HUM 325 Week 8

“There are so many things in Rome that I don’t like: the traffic, the Gogolesque bureaucratic quagmire, the endless expanse of car roofs, the violence… But Rome is still endlessly fascinating… A flash of sunlight through a flotilla of shifting clouds glancing between two cinquecento palazzi is enough for the city to appear renewed in all its charm,” explains Federico Fellini in The Smiles of Rome. Fellini goes on to tell us that Rome “obliges us to make contact with remote and unknown parts of ourselves.”

Coming to Rome, I knew I would change. I did not know exactly how, or what would change. But I knew I would. Not only because I have been told that Rome changes people, but I was also hoping that this experience would help me grow as a person, an individual. Right now, 3 days before we are leaving to go home, I can see numerous differences in who I was before this experience, and who I am know. And I also feel as if I will see more differences after my return to the States.

In the past, history, for me, was stupid. I really did not care much about it at all. Being in Rome, this incredible, historic place, has much aided in my interest of the past. After all, what is the Colosseum, the Baths, the Aquaducts, Pompeii, St. Peter’s, and everything else without the history that comes with it? They are all astonishing by themselves, but the knowledge of how they came to be makes them that much better. Even though it is a minor change, I feel as if being here has aided in the importance of something, or someone’s, past. I know actually want to learn about what I’m see, whether it be in America, or not. If I could go back in time two months, I would have done additional research on what we were going to see, because at times it got overwhelming and I feel as if I, on occasion, did not retain much information. Overall, the significance of history is definitely something I will take home with me.

The change in culture has shaped my new self as well. New experiences and new things. A totally different way of life has facilitated a whole new outlook on life for me. One thing about the culture that I can really see a change in me is the food. I was not very open to trying new foods, especially those containing meat, and I have found myself trying, and liking a variety of foods that I would not even have a bit of at home. More over, when I first got here, I was totally freaked out by the lack of personal space here. I felt so uncomfortable being so close to strangers, sometimes even people in our group, on the trains, buses, and metros, but now it kind of just seems natural, and okay.

As meeting new people is one of my favorite things in the world, I tend to not be open to forming new “best” friends. For me, it’s all about trust, and I do not trust people unless they give me a reason to. To be perfectly honest, I knew everyone here would get close, but I feel as if some of us got closer than I expected. I did not expect for me to dread going home because I would not get to see everyone when I woke up in the morning. I did not expect myself to form such grand friendships with some of the people here. Friendships that I hope, and I pray, will never fade. The kind of friendships that, no matter how far away you are, you know they are there. The kind where a call at 3 AM is acceptable, if needed. The kind that, no matter what happens, they will always be there. I did not expect this, and for me, it’s big, because it represents that my trust, and faith, in others is growing, and maturing.

My family and friends have always been significant to me, more than I can even begin to explain. But being across the world for two months has really made me appreciate everything my family, and friends, has done for me, and how much they have been there for me. They say you don't know what you have until it's gone. And even though they are not gone, I really did not realize what I had until I could not call, text, or give someone a hug when I needed, or wanted to. I did not realize how much they supported me with everyone, and I am truly grateful for everything my family, especially my parents, and my friends, have done for me.

Prior to this experience, my religion, my faith, was there, but I never acted on it, mostly because I have a hard time believing without seeing. I would, and still do, constantly question things, especially when it comes to things that the Bible tells us. How do we know what we are being taught to believe in really happened? What if someone, or a group of people, just made this stuff up? If it has not been proven, how do we know it is true? Even being here, I still question so many things. I question if the chains in St. Paul’s Basilica are really the chains the held him to a cross. I question if the relics in Santa Croce in Geruselam were really the relics of Jesus Christ himself. Although I still question, and although I still have a difficult time believing, I feel as if my faith, and my relationship with God has grown so much since I have been in Rome. The churches, and the faith of Italians, inspired me to expand that connection, that bond, with God. It has inspired me to go to church, and to pray; things I did not see myself doing before.

That relationship that I am currently forming with God is also helping me with other details of my life. Even though I am a huge advocate for not regretting decisions I have made in my past, because at that time, it is what I wanted to do, there are many things in my past that I have issues with forgiving myself, as well as others for. This developing connection of God, and myself, is assisting me in being able to forgive myself for some decisions I have made, as well as a select few others for things that they did to me. I, at times, find myself praying for the one person I loathe, as well as praying for that person’s family and their well being, which is something I never thought I would do, at least not this soon. While I am still in the process of this forgiveness, I have accomplished a lot more than I thought I would in a mere two months.

I cannot tell you how, or why these changes have occurred, as I do not know. It seems weird that such major accomplishments on discovering one’s self can happen just by going to Rome, but it happened. Maybe it’s the change of culture, scenery, lifestyles, people, or maybe it is just Rome’s fatal charm. While I am not sure of how these changes came about, I am sure of how I feel about them. I feel happy, pleased, and tremendously content with these changes. I feel lucky, blessed, and extremely fortunate that I was given the opportunity to come here and experience this wonderful country and these superb people.

This was truly a once in a lifetime experience, and I’m so pleased with my decision to come. Every day, every excursion, every experience (including Palermo), every conversation, has meant something to me. Every person that I met has affected my life in some way, shape, or form. Each person in this group, including Professor, Danillo, and Sara, has influenced my outtake on life for some reason or another. I feel as though this trip would not be the same if we were missing just one person. We have had our ups and downs, our days when we cannot stop smiling, our days when we are bitchy and crabby, but every one of those days has meant something. Never again will we all be able to sit together in the lounge playing games, or have an enormous dinner together, whether it be in Florence, in Castel, or in the basement of campus. But, forever, we will have the memories of sitting together in the lounge playing spoons or one of Dayna’s games, and forever will we have the memories of our delicious dinners and sometimes weird, but amazing conversations. This was a once in a lifetime experience, and I am so thankful that it was with our group. It is now time to go home, and move on with our lives, but never, will I forget this experience, nor the people that I got to share this experience with.

"People come into your life for a reason, a season, or a lifetime. When you figure out which it is, you know exactly what to do. When someone is in your life for a REASON, it is usually to meet a need you have expressed outwardly or inwardly. They have come to assist you through a difficulty, to provide you with guidance and support, to aid you physically, emotionally, or spiritually. They may seem like a godsend, and they are. They are there for the reason you need them to be. Then, without any wrongdoing on your part or at an inconvenient time, this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end. Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away. Sometimes they act up or out and force you to take a stand. What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled; their work is done. The prayer you sent up has been answered and it is now time to move on. When people come into your life for a SEASON, it is because your turn has come to share, grow, or learn. They may bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh. They may teach you something you have never done. They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy. Believe it! It is real! But, only for a season. LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons; those things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation. Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person/people (anyway); and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of your life. It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant." Author Unknown.

HUM 225 Week 7

This week I decided to do a painting on an oil canvas by Caravaggio. The painting is called Judith Beheading Holofornes, and was completed in 1599. It is 145 by 195 cm and now is currently in the Galleria Nazionale d’Arte Antica in Roma.

For this artwork, I will discuss the iconology, as well as a couple formal aspects. As said in the Bible, Judith, as a woman, symbolizes the power of the people of Israel by defeating the enemy by means of cunning and courage. This painting shows Judith beheading Holofernes after she goes into his tent and mesmerizes him with her beauty. They feast and drink lots of wine. After getting he drunk, she returns enters his room from the right, which contradicts the direction shown in the painting, while he was lying naked on a white sheet. She steals his sword and decapitates him.

Even though Judith is extremely elegant and beautiful, Caravaggio showed the fierceness of the scene with Holofernes’ inhuman scream and body spasm. This shows how Holofernes is dead, indicated by his upturned eyes, yet signs of life are portrayed by his screaming mouth, the toning of his muscles as he strains himself, and his hand still gripping the bed. Judith was originally shirtless, illustrating her bare breasts, but they were later covered by a semi-transparent blouse.

HUM 325 Week 7

This week, we went with our small groups of three people on walking tours that another small group prepared. These walking tours were our finals for SOC 325. My small group consisted of Dayna, Clint, and me, and the one and only Prof. Mustafaga, aka Lar, accompanied us. The walking tour we went on was of San Paolo, which is the second largest Basilica after St. Peters. Our classmates Carol, Eric, and Pamela created this tour.

After a delicious and much needed café/espresso at Momento, our group headed to the metro to begin our journey. When we got off at our stop, Basilica San Paolo, we got lunch at this little, delicious pizza place. We “posted up,” as Dayna would say, and ate looking at the side of the Basilica, where I accidently killed a, what seemed to be injured, fly (may that fly rest in peace.)

After lunch we walked down a walkway where we were told to look for some metal poles. In the walking tour, we were told that these are called La Foresta D’Acciaio, which literally means “The Steel Forest.” These poles represent, and honor, Italians that were killed in a terrorist attack in Nassiriyah, Iraq. The “forest” was actually pretty cool, and we got to walk through it!

Following our walk through the forest, we went on another little walk toward the Basilica, which lead us past a little park and playground. Naturally, Dayna and I could not pass a playground without trying it out! We went on the seesaw, which was a bit painful, but extremely fun! Then, of course, we tried out the swings, and the slide.

After our trip back to childhood, we continued walking until we got to the Basilica. I was in awe when I saw it. The front of the Basilica was a stunning courtyard. It was just so beautiful and peaceful. There were a couple statues in the courtyard, one of St. Paul, and another of St. Paul’s closest follower, St. Luke.

The inside of the Basilica was incredible. It was HUGE. Around the inside was pictures of all of the Pope’s, with Pope Benedictine’s lit up. On the left were some scooters, like the ones you played with in gym class in like, middle school. We so wanted to scoot around in them, but figured we would be shot if we did. The tomb of St. Paul was in the center of the church. The sarcophagus of St. Paul was just recently (2006) found, as it has been covered by a lot of material during the reconstructing of the Basilica that has taken place over the years. Not only was the sarcophagus really cool, but also so were the chains that were above the sarcophagus. The chains are said to be the chains that bound him to a Roman soldier that was guarding him while he was on house arrest in Roma.

Another aspect of the Basilica that I really enjoyed was the mosaic behind the altar and sarcophagus. The mosaic is way too detailed to describe here, but it was absolutely incredible. One thing that I really enjoyed about this mosaic was having a description of it in the walking tour. It pointed out a lot about the mosaic that I would not have noticed on my own. Such as how Christ’s eyes are not similar in shape and size, just like his mouth is asymmetrical.

All in all, I think this was a wonderful walking tour. It was a beautiful day, and we got to just relax, walk around a park, and admire an astonishing Basilica. I learned a lot, and enjoyed the day much more than I expected! Great walking tour Carol, Eric, and Pam!

SOC 490-2 Week 6

This week in class we discussed the relationship of healthcare and religion/spirituality. To start, I will discuss what religion and spirituality is. Spirituality is “an integrative energy that ‘encompasses all aspects of human being and is a means of experiencing life.’” People usually look at spirituality in the means of nature or animals, or in relationships with themselves, others, or a divine being. Religion is the “practical expression of spirituality,” that usually takes place in organizations, with rituals, and in the practice of one’s beliefs.

“Spirituality is not meant to be separate from the body… Sickness and aging represent the body’s inability to reach its natural goal, which is to join the mind in perfection and fulfillment,” says Dr. Deepak Chopra in Ageless Body, Timeless Mind. Spirituality is said to have an impact on one’s health for many people across the world. For years, way before we had any medications and technology, people have turned to spirituality and religion to help them get better, and well as with concerns about health and illness. Studies have shown that people who engage in spirituality and religion can help to not only prevent illness, but to also live a “longer life, more hopefulness, less depression, healthier lifestyles, longer marriages, and an expanded social network.” (Koenig)

A major part of spirituality is a person finding their meaning in life and the experiences that come along with it. With this said, spirituality can help people who are seriously, chronically, or even moderately ill connect with that process of finding meaning and come to terms with their illness. Not only that, but Rhi tells us “religious cultures are the most powerful factors that modify the individual’s attitudes toward life, death, happiness, and suffering.”

While religion and spirituality aid in a person’s wholeness and health, it can also have a negative affect when it comes to treatment. Some people, because of their religion, will refuse treatments and preventive health measures, have extreme guilt and marrow-mindedness, as well as isolate themselves from loved ones, and have extremely high expectations for themselves. From the standpoint of someone who has worked in a hospital, and wishes to do so after graduating college, I can find this harmful. Many patients, or people, will not take prenatal precautions, will not give there children immunizations, will refuse transplants of any kind, and so on. For most healthcare professionals, this can be frustrating.

Seeing has I have never really been a religious or spiritual person, I do not have much to say about my view on the subject matter pertaining to health. But one thing I can say, is that since I have been in Italy, as I mentioned in a previous blog, I have been, more religious, I can say. I have seen numerous churches, and have prayed more in the past month and a half than I have in the past, lets say 10 years. I do not want to say that before I came here I was not happy with myself, or I was not healthy, but since I have started to have a better connection with God, and myself, I have felt better. I would like to say more on this subject matter now, but I will leave that for another blog, where that is actually the topic!

HUM 225 Week 6

Being the good student that I am, I was reviewing my notes when I saw that I underlined the title of Sandro Botticelli’s painting The Birth of Venus. Even though I probably just underlined it due to me liking the painting, I decided to do my art blog on it. The Birth of Venus is located in the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, Italy. It was made in 1485 and is 67 7/8 by 109 5/8 inches and is on tempera on canvas.

The painting the Birth of Venus was constructed with the thoughts of the Greek myth Aphrodite in mind. Aphrodite, or Venus, which is her Roman name, was born when the titan Chronos, meaning ‘the time’, castrated his father Uranus. Uranus’ severed genitals fell into the sea where they were fertilized, causing the birth of Venus. She was born from the foam and by a giant cockle that was taken ashore at Paphos on Cyprus in the Eastern Mediterranean. The Birth of Venus, clearly, portrays Aphrodite being born, but Botticelli adds a bit of his own touch to the myth that goes along with the story, such as her being shown on a huge shell. As the myth does say that she arrived on a cockle, or clam/shell, the one in the myth is much smaller than the one revealed in the work of art.

HUM 325 Week 6

The Pope starts his Easter and Christmas Papal address with “To Rome and to the World…” The blog for this week is, how, and why, is the Church both Roman and Universal? I think that this concept goes along with how Italians think that everything is and/but, while Americans think everything is either/or.

Would it really be fair to Catholics around the world if the Pope addressed just the Roman Catholics in religious ceremonies, while there are tons of Catholics around the world? I think not. I feel that part of the reason why the Pope addresses things to Rome and the world is because of this concept of and/but.

Barzini tells us that “Rome was also God’s seat on earth, the rock on which Christ has established His Church, the centre of a vast spiritual Empire of which all Christians had been subjects…” The way I look at this statement is that Rome is where God established ‘His Church,’ clearly, but at the same time, it is for all of his Christian followers. ‘His Church’ is not only for the Roman Christians, but also for the Christians around the world who follow, and believe in him.

Not only that, but as Peter was traveling spreading the word or Christianity, he came to find that Rome was the center of the world at that time being, as well as “God’s seat on earth,” as mentioned earlier. Therefore, seeing as the Church was started in Rome, and Rome is the home of the Church and the Pope, it is only proper for him to start his East and Christmas Papal address with “To Rome and to the World.”

SOC 490-2 Week 5

This week we went to a public hospital in Rome called Santo Spirito. We got intruduced to the hospital and learned a bit more on Universal Healthcare in Italy. We then went on a tour of the hospital to get to see some of the departments in the hospital, and compare them to the U.S.

I really enjoyed seeing a hospital in another country. I found it very interesting to be able to see the difference from a public hospital in Italy, to one in America. The thing in Santo Spirito that I was most surprised about was the technology. I was extremely impressed with the medication dispenser. Since so many people, especially at hospitals, abuse medications, I found it very pleasing that they have a dispenser that is extremely high tech and only allows the exact medication that is prescribed to be dispensed. I feel that these most likely help to minimize abuse of medications on so many levels.

One thing that I was kind of disappointed in was their levels of cleanliness. I did notice sinks to wash hands in, but I did not see one antibacterial dispenser in the hospital. At most hospitals in America, there are antibacterial dispensers, as well as sinks, all over the place. It really frusterated me to see that they were not making more, and bigger attempts at minimizing the levels of bacteral that are transfered thoughout the hospital on a daily basis.

The last thing about the hospital that really bothered me was the amount of privacy that they provided the patients with. Being a nursing major, and having worked in a hospital before, I have come to realize that privacy is a very important thing, especially for the ill. While in Cardiac Department at Santa Spirito, it came to my attention that the patients had little to no privacy. There were tiny curtains between each bed that were barely pulled. The same was in the Maternity Ward. There were two women laying in beds waiting to go into labor, and there were no curtains at all between the two of them. Seeing as Italians do not care as much about personal space as Americans do, this issue with privacy may be perfectly acceptable for them, and that is okay. That is just one of the things that I noticed about the hospital that severly troubled me.

All-in-all, I had a wonderful time at the Santa Spirito. I absolutely loved seeing the difference between an Italian hospital and an American one. Even though a couple things did disappoint me, I think that it was a wonderful experience and I would love to learn more about the healthcare system in Italy, as well as the policies and whatnot in the hospital setting.

HUM 225 Week 5

On the Monday of week 4 in Rome, we did a scavenger hunt around Piazza Navona. One of the questions on that scavenger hunt was about a fountain, that fountain is the Fontanella del Facchino. The Fontanella del Facchino was originally placed in the via del Corso, against the building Palazzo De Carolis, which is now Banco di Roma. In 1874, it was moved to its current location which is actually on the side of the building it was originally placed, but on via Lata.

For this blog, I will be discussing the iconology of this fountain, along with some history. It is said that the Fontanella del Facchino was created around 1580 for the Jacopo Del Conte for the Corporazione degli Acquaroli, and numerous sources say that after an assessment by Luigi Vanvitelli in 1751, he came to the conclusion that Michelangelo actually is the artist of the fountain. Fontanella del Facchino depicts a man wearing a cap and a sleeved shirt while carrying a barrel, also known as “acquarolo.”

The man in the statue represents a porter, whose job in that time period was to fill his barrel up at night with water, usually from the Fontana di trevi, or sometimes the Tiber River, and then sell the water to civilians during the day. The porter had to fill up his barrel at night in order to avoid paying fees for getting water from the Trevi, or any fountain, for that matter. A document in the 500’s stated that “any Acquaroli that takes water from the fountain of Trevi de without cease throughout the year, pay all julii five: item that all horses and mules that load water from the fountain, pay pennies five for every man beast.” The man in the statue was once thought to be a caricature of Martin Luther, but because of his damaged face and overall appearance, he most likely represents Abbondio Rizio, who was a heavy drinker.

HUM 325 Week 5

What, exactly, is the point of leisure? To relax? To get away from school, work, the world? Or is it to learn about the world, travel, find out who you really are? The definition of leisure is different for everyone; it is different in every culture.

In America, leisure is what people do to relax, and get away from work, or school. Leisure is what we consider time off from whatever responsibilities we have on a daily basis, or “recharging” our batteries. For some, that leisure would be sitting on the couch watching TV or movies; for others, it could be reading a book, or possibly going on a vacation.

Italians view of leisure is a bit different. To them, leisure is not only exploring the world, and what’s around them, but also exploring themselves. It’s “strolling grandmothers and daughters, fathers teaching sons to ride bikes, romping dogs, red-hot lovers, friends arm-in-arm,” as Edith Wharton explains.

To me, leisure time is a bit of both the Italian, and American view of the concept. My leisure time is time to get away from everything that is going on in my life, whether that be school or work. But it can also be time to travel and seeing the world, as well as taking the time to analyze myself and what exactly is going on in my life. I really enjoyed going to the Borghese Gardens for our “leisure day.” It was nice to get away from everything and just sit on a tree in the park and think and read a book.

SOC 490-2 Week 4

Barzini explains that when it comes to work, Italians are happy with what they are doing. They will not act as if something better is waiting for them, as many people in other countries do. He also goes on to explain that in Italy, “no one is rude to strangers.” As I have encountered many very generous, whole-hearted, welcoming Italians, I feel that that is not always the case.

From my experiences here, I have seen many kind and giving Italians in the workplace that do not mind having a foreigner in their shop or restaurant, not on the street many sometimes be a different story. While attempting to survey Italians on their view of healthcare, I often found that people did not even want to give me a chance, most likely because I speak little to no Italian.

While on my mission to get 20 surveys done, I noticed that it was the older generation that wanted nothing to do with me. They would look at the survey, say no and walk away, and sometimes would just say no and walk away without even knowing what my purpose was. It was often the teenagers, and young adults that would even attempt to give me a chance, and actually fill out the survey, whether it was with seriousness or not.

Barzini also tells us that Italians use gestures a lot, which I have often noticed. One of their gestures is that of slowly raising the chin, which means “I don’t know,” and more often than not, “Perhaps I know but I will not tell you.” Barzini goes on to explain that this is “the answer a harmless stranger gets from different Sicilian peasants when he asks the way to the nearest village.” Even though I was in Rome, not Sicily, during my attempts to survey Italians, I took my mind back to that day after reading Barzini, and recall some of the Italians that turned me down using this gesture of slowly raising the chin.

Even though I felt defeated and small when turned down by so many Italians, that experience forced me to recall how I have felt in the past about foreigners in America. Being a young adult, if some random foreigner in, lets say the mall, asked me to fill out a survey, I would probably do it depending on its context, but we be extremely annoyed by the fact that they even asked. I now am grateful for the responses that I actually received, and even though I wish that I got more chances to communicate with Italians that day about healthcare, I understand where they are coming from.

HUM 325 Week 4

Rome is full of history, churches, and beauty. But it is also full of life; life that the Romans live. Life that takes place on all corners of the city; life that takes place in the piazzas. Piazzas are a place for Romans to go and socialize; a place for them to mingle. Piazzas serve the purpose for people to grab un caffe, or a bit to eat. Maybe do a little shopping in a market. The serve the purpose for people to be surrounded by friends and family, and just seize the beautiful day that lays before them.

Some piazzas also obtain the use of religion, seeing as many are surrounded by gorgeous churches that one cannot not wander into. Muriel Spark tells us that on summer evenings in the Piazza Santa Maria in Trastevere, “ the golden frieze of the twelfth-century church gleamed in its floodlight.” Churches in piazzas, actually in Rome in general, serve the people the magnificence of what early Romans have to offer us. The serve us with the extended knowledge of what greatness came before us, and the knowledge that God is on our side.

Muriel Spark also explains that another piazza, Piazza Farnese, has a “colorful flower and fruit market.” Many other piazzas have several types of markets as well, that provide people with quite a few options of food, nuts, liquors, wines, shoes, and so on. People often come to piazzas for the markets that supply them authentic Italian traditions that are frequently less expensive than going into shops.

I would say that one of my favorite parts of going into any piazza though is the Italians that are there. Watching children play soccer, teenagers gossiping about things that I cannot understand seeing as they are talking in Italian, parents chatting away as they are somewhat watching their children, and the elderly couples strolling along as the hold hands in silence and just watch everything that is going on.

SOC 490-2 Week 3

The question of how much influence the government should have on healthcare is a tough one to answer. Too much government influence is not good, but neither is too little. In my opinion, there should be a median, a way to control healthcare expenses with some government authority just to keep things under control.

For people who have good jobs, or money to afford health insurance, our healthcare system is fine now. However, for individuals with jobs that do not provide health insurance, or for individuals that cannot afford it, our healthcare system now basically sucks. People individuals now will not go to the doctor even if they really need to due to not being able to afford the costs. And then when they need to be rushed to the hospital, the emergency room cannot turn them down, and people are paying for their bills though taxes, which many are not happy about.

Some people are trying now to get the government completely out of the healthcare issue. If this were to happen, a “consumer-driven” healthcare system, people would have savings accounts for their healthcare expenses as well as a lot of control over their diagnoses. Lagoe, Aspling, and Westert tell us that in a consumer-driven healthcare system “ positive healthcare behaviors and decision making are rewarded by fewer out of the system expenses.” But then Shearer brings up the point of “an employee with a existing heath conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes will face very limited choices in the individual marketplace if his employer decides to “cash out” its health insurance plan,” as well as an employee with a chronically ill child because they will face extremely high out of the pocket fees.

The healthcare system now, and the one we are looking into, as too extremes. No matter how much government influence we have on our healthcare, not everyone will be happy, but we must find some type of median. I feel that seeing as it is the “people’s choice,” why don’t we make it just that. The people’s choice. Would it be bad if people could choose whether to have a HSA or keep the health insurance they have now? It may or may not be difficult to do (I really do not know), but at least everyone would have the choice. Individuals would have the choice of how much government influence in healthcare is best for them. So the way I personally see it is, is that everyone is different, and everyone has different needs, so if America really is such a free country, people should get to make their own decision on the government’s influence of healthcare.

HUM 225 Week 3

Michelangelo’s masterpiece David is 5.17 meters or 17 feet tall. It is located in Florence, Italy, but the eyes of David are turned to Rome with a “warning glare.” The statue, which was created between 1501 and 1504, is made out of marble.

The statue portrays David, a biblical hero, at a moment of contemplation, right before his battle with Goliath. David was sculpted in the Renaissance period and Michelangelo wanted to use the greatest form of art to represent David, and one that would also represent divine creation. With this being said, Michelangelo felt that a David was “already in the block of stone he was working on.” He felt that David was already in the stone just as the human soul is already in the physical body. That statue goes along with many in the Renaissance period as his proportions are not true to human form, he is a symbol of strength and youthful beauty, as well as his uncircumcised form.

HUM 325 Week 3

In America, there are Starbucks on every other corner; in Rome, there are Churches. Rome and religion cannot be separated solely based on the fact that so much of Rome’s history has to do with religion. Some people feel that coming to Rome expands their faith and confidence in God, while others feel that everything that they are seeing has happened too long ago to have an affect of their faith.

In the Smiles of Rome, Margaret Visser tells us that the “Church lives still our of the spiritual conviction, the courage, and the generosity of its members – out of the choice, continually to be made by Christians just as it had to be made by Agnes and Emerentiana, of love over hatred, greed, selfishness, and violence.” Now, I may not be correct when I say this, but to me, that means that part of continuing our faith and religion is a choice. People come to Rome knowing that a major part of the city is it’s religion, and how Romans strive to be close with God. Therefore the expansion of one’s faith by being in Rome and seeing all of the Churches and sacred things it has to offer is a strong possibility.

On the other hand, others probably feel like everything that they are seeing took place way too long ago to have any impact of their faith, which is completely acceptable. The Churches were built long ago; the protection symbols on buildings came to existence centuries ago. So it is understandable if these have no impact on one’s life.

Being Catholic, and knowing very little about the Catholic religion, I feel that being in Rome has contributed to my faith somewhat. Before coming here, it was very seldom that I felt the need to pray, or even had a connection with God, but being here, is changing that. When I walk into a church now, I feel that I should pray, and talk to God, and even just last week I did not feel that need. I feel that I should learn the Hail Mary so I can go up the Scala Santa, and learn the prayer we say before we eat. I do not know about others, but for me, Rome has helped my faith, and I hope it continues to do so.

SOC 490-2 Week 2

People from all over the world come to the Cleveland Clinic for care, and it is rated the best hospital in the United States. With that said, not everyone in Cuyahoga County is healthy. Why you ask, I do not know the correct answer, but I do have some insight of the subject matter.

“Americans with below-average incomes were much more likely than their counterparts in other countries to report not visiting a physician when sick, not getting a recommended test, treatment or follow-up care, not filling a prescription, or not seeing a dentist when needed because of costs,” explains Davis. Furthermore, Peron tells us “today people want the best care that money can buy,” and “all this premium health care does make health care in total more expensive in the US than elsewhere.”

People in the United States, not just Cuyahoga County, are not getting the healthcare they need at times because it is so expensive. We need, and want, the best machines, and the newest technology to help us when we are ill, but as Peron said, that technology makes the cost of our healthcare outrageous! But, if we stop coming up with new inventions that can expand our lifetime even longer to lower the price of healthcare, people would be extremely upset with not getting the best healthcare available.

So why is Cuyahoga County so unhealthy even though it is the best hospital in the US, and people from around the world come to Cleveland solely for the hospital? Well that is because of the cost. Not everyone in Cuyahoga County can afford the health insurance that covers our “premium” healthcare.

HUM 225 Week 2

The Capitoline Venus is a statue made of Parian marble. It was found in the 17^th century hidden in a house by San Vitale, and then in 1752, Benedict XIV bought the statue. The statue purchased by Benedict XIV was a Roman replica of a Hellenistic original. The original is believed to be sculpted for a temple on Cnidos by the great sculptor Prazitleles in 350 BC.

Rather than the history of this statue, I will discuss the formal aspects of it. As mentioned earlier, the median of the statue is Parian marble. I think that line is used in her arms and legs, the way the are placed, to portray her discomfort. Even though her arms and legs do show discomfort, the spacing of them demonstrates that maybe she was not uneasy. It is said that the goddess was taken by surprise when getting ready for a bath and is trying to cover her nudity. While she is, I think that the spacing shows that she might not have been trying that hard to cover herself, or else she probably would have seemed more crunched together and uneasy.

HUM 325 Week 2

Rome is the most amazing place I have ever been. Yes, I have not been many places, but Rome, it just makes me feel warm inside. Maybe it is because I have been longing to be in this breathtaking, magnificent country since I was a young child, or maybe it is because that is what Rome does to people. Not only does Rome have incredible food, superb art, astonishing history, and brilliant culture, but as Barzini explains, it also has a “fatal charm” that people just cannot resist.

Everything I do here, from looking out the window in my room, to looking out the window on the train, from stepping outside our building, to stepping off the train at Termini, all I want to do is smile. Because I’m in Roma! It’s completely exhilarating! No matter how sick, tired, annoying, or moody I am, all I think about it how warm I feel inside and how all I want to do is smile. I just cannot help it. Everything about Rome, Castel Gandolfo, Italy, just blows my mind.

“Our feelings for cities, like our feelings for people, are always rather confused, with all sorts of things mixed in,” Ginznurg states in Such is Rome. The city is a “jungle of automobiles” with dangerous, crazed drivers, and it’s filled with foreigners to the point that sometimes natives cannot sit at mass without visitors taking pictures of the church. The metro is so crowded due to a shortage of more being built because ruins are constantly being found. There are gypsies everywhere. It is so difficult to get around because all the streets curve and the maps sometimes just do not make sense. But to me, all of the flaws of Rome give it more character.

Yes, the city can be overwhelming. The constant rush, the never ending history and ruins, the fear of being robbed, the foreigners, the transportation system, and so on and so on. But saying you do not like a city for it’s flaws is just like saying you would not date a guy because you do not like his accent, or his parents, or anything else. Everything and everyone has it’s flaws, but it has it’s upsides as well. You date the guy because of his smile, the way he looks at you, the way he makes you laugh. Just like you love the city because of the way it makes you smile, the fresh air, the fresh food, the school kids playing cards on the train, the old Signora sitting on the bus, the child smiling at you as you walk down the street. The little things. It’s the little things that add up that make you love that someone, or that city, Rome. As Ginzburg says, “This is the Rome today, which I no longer like, which no one seems to like, and yet we all love it, for the truth is that cities, like people, are loved for no reason at all or for a tangle of reasons, different for everyone.”

SOC 490-2 Week 1

The question of healthcare being a right or a privilege is a very tough question to answer. Yes, all human beings deserve the right to healthcare. If a person is sick, it should not matter whether they are filthy rich, or dirt poor, they should get the treatment needed. No one deserves to suffer because of an illness, it does not matter who they are or what they have done with their lives.

But at the same time, does someone that lives on the street deserve the exact same healthcare as someone that works and can afford the best treatments out there? That is where the privileged part comes in. Healthcare, in a sense, should be a privilege because it really is not fair for people in two complete different social classes to receive the exact same health care.

As the United States is debating going to universal healthcare, with the idea of healthcare being a right in mind, John C. Goodman reminds us in Healthcare Opposing Viewpoints that "no country with national health insurance has established a right to health care." Goodman goes on to explain that citizens in these countries have no rights to any health care service, and when they need a treatment, they have to wait months, sometimes about a year, to get that treatment. Goodman states that "during one 12-month period in Ontario, Canada, 71 patients died waiting for coronary bypass surgery while 121 patients were removed from the list because they had become too sick to undergo surgery with a reasonable chance of survival."

It is hard to say whether healthcare should be a right or a privilege. As everyone deserves treatment if they are sick, should the people that can afford the best healthcare have to wait a year for treatment? Therefore, in my opinion, healthcare is neither a right or a privilege, but a combination of the two.

HUM 225 Week 1

One of the best preserved monuments in the Forum Romanum is the Arch of Septimius Severus. The arch is 23 meters high and 25 meters wide. The arch has 3 archways with the middle one being 12 meters high and the two outside ones being 7 meters 80 centimeters high. The outside of the arch was originally made with a beautiful white marble.

The arch was built in 203 A.D. to celebrate the victory of emperor Septimius Severus in Parthia which is now part of Iran and Iraq. While the arch is beautiful, what most people do not know while enjoying it is the story behind the arch. The panels of the arch show stages of the war between the Parthians and the Romans, as well as show Romans capturing barbarians. The top of the arch originally had bronze inscriptions dedicated to Septimius Severus, for his victory, as well as to his two sons, Caracella and Geta. After Septimius died, Caracella killed his brother Geta, and removed his name from the arch.

22/02/2010

Before today, I have never really been interested in history. To me, history is history and I just did not care for it. But even just one day of being in the city, I have changed in the sense that I am interested in how everything came to be. I am interested in who built things, and the stories behind sculptures. Even though I before did realize the significance of history, I think seeing what you are learning about helps me to understand it more, and appreciate it more.

The Colosseum was incredible. The Colosseum, along with the Forum, was what helped me to realize that if you do not know the history, you cannot truly appreciate the importance of what has happened in the past. I went to the Colosseum knowing what is was, and what happened there, but the small details I did not. Small details such as all the holes in the walls are where gold lamps where, that have fell off, and were recycled, or people took them and reused them. Professor Mustafaga asked us this morning how we wanted this experience to change us, and the history was not something that I said. But after today, and seeing the history that Rome has to offer us, I want the history of this astonishing place to change the way I view history, not only of Rome, but that the world has to offer me.

When I think about how this Rome experience is going to change me, I think about routines that I have formed throughout my life, and the difference between my habits and the habits of the Italians. I do not want to say that I hope Rome, and Europe, changes my habits, but I am interested in finding the customs that are unconsciously changed from being in a different environment. I have already noticed traditions of the Italians that I find odd. Such as having to wear slippers or shoes insides, no bare feet or even socks. As well as meals being 2 or 3 courses buffet style, and bread is only allowed to be consumed during the second course. Small traditions such as these make you realize that there are huge differences in the way people do things.

Not only habits, but also culture. I like to observe people, how they dress, walk, talk, act. Even though there are numerous tourists in the city, you can still tell the Italians apart. I liked watching them, and how the interacted not only with each other, but with the tourists as well. I want to change in the sense that I can increase the value of differences in cultures.