Alright, I'll Admit It

Seeing how my viewership had dwindled down to Zero, I think its safe for me to reveal my secret sentiments regarding the Affirmative Action ban voted on in Nebraska and Colorado.

Remember, Colorado voted to keep AA and Nebraska voted against AA.

My liberal older cousin and I briefly discussed this, she said that she though Nebraska voters were mislead about what the the ban would really do. She said things like, not giving money to minority programs in North Omaha. And I mentioned my feelings that if we focused our attention on socioeconomics rather than race, it would be more "fair," etc. and then very poorly articulated an college admissions example of the unfairness AA creates.

Honestly though, I feel like Nebraska conservatives did not make the choice out of fairness and for being well informed. I wouldn't want to give us so much credit. I'm sure that they are just didn't want minorities to succeed, or whatever, unconsciously. Come on, Nebraska would never be cool about anything. They weren't doing it for the greater good and justice, for god sakes, most of Nebraskans listen to < barf > Rush and O'Reilly. < / barf >

Regardless, I don't believe in AA, so it worked out.

Zio's Pizza

I went to Zio's Pizza with Evan and Jonathon today and there was the nicest server there. Evan and I were going to split the "2 Slices & a drink" special, and the server gave us three sodas for all of us! And then he gave us 4 slices of cheesy bread free (with marinara sauce), and then a pitcher of coca cola free!

It was really really nice of him and I'm glad there are such nice people in the world. We gave definitely gave him a tip.

:)

First Semester

My first semester at Wyoming was hectic. I did not watch a single full tv show during this semester (I didn't even have a tv). And had to pass up The Office parties on Thursdays.

Although i don't think my life shouldn't be run by television, or their schedule. I'll sad that I miss the entire election campaigning (via Daily Show) in addition to my favorite shows. I never saw a speech, and I never saw...well anything.

I'm trying to catch up now:







:*) Good job, SNL

English Major

What do you do with one? It's kind of like the appendix of degrees.

Why the New Look?

I decided to put a little green on my blog to give passerbys the subliminal "Go Green!" message. Being conscious about our environment is not only a benefit to ourselves, but a way to help others. I feel like people who are passionately for a cause often get have a negative stigma as a crazed fanatic, and I don't think this should be the case (well, at a certain point, maybe). I have to think that they are just more empathetic towards other people.


Watch CBS Videos Online

I saw this and was very shocked and saddened. But I can think of one friend who would shrug and say "it's not here so who cares" (as she callously said about the Sichuan earthquake this year). Really? You're not moved at all?

Although, I'm sure that displacing the pain of others makes life easier to live because you'll never be able to help everyone...

We have a standard of living that is absolutely unsustainable, but we have such a luxurious mindset that we don't care. During the most of the gas crisis, Hummer's were selling just fine. We have such a disposable society.

I thought this was cool:



:*)

If we can do it, then why don't we?

Website

I made a website to hopefully increase my income so I can finance college. Visit it here!

Lame.

Just like some people dream about one day becoming rich and having a fancy car, I think about how great it would be if everyone was nice to each other. Both equally unrealistic.

Public Speaking Requirement

I haven't taken it here, but I hear credible complaints. Is it UW's worst "program"?

Complaints:

1. Make you follow very specific speech formula, and if you loose points for not following it to the teeth, even if you have a wonderful and effective speech

2. Having a great speech, but getting a 70% on it. Or the teacher not giving you useful criticism explaining her low grade when they she seemed to give you only positive comments

3. being controlled by a higher power to deduct points so the majority of the class has a C?
---> if so, does this reflect the class well? Really, a class that the entire school is required to take, and they make it hard in an arbitrary way. Is/Should the outline really be more valuable than the speech?

4. Not that it's impossible to get an A in the class, but you just have give a very standard speech.


Regardless, I'm glad I took my speech class somewhere else. I saw the speech workbook= :(

Group Projects

:(

Maybe Goodbye

I know there are millions of silent readers of my blog, and as this assignment is drawing to an end, so, I fear, will my activity.

Although, if there is a mass uproar, I can reconsider this.
But I know my billions of audience members are shy but thoughtful creatures who would rather ruminate on my posts than comment on them. It's ok, I still know you're out there.

Except nothing, hope for everything.

Everyone's A Little Bit Racist

My Sentiments.


This is from a musical with puppets called Avenue Q. Only two of them have puppets though, obviously this isn't he real deal.

Let's Review

We're coming to close on this blog project, and I thought it would helpful for any new or future readers if I summarized some of the points I have been making through this blog.

A little review session that can fit your pocket:

1. This blog is about Affirmative Action in higher education, specifically that it is unfair and should be abolished in favor of socioeconomic considerations.

2. I looked at an example of the unfair, pro-Affirmative Action admissions process of Michigan State University. And also the clear discrimination in the admissions process at the University of California, Berkley (See "Congratulations on Being White---5 Points" "University of California-Berkley, Keepin' it Real" )

3. Is helping the lower income just as unfair as choosing someone by race? No, because there is a real disparity between the quality of education/opportunity for someone from a low income background rather than someone who is a minority. (See "Penny to the Wise")

4. I also looked at the wonderful admissions/financial aid system of Stanford University as a possible option/solution. Stanford "guarantees" that a student who is admitted will be financially able to attend the University, without loans! (See "Stanford Education---ON SALE!")

5. Finally, I gave a "tip o' the hat" to Nebraska for voting to ban AA this election, and a "wag o' the finger" to Colorado for keeping AA action. (I say "finally" here even though there are many other points I mention, but have decided that 5 is a nice number to end on).


Of course, I encourage you to explore my blog future, leave comments, ask questions, and/or suggestions!

Yours truly,
J Ham