Split brain DNS explained

A short video explaining my understanding of how domain name system functions.  This set of protocols is essential for the internet addressing scheme based on IPV4 to work.

Redskins: Proof Positive That Words Do Hurt.

The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office’s decision to strip the Washington Redskins, a National Football League (NFL) team, of their registrations has created an atmosphere ripe for debate.  While the ruling has sparked conversations on the issue of racial slurs, the reactions of many white male Americans is concerning.  The recent controversy surrounding the revocation of the Washington Redskins’ trademark is a symptom of a much larger issue.  The plight of Native Americans continues to be largely overlooked and misunderstood by the majority of Americans.  In order to promote harmony and understanding between cultures, professional and college athletic teams should consider changing racially charged names.

Despite claims that the current lawsuit and ruling are nothing more than political pandering, history indicates otherwise.  According to The Christian Science Monitor:

But for nearly forty years, Native American organizations have been working to end the use of Indian names and symbols as sports mascots in the US – at high schools, colleges, and among professional teams.  They have had significant success at the college and high school levels, persuading officials that Indian names and mascots for sports teams are derogatory and demeaning to Native Americans.  For example, between 1991 and 2008, eleven high schools and two colleges discontinued the use of “Redskins” as their team name. They include Miami University in Ohio and Southern Nazarene University in Oklahoma (Richey).

In fact, efforts to change the Washington Redskins name can be traced back to the early 1970’s.  At that time the National Congress of American Indians met with the team owner and urged him to change the name.  He declined.  It was not until 1992 that an actual lawsuit was filed against the team by longtime advocate for Native American rights, Suzan Shown Harjo, who is herself a Cheyenne (Mears).  That suit was ultimately overturned in 2003 by a federal appeals court.  The court decided that the suit was filed too late after the team registered the trademark.  The current suit, filed by Navajo Amanda Blackhorse, argued that the term “Redskin” is offensive based on the common meaning and usage of the term when it was adopted.  The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office’s decision is based on cultural sensitivity, not political pandering.

Some argue that changing the name of the Washington Redskins is a slippery slope of political correctness.  They point an imaginary line that must be drawn between common sense and complete chaos.  They argue that names such as Braves, Chiefs, Indians, and even Redskins actually honor and pay homage to Native Americans.  The name Redskin has been in place since 1933.  Its current usage is said to honor William Henry "Lone Star" Dietz, who claimed Native ancestry.  He is said to have coached the Washington State University to victory at the Rose Bowl wearing full Indian garb (Richey).  

William Henry "Lone Star" Dietz

Supporters point to a small group of indigenous people named Beothuk.  The Beothuk would paint their clothing and bodies with red ocher for religious reasons, as well as for natural insect repellent.  Some other tribes referred to the Beothuk as red people (Waldman).  Practices such as these only support the origin of the word, not its current meaning.  Ironically, the 1972 meeting between the National Congress of American Indians and then team owner, Edward Bennett Williams, spawned an olive branch of sorts.  Blackfoot Indian Walter Wetzel, president of the National Congress of American Indians, urged Williams to use an image of an Indian in full headdress as the Redskins’ logo.  Within a few weeks a new logo was chosen based on Wetzel’s recommendation (Vargas).  While these are valid arguments for retaining the name Redskins as a point of pride, they do not take into account the negative impact the word has had through history.

To that end, the case for changing the name of the Redskins carries more weight than the case to keep it.  Over the last 150-200 years, the term redskin has taken a dramatic turn from a word which once honored Native Americans.  A National Public Radio (NPR) blog by Lakshmi Gandhi, details the evolution of the term from self-identity into a racially stereotypical slur.  One of the most surprising quotes comes from the beloved author of The Wizard of Oz, L. Frank Baum.  In referencing the massacre at Wounded Knee he wrote, “With his fall the nobility of the Redskin is extinguished, and what few are left are a pack of whining curs who lick the hand that smites them” (Gandhi).  Lakshmi Gandhi continues to detail this change in attitude by citing additional works by authors such as poet Earl Emmons.  Emmons’ book, entitled Redskin Rimes, is credited with fueling racial hatred towards Indians in the early twentieth century.  Lakshmi Gandhi states that Redskin Rimes was “a book so offensive I had to double-check to make sure it wasn't a parody of the racism of that era” (Gandhi).  Some Native Americans find the word redskin just as offensive as African Americans view the “N-word”.  There also exists the argument that some Native Americans have and do refer to themselves as redskins.  Again, just as in the N-word, the internal usage of racial slurs within a group is acceptable, while outside the group it is offensive.  Most importantly, the disengagement of most Native Americans from the debate actually supports the change of the name.

Cover of Redskin Rimes by Earl H. Emmons

Furthermore, this detachment is an indication of the much larger issue faced by Native Americans.  The lack of understanding and indifference on the part of white America is the real issue.  As Nobel Prize recipient Elie Wiesel so profoundly put it, “The opposite of love is not hate, it’s indifference….Indifference, to me, is the epitome of evil” (qtd. in Sanoff 68).  Blackfoot Indian blogger, Gyasi Ross, explains, “The topic has been championed by a very small group of Natives who do not have to worry about the lower tiers in Maslow's hierarchy.  Many of us, even those who agree with that stance, are simply too busy keeping the lights on to worry too much about mascots” (Ross).  While that may present itself as apathy, the plain truth is the plight of Native Americans on the reservation has been largely ignored by white America.  The plague of poverty, drug abuse, alcoholism, and lack of quality education serve to reinforce this alienation.

The estrangement of Native Americans not only from their lands, but from their culture, began over three-hundred years ago.  In a paper on education among Native Americans, Sherman Bold Warrior asserts that estimates place the native population at approximately three million people at time of the first settlements by Europeans.  Since that number was greatly diminished by the 20^th century to approximately 1/6^th of that number, it is a fair assessment to term the action genocide.  Bold Warrior further asserts that while physical genocide had ended by the turn of the century, cultural genocide continued for decades (Warrior).  Despite the belief that Native Americans have prospered due to reservation casinos and other gaming, they remain among the poorest culture in our nation.  It is disgraceful that the majority of Americans continue to believe that the “noble savage” is content with life on the reservation.  A very sobering article entitled “Running in Place in Indian Country” shatters this misconception.  The article details life on the reservation, “On the 2.8 million-acre Pine Ridge Indian Reservation--home to nearly 40,000 members of the Oglala Lakota Sioux nation--alcoholism and suicide, especially among young people, occur at alarmingly high rates. Families that have been poor since the U.S. government forced tribes onto reservations more than 120 years ago see few prospects for breaking out of seven or eight generations of profound poverty” (Maxwell).  Most of the residents of the Pine Ridge reservation, upwards of 80% according to tribal government, are unemployed.  The average yearly salary is far below the poverty level at $8,000 per year.  Additionally, four of five of the poorest counties in American are within reservation lands (Maxwell).  The attempted assimilation of Native Americans via cultural genocide, coupled with removal from their lands, has only served to alienate them from the rest of society.  The continued use of racially charged names reinforces the intolerance of Native American culture and perpetuates indifference.

Photo: Redskin name protest/ AP

Racially charged words, such as redskin, have been scientifically proven via psychological study to subconsciously trigger negative feelings towards Native Americans.  One such study conducted by the Centers for American Indian and Alaska Native Health also substantiates the fact it creates a subconscious bias among non-natives.  The study is disturbingly titled Do American Indian Mascots = American Indian People?  It focuses on the hypothesis that white Americans may not consciously feel bias towards Native Americans based on sports mascots and names.  The article details widely accepted physiological tests and techniques that reliably determine assumptions and judgments.  The technique, Implicit Associate Test, has been used to determine bias against other minorities.  The findings conclude that despite the assertion by participants that mascots and team names do not create bias, their subconscious believes otherwise.  The article also points to a disturbing finding that nonnative Americans may perceive the mascots as the same as the actual race (John Chaney).

In addition, another study examines the link between the genocidal history of Native Americans and its effect on their culture today.  The findings of this study are even more startling since its spotlight is on Native Americans living in an urban environment.  The study presumed that these Native Americans would be more assimilated into American culture; thus, they would be less affected by the trauma of reservation life.  A poor self-image is thought to be the greatest contributing factor to poverty and addiction on the reservation.  However, life on the reservation may provide a support system by way of culture and heritage not found in urban America.  Since it has been 120 years since Natives were stripped of their land and heritage by removal to reservations, it may be difficult to comprehend how trauma could still be a factor in self-image and self-worth.  In the Journal of Loss and Trauma, the fact is presented that low self-esteem among Native Americans, especially in urban areas, may be rooted in the accumulation of a history filled with heartache, anguish, hopelessness, and loss (Wiechel).

Source: Wiechelt, Shelly A., et al. "Historical Trauma Among Urban American Indians: Impact On Substance Abuse And Family Cohesion." Journal Of Loss And Trauma 17.4 (2012): 319-336. ERIC. Web. 12 July 2014.

The results of this study show that three of the five top historical loss scale items center on either respect or self-respect (see table 1.).  All of these categories provide dramatic statistics regarding Native Americans’ sense of self-worth.  In either setting, the continued use of racial stereotypes is a constant reminder to Native Americans of the abuse and injustice perpetrated upon their race.

Perhaps, most disconcerting of all is the indifference shown on the part of white Americans to the misery and suffering of Native Americans.  The misconception that Native Americans’ lives are better than before Europeans arrived continues to this day.  This delusion is an indication of the disconnect that still exists between white America and her Native brothers and sisters.  Almost as disturbing is that the majority of debate over the Redskins’ name change has been among white America.  Possibly, most Americans are taking their cue from people such as Daniel Synder, whose defiance only adds to intolerance of other races.  As he vowed, “We'll never change the name, it's that simple. NEVER — you can use caps” (Brady).  They may even be influenced by the beloved coach of fifteen years, Joe Gibbs.  Joe Gibbs has been called many things in his long career; coach, owner, fan, Christian, father, and husband.  The one thing he has never been called is a racist.  He is not.  Most Americans are not racists either, but ignorance and intolerance of other cultures is subtle from of racism called bias.  Gibbs’ remarks regarding the Redskins’ name, mascot and fight song resound with the pride he holds having been their coach for fifteen years.  In a recent interview, Gibbs stated, “It was always prideful. It was courage involved.  We have a song, 'Hail To The Redskins.' And so everything -- everything -- about that name has been positive for me in my past” (Breech).  However, the fight song originally contained references to scalping and broken English.  One of the lines that was since eliminated was, "Scalp 'em, swamp 'em — we will take 'em big score / Read 'em, weep 'em, touchdown! — we want heap more!" (Gandhi).  Both Synder and Gibbs are too close to the issue to clearly see how the term Redskin disparages and degrades another culture.

Since the controversy surrounding the Washington Redskins’ name is a symptom of a greater problem, additional action is required to increase harmony and understanding.  No matter how subtle the form of racism, it must not be tolerated in America.  To argue that only a few Navajos are offended by the name redskins, is not accurate since the National Congress of American Indians has urged the change in name since 1972.  Even if it were factual, that would not be reason to continue degrading another culture.  The actions of the United States Patent Office should be a catalyst for change.  The ruling may not force team owners to change names, but it should be a catalyst for dialogue on the bigger issues facing our Native Americans.  There are more appropriate ways to honor Native Americans such as involvement in and establishment of foundations, scholarships, volunteer opportunities, and charities. Personal interaction between cultures will facilitate peace, harmony and understanding which will lead to healing.  The ruling of Patent Office alone will not be enough to facilitate a change of attitude towards Native Americans.

Works Cited

Brady, Erik. "Daniel Snyder says Redskins will never change name." 10 May 2013. usatoday.com. Web. 17 July 2014.

Breech, John. "Joe Gibbs: Redskins name is prideful, has always been positive for me." 28 June 2014. cbssports.com. Web. 17 July 2014.

Bold Warrior, Sherman. For The Administrator: Realities for The Native American And Education. n.p.: 1992. ERIC. Web. 12 July 2014.

Chaney, John, Amanda Burke, and Edward Burkley. "Do American Indian Mascots = American Indian People? Examining Implicit Bias Towards American Indian People And American Indian Mascots." American Indian And Alaska Native Mental Health Research: The Journal Of The National Center 18.1 (2011): 42-62. ERIC. Web. 12 July 2014.

Gandhi, Lakshmi. “Are You Ready For Some Controversy? The History of 'Redskin'." NPR: Code Switch. 9 September 2013: 38. Web. 8 July 2014.

Mears, Bill. "http://www.cnn.com/2009/CRIME/11/16/scotus.redskins/index.html." n.d. cnn.com. Web. 15 July 2014.

Richey, Warren. "http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Justice/2009/1116/p02s07-usju.html." 16 November 2009. The Christian Science Monitor. Web. 15 July 2014.

Maxwell, Lesli A. "Running In Place In Indian Country." Education Week 33.13 (2013): 1. MasterFILE Premier. Web. 12 July 2014.

Ross, Gyasi. “"Redskins": A Native's Guide To Debating An Inglorious Word.” Deadspin. 16 October 2013. Web. 8 July 2014.

Sanoff, Alvin P. "One Must Not Forget." U.S. News & World Report 27 October 1986: 68. Print.

Vargas, Theresa. "One Native American family with Redskins ties disagrees on whether name is offensive." The Washington Post. 6 July 2014. Web. 13 July 2014.

Wiechelt, Shelly A., et al. "Historical Trauma Among Urban American Indians: Impact On Substance Abuse And Family Cohesion." Journal Of Loss And Trauma 17.4 (2012): 319-336. ERIC. Web. 12 July 2014.

More than meets the eye

Since as early as the 1950’s, when it was speculated that movie goers were subjected to subliminal messages, controversy has surrounded hidden messages within advertising(Beach, n.d.).  Although subliminal advertising has been made illegal, all advertising plays on the consciences as well as the unconscious.  Today’s advertisers are keenly aware of the use of the subtle and not so subtle imagery’s impact on today’s consumers.  Even in something as commonplace as office equipment, advertisers play upon common themes, such as sex and leisure, to sell products.  A close examination of two advertisements for multipurpose imaging devices will provide examples of this trend.

Mita ad from 1996 Newsweek

A full page ad in a 1996 Newsweek depicts the Mita DC-8090 copier, a large, off white machine with a document feeder, collator, and multiple paper trays.  The photograph itself takes up three-fourths of the page.  What is unusual about the image is that the copier isn’t in an office.  The machine sits near the rough of the world famous Saint Andrew’s golf course in Fife Scotland.  The setting for this ad is a beautiful day with a perfect pale blue sky and the aqua blue of the Eden River in the background.  There are no buildings to clutter the serenity of this scene, just the copier in the rough and the golfer putting on the green.  Since the photograph has a wide perspective, it is difficult to recognize any dominate features of the golfer.  He is obviously a man, however his race, age and status are hidden.  He is wearing casual attire consisting of khaki pants with a red polo shirt and black shoes.  The description above the picture of the copier, uses 10 point black type on white background.  There is a call to action; call our 800 number to order yours.  The tag lines below the photograph, although much larger than the type above, actually say less.  The company claims that it makes up to 80 copies per minute, collects finished documents, and resets originals, without supervision.  Then the last line asks “What are you going to do?”  Their red logo, along with a tag line that states, “Automatic copying, MITA perfected it.”, appears in the lower right corner. 

Mita uses its ad to target driven, modern businessmen who desire increased leisure time.  Its placement is a natural fit, since Newsweek has been providing in-depth analysis, news and opinion about international issues, technology, business, culture and politics since 1933(http://www.newsweek.com/about-newsweek-4, 2014).  Newsweek’s focus on technology, coupled with business, appeals to this demographic.  The appeal of more leisure time is sure to resonate with the overworked, middle managers of America.

The juxtaposition of the copier in the Mita ad near a green of the world renowned Saint Andrew’s golf course immediately draws the reader into the ad.  Saint Andrew’s is recognized by golfers everywhere as the ultimate golfing destination.  The perfect pale blue sky along with the aqua blue Eden River transmit a truly tranquil, relaxed, easy feeling.  Its beautiful array of green grasses present a sense of confidence and security.  The absence of buildings highlight the serenity of this scene.  The man’s facial features are obscured to the reader on purpose.  The advertiser wants him to be any man.  The actual written text portion of the ad only serves to reinforce the simplicity of the copier.  Using only a few sentences, the ad describes the simplicity, ease of use and features of the machine.  This minimalistic use of copy supports this concept of the machine’s simplicity.  There are two a calls to action, which implies this simple step will lead to more leisure time, maybe even on the links at Saint Andrew’s.  The use of bold black type before the logo, adds a hint of authority.  However the transition to the red logo and subsequent type, indicate another, subtle, call to action.

HP ad from 1996 Newsweek

Another similar ad appears in the same 1996 issue of Newsweek for the Hewlett Packard Copy Jet imaging device.  It also is a full page ad, dominated by several photographs, which occupy 3/4ths of the page.  These consist of one large photograph on the left and fifteen smaller photographs, representing copies on the right hand side.  Depicted in the original and copies is a woman attempting to be a fashion model.  She is wearing a bright yellow trash can lid as a hat.  However, the color purple dominates the ad, with the mottled purple background and a violet shawl wrapped over her shoulders.  Additionally, she is wearing a strapless black dress, dark sunglasses and short cropped hair.  Her overall demeanor is one of brooding sexiness.  The words “it prints” in a ½ inch high black banner, sits under the larger picture.  A similar banner with the words “it copies” sits beneath the fifteen copies.  Directly below, in parenthesis, is the line “It does not, unfortunately, monitor taste” in the same size type as the banners.  There is an abundance of white space between lines up to this point.  The heading above the description copy states “Introducing the first color copier printer. The HP Copy Jet” in 20 point black type against a white background.  A block of wordy text attempts to explain the images above it by stating, that it’s not about the subject, but about the flawless reproduction and vivid color.  They continue to speak about other functions, for more money, such as networking it with other computers.  In the bottom right corner is the Hewlett Packard blue HP logo.  There is a picture of the Copy Jet to the left with its off white lid opened, exposing the glass plate where originals are loaded.

Hewlett Packard uses its space in Newsweek, also to appeal to driven, modern businessmen seeking more freedom.  Once again, its placement is a natural fit.  Their ad plays on Newsweek’s focus on technology and business along with culture.  The target audience is any straight male from the age twenty on up.  The ad’s sexual overture married with the concept of increased time to goof off goes along way with the male ego.

Initially the Hewlett Packard ad mimics the simplicity of the Mita ad, but quickly loses cohesion.  The use of the sixteen images, one large and fifteen small, is an ingenious way to grab the reader’s attention.  The mottled purple background arouses an impression of superiority, mystery and romance.  The woman’s violet shawl, gives the subtle impression of royalty, which bolsters the impression of prestige and supremacy.  Her bright yellow trash can lid brings to mind the phrase garbage in, garbage out.  However, as we will see later, this is not the case for this printer.  It takes even something as mundane as a garbage can lid and transforms it into a fashion accessory.  The color yellow contrasted against the purple background, radiates and projects a warm, cheerful, playful mood.  Her dark sunglasses add to the mystery of who she is; she could be the woman of your dreams.  Her strapless dress adds to her sex appeal and the sex appeal of the ad overall.  Her short cropped hair adds to her allure.  She is a modern woman, much like Audrey Hepburn in the movie Breakfast at Tiffany’s.  The ad quickly loses coherence by introducing far too much text to the ad.  The banners, however do add perspective, depth, and emphasizes, which bolster confidence.  The humorous line “It does not, unfortunately, monitor taste”, is a disclaimer attempting to say sorry for the image.  The ad begins to lose continuity, simplicity and sense of humor when it endeavors to explain the picture above it.  Although the humor continues in the body of the text, which states, “Don’t look at the hat”, it’s too little, too late.  The remainder of the ad seems as if it were an afterthought.  Their logo which is recognized by business people as a symbol of precision, is just thrown onto the page.  Their blue logo also suggests a confident company with depth and stability, who have gained the trust of the consumer.  Unlike the Mita ad, the picture of the Copy Jet seems unintentionally out of place.  Even so, with its off white lid opened, exposing the glass plate where originals are loaded, the concept of inviting simplicity are implied.

American’s have always used technological advances to improve productivity and thus increase leisure time.  These two advertisements strike a common chord by exposing the primal need for freedom.  The use of subtle, perhaps even subconscious messages, embedded within the imagery are utilized in this objective.  The Mita copier ad creates a mood of carefree living that is free from the hassles of daily life.  The Hewlett Packard printer ad achieves its objective with an atmosphere of a sharp, vibrant, excitement filled life.  Although on the surface these ads are selling office machines, there is much more being sold.  Each has a hidden message, not subliminal in the conventional sense, but hidden nonetheless.  They both rely on the individual elements of the images they contain to transmit their message.  Even the Mita ad’s underlying message is not to go golfing, but to enjoy more time away from the office.  The Hewlett Packard ad’s veiled message speaks of having time for fun in different way.  

References
By Justin Beach, e. C. (n.d.). Subliminal Messages in Marketing. Retrieved from eHow.com: http://www.ehow.com/info_8252404_subliminal-messages-marketing.html

HP Copy Jet Ad. (1996, March 4). Newsweek, p. 14.

http://www.newsweek.com/about-newsweek-4. (2014). Retrieved from http://www.newsweek.com: http://www.newsweek.com/about-newsweek-4

Mita DC-8090 copier ad . (1996, March 4). Newsweek, p. 75.

My return to college after a 20 year hiatus

The 2014 winter semester at North Central Michigan College marked my return to college after a twenty year absence.  My intention was to finish my photography/cinematography degree I abandoned in 1993.  My wife encouraged me to seek a grant to cover expenses.  The grant I received provided enough money not only to finish my previous degree, but to start work on another one.  There was just one major catch.  In order to receive the full amount of funds, I would have to attend full-time.  Through the support of my family and friends, I decided to plunge in head first.  There were still other hurdles to overcome in order to transition back into college.  However, the staff and faculty at North Central Michigan College made my transition back to college smooth and simple.

The eagerness of the office staff to help with my educational journey was reassuring.  Two individuals at the main campus in particular, Nikki Morris and Christine Breed, made the transition back to college straightforward.  They helped me enroll, transfer my credits and arrange my financial aid.  Their communication with me through every step of the process was outstanding.  When it came time to take my English placement exam, the personnel at the University Center in Gaylord were extremely helpful.  One such person, Michelle Andrews, was very encouraging, thorough and pleasant.  Her cheerful and engaging demeanor put me at ease concerning the test.  Additionally, her kind words regarding my score on the placement test were a real reassurance to me.

North Central Michigan College main campus

Since North Central Michigan College offers, online, hybrid and off site classes, the transition back to college was almost painless.  The online course, Introduction to Computers, allowed me the flexibility to work ahead so as not to fall behind in other courses.  In addition, structured online courses such as Human Biology and English Composition helped me set priorities in order to stay on track.  The Introduction to Programming Logic course, held at Petoskey High School, although it is a ninety-eight mile round trip each Thursday was worth the drive.  The ability to participate in courses in a variety of ways, provides an uncomplicated means to return to college.

The instructors at North Central Michigan College really care about my educational and career goals.  A major concern with the transition back to college is the question of guidance and direction.  Since I am an older student, I have no time to waste. I needed to be shown the most effective path.  Both Fred Harrington and Howard Bates have been invaluable resources for advice.  Fred took the time to listen to me via several e-mail conversations and left the door open for additional in-person meetings.  Howard provided several insights into which fields in computer science are growing and which are dying.  Both Fred and Howard have provide very informative feedback on which direction to achieve my educational and career goals.

Overall, I recommend North Central Michigan College to anyone who wants to continue their education.  The college is large enough to serve the needs of the community, yet small enough to be involved with each individual student.  The college’s staff and faculty care enough to make the transition, no matter your stage of life, to college as easy as possible.

Patty and Eddie – Two Drummers, One Beat

There are many influential people who come into a person’s life, but few who impact a person for a lifetime.  The one person who has impacted me more deeply than any other is Patty, my wife of twenty-seven years.  During our early years together, we were drawn closer by our search for something more.  Being raised in the seventies and coming of age in the eighties, neither one of us had a sense of what truly mattered.  The counter-cultural values of the seventies mixed with the “Me Decade” of the eighties made for a confusing time to be a young adult.  While the uncertainty of the Cold War loomed, there were still small glimmers of hope.  It was out of this unpredictability, that a New Wave of musical artist invaded from overseas and emerged domestically. Patty and I had a common interest in art, specifically music, which brought us together.  Music became the catalyst that helped Patty and me discover our love for each other and our love for God. 

Patty and Eddie in Mr. Hoose's  fifth and sixth grade class.

As children, Patty and I lived in the same suburban neighborhood. We rode the same yellow school bus together every day for years.  In my eyes, she was just another annoying, stuck-up, tough girl, who had no interest in me.  However, in my senior year of high school, something changed.  Without warning, it was as if my eyes had seen her for the first time.  She had not changed; my perception of her changed.  She appeared to be the most beautiful woman God had ever made.  Despite my interest, I was reluctant to approach her, let alone ask for a date.  As it would happen, one day the bus broke down just beyond my house.  This would be the kick in the pants I needed to overcome my fear and get to know her. In spite of the fact it was several miles, Patty and her best friend decided to walk home.  The opportunity presented itself as they were walking past my house to offer them a ride.  Instead of going to school, we all decided to go to the mall.  Once we arrived at the mall, we noticed the parking lot was empty.  The mall was closed.  So instead of doing who knows what at the mall, we went to Patty’s best friend’s house.  Although I would not advocate skipping school, that day was a major turning point in my life.  Her positive influence in my life began that day as our life-paths did not just cross; they converged.

Spending our first day together is what kick-started our relationship. The round-trip drive to and from the mall allowed ample time to for conversation.  The topics of conversation included the mundane, such our opinions of certain teachers and classes.  At times the banter became silly, as we spoke of things we knew nothing about, like politics.  Yet, somehow, the conversation always came back to musical taste.  Perhaps that was because any lull in the conversation was filled by the sounds of the radio.  It became clear, however, that she was a fun-loving, free-spirit, like me.  It was obvious by her tone, demeanor, and sense of humor that she did not care to impress people.  She even had a buzz cut in high school, like Sinead O’Connor, which piqued my interest in her.  It was not really the buzz cut itself, but what it said about her. She was not, nor is she, concerned about impressing others.  She showed me I should not judge people by their outward appearance, but by their true being, their heart.  Her heart lead me to open mine to being more accepting of people who express themselves differently than me.

Although our taste in music was as different as night and day, we were able to find common ground. Some of her musical tastes, such as the Dead Kennedys, I absolutely despised.  On the other hand, there were some I liked, such as Billy Idol, The Clash, and Bob Marley.  So, I did what many men before me did, I adapted by immediately buying some new cassettes.  Since Billy Idol was on sale at the local record store, he landed at the top of the playlist on our first date.  Billy was pumping out of the cassette deck in my 1979 Chevette upon arrival at Patty’s house.  As our relationship expanded, so our musical taste merged into more common ground with artist like Cyndi Lauper and UB40.  Cyndi’s song “Time After Time,” along with UB40’s cover of “I Got You Babe,” became part of our journey’s soundtrack.  Cyndi’s lyrics continue to sum up our feelings for each other, “If you're lost you can look and you will find me, time after time, if you fall I will catch you, I'll be waiting, time after time” (Lauper, Hyman).  Patty’s impact in this area of my life is the fuel I burn to continue on this stretch of the road.

Although we still listen to the occasional Clash or Bob Marley record, our musical taste has changed dramatically over the last twenty years.  Since becoming Christians in 1993, we set the negatively influential music to the side of the road.  We exchanged it for the positive, affirming music of contemporary Christian artists.  Looking back at the long and winding road, I can see God’s hand in it all.  He brought us together, two broken halves that fit together like jigsaw puzzle pieces and made us one.  Little did we know that day the bus broke down, God had set a divine appointment for us to meet.  He intended not only for Patty and me to meet, He also intended for both of us to meet Him.  God used her to make me realize the essential truth of life, that we are designed to love and accept one another.  Jesus stated over two-thousand years ago, “You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.  This is the first and greatest commandment.  A second is equally important: Love your neighbor as yourself.  The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments” (Bible –New Living Translation, Matt. 22:37-40 ).

Even after thirty years of sojourning together, my wife is still my greatest source of encouragement and influence here on Earth.  Her influence stretches far beyond my musical taste, but permeates every aspect of my being.  As Henry David Thoreau stated, "If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer” (Thoreau).  Once we were marching to different drummers.  Now our path is in sync with each other and in harmony with God.

Works Cited

Bible - New Living Translation. Carol Stream, Illinois: Tyndale House Publishers, 2014.

Lauper, Cyndi, and Hyman, Rob. "Time After Time." She’s So Unusual. Epic Records, 1983. CD.

Thoreau, Henry David. Walden. Boston: Ticknor and Fields, 1854. Print.

Log bed building, from forest to furniture

      My love of woodworking was inherited from my father and developed in Mr. Maynard’s junior high wood shop.  Both of these men taught me how to plan, design, construct and finish everything from birdhouses to tree forts.  Upon moving to northern Michigan, a co-worker introduced me to rustic woodworking.  The first piece of furniture he showed me how to craft was a rustic cedar log bed.  Cedar log beds are a good first project for the beginning rustic furniture crafter. 

      

      When setting out to craft a queen size, rustic log bed, there are many choices to be made.  The choices of wood are as varied as the trees in the forest.  Whichever type of wood is chosen, ensure the logs are completely dry.  If they are not completely dry, the bed could fall apart as the pieces shrink.  The logs will vary in size based on the part they will play in the construction.  Logs used for the head and foot board post will need to be about six inches in diameter.  These logs should be ones that have character, such as limbs protruding or interesting knots.  The logs used for the rails should be a minimum of four inches in diameter.  The logs for the spindles should also have some character and be about two or three inches in diameter. 

There are several safety precautions that should be taken before beginning.  First, proper eye and ear protections are a must since you will be using hand and power tools.  Second, get to know the tools and their correct usage by reviewing the owner’s manuals.  Finally, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and warnings to avoid injury.     

    Since the logs will most likely have some bark, the next step is to prepare the logs according to the desired style of bed.  There are many styles, such as bark on, hand-hewn, sanded and weathered, all of which bring out the wood’s natural beauty.  Since I prefer hand-hewn, semi-sanded logs, that is the method that will be discussed here.  The term ‘hand-hewn’ refers to the method of log preparation and processing.  With the use of traditional tools, combined with modern methods, production speed is greatly increased.  The process is accomplished in several smaller steps.  To start, a draw knife, which is a blade between two handles that is pulled or drawn across the logs, is needed.  In addition, a way to hold the log in place, such as a helper or shaving mule is required.  Although it sounds silly, a shaving mule, which requires no shaving cream, is an excellent way to increase efficiency.  Once the log is held firmly in place, the draw knife is used to remove the bark.  Care is needed at this point not to overwork the log and deform its shape.  Once all the logs have their bark removed, they are ready to be cut to the proper lengths.  Sanding will come later. 

      At this point, the logs are cut into the various lengths for each part.  The headboard consists of two post four feet in height, eight spindles thirty-six inches in height and two rails five feet in length.  The footboard is made of similar pieces; however, their lengths are two post three feet in height, eight spindles twenty-four inches in height, and the two rails are five feet also.  Two side rails are also needed to join the headboard and footboard together.  They each need to be seven feet long.  Once all these logs are cut, they must be sanded smooth either by hand or with the help of an orbital sander.

      In order to join the spindles to the rails and the rails to the post, tenons and mortises must be made.  Tenons are made with the use of a tenon cutter.  Tenons can either be formed using a draw knife or by mechanical means.  The most efficient way is the use of a tenon cutter, which shapes the end of the logs into round pegs.  The tenon cutter works like a pencil sharpener in that the log's end is turned until it is smaller in diameter than the rest of the log.  The side and head rails require a two-inch tenon on each end, while the spindles require a one-inch tenon.  The mortises are made by mechanical means via a Forstner bit attached to a drill motor.  Each headboard post needs mortises at twenty-six inches and another directly above it at forty-four inches.  The footboard post requires mortises at fifteen inches and thirty-two inches directly above it.  All four require a mortise at twelve inches from the floor, which is ninety degrees from the other two mortises.  The headboard and footboard rails require mortises on the top and bottom rails for each spindle.  It is critical that these top and bottom mortises line up with each other.  Measure and layout the location of the eight mortises, spacing them an equal distant apart.  Ensure that the drill is perpendicular to the rail, otherwise the spindles will not fit properly.  Drill the mortises approximately two-inches deep.

      With all the tenons and mortises completed, the bed is ready to be dry fit together.  This step is critical and cannot be skipped.  Make sure everything fits tightly and double check the dimensions.  Nobody wants their mattress to fall on the floor in the middle of the night.  If you find that the fit is too tight, then sand the tenon until the pieces fit together.  Once final adjustments have been made via sanding or cutting, check one last time for size.  The opening between side rails should measure less than fifty-five inches, since a queen size mattress measures sixty inches wide.  Also the dimension from headboard to footboard should be eighty inches, which is the length of a queen size mattress.  Once these dimensions are correct, disassemble the bed. 

Now it’s time to glue.  The glue of choice is Titebond Original Wood Glue.  The manufacturer states, “It provides a strong initial tack and fast speed of set to reduce clamp time. It also develops a bond stronger than the wood itself, offers excellent sandability and is unaffected by finishes.  Titebond Original is easy to use, non-toxic and cleans up with water.” (Franklin International).  Start by coating the inside of the mortises on the headboard rails with glue.  A small bristle brush works nicely for this job.  Place each spindle inside the mortise, use a soft rubber mallet if needed to ‘persuade’ each into its ‘home.’  Repeat this step for the other rail, being careful not to apply too much glue.  If too much glue is added, it can easily be wiped up with a damp cloth.  The post can be attached to the ladder assembly in the same manner.  Clamping or persuasion with the mallet may be required.  The glue will cause the wood to swell like a sponge, so work fast otherwise the tenon may not fit.  Repeat the above sequence for the footboard as well.  Once the glue has dried, finish with the top coat of your choice.

There are several ways to use the rails to join the head and footboards.  You could glue them; however, it would be difficult to move the bed later to another room or house.  That’s a permanent solution to a temporary problem.  One method would be to use lag bolts through the head and foot boards and cover the lag heads with wood plugs.  While that would work, it does take away from the esthetic beauty of the bed.  The ideal way is to use a crisscross of two lengths of aircraft cable from one corner to the other.  The cables run diagonally from one post to another using eye hooks. A set of turnbuckles in the centers is used to tighten the aircraft cables.

After following these steps, the new rustic log bed is ready to be enjoyed.  A good night's sleep never felt better than on hand-crafted furniture.

 

My take on: Disruptions: More Connected, Yet More Alone

This essay was written in response to an article based on the following video by Charlene deGuzman entitled “I Forgot My Phone.”  You can view the video below and read the article at Disruptions: More Connected, Yet More Alone.

Nick Bilton’s article, Disruptions: More Connected, Yet More Alone, from the September 1, 2013, New York Times’ blog “BITS,” although humorous, may have drawn the wrong conclusion.  The article is an analysis of a humorous, yet cynical, video about how technology has actually disconnected us.  It's a leap to assume that because millions of people watched the video, they are somehow contemplating a change in behavior.  To the contrary, most likely those watching saw themselves in one or more roles portrayed.  They are alright with viewing their life through a smart-phone.  For some, it’s the only life they have ever known.  The video actually shows the culmination of a world obsessed with technology.  Despite Nick Bilton’s assertion that this may be a moment of epiphany, it is unlikely there will be a revolt.  The real issue is much deeper than our technology.  Our technology only enables our society to become more self-centered; thus less caring for one another.

There has always been some form of technology, designed to bring the world closer, which has instead separated us.  Mr. Bilton’s example of a few concert promoters and their performers urging fans not to be distracted, but instead enjoy the show, is the same urging of decades ago.  While I agree that the point is to enjoy the show, there have always been people who would rather view it through a lens.  Before the smart-phone, it was digital and video cameras that separated the people from the performers.  The convenience of smart-phones has only enabled more people to partake in this separation.  It is this evolution of technology that has facilitated the acceptance of estrangement of our fellow man.

Furthermore, Mr. Bilton’s comparison to technology that predates the smart-phone exemplifies the progression of this separation.  The introduction of the television was a technological milestone, which like the smart-phone, promised to bring us together.  On the surface, the television was viewed much like the technology that proceeded it.  Families would gather together around the radio after dinner.  The facts regarding the impact of the television that Mr. Bilton cited are inconsistent with the reality of the impact.  While it is true that most families at first shunned watching television during dinner, it eventually became commonplace.  Interaction between family members via conversation gave way to a one-way conversation with the boob tube.  In its infancy, the television was not as widely available as the smart-phone is today; however, it had a similar effect.  Even though a few sounded the warning bell early in television’s existence, there was no revolution.  The sets remained on.  The same will continue to be true for the smart-phone.

There is more than the technology of smart-phones separating us from one another.  We live in a world full of lonely people who have not developed the skills to relate to others.  Hiding in the isolation of the small screen of a smart-phone is safe.  It’s easier than becoming vulnerable and speaking kind words to one another.  Our society loves the warm fuzzy feeling that technology brings more than we love each other.  The revelation that leads to a revolt against technology, such as smart-phones, will take more than a clever video.  It will take a return to the core values that caused families to care for one another and for their neighbors.  Our own selfishness has allowed this invasion of technology to make us numb to its effects.  There will be no revolution against the smart-phone until we love our neighbors more than ourselves.