Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Monday, March 29, 2010
490 Blog 5
This past week, our group visited the Santo Spirito Hospital in Rome. This hospital is the oldest in Europe, dating back to the year 727. It was interesting to see the setup of an Italian hospital and to learn about how things are done here. It was also fun to pretend to be a doctor for a day, since we were required to wear scrubs while in the hospital.
We began our tour of the hospital in a classroom where Italian nursing students are taught. The hospital is also a school of nursing, and their courses seem to be designed in a similar way to the courses in America. We were told some of the facts about the school, and I was surprised to hear that nurses are in abundance in Italy as opposed to the shortage in the U.S.
The director of the hospital spoke to us for a while as well, and he gave us some insight into the ups and downs of the socialized health care system in Italy. This was very fascinating since the U.S. has recently passed new health care legislation. One of the standout comments that the director made was that the hospital struggles to balance cost with income. Based on the problems he pointed out in the current system, it seemed obvious that this struggle was caused by universal health care. However, he did not seem completely against the system, he was only aware of its flaws. For example, he said that the general practitioners in Italy are not usually very knowledgeable. Because of this, they will often send patients to the hospital when they do not necessarily need hospital care. In order to do this, the practitioners will send the patients to the hospital in the middle of the night (when the practitioner is unavailable to see patients), thus cheating the system and “sneaking” patients into the hospital. Overall, the system sounded very complicated, and it was even more difficult to grasp because the director spoke broken English. Nonetheless, it was a very interesting discussion.
After this introduction, we began our tour of the hospital. We walked past rooms where surgeries were carried out, and we saw the care units where post-surgery patients and other in-patients were kept. The rooms in this section were color-coded based on which patients required more or less care from the nursing staff. It was here that were introduced to an American patient who was also a college student. He was from Arizona State University, and was visiting Rome on his spring break. He had been robbed of his money, beaten, and stabbed multiple times. I am guessing that he it was late at night, alcohol was involved, and he was in a bad area of the city.
We also saw a section of the hospital where patients with cardiac problems were kept. The monitoring of these patients was pretty intense, and our group had to split up and take turns viewing the room so that we did not disturb or alarm the patients. After this we saw the labor wing of the hospital. We went through each room that a pregnant woman would go through during the course of giving birth. We were even able to see the room where the actual births take place, which was very interesting. We were also able to see a couple of Italian babies before we left, which got everyone pretty googly-eyed.
In the end, I found our trip to the hospital much more interesting than I had anticipated.
We began our tour of the hospital in a classroom where Italian nursing students are taught. The hospital is also a school of nursing, and their courses seem to be designed in a similar way to the courses in America. We were told some of the facts about the school, and I was surprised to hear that nurses are in abundance in Italy as opposed to the shortage in the U.S.
The director of the hospital spoke to us for a while as well, and he gave us some insight into the ups and downs of the socialized health care system in Italy. This was very fascinating since the U.S. has recently passed new health care legislation. One of the standout comments that the director made was that the hospital struggles to balance cost with income. Based on the problems he pointed out in the current system, it seemed obvious that this struggle was caused by universal health care. However, he did not seem completely against the system, he was only aware of its flaws. For example, he said that the general practitioners in Italy are not usually very knowledgeable. Because of this, they will often send patients to the hospital when they do not necessarily need hospital care. In order to do this, the practitioners will send the patients to the hospital in the middle of the night (when the practitioner is unavailable to see patients), thus cheating the system and “sneaking” patients into the hospital. Overall, the system sounded very complicated, and it was even more difficult to grasp because the director spoke broken English. Nonetheless, it was a very interesting discussion.
After this introduction, we began our tour of the hospital. We walked past rooms where surgeries were carried out, and we saw the care units where post-surgery patients and other in-patients were kept. The rooms in this section were color-coded based on which patients required more or less care from the nursing staff. It was here that were introduced to an American patient who was also a college student. He was from Arizona State University, and was visiting Rome on his spring break. He had been robbed of his money, beaten, and stabbed multiple times. I am guessing that he it was late at night, alcohol was involved, and he was in a bad area of the city.
We also saw a section of the hospital where patients with cardiac problems were kept. The monitoring of these patients was pretty intense, and our group had to split up and take turns viewing the room so that we did not disturb or alarm the patients. After this we saw the labor wing of the hospital. We went through each room that a pregnant woman would go through during the course of giving birth. We were even able to see the room where the actual births take place, which was very interesting. We were also able to see a couple of Italian babies before we left, which got everyone pretty googly-eyed.
In the end, I found our trip to the hospital much more interesting than I had anticipated.
Friday, March 26, 2010
225 Blog 5
For this journal entry, I will discuss the historical background of the Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi, or “Fountain of the Four Rivers” in the famous Piazza Navona in Rome.
The Fountain of the Four Rivers was designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini in about 1651. The fountain was created in Baroque style, and it consists of four gods in each corner, representing the four major rivers of the world known at that time. These four figures create the base for a great obelisk. The fountain was commissioned by Pope Innocent X. However, when Innocent X set up the competition for which sculptor would design the fountain, he excluded Bernini from competing because many Romans were in opposition of Bernini.
A wealthy aristocrat, who was Bernini’s friend as well as Innocent X’s nephew-in-law, convinced Bernini to design a model for the fountain and have it secretly placed in a room that the pope walked through daily. When Innocent X walked through the room, he was said to have stopped in his tracks in ecstasy. After admiring the sculpture, he exclaimed, “This is a trick. It will be necessary to employ Bernini in spite of those who do not wish it, for he who desires not to use Bernini’s designs, must take care not to see them.”
The fountain was unveiled to the public on June 12, 1651. Before this, the fountain had been covered by scaffolding with large veils over top so that no one could witness its construction. When the fountain was revealed, the reactions of the Roman population were mixed. Many were in awe at its spectacular design and praised its beauty. But many of the people were very upset. The fountain had been paid for and constructed during and shortly after the severe famine of 1646-1648. People complained, posting notes on the fountain and the nearby statue in the Piazza Pasquino saying “We do not want obelisks and Fountains, it is bread we want.” Innocent X had many of these protesters arrested, and he also had street vendors expelled from the Piazza Navona because he felt that they took away from the beauty of the square.
Regardless of initial reactions, the Piazza Navona remains one of the most beautiful and popular places in Rome. The area is always crowded with vendors, tourists, and Italian locals. And standing in the center is one of Bernini’s greatest works, The Fountain of the Four Rivers.
325 Blog 5
In class the other day, we discussed the difference between European leisure and American leisure. Is leisure a lost art for Americans? After spending a day in the Borghese Gardens (basically the “Central Park” of Rome), I was able to relax and collect my thoughts on what it means to chill out.
In America, it seems that when people travel or lounge, it is always considered a “break.” When Americans relax, it is in order to gain their energy back to complete the next day’s work. It would appear that Americans actually work too hard, because their leisure time is always focused on their work. Or perhaps Americans simply focus more on their careers as the defining aspect of their life.
In Europe, on the other hand, leisure time seems to have less focus on regaining energy, and more focus on enjoying one’s self in that moment. This may be because Italians seem to worry less about what they do for a living than in the United States. In Italy, and Rome in particular, social status does not seem to matter. Luigi Barzini acknowledges this in "The Italians." He says that “the tiring game of extracting social recognition from others and expensively impressing the world with one’s own fortune, name or rank, is played by a relatively small minority of Italians,” and many of these have foreign ties. Italians do not gawk over Ferraris in the road, nor does a wealthy Italian man stick his nose up to an average Roman citizen. It is known that the one man has more wealth and power, but conversation between the two men will seem as if two old friends just ran into each other. Also, Italians seem to enjoy their average jobs more than Americans. Owners of small shops and restaurants are incredibly enthusiastic when attempting to serve you. Whenever I enter a store, I suddenly wish I could speak fluent Italian. I want to be able to engage the owners in conversation, because they seem so anxious to speak to me about anything. Barzini also explained this phenomenon by saying that it is each Italian’s duty to make one another feel important. For example, as I browse through stores, shop owners will often create deals that are “just for me.” This is especially noticeable when Danilo is with us, because he is Italian and usually knows the owners of the shops. They each attempt to make each other feel special, and each Italian is expected to return these small favors.
For our class activity on Monday, we were required to enter the Borghese Gardens and relax. When we arrived at the park, we sat to eat some sandwiches we had bought. I immediately realized that our class discussion was very accurate. As we started walking around the park, I realized that I was thinking about the things that I had to do later that day. Particularly, I had to read some of my books and write this blog. I had brought one of my books with me to the city, but I felt that if I sat in the park and started to read it, I would be failing my class assignment. So, I left my book in Ben’s bag and broke from the group. I walked by myself for a while and took in the atmosphere of the park. I snapped a few pictures, sat on a bench and people-watched, and discovered a few statues and fountains. By being in the park, I realized how adjusted I had become to living in Rome. If we had gone to the Borghese Gardens in our first week, I would have had taken a thousand pictures, walked at a quick pace, and my eyes would have been wide. Instead, I was able to relax in a park in a city that felt like home. I did the same things in the Borghese Gardens as I would have done in a park at home. The only difference is that I was in Rome. I realized in a moment what this entire experience of living in another country means. This trip will shape who I am for the rest of my life. The fact that I feel at home now in an entire different culture in a different country is incredible. I am not sure what it will mean for me, but I know it will somehow make me a better person. Well cultured, mature, and more confident (or at least more comfortable) than ever before.
Because I realized these things, I finally felt that I had accomplished my goals for the class. It was Aristotle’s philosophy that leisure time should be used to improve one’s self. It is difficult to explain how this improvement comes about. Through introspection, communicating with others freely, and simply letting one’s mind be free, we can come to new conclusions about who we are. Regardless of how I use my leisure time (to regain energy for work, or simply to enjoy myself), I feel that I am capable of improving myself through relaxation. And I feel that the Borghese Gardens are a great place to do this.
In America, it seems that when people travel or lounge, it is always considered a “break.” When Americans relax, it is in order to gain their energy back to complete the next day’s work. It would appear that Americans actually work too hard, because their leisure time is always focused on their work. Or perhaps Americans simply focus more on their careers as the defining aspect of their life.
In Europe, on the other hand, leisure time seems to have less focus on regaining energy, and more focus on enjoying one’s self in that moment. This may be because Italians seem to worry less about what they do for a living than in the United States. In Italy, and Rome in particular, social status does not seem to matter. Luigi Barzini acknowledges this in "The Italians." He says that “the tiring game of extracting social recognition from others and expensively impressing the world with one’s own fortune, name or rank, is played by a relatively small minority of Italians,” and many of these have foreign ties. Italians do not gawk over Ferraris in the road, nor does a wealthy Italian man stick his nose up to an average Roman citizen. It is known that the one man has more wealth and power, but conversation between the two men will seem as if two old friends just ran into each other. Also, Italians seem to enjoy their average jobs more than Americans. Owners of small shops and restaurants are incredibly enthusiastic when attempting to serve you. Whenever I enter a store, I suddenly wish I could speak fluent Italian. I want to be able to engage the owners in conversation, because they seem so anxious to speak to me about anything. Barzini also explained this phenomenon by saying that it is each Italian’s duty to make one another feel important. For example, as I browse through stores, shop owners will often create deals that are “just for me.” This is especially noticeable when Danilo is with us, because he is Italian and usually knows the owners of the shops. They each attempt to make each other feel special, and each Italian is expected to return these small favors.
For our class activity on Monday, we were required to enter the Borghese Gardens and relax. When we arrived at the park, we sat to eat some sandwiches we had bought. I immediately realized that our class discussion was very accurate. As we started walking around the park, I realized that I was thinking about the things that I had to do later that day. Particularly, I had to read some of my books and write this blog. I had brought one of my books with me to the city, but I felt that if I sat in the park and started to read it, I would be failing my class assignment. So, I left my book in Ben’s bag and broke from the group. I walked by myself for a while and took in the atmosphere of the park. I snapped a few pictures, sat on a bench and people-watched, and discovered a few statues and fountains. By being in the park, I realized how adjusted I had become to living in Rome. If we had gone to the Borghese Gardens in our first week, I would have had taken a thousand pictures, walked at a quick pace, and my eyes would have been wide. Instead, I was able to relax in a park in a city that felt like home. I did the same things in the Borghese Gardens as I would have done in a park at home. The only difference is that I was in Rome. I realized in a moment what this entire experience of living in another country means. This trip will shape who I am for the rest of my life. The fact that I feel at home now in an entire different culture in a different country is incredible. I am not sure what it will mean for me, but I know it will somehow make me a better person. Well cultured, mature, and more confident (or at least more comfortable) than ever before.
Because I realized these things, I finally felt that I had accomplished my goals for the class. It was Aristotle’s philosophy that leisure time should be used to improve one’s self. It is difficult to explain how this improvement comes about. Through introspection, communicating with others freely, and simply letting one’s mind be free, we can come to new conclusions about who we are. Regardless of how I use my leisure time (to regain energy for work, or simply to enjoy myself), I feel that I am capable of improving myself through relaxation. And I feel that the Borghese Gardens are a great place to do this.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
490 Blog 4
This past weekend has been very interesting to say the least. We interviewed Italians in the streets of Rome, saw an attempted burglary against Professor Mustafaga at Roma Termini, and witnessed teenagers using hard drugs on a train in Naples. And amidst all of this chaos, we had a great trip to Naples, Pompeii, and Sorrento. We ate pizza where pizza was invented and enjoyed great views of the ocean.
For this blog, I will focus on the experience of surveying Italians in the vicinity of a local Roman market. Our class was asked to survey Italians about their personal health and their health care system. In order to do this, we had to go into an area in Rome where the number of tourists is very limited. We travelled to a local market near the train station that we had never been to. We were given papers with questions written in Italian on them, and then set loose to interview anyone who was willing.
I was somewhat pessimistic about this challenge at first. After all, I am constantly turning down papers and opportunities from people in the streets of Rome. This is not to mention that Italians are naturally suspicious people, as Luigi Barzini explains in his book, "The Italians." Barzini explains that all Italians come to the realization that “life can be pitiless and ugly.” Because of this, Italians are likely to assume the worst when someone in the street approaches them with a pen and paper. However, I was surprised that I was only turned down a few times before I found someone who was willing to fill out the survey. From there on, it was smooth sailing. I quickly swept through a small piazza, getting about seven or eight people to cooperate.
I hit a slow point after that, and I learned that certain people were more liable to fill out the survey than others. Older men were the most difficult to question. One man thought about it, but when I told him I was an American student he laughed at me and walked away. Older people in general were more difficult to attract, but women were usually more keen to participate. There was one group of people that were very easy to get to cooperate, and that was the young female crowd. Hmm…
There were also mixed reactions to the questions on the survey. Many of the Italians I approached would look at the survey before making a choice. Most realized it was harmless and would then complete the survey, but some would look at it and immediately turn away, muttering things in Italian at me. The younger crowds would laugh at the survey as they answered. I am hoping that they were laughing because they were unsure of an answer, and not because they were making up goofy responses.
All in all, I was very happy with my results. I did not get all of the twenty surveys completed as I was supposed to, but it was a great experience. I was put in a position that made me feel insecure, and I was forced to overcome that feeling to complete the task. By doing this, I realized that I had no need to worry. I quickly rose above the fear of failure. Even if I was turned down, the people were usually nice about it. It is always refreshing to be reminded that most people in the world are friendly, or at least act like it.
For this blog, I will focus on the experience of surveying Italians in the vicinity of a local Roman market. Our class was asked to survey Italians about their personal health and their health care system. In order to do this, we had to go into an area in Rome where the number of tourists is very limited. We travelled to a local market near the train station that we had never been to. We were given papers with questions written in Italian on them, and then set loose to interview anyone who was willing.
I was somewhat pessimistic about this challenge at first. After all, I am constantly turning down papers and opportunities from people in the streets of Rome. This is not to mention that Italians are naturally suspicious people, as Luigi Barzini explains in his book, "The Italians." Barzini explains that all Italians come to the realization that “life can be pitiless and ugly.” Because of this, Italians are likely to assume the worst when someone in the street approaches them with a pen and paper. However, I was surprised that I was only turned down a few times before I found someone who was willing to fill out the survey. From there on, it was smooth sailing. I quickly swept through a small piazza, getting about seven or eight people to cooperate.
I hit a slow point after that, and I learned that certain people were more liable to fill out the survey than others. Older men were the most difficult to question. One man thought about it, but when I told him I was an American student he laughed at me and walked away. Older people in general were more difficult to attract, but women were usually more keen to participate. There was one group of people that were very easy to get to cooperate, and that was the young female crowd. Hmm…
There were also mixed reactions to the questions on the survey. Many of the Italians I approached would look at the survey before making a choice. Most realized it was harmless and would then complete the survey, but some would look at it and immediately turn away, muttering things in Italian at me. The younger crowds would laugh at the survey as they answered. I am hoping that they were laughing because they were unsure of an answer, and not because they were making up goofy responses.
All in all, I was very happy with my results. I did not get all of the twenty surveys completed as I was supposed to, but it was a great experience. I was put in a position that made me feel insecure, and I was forced to overcome that feeling to complete the task. By doing this, I realized that I had no need to worry. I quickly rose above the fear of failure. Even if I was turned down, the people were usually nice about it. It is always refreshing to be reminded that most people in the world are friendly, or at least act like it.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
325 Blog 4
Walking through the city of Rome, one is sure to find multiple “piazzas” in a short amount of time. These piazzas are areas, usually paved with cobblestones, which contain a section in which no traffic is allowed. Each piazza varies in size, but there are always places to sit and eat. One of the other main features of a piazza is a fountain or some form of sculpture. Most piazzas contain some important work of art, and all of them have their own beauty.
As Muriel Spark once explained in an essay: in Rome children play in fountains designed by Bernini, foreign embassies exist in buildings created by Michelangelo, and the clothing of locals hang to dry outside the windows of 15th century buildings. Only in Rome will you see these sights, and piazzas contain all of these. Amongst the rush associated with the city of Rome, a piazza provides instant relief. In these places, tourists and locals somehow remember that we all occasionally need to slow down to enjoy life. Artists attempt to sell portraits of tourists, writers post up on a bench and record mysterious words in a journal, and children run and play amongst everyone.
The piazzas, especially the large and beautiful ones, are crowded just like the rest of Rome. But it is a different type of crowd. Everyone shares a similar state of mind, and piazzas are one of the best places to feel the culture of Rome. In these locations, one can hear the real noise of the city. Waiters stand outside their cafes and try to lure in anyone who walks by with talks of great food for low prices. Children laugh as they chase pigeons or run with the dogs that are unleashed. And listening to all of the people milling around in a piazza, often five or six different languages can be deciphered.
The piazzas are designed in the true image of Rome. It is here that you can understand what the author Alice Steinbach described best: “Rome has endured.” Throughout history, Rome has always been one of the most important cities in the world. And Rome still holds this importance today. In these piazzas, we can experience the great history of Rome while enjoying the modern culture that has inhabited the city. Piazzas in Rome are unlike any parks in any other city, just as Rome is unique from any other place in the world.
As Muriel Spark once explained in an essay: in Rome children play in fountains designed by Bernini, foreign embassies exist in buildings created by Michelangelo, and the clothing of locals hang to dry outside the windows of 15th century buildings. Only in Rome will you see these sights, and piazzas contain all of these. Amongst the rush associated with the city of Rome, a piazza provides instant relief. In these places, tourists and locals somehow remember that we all occasionally need to slow down to enjoy life. Artists attempt to sell portraits of tourists, writers post up on a bench and record mysterious words in a journal, and children run and play amongst everyone.
The piazzas, especially the large and beautiful ones, are crowded just like the rest of Rome. But it is a different type of crowd. Everyone shares a similar state of mind, and piazzas are one of the best places to feel the culture of Rome. In these locations, one can hear the real noise of the city. Waiters stand outside their cafes and try to lure in anyone who walks by with talks of great food for low prices. Children laugh as they chase pigeons or run with the dogs that are unleashed. And listening to all of the people milling around in a piazza, often five or six different languages can be deciphered.
The piazzas are designed in the true image of Rome. It is here that you can understand what the author Alice Steinbach described best: “Rome has endured.” Throughout history, Rome has always been one of the most important cities in the world. And Rome still holds this importance today. In these piazzas, we can experience the great history of Rome while enjoying the modern culture that has inhabited the city. Piazzas in Rome are unlike any parks in any other city, just as Rome is unique from any other place in the world.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Friday, March 12, 2010
490 Blog 3
Today’s topic of discussion concerns the involvement of the government in the individual lives of citizens. How much control or influence should a government have in my life?
Governments were created to establish organization. All governments have obligations that must be fulfilled in order to create and maintain this organization. For example, laws must be made, rights must be established, and there must be a system for how political leaders are selected. However, organization can be created with limited control over each individual’s life. An example of this would be the “seat belt law.” There are certain laws, such as rules against robbery, that are necessary because they prevent immoral and unfair behavior. But a law requiring drivers to wear seat belts does not prevent any behavior that could potentially hurt someone other than the driver. It is the driver’s choice to not wear a seatbelt. This may not be a very intelligent decision, but it is his/her decision. The United States were founded on the principal that each citizen would be given great freedom of choice. The more we are limited, the less human we become.
For as long as I can remember I have felt that, as an American, I am able to acquire what I need, work for what I want, and be the person that I choose to be. I will follow the laws that are laid out for me, because most of them have very good reasons for their existence. But I do not want the government making all of my decisions for me. If I want to eat junk food I will, and if I want to drive without a seatbelt then it is my decision. I understand that these are unhealthy decisions, and I am glad that I am informed of that. But I do not want someone telling me how to live my life. Everyone in this country has an equal opportunity to create their own life, but that does not mean that we are all equal. I am different from my classmates, who are all different from each other. We should not have to live our lives in exactly the same fashion as one another, which I feel is the direction that some people are taking.
In my opinion, government control should be limited to the controls that are absolutely necessary. Otherwise, we will slowly slip down into a system in which every citizen has a set diet, children will be unable to play sports because competition hurts feelings, and individual personality will dry up.
Governments were created to establish organization. All governments have obligations that must be fulfilled in order to create and maintain this organization. For example, laws must be made, rights must be established, and there must be a system for how political leaders are selected. However, organization can be created with limited control over each individual’s life. An example of this would be the “seat belt law.” There are certain laws, such as rules against robbery, that are necessary because they prevent immoral and unfair behavior. But a law requiring drivers to wear seat belts does not prevent any behavior that could potentially hurt someone other than the driver. It is the driver’s choice to not wear a seatbelt. This may not be a very intelligent decision, but it is his/her decision. The United States were founded on the principal that each citizen would be given great freedom of choice. The more we are limited, the less human we become.
For as long as I can remember I have felt that, as an American, I am able to acquire what I need, work for what I want, and be the person that I choose to be. I will follow the laws that are laid out for me, because most of them have very good reasons for their existence. But I do not want the government making all of my decisions for me. If I want to eat junk food I will, and if I want to drive without a seatbelt then it is my decision. I understand that these are unhealthy decisions, and I am glad that I am informed of that. But I do not want someone telling me how to live my life. Everyone in this country has an equal opportunity to create their own life, but that does not mean that we are all equal. I am different from my classmates, who are all different from each other. We should not have to live our lives in exactly the same fashion as one another, which I feel is the direction that some people are taking.
In my opinion, government control should be limited to the controls that are absolutely necessary. Otherwise, we will slowly slip down into a system in which every citizen has a set diet, children will be unable to play sports because competition hurts feelings, and individual personality will dry up.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
225 Blog 3
In this journal entry, I will take a look at the iconology of The Birth of Venus, a painting by Sandro Botticelli.
The true meaning of this painting is a matter of debate. It is not known why it was painted, though it is said that it was created sometime around 1485-1487. The image in The Birth of Venus is very similar to the description of a scene in a poem by Angelo Poliziano. Though there is no document of the entire and exact content of the painting, it is clear that Venus is the focal point. Venus is a Roman goddess associated with love, beauty, and fertility. She is also often used to create sexual desire. In the painting, she is shown emerging from the sea as a woman, arriving at the shore on a massive sea shell.
Venus is depicted as an image of beauty. Blonde, pale skin, and voluptuous, the goddess is shown as an Italian Renaissance ideal woman. Also, the beautiful gardens, flowers being cast over Venus, and the soft draperies over the other figures show that this painting is meant to invoke pleasure in the viewer. It is believed that the viewer is meant to feel a physical response when viewing Venus, which in turn lifts their minds towards God. The image of the most beautiful of all goddesses should create the feeling of divine love in its onlookers.
This painting also has a very unreal look to it, creating the divinity of the scene. Venus stands in a position that is physically impossible to hold. Also, she stands on the edge of the shell, which would surely tip if it was obeying the laws of physics. Looking at the other subjects of the painting, it is clear that the wind has no discernable direction. The figures cast no shadows, as if they produce their own light.
325 Blog 3
The city of Rome is full of history. A majority of this history relates to religion, particularly Catholicism. Being a Catholic, I am more than interested in the cathedrals and the stories of Rome. At times, seeing the history of the Catholic Church bolsters my faith, while at other times I question the reasoning of the church.
As we travel through Rome, we are sure to find ten new churches every day. I would not be surprised if there are more churches in Rome than in the entire United States. And each church is more spectacular than the last. Decorated with marble statues, painted domes, and golden altars, the churches are testament to the importance of religion in history. But I also feel that they are testament to the power and wealth of the Catholic Church, which may not have always been acting on the guidelines it preaches. Although I understand that the beautiful churches were dedicated to God, I sometimes wonder if they are really necessary. Could the money used for a church have been used for a better cause, and where did this money come from? However, we have also experienced things that reinforce my faith.
We recently visited the Scala Santa, or “Holy Stairs.” These are the 28 steps that led up to the praetorium of Pontius Pilate in Jerusalem. It is said that Jesus Christ walked up these stairs on his way to trial. They were moved from Jerusalem to Rome by St. Helena in the 4th century. The stairs, which are made of white marble, are now encased in wood so that no one may touch the holy ground that Jesus walked on. Also, if you wish to ascend the stairs, you must walk up them on your knees, stopping to pray on each step. Some of our group members, myself included, decided to climb the stairs. Once we began our ascent, I soon realized that it was going to be one of the most painful experiences I ever willingly took part in. Our group moved fairly quickly, saying a short, silent prayer on each stair. Though we did not take long to reach the top stair, I still felt I had accomplished something great. Considering I have not been a very devout Catholic recently, I felt that I had proven that I am still faithful.
However, my sense of accomplishment was soon diminished. After taking a break at the top of the staircase, we walked back down (on the stairs you are allowed to walk on, of course). When we were back at the bottom, I realized that there were two nuns climbing the stairs that had started going up before I did. I had passed them shortly after starting my climb. I was shocked to see that these nuns were still not even halfway up the stairs. They were praying an entire rosary on every step. Although this made me feel like a baby for complaining about the stairs, it was a very moving sight. For anyone to take that amount of time to ascend those steps, they truly must have given themselves to God. In that moment I realized what religion is and what it can do for a person. The power of faith is incredible to witness.
As we travel through Rome, we are sure to find ten new churches every day. I would not be surprised if there are more churches in Rome than in the entire United States. And each church is more spectacular than the last. Decorated with marble statues, painted domes, and golden altars, the churches are testament to the importance of religion in history. But I also feel that they are testament to the power and wealth of the Catholic Church, which may not have always been acting on the guidelines it preaches. Although I understand that the beautiful churches were dedicated to God, I sometimes wonder if they are really necessary. Could the money used for a church have been used for a better cause, and where did this money come from? However, we have also experienced things that reinforce my faith.
We recently visited the Scala Santa, or “Holy Stairs.” These are the 28 steps that led up to the praetorium of Pontius Pilate in Jerusalem. It is said that Jesus Christ walked up these stairs on his way to trial. They were moved from Jerusalem to Rome by St. Helena in the 4th century. The stairs, which are made of white marble, are now encased in wood so that no one may touch the holy ground that Jesus walked on. Also, if you wish to ascend the stairs, you must walk up them on your knees, stopping to pray on each step. Some of our group members, myself included, decided to climb the stairs. Once we began our ascent, I soon realized that it was going to be one of the most painful experiences I ever willingly took part in. Our group moved fairly quickly, saying a short, silent prayer on each stair. Though we did not take long to reach the top stair, I still felt I had accomplished something great. Considering I have not been a very devout Catholic recently, I felt that I had proven that I am still faithful.
However, my sense of accomplishment was soon diminished. After taking a break at the top of the staircase, we walked back down (on the stairs you are allowed to walk on, of course). When we were back at the bottom, I realized that there were two nuns climbing the stairs that had started going up before I did. I had passed them shortly after starting my climb. I was shocked to see that these nuns were still not even halfway up the stairs. They were praying an entire rosary on every step. Although this made me feel like a baby for complaining about the stairs, it was a very moving sight. For anyone to take that amount of time to ascend those steps, they truly must have given themselves to God. In that moment I realized what religion is and what it can do for a person. The power of faith is incredible to witness.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
490 Blog 2
“People from all over the world come to the Cleveland Clinic for care and the Clinic is rated the best hospital in the U.S., yet not everyone in Cuyahoga County is healthy, explain.”
Because the Cleveland Clinic is rated as the best hospital in the United States, it can charge higher prices for its services. Therefore, the Clinic’s services are reserved for those who can afford medical coverage. People travel from all over the world to receive treatment at the Clinic, but these people all have something in common. They all have the money to travel to Cleveland. They also have the money to pay for the treatment the Clinic provides them with.
Cuyahoga County includes some very nice areas, but it also includes the city of Cleveland. Cleveland has high poverty and unemployment rates. In fact, the overall rate of individuals with income below poverty level in Cuyahoga County is 26.3%. Because of this, many of the residents there cannot afford good medical coverage, and surely are unable to afford care at the Cleveland Clinic. This explains why many people in Cuyahoga County are unhealthy.
Ideally, universal health care would solve this problem. However, I am confused by how this would work. If everyone in the country was provided with medical coverage, who would decide which patients get to receive treatment from the Cleveland Clinic rather than from another hospital? And what about patients who travel from other countries to receive care at the Clinic? I feel that money would still be an issue for who receives the better care. I am not sure that I understand how the government would plan to ensure equal health care for all when certain hospitals are better than others. I guess I am curious to learn more about the universal plan.
Because the Cleveland Clinic is rated as the best hospital in the United States, it can charge higher prices for its services. Therefore, the Clinic’s services are reserved for those who can afford medical coverage. People travel from all over the world to receive treatment at the Clinic, but these people all have something in common. They all have the money to travel to Cleveland. They also have the money to pay for the treatment the Clinic provides them with.
Cuyahoga County includes some very nice areas, but it also includes the city of Cleveland. Cleveland has high poverty and unemployment rates. In fact, the overall rate of individuals with income below poverty level in Cuyahoga County is 26.3%. Because of this, many of the residents there cannot afford good medical coverage, and surely are unable to afford care at the Cleveland Clinic. This explains why many people in Cuyahoga County are unhealthy.
Ideally, universal health care would solve this problem. However, I am confused by how this would work. If everyone in the country was provided with medical coverage, who would decide which patients get to receive treatment from the Cleveland Clinic rather than from another hospital? And what about patients who travel from other countries to receive care at the Clinic? I feel that money would still be an issue for who receives the better care. I am not sure that I understand how the government would plan to ensure equal health care for all when certain hospitals are better than others. I guess I am curious to learn more about the universal plan.
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Thursday, March 4, 2010
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