Category Archives: Uncategorized

RCL Post: Missing Flight MH370

MH370-Malaysia_Airlines-mas-last-location-graphics-updated-080314-kamarul_540_342_100

Taken from:
http://media.themalaysianinsider.com/assets/uploads/resizer/MH370-Malaysia_Airlines-mas-last-location-graphics-updated-080314-kamarul_540_342_100.jpg

A few days ago, A Boeing 777-200 with 239 souls aboard has disappeared somewhere over the Gulf of Tailand on its way to Bejing. Me being as much as an airplane freak as a crazed hiker, I know that the 777 family of aircraft has a less than exciting history. Which is good considering that the design of the 777’s is older than I am. Its the backbone of almost every major airline in the world. They’re known for their reliability and service record. So its more than unusual for one of these veterans of the sky just to vanish (pardon the pun) into thin air. After reading several articles about the recent disappearance of Malaysian Flight MH370, I’ve noticed that the writers of the news articles tend to use more of a Ethos standpoint than a Logos one. But they do use some Pathos to keep the reader interested. It definitely kept me interested. Hopefully the joint task force of the Indonesian, Malaysian, and Vietnamese Navy and Search and Rescue find them soon.

Passion Blog Post: Video Special

This little gem of a video was taken on the summit of a mountain that I forget the name to. This was before I learned how to take panoramic photos with my phone. So instead, I took short videos. I believe that they’re better than the normal photos because you can hear my random banter and the wind helps with the immersion. The hike wasn’t very log, but the elevation gain was a killer. I remember that one of the park rangers was telling us that the trail could be completed in about an hour and 45 minutes. But that was at a park ranger’s pace. So I took it as a challenge to beat that time.

It may look flat, but this was taken about half way up the trail look up at the summit.

It may look flat, but this was taken about half way up the trail look up at the summit.

I ended up knocking it out it one hour and 43 minutes. The view up there was amazing. it was a near perfect 360 degrees of pure snow topped mountains. If you look carefully, you can see Mt. Rainier and what I believe to be Mt. Hood.

Passion Blog Post: Its always good to have a good hiking buddy

 

 

This is Chuck.

This is Chuck.

Meet Chuck. He is without a doubt the best hiking partner I have ever had, sorry Ma and Pa. Chuck and I met when I was hiking along Hurricane Ridge to get to the top of Hurricane Hill before sunset. I was minding my own business, walking and stuff, when I saw him through a clearing. He was grazing on some grass when he looked up at me. I waved and his ears perked up and just stared, mid chew. I smiled and continued on my way to another clearing where I looked around for other wild life. Not long after I arrived, Chuck came through the brush and looked at me with his ears still forward and with a weird look in his eyes. I though he was going to charge, so I got out of there right quick until I was out of the brush. The park rangers told me to look out for bears and mountain lions because they became more active during the dusk. I looked around and saw nothing. Then the brush started to rustle. I turned around and removed my can of bear spray from its holster and clicked off the safety. And just as a precaution, took out my knife and flicked it open, just in case the spray wasn’t strong enough. I knew that I had no place to run, and I wasn’t gonna go down with out a fight. I faced the brush and aimed the spray center mass. Then Chuck poked his head out. It was a relief that it wasn’t a bear, but a buck wasn’t much better. He stepped out of the brush and just looked at me. We had a Mexican standoff for a good 15 minutes until I clicked the safety back on and holstered it. When I did that, Chuck started to approach me at a normal walking pace. I still had my knife out just in case he charged at the last minute. But he didn’t. He just went up to me and looked at me. Then passed me on the trail, stopped, and looked back at me as if I was supposed to follow him.

Look at this guy, walking like he owns the trail

Look at this guy, walking like he owns the trail

I noticed the light was going away quicker than I though. So I thought “What the hell, he didn’t attack then. Why would he now?” and flicked my knife closed and continued on my way with Chuck only a few feet away from my side. I figured the only reason Chuck didn’t walk closer to me cause the trail was rocky and it would’ve been hard on his hooves.

Chuck walking by my side. Some other hikers appeared on the trail, so Chuck went to the far end of the ridge, but still followed me.

Chuck walking by my side. Some other hikers appeared on the trail, so Chuck went to the far end of the ridge, but still followed me.

This continued all the way to the to the base of the hill, which was more like a mountain, until Chuck stopped and looked at the hill with a good amount of people on it. He gave me a sad look and I knew what it meant. This was where we split ways. I can’t say I have any experience in the skill of talking with wild animals, so I didn’t know what to do. We just looked at each and exchanged silent words of goodbye. I smiled and his ears wiggled. I said “See ya later, Chuck. Don’t eat any questionable berries or talk to any other strangers.” and he bowed his head in agreement and walked to the ledge of the ridge and looked at the sunset. Posing for the perfect picture. I knew that this was one of those things that you remember for a life time and I just needed proof that it actually happened. So when he wasn’t looking, I took a quick picture. This is what got.

Chuck enjoying the sunset

Chuck enjoying the sunset

This is by far my favorite picture of all time. I don’t know if its just my personal connection because its of Chuck or if its one of those photos you see on the cover of National Geographic. Regardless, I know Chuck is still out there somewhere on that ridge, enjoying himself. If I was given the opportunity to see my Buck buddy again I would definitely take it in a heart beat.

RCL Post 4: News Analysis

When I was browsing the internet, I came across an article about a mysterious armed group of individuals occupying Crimean airports. I looked up the topic on google and found an article about it by the BBC and The New York Times. After reading both to make this post, I found that the BBC takes a much more neutral stance, being cautious to not incriminate either side, while the Times takes the side of the people. Making the alleged Russian forces look like the enemy. Even though there have been no reports of violence by these armed soldiers. I like how the BBC worded their article so that it sounds like it is putting out a honest report on whats going on. No extra drama. Just straight up facts.

RCL Post 3: Where Do I Get My News?

Way back in the day, anyone who was interested in knowing what was going on around the world would turn on their radio or read a news paper. Unfortunately, these techniques weren’t a reliable source of information because it would go out of date the moment the reports left the printing factory. But with the advent of such technology as live reporting, color television, and the world wide web, anyone can get access to news that was happening anywhere around the world within a moments notice. Today though, much of the youth of America isn’t going to go out of their way to look up whats going in in Ukraine, so news sources are using social media (something that we’re constantly using) in hopes that we would click on one of the links that interests us. But using this technique makes the news sources prioritize stories that we would find interesting (like celebrity news and gossip) over mundane topics (like whats happening in the middle east).

Personally, I like to get my news the old fashion way, through local papers like The New York Times and televised broadcasts from unbiased world news providers like BBC. I use social media to keep up with whats happening in the glamorous side of the headlines to keep in touch with my peers, but I rarely do because it doesn’t interest me and in most cases, not educational in any aspect. Sure, Shia LaBeouf is making a fool out of himself in Hollywood, but should it be more important than the revolution going on in Ukraine or China’s actions that make it seem like they’re preparing to take the Senkaku islands? I don’t think so.

RCL Post #2: Advertisement Analysis

Credit for this photo goes to the National Federation of the Blind. [url image was taken from: http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_aOVUVB-gmBA/TCDib2vfG-I/AAAAAAAAlW4/p9V48ZU0qyw/s1600/Good-Ads%2B(1).jpg]

Credit for this photo goes to the National Federation of the Blind.
[url image was taken from: http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_aOVUVB-gmBA/TCDib2vfG-I/AAAAAAAAlW4/p9V48ZU0qyw/s1600/Good-Ads%2B(1).jpg]

The very first thing that I notice about this ad is that it’s extremely simple and effective. Only containing two words and four letters, negating the logo of the NFB, and three basic colors of the same family. White, black, and grey. The first thing you see in the ad is “V S ON” in large white text on a white background.  Then directly below in smaller text is “Donate Eyes”. Relating to the fact that two I’s are needed to make “V S ON” complete. Its a simple, yet effective message that everyone can understand. Analyzing this from a graphic design point of view, the eye is attracted to the center of the picture because of the large text. The large text also makes it evident that the letter I is missing from the word vision, which makes the person think about the significance of them. When they’re thinking about I’s, the ad hits them with the  “Donate Eyes” line. That, in my opinion, should hit the topic home. Implying that vision in a key sense that everyone should have the right to experience and that donating will dramatically improve someone’s life. Overall, this message is extremely effective. Its short, easy to understand, and clever, all key things to make an ad memorable.

Passion Post #1: Hidden Waterfall and General Blog Information

Photo taken by Matthew Reczynski

Photo taken by Matthew Reczynski

First things first, all photos (unless otherwise noted) posted on this blog were taken by Matthew Reczynski. All credit goes to him (which is me) and none of the images shall be used without his consent. Now to the actual blog post…

Walking through the woods somewhere in Washington state, the gentle gurgle of a stream could be heard in the distance. Continuing down the small branch littered path, the moss dampens the sound of my boot. It wasn’t long until the gurgle turned into a soft wave like sound and then back to a gentle gurgle. Not seeing the stream once, I was curious about the source of the strange deviation of the noise. I back tracked to when the waves could be heard and looked into the moss covered forest. Making sure that I got my bearings set and made sure no one was looking, I proceeded off the trail towards the noise. After feeling lost for several moments. the sound grew stronger and I found the stream. Following the stream upstream, I came across something that I was not expecting. I was expecting to find some sort of waterfall. But nothing like this.  The picture doesn’t do it justice. Wondering through the woods and getting lost a couple of times gave me time to think. I learned that even though the trail isn’t immediately clear, as long as you have an ultimate goal and dedication, you can make it. I can’t say the trip back was as easy.

RCL Post #1: State of the Union Address and the Republican Reaction

After reading Robert Dallek’s response to President Obama’s State of the Union Address, I thought it was unusually short compared to his colleagues’ responses. Even though he used the topic of Executive Action, his argument lacked substance. His only reasoning for supporting Executive Action was that F.D.R and J.F.K used it to pass legislation that was crucial for the well being of our country.

Norman Ornstein’s response had more substance as compared to Dallek’s. He provided many examples of previous presidents using Executive Action and made the point of how President had made so few compared to George W. Bush. He went  further to say how President Obama used his right of Executive Action on lesser bills and not others. Overall, Ornstein’s response is leagues ahead of Dallek’s in terms of quality.