It's been a few days, and I appreciate the patience of all my readers. What have I been thinking about and so consumed with, you ask?
Well...
--I finally watched the Godfather I & II, from start to finish. Unfortunately...the second film includes a LOT of Italian scenes, and no, I did not have the version with subscripts. I know, I get it! What is fortunate is that knowing Spanish, I was able to pick it up in pieces. Nevertheless; I found the ending of the first more profound than the second and the second ending more important than the first.
--You may have noticed that I've often posted stories about homeless people that I've met. I've called it Project Homeless and now I'm exploring ideas for a website and ngo that will not only create awareness, but also create opportunities to reach the poor and assist them in finding resources for help. More to come....
--I'm continuing my study through Hamlet by William Shakespeare. He has met his father's ghost and believed it to be the true soul of his dead father rather than an impostor. What is interesting about this scene is how quickly Hamlet is sucked in by the illusion because of his grief rather than relying on rationale. Of course, had Hamlet not believed in the ghost, we might not have a play. Yet; already stricken with confusion and sadness- his emotion turns to anger and revenge following the conversation. He will not let his friends in on what he hopes to accomplish, only swears them to secrecy for what they do know, and continues to stew over the fact that he must go after his uncle for the death of his father, the late King. It is interesting how the mind quickly turns to an "out" in our most devastating moments, whether it be something/someone else to blame or perhaps a way to conceive the closure we think we so desperately need.
--I have begun to read a new book (recommended by a very stellar blog buddy: Amos)- called Sailing the Wine Dark Sea: Why the Greeks Matter. I will have a full posting on my reading soon.
--And of course, I am consumed in writing projects- whether it be for work, future publishing, blogging or project homeless; the ideas are flowing.
So what are you thinking about? What are you consumed with this week?
Showing posts with label Research. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Research. Show all posts
12 August 2008
26 April 2008
Stealing the American Dream P3 Final Thoughts
Looking at what IS known about Irish travelers and how actors like Minnie Driver or Eddie Izzard portray them, no doubt, is a tricky job. But how accurate is the show?
First and foremost, it is important to note that it's a fictional show and the greatest liberty taken is the "great con." That is, the Malloy family takes on the job of stealing the American dream- jobs as a lawyer or dental hygenist, a house with a yard and everyday neighbors, and even going to a private school, with fake names and social security numbers. Those are not elements often found in the Irish traveler lifestyle.
Despite the growing concern for identity theft and even the remote possibility- it is not known to have happened among travelers. What The Riches does show are some of the basic traditions.
The opening episode shows a camp filled with RVs and a close-nit community of families. When Ginny Danngian demands that the Malloys marry off Di Di to her brother as per an agreement- it follows custom of many travelers to arrange marriages for their children.
The religious references along with the superstition are also evident in the show. Cael, during the second season, camps outside the house, believing that their living in Eden Falls is stealing their souls. And Wayne symbolizes the Catholic introduction to prayer when he buries Pete. Most travelers are tied to Roman Catholic beliefs, although because few are nurtured, it becomes more superstition than strict Catholic practice.
Whether it's true that with each funeral there is a marriage, as Ginny proposes in one episode, is unfound. Funerals are held only a couple of times per year for most clans, due to the constant traveling and attempts to allow as many family members possible to attend. Family is very important to the travler lifestyle and immediate family members are more likely to become leaders in their group: fathers, sons, fathers-in-law and sons-in-law. The Riches shows discourse between Dale and Wayne when Dale discovers that his cousin's husband was chosen over him to lead the family. Cousins are typically only chosen when an immediate family member is absent, but in Dale's case, it was because he was incompetent.
As far as identity theft, travelers are often known for such tactics and have even been caught or imprisoned. Toogood was arrested on charges of trying to obtain a false id.
One of the challenges for Wayne and the family is not only be-friending outsiders, but becoming them in an attempt to create a new lifestyle outside family lines. Dmitry Lipkin, the creator of The Riches, I believe does a fine job presenting what little is known about travelers as well as posing a thrilling story-line about a very creative family.
A Few References:
Toogood/CNN/Southcoast Today/Time/Traveler History/The Riches
First and foremost, it is important to note that it's a fictional show and the greatest liberty taken is the "great con." That is, the Malloy family takes on the job of stealing the American dream- jobs as a lawyer or dental hygenist, a house with a yard and everyday neighbors, and even going to a private school, with fake names and social security numbers. Those are not elements often found in the Irish traveler lifestyle.
Despite the growing concern for identity theft and even the remote possibility- it is not known to have happened among travelers. What The Riches does show are some of the basic traditions.
The opening episode shows a camp filled with RVs and a close-nit community of families. When Ginny Danngian demands that the Malloys marry off Di Di to her brother as per an agreement- it follows custom of many travelers to arrange marriages for their children.
The religious references along with the superstition are also evident in the show. Cael, during the second season, camps outside the house, believing that their living in Eden Falls is stealing their souls. And Wayne symbolizes the Catholic introduction to prayer when he buries Pete. Most travelers are tied to Roman Catholic beliefs, although because few are nurtured, it becomes more superstition than strict Catholic practice.
Whether it's true that with each funeral there is a marriage, as Ginny proposes in one episode, is unfound. Funerals are held only a couple of times per year for most clans, due to the constant traveling and attempts to allow as many family members possible to attend. Family is very important to the travler lifestyle and immediate family members are more likely to become leaders in their group: fathers, sons, fathers-in-law and sons-in-law. The Riches shows discourse between Dale and Wayne when Dale discovers that his cousin's husband was chosen over him to lead the family. Cousins are typically only chosen when an immediate family member is absent, but in Dale's case, it was because he was incompetent.
As far as identity theft, travelers are often known for such tactics and have even been caught or imprisoned. Toogood was arrested on charges of trying to obtain a false id.
One of the challenges for Wayne and the family is not only be-friending outsiders, but becoming them in an attempt to create a new lifestyle outside family lines. Dmitry Lipkin, the creator of The Riches, I believe does a fine job presenting what little is known about travelers as well as posing a thrilling story-line about a very creative family.
A Few References:
Toogood/CNN/Southcoast Today/Time/Traveler History/The Riches
20 April 2008
Nuclear Explosion
The world today is genuinely and even legitimately afraid of nuclear power. With terrorist threats more frequent and dangers in various countries around the world vying for power, the word "nuclear" itself is a buzz word for fear.
But what if nuclear power could harnessed and used in improving CO2 emissions? Or perhaps be a useful energy source-for things like heating or electricity?It can and it is. And until a couple of days ago, I would have been skeptical too. I'm not strong in matters of engineering or the science it would take to accomplish something like that. But, I will say it is an interesting idea if it indeed is viable.
The country of France produces 76% of it's electricity through nuclear energy while the United States only uses about 17%. A study from Massachusetts Institute of Technology indidcates that over the next 50 years it is only estimated that nuclear energy worldwide will increase by only 5% whereas it should be increasing by more than 75%, particularly if pollution in the air is a priority.
Burning coal produces pollution and the plants cause a lot of smoke in the areas they're located. Growing up in the mid-west, I was definitely aware of them.
But what if nuclear power could harnessed and used in improving CO2 emissions? Or perhaps be a useful energy source-for things like heating or electricity?It can and it is. And until a couple of days ago, I would have been skeptical too. I'm not strong in matters of engineering or the science it would take to accomplish something like that. But, I will say it is an interesting idea if it indeed is viable.
The country of France produces 76% of it's electricity through nuclear energy while the United States only uses about 17%. A study from Massachusetts Institute of Technology indidcates that over the next 50 years it is only estimated that nuclear energy worldwide will increase by only 5% whereas it should be increasing by more than 75%, particularly if pollution in the air is a priority.
Burning coal produces pollution and the plants cause a lot of smoke in the areas they're located. Growing up in the mid-west, I was definitely aware of them.
But using nuclear will clear the air of smoke and CO2. With the technology available today, safety measures could easily be created to ensure that enough radioactive material be released for energy efficient uses and the waste be buried or recycled. In fact, France uses American technology for its nuclear plants. Generating nuclear energy is actually a alot simpler- the nuclear reactor essentially creates fission which provides heat, energy and electricity. Recently someone explained to me that it's like boiling a pot of water rather than say...buring wood.
However, due to over-regulation in the U.S. and a gross amount of misunderstanding about the nuclear process, regulation for it has yet to happen. In the 1970's; California conducted a study to investigate the safety and uses for nuclear chemicals and plants. But after federal hearings that determined the standards for a nuclear plant could not be met, they were prohibited, by law from constructing the facilities.
Using nuclear energy is a creative idea to clean the environment. The research has been done and is positively conclusive. So the question is now; where is govermental support?
09 April 2008
Stealing the American Dream P2
Madelyne Gorman Toogood did raise concern among other groups of Irish travelers in 2002. In fact; a group in South Carolina came out long enough to clear their reputation. They had never met Mrs. Toogood and did not know her family, but because she too was a traveler, they thought they ought to clear up any misunderstandings.
The Washington Post and Time Magazine both revealed a group of travelers that claimed goodwill and stepped up for an interview. Rose Kathy Sherlock sat down with one reporter and opened up about her life. She mentioned that she never went to school past the eighth grade, as is common among the group. She married into an arranged marriage at the age of 17 and with the community being mostly family, it's not uncommon for cousins to marry cousins. Large sums of money are often exchanged as dowries by the woman's family. But according to World Culture Encyclopedia; the couple still has a say in the finalization of the marriage and among groups of smaller status- more and more women are marrying outside the group, often because they have no dowry to offer.
But it's more than just marriage practices that come into play for such a secretive group. Sherlock's husband, Mike, told another reporter that child abuse doesn't happen there. Most local enforcement will agree, but Mike Sherlock will also say that he knows not all in his community are good citizens.
Travelers such as these come from a long line of Irish that came to the United States in the early to mid-1800's. It is believed they came to the States in order to escape the potato famine in Ireland. It seems they started out in the Northeast as horse and
mule traders and only marrying into similar families with similar ethnicity and occupation. But their business becomes more necessary in the Southern States because of the demand for land maintenance. Today they spread across South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama and Mississippi. Home repairs are the typical trade. But many claim that travelers are just petty con artists who will do a poor job for an expensive rate.
From horse wagons to tents to trucks and trailers the travelers on North America make their way across the country, but always return home to a family, one that integrated in each other's lives and with little contact to regular society.
But whatever the reality; the fact remains that this culture is soaked in tradition and very rarely ventures outside of it. The Riches, on the other hand, draw attention to it. And with its growing popularity; just a little more might be seen about a hidden people.
But just how true does a fictional family stay to what facts ARE known? To be continued...
The Washington Post and Time Magazine both revealed a group of travelers that claimed goodwill and stepped up for an interview. Rose Kathy Sherlock sat down with one reporter and opened up about her life. She mentioned that she never went to school past the eighth grade, as is common among the group. She married into an arranged marriage at the age of 17 and with the community being mostly family, it's not uncommon for cousins to marry cousins. Large sums of money are often exchanged as dowries by the woman's family. But according to World Culture Encyclopedia; the couple still has a say in the finalization of the marriage and among groups of smaller status- more and more women are marrying outside the group, often because they have no dowry to offer.
But it's more than just marriage practices that come into play for such a secretive group. Sherlock's husband, Mike, told another reporter that child abuse doesn't happen there. Most local enforcement will agree, but Mike Sherlock will also say that he knows not all in his community are good citizens.
Travelers such as these come from a long line of Irish that came to the United States in the early to mid-1800's. It is believed they came to the States in order to escape the potato famine in Ireland. It seems they started out in the Northeast as horse and
mule traders and only marrying into similar families with similar ethnicity and occupation. But their business becomes more necessary in the Southern States because of the demand for land maintenance. Today they spread across South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama and Mississippi. Home repairs are the typical trade. But many claim that travelers are just petty con artists who will do a poor job for an expensive rate. 
From horse wagons to tents to trucks and trailers the travelers on North America make their way across the country, but always return home to a family, one that integrated in each other's lives and with little contact to regular society.
But whatever the reality; the fact remains that this culture is soaked in tradition and very rarely ventures outside of it. The Riches, on the other hand, draw attention to it. And with its growing popularity; just a little more might be seen about a hidden people.
But just how true does a fictional family stay to what facts ARE known? To be continued...
03 April 2008
Stealing the American Dream P1
For the past year, I have paid special attention to FX channel series, The Riches. It is a fascinating show about a family of Irish Travelers trying to stay one step ahead of the clan they left behind. What is most moving about that show is there is really no good guy-bad guy scenario, rather, everyone is complicated. The characters you love make devastating choices, and the ones you hate can still be heartfelt.
The show has prompted me to do some research on the actual Irish Travelers in the United States.
It seems that the writers of the show did a fine job researching the Irish Traveler’s traditions- but oddly enough, seldom is known about them. The most well known case is of Madelyne Gorman Toogood, who was caught on video-tape, beating her child.
She had turned herself in when a warrant went out for her arrest. She admitted that it was indeed her and her daughter in the video tape and expressed regret when interviewed by CNN in 2002.
Toogood did not say much concerning her lifestyle or family. She had hoped that child services would give her daughter to one of her 200-300 family members rather than a stranger, that is, foster care. And she also admitted that she comes from a group that often travels looking "for types of work." But like the custom of most travelers; she was very closed-mouthed about the details.
Toogood plead guilty to child endangerment in 2002 and was sentenced to a year of probation, a fine, and a suspended sentence of one year in prison. She was then caught two months later giving a false name for a driver's license in Michigan.
But questions still remain. Who are the Irish Travelers? Did Madelyne give them a bad name? And do the Riches portray travelers efficiently?
To be continued...
The show has prompted me to do some research on the actual Irish Travelers in the United States.
It seems that the writers of the show did a fine job researching the Irish Traveler’s traditions- but oddly enough, seldom is known about them. The most well known case is of Madelyne Gorman Toogood, who was caught on video-tape, beating her child.
She had turned herself in when a warrant went out for her arrest. She admitted that it was indeed her and her daughter in the video tape and expressed regret when interviewed by CNN in 2002.
Toogood did not say much concerning her lifestyle or family. She had hoped that child services would give her daughter to one of her 200-300 family members rather than a stranger, that is, foster care. And she also admitted that she comes from a group that often travels looking "for types of work." But like the custom of most travelers; she was very closed-mouthed about the details.
Toogood plead guilty to child endangerment in 2002 and was sentenced to a year of probation, a fine, and a suspended sentence of one year in prison. She was then caught two months later giving a false name for a driver's license in Michigan.
But questions still remain. Who are the Irish Travelers? Did Madelyne give them a bad name? And do the Riches portray travelers efficiently?
To be continued...
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