

4. Following up from the question above, citing particular quotes or passages from the book, write about something you can use that the author said or did when you are put in leadership role now or in the future.
"A leader who finds it difficult to abide by the Golden Rule is like that Indiana ice in springtime--undependable, untrustworthy." A leader should treat others how he wants to be treated and should not abuse his status. He tells a story of how he once abused his status as the star player of his high school team and was benched for it. His team loss, and the coach told him some things are more important than winning. The coach stood up for his principals despite knowing he was going to loose, a leader should always stand up for their principals and that is what i'll try to do in the future.

Blog #1

My book is called "The Essential Wooden" and is about John Wooden, his stories, and his philosophies. Coach Wooden is arguably the greatest coach of all time, regardless of sport. This book is about his views on success, winning and leadership.

What really jumped out at me is the fact that, despite winning so many national titles, and having an 88-game win streak... Coach Wooden didn't measure success by winning. Nor did he ever mention the word "win." He would be more upset if his team won and didn't play as good as they could have than if they lost and played their best. In the first part he talks a lot about his dad and the values that his dad instilled in him, and lessons his dad taught him. His dad taught him that he doesn't need to yell to get his point across, and that calmness is often better. He admits he often forgot this when coaching, but would try his best to remember to live by the words his dad taught him.

Quote that will stick with me: "Live as though you'll die tomorrow, learn as thought you'll live forever"

Hello, Friends :)